AMNESTY- We doubt Shehau's existence - Presidency

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4 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 27, 2013

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Northern Governors to Boko Haram: It’s time for a ceasefire!

•Reiterate commitment to work with FG •Urge the military, police not to be discouraged

BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja

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ITH continued killings in the north and destruction of property, governors of the nineteen northern states under the aegis, Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) yesterday begged members of Boko Haram to give peace a chance.

According to the governors, reverting to attacks and other acts of violence after an offer of amnesty by the federal government will not advance the cause of peace.

Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’zu Babangida Aliyu said on Friday that the renewed violence that hit parts of Borno and Yobe States on Thursday negated all efforts to restore peace to the region.

The forum however reiterated its commitment to continue to work closely with the federal government in finding a lasting solution to the security challenges confronting the nation.

In a statement in Abuja signed

by Governor Aliyu’s Chief Press

Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, the forum expressed serious concern over fresh wave of attacks which left nine policemen dead and

many buildings destroyed in Bama in Borno State and Gashua in Yobe State.

The Forum described the death

of the policemen as a great national loss, referring to the deceased as heroes who died in the course of service to their fatherland, and prayed that God will grant repose to their souls and give their families and friends the fortitude to bear the loss.

The statement urged the military, police and other security agencies not to be discouraged

AS the body of the late Deputy Governor of Ekiti State,Mrs Funmilayo Adunni Olayinka was yesterday laid to rest in Ado Ekiti, her home town, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of Nigeria,Anglican Church,Most Revd.Nicholas Okoh,has expressed worry about the extravagant lifestyle of most Nigerians,saying this has led to the pervaded evil that was plaguing the nation Mrs Olayinka,52 died on April 6 this year after a long battle with cancer In his sermon during the burial service of the late Deputy Governor which took place at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel,Anglican Communion, Ekiti Diocese ,the cleric noted that the problems of kidnapping, militancy, insecurity and corruption continue to fester in the country owing to priority placed on money.

The man of God called on the political class to ensure that lifestyles of Nigerians are changed

JAMB Registrar escapes assassination

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

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L-R : Emeka Ugwu-Oju,President,South-East South-South Professionals of Nigeria; Prof Adebowale Adefuye,Nigeria’s Ambassador to USA; Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa,President, Nigerian-America Chamber of Commerce at a dinner reception at the Nigerian Embassy, Washington DC in honour Nigerian - American Chamber of Commerce Delegation on a Trade Mission to the USA

Body of Funmilayo Olayinka, Ekiti Deputy Gov laid to rest

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI, Ekiti

by the dastardly act, emphasizing that the nation would forever remain grateful to security agencies for the successes recorded so far in the war against terror.

for better,if the country as a nation must move forward.

Okoh, who was represented by the Archbishop Ecclesiastical, Province of Ondo , Bishop George Latunde Laosebikan wondered why politicians must continue to kill themselves in the name of politics,attributing this to superfluous and extravagant lifestyle.

In his short remark at the occasion,the President,Dr Goodluck Jonathan preached peace and the need to love one another Jonathan observed that with love and unity, the country could overcome its security challenges and become stronger among the advanced countries of the world.

President Jonathan made the statement at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel , Anglican Communion, Okesa in Ado Ekiti during the burial of the late Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka.

Represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade, described the death of Mrs Olayinka as unfortunate and premature, saying the cold

hands of death snatched her away at a time her full potentials had not been fully tapped.

The late Deputy Governor was buried at a newly constructed heroes’ Park in Ado Ekiti, present were her husband, Mr Lanre Olayinka, her children, Olamide, Ololade and Yeside including members of her extended family paid their last respect.

Fayemi in his short comment said the government would soon unveil its plan on how to immortalize the departed Deputy Governor and measured to take to curb cancer.

Present at the church service were:the governors of Osun , Oyo and Ogun States, Engr Rauf Aregbesola, Abiola Ajimobi and Chief Ibikunle Amosun and representatives of Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Governor Ahmed Abdufatai of Niger State and Aliyu Babangida of Niger State.

Deputy Governors at the event were: Rear Admiral John Jonah of Bayelsa State, Mrs Titi LaoyeTomori of Osun State, Alhaji Alli Olanusi of Ondo States, Mr Effiong of Cross Rivers State, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire of

Lagos State, Deputy Governor Nasarawa State, Otunba Moses Adeyemo of Oyo State.

Former Governors at the event include: Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, Aremo Segun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Oni, former Governor of Ekiti State, Commodore Atanda Yusuf, former Military Administrator of Ekiti State, former Governor of Ondo State, Evang Bamidele Olumilua.

Wives of the State Governors at the burial include: Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajumobi, Wife of Osun State Governor, Alhaja Serifat Aregbesola, wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Kemi Mimiko. Other dignitaries include: Senator Olorunnibe Mamora, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Mr Gbenga Oyebode, Mr Odion Ofeimun, former Deputy Governor, Ekiti State, Mr Bisi Omoyeni, Senator Gbenga Aluko, Hon Bimbo Daramola, members of the Ekiti State Executive Council, Chairmen of boards, among others.

HE Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde escaped assassination by whiskers when hired assassins went after him.

The incident happened on Monday night when the intruders scaled through the fence of the house, entered through the back door and gained entrance into the house while the security men attached to the compound did not notice as they were stationed at the gate of the house.

The security personnel which include two regular armed police men and other private security guards at the gate did not take notice of the incident throughout the period the operations lasted.

Confirming the incident, the Registrar said according to the story narrated to him by the children and relations who are staying with him, they were terrorized during the operation as the assassins were continuously asking and looking for their father, the Registrar. The children told the assassins that he has travelled for official assignments but the men were not convinced.

“They instructed one of the children to lead them into the Registrar ’s living and study rooms which they searched thoroughly but could not find Prof. Dibu as he went on official assignments” At that point, the assassins decided to look for him through the ceiling of the house moving from one ceiling to the other as they locked up the occupants in one of the living rooms thinking the Registrar was hiding up in the ceiling.

They searched and scattered every hiding places the assassins suspected the Registrar may be hiding. It was after their target could not be found that they left the house.

According to Prof. Dibu, “nothing was taken out of the expansive residence despite the thorough searching conducted on the compound” The Registrar confirmed he travelled officially in preparation for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination slated for today, Saturday, April 27, 2013.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

We doubt Shekau’s existence — Presidency •He is a virtual person •Lagos-Ibadan expressway will be best road in Nigeria in 24 months

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor, DAPO AKINREFON & GBENGA OKE

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CCLAIMED leader of the Boko Haram Islamic sect, Ibn Abubakar Shekau is a virtual personality whose real existence remains a doubt, the presidency has declared.

This was even as it claimed that the case for amnesty for members of the group was influenced by pressure by Northern religious leaders and elites.

It further said that its grouse with Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State was political.

Top presidential aide, Dr Doyin Okupe made these clarifications during an interactive session with Vanguard editors in Lagos y e s t e r d a y .

Okupe further said that the Federal Government was spending an average of N1 trillion yearly because of the heightened insecurity caused by the insurgency, pointing out that ‘’If insurgency can stop, then we will have more money to divert to welfare and capital development.”

While articulating the achievements of the Goodluck Jonathan administration, Okupe said that the LagosIbadan expressway would in the next 24 months, become the best highway in the country with ancillary facilities that would be comparable to the best roads in the world. He also promised that the second Niger bridge would be completed within 24 months.

Okupe pooh-poohed insinuations that the war against graft had weakened even as he defended President Jonathan’s refusal to make public, his assets declaration to the Code of Conduct Bureau.

Asked if he or anyone in the administration had succeeded in making contacts with the leader

of the Boko Haram Islamic sect and why the president reversed himself after saying he would not negotiate with ghosts, he said: “The argument is unassailable that we do not know the real person because Shekau himself is a virtual personality.

You only see him on television and You-tube; he is a virtual personality and we have been corroborated by the fact that two or three people in the Boko Haram arrangement have borne the same n a m e .

“So, these are virtual personalities and virtual personalities are not in perspective terms, too far from ghosts. So, that is the position of government.”

Defending the administration’s decision to explore the prospects of amnesty for the insurgents, Okupe said it was based on the preponderance of opinion of Northern leaders who he said have borne the brunt of the attacks of the insurgents.

“You have the president of a nation taking a logical, decisive and correct step. The Sultan of Sokoto is the spiritual leader of the entire Muslims in the entire north. He is also the paramount traditional leader in the entire north and he was the one who spoke first. Later on, virtually all the spiritual leaders in the north except for Sheik Ahmad Gumi, came together and said they supported the suggestion given by the S u l t a n .

“All the traditional leaders in the north came together to state their position. The leadership of the elite class in the north came together to state their position. Should they be ignored? These are the front-line men; the people who bear the brunt and the assault of the insurgency. These are the people, that common sense tells us, ought to know how to

Senate President, Sen. David Mark flanked by (L) DSP, Sen. Ekweremadu and (R) Senate Leader, Sen. Ndoma Egba handle these issues.”

Expressing the administration’s determination to combat the insurgency in any way possible through carrot or stick, Okupe pleaded for patience from the populace.

He further said: “In terms of feasibility, most of us are very anxious, things take time to crystallize and mature.

Negotiating with terrorists are not things that will happen overnight, they are not also things that will be sorted out at the snap of the fingers. We are in for a long haul, but we just have to be patient and see how things will work out. The desire of the government and every right thinking Nigerian is that these hostilities should end.

This carnage and wasting of lives and properties should be brought to an end so that we can return to peace.”

Asked of the presidency’s interests in the affairs of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF and reports of the presidency ’s campaign against the reelection of Governor Amaechi as chairman of the NGF, he said: “It is politics. The answer is politics. Politics is at play.

Are you not aware that PDP is its own problems and all the problems of criticism within the PDP is created by the PDP.” Asked if Governor Amaechi was a stumbling block to the president’s reported plans to seek re-election, he asserted: “Governor Amaechi cannot be a stumbling

block to Mr. President’s aspiration and he is not moving against him.

There are two things. If I want to achieve an objective and in achieving that objective, it will affect you, my primary purpose is not that it will affect you, my primary purpose is to achieve the set goal that is before me.

So whatever steps you take in that arrangement is legitimate. So if there are collateral damages, there are collateral damages.”

Continuing, he said: “We all know that the NGF was already becoming a destabilizing factor in the polity; that is the truth and let us all face it. The government must work towards one direction and if there are dissensions; there is problem. We have 36 states in Nigeria, 23 of them are PDP governors and the NGF is headed by a PDP governor. Now if the NGF now becomes an opposition platform, then there is a problem.

It is not what people are thinking, it is not a matter of whether somebody wants to get to a position or somebody wants to run for an office, you need some peace to reign in your backyard before you can move out and achieve things. So whatever steps you take in that arrangement is legitimate. There are too many examples. If the Federal Government takes a decision for example on Sovereign Wealth Fund, SWF, and it is something the party has agreed that it must be established and the NGF says no, it cannot

be established; We are a government, we are a party and we must move in one direction. If we move in different directions, we are not going to achieve much.

It does not have to be a yes sir chorus but there is need for all of us to move in one direction.

All the governors do not have to agree with the President. What I am saying is that we are the majority party in Nigeria and the ruling party is the PDP and inside the PDP, there is no federalism and that is the truth. There is no federalism inside a political party. We have just one party; the party has one mission, one goal, one objective and one leader. So you cannot say because of democracy, you now start to pull the party apart or pull the party down. That is our business and that is why we have problems with people who do not understand politics.

They have refused to understand there is no federalism in the party.

If the party takes a decision that we are going this way and members of the party seem to be going the other direction, the party has taken a decision and we should all move in that direction.”

On the president’s refusal to make public his declared assets, he said: “It is just a change of style. There are many things you will do that will win confidence of the public. If the man has declared his assets as provided by law and if there is a law that allows deserving members of the public to have assets

to that information throufg the FOI Act, I do not think that there is any impediment, I think it is just a change of style.”

Meanwhile, the Presidency has again moved to thwart the reelection of governor Amaechi as chairman of the NGF. It was gathered that the Presidency has given marching orders to his foot-soldiers among the PDP governors to do whatever it takes to stall the NGF elections from holding until President Jonathan gets enough governors that will support his candidate.

Jonathan was said to be backing the candidature of Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema as NGF chairman, but does not have the support of majority of the governors.

The source said “all the Presidency wants to do is to stop Amaechi and they are using their footsoldiers among the governors like Akwa Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio, Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam and Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson to make sure that Amaechi is stopped.

Police arrest pilgrim’s board ex-vice chairman over murder

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ORMER Vicechairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim wing), Alhaji Abass Oloko was yesterday arrested and interrogated by the Oyo State Police Command for alleged involvement in the murder of a guard of the ex-Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ayodele Adigun some weeks ago.

Oloko had been relieved of his vice-chairmanship position over confrontation with the Chairman of the board.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that he was arrested at his residence in Ibadan.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olabisi Ilobanafor has confirmed his arrest.

The night guard of the former state scribe was killed by yet-to-be identified gunmen who invaded Adigun’s residence on Tuesday March 26, 2013.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013 — 7

PDP Crises: Tukur sacks Okiro, Gusau, Ida, other aides

BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja

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RISES rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP yesterday took a different dimension as the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur has bowed to pressure and sacked all his aides.

According to him, the move became imperative because of the urgent need to reorganise his office for what he termed, service delivery.

This is the second time Tukur is firing his private staff, the first being the former Private Secretary, Habu Fari who due to the intrigues and fight between him and the former National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and

Fari was thereafter sacrificed by Tukur for peace to reign.

There was also pressure from members of the National Working Committee, NWC on Tukur to caution his aides against the backdrop that they were becoming very powerful and equating themselves to the position of elected members of the party’s leadership.

Eyes were particularly on the Principal Secretary, Senator Ibrahim Idah and Special Adviser, Political, Alhaji Ahmed Gusau who were always at all the functions and were always introduced, even as they attended the NWC meetings until members of NWC raised alarm.

In a statement Tukur

ACF urges Shehu Sani, Datti to reconsider withdrawal from Amnesty Committee

BY EMEKA MAMAH

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HE Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has appealed to the Presidents of both the National Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Dr. Ahmad Datti and the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria, CRCN, Shehu Sani to reconsider their withdrawal from the Boko Haram Amnesty Committee constituted by President Goodluck Jonathan by returning to the committee.

In a statement issued after a joint meeting of the National Working Committee, NWC, the National Executive Council, NEC and the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the forum, ACF also condemned last week’s gun duel between the Boko Haarm insurgents and the Multi-National Military Joint Task in Baga, Borno State, leading to the death of several people as well as the destruction of property.

The statement which was signed by the ACF Spokesman, Mr Anthony Sani read, ’’ACF had meetings of its organs, namely, the NWC, NEC and BoT, in its Conference Hall, along Sokoto Road, Kaduna. ’’The meetings were well attended by members and

chaired by the NEC, Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed, General J.T Useni chaired that of BOT. Many issues of national importance with direct bearing on the North were discussed; and it was resolved that the following statement be issued:’’The forum noted with shock the reports of violence between the JTF and the sect which destroyed many lives and properties in Baga village in Borno State.”

personally signed yesterday, he sacked the former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro who was until yesterday, the Special Adviser Security Matters to the PDP National Chairman.

Also affected were the Principal Secretary

Senator Ibrahim Ida, Political Adviser Alhaji Ahmed Gusau, Special Adviser Electoral Matters Senator Saidu Kumo, Special Adviser Media Mohammed Ujudud Sheriff and Special Adviser Economic Matters, Chief

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Onaiwo; Special Adviser General Duties; Prince Igwe Uche; Special Adviser National Assembly, Abdullahi Gumel and Special Adviser, Special Duties and Protocol Officer Saidu Sulaiman.

Glo emerges biggest winner at BoICT Night with 4 awards

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L-R, Ondo State Gov. Olusegun Mimiko, Delta State Gov. Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Akwa Ibom State Gov. Godswill Akpabio , Vice President of Nigeria, Dr Namadi Sambo & Minister of Niger Delta Affairs during the Inauguration of National Council of Niger Delta in Uyo.

12 perish in auto accident in Awka

BY VINCENT UJUMAJU Awka

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O fewer than 12 persons perished yesterday in the heart of Awka, Anambra State when a tanker carrying palm kernel oil lost its brakes and rammed into Bus Park on the foot of the pedestrian cross at the popular UNIZIK junction in the town.

Several people who sustained various degrees of injuries were rushed to various hospitals in the Anambra State capital fortreatment.

The tanker, which was coming from the Enugu end of the Enugu – Onitsha expressway, lost control as it was descending the UNIZIK slope and hit a bus loaded with passengers and then

Anambra, Cross River best in EU 9th EDF He explained that unadjudged the best States

OVERNOR Liyel Imoke said that Anambra State and his own State of Cross River were committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals by the year 2015, even if Nigeria failed to do so. He was speaking yesterday at the Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between 6 participating States for 10 European Union Development Fund with the Ministry National Planning on Thursday at the Minister’s Conference Room. Imoke’s stand was informed by the fact that Anambra and Cross Rivers State were recently

O. Akindele.

Others were Special Adviser, Inter Party Affairs, Alhaji Shittu Mohammed, Special Adviser Mobilisation Chief Ishola Filani; Special Adviser Monitoring, Bernard Miko; Special Adviser Governance, Osaro

in the EU’s 9 th EDF, which ended on 11th of June, 2012.

A total of 120 Million Euro was spent under the 9th EDF. While the EU provided 94 Million, the participating States provided 26 Million.

Speaking shortly before the signing, Minister of National Planning, Dr, Shamsuddeen Usman said that the approval of the 10th EDF was because of outstanding performances of States involved in 9th EDF. He called on them to even double their efforts to make the 10th EDF better and more beneficial to the people.

der the 10th EDF, which will last for 84 months, that a total of 80 Million would be spent, with EU providing 80, the participating states 13 and UNICEF 1 Million Euro.

dragged the same bus into the very busy motor park where it damaged about seven other buses.

Among those who either lost their lives or sustained injuries were drivers, motor park operators and recharge card sellers.

The tanker, which somersaulted severally as it was hitting other vehicles, had its body cut into pieces and its contents spilled along the road and in the motor park.

The impact of the summersault of the tanker adversely affected the beams of the pedestrian bridge, thus making part of the bridge to lose its alignment.

EADING telecoms operator, Globacom, emerged the biggest winner at the 2013 edition of the Beacon of ICT (BoICT) Awards held last weekend, taking home a total of four awards for its outstanding performance in the telecoms sector.

At the award ceremony which was held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Globacom won the Telecoms Company of the Year, Best GSM Company of the Year, Most Innovative Mobile Player of the Year and Broadband Company of the Year.

The BoICT Awards were instituted to reward the vision and enterprise of individuals and companies that have contributed to the growth of the ICT industry in Nigeria. The winners were determined through a poll conducted by the o r g a n i z e r s , CommunicationsWeek Media. Readers of the magazine and telecom industry stakeholders were allowed to cast their votes by email or through voting on a portal created for the purpose on the company’s website.

Special Guest of Honour at the event and Chairman of the Association of L i c e n s e d Telecommunications Operators (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, commended the organizers for recognizing innovation and excellence in the telecom industry.

Falana visits Jonathan

BY BEN AGANDE Abuja

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AGOS Lawyer, Femi Falana met with President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday for about thirty minutes at the Presidential Villa.

Mr Falana told state House Correspondents after the meeting that it was a private visit to the

President that has to do with the state of the nation.

Asked whether the visit had anything to do with the case instituted by the Nigeria Police Force against Leadership Newspapers, he said it has nothing to do with that.

Femi Falana is the counsel to Leadership Newspaper and two of its

reporters who are being prosecuted for allegedly forging the signature of the president.

The brief encounter between Falana and state House Correspondents went thus: You are not a regular visitor to the Villa. Why are you here?

It is a private visit, it is a private visit.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27 , 2013

Pension thief verdict: Justice Talba bags one year suspension without pay •As NJC indicts him for judicial recklessness •Issues query to Justice Okeke

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

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HE National Judicial Council, NJC, yesterday, wielded the big stick against Justice Abubakar Talba of an Abuja High Court, after he was found guilty of handing an “unreasonable” sentence to a self confessed pension thief, John Yakubu Yusufu.

The Council, yesterday, suspended the embattled trial Judge for one year, saying he should not be entitled to any form of remuneration within the period.

Talba had on January 28, directed Yusufu to pay a fine of N750, 000, shortly after the accused person who was a former Deputy Director in the pension office, admitted before the trial court that he conspired with six other civil servantsandstoleaboutN23billion from the Police Pension Fund.

Though section 309 of the Criminal Procedure Act, CPA, upon which the accused person was charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, gave the court the choice of sentencing the accused to a maximum of two years imprisonment with a fine, however, Justice Talba, used his discretion and ordered Yusufu to only pay fine and go home.

Meantime, following public outcry and a petition that was filed by the AntiCorruption Network, led by a former member of the House of Representatives,

Dino Melaye, NJC, summoned Justice Talba, and ordered him to file his defence to the allegation that he was bribed by the convicted pension thief.

Though Talba blatantly denied his alleged convivial relationship with Yusufu, however, the NJC, in a press statement it issued yesterday, found him

culpable, accusing him of judicial recklessness.

Consequently, the Council yesterday handed him a one year suspension without pay, maintaining that he failed to exercise his discretion judicially and judiciously.

Besides, the council which adjourned until

June 23 to consider the fate of other justices accused of judicial impropriety,

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ORRIED over the increasing backlog of cases bedeviling various courts in Nigeria, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Lawal. H. Gunmi, has stressed urgent need for a review of the current Arbitration Law in the country with a view to entrenching the Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, mechanism into the societal psyche.

Federal High Court, over plethora of petitions that were written against him.

NGF: Consensus candidate option fails •PDP Govs settle for Amaechi, Shema to contest

BY DAPO AKINREFON

President Goodluck Jonathan has again moved to thwart the re-election bid of the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi as chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the Presidency has given marching orders to his foot-soldiers among the PDP governors to do whatever it takes to stall the NGF elections from holding until the President is able to get enough governors on his side that will support the President’s candidate and stop the re-election of Amaechi as NGF Chairman.

It will be recalled that the President is said to be backing the candidature of Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema for NGF chairman, but checks by Saturday Vanguard reveal that the President does not have the support of most governors.

It was also gathered that majority of the governors want Amaechi to return for

a second term as NGF chairman but the Presidency is staunchly opposed to “this and they are fighting a very dirty, do-or-die battle to ensure that Amaechi is stopped by all means, no matter how illegal it may be”.

The source said “all the Presidency wants to do is to stop Amaechi and they are using their foot-soldiers among the Governors like Akwa Ibom, Godswill Akpabio, Benue,Gabriel Suswam and Bayelsa, Seriake Dickson to make sure that Amaechi is stopped from returning. Their mandate is to ensure that the NGF elections billed to hold sometime in May does not hold until the President is able to cajole and harass enough governors to drop their support for Amaechi and back Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State.”

Foundation champions Autism awareness Gov. Obi (middle), Shamsuddeen Usman (right) and Emeka Nwankwu (left) at the signing of MoU between the Ministry of Planning and the Government of Anambra State over the implementation of the EU’s 10th EDF in Abuja yesterday.

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

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not-for-profit organisation, Keera Autism Foundation, KAF,

Court aborts moves to sack NWC members of PDP

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

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HE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, issued an order, restraining the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from sacking some members of its National Working

Committee, NWC, pending the determination of a suit before the court.

Justice Adamu Bello gave the order yesterday following an application that was entered before him

by PDP lawyer Ajibola Oluyede, who sought for an order directing all the

parties in the case to maintain status quo until the court decides on issued raised in an originating summons that was filed by the ruling party.

While granting the application, Justice Bello, noted that ordinarily, parties were bound by the

CJ calls for urgent amendment of Arbitration Law in Nigeria Speaking at a one day

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

equally issued a stern warning to Justice Okechukwu Okeke of the

interactive session between the Abuja chapter of the chartered institute of arbitrators (UK) and Judges of the High Court, Justice Gunmi, noted that “arbitration has become the preferred means of resolving most commercial disputes because the process provides a neutral, speedy and expert administered dispute resolution process, in a single centralized forum, with enforceable and final decisions.”

“It is our duty to encourage this global trend within our own area of practice by ensuring that arbitration is not practised in a way that deals a death blow to its fundamental objects which include speed, cost effectiveness, and above all as just determination of the issues submitted to the tribunal for determination.

“From my vantage position, I can say for certain that the number of requests for arbitration has increased in the last one year and naturally,

the court has witnessed a corresponding increase in the number of challenges against awards delivered and on the other hand an appreciable increase in the number of applications praying court to recognize and enforce those awards.

“I doubt if there is a better forum than this to advise on the urgent need to take a look again at the current Arbitration Law to bring it in line with modern realities and standard international best practices in commercial arbitration.”

doctrine of lis pendens to refrain from tampering with the res (subject of dispute) in a case before a court, but that in Nigeria it was not always the case.

Thus, he fixed May 23 to hear the originating summons on its merit.

Consequently, in view of the court’s order, the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, being the only parties in the case, are to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

PDP had filed the suit with number: FHC/ABJ/ CS/217/2013, against INEC. The plaintiff specifically wants the court to determine whether, one year after the party’s last national convention was concluded, anyone could use INEC’s report on the convention, which complained about the procedure for election of some members of the party ’s NWC, for any purpose.

has embarked on an awareness campaign on the plight of children living with autism and how to help provide succour for autistic children and their families.

The campaign, which was flagged off in Lagos, will run in phases throughout the year, making use of the electronic, print, outdoor and social media.

Strategic parts of the campaign will include educational series, docudrama, documentary, drama, news and features articles. Executive Director of the Foundation, Mrs. Helen Mbakwe, said: “The campaign’s main focus is provision of information on autism.

The aim is making more Nigerians understand and appreciate the stress autistic children and their families go through, as most times they are victims of actions borne out of poor understanding of the condition.”

Mbakwe added that the Foundation will offer specialised education and care for children living with autism.

She said recreational facilities, supervised play, graded skillacquisition,integrationof the children into society and advocacy for employment for adults with autism, are part of the Foundation’s approach to achieving the targets.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27 , 2013 — 9

Boko Haram

Give amnesty committee a chance —Mark

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

S

ENATE President, Senator David Mark has called on Nigerians to give the Federal Government Committee on Amnesty for Boko Haram members a chance, saying that the job of the panel is a delicate one that requires patience.

He also noted that the present attempts at amending the 1999 constitution would not be the last, adding that the National Assembly is committed to providing an acceptable constitution.

Mark, who said this yesterday in Lagos at a Working Retreat convened by Senate Committee on Constitution Review, urged Nigerians to refrain from condemning the move to constitute an amnesty committee on Boko H a r a m .

His words:” Why don’t we give the committee a chance now, because we have got to a situation where people don’t just make comments anyhow. This is a very delicate situation and it’s even better for you the media men not to ask any question on that because the committee is in charge and the issue is delicate. ‘’When the matter on Baga came up, I allowed the Senator who is from Baga to inform us and there was no further comment from anybody because we don’t know the facts and we cannot begin to make comments when we don’t know the facts. All we are saying is that for all those human beings to be killed, something has to be done.”

He further said, ‘’It is not the military that handed over the constitution, there was a constitution drafting committee that prepared the document and the drafters were not military men. There are areas we need to make amendment on and this is not going to be the last constitution amendment because as democracy develops and improves, there will be grey

areas that people will continue to agitate for amendment. ‘’ Also speaking, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu said the constitution review committee, had not taken any position on any of the issues for amendment.

He said, “I want to restate that the committee has not taken position on any issue.

The committee has no such powers.

Senate’s position on any matter on proposed amendment can only come by way of voting and resolution in plenary. There will be exhaustive debate to dissect all sides to each proposed amendment.

Senators will continue to be in touch with their constituents to ensure that they continue to resonate their views on every issue. Live broadcast and online streaming will be encouraged as much as possible to enable Nigerians from all parts to follow the development.”

In addition, Ekweremadu said, “In keeping faith with our timelines, our mission at this retreat, therefore, is essentially to review all the bills referred to the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 constitution by the senate as well as the thematic areas we have been working on in relation to the inputs by Nigerians. We are working to dissect the reports of various public hearings and other channels of inputs by Nigerians and articulate a bill to cover especially those issues we appear to have achieved public consensus.”

Continuing, he said, “The committee is mindful of the selfsacrifice and support by Nigerians, which have helped nurture the process to this stage. The people of this nation have demonstrated great enthusiasm and commitment to addressing our perceived constitutional deficits through the instrument of constitution amendment.”

Head of Gloworld, Mrs Titilayo Ebinisi, receiving the Most Innovative Mobile Player of the Year Award won by Glo from President of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, at the Beacon of ICT Awards held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, recently. Glo also won Telecoms Company of the Year, Best GSM Company of the Year, and Broadband Company of the Year at the event.

I conducted the best ever LG Polls in South-South — Oshiomhole

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin City

G

OVERNOR A d a m s Oshiomhole of Edo state yesterday declared that

Northern Christians flay FG over plight of victims of Boko Haram violence

BY SAM EYOBOKA

N

O R T H E R N Christians under the aegis of Christian Elders Forum of Northern States have expressed disgust at the unholy silence of the Federal Government over the plight of victims of Boko Haram violence while it is pursuing amnesty programme for the Islamic insurgents.

A communiqué signed by NOSCEF Chairman, Evangelist Matthew Owojaiye and his Secretary General, Iliya Yusuf after the group’s recent annual conference in Abuja, stated that there should be no discussion of amnesty for Boko Haram until all the victims of the violence have been adequately compensated, adding that thousands of Christian businesses were ruined, over 1,500 Christian lives, innocent lives wiped out.

“Government is not saying anything about compensation to be paid to

the victims of Boko Haram.

We want to say that it is g o v e r n m e n t ’ s constitutional duty to protect lives and property of its citizens. Why is government not talking about pardon to Boko Haram but amnesty? How could you be begging the offender to accept amnesty and welfare packages while saying nothing about their victims?” the communiqué asked.

The forum also reiterated its call for a ministry of Northern Minorities Commission, adding that about 70 per cent of Northern States fall within the minority tribes and “these minority tribes are marginalized and deliberately underdeveloped. This situation must not continue.

We urge the Federal Government to set up Northern Minorities Commission to run as a full ministry with its allocations.”

On the clamour for 2015 elections, the Northern

Christian Elders opined that there cannot be any election in 2015 until the authorities have adequately created a veritable secured atmosphere for credible election, arguing that the level and sophistication of weapons in the hands of individuals is very alarming.

The forum resolved that while Northern Christians will not form a Christian political party, efforts should be made to seek parties that will attend to the interest of members. According to the group, the era of ‘use and dump’ is over, noting that “all Christians must go back home to do grassroots mobilization to ensure that people go out en masse to vote. Those who have shown no concern to our plight should not bother to discuss 2015 electioneering with us.”

The forum suggests that the rotation of gubernatorial seat among the three senatorial districts should be enshrined in the Constitution.

the Local Government Council election recently conducted in Edo state was the best ever organized not only in Edo state but in the South South geopolitical zone.

He warned leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state who are using Abuja power to know that “this state belongs to all of us.

So, we will resist any attempt to use Abuja connection to intimidate our people”. Governor Oshiomhole stated this during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected chairmen of Ikpoba Okhai,Oredo and Esan West Local Government Councils”.

According to Oshiomhole, “the PDP has tried to give the impression that they lost because the election was not properly conducted.

They hired some miscreants to keep carrying flags denouncing what they claim to be an election that was not properly organized. But the only reason why people are talking about election in Edo state is because we are different and we have demonstrated that we are different. We remain resolute in our commitment towards upholding the principle of one man, one vote.

“The era of primitive

imposition is over. No one will govern this state any more except as determined by the Edo electorate. That is why we have worked hard to show presence in all the Local Governments.

The PDP has no response to that. They are deceived by their past. This election is the best ever organized, not only in Edo state but in our neighbouring states. I understand that we lost ward 6 in Oredo, but even as we were losing it, we did not disrupt election in that ward, but PDP knew that they will not win anywhere , their best option was to recruit thugs to cause trouble. “ How could they have won this election? On July 14, we won elections in every local government , in Edo South in every ward, in Edo North in every ward, 85 per cent in Edo Central,

thereafter, whatever was left of PDP was completely a demoralized house. And more people have left the PDP and join the ACN after the governorship election once, we have denied them the apparatus for rigging and we have grounded every rigging machinery ” he said.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

Kidnappers on the prowl in Lagos ...target wealthy night crawlers

By CHIOMA GABRIEL & OLASUNKANMI AKONI

M

rs Theresa Onuoha, travelled to her village from Lagos for the annual August meeting in her brand new SUV. August meeting is very popular amongst women from the South East and to many of them based in the cities, it is a period to show off the wealth they acquired abroad and so, throughout the period of the meeting, Madam Theresa was always expensively dressed, displaying her wealth in clothes and jewelries.

During one of the meetings, she received a disturbing phone call from Lagos and urged one of her nephews to drive her to the airport for an emergency return to Lagos. But fate lurked on the way as the SUV purred along the highway. A Fore-runner jeep overtook her and swerved to block her. Madam Theresa was kidnapped and was not seen for two weeks. Before she could get her freedom, her family parted with N5million and her husband who had a weak heart was in a bad condition.

It took contibutions from friends and relations to fly him overseas for surgery and ever since, the family decided to bid temporary goodbye to their South-East country home.

But in Ejigbo Lagos where the family lives, the kidnappers have recently reared their ugly heads with the kidnap, most recently of Ejigbo

Council boss, Kehinde Bamigbetan. A distraught Mrs Onuoha lamented to Saturday Vanguard, “ what is the meaning of all these? What have we done to deserve these? Are they now following me everywhere after we have abandoned our village because of them? What have kidnappers come to do in our safe haven?”

Two years ago, Chief Lawrence Oragwu, a retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs left his Lagos abode to his village in the South-East where he was also a traditional ruler . His wife and children were in Lagos awaiting his return but he never did. He was going to Church on Sunday after arriving the village when a Sports

Utility Vehicle drove in front of him, blocked his way and four heavily armed men reportedly alighted and pushed him into their own vehicle and drove off. The kidnappers pushed away his driver who eventually reported the case to the police and since June 2011 when the kidnap took place till date, nothing was heard of him and investigations have yielded no results. The last time his wife travelled to the South-East, she too, narrowly escaped from kidnappers and the family has made Lagos a safe-haven. But that safe-haven is now being invaded by evil men.

It is no news that the menace of the hydra-headed kidnapping monster has found its way into the state of “Excellence”, Lagos, which harbours over 21 million people, but what is alarming is the rate at which the act is being perpetrated without clue so far , from the state police authorities.

The act, which predominately operates in the South-South and South East regions of the country, has become a thriving venture for those who dared to engage in the illicit act in Lagos.

Like nocturnal predator animals, with AK-47 assault riffles available, kidnappers, now hunt around the city, mostly at night to capture any victim suspected to be super rich that could cough out a huge sum of money when captured.

"These people are highly connected, sophisticated and mean. They are youngmen, backed by godfathers somewhere.”

This is one of the revelations by a lucky victim who was released from his captors.

To this end, it is worthy of note that in the last one week and a half, there were at least about five reported cases of victims kidnapped in different parts of the state without any trace of the victims or the perpetrators.

The high rate of unemployment among university graduates was said to be one of the reasons why the perpetrators, mostly youths, have resorted to the 'business'.

However, the incident that caught the public attention in recent times was the abduction of Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area,Kehinde Bamigbetan, who was kidnapped by three gunmen on his Continues on page 14

We are putting structures in place to fight kidnapping—Ngozi Braide, Lagos PPRO

R

eacting to the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO in Lagos, Ngozi Braide said kidnapping is a new development in Lagos and the Lagos Police Command is doing everything to nip it in the bud.

Kidnapping is a new development in Lagos and we are doing everything to stop it. For example, we have started sensitization of our officers in Lagos to alert them. Most times, kidnapped victims were threatened to remain silent even at police stop-and -search points. It requires a very intelligent officer to notice that some occupants in a car are kidnap victims, like the one we smashed at Badagry recently. The victim just sat in the car saying nothing because he was under threat but our careful officers were

able to see through this ruse. We have also intensified our stop-andsearch operations although we realised that citizens complain, alleging police check-points are back but stop-and-search is different. People keep calling to complain that there check-points but they are not. Stop- and- search is different and for the purpose of this new menace ,we have intensified that.

We have also put other checks in place and we can confidently say that kidnapping would soon become history in Lagos.

Security tips In view of this, the following security tips could be of assistance whenever in trouble: *Be alert and aware of your environment. Keep low profile Do

not give vital/ personal information to persons unfamiliar to you. Avoid late outings . * Vary your route to work or leisure locations. Do not discuss financial matters in the open. Always pre – plan your journey and ensure the vehicle is in good working condition.

Do not give ride to strangers. Stick to main roads and avoid lonely routes. *Discourage children from talking to, or receiving gifts from strangers. It could be bait for kidnap. *Always let close family members know where you are going and when you would likely return. Always remember: Your security is your personal responsibility. In an emergency, call Lagos State Emergency Response 767 or Police Control Room: 08035068243, 07035068242, 08073777717, 08073777787.

 Braide

SATURDAY

Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013—11

Kidnapping:

Living dangerously in Lagos

By Emmanuel Edukugho

H

itherto confined to the Niger Delta areas with immense petroleum resources accounting for over 90 per cent of the country’s wealth, later spreading to SouthEast zone known for having many wealthy business and industrial entrepreneurs, kidnap, the crime of abducting or taking someone away illegally by force and thereafter to demand money in exchange for releasing the victim, is gradually making inroad to the South-West and Lagos.

For sometime now, kidnappers had been on the prowl in the South western part of Nigeria that relatively was not their operational terrain until when they made dreadful incursions into Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Lagos states causing tension and pain. The latest was abduction by gunmen of Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on the night of Monday, 15th April 2013 along Ona Iwa Mimo Street where his house is located.

This kind of crime is now spreading out to Lagos His driver escaped during the operation from the SUV automobile riddled with bullets, but Bamigbetan was not as lucky as the kidnappers eventually took him away. Six days after, he was released in exchange for ransom money which the kidnappers were believed to have collected.

The Ejigbo Council Chairman was fortunate to be alive to tell the story of is ordeal with the kidnappers.

This incident stunned Lagos State,

bringing to the fore the reality that people living in the ever bustling metropolitan city need to be vigilant, more conscious of their security.

A resident who had been living in Lagos for 30 years, Mr. Aggrey Kowa, a businessman, told Saturday Vanguard that Lagos is no longer a safe haven beyond the escapades of kidnappers.

“This kind of crime is now spreading out to Lagos. Since the militants have been dislodged in Niger Delta where kidnapping was a thriving business as foreigners working with oil companies were lucrative targets and security tightened in the Southeast to effectively curb activities of kidnappers, the tendency is to shift operations to the South-West and Lagos.

“For now, the North is no-go-area because of the deadly activities of Boko Haram sect members and the frequent bloody confrontations between terrorists and military forces worsening the insecurity, kidnappers are avoiding the region,” he said. It will be recalled that Governor Babatunde Fashola at the traditional Annual Thanksgiving service for 2013, while calling for

vigilance, warned that citizens should be more careful both at home and in their business premises. He noted that Nigerians look up to Lagos as a place where they could realise their dream and so more people would be coming to the state this year to seek the realisation of their dream.

According to him, “Lagos is where the Nigerian dream has been repeated in the lives of ordinary Nigerians for many decades.”

He added: “As we progress into 2013, thousands more will flood in, all in search of their fairytale. We will welcome them as we have always done. But my message to those coming is that if you are living with us, then you must abide by our laws and regulations.”

But criminals such as kidnappers, robbers, fraudsters, assassins must not be allowed to thrive in Lagos State with an estimated population of about 18 million people. With vigilance and effective security operatives, kidnappers won’t have any foothold in the state. Their operational methods are already

Continues on page 48

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

By Ayo Onikoyi

W

ednesday, March 13, 2013 started like any other day for Alero Collins, a single career woman of 28 years old. She woke up in the morning around 6am and headed to her place of work in Victoria Island from her humble abode in Oworonshoki. At work, nothing was out of place, it was just another working day, one she begins around 8am in the morning to usually 8pm in the evening. As a housekeeper in a posh hotel, everyday life isn’t about much excitement, more often than not, the day is usually dreary room calls of cleaning. Perhaps, if she had known what laid ahead in store for her that fateful Wednesday she would have elected to skip the day and have it off even if it means losing the day’s pay which amounts to paltry one thousand naira only.

Her monthly salary is just thirty thousand naira and going by the fact that she works thirty days a month, apart from one day off she gets on weekly basis, her daily wage comes to a thousand naira per day. In fact, Alero decided to take that job to support herself because she has nobody to support her. Her parents have long been dead. Her older siblings could hardly support themselves and family, let alone adding another mouth to feed. How she could turn out to be a target for kidnappers is a question Alero has been asking herself.

After the close of work on that fateful Wednesday at around 8pm in the night she made for Ahmadu Bello Way to get a bus to Obalende where she would then join another bus to take her to Oworonshoki but on getting to the nearest bus stop on Ahmadu Bello Way close to Tiamiyu Savage Street she met a long line of commuters waiting at the bus stop.

This, according to her made her called her Boyfriend, John, who also works close to her office to come and pick her with his car. John responded pronto, to pick her in his Camry car, and as lovers usually do, he did not drive off directly out of the island they made for Musa Yar’’Adua street where they parked to have a gist.

“In less than thirty minutes two guys came out of nowhere and surrounded us. One came to my side and the other went to John’s side.

They asked us to come down and go to the back of the car and when I tried to challenge them they both produced one gun each and bundled me and John to the floor of the back seat. The moment we entered the back seat another one joined them and took the wheel of the car. One stayed in the front with the driver and one sat at the back with his gun over our heads. Then I heard them shouting to somebody to move. I later learned it was their own car and it was following us.

As they started driving they immediately asked for our phones. I gave them my Blackberry phone and they asked for my password and I gave it to them. We kept driving for sometime and I think they stopped somewhere at a Filling Station to buy fuel and went on again. The one at the back with us kept threatening us

My experience in the hands of kidnappers —victim

In less than thirty minutes two guys came out of nowhere and surrounded us. One came to my side and the other went to John’s side that he would blow off our heads if we tried to raise our heads or hands as John was trying to. At a point he banged the gun on his head, warning him he would shoot him and throw him out of the car Suddenly, they stopped again and the car skidded like they were trying to overtake somebody. One in the front got out and I heard gunshots.

Moment later, another victim was brought in to join us. He was a middle-aged man who later told me he was coming from his office in Ikeja with his driver when they rounded them up. He said the driver got away while they picked him. He was picked around Maryland. While me and John remained on the floor of the car ’s back seat the man was allowed to seat at the back but then another man joined us at the back, making it two men who now flanked the man, and they asked the man to close his eyes or they would kill him” she narrated.

Alero said they drove on for a very long time. Even though she could not make out where they were at any point in time she felt they passed many checkpoints and she was sure

they stopped again to buy fuel on two or three more occasions.

According to her, the car eventually stopped at a spot too dark to recognise or described and it was at that point they decided to blindfold them. “ For me, they didn’t blindfold me.

One of them only used his hands to cover my face and asked me not to open them. For John and the other man, they tore off John’s shirt and used it to blindfold them. They took the belt of my high-waist skirt to tie them. Then, they took us into what looked like a room. The moment my body touched the wall of the room I knew we were in an uncompleted building because the wall wasn’t even plastered. Later that night one of them brought a cloth to tie around my eyes” she said All along, while they were driving them to their hideout Alero’s mind was in a turmoil because she didn’t know whether they have been abducted by ritualists or kidnappers.

She could not fathom why, all she knew and felt was a cold sickening feeling building up inside her. A cold feeling of fear that soon developed into fever and morbid fear. But she was not to wait too long before she got the verdict of their abductors and when she did she knew she was in a very serious trouble.

According to her, she said one of them came back to the room and announced point blank to them that they have been kidnapped and that they would collect 30 million naira ransom on their heads each. She said he told them to think of who to call to come and pay the money or they would all be killed.

“I knew I have nobody who could even raise one hundred thousand in

my family and I told them I have nobody who could raise such money.

The man who I later recognise as their leader told me it was a simple thing, that what they would do is to sell me in spare parts. He said they have specialists who would come and cut out my liver, my kidney, my heart and other parts and they would send it to Malaysia for sale.

Then another one came in again and told the leader he found the picture of a woman who married a White man on my phone. The leader asked me to give them her number whether she would bail me out.

When they called her they said she didn’t respond positively and they started beating me with chains. They also asked the other two, John and the man to call somebody who could come and pay their ransoms. When John suggested he could raise two hundred thousand naira for them they beat him mercilessly, saying did he think they risked their lives for two hundred thousand naira” she said.

They were left alone that night to think up names that could come to their rescue. Alero said sleep could not come because they were bound and gagged. The room in which they were kept was in pitch darkness. All her thoughts that they were being held in some lonely spot in a faraway bush were soon discounted when she heard the dawn call-toprayer from a mosque. As she was not aware of time that gave her the idea of the time. Later, she said she heard noises of school children, playing and shouting somewhere not too far off. At the same time she heard someone hawking palm oil.

All along the noises of vehicles zooming by was always in the background to give an impression they were held in a booming community not too far away from an express road. “ To confirm my suspicion that we were in a populated area, some guys called on them that morning, saying they were Omo Onile (landowners) that the guys who held us should settle them. They were speaking in Yoruba, saying ‘Omo Igbo ma gbe yen wa’. We were hearing what they were saying from where we were until they took them away from within our earshot After they took the Yoruba boys who came to collect their entitlement away they came back to us and asked if we had made up our minds.

Later, which would be around two because the mosque caller had called again, they asked us to make up our minds who would die first and they started beating us again. It was at this point the man with us asked them to call his wife. When they called his wife while beating the man in the background for the wife to hear the woman eventually agreed to raise N1.5 million naira and they agreed to have the money dropped at an AP Filling Station.

They told her if she brings anybody or police they would kill her husband.

It was after the deal was struck with the man’s wife that one of them attempted to rape me by taking me into another room. He was just about

Continues on page 13

SATURDAY

By Ishola Balogun

T

he challenge of security of lives and property has become so precarious that everyone walking on the streets suspects the next person. The decoy of the kidnappers is not easily known and they look very unsuspecting until they get hold of their target and bolt away with their victims. To them their victims means money to them.

According to Sanusi Badmus, (not real names) a security expert in Lagos who preferred to be anonymous gave an insight into some of the tricks employed by abductors. “Kidnappers all over most times would have carried out some checks on the victim, they must have been observing your movements for days or even weeks. They are very good at reconnoitering and they understand the geography of most areas they operate. They want to feel very comfortable that they’re not going to get caught or they’re not going to lose or hurt their victim during the abduction.”

“They usually don’t go for a broke person. It would definitely mean a bad market for them.

It is not usually a spontaneous thing, or something like ‘Oh boy! here’s a good one. Let’s kidnap them!’ Although some people might fall victims of circumstance and to them their relatives just have to cough out the money.”

That was the story of 30-year old Kemisola Ogunyemi who was kidnapped just few days after she arrived Nigeria with her husband for her mother’s burial. Kemisola was kidnapped about 8.30pm in Ajah, Lagos on Sunday, February 10, 2013 by a gang of kidnappers who double-crossed her Murano Sport Utility Vehicle, took control of the car and took her away. Kemisola was just a house wife and her husband merely a salary earner, yet the gang went for her. Although, initial sum of N60million was demanded but we gathered she regained her freedom after her family parted with some unspecified amount of money to the kidnappers.

Also, a member of the staff of a first generation bank, Aliyu, was also

Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013—13

The decoy of kidnappers — Security e xper exper xpertt kidnapped by an armed gang recently. The case was reported at the Ikoyi Police Division by members of his family.

“Aliyu was returning from work when he was abducted at Gbagada.

Some phone calls were made to Aliyu’s family demanding a ransom of N5m. After the ransom was paid, Aliyu regained his freedom.

Although kidnapping for ransom occur regularly in the Niger Delta area, the incidents until recently are rare in commercial nerve centre of the country. High profile cases of kidnap were rare. Shortly before the kidnap of Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, the Ejigbo LCDA chairman, penultimate week, a Briton who works in the oil industry was

kidnapped in the high-brow Victoria Island, Lagos, after leaving a night club, but was later released after some money was said to have been paid. But in what looked like an increasing trend of abduction in the city, three Lebanese brothers were also reportedly kidnapped and released three days after a ransom of $60,000 was paid the abductors.

Drawing inference from previous kidnapping in the country, Badmus said much as the abductors main aim was to force the relatives to pay money for the freedom of their victim, their targets are those who they believe have the means to fairly meet their ransom demand. He advised that showing off wealth is another way of exposing individuals

to the abductors who are crazily immersed in the get-rich-quick syndrome. “Those who flaunt their wealth or walk around wearing gaudy jewelry will not be doing themselves any good as they will be tempting the kidnappers.”

With the constitution clearly stating that nobody should be deprived of his liberty, most people are currently advocating for stiffer penalty for kidnappers. Recently Bayelsa state government went a step ahead of other states not only to prohibiting kidnapping but also to enact death penalty for any one found guilty of kidnapping. Chief Francis Egele, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of the State maintained that the issue of kidnap is a very serious offence that endangers development in our areas.

Kehinde Bamigbetan, Ejigbo LCDA chairman.

My experience in the hands of kidnappers—victim Continued from page 12 undressing me when the ‘Capo’, the leader of the gang, as they called him came in and got really mad. He asked me if he had already raped me and I told him he was about to but he didn’t believe me. He said they have a covenant not to rape their victims that he felt something has spoilt in their charms that was why he came in. He then started abusing me that we, women are evil and bad, that his man raped me and I didn’t want to tell him. All along, the man stood by the side and the only thing I could hear him saying was ‘’Apia Capo’’ By the evening of that Thursday when some of them have gone to pick the money some of them stayed with us with the one accused of raping me. When it was very dark and they hadn’t returned one of them asked the man to give him his wife number and he called her to make sure the money has been dropped. Then he told the man not to tell others when they returned that he too had called the wife. The one who tried to rape then told me not worry that they would release all of us as soon as they have the N1.5 million naira.

They later returned and we could hear them from another location in the building how they were haggling and arguing over the money. The leader then came and asked us for the first time what we wanted to eat.

C M Y K

He said we should name anything we wanted. They were already drinking and John asked for a bottle of Star beer and cigarette. Again, I noticed the beer they brought was very chilled.

They released us late Friday night and took us in another car. Though I could only identified them by their voices I realised the people that picked us were different from the people that took us away to be released.

They drove us to a bush and left us there. It was from there that we found our way. They had already given us N500 naira each for transport. As we came out of the bush we notice a church with light not far away from us and we trekked to the church.

The name of the church was ‘Celestial Church of Christ, Solution Ground. We found some people there and we told them of our predicament. From them we learnt we were in Epe and they took us to the opposite side of the road where we took a bus to Ajah. Then it was early morning. From Ajah everybody went their separate ways.

Me and John incidented the case at Bar Beach Police Station. John was particularly worried because of his car even after the gang has assured him he would find his car. The police took up the case and asked us to come back next day. However, I could not make it because immediately I got home I fell very ill and since then I have not been to the Police Station and I have not heard from the Police either”.

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

Kidnappers on the prowl in Lagos Continued from page 10

 Emeka

 Edi

 Maxwell

Why kidnap incidents are rising

Sequel to the kidnap of the Ejigbo Local Government boss, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, Nigerians from different walks of life have reacted to the saga. While some blamed the government for inefficiency, especially, in the area of equipping our security agencies, some were of the opinion that the insecurity situation in Nigeria is a product of unemployment in the country. Others suggested that much priority should be given to the security sector in the country. These are some of their opinions as compiled by SATURDAY VANGUARD.

By ANOZIE EGOLE

It is caused by unemployment — Jeffrey Emeka

I

think to be honest this kidnap ping issue has become a very big problem in the country. Now, you cannot go out freely without having the fear that somebody somewhere is after your safety. If you want to go out now, you have to look at the time. I think our government is not doing their best as far as finding a lasting solution to the problem is concerned. In the area of security, there is no good security agency in force. Our police and army are not well equipped. The worst part of the whole thing is that when you call the police or the army on any issue of crime, they don’t respond in time. They will either give one excuse or the other.

Secondly, there is no free line for you to reach these security agencies when you are in problem. I think these are the major areas our government should look at. Lagos state government especially, should enhance the security framework in the state considering how busy the state is. So the people can come back whenever they are free to. There was a kidnap issue that happened some weeks ago at Ojuelegba I can not really remember the date. The lady just left home to office, after some minutes, a call came to the family members that the lady who left some minutes ago has been abducted and a ransom was demanded from them. As we are speaking now, the person has not been released because, the ransom they are demanding was so I much and the police are not doing anything about the issue. They will keep telling you come today and tomorrow because, they lack the basic materials to carry out the investigation. So, I think the whole thing boils down to our government. They need to put the right equipment in place so that the police would work with. They are human beings as well and nobody would like to risk his/her life for such a serious job if the right equipment are not in place.

The government should go extra mile C M Y K

Our police and army are not well equipped. The worst part of the whole thing is that when you call the police or the army on any issue of crime, they don't respond in time for the safety of Lagosians. Lagos being a very big commercial state should be given much attention.

Finally, I think the major cause of this whole problem is unemployment.

Basically, if you check the people doing these, most of them are youths. Some are graduates, you go to school, after much stress and expenses, you come out and there is no job. You will see a graduate staying at home for more than three years with no job, then, frustration sets in and man must survive. They should try and work things out for us.

Lagos state should invest more in security —Innocent Maxwell

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o me, security in Nigeria generally, has deteriorated; abduction has become the order of the day.

Kidnapping is another major issue government should take very seriously. Lagos state should invest more into the security of lives and properties in the state. They should also create more jobs for Lagosians. I think laziness and greed are causes of this insecurity problem in the state. The people of Lagos should also help the security agents by reporting any suspicious movement to the nearest police station. The people

should work with police to drive this menace out of the state.

Some of them are politically instigated —-Gloria Edi

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his menace started in the southeastern part as a means of getting government’s attention to the poverty afflicting the people of NigerDelta region. Now, it has really gone beyond that, it is now a source of livelihood for some people and a means of retaliation for politicians. Jobless youths now hijacked it for their selfish interests. Government needs to provide employment opportunities. This particular issue of unemployment has been discussed several times in different forms yet, nothing has been done about that.

But I strongly believe that this is what the government needs to do if really they want to fight this problem of kidnapping once and for all. It is not a matter of providing sophisticated weapons because, you find out that in most kidnap cases, the kidnappers are always very sophisticated in weapons and style of operation.

Another factor propelling this crime is the issue of lack of some basic amenities by government in some areas and some politicians also use it as a means of suppressing their opponents. Some even go to the extent of hiring cult gangs well-armed and after the election some of them would turn to crime knowing fully well that they have back up. Of all these factors I have mentioned, the one that clearly stands out is the politicians’ involvement. If the government is serious in fighting kidnapping, they must start with withdrawing all the guns given to their thugs during the electioneering period and also, providing good jobs to these thugs.

If these youths were used during the election and dumped after the election, they will use their guns to fend for themselves. So the government should provide job for the youths and some other basic social amenities.

They should also encourage entrepreneurship among the youths. With this, kidnapping would be a story of the past.

way back home after an event on Monday, 14th, April, 2013, at about 11pm on his street, Ona Iwa Mimo, Ori-Oke in Ejigbo.

The sum of $1million ransom, about N158 million was demanded by his abductors who got in touch with the wife, Mrs. Fatimah Bamigbetan for his release.

Bamigbetan was with his driver, Biodun Olayiwola in his black Ford Everest Sport Utility.

Vehicle, SUV, with special Lagos registration number plate, KOK. The gunmen were said to have released several gun shots into the air to scare away residents. But while trying to escape from the assailants, the driver was later caught up with in a mud that stuck the SUV. Bamigbetan, was then whisked away in their get-away car. He was later set free on Saturday,20th, April, 2013 into the warm embrace of his family, members of which were grateful to God that he returned alive and unharmed.

An earlier victim whose ransom had been received from his family members was reportedly dumped in the middle of Bamigbetan’s operation and he was later handed over to the police for further investigation.

Also, kidnappers, struck again last Tuesday night when they abducted the owner of a multi million naira furniture outfit in Festac Town, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the state.

The victim was reportedly kidnapped in a similar operation like Bamigbetan’s by five gunmen when driving home in his white G Class Lexus SUV, with registration number EJ 541 LND. According to an eyewitness, the victim was just coming out of Baff Club 77, of which he is a member on 1 Close, 21 Road around 10:45 pm after Barcelona Bayern Munich match in the European Championship League encounter.

The whereabouts of the victim is still unknown, as the family members are thrown into uncertainty and endless expectation for their breadwinner’s return home.

When contacted, Area E command, Festac Town, denied report of such incident as at press time.

According to other reports, between Sunday 14th and Tuesday 16th April, 2013, about five persons were allegedly kidnapped in various parts of Lagos, particularly, Yaba, Surulere, Ejigbo and Lekki areas and huge amounts of money were demanded on each person and none had been released as at press time.

Some victims were often blind folded to erase any possible trace that could lead to their arrest of the perpetrators.

With this development, residents now live in fear as nobody knows who may be the next victim.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013 — 15

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he book ‘Witness to History’ authored by Alhaji Lai Mohammed of the ACN was launched amidst fun fare on Monday.

Lai and I go back a long way; back to when we were both single and free to explore and exploit. Back to when we were both building our respective careers—I at the Punch and he at the Nigerian Airport Authority. Back to when our children both attended the same secondary school and we found our selves in the school PTA. In all of our long association, Lai seemed to me to be deep and principled – he was one of the few friends I had in those young, carefree days that did not obviously ‘misbehave’ to quote late Yinka Craig.

In fact, I don’t think a drop of alcohol has ever touched Lai’s lips. But he was voluble and sociable and therefore fun to be with.

It was he who sent his numbers to me through one of my staff when he became the Chief of Staff to Bola Tinubu. It is to his credit that when I called to say I wanted to see him, he insisted on coming to see me instead.

These, along other reasons, were responsible for my being ‘available’ for the book launch where I expected, and so prepared to stomach the exhibitionism of politicians. So when they came with their entourage and air of importance, I smiled and told myself that these people never learn. I sometimes wonder when they behave as if they own the block whether they ever stop to check if the walls are cracked; if the roof is falling off; or if the building is about to collapse. Do they even ask what happened to previous ‘owners’?

They had a pointer last Monday, when Alhaji Jakande, a previous ‘owner’, shuffled into the hall and was led by the hand to the high table. This was the Baba Kekere of Lagos himself; a once powerful man who wielded enormous influence in Lagos State and was liked and respected across the nation. He came in frail and shorn of all power. I am not sure the import of this registered in the minds of the high and mighty on that table. I am not sure they acknowledged the transient nature of power and position; that all of this had happened before and will happen again.

and anticipation and I was a witness.

A year before the ban was officially lifted, Punch had set up a three-man team to monitor political developments across the country. I was in the team with Nduka Onum, the Political Editor and Eric Teniola, Assistant News Editor who later became the National Assembly Correspondent. I also had a weekly column that interviewed emerging political personalities. I was probably the first reporter to do a full, two page interview with Chief Awolowo after the ban was lifted. I still remember two extremes during those hell –for – fire days. One was the first of my three interviews with Dr Olusola Saraki which started well after midnight at the Central Hotel Kano. I had taken the Nigeria Airways last flight to Kano

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I am not sure t h e y acknowledged the transient nature of power and position; that all of this had happened before and will happen again

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ou see, in my own way, I was a witness to history too. And when Alhaji Jakande came in, some memories flooded into my consciousness. UPN was the first party to hold a press conference when the ban on political parties was lifted some 35 years ago. I was at that press conference and Jakande was at the right hand of Chief Obafemi Awolowo playing some of the roles that Lai now plays for ACN. The air pre ‘79 was thick with euphoria

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and taken the first flight out of it. The other was my interview with Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya which took place at 6am.

I had to leave my home in Ikeja to spend the night in Surulere in order to keep the appointment.

My interview with Chief Enahoro took place on a golf course while that of Chief Bisi Onobanjo was at a campaign rally. The one with Prof Ambrose Alli took place in a small office in Uniben while that of Alhaji Inua Wada was in a large compound in Kano.

I met and interviewed most of the dramatis personae of the time and was a witness to the

flamboyance of K.O Mbadiwe and Ibrahim Tahir, the eloquence of S.G Ikoku and Chuba Okadigbo, the commanding presence of MKO Abiola and J.S Tarka, the candour of Adamu Ciroma and Aminu Kano, the charm of Arthur Nzeribe, the brawn of Bola Ige, the fire of Babatope the elegance of Dappa Biriye etc.

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mention all these to show that nothing is happening today that has not happened before. We were witnesses to mergers and demergers; marriages and divorces; deceits and intrigues. We witnessed castles being built in the air and political bridges being erected across the Niger.

Where are all these eminent personalities today? They have largely, with the exception of a few, become forgotten men with all the eloquence, the grand standing, the intrigues, the fake promises.

That is why I believe that we are really not witnesses to history but to moments in history. The birth and evolution of ACN therefore, are, with all due respects, just a moment in history. And if the actors in what is being generously described as history in the making, do not seize the time and space that history gives to all of us, they might easily become footnotes to history.

God has not forsaken you

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od today has a word for you the job is yours but you end up not that will encourage you and getting the job or you have applied strengthen you to hold on to for jobs for years and yet you have Him because He is not through with not even received a single letter for blessing you just yet. In fact i dare an interview and you are wondering you to believe that the blessing you is this year going to pass me by again. are about to receive from Him will take Listen to me child of God, I know that you to a new realm of His glory and at such times, the devil may want us grace. Don’t forget that to think or believe that God loves you more God has forgotten and than you love yourself forsaken us. Sometimes, and He is more comthe devil may remind you mitted to your success of your past sins and torGod will not than you do yourself. ment you and declare forget nor forAfter my morning that because of the sins, worship and devotion, God has forsaken you. sake you.

And the Holy Spirit imBut hear me; I have good this is why you pressed/inspired this news for you. It is not in message in my heart to the nature or character of find out that let you know that God God to forget anyone. though you are has not forgotten nor Even if you are living in forsaken you as you sin, God will not forget in sin, yet there may be thinking. As I nor forsake you. And this is a longing in listened to Him, I startis why you find out that ed hearing Him say, so though you are in sin, your heart for many of you had great yet there is a longing in God plans and believed that your heart for God. the Lord will grant you Now let me show some your heart’s desire, which of course biblical scripture that will confirm to will surely come to pass. But that you you that you can never be forgotten have not seen it yet does not mean nor forsaken by God. Ps 9:10, says, that you are not going to get it. Hear “And they that know thy name will put me the Bible says that the desires of their trust in thee: For thou, Lord hast the righteous shall not be cut off. I not forsaken them that seek Him”. want you to know that for as long as Isaiah 49:13-16, says “Sing, O heavyour desires are in line with the en; And be joyful, O earth; And break things of God, I know it shall surely forth into singing, O mountain; For come to pass. the Lord hath comforted His people Yes you believe that by now you and will have mercy upon His afflictshould be married or preparing for ed, But Zion said, the Lord hath foryour marriage but yet you have not saken me. Can a woman forget her even received a single proposal from sucking child, that she should not any man while all of your friends are have compassion on the son of her getting married. Yes you have been womb? Yea they may forget, yet will I married for years without any child not forget thee. Behold, I have gravwhile those who have just gotten en thee upon the palms of my hands; married are having children and thy walls are continually before me”. sometimes you see them playing with Hebrews 13:5, says “Let your convertheir children daily. Yes, you have sation be without covetousness; And attended job interviews and every be content with such things as ye time you come out, you believe that have: or He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee”.

Let the above scriptures comfort your heart and give you an assurance that the Almighty God will never forget nor forsake you. You are too precious to Him. Remember, He paid the ultimate price for you. You cost Him His son Jesus.

Say out loud at least 7 times daily, “God will not forsake nor forget me”. God bless you. We love you dearly till we meet again next week, remain steadfast and triumphant.

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A moment in hist or histor oryy

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For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635 08168955932; 08033378769. E-mail: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org.

Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407.

Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:1511:30am. Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard , APRIL 27, 2013

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ll these events swirling around us embodying power outage, poor health delivery, bad roads, dysfunctional so-called amenities, brutal insecurity, stifling corruption and ineffective leadership strike one as a mirror of our society. They express a sad comment about what we are, and who we are. Even if you are not a participant in any of the events, you still feel ashamed because you cannot totally separate yourself from what Nigerians are, since you are a Nigerian.

Though you may not be directly involved in the events, you still cannot avoid being part of what is going on. Electricity is the blood stream of life in a modern society. So are we not a modern society? We do claim, at the least, a modicum of civilized existence. The whole country yearns today for electricity supply to grant us a satisfactory life, We need it for the kitchen, for the bathroom, for ironing our clothes, and all other household chores— to say little of our industrial life, about which we should say much really. Though, in fact, we have probably said everything.

But we have done so little.

Our individual lives are sustained largely by courtesy of generating plants of all dimensions and capacity, imported from all over the world. We appreciate the fact that Ghana, our fellow West African State and former British colonial territory has put this problem behind her; that the problem has badly affected our

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*What next,for goodness’ sake!

•M.D Abubakar, IGP

industries— several of which have even been relocated to Ghana, though Nigeria had been the first choice of “investment destination” for many foreign economies.

We are losing out, going and coming, to nations that can only be described as puny beside us, not only in size but in current wealth and patent potentials, but we seem incapable of doing something tangible about it. We wail about it; we make promises about

A friend was recently fairly elated as he narrated how highly respected his surgeon son was in the United States. With such professional skills, I suggested, he should have tried to come back home where he would be needed more than in the US. “Well, he did”, replied my friend, not too happily.

“He did for about two years, but then he knew he simply had to go back.

But that is another story.” Yes, and in some ways, a typical Nigerian story.

We do so well elsewhere. We are a loud noise in countries where we have established oil refineries, having somehow turned our back on our own native turf in which the “black gold” flows more abundantly than in most parts of the world.

The refineries in our country are mostly owned by the it; then we throw money, good money at it — down the government —and like most drain. Is it not enough to make one feel really ashamed? government controlled Does it not make you want to ask what kind of people ventures, they do not work. So we are? we mine our oil and export it in the raw to other countries, e cannot even look after our own health. We where it is refined and sent back cannot heal ailments in which we have to us at a price we can hardly specialists, people who have qualified as experts in afford, so that the government treating the diseases and proved their worth overseas. helps out by offsetting part of They return home, as they properly should, whilst the cost. Yes, that is the many of their contemporaries who are also from “subsidy” issue that has been Nigeria wilfully remain abroad. But while those in the tearing us apart.. Did you ever Diaspora continue to maintain their high professional hear such a roundelay even practice, those who have returned home somehow from children’s moonlight tales? inspire no confidence in the populace who continue to But it is happening here, and send their sick kinsfolk abroad. from this weird scenario has

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We are losing out, going and coming, to nations that can only be described as puny beside us, not only in size but in current wealth and patent potentials, but we seem incapable of doing something tangible about it

Electricity is the blood stream of life in a modern society. So are we not a modern society?

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developed ramifications of such a bizarre hue that people are asking, “What next, for goodness’ sake?”

The truth is that in such a stifling atmosphere of corruption, anything can happen. Perhaps that is why the President of the nation recently told off his own country. The issue of the declaration of the personal assets of a high government official upon entering office, we thought, had been settled for all time by the late President Umar Yar’ Adua, when he publicly declared both his own and those of his wife. As the Vice-President at that time, the procedure was followed by Goodluck Jonathan. His volte-face, and the language of its expression — that language in particular — when it was time to follow suit, fairly threw sand in our face. He went on to dare the nation. We will not soil this page with a reprise of his illchosen words which amounted to nothing less than contempt for those whose votes put him where he is.

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e would be well advised to re-classify what he meant by that statement. Politicians all over the world do so when it is found necessary. And we are saying it is here and now necessary.

Anyway, a sober appraisal of what is now mockingly referred to as “Faroukgate” reveals that this type of prank must have been going on for quite a while. In addition to the fiasco at the Stock Exchange hearings, one could sense the emergence of a sordid pattern that may begin to explain some particular events in our legislative procedures — like the proliferation of enquiries initiated by national assembly committees, for instance. Does it not occur to you that they are simply too many? It is a wonder the honourable members have any space to accommodate the real reason for their existence which is, simply put, to make laws.

Of course, they have sweeping laws to effect their

authority, especially when it concerns the summoning of citizens to help with investigations, but it is not likely that they can effectively demand that a witness must speak in camera. It would have been more of our expectations that the insistence should be on a public hearing, rather than the other way around. All in all, “Faroukgate” has dented the shining armour of our knight of the “transparent order”, and it would appear that we can now see more than we were meant to.

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e may here touch on the consideration of when to end a “sting” operation. I believe that it is when the arrest is made. A “sting”, of course, takes place only with the knowledge and participation of the police. But a crime has to be committed first before an arrest is made.

In the case of a bribe episode, it is not always enough to establish that the gratification has been fulfilled; the favour for which it is paid may also have to have been accomplished. So while the question has been asked about why an arrest was not immediately executed at the point of the alleged payment of those mouth-watering sums of dollars in the “Faroukgate” saga, one cannot speak for the police but it seems they know what they are doing. But do we, as a nation, know where we are heading?

And with the killing of a Police Commissioner and kidnapping of a DPO in broad daylight, you can’t blame a local government chieftain for celebrating his release at the hands of his abductors. He returned —or was returned — blaming the lack of security on the insufficiencies of our social life. And so meekly ask: what next?

PS: There is a query right here on my desk about why Nigeria’s, nay Africa’s, first female football referee was left out of the celebration of Nigeria’s most accomplished women, which took place in Abuja recently. If you know the answer, would you kindly share it with us? Thank you. More later.

Time out.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2013—17

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18—SATURDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 27, 2013 Dear Julie, I don’t know if this is right or wrong but I have fallen in love with my first cousin and it’s serious and the love is reciprocal.

My friends say it’s an abomination but who cares? The pressure is much though and I’mvery curious.

What are the pros and cons legally and morally of dating your first cousin? To make a long story short, my cousin and I have become close friends and are madly in love with each other. We have that “don’t care” attitude on what others say or think about our relationship, but I’m curious anyway.

Felix,Abuja Dear Felix, We’re Nigerians first and then Africans and there are many things African tradition prohibits. Moreover, negative reactions to cousins who pair off stem largely from the belief that children from such relationships may have physical and/or mental abnormalities. Newborns with genetic disorders such as spina bifida

She calls her ex’s name when we make love

I’ve fallen for my first cousin or cystic fibrosis are more likely to be born of blood relatives because previously unexpressed recessive genes are more likely to appear. First cousins are two-times more likely to bear offspring with a birth defect than children born of couples who don’t share a common grandparent. If cousin couples happen to be carrying known genetic diseases, the risks faced by their offspring can jump. Experts say one out of four such children will have some sort of disorder.

Some cultures however permit you to date and be intimate

with cousins not too close,

but if you are considering marriage, laws vary by tribe. Most traditions in Nigeria forbid first cousins from marrying, some require genetic counseling before legal union can take place.

Haven said these, the moral consequences of dating your first cousin is up to the two of you to know what your values are, what you’re thinking about for the future, and what’s best for you as individuals, a couple, and a family. As

with all moral decisions, this is a personal, but complicated matter, given societal norms and the many who see cousin marriages as taboo.

You say you have a “don’t care” attitude, but you are smart to ask about the risks.

While you may not care what society thinks, do you care what other members of your family think? You may want to consider discussion on how your relationships affects them. But candidly speaking, you should look elsewhere.

I can’t forgive myself after I was raped Aunty Julie, I was raped some years ago and I have not been myself ever since. I was 16 or 17 when this situation took place. I was living with this family that went to my church, and the lady’s husband kept coming on to me. At this time, my parents were divorcing and I was depressed.I was so scared of this man because he was a giant compared to me. He kept asking me if he could touch my thighs. I kept telling him no because it was wrong, but I didn’t tell anyone. I wouldn’t even eat at night because I was afraid he would try to rape me.

So one day, I came home from church a little earlier than the others did. He came in and waited until I got out of the bathroom. He sat me down on a chair and he kept touching me. I was so in shock that I couldn’t move. That day, he entered me and I didn’t push

I felt so confused and cheap because after he was done he left N1000 on my table

that we had to ask God for forgiveness.

My question is, was it my fault for being in this situation or is he at fault for taking advantage of me? I have forgiven him, but I still have to work on forgiving myself. To me, that is a very hard task because he is one of the elders in the church. What should I do? I am 20 years now.

Linda, Lagos

him away, but I was crying and felt sick. Later on that week, he came into the basement where I stayed, and he performed oral sex on me. I felt really bad, but then again I did enjoy it. I felt so confused and cheap because after he was done, he left N1000 on my table. I felt like a slut. Then after a few weeks of him not even looking at me, I decided to talk to him and tell him that I was sorry and that we couldn’t do it anymore and

Dear Linda, It is very good of you to bring up this issue because many victims of rape are suffering in silence. Even though you’ve worked so hard to forgive this man, you’re stuck in a struggle to forgive yourself for something that he did to you, against your wishes. You don’t have to struggle with self-blame any longer. Many people in situations like yours fault themselves for something that was done to them or have

*Roger is a hard worker, and he spends most of his nights bowling or playing volleyball.

One weekend, his wife decides that he needs to relax a little and take a break from sports, so she takes him to a strip club. The doorman at the club spots them and says “Hey Roger!

How are you tonight?” His wife, surprised, asks her husband if he has been here before. “No, no. He’s just one of the guys I bowl with.” They are seated, and the waitress approaches, sees Roger and says “Nice to see you, Roger. A gin and tonic as usual?” His wife’s eyes widen. “You must come here a lot!” “No, no” says Roger “I just know her from volleyball.” Then a stripper walks up to the table. She throws her arms around Roger and says “Roger! A table dance as usual?” His wife, fuming, collects her things and storms out of the bar. Roger follows her and spots her getting into a cab, so he jumps into the passenger seat. His wife looks at him, seething with fury and flips out on Roger. Just then, the cabby leans over and says “Sure C M Y K

mixed feelings about what they did or didn’t enjoy. It’s only natural to feel confused about what has happened.

Despite your uncertainty, it’s important to know that what happened to you was not in any way your fault. Because you express a desire to heal, it would be a great next step to talk with somebody in your family.You might also consider pastoral counseling. If you choose to do this, it’d be important to find people who you feel safe speaking with. This process may be harder for you because this man is an elder in your church. Within your church, can you think of any pastors, leaders, or counselors you can trust? What about other churches or faith-based organizations in your area?

But know you’ve taken a courageous step by writing in with this question, and it sounds like you’d like to reach a new understanding of what happened to you. The next step is in your hands.

C O C K - T A L E S looks like you picked up a bitch tonight, Roger!” *A man walks into a bar and orders a beer. He drinks it, looks in his pocket and orders another. This happens seven more times. Bartender asks, “What’s in your pocket?” Man says, “I have a photo of my wife in there. When she looks good enough, I’ll go home.” *Why do married men gain weight and bachelors don’t? A: The bachelors go to the refrigerator, see nothing they want, then go to bed. Married guys go to the bed, see nothing they want, then go to the refrigerator.

• A wealthy merchant of 84 married a 25-year-old fashion model. They had a wonderful honeymoon in Switzerland but, unfortunately, the old boy suffered a coronary and was hospitalised. When his young wife came to see him, the old man said, “Sweetheart, your

My girlfriend and I have been making love for the last six months. Just before we began seeing each other, she had gotten out of a pretty serious relationship. She insists it is over and that she has no feelings for him anymore. I believed her until recently, when we were making love and she cried out his name. I like her very much, but, of course this incident has made me very insecure about our relationship. I’m not sure whether she needs more time to get over this guy, if I’m getting myself into a position where I’ll get hurt, or if I should just ignore the whole thing altogether. What should I do?

Akpos, Benin Dear Akpos, You think your girlfriend may need more time to get over her last partner. She is the only one who can answer that question, but you should feel free to discuss your concern with her. You wonder if you are getting yourself into a position where you might get hurt. While this is a possibility in any relationship, you may ask yourself if you are willing to take the risk for this person. You are considering ignoring the whole thing. Unfortunately, ignoring the issue won’t reassure you of anything. Talking about your feelings and listening to your partner’s can help you sort out the possible misunderstanding.

You can be honest with your girlfriend and can ask the same of her. These discussions can be challenging, especially since they deal with sensitive issues of jealousy and insecurity. A state-of-the-relationship discussion might be a good option. Either it will ease your anxieties and reaffirm your girlfriend’s commitment and interest in you, or it will allow you to make a clean break.

There are some ways to initiate a potentially difficult conversation. You can start by picking a time and place where you are both calm and comfortable. You might focus

on the name-calling, or you might focus on the broader

relationship.

Start however you feel comfortable, keeping in mind that your partner may be as uncomfortable, if not more so, than you are about the gametime misnomer. Avoid bringing it up while in bed or on a

date.

future has been taken care of regardless of what happens to me. You will have an income of $250,000 a year, my home in Palm Springs, my ranch in Texas, and my Mercedes. You’ll never need to worry about money.” “Oh, sweetheart, please don’t talk that way,” his young wife exclaimed. “You’ve been so good to me already. If you go, I’ll be devastated. Oh, there must be something I can do to help you. Please, tell me what I can do?” “Well,” the old man gasped, “you can quit pinching the inlet tube to my oxygen supply for starters.

•An aged farmer and his wife were leaning against the edge of their pig-pen when the old woman wistfully recalled that the next week would mark their golden wedding anniversary. “Let’s have a party, Homer,” she suggested. “Let’s kill a pig.” The farmer scratched his grizzled head. “Gee, Ethel,” he finally answered, “I don’t see why the pig should take the blame for something that happened fifty years ago.”

SATURDAY Vanguard APRIL 27, 2013—19

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AVE you often wrestled to zip up your jeans, cursing every bulge and bump in your body,or gazed longingly at all the skimpy tops in the shops wishing you had the figure to carry them off? It is a fact that a lot of women have dreamt of being skinny at some point in their lives, staring at pictures of impossibly slim models, wondering how different their lives could be if only they looked like these models.

Now experts have asked women to look at it another way.

That you should try to imagine your life without your children.

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hey are not anorexic. They still have regular periods. But according to what the professor calls her ‘critical fatness theory’, they are unknowingly switching off their reproductive systems by keeping themselves just slightly under weight. “Many women who maintain the body shape made popular on catwalks throughout the world are completely infertile”, says Professor Frisch.

“These women can, however, continue having monthly periods and not guessing that anything is wrong with them until they try and fail to get pregnant.”

She explains her theory in full in a book called: Female Fertility and the Body Fact Connection. Body fat, she says, provides the energy for reproduction.

Fall below the required level and your body will

Can low-fat diets make you infertile?! begin to restrict the flow of a hormone that is vital for reproduction. She warns that there is a frighteningly thin line between being a weight at which you can conceive and a weight at which you can’t. “What I found most astonishing is that there’s a razor-thin borderline where losing just three pounds in weight can tip a normal-sized woman over into infertility without any outward sign at all that such an enormous event has taken place,” she said.

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he also warns that if your are underweight, deciding to pile on a few pounds when you want to have a baby may not work. According to her, there may come a point at which it is too late

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Or if you haven’t had children yet, without the possibility of ever having them.

According to U.S. academic, Rose Frisch of Havard University, that’s the price many young women are paying for their dedication to staying slender. She has been studying the link between body fat and fertility for the last 20 years. She believes that millions of healthy young women are making themselves infertile by sticking to low-fat diets.

Many women who maintain the body shape made popular on catwalks throughout the world are completely infertile

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to become fertile again by simply putting on weight.

Professor Frisch continues:“My work proves scientifically how important body fat is to a woman’s health, it is a wake up call to

all those women who believe keeping super-lean is the right thing to do.

Unfortunately, her message seems to be falling on deaf ears. And it isn’t just young women who are

worryingly obsessed with their weight. Almost half of all our teenage girls think they are too fat and want to be slimmer, according to another study published in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology.

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any experts blame this alarming finding on the cult of the ultra thin celebrity—from Face of Africa, Oluchi, to ex-Miss World, Agbani Darego.

The report alleges that “our findings lend suppot to

the view that children will develop cultural concepts of desirable physical attributes, particularly related to thinness, well before puberty.” The evidence seems to be clear, a woman shouldn’t be afraid or ashamed of womanly curves. A grown woman wasn’t meant to have a stomach as flat as a washboard. Body fat is pat of being female — and being fertile. It should be celebrated.

Why Do People Lead Secret Lives?

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laying extremely—and it would seem painfully— different roles in life is not, according to Dr. Halla Belof, Professor of Social Psychology at Edinburgh University, particularly extraordinary: “These ‘double lives’ are just exaggerated versions of what we all do in our lives. There used to be this old-fashioned idea, which comes from Christianity that we all walk around spontaneously expressing our “real selves’.

Nowadays it is widely recognised that most of us present a variety of selves to the world. At

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Nowadays it is widely recognised that most of us present a variety of selves to the world. At different times, a woman may act as a mother, a wife, a professional and so on. Each self is as real as the other different times, a woman may act as a mother, a wife, a professional and so on. Each self is as real as the other. So, the people who lead these” double lives’ are just acting

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out widely different scripts, depending on what behaviour is appropriate in a particular situation.

“Being honest is a luxury. Some of

us can do it easily. Others can’t. We all manage to live with a lot of hypocrisy. Some of it is deplorable and some of it is less deplorable. It is simply not appropriate to be open about everything in our lives. “ But Dr. Belof does concede that the greatest tension between the different roles in someone’s life, the greater the stress on the individual, if she or he is seeking to give the appearance of a normal life

27 2013 20—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27,

If you constantly feel that you do not receive the due respect and concern, instead get abused; then it is advised you leave the relationship and stay away from the person. The prime goal of entering into relationship is to be more jovial and satisfied. Each of the partners should care for the other and try to maximize the comforts each other in a relationship. Emotional or physical abuses are to be resisted in a relationship and one has to leave immediately if the partner goes on engaging in abusive behaviour pattern.

08052201257 anyagafu@yahoo.com

When to kiss him/her goodbye

When the love meter dips down perpetually, then one has to understand it as the right time to go away from the partner

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emi and Musa met three years ago and fell in love. Among their friends, their relationship was envied and Remi’s friends wished they were in her shoes.

They hoped to get as lucky as Remi one day but they were ignorant of the pains that enveloped that relationship three years after.

Relationship is a beautiful union of two human beings for the same cause which begins when they find they are soul mates and customarily breakup when they feel the other person as the most unsuitable match he/she can ever find. It is quite funny that the revolution is derived at many a time, within a very short span of time. At this instance, two possible questions arise: did they mistakenly conceive the partner as a soul mate? Or did they fail to meet up with the demands of the relationship?

Whatever it may be, it is

always advisable to leave a relationship when somebody feels it so horrible to continue with. The most suggested reason for dropping the attractions in a short time is getting into a relationship without proper analysis of the partner. Many couples decide to live in relationships just

considering the peripheral attraction and attachment and by the time they realize the actuality of life, they will be in a hooked up situation. It is better to leave a relationship if it gives only issues and dissatisfaction.

Modern relationships do not bind any person to suffer lifelong with a person incompatible.

Romance is the sum of all the struggles and tensions undergone in relationships. People get into relationships to enjoy the romantic presence of the partner and accomplish the human tendency of loving and being loved. If one of the partners doesn’t understand the importance of affection in relationship, it cannot go further in effective manner. You need not compromise your life for a partner who is less affectionate or rude to

y ou. Lack of romance is the obvious sign of lack of interest.

When the love meter dips down perpetually, then one has to understand it as the right time to go away from the partner.

Trust is a delicate string that binds the partners in a relationship together. As soon as you realize broken trust in a relationship, without hesitation, leave the relationship. Mutual trust is essential in every relationship and both the partners need to adhere to the commitment.

Trust is the way of expressing the love, concern and importance one feels for the other person. If any one of the partners doesn’t care for maintaining the trust in relationship, then it is always better to hold back from the relationship.

When the relationship infuses into a sad feeling always, then the relationship is not beneficial for you. Thirst for happiness is said to be the driving force behind every action in human life and so is relationships. When the relationship offers you depression, rather than joviality and peaceful life, then going ahead with the relationship is not meaningful; leave it aside as soon as possible. But analyse if the said depression is the result of your own mentality or caused by the instances in the relationship. If it is ignited by the relationship issues, then the relationship is, of course, destructive for you at the very first instance. Don't make him a priority in your life when you are an option in his.

My partner feels more strongly about me than I do about him Ques: I’m currently in a relationship.

The person I’m with has strong feelings for me. The only problem is that I don’t feel the same about him as he feels about me. I’m scared that if I break up with him that he will tell people private stuff that I told him, and also I have strong feelings for someone else. I have no idea what to do. I don’t want to hurt the person I’m with, but I can’t keep telling myself that I do have strong feelings for him when I don’t. Help me please!!!!

Ivie, Edo Ans: You should know that one of the most challenging aspects of any relationship is listening to our inner feelings. We may find our internal voices overpowered by those of our partner, our family members, our friends, or even societal expectations.

As you’ve discovered, however, not having the same feelings for the person

we are with as s/he has for us can be confusing, painful, and a bit threatening.

Staying in a relationship where you don’t feel fulfilled can be draining. Hurting someone you care about is difficult, too.

For you, it sounds as though the situation has also brought up doubts about how much you can trust your partner with private information you have shared.

Before you make decisions about what you want to do and when, it might be helpful to think about your doubts in more depths. This might be quick and easy, or may be more complicated, if any of the following questions ring true for you. Either way, it might help to write down your thoughts and/or talk about them with a friend, family member, or someone else you trust. When did you first become aware that you didn’t feel as deeply for the person you are with as he does for you? Have you ever talked about this with him before? If so, how did he react? Even if you haven’t talked about

it, do you think he has a sense of whether you’re feeling less interested? What past experiences might make you worry that he’ll gossip about you or betray your confidence? How would you feel/ what would you do if he does talk about you behind your back? Is your fear of his talking about you so great that it makes you want to continue the relationship?

After you think through your feelings, it will be time to make a choice about the action you want to take. Few situations have clearcut solutions; you’ll have to decide what feels better to you right now, being with him or not, telling him or not, and how to act in a way that is least hurtful to both you and him.

If you decide to break off the relationship, it might be useful to rehearse what you want to say and how you’ll handle his reactions.

You should talk about particular things that you’ve appreciated or enjoyed in the relationship; your desire to be upfront; the fact that the two of you seem to want/need different things at this point; your readiness to move on and explore new things.Telling him there’s a particular person you already like a lot may be hurtful. But if he’s really resistant to breaking up, it might help him see the idea as real. Often, falling for someone else is a symptom that a relationship isn’t working. Based on the situation, you can decide what you want to do.

Express your hope and expectation that he’ll be sensitive about private information and moments you’ve shared with one another. Assure him that you’ll do the same and explain how you envision your relationship in the future: do you want to remain friends? Will it be easier if you stop seeing one another entirely?

class and God-fearing lady of 20-29 for a •Max, 33, graduate, wants a good looking relationship that could lead to marriage female friend for relationship on 08096598454 on 08069707648 • Oluwadarasimi, 27, busty, wants a God•Joe, 27, based in Abuja, caring and fearing man for a life-time relationship on loving, wants a slim, fair, lady of 20-25 who 08095287751 is also based in Abuja for a serious •Sammy, 35, from Lagos, needs a good Christian relationship on 08067773936 lady for a serious relationship on 07065075990 sister and wife on 08060028609 •Isiaka, 40, male, based in Lagos, needs •Favour, 21, from Imo State, based in Delta, •Raphael, 29, from Delta State, needs a working a tall, fair, wealthy lady as wife on desires a God-fearing man for a long-lasting 08157115026 relationship on 08163471308 •Emmanuel, 23, Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want •Mike, 27, is searching for a woman e, undergraduat to share with our readers? Please e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com aged between 20-27 for a mutually tall, wants to beneficial relationship on meet a Do you want to be linked?

08174617263 responsible man Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to be •Roland, 39, based in Lagos, dark, linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal information of people for a serious handsome, only child of his parents, who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for disappointments or relationship on needs a woman who will be his friend, embarrassments some people may encounter in the process.

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C M Y K

SATURDAY

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This is the second time this year that I’m saying ,“but we were together just three weeks ago…!!” its freaky, it’s scary, it’s sad. Goldie’s passing took the wind out of my sails, Efere Ozakor’s just simply blindsided me… I don’t think I have fully come to terms with that cold hard fact.

“My in-law” was what he called me.

He had claimed my last daughter for his son since she was about three or four I think and though we did not see often, anytime we met; our conversations would begin with him enquiring after the well-being of his ‘daughter in-law’.

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eyond that Efere was a wealth of information and knowledge.

I doubt that there are too many people who understood the intricacies of the legal and business end of entertainment the way he did.

of course Efere. We had had a swell time and at the end of the hour long show we took the party outside the studio there at LTV 8 and inevitably (as it always is with Efere) the conversation moved from jokes and the mundane to serious issues concerning the entertainment business and ways and means to navigate wisely within the industry.

And if you ever had the privileged of being ‘tutored’ by Efere, if you listen carefully you’ll hit pay dirt. Efere And that was the case the last time I handed out pure nuggets of gold in saw him… barely three weeks ago. I information like Santa Clause handing had been invited as a guest on the out candy at Christmas.

Bimbo-Sola Connect show on LTV 8; nd so it was that day; one hour one of the several who had been asked in his presence drinking from the deep fountain of his knowledge I had my mind renewed and reinvigorated. That’s the effect Efere Ozako had on people; he caused you to look at things differently, encouraged you to change the way you ‘played the game’ so that you can maximise your potential.

Efere is gone?? Just like that?? All that energy, all that knowledge and information, the vibrancy of the man… all of that gone?? I’m not questioning God… or maybe I am?

The pervading ‘loud silence’ in wake to come that day to be part of a special of this shocking occurrence proves I surprise tribute to Ali-baba the ace am not the only one struggling with comedian. There were quite a number this concept . . . of us; Uncle Bisi Olatilo, Ufeoma Chai… na wetin sef!!!

Enejebor,Teju Baby-Face, amongst others, the co-hosts of the show and

Chai!! ... Na wetin sef ??!!

This was information he gave out willingly, freely. You did not have to put Efere on a retainer before you could benefit from the wealth of his knowledge. Even if your conversation

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his piece would have been my submission last week… but there was no way I was going to send it in as is. I didn’t have verification you see. I had seen it up on one person’s BB and even though this person is level headed and not known for frivolity, one person’s word does not make it so! My mind could not conceive it; and even as I write this several days after I have received confirmation my mind completely rejects the very concept.

Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013 —21

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Efere handed out pure nuggets of gold in information like Santa Clause handing out candy at Christmas

began on a frivolous note it wasn’t long before it would veer into serious waters and before you know it, he’d be handing you golden tips on how to navigate successfully, in the entertainment business.

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hese are some sick and twisted group of individuals and one may think this is a rare and isolated incident. I wish this were the case. I have read of a Yaba College of Technology student, Ejiro who was abducted and taken to the nearest ATM machine and forced to fork over her life savings. During the stop at the bank another man who was standing in front of the bank mindC M Y K

The kidnapping business ing his business and probably waiting for his driver to pull up was also kidnapped. This could have been anyone.

Kidnapping rarely seems to have been out of the headlines in recent years, but the rate at which people are being snatched up in Lagos recently is a cause of great concern.

What is the cause of the recent rise in kidnapping in Lagos, and what is law enforcement doing to curtail this madness seems to be the questions on everyone’s lips.

Kidnapping is a rational crime that can be mapped and understood if the Nigerian Police Force are willing to do their jobs to protect citizens. How

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uring church service on Sunday before my pastor began his sermon, he spent his first ten minutes on the podium talking to the congregation about the recent surge of kidnappings in Lagos state. Speaking like a father to his children, he yelled passionately “these are perilous times.” “Don’t stay out late alone, go out in groups.” “Practice sitting in the passenger’s seat next to your driver when you are in traffic at night”, he said.

As he wrapped up his sermon he called out a woman and her family who had a testimony and thanksgiving. The woman presumably in her 60’s danced to the altar with her children and grandchildren and she spoke in detail of her ordeal in the hands of kidnappers. She had been kidnapped for 11 days with no food, or medication to treat the fracture she suffered while trying to get away from her abductors. She had been taken from her place of work in broad daylight as she was making her exit at closing time. While describing her experience she said: “I was the only one they kidnapped, and every morning when they woke up, one of them will lead in prayers asking God that my family pay the ransom they demanded.”

are these kidnappers getting away with holding people hostage, contacting their families demanding ransom, and even more baffling is how they get away the ransom money— sometimes millions of Naira- with no trace.

Kidnapping is defined as “to hold or carry off usually for ransom”, and encompasses a wide variety of crimes. Economic kidnapping— or the kidnapping business is where a financial demand is made, which could be either hard cash, or some other financial resource. Sadly this business is booming, and has become big business not only in Nigeria but across the globe. Economic kidnap-

I was the only one they kidnapped, and every morning when they woke up, one of them will lead in prayers asking God that my family pay the ransom they demanded

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ping is one the fastest growing industries in the world. It is estimated that kidnappers globally take home in the region of $500 million each year in ransom. A huge fraction of this estimate must be out of Nigeria, even though reliable statistics are basically nonexistent, we read and watch on the news of how these kidnappers get away with millions of Naira, and sometimes still end up killing their victims.

Many years ago the Republic of Colombia was the undisputed kidnap capital of the world. Nigeria was number 8 on the list in 1999, and we are sitting at number 4 on that list today.

Over the years kidnapping has risen in Nigeria, and this upsurge can be traced largely to the expansion of multi-national companies in the country following the rich natural resources on offer. But also, gone are the days where foreigners and expatriates were the main target of kidnappers. These days anybody is up for grabs.

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n addition, due to the associa tion of kidnapping with political extremism, it is often wrongly assumed that government officials are the principal targets. However, with the recent kidnappings in the country it shows that business owners are now the most important target of kidnappers. This is a statistic that has been driven home following the recent events in the country. On the whole kidnappers look for the most exposed and least protected people.

This means that even regular citizens need to be cautious, because these kidnappers will snatch anybody up to make a quick buck.

22—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

Why men don’t get your subtle hints

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t’s true: men are awful at picking up on your

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od knows there are diffi cult women out there.

Women who are at times shallow, bitchy, selfish, dishonest and, of course, crazy. But the problem is not that these women exist; the problem is that you’re the guy trying to date them. Wait. But it takes a real man to date or marry a ‘difficult’ woman. Did I hear you protest? That’s the surprising secret about difficult women? But, but, but… all women are like that! Actually, things are more complex than that.

Because, while it may be true that every woman has her something, they don’t all have the same something.

Right? So, why, if you’re like most guys, do you find yourself dealing with one or two of the same somethings over and over again? Even when you specifically go looking for someone completely different from the last one who caused you so much grief, how is it that, lo and behold, here you are, one year later, putting a new password on your phone, again? I’ll tell you how.

It’s not that bitches are crazy. It’s that you got a thing for bitches.Who is crazy? This is also known as having a “type.” But where we generally think of having a type as, say, liking redheads or being an “ass man,” what most people really have is an energetic type. Someone who acts and reacts in ways that we mostly enjoy, until we realize that what we’re attracted to is just the exterior. It matches something inside you. So let’s look at some common archetypes and what they might correspond to in yourself.

The bitch What makes her attractive: She’s a go-getter. She’s sassy. She’s a challenge.

And, often, she makes money.

What’s underneath that: The bitch is all about anger. Often, she’s been hurt out there in the world and she’s developed a tough exterior and sometimes interior to protect herself.

What dating her says about you: There are two ways this can go. You can

Ask the Sexpert I am married for the last two months. My wife hasn’t allowed me to have sex with her, as she complains about pain during penetration. Also, she is not interested. I tried foreplay for two-three hours, but in vain. Please help.

I think you have given an answer as to why premarital counselling could have made both of

Why men date ‘difficult women’ be attracted to the bitch because she expresses the anger you can’t, won’t or don’t allow yourself to express which often means you’re ‘a nice guy.’

Or she just reflects and usually amplifies your own anger back to you. If you’re the kind of guy who’s known for knock-down drag-outs with his girlfriends, or maybe gets into a bar fight every once in a while, this is definitely you.

The sexpot What makes her attractive: She’s hot. And she’s willing.

What’s underneath that: A woman who knows how hot she is and has spent most of her life and relationships controlling men with her sexuality.

What dating her says about you: I know all men are attracted to “hot,” available women. But only a specific kind of guy is actually trying to get into a relationship with a woman who wears Lucite heels or just vibes likes she’s wearing them. If you’re the guy who just can’t get interested in a girl who couldn’t pass for a porn star, you might have an issue with addictive sex. You know how normal drinkers just have wine with dinner while the addicts are in the bathroom doing ...? When it comes to intercourse, that’s you. You need to get high. Off intercourse. You know you’re this guy if sometimes you just wish you could be the kind of guy who could settle down with a “regular” woman and get it over with but you know deep down, you just can’t.

The gold digger What makes her attractive: She’s a trophy. Incredibly well put together, she’s the kind of girl who, when you’re you happier. Please ask her to get LOX 2% gel, apply it in and around her private part and after fifteen minutes, wipe out the excess. Then insert a finger to confirm there is no pain.

I am 29 and my friend is 37. She has been pestering me for love.

Please advise me as we are getting close and our age difference is huge.

Age will not make any difference to

with her, makes you wish you could run into your ex.

What’s underneath that: The gold digger thinks like an asset manager — how can she use what you want to get what she wants.

What dating her says about you: If you’re attracted to trophy wife material, you go for only eights, nines or tens. You’re most likely also a “King of the World” type who believes all women are just out for your money. If this is you, women are just another resource to be mined or commodity to be traded.

So it makes sense that you attract and are attracted to women who leverage their own assets in the hopes they’ll be able to exploit yours. The beauty of this relationship is that you can both be sure you’ll get what you really deserve: each other.

The mess What makes her attractive: She’s often charmingly childlike and adorable, and unlike a lot of other women, she really needs you. And that feels good.

What’s underneath that: She’s in trouble. She’s an alcoholic, she’s in debt, she’s bananas, or she’s got daddy issues.

What dating her says about you: Whatever she’s got going on, you imagine you’re going to fix it, and that makes you feel powerful. And women who can take care of themselves don’t make you feel like that. If the messy woman is your jam, there’s a strong possibility that you feel kind of chaotic inside but can’t allow yourself to acknowledge that. It would be too embarrassing even to yourself so instead, you find a messy girl and try to clean her up.

intercourse. If you wish to marry her, then you both need to think about it.

I always fantasise about making love daily with my girlfriend. I think of putting my fingers in her pubic area. Please suggest me a solution Get something better and more useful to do. There should always be positive slots for each of the important matters in life.

emotions. If it seems like your guy needs a flashing neon sign to clue him in to what you’re thinking, you’re not too far off. Men have twice as much trouble deciphering emotions from women’s eyes than men’s eyes.

Even though your guy may not be great at guessing your emotions based on your gaze, there are simple ways to boost your communication so you’re both on the same page. Make these tweaks to better understand each other: Set it up right As tempting as it is to start

ranting when your guy shows up an hour late, take a breath first and wait until you can rationally say why you’re upset. I’m not suggesting you edit your feelings, but that intensity and tendency to attack when you feel vulnerable can shut someone else down. Set up the conversation by saying something like “Can we talk about something that’s been bugging me?” Not only will this help your guy get prepared for what you’re about to say, but it also helps you to calm down a little so you don’t launch right into an argument.

Stay away from certain words If you’re trying to tell your partner you’re upset, avoid words like “never” and “always” while describing thei r behaviour. It puts someone on the defensive and then they miss what you’re really saying. So unless you want them to tune out after your first sentence, focus instead on explaining why a very specific event or action set you off rather than accusing them of always doing something.

Be prepared to repeat yourself In the beginning of a relationship, there are tons of opportunities for miscommunications.You may not know each other very well or understand the other person’s pet peeves.

So don’t be surprised if you have to explain something like that youget annoyed when someone is late more than once. Saying something once doesn’t mean you’ve covered it for all time.

Sometimes, we need to hear over and over what a person needs not because they don’t care about us, but because people don’t learn a new behaviour that quickly.

I am an attractive man but I have lot of hair on my body and cannot strip before women. Also, every time my mum sweeps the floor, she collects clumps of hair. What do I do?

See an endocrinologist at a reputed hospital to see if you have a hormonal problem. If all is well, you will have to live with the hair growth. Laser treatment can help reduce growth only in pockets.

SATURDAY

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obility aids and appliances are devices designed to assist persons with disabilities and the aged to move around or do things more conveniently. It is the first and most important step in the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.

There are many types of mobility aids and appliances designed to support persons with disabilities to move around and do things they otherwise would not be able to do on their own. Mobility aids and appliances are designed to give quality life to the disabled, and others who might find it physically challenging to get around or do things.

Examples of mobility aids are: Wheelchairs, Crutches, Tricycles, Leg braces, Artificial Legs, Walking frames, Guide Canes, Hand Controls for driving etc; while examples of appliances are: Hearing Aids, Braille Machines, Braille Watches etc.

Mobility aids and appliances provision revisited

establishment of Mobility Aid and Appliances Research and Development Centre (MAARDEC) in 1991.

The centre was established to research and develop mobility aids and appliances for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and also to provide complementary services to ensure that they are socially, economically and politically relevant to the society. MAARDEC has maintained a work force made up of at least 50% of persons with disabilities at all times since inception.

The organization coupled with the activities initiated by its founder while serving as the president of Special Sports Federation of Nigeria (SSFN) from 1995 to 2001, has empowered over 2.4 million persons with disabilities through appropriate

T

o ensure maximum benefit from the use of mobility aids and appliances, the devices must be suitable and used appropriately.

There is also the need for professionals who prescribe mobility aids and appliances to be knowledgeable about disabilities, mobility aids and appliances and should be skilled in their use and applications.

A mobility aid is appropriate

Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013 —23

One of the beneficiaries of MTN Foundation Disability Support project. when it meets the individual’s the country at the most needs and environmental economical and affordable conditions; provides proper prices. “A mobility aid is fit and postural support about the user, not just about based on sound the mobility aid”. Mobility biomechanical principles; is aids users should be involved safe and durable; is available in all aspects of mobility aids and can be accessed, provision.

This informed the maintained and sustained in

provision of mobility aids and appliances and complementary services such as counseling and guidance, motivational summits, employment and job creation, mentoring, sports etc.

MAARDEC is now poised to take her services to the

doorsteps of persons with disabilities in Nigeria through the establishment of empowerment centres in all the states of the federation.

Each empowerment centre will have mobile technical units that can provide services to persons with disabilities at home, at the office and indeed, anywhere the need may arise.

This project is one of the objectives of the ‘Hope and Possibilities Ride’ from Lagos to Abuja by three persons with disabilities, using hand propelled tricycles. This project is still in the works and is intended to create massive awareness necessary to put the issues of disabilities in the front burner of national discourse.

Issues such as Legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and making our society fully accessible to persons with disabilities will be canvassed.

H

ope and Possibilities Ride from Lagos to Abuja is also an attempt to set a world record on Hand propelled tricycle ride by persons with disabilities. The Ride will also be used to promote polio eradication from Nigeria through campaign for adequate immunization of children against polio and other childhood preventable diseases. Road safety campaign will also be carried out during the ride.

Combining posture and deep breathing Legs Raise Technique: Lie on your back with the feet raised up and placed against a wall. Interlace the fingers and resting the back of the head on them breathe in deeply for about 10 times in this position.

When you’re done with your practice, the next step-is to He flat down and re-. rnain still, qiute and relaxed on your mat for a few minutes. This is to allow the body to soak up what you’ve just done and also afford the body a bit of proper rest of body and mind.

Leg Raise

Technique: Lie flitt on your

belly and arrange the hands beside the shoulders. Take in a deep breath and raise the body off the ground with just the hands and toes in contact with the ground.

Retain the breath for a slow count to 5. Then lower the body as you breathe out.

The shoulderstand

Technique: Lie flat on your practice mat or blanket with the feet stretched out and hands besides you. Now raise C M Y K

both legs up as well as the buttocks supporting them with the hands. Then straighten up the trunk and legs and let your chin fit into the hollow at the base of the neck. You may now commence deep breathing for 15 to 30 seconds. To come out of the posture, simply bend the knees and roll down the trunk and legs much the same way you would a carpet.

You’re ready to face the day!

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos. 9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

Eat vegetables and let your food be your medicine A

lthough all vegetables have nutrients and some protective powers, for these vegetables, it’s above normal. These vegetables have a special chemical composition: They have sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for their pungent flavors. When they’re broken down by biting, blending, or chopping, a chemical reaction occurs that converts these sulfurcontaining compounds into isothiocyanates (ITCs) which prevent and knock out cancer and have infinite proven immune-boosting capabilities.

Many people are familiar with the term “cruciferous vegetables” and can even identify a vegetable like broccoli as belonging to this group. But because research on cruciferous vegetables has skyrocketed over the past years, many people may not be familiar with the latest science on this age-old group of vegetables.

They contain antiviral and antibacterial agents that keep the body disease free. Adding these cruciferous

•Vegetables are powerful immune builder atherosclerosis, stroke, cancer, immune disorders, brain aging, cataracts, and arthritis.

Onions: powerful antioxidants that reduce risk of cancer Like garlic, onions also contain allicin. Red and purple onions contain anthocyanins,

,

vegetables to your daily plate is like taking an anticancer pill: arugula, beet greens, bok choy,broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards,horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, red cabbage, turnip greens, or watercress.

In terms of conventional nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins,carbohydrates and fats), there is no other vegetable group that is as high in vitamin A carotenoids, vitamin C, folic acid, and fibre as thecruciferous vegetables. As a group, the cruciferous vegetables are simply superstars in these conventional nutrient areas.Here are a few of these superstars!

Garlic: powerful and potent medicine The active ingredient allicin turns into organosulfurs, which are the compounds that keep your cells safe from all the destructive cellular processes that can cause major chronic diseases. Garlic is a natural antiseptic; it prevents cancer, fights infection, and prevents colds.

Research states that garlic may prevent or decrease chronic diseases associated with age, such as

•Vegetables keep children healthy ...

cells that are damaged or infected by a virus. Mushrooms are associated with decreasing most cancers and significantly reducing the risk of breast cancer in women.

They prevent DNA damage, slow cancer or tumour growth, and prevent tumors

They prevent DNA damage, slow cancer or tumour growth, and prevent tumors from acquiring a blood supply

the same antioxidants that make berries so robust in healing powers. In addition to being extraordinary at preventing and healing cancer, the quercetin contained in onion makesthem a safe therapy for allergies; it also helps prevent heart disease and reduce high blood pressure.

Mushrooms enhance activity of natural killer T cells The natural killer cells attack and remove

,

from acquiring a blood supply.

Tomatoes prevent cancer of the prostate Tomatoes also have high levels of beta carotene, an antioxidant thatsupports the immune system. They have high dietary fibre and taste delicious raw or cooked.

Spinach triggers immune response to keep you well Spinach prevents cancer and heart disease and is rich in the disease-fighting mineral zinc. The

vitamin C helps you resist colds and infection and keeps your skin healthy; the B vitamins keep you calm and more energetic.

Asparagus encourages the body to flush out toxins Asparagus is both cleansing and antiinflammatory to the body. It has the antioxidant glutathione, which can lower your risk factor for heart disease and cancer.

It’s useful for all inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Artichoke supports the liver The substance cynarin gives artichoke its detoxifying qualities.

Artichokes’ B vitamins increase mental alertness and strengthen your immunity.

Red bell pepper: a powerful immune builder Red bell pepper’s high level of beta carotene turns into vitamin A, making it a strong defense against disease. Although green and yellow peppers are certainly healthy, they’re more superfoodish.

Althoughthey both have similar amounts of vitamin C, red bell peppers have quite a bit more of the superstar beta carotene.

Sweet potatoes: far superior than white potato The orange variety contains beta carotene, which makes them filled with robust antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer abilities. They’re also full of fibre and the vitamin E they contain is healthy for the skin.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2013 — 25

anozieegole@yahoo.com

Waje drops “Na the way” A

S part of activities leading to her May 1 much talked about album launch, sensational African soul songbird and actress, Waje during the week, gave away one of the hottest tracks of her yet to be released album.

The track, “Na the way” is a remix featuring Ghana’s most celebrated rapper, Sarkodie.

The album was produced by the fine love crooner, J. Martins. The sexy songbird, also reveals her intention to drop a 14 track album which features, some of the top Nigerian singers like MI, Tiwa Savage, J. Martins, Sarkodie, Eva, Phyno and Burna boy among others. Though this is the first album to be dropped by the singer, preparations are in high gear to make it a fun filled event.

Chika Ike goes bald S

EXY actress, Chika Ike, would stop at nothing to ensure that she properly interprets her roles in a movie.

She has joined the likes of Oge Okoye, Mercy Johnson among others who have shaved their hairs for a role in a movie. In a yet to be released movie, “Moment of Tears”, the screen goddess tweeted, “ rocking my new look, getting used to it, lol!! still on set for “Moment of Tears”and ever since then, fans have never ceased to applaud her

boldness. A visit to her social media, tweet reveals so, these are some of the tweets from fans, Sandra Ikpeoha @chikaike, you are still beautiful cos, God has endowed you with it— soon is gonna grow back— rock it whilst it last. Juli Kris @chikeike, your new look makes you original.

Ihuanne Nkem stephen @chikaike, sweet heart, keep cool, you are all things.

*Chika

MT V all star MTV game unveils three more Dj’s I

T could be described as a night of glitz and glamour at the federal palace hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, as all roads lead to the unveiling of three more Nigerian Dj’s ,like, Dj Jimmy Jatt, Dj, Caise and Dj Sose, who have been added to the urban music tour , MTV all Star game on Saturday,April 13, 2013.

Nigerian talented stars, Tuface, Davido and Ice Prince were the artistes that performed in the breathtaking concert. Among celebrities that stormed the event were Denrele Edun , Karen Igho, Soji, among others. The show was headlined by Snoop Lion otherwise known as Snoop Dog, and it intends to applaud the quality of stars in the continent of Africa.

*DJ Jimmy Jatt

“Tak e it bac k” se o hit the big screen ake back” sett tto I

F this news is anything to go by, then it would be safe to say that, fun seekers would soon witness a series like never before, as, Victor Fakunle, has decided to give entertainment a new dimension with the debut of his reality show, “Take It Back”. This series can best be described as entertainment unusual as it is set to reveal to viewers what life is like in the four walls of the prison and life after prison.

From the stables of Human Rights Foundation, “Take It Back” seeks to give hope to inmates who have lost hope in the prison.

Speaking at the official unveiling of the show at Lekki, Lagos, the

chairman of HRF, Victor Fakunle said that “it is not just a normal show we used to know, it is only inmates from Ikoyi, Kirikiri and Badagry prisons that can contest for the show,” he said. The

audition starts by May and is going to be aired from July. The winner goes home with a huge some of N400,000.

*Dj, Caise

*Dj, Sose

*Victor Fakunle flanked by some organisers of the show

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

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SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013—27

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28 — Vanguard, SARTURDAY, APRIL 27, 2013

After a failed album, Originality, he took a long break from the music scene, only to re-surface with ReFazed, an album which opens a new side to the dreadlocks wearing Faze. But this time, the dreads are gone- here comes the ‘new born’ Faze.

Read on.

What have you been working on?

I’m working on my new album titled Re-Fazed. It contains a number of tracks with the videos already shot.

We are putting finishing touches to the album, and I have already started the album promotion, shot videos and granting radio interviews. A lot of things have been going on.

I’ve changed my management, a lot of things have been reFazed.

What’s ‘Re-Fazed’ all about?

It’s about me and everything around me.

Basically, everything that has to do with my music has changed. It’s not like I’m not the same Faze but my music has changed because the environment is changing.

My dreadlocks have been shaved. The kind of music I do right now is that which people have to dance to, and my management has changed too.

Why did you change your management?

I feel it’s better for me to be doing most of my stuff. I’m a very funny person. I like getting involved in my own project.

How many tracks are contained in your new album?

It has 17 tracks in all. I have songs like Good Wife, Nkem and some new ones we’ve just done.

Who’s the producer?

I worked with new people because I don’t always like old hands. When I meet new hands, I try my best working with them because I believe challenging them will get me

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Our story as Planta challenged too. I worked with a guy called Pig Mixed, Rhyno, Kelly among others.

What about doing collaborations?

I’ll do collabos but not now.

It will be after releasing the album.

After dropping the last single, Originality, you went off the stage, what happened?

I didn’t go off the stage. I only took my time to do some research because when I dropped my last single and it didn’t fly the way I expected, I quickly carried out a research.

That’s why every artiste is scared to release singles because of the fear that fans may not like it. If you see an artiste daring to bring out an album, it means he has confidence in himself because releasing an album is the greatest fear of any artiste. We are not scared and that’s why we do the best we can, we experiment our performances with people and they tell us what they think about us.

That’s why it’s not good to ask your friends to judge your music because they’ll always tell you it’s good. They don’t want to offend you. But when critics descend our music, you don’t need to be told to buckle up.

When is the album dropping?

It’s out already but the problem is that people don’t know it has been released.

What we are doing at the moment is to include other songs in the album and then, plan a proper launch. That’s

Annie used to sit under the tree to cry for 2face’s love where I had a problem with my former managers. I don’t want to talk about it now. I’m working with a new team and we are trying our best to do something new with it. I’m trying to re-package the album and make noise with it. I’m also trying to organize a concert starting from next month. It’s going to be a U.S tour.

Are you saying that your

,

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

because everybody wants to dance. Even if you give birth to a child today, she wants to dance. It’s not everybody that loves mid-tempo songs. So, I had to mix it with dancing songs then, they can go through the album and appreciate others.

Taking you back, what was growing up like?

My parents were never poor.

because they wanted me to get used to the environment. So, I was on location for about three months and that was what delayed my album.

You have a degree, 2face doesn’t, and I don’t think Black Face does...

No, Black Face has a degree.

What Black Face just told me was that if I wanted to cope with Plantashun Boiz, I

Black Face told me some time ago that if I knew I wanted to do music, I had to leave every other thing and face it. It did work out for me. God has a calling for everyone, and I think music is my calling.

,

former manager was not good?

No, it’s not like that. We had an agreement that we should go our different ways because I felt the way I used to run my business is different from the way they are used to doing it.

We can’t work together because my style of doing things is different from theirs.

What was the reaction you got from fans after you cut your dreadlocks?

I was scared which was normal because I didn’t know what fans would say.

People have always loved and known me with my dreadlocks. But I was surprised because they were impressed. And when they saw me cut my dreads, they actually knew that something new will come out of it. At the end of the day, it’s the fans’ reaction that will determine whether your songs and looks are good or not. And I got positive reactions which I think is good for me.

Why do you think you had to change your kind of music in order to stage a comeback?

It’s not like it’s changed. There’s a little of me that is contained in my new song

They cared of me and my siblings very well and that’s why I’m trying to do same very soon. I attended Nazareth Primary school and Festac Grammar School. I did ATS 1 & 2 in Ilaro and later had my degree in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies. Then I went into music.

Why didn’t you practice what you studied?

Black Face told me some time ago that if I knew I wanted to do music, I had to leave every other thing and face it. It did work out for me. God has a calling for everyone, and I think music is my calling.

What do you mean by ‘leaving everything’?

That is I had to relocate from where I was living because we weren’t living together at that time. I went to live with 2face and Blackface to enable us form the Plantashun Boiz. Even there was a movie I featured in, titled Alero’s Symphony. I insisted that I would be coming to location from my home but the producers disagreed with me

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, APRILE 27, 2013 —29

ashun Boiz— Faze myself because I noticed judges were usually partial when it comes to ladies. It was a live performance but Black Face encouraged me to go ahead. He accompanied me to the competition and I won at the end of the day. So, it’s the same spirit that I’m trying to give back to him. Whenever, we sit and write songs together, he writes in a different dimension. I think the only thing he needs to do is take his time and not to be in a

I’m not helping myself, he’s helping me. I’m still going to do one or two songs with 2face in future. But I’m doing everything to make sure things work out well for Black Face.

We are all looking for money to take care of our responsibilities. The highest we can do is work together and make more money. Black Face has been helpful to me even financially so, it’s on both sides.

Why were you and Black Face absent at Tuface’s Dubai

hurry.

It appears you are more passionate about Black Face than 2face.

No, it’s not like that. 2Face is already big and Black Face will still grow. Most of the times when he’s down, I sit with him because I know his kind of person. He has talent and he has his fans. What is left is for him to give his fans the right music to listen to and enjoy.

He made me grow, and I don’t want to say I don’t care about anybody but I’m a kind of person that I don’t forget my benefactors. Sometimes, God directs me to give to people and I do it because I know there’s blessing behind it. It was Black Face who made me join Plantashun Boiz and that’s why I’m known today.

So why didn’t you speak with 2face to lend him a support?

What he needs isn’t financial support. We are working together to bring out the right songs.

What’s 2face doing about it?

I’m sure both of them meet to discuss on their own, you know they are from the same area. I can only speak for myself that whatever I do for Black Face,

wedding?

I was in Dubai but got to the venue very late. I had other functions I was attending to.

People saw me because we were together at the club. Black Face has his own reason he didn’t make it.

But you are his friend and

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should forget about this because I don’t like talking about the past. As young boys, in the Plantashun Boiz, we were always back up to each other. If 2face wasn’t singing, I could take his part because we have similar voices. And Black Face raps and sings at the same time. So, two heads are better then one. Then, as the baby of Plantashun Boiz, I listened to whatever Black Face said, and I never see anything wrong with that because it worked out for me. Who knows, if I wasn’t part of the group, I might be struggling with other groups to come up today. I attempted it and it worked but if I tried and it didn’t work out, maybe I would have done something else.

How do you feel today that 2face is a superstar as well as yourself, but Black Face is yet to hit the mark?

Black Face is also going to be big. Everybody seems to be supporting him financially, and it takes a lot for people to believe in you.

Black Face wrote almost all the songs we had in our first album, so, he has potentials. He has management challenges and people that believe in him. We must be frank, we have some junk music in the industry but they sell because they have financial backups to pay for publicity and other things. These days, if you are bringing out an album, it has to be well packaged, it has to generate noise.

I’m working on something with him to make sure he bounces back.

Since you know his problem, why didn’t you...

He’s going to be big. Everybody has his time But don’t you think it’s getting too late?

Nothing is too late. He just needs a single and I’m working with him on his album because he was involved in my career. I remember when I wanted to go for a singing competition. I was young and scared of the unexpected because there were so many ladies there that could sing well. I didn’t want to involve

I’ll do that very soon.

I thought you said you had a girl you were dating for years and you’d get married to I’ve never dated any girl for years in my whole life. Besides, I don’t have to date anybody for years before knowing who she is. That’s why I wrote a song called Good Wife. I know the qualities of a good wife, and it’s only God that can show you who a good wife is because you know most of our young ladies pretend only to change after the wedding. I know my wife.

It’s not that I’m perfect.

Meaning that someone is in your life Yes, I don’t play with that.

But what if I want to marry her but she isn’t ready for it? Both of us have our lives to live but what matters is that we love each other. I didn’t say I have another girl. She’s a wife to be

by God’s grace. It’s not that my mum has to approve her. It’s just for her to pray because God determines everything we do in life. I do things at my own time and make sure that person is ready to do it too.

So when is your time?

I won’t say anything now but it’ll happen at the right time.

How come you and Black Face are reserved with girls but 2face isn’t?

Tuface is also a cool headed person. The girls who got pregnant for him knew what to do to avoid pregnancy but they didn’t. That means they wanted the babies.

They wanted him to marry them?

It’s all about choice when he decided to marry Annie. I’ve known Annie for years and I think she’s perfect for him.

There were times she would sit under the tree, crying and asking me if 2face really loved her. Even when 2face was dating Annie, Black Face and I were equally dating two of Annie’s friends. But we didn’t marry those girls but 2face and Annie eventually got married.

That’s life for you.

How do you cope with girls

I didn’t go off the stage. I only took my time to do some research because when I dropped my last single and it didn’t fly the way I expected, I quickly carried out a research

you should know better He must have his reasons.

Maybe, he didn’t have money for the ticket It’s not about the money because tickets don’t cost that much. He must have his own reasons. Tuface had his reasons he didn’t invite him too. After all, when Black Face did his wedding, none of us was there.

Now, that 2face and Black Face are married, what are you waiting for?

,

It’s not easy. They come, want to get very intimate and ready to do anything. Some of them already have boyfriends, and some are even married but I know the rules. So, what I do is to invite them to my shows and they see me. Some of them just wants their parents to see me. There was a girl that her mother always calls me and prays for me over the phone.

C M Y K

30 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2013

Compiled Ephraim Oseji

Ferguson the richest manager in Britain

M

anchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has retained his position as the wealthiest football manager in Brit ain, according to a report. The fourth annual Sunday Times Sport Rich List, to be published in full on Sunday, says that Ferguson, who has just led United to Premier League title glory, is now worth £34m.

The list is based on identifiable wealth, which includes land, property, other assets such as art and racehorses, or significant shares in publicly quoted companies, but which excludes bank accounts. Former Sunderland and Ipswich boss Roy Keane, who used to play for Ferguson at United, is next on the list at £29m, followed by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger (£29m).

QPR manager Harry Redknapp is worth £13m, good enough for ninth on the list, just behind his predecessor at Loftus Road, Mark Hughes (£14m).

Interim Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has joined the list in joint-10th, alongside England boss Roy Hodgson and Martin O’Neill, with a fortune of £12m.

Spurs happy to meet Barcelona asking price for Song

T

ottenham are willing to meet Barcelona’s asking price for Alex Song. The firmer Arsenal midfielder is keen on a return to England after failing to establish himself at Barca this season. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has ruled out re-signing the Cameroon star, whose departure was done on acrimonious terms.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas, however, is keen and chairman Daniel Levy wouldn’t have a problem meeting Barca’s €19 million asking price to bring Song back to North London in the summer.

...Julio Cesar ffacing acing ffine ine af aftter being pictured in Chelsea kit

J

ulio Cesar, the QPR goalkeeper, is facing the prospect of internal club action after pictures of him wearing a Chelsea shirt at a fancy-dress party were posted on the internet by his wife.

Although QPR would have been relegated on Monday night if Aston Villa had beaten Manchester United, Cesar attended the 26th birthday party of Brazil teammate and Chelsea defender David Luiz.

It was a fancy-dress party, with Cesar and Susana Werner, his wife, dressing up as Luiz in Chelsea shirts and wigs.

Werner posted the pictures on her Instagram account yesterday, immediately prompting anger from within QPR and also among some of their fans. Chelsea are QPR’s fiercest rivals and, although the picture was subsequently removed from her account, it had soon spread to Twitter and other internet sites.

QPR are mindful that the timing of the picture could not be much worse and they have been considering the possibility of some sort of club action.

Cesar will stress that there was absolutely no malice or disrespect intended and that he was simply dressing up as a friend. A source close to Cesar said that it was meant “as a little bit of fun against David Luiz”. Other players apparently at the party apparently got dressed up in some of Luiz’s Brazil shirts and it is doubtful whether Cesar would have been fully aware of the historic rivalry between Chelsea and QPR. Meanwhile, a dramatic last-gasp free-kick from David Luiz gave the Blues the advantage in this Europa League semi-final first-leg clash.

That was after a Victor Moses opener had been cancelled out by a controversial penalty three minutes from time.

Monaco eyes Benitez

I

nterim’ Chelsea head coach Rafa Benitez could be offered an escape route from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season by big-spending Ligue 2 outfit AS Monaco.

The under-fire Spaniard has only been in charge of the West London giants since last November, when he replaced the popular Italian Roberto Di Matteo in the Blues dug-out.

Onazi Song

Everton make move for Nigerian

Ancelotti tells PSG: 'I'm off to Real Madrid'

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arlo Ancelotti has informed Paris Saint-Germain that he will leave in the summer as he is "close to a deal with Real Madrid".

According to reports, Ancelotti told PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi of his

plans in a meeting, with the Italian set to end his 18-month stay in the French capital at the end of the season.Ancelotti is on course to lead PSG to a first league title since 1994 with the Ligue 1 toping the table by nine points with just five games remaining.

Ancelotti

20-year-old Ogenyi Onazi of Italian club Lazio has been the subject of some interest from Everton.

Everton have already contacted Lazio regarding the Nigerian midfield international who has played 9 times for his country.

Onazi is far from a regular for Lazio, he has made just 5 appearances of the Italian’s in Serie A, although he has been a regular for them in their Europa League campaign. It is reported he would be valued at around €5.5million. With South African Daylon Claessen already on trial at Goodison Park and transfer rumours linking Everton with a summer move for Real Betis midfielder Juan Carlos in the summer, there must be either a lot of transfer enquiries coming out of Everton at the moment or the media are getting a head start on a summer of transfer speculation and rumours.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2013 —31

Compiled Ephraim Oseji

T

he girlfriend of B a r c e l o n a footballer Cesc Fabregas has been accused of lying about the extent of his wealth to enable them to buy the £7 million property that a High Court judge had ordered her former husband to sell.

Daniella Semaan, 38, who gave birth to Fabregas’s child two weeks ago, separated from Elie Taktouk, a London

Fabregas girlfriend accused of lying about his wealth property tycoon, in 2011 after 12 years of marriage.

During their divorce battle, she told judges that she received little financial support from the midfielder, with whom she was alleged to have had an affair, and that his obligations were only to their baby.

She said the 25-year-old

paid for the cost of her travel between Barcelona and London and looked after her whilst she was in Spain but nothing more.

As a result, Mr Justice Coleridge, sitting at the High Court, ruled that Mr Taktouk must sell the former marital home in Belgravia, Central London, in order to award her

a £1.4 million cash settlement.

However, three weeks after the judgment was handed down, a company controlled

by Fabregas put in a £5.4 million bid for the Grade II-listed flat.

Stephen Lyon, for Mr Taktouk, told the Court of Appeal that Miss Semaan was trying to have her cake and eat it.

proneness that would blight his development and later on his career.

Some might say that Hargreaves was a victim of his own playing style.

Industrious, always looking for the ball, running himself into the

Owen Hargreaves Football is missing this amazing and incredible talent

A

t the age of 32, the career of Owen Hargreaves seems all but over. At 19 years of age, Owen Hargreaves won the Champions League with Bayern Munich, then he won his second Champions League medal with Manchester United 7 years later. We recall the sad demise of the midfielder.

Now, at 32 and at an age where Hargreaves should be at his prime, it seems that Hargreaves’ career could have reached the end. At just 19 years old the Canadian born midfielder burst onto the scene in the Bundesliga, making his debut for Bavarian side Bayern Munich. The following season Bayern would go on to win the Bundesliga, with Hargreaves becoming a first team regular in the centre of midfield. Bayern are renowned for producing some of Europe’s best midfielders, the likes of Stefan Effenberg and Lothar Matthaus both excelled at Germany’s biggest club. Hargreaves too would be yet another player off the production line at the club.

It wasn’t always going to be football as a choice of career for Hargreaves. Strangely enough, aged 15, the youngster wasn’t even interested in soccer. He was more interested in ice hockey, which had become the most popular sport to watch in Canada.

Playing for the Calgary Foothills for three years, he soon would catch the attention of visiting scouts, and in 1997 a move to

TENNIS

Wimbledon announces 40% prize money increase for 2013 championship

•Owen AdamHargreves Scott i Germany beckoned.

Over the course of an eight year career in Munich, Hargreaves played over 200 games for the club, but showed signs of injury

GOLF

McIlroy

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he All-England Club has announced a 40% rise in prize money for Wimbledon in 2013 and plans for a retractable roof for Number One Court by 2019. Prize money will total £22.6m, up £6.5m on 2012, with the men's and women's singles winners receiving £1.6m each. Philip Brook, chairman of the All England Club, has denied the decision came about under pressure from players.

"We've listened to the players, but we have had no negotiations with players or the ATP or WTA tour," he said. With the Centre Court roof in use since 2009, a total of 26,500 covered seats will be available across the two show courts once the work on Number One Court is complete. The prize money on offer to the winners of the men's and ladies' singles winners was made the same in 2007 and will rise £450,000 from the £1.15m that champions Roger Federer and Serena Williams received in 2012.•Andy Murray

R

Fabregas and Semaan

Rory McIlroy still has Rio 2016 Olympics choice

ory McIlroy will have the choice of representing Great Britain or Ireland at the 2016 Olympics if he wants to, despite comments from the R&A implying he may only be eligible for Ireland.

Royal & Ancient chief executive Peter Dawson said "there may be an Olympic regulation" saying McIlroy can only represent Ireland in Rio because he has played for them in two World Cups.

But the International Olympic Committee cited a rule saying if three years have passed since he represented Ireland, the 23-year-old could play for Team GB. The world number two's international dilemma comes from the fact that athletes born in Northern Ireland are eligible to represent Great Britain or Ireland at Olympic Games.

McIlroy said in January that he could opt out of the Olympics to avoid the difficult decision.

ground for his club; Hargreaves truly only ever gave 100 percent whenever he played.

In the 2006-2007 season, when Manchester United were already knocking on Bayern’s door with regards to a potential transfer for the player, the midfielder broke his leg. That would be the start of a torrid two years ahead.

Where Hargreaves has been since last summer, nobody truly knows. Is his career over? Nobody truly knows. The sad fact is that football is missing one amazing and incredibly talented midfielder. The other sad fact is that his excellent work ethic and tireless playing style may have cost him his footballing career

far too early.

RUGBY

Cipriani leaves hospital after accident

F

ormer England Rugby player Danny Cipriani has thanked fans for their support after being hit by a double decker bus while running across a road at the end of a lengthy Leeds pub crawl. The Sale Sharks fly-half spent a night at Leeds General Infirmary after suffering concussion in the smash, which shattered the vehicle’s windscreen.

The accident happened as he took part in the city’s notorious 16venue pub-crawl “the Otley run”.

But today Cipriani – who dates model Kelly Brook – took to Twitter to update fans, saying: “Out of hospital now. Once again, thank you for the messages.”

32— SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

l enjoy cooking and people love eating my f ood — Kefee Top Nigerian female gospel singer, Kefee Obareki is our guest in this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk. She is not a only a singer but also a successful cook. In this interview, she reveals the secret of her good looks and why she ventured into the food business.

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA What was food like when growing up?

As a child, food wasn'ft my friend. Then, my mother used to beg us to eat. Whatever food mummy prepared always was a waste. Sometimes, we hid them in places that she wouldn't see on time after which they were thrown away. But, at a point, we changed and she was surprised at the transformation.

At what point did you start eating?

When I was eight years old. Yet, most of the times, I was always forced to eat.

Was there any prank you played to get food when you were growing up?

I didn't play any prank to get food because I didn't developed interest in food.

But, we used to play a game, 'I like your thing' which implies that once an individual likes the other person’s thing, such food would be given to that person.

And your kind of fruits?

I love guava. As a child, I used to climb trees . There were many trees in our compound including guava, mango, among others. Our type of guava was the one that has white inside it. And people come from far to pluck this particular guava. Each time l climbed that tree, I would select some guavas and threw others to my brothers.

What is your favourite food?

I love pap and beans. I loved taking pap with milk and and until now, l still

*Kefee

take it.

What informed Branama kitchen?

I noticed l had a lot of talents including cooking. l enjoy cooking and people love eating my food. Then, I decided to commercialize it and it is working well.

What type of food do you specialise in?

Banga soup, Eguisi, Ogwo from Delta state; Efo-riro, okro, irhiboto from Delta state, fisherman, white soup among others. We have our own branama special which are coconut rice and branama special rice.

And your native soup?

I am an Urhobo woman; the special delicacy in that area is banga soup.

Banga is actually palm kernel in English language. What we do basically is to wash the banga with little water; in order for it to be very thick; while the soup is boiling, add your pepper, onions and native spices like irokoja, itiako and beletete and others if you wish to add more.

Add your fresh fish that you have already per boiled with pepper, maggi, salt and maggi, but if you are using dried fish, then you would have added it because it wouldn't scatter in the soup.

The reason we do not introduce the fresh fish into the soup on time is to save it from scattering.

Hear t-health oods tto o help im pr ove good Heart-health t-healthyy ffoods impr pro cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol The best meal for anyone worried about their cholesterol is a meal low in saturated fat and abundant in fruits and vegetables. And although there are no magic bullets beyond that healthy prescription, certain foods have been shown to give cholesterol levels an extra nudge in the right direction.

Weave some of these whole foods, all pinpointed by research as cholesterol-friendly, into your daily diet. blood vessels and increase cardiovascular risk.

Sprinkle almonds on cereals and salads, nibble on a handful for an afternoon snack.

Avocados

Blueberries Blueberries

Almonds

Blueberries contain a powerful antioxidant called pterostilbene that may help lower LDL cholesterol.

Toss a cup of frozen blueberries together with a half-cup of orange juice

Avocados

Wine

and vanilla-flavoured yogurt into the blender for a healthy breakfast drink.

Sprinkle fresh blueberries on cereals and eat them by the handfuls for snacks.

Almonds Substances in almond skins help prevent LDL “bad” cholesterol from being oxidized, a process that can otherwise damage the lining of

Beans & Lentils

The monounsaturated fats in avocados have been found to lower “bad” LDLs and raise “good” HDLs, especially in people with mildly elevated cholesterol.

Slice avocados into sandwiches and salads or mash with garlic, lemon juice and salsa for a terrific guacamole.

Beans & Lentils

From a recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, LDL “bad” cholesterol levels fell almost twice as far in those volunteers on a low-fat diet who added beans and lentils, along with more whole grains and vegetables to the menu.

Experiment with beans in soups, salads, and dips. Tuck them into burritos, lasagnas and casseroles.

Alcohol Drinking a glass of wine with dinner or any alcoholic beverage, in fact has been shown to raise good-cholesterol levels and lower the risk of a heart attack. Excessive drinking, however, raises heart-disease danger.

Eating right to cure hepatitis C What should you be eating if you have hepatitis C? The same diet everyone should eat for good health. “Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and cut back on fats and sugars,” Some people with hepatitis C find that the disease makes them less hungry. If this happens to you, try eating smaller meals more frequently.

Culled from www.webmd.com

Power Pasta Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Ingredients • 255 grams dried spaghetti (9 ounces) •100 grams bacon (3.5 ounces) •255 grams ground beef (9 ounces) •1 small onion diced into 1/8 inch pieces •1/2 small carrot peeled and grated •2 cloves garlic finely minced •1/2 cup dry white wine •400 grams canned diced tomatoes •2 tablespoons ketchup •1/2 teaspoon salt •1/4 teaspoon black pepper •1 teaspoon oregano Instructions *Put a large pot of salted water on the stove over high heat.

If you taste the water after dissolving the salt it should taste pretty salty. This flavors the pasta. Whatever you do, do not add oil to the water. This is done to keep the noodles from sticking together while boiling, but it will also keep your pasta sauce form sticking to the noodles when you eat it. *Add the bacon to a pan over medium high heat and fry until a good amount of fat has rendered out of the bacon. Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking up the meat with a spatula until it’s cooked. Transfer the meat to a bowl, leaving as much of the fat as you can in the pan. *Turn down the heat to medium low. You should have about a tablespoon of rendered fat in the pan, if you have significantly more or less, dump some out or add some olive oil.

Add the onions, carrot and garlic, and sauté until the onions are soft and the mixture is about 1/3 of its original volume. Depending on how small you diced your onions, this should take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes. This is where your sauce gets a lot of its flavor, so don’t skimp on time. *Turn up the heat to high, then return the meat to the pan.

Add the white wine and boil until there’s almost no liquid left, stirring to prevent burning.

This not only burns off the alcohol, it concentrates the flavor of the wine. *Turn down the heat to medium-low and add the canned tomatoes, ketchup, salt and pepper. Put the oregano in the palm of your hand, and then use your other hand to rub the oregano in a circular motion to crush it into a powder before adding it to the pan. *By now your water should be boiling. Add your Power Pasta Spaghetti and stir during the first few minutes of cooking to keep it from sticking together. *Your meat sauce is done when your Power Pasta Spaghetti is done. You can either plate the pasta and top with sauce, or put the pasta straight into the sauce and toss it together before serving.

Did you know?

Carbohydrates like pasta provide glucose, the crucial fuel for your brain and muscles. Pasta is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a slow release of energy.

Unlike simple sugars that offer a quick, yet fleeting boost of energy, pasta helps sustain energy.

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2013—33

MTV has changed my living standard — Ehiz * Ehis

Take it or you leave it, Super Slim as he is fondly called by fans, is on the verge of climbing to the peak of his entertainment career. The dude who made himself a public figure with the winning of the just concluded MTV VJ Search, is one of the faces to behold especially, when it concerns entertainment.The 25- year old Ehiz, who restled Kemi Owatemi and Ada Ogunkeye, to compete for the grand prize of N10m worth of contract in the just concluded MTV Video Jockey Search said his becoming a winner in the competition was a very big surprise he never imagined . In this encounter, the Edo born Computer Science graduate of Leadcity University, shares some of his challenges and his personal life experiences. Excerpts.

BY ANOZIE EGOLE Journey to fame?

Well, I have nothing much to say, all I know is that, I did a lot of hard work and as I always say,God is involved. It all came by surprise. I never bargained I would get to where I am now. All I know is that I entered into the contest just like other contestants.

And finally, here I am.

Winning the MTV VJ Search This means one major thing: no more hunger for me. There have been lots of hunger before now. I have really had it so rough.

Growing up Ehizojia Okoeguale is my name; I am the last child in the family of five. My mum is a caterer whom I love so much. I was born in Ikeja , Lagos State and I attended a private secondary school. I am a Computer Science graduate of Leadcity University. I am a full blown Lagos boy.

Though my growing up was

not that rossy, I never lacked the basic things of life. I was given the basic things for my up bringing. As the last child, I had to help my mum do one or two things being the only person around

Studying Computer Sci ence instead of The-

ater Arts I never acted while in school. I never took drama serious though I was in a drama class in primary school.

I didn’t think I would survive the heat of the MTV VJ contest without the support of my friends; they kept me steadfast and humble Entertainment ambition Basically from high school, I used to host things like social nights, end of the year party, school dance and other events. It was fun all through but I had no idea that I am going to go this far.

Those started back then when after classes, we would start

cracking jokes. I always dominated at such times.

That was how we were doing it at that time.

Having more friends in the music industry Music is in me. I listen to all kinds of music and I am a very big fan of Nigerian

music. Far before the new school, I mean before the

child, I love my mum so much and I am so dear to her.

likes of Wizkid, Davido and others, I have started. I am the last of five kids. I have four elder ones who love both local and foreign music. So, I started developing interests in music from there. Then, I listened to songs by Mike Okri, Blackky, Ebenezer Obey, Pasuma, Omawunmi, among others. These are some of the musicians I listened to their songs often. Basically, when you become a VJ, you now need to study the art of the music. Before the VJ work, I liked to research a lot. Music is in me.

Graduating from University I graduated from the university in 2011 and I stopped staying with my parents in 2009. I was in school and still contesting for the MTV stuff.

Relating with old friends after winning I relate well with them. They are good. Aside from my family’s support, I did not think I would survive the heat of the MTV VJ contest without the support of my friends. They kept me steadfast and humble.

They kept me in line so, I can’t say that because I have won the contest, that we are no longer on the same level. No, I can’t do that. I even still do

Handling female fans I handle them brotherly. I can’t say no to them. I don’t have any relationship before now. My last relationship was in 2007. One thing you have to know is that, for any male artiste, female fans contribute a lot to their fan base, so, we try as much as possible to handle them with care and kindness. I do not abuse the opportunity.

the normal thing we used to do together even now as a VJ like, fetching water and so on. We have our cooking timetable. Whenever it is my turn to cook, I do that.

Living with parents No, I don’t. I left my parents even before I went for the contest. I stay with my friends. It has been long I started staying with my friends, even before I left the university. I am on my own but that doesnt mean I don’t visit home. I do visit my people often. As the last

Life before the VJ Search I was just living life, I was actually doing nothing.

My stylist My stylist is Seyiwa. She designs everything I wear on television.

Breaking up my relationship

It just happened. I have been single since I assumed this position and I am not looking for any girlfriend now, because, I am always very busy person and I want to give my work a very big attention. Besides, I am not yet ready for that kind of hide and seek game. I am on the verge of pursuing my career now and I don’t think that anything can stop me from achieving it. With God on my side, I am going to make it good and great.

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

‘Why I left my husband in Switzerland’ BY

EKERETE

UDOH

S

HE is one of the pioneers of Nollywood, and has featured in hundreds of movies, always playing the role of a motivator-in-chief and crusader for moral values. In the early days of the industry, her face was ubiquitous – almost every movie director desired to have her as part of his cast and she became a darling of millions of Nollywood lovers.

At the height of her popularity, when she could easily have been the most consequential Nollywood actress, cupid struck, and she gave up her flourishing acting career for love, relocating to Switzerland to join a man she had fortuitously met while answering a phone call at her friend’s home.

Many were stunned, but that’s what love does for people.

A few years after joining her husband in Europe, and feeling home sick, and the challenges of transitioning into a meaningful assignment in a foreign country where English is not the first language becoming daunting and desiring a job “she had a passion for” she returned to Nigeria, and to her first love – acting.

Since her return to Nigeria, actress Jennifer Eliogu has shunned acting, instead choosing to produce and direct.

Last month, she was one of the top Nollywood actresses and actors who was honored at an award ceremony in North Carolina, and during a trip to New York to sign a marketing

deal with Executive Image for the distribution of her new movie “From Within” Jennifer and I sat down for what turned out to be a mind-blowing reflection on Nollywood and what needs to be done to steer the industry back on the family-friendly track it was once known for.

Asked why she decided to become a director instead of continuing as an actress, she muttered, “I couldn’t return to acting under the prevailing circumstance. The industry I met when I came back was not the same industry I knew before I went to Switzerland.

We had an industry where scripts had redeeming moral perspectives, where the craft was taken very seriously, and you had to impress the directors that you could hold your own among the best. We had story lines that were family friendly, where nudity or sexually explicit scenes and language were not tolerated.But alas! – the industry I met when I came back was one where young starlets are given roles, based on glamour, on beauty and where the main motivation is not to add value, but to use their celebrity to advance other interests.

Most of these starlets lack talents but would parade their looks at auditions while wearing very skimpy dresses that leave nothing to the imagination.'

When you dress in such a provocative manner, you are essentially tempting the director – you are advertising

your sexual attributes over your talents and you are exposing yourself to other t h i n g s . " Eliogu who recently veered into music said “ she decided to produce and direct her movie, one that families could sit at the dinner table and w a t c h .

Jennifer Eliogu is one of the growing numbers of Nollywood stars who are

engaged in inter-continental marriages. “As I told you – my husband is based in Switzerland, and after some years there, we reached the painful but practical decision that I should move back to Nigeria to continue my career in acting. I do not have problems with an intercontinental marriage, but in my own case, I did not want to be a full time house wife. My husband is very comfortable with my decision, and

it has not affected our marriage in any way. Yes, as with most marriages, we have had our fair share of challenges, but overall, my husband is the best man I could ever aspire to have and seven years after we got married, the flame of passion remains the same.”

On the rumour that her marriage has crashed, she looked bewildered and replied,“It is not true. We are still married, but I have already told you we have challenges and we are working around those challenges."

•Jennifer

United Nations endorses HomeVida

G

LOBAL recognition has come the way of Nigeria’s Integrity Film Awards, HomeVida, as the United Nations, the world’s foremost unifying and development platform has embraced the film awards’ initiative.

HomeVida, the premium national platform for creative messaging initiatives on development values, social issues, corporate social responsibility initiatives and public policy matters communicated through films has caught the attention and reckoning of the global body.

Throwing its weight behind the film award and messaging platform, the UN has opted to enter into a partnership with HomeVida

•Elvis Chucks, Joke Silva at last year's award nite requiring the Nigerian film award platform to deploy its expertise in delivering more worthy content of

public awareness and participation in UN development programmes in Nigeria. In a

memorandum of understanding signed early in the week between the United Nations and HomeVida, the global body has sealed the relationship with HomeVida through film endowment and programme promotion.

By the agreement, the United Nations has endowed a prize for the Human Development Values, focusing on the millennium development goals. The global body will accomplish its commitments to HomeVida through its agency for millennium development implementing arm, the UN Millennium Campaign.

Traditionally, HomeVida is expected to officially announce the new partnership as well as call for participation in its award processes in respect of the UN prize on Human Development Values focusing on skilful, inspiring messaging of the millennium development goals.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013—35

Saka dumps Etisalat for MTN over N20m deal

AMAA BLUES

C

OMIC actor, Hafiz Oyetoro popularly called Saka has become a household name in the country. From his distinct roles in movies, drama series and sitcoms, to his humorous advert campaigns for telecommunication company Etisalat, Saka is fast proving himself as an enigma in the nation’s entertainment industry.

He recently shocked most of the subscribers of Etisalat when he dumped the company and pitched his tent with rival telecoms giant MTN; and a new MTN ad campaign proves this fact.

MTN just commenced their television commercial for the recently activated Number Portability Scheme with Saka excitedly announcing he has ‘upgraded’ to MTN. The ad starts with Saka dressed in green traditional attire only to transform into a bright yellow attire as he leads a music band.

D

AKORE Egbuson Akande who co-hosted the award ceremony with AY caused a stir at the event.

She wowed the audience as she was gracefully carried onto the well lit stage by four guards like a queen mother. Her dramatic entry was part of the organisers’ schedule for the award ceremony. But as a daughter of the soil, Dakore was accompanied to the event by her hubby, Olumide and she did not fail to give a good account of herself, as she communicated in her native Bayelsan language.

Xovar hosts Ibinabo

•Saka ‘I don port o, I don port go MTN. I don upgrade to MTN‘, Saka sings and danc-

es. HVP gathered that the comic actor was paid a whooping N20m for this new deal.

Chioma Chukwuka’s plane drama

L

IKE most Nollywood stars, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha is not given to pretence.

She’s always ready to vibrate and return fire-for-fire. Last Sunday evening was not different.

Smarting from the frustration and exhaustion that greeted everyone after the AMAA awards and the endless wait at the Port-Harcourt International Airport, Chioma boarded the evening flight back to Lagos, determined to cause another

•Chioma

Dakore Egbuson causes stir

stir on board.

A quarrel ensued between herself and a Lagos based female journalist, which caused the actress to loose her temper in a manner that attracted the attention of everyone on board.

But for the fact that she was on board, the visibly angry Chioma would have done the unexpected. She claimed that the journalist was rude to her, adding that most painfully, she “called me Igbo bitch and all that’. I wouldn’t blame her

because AMAA brought us together. I can conveniently pay her salary,” she fumed.

Who cares!

S

HE was out of the radar for a while and suddenly, Ibinabo Fiberesima bounces back, winning the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) elections and becoming the first female president of the guild. It is in the light of this singular achievement that the Xovar Lounge is rolling out the red-carpet on the 12th of May in honour of the ex-beauty queen and mother of three .

The event, holding at Xovar Loung Lekki, Lagos will witness series of events including live music, comedy and fun.

‘Tayo Elesin begged to attend AMAA’ T

HE British Nigerian super star, Tayo Elesin who was one of the international actors that featured prominently at this year’s Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) actually

•Tayo

begged to be part of the award ceremony, officials have revealed.

They made this revelation during the week, while reacting to some of the issues that cropped

up after the award ceremony.

Elesin, is said to have tweeted her frustration in the country after AMAA allegedly failed to issue her with a return ticket back to London as one of their guests . But speaking on the matter, AMAA officials refuted the claim of the “Law and Order” star, insisting that she was issued with a return ticket. “None of our international guests entered Nigeria without a return ticket. Elesin stayed back because she’s doing publicity for herself. She begged us to be part of this year ’s AMAA, and we were magnanimous enough to bring her home because we want to encourage our artistes in the diaspora to be part of the event,” the award body said.

Tayo Elesin who has starred in widely acclaimed television soaps such as Law and Order UK, Holby City, Doctors, and many others attended AMAA, which held last weekend in Yenagoa, alongside another renowned British actress, Angela Dixon.

36—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

Parents with special needs children should get tax exemptions —Ifueko Karibi-white who somehow, through no fault of theirs or their parents, got their brain wiring crossed so it is for us to rewire the brain using early intervention techniques the most basic of which are behaviour and speech therapy, that way we can and then we get back our beautiful special genius children.

Ifueko Karibi whyte...

I

fueko Karibi whyte is the coordi nator of WOW DIVAS Autism ini tiative. Driven by the desire to make a difference in the life of others and is deeply moved by the plight of the defenseless, especially children.

A graduate of law from the prestigious University of Benin, and was called to the bar in 1991. She latter obtained an MBA from the American university Washington DC in 1996. She is happily married and blessed with a set of her twins. She fights tirelessly to retrieve her child from the clutches of autism while offering hope and succor to parents in similar position. This full time working mother and wife is a manager at Total upstream companies, Nigeria.

In this chat with ESTHER ONYEGBULA, at a recent event held to create awareness on autism and celebrate families with persons living with ASD. Enjoy as she sends more light on ASD, their third annual autism seminar themed striking a balance, the reason for the seminar, and effects of ASD on siblings of people living with Autism.

Giving autism a face It is very difficult to give a face to autism; every person with autism is different. Autism manifests differently in each person affected. Rarely do two persons with autism manifest the same traits; even if they are twins the severity will be different. Autism is called the missing puzzle condition, because each person’s missing puzzle (s) is different.

Autism affects people differently. You can find some similarities but they generally are very different. And then again, because autism is rarely seen on the face, if is just autism without any additional condition, they look like the typical child or young adult should. Rather autism manifests more in the person’s behaviours. Generally persons with autism have sensory disorders, described as ‘sensory overload’. Sounds seem louder, lights brighter or smells stronger. When this is happening to

I think the advantage of regional integration for Nigeria is increasing its market size and its ability to specialize them the person may look agitated, start to flap or fidget awkwardly.

Learning disability caused by short attention span Autism is a learning disability as well, because it is difficult to for them to learn due to their communication deficits; mostly their attention span is very short and many find it difficult to make eye contact. Their teachers have to be cognisant of these facts. Persons with autism are more of visual learners they have to be shown what is being taught, they cannot learn in abstract which is why the younger ones benefit from Montessori teaching. Some persons with autism are hyperactive and therefore cannot learn as a typical child, as they find it difficult to sit still. The first thing you will notice is that a person with autism can barely make eye contact they bare always look somewhere else, eye contact is missing. In teaching persons with autism especially if hyperactive have to teach them in segment of 5-20 minutes, give them a break, and then start again. Persons with autism start to improve with the right kind of teaching and educational tools, once they are understood they can be taught.

It takes time and a lot of energy and time but they do learn. I am convinced beyond doubt and I have been told by neurologist that autism is the reverse of genius. These persons are geniuses

About the event The event basically is to celebrate families with autism and offer them hope.

When a member of a family has autism the whole family has autism. So today we are celebrating them, we are celebrating and pampering the whole family as a means of saying well done, keep doing more of what you are doing. We want them to know we recognise their struggles, we care and we wish them well. Children with autism are gifted children; they have their own individual genius which has to be brought out.

It is a lot of hard work but it can be done.

Parents need to know and understand this. We want talk to parents about the safety of their children. Children on the autism spectrum are susceptible to wandering off and getting lost. Today we are going to give all parents shoe id tags for their children these tags can be put on their shoes or on the belt hooks of their trousers or skirts for easy identification especially for those with limited or no speech. We also want to give parents more knowledge about how to bring up their children with autism thereby encouraging them as we know that battling autism costs a lot of money, time, sweat, disappointments but it is all well worth it at the end of the day; to see your child achieve his or her potential.

Expected outcome At the end of this seminar, understanding and awareness for those who know nothing about autism. Hope for those who are affected by autism, parents, child and siblings.

We want the families with autism to know that they are not alone. There are many families affected by autism here in Nigeria however, unlike abroad here, we tend to deal with autism the way people deal with AIDs; shame and stigma. Most parents still pretend, hide it from family and friends, they hide their child because they are embarrassed and ashamed.

Lots of specialists say it is a variety of many things, the environment, the genes, allergies, all sorts, nothing is 100% certain, So you can’t blame yourself, because there is nothing you did or could have done, different must have happened around the same time which resulted in your child having autism.

So you can’t blame yourself, because

there is nothing you did or could have done different to alter things Effect of autism on siblings Siblings of persons with autism are a segment of the family that we all tend to ignore. We often forget that they are directly affected by autism. The sibling or siblings are usually older or younger. If it is a younger sibling or twin or triplet as the case might be, they have been born into a life with autism. The life of a family with a child living with autism is not the same as a typical family without autism. So the siblings tend to suffer from low self-esteem, they are bullied, they can feel ashamed, anxious and fearful because they see how much their parents worry and the stress they are under. In most cases, they will be the eventual next of kin of the child with autism when the parents are no more.

They know that if their sibling with autism doesn’t recover, when the parents eventually pass, who does the lot fall on? It falls on them.

If you think about it, the parents most likely lived their childhood and young adulthood unaffected by autism the siblings do not get that luxury, so it is something we have to think about and start to put in place processes that can make sure the siblings are well adjusted to having siblings with autism.

A way out So we need to start encouraging siblings of persons with autism so that they feel less burdened. Give them their own time; so that they can have a life of their own, parents have to spend quality time with them as well, they have to know a life without autism at times. Parents should be able to take them out sometimes without the child with autism, because they too are children and they need their own childhood.

Expensive nature of autism Autism is very, very expensive, autism does not have a start date or an end date, and you can’t say that if I take on this therapy for this child it will last for three years, okay I can bear the monthly payment. It could be for a while and it could be for life, you don’t know what God plan is; so parents have to balance that with their general everyday living expenses. Recommended therapies, the very basic of which are behaviour modification and speech therapy are very expensive because there are very few professionals in the field here in Nigeria, so you can imagine when there is a huge market and very few resources, therapies are going to get expensive and because they are on for an unspecific period of time it is very difficult to get into it, it has to be something you can continue because you are doing the child any good by starting and stopping.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013 — 37

JLS shocks fans with split announcement after five years

By IYABO AINA

I

T was gathered recently that the four-piece, who found fame on The X Factor, will part ways later this year following a farewell tour and greatest hits album, both entitled Goodbye.

In a statement, the band said: ‘It has been the most incredible journey over the last 6 years and we have achieved more things than we could have ever dreamed possible.

‘Thanks to all of you guys, your support, your dedication and your love, you have changed our lives forever and we wouldn’t be where we are today without you.’

Referring to their plans for bowing out, the statement

continued: ‘We are currently in the studio working on what will be our last album Goodbye; The Greatest Hits ‘We will be bringing you a new single later in the year to coincide with the album and the tour. Goodbye; The Greatest Hits Tour will be the last time that we will perform together as a 4 and we want to make sure that this tour is the best ever and that we end on a high!’

The boys added in an interview with The Sun that didn’t want to suffer a decline like many other pop acts.

Aston Merrygold, 25, told the paper: ‘It’s just that time.

We are still best of friends and always will be - but this is the end.’

Marvin Humes, 28, added:

‘We wanted to finish on a high. We’re finishing with an arena tour - our third arena tour - and that is a massive achievement.

‘The last five or so years have been nothing short of incredible. It has been an incredible journey.’

The group have certainly had the last laugh since coming second to Alexandra Burke on The X Factor in 2009.

Despite going their separate ways, the group will continue to work together on their JLS Foundation charity following their split, they confirmed.

The statement continued: ‘We will continue to work on the JLS Foundation after our

split, as we want to raise as much money and awareness as possible for great causes and our partner Cancer Research UK. ‘We also want to continue the

legacy that we started 3 years ago with the Foundation and we hope that you always continue to support that.’

Kanye West furious with Kris Humphries after skipping divorce settlement

•Kris, Kim &Chris

T

HE rapper whose pregnant girlfriend Kim Kardashian is Kris’ estranged wife is reportedly angry that the basketball player skipped an important divorce settlement court date in Los Angeles and feels he is disrespecting Kim. Kim, 32 and 28-year-old Kris have been fighting about how to legally end their 72day marriage since November 2011.

Kim wants a divorce, while Kris wants an annulment on the grounds of ‘’fraud’’ as he claims she married him to boost the ratings of her show, ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’.

According to her Los Angeles Superior Court filing, Kim expects to provide ‘’reasons why the parties’ marriage should be C M Y K

dissolved and not annulled’’ and show ‘’that she did not defraud Kris into marrying her.’’ Kim is also preparing to testify about their pre-nuptial agreement and has listed several financial advisers as witnesses.

Kim, who was denied a request to move the trial to May 3 so she could attend an engagement in New York, was previously reported to have refused to answer some questions at her divorce deposition last month.

According to a source , ‘’The deposition was long and Kris Humphries’ attorney, Lee Hutton, was extremely thorough. Kim was asked what media outlets she talks to, off the record, because Kris believes she has planted negative stories about him in the press.’’

•Mariah Carey & Jlo

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NFORMATION gath ered was that the Fox re ality competition’s producers has decided to emback on a attempt to boost its flagging ratings, by planning to bring back departed judge Jennifer Lopez mid-season to replace Mariah Carey.

According to report Idol producers, along with Fox executives, they’ve began negotiations with Lopez, a fan-favorite judge during seasons 10 and 11, to join the show asap. But Carey soon got wind of the plot and allegedly threatened to sue, THR reports.

The site goes on to say that producers still hope to bring

American Idol team plan to replace Mariah Carey Lopez on for the season finale with Carey’s fellow newbie Nicki Minaj and possibly the entire panel also including newcomer Keith Urban and veteran Randy Jackson could be axed before the thir-

teenth season.

Reps for Fox and Carey both denied THR’s report , saying “I have not been included in any conversation regarding replacing Mariah with JLo this season.”

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

Controversy trails 2face’s donation to charity

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

F

2face Idibia

‘Ayangba Boys’ of Ajegunle se oll again sett ttoo rroll

BY AYO ONIKOYI

T

hey were once known as Black Rev erendz and now, Disrespectful 2GGs, the duo of Subb 2 and Wesley came into limelight with their hit track “Ayangba Girls are Dangerous”, which took the Nigerian music industry by storm in 2000. The duo emerged from the popular hood better known all over Africa as Ajengule (AJ City) in Lagos.

The choreographic dance steps originated by the group became a national dance steps which even kids took to with verve and certain hype about it. The ‘Ayangba’ dance as it was known gave Ajegunle an identity which became the envy of other environs nationwide.

Now they are back again and ready to roll. They broke up in 2007, and went there separate ways for onward

Ayangba Boys

hustle. Subb 2, went into acting and was in the popular movie “Silver Spoon” which was produced in 2001.

The movie was a story about how some ghetto guys (Subb 2 & co) went ahead to influence a rich kid (Ernest Asuzu) with their ghetto ways, while Wesley, went into charity works and was managing his recording studio too.

The two acts are back and are ready to storm the Nigeria music industry again. According to them, this time around they are ready to take the front row and bring back the lost glory not only with new dance steps but also, with inciting and interesting music.

The same three dancers that danced for them back in the days, are even back with the Ayangba Boys too. These dudes are so on point.

ollowing 2face’s decision to donate his traditional wedding cap and shoes with the inscription “2Baba” to charity, his fans have been divided over the action.

While some of his fans are wondering what the helpless children would stand to gain from inheriting his cap and shoes, many others believe that 2face’s shoes and cap worth a million naira.

According to criticisms that have continue to trail the gesture, fans expected 2face to put the items up for auctioning before donating the proceeds to charity.

A fan simply identified as Prince Charming noted, “The intended cause is a good one, but the items to be sold don’t fit the profile of what should be auctioned especially in Nigeria. If it were to be in America or Europe, it

would be a different thing. Something more rare and one of a kind would have been better, I am sorry but those items don’t fit that criteria.”

Another fan who wouldn’t want his name in print believed that 2face meant well for the kids. “The kids at the charity won’t wear them. Don’t you know how important 2baba is? Some big men would love to have his shoes or cap in a glass box for beautification and historical purposes. So, they can pay any amount. It’s that money that will go to charity,” he muttered.

2face reportedly donated his cap and shoes to be auctioned for charity after his returned from Dubia, where he observed his white wedding. The branded coffee-coloured cap and shoe with the inscription “2Baba” is now being auctioned on Kaymu and can be won by any of 2Face’s fans through bidding.

DNA Twins

Glo XX-F -F act or -Fact actor or:: 17-yr 7-yr.. old twins, other or next ssttage otherss ffor

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he Abuja audition of X Factor, the world’s number one music reality TV show brought to Africa for the first time by Globacom, ended on an exciting note as twenty-two aspiring singers/groups made it to the next stage of the contest for the unprecedented N24 million prize money and a recording contract with Sony Music International.

Among those that sailed through the Abuja audition were 17-year-old twins, Clinton and Blair Roberts, from Madonna Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State.

The duo called the DNA Twins were joined in the last stage by 57 year-old Ben Collinsn Nwachukwu from Kaduna who was the centre of attraction as the oldest person in the crowd of singing enthusiasts at the Sheraton Hotel venue of the second audition. The contestants were made up of mainly teenagers and those in their twenties.

Collins said that there was no age barrier to talent and that it had been his dream to be in a big reality show.

“X Factor is not for the youth alone. It is for those who are talented and here I am. I wish to also bring my skills to lime light,” he said.

“For us, X-Factor is the ultimate show and we have been looking forward all

our lives to participating in the programme. This is the dream we have been waiting for. Just participating in the audition is deeply fulfilling but we also want to go ahead and win,” the DNA Twins said. They praised Globacom for bringing opportunities of stardom to youths.

Another attraction was Adesiyan Olakitan who impressed the crew with his rendition of the National Anthem.

Olakitan, a worker in Abuja, said she was hoping that X Factor would be the springboard that would bring her to prominence as a musician. “This is the first time I have performed in public,” she added.

Chibuzor Christopher , a ten-year-old boy who came with his father, Christopher Chris, also created a stir at the Ladi Kwali hall venue of the audition.

D Omalicha’s Becky Inyang and Josephine Onyejebose, students of the Federal Polytechnic Auchi returned on Sunday in their identical blue costume.

But this time, with the X-Factor badge emblazoned on their chest. The DNA Twins and D Omalicha’s who had received an express advance over the audition on Saturday, returned for the final Abuja selection on Sunday.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

I’m the female version of my dad, says Dominique Oputa Father & Daughter

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ominique Oputa is the last child of the areafada himself, Charly Boy. She currently lives in Atlanta where she’s studying Fashion and Design in the University of Arts Institute. Her dream is to become a famous designer some day. Like her famous dad, Dominique has tattoos and piercings and is very fearless. In this interview with New Wave Productions, she talks about her life in the US, her father and his influence in her life.

Are you happy to be home; would you settle in Nigeria?

This will always be home for me, at least, it’s comforting to know one is with her family, and I am glad to be home. I missed home, mum and dad.

I

Things may not be what it should be, but home is it. There were too many things I took for granted before I left, but now, I know better. When I’m done with schooling, I will be back home, to do my own thing too, even though, the weather is killing me right now”.

You are a child of two different cultures, how do you cope?

When I was home, I grew up fast; I had that independent spirit, so I’m coping real good. I am working now and schooling, I simply just thank God. Growing up with my parents kept me on the straight and narrow path, trust Dad, we all know how strict he gets

NAPTIP hosts Itohan stars

n recognition of the good job done by the recent Superstory: Itohan in sensitizing the Nigerian audience about the dangers of Human Trafficking, Prostitution and Child Labour, the NAPTIP Executive Secretary Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba hosted the Producers, Cast and Crew of the awardwinning TV Series to lunch and an interactive session at the NAPTIP Lagos office at Ikeja G.R.A., Lagos, last Thursday.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) has been fighting the scourge of trafficking in persons in Nigeria and its attendant human abuses in its entire

ramification since 2003 and recently partnered with Wale Adenuga Productions to produce the Itohan: A Call to Action story to further spread the message to millions of households across Nigeria through the popular TV Drama.

Present at the event include, NAPTIP Assistant Director, Public Relations, Arinze Orakwue, and Lagos Zonal Head, Joseph Famakin; Superstory Producers Wale Adenuga(MFR) and Wale Adenuga Jnr.; Script Writer Lucille Ayorinde; Director Patience Oghre Imobhio; Production Manager Lekan Ayinde among others. The event was recorded and aired on wapTV on StarTimes across Nigeria.

Arinze Orakwe, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Tamara Eteimo & Wale Adenuga

sometimes. Although I am old enough, I guess in his eyes, I will forever remain his baby. However, growing up in Nigeria, prepared me for my independence. Nigerian children are more grounded than the Americans. We mature quicker and early enough to start taking responsibilities.

You look so much like your father, is this deliberate?

I think I’m just the female version of my dad, we are just the same pretty much, I guess I caught his cold after years of being around him. I have always admired him for his freedom and his tenacity at a time when it was taboo to look that way. In my case, the whole thing just grew on me.

I don’t do all I do because I am trying to be like my dad. I am just Dominique, even though I wear tattoos and have piercings, but it’s just because I love them, not because I got influenced by my dad. There are many people who do this stuff, not because anyone, but because they are just comfortable that way.

What’s is your choices of career, and what influence does your dad have regarding that?

I want to be a designer and a stylist.

I am like my mother in that regards. I like to make things, and I’m good with my hands too. As long as you walk that positive part and observe dad’s little rules, you are free to express yourself any which way creatively. Knowing the battle dad fought for his independence, it would be wrong for him to remote us into something else that does not agree with our innate ability.

My dad didn’t influence my choice of career, it is just what I’ve always loved and desired to do. I have always had a love for fashion since I was in high school. I could say a little bit of influence as to his nature but not like I was pressured or told to do what I am doing now.

What is Charlyboy like as a father?

Like any normal parent, always looking out for their children and wanting the best for them. Most of the time, he is easy with us, especially when we are good. However, sometimes he is a bit old fashioned and can be very strict.

— 39

Growing up, he was really strict but I actually understand now that I’m matured. People see him differently on the outside but to be honest, he is really a cool guy. He really understands and I could tell him anything. He is like an elder brother or a friend to me.

Yes, I’m very close to my dad.

We all know there is no smoke without fire. How weird is your father, is he as weird as it is made public…like sleeping in coffins, having pythons as pet and even that his sexuality is questionable?

Hahaha…my dad is an entertainer, that’s what he does for a living, and as an entertainer you would attract all sorts, good, bad, ugly. It is their stock in trade. At home, we don’t see any of this, it’s as normal as it could ever be, but I guess people confuse his life as Charlyboy with his life as Mr Oputa, they are two different entities. The man I know as my dad is Mr Charles Oputa.

Do you share intimate stuff with your dad?

Yeah, I share intimate stuff with him.

Once, I had shared the story of the birds and the bees with him and it wasn’t funny, maybe the timing was wrong. But we are still very close and we talk pretty well. I don’t feel like I need to hide anything from him, I just feel like I am an open book.

Are your parents still together?

What is their relationship like?

Yes, they are still together. Every relationship is hard; there needs to be collective efforts to make it work. I think they have had a cool relationship thus far, though, they have their bitter moments sometimes, but what they share is worth emulating, it’s kind of what I would like to have in future, with my husband whenever I marry.

Charly Boy & Daughter

Charly Boy & Daughter

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

C M Y K

SATURDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 27, 2013 — 41

42 — SATURDAY, Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

High-octane society gathering for Edozien @ 70

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L-R: The Obi of Onitsha; Chukie Edozien (Lynxx), Uche Edozien; Chief John Edozien, celebrant; Mrs Amah Edozien, wife; Jennifer Edozien; Mrs Elaine Shobanjo; Yvonne Edozien and Loretta Edozien

he simple fact that Chief John Dikenwiwe Edozien, the Odafe of Asaba, has lived all his life dining and wining with the high and mighty came to fore last Saturday in Lagos when th he celebrated his 70 birthday. After the thanksgiving mass at the Church of Assumption in Ikoyi there was a dinner reception at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island and the roll-call of guests includes eminent personalities from different walks of life.Photos by Lamidi Bamidele

The celebrant,Dr John Edozien and his wife, Amah, during the church service

L-R: Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, The Asagba of Asaba; Mrs Modupe Edozien and Chief Sonny Odogwu

L-R: Chief Phillip Asiodu; Chief Emeka Anyaok and Mrs Francesca Yetunde Emmanuel

Dr. Lai Ogunbiyi; Chief Yemi Ogunbiyi and Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, former Chairman of Punch Newspaper

L-R: Chief Biodun Shobajo; Chief Dele Fajemirokun and Mr John Momoh, Chairman, Channels TV

Dedication of new cathedral

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he dedication ceremony of the new cathedral of the United African Methodist Evangelical Church, Abule Ijesha took place recently at the Church premises. Notable personalities of high repute graced the occasion which was brought to a climax with the cutting of the cathedral cake

Installation of Imariabe as Archbishop

H

is Grace Joseph Imariabe was installed as the Archbishop of Calvary Kingdom Church International recently. The ceremony which was presided by His Grace Most Reverend Idem Ikon took place at the Church premises along Badagry ExpressWay, Lagos.

L-R: His Grace Most Rev Idem Ikon, Archbishop Revival Ministries, Most Revd.

John Osa -Oni , His Grace Most Rev Joseph Imariabe Ojo and Rev (Mrs) Esther Udomayemi Ojo

His Grace Most Rev (Dr) Idem Ikon ,Archbishop, Revival Valley Ministries (l) Preseting a certificate to Rev Joseph Imariabe Ojo, as the Archbishop of Calvary Kingdom Church International

L-R:Olori Ade Onagoruwa, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (Rtd), Barr.

Anthony Iguh, Prince Kunle Adesanya and Sen. Anthony Adefuye

L-R:Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (Rtd), Chief Kessington Adebutu and Senator Anthony Adefuye

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013 — 43

44 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

Getting used to married life Boy, 8, who wed 61-year-old woman on orders of dead ancestors, enjoys a meal with his new wife. Sanele Masilela said that he feels like a proper husband now Married 61-year-old friend Helen Shabangu in an extravagant white wedding. His dead grandfather asked him to wed from beyond the grave. His family insists it was just a ritual to appease ancestral spirits

C

The Russian city being 'eaten alive

ars, buses, and trucks disappear beneath the earth as they are swallowed by giant sinkholes. Citi zens of Samara live in daily fear of the ground disappearing beneath them. Dozens of holes have sprung up across the city in recent weeks. The sinkholes have left a trail of devastation and reportedly claimed one life.

Record-breaking Mallard takes to the water with huge brood of TWENTY FOUR ducklings Diligently falling in line behind their mother, this group of ducklings has swum into the record books.

Despite laying her eggs in sub-zero temperatures at the beginning of March, a mother gave birth to 24 healthy chicks - thought to be the largest brood ever recorded.

The female was pictured with her two-dozen bundles of fluff at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s reserve in Arundel, West Sussex, after 28 days of incubating the eggs.

Next stop Europe! Couple who have traveled the world for THIRTEEN years with their children complete their tour of Africa...

For the last 13 years, Herman and Candelaria Zapphave traversed the coasts of South and North America, Asia, Australia and Africa in their 85-year-old vehicle which has also been their home. Along the way they have covered almost 200,000 miles and visited more than 40 countries.

Oh and they've also had four kids - all born in different countries

SATURDAY

Vanguard Vanguard,, APRIL 27, 2013—45

Go ys at A wk a Govvernor Obi’s twilight da days Awk wka

W

hatever has a beginning surely has an end. While the end could be accentuated by the coloration of the beginning, the exactness of the summation varies according to the level of compliance of the interacting agents in a consistently changing time. This is the reality of a critique of the state of matter in the eye of an unaffected critic. Governor Peter Obi’s distinct political character which was expressed in his early days as Anambra State governor, announced his destination. Though his words were simple and clear, and his actions appreciable, many concluded that the plausible phase was soon to yield to the weighty demands of power on the holder. They were sure that the system would soon revert to the status quo ante. In over seven years of Mr. Obi’s administration, however, an urbane order has been entrenched, and the disorder of yesteryears confined to a remote memory.

M

r. Peter Obi strode into the centre of the state politics as if it were from the blues. He came without any pedigree that seemed capable of unsettling the hegemony of the dreaded politicians who bestrode the state like colossuses, feasting upon the ruins of their

deliberate scheme which promised perpetual disorder and rich harvest for the callous-hearted. Mr. Obi differed from the hounds in his studied silence, clarity of purpose and resolute conviction to salvage the taunted ‘God forsaken’ state from the savagery it was soaked in.

He was received by the Anambra electorate who readily identified with his human-faced approach to politics.

They opted for a civilized polity instead of the nightmares they had been burdened with as governments in the past. Their response was therefore a rejection of their ignoble past and an acceptance of the great future which Mr. Obi represented.

Ndi-Anambra therefore delivered Obi whose language sounded soothing to

,

By OKECHUKWU ANARADO

his mandate after an illegal purported election that imposed Dr. Andy Ubah as winner.

With this foregrounding on Mr. Obi’s iron-cast determination pursuant to his cause, it was evident that ‘a Daniel had come to judgement’ to impress good governance without recourse to the whims of any godfathers. This explains Governor Obi’s consistency in meeting his commitment to NdiAnambra, to whom only his obligation rests. Realizing that effectiveness in governance is dependent on how well the economy of the state is managed, he immediately reduced the cost of governance; which action, apart from conserving state’s fund, put a

Whatever area of governance in Anambra State that attracts a critic’s interest would surely provide some lesson

a famished people. This hope was momentarily high-jacked by the vehemence of Chief Obasanjo —the then maximum President of the Federal Republic — and his PDP-INEC co-travelers to maintain the indigent status of the heartland of Ndi-Igbo.

This development put all of Mr. Obi to test as he painstakingly secured epochal and unprecedented judgements installing him governor, returning him as governor after a shabby impeachment and sustaining

,

reasonable check on the recklessness attendant to the flow of cheap funds from government coffers to insatiable hangers- on.

Such acts as mentioned above were preparatory to a novel structure of government where, with the institution of the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy, ANIDS, simultaneous development of all the sectors of government’s interests are patterned according to the needs of the people vis-a-vis the

available resources. Budget and planning therefore came to occupy a frontline role in the affairs of government. ANIDS assumed both the roadmap and the driver of development in Anambra. The success of this brand is identifiable in the unprecedented development projects spanning across all the sectors of the state under Governor Obi’s administration.

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hatever area of governance in Anambra State that attracts a critic’s interest would surely provide some lesson on a government’s zeal for functional service to the people. And as long as one continues to probe, the imposing sights of Anambra State University Teaching Hospital, Chief Jerome Udoji State Secretariat Complex, Professor Kenneth Dike Township Library, the Customary Court of Appeal (all at Awka) would always serve as testimonials to the numerous structures started and completed by the administration of Governor Obi. But for the relevance of repetition in making presentations to reluctant or awkward listeners, there would not be any need emphasizing the obvious gains of Obi’s model.

The education, health, roads (particularly rural roads), and value reorientation appear to be the flagship posts of Obi’s administration. This might explain the greater vigour the government is putting into these privileged sectors.

Okechukwu Anarado writes from Adazi-Nnukwu

thern pr oblem The Amnesty Conundrum: A nor northern problem

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EV. Chris Okotie’s analysis of the amnesty request by Northern leaders in an Article titled, ‘’The Boko Haram Amnesty Conundrum” published in the Sunday Vanguard of April 20, 2013 laid bare the mischief behind the comparison of the amnesty granted the Niger Delta militants and the strident call for same for the Islamists by leaders of the beleaguered region.

An excerpt from that piece would help us place the subject in its proper context: ‘’Generally, Boko Haram is a vampire on the loose whose objective is not just to Islamise Nigeria, but to rid it totally of western influence. The group is now present in every part of Nigeria, getting set for a bloody campaign down south. Talk about a bull in a China shop! ‘’In contrast, the Niger Delta militants are environmental activists and armed campaigners for economic justice for the alienated people of the Delta region, whose lands have been destroyed by decades of oil exploration without any visible positive impact on the people’s welfare.

They targeted flow stations, set rigs and pipelines on fire, kidnapped expatriates oil workers for ransom, and generally attacked key oil installations. ‘’The wild boys of Niger Delta never threatened those outside the realm of their agitation. They didn’t bring religious or tribal sentiments into their campaign or align with foreign terror

groups to levy war against their own people to attain some mindless, esoteric objectives.

The Niger Delta amnesty cannot possibly be a template any more than the pardon of Abacha’s coupist justifies Alameyesiegha’s clemency.” Sure. It can never, and should not be a template.

In fact, it is mischievous for anyone to attempt to promote amnesty for a group that has mocked and out rightly rejected same, even when offered on a platter of gold.

One is baffled that until recently, top northern leaders of thought, who are now clamouring for amnesty did not initially condemn the reckless killings of innocent citizens by the blood thirsty

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BY TAIWO GIDADO

and prosecuted. As president, he is not supposed to be afraid of anyone.

In fact, trouble markers ought to be scared of him given the awesome military might at his disposal. A Commander-In-Chief who can’t take out the bad guys in his own government is not worthy of the exalted office.

Jonathan must prove to all and sundry that he is not only in office, but in power as well, like ex-president Ibrahim Babaginda openly declared at the height of the June 12 agitation when some opposition forces began to challenge the legitimacy of his regime.

The former president left no one in

Boko Haram and the Niger Delta militants are two of a kind but unique in their different colourations

Isamists.

President Goodluck Jonathan is on record as saying in frustration that there are fifth columnists in his government, who are supporting Boko Haram. A serving Senator is facing persecution for his known link with the group. So, that gives credence to the president’s claim. But Mr Jonathan disappoints with his failure to expose the alleged backers of Boko Haram in his government.

Many observers are wondering why he could not get the saboteurs arrested

,

doubt that should there be a real threat of breakdown of law and order; he’d not hesitate to roll out the tanks against those who might try to bring down his government. One may say here that President Jonathan should heed the counsel of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo who advocated a carrot and stick approach in dealing with the Boko Haram.

While peace is being pursued via amnesty, government should evolve an effective strategy to paralyse Boko Haram like the United States

government did to Al-Quaeda.

In Sri Lanka and India, where terrorist groups have been crushed, our security and intelligence community must learn from the experience of these countries, including Israel, Germany and Italy, how they did it. The security crisis in Nigeria has reached a stage where foreign collaboration in the sharing of information, expertise and intelligence becomes imperative to our prosecuting this endless war.

As we explore ways of defeating Boko Haram and other local terror groups we must never make the mistake of seeing the disparate terrorist organizations from the same binoculars like Rev Okotie warned in his write-up:” Boko Haram and the Niger Delta militants are two of a kind but unique in their different colourations. We know and still know who the Delta militants are; but we don’t know the faces behind Boko Haram. That is why the government is unable to negotiate with them.

“Nobody can justify an amnesty for a group that is not committed to dialogue.

If Boko Harams body language speaks of peace, the federal government, tired of battle with the recalcitrant Islamic militants, would have no choice than to bring amnesty as bait on the table.

“Amnesty is justifiable under an atmosphere of jaw-jaw or during a carrot and stick situation, not when one side to the conflict is invisible, implacable and unwilling to accept anything but its own terms, which in the case of Boko Haram, cannot stand on any civilised logic.”

Gidado, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Lagos.

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

•The child lying helplessly on an Iron settee

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HEN a private clinic and maternity home, Jola-Oluwa Medical Clinic, was started over 20years ago by Dr. Kayode Koyejo, it was a succour to residents of Ikotun and its environs. The street where the clinic was located was named after it’s founder, Rev. Dr. Kayode Koyejo because he was rendering selfless services to patients. He was reputed for taking all cases brought before him as a challenge to ensure satisfactory medical attention,and that attracted several patients,both rich and poor to the clinic. Little wonder he became a household name within a short time,and the reputation of the clinic was so high that he garnered several awards including 2006 best private health facilities on Immunization and Utilization Services award.

However, this benevolence was short lived as Kayode Koyejo, 64, died in a ghastly motor accident on the 9th of March 2012, as he was rushing to the clinic to attend to an emergency situation. There were outbursts of emotion and anguish as residents of the area and other beneficiaries trooped to the clinic to mourn their hero. Expectant mothers were worst hit by the cruel turn of events. Soon after his burial, his wife, a Matron at Ikotun Medical Centre, Titi, took over the responsibility of managing the clinic.

Unfortunately, barely a year after his demise, the centre could no longer hold. The high reputation of the clinic started to dwindle.

It started experiencing low patronage.

Allegations began to trail the once highly recommended clinic, chief among them being the case of a 49-year- old man identified as Pere Douglass, who recently ran to the police for help over the treatment meted on his wife at the private

clinic where she was delivered of a baby boy through caesarian operation.

My case

T

he Alabiri-Bayelsa State born businessman narrated his plight to Crime Guard . According to him, “Trouble started in February after my wife Ebiere Douglass, was delivered of our child on the 5th of February, through Cesarian operation. She had to remain at the clinic with the baby because I could not pay N150,000 medical bill. My wife met Mrs Titilayo Koyejo, sometime in December 2012, when she went to Ikotun Medical Centre to register for ante-natal. Mrs. Titilayo happens to be one of the matrons there.They became friends along the line,and Titilayo further referred my wife to register for ante-natal at her private clinic. This, she did, in December. When she did not put to bed on the due date,

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By UJU MBANUSI

of which I would have used to sort out this bill. I was left with no option but to watch my wife and baby stay back at the clinic because of my inability to pay the bill. Last Friday, she and our baby were thrown out of the room they occupied and they had to sleep at the reception for three days.”

Our ugly experience His 36-year-old wife, Ebierre, from Bende in Abia State who spoke with Crime Guard at the Clinic while lying on the floor at the reception hall of the clinic stated that she has seen hell on earth after giving birth to a bouncing baby boy since February 5, 2013. “I came to register after I was referred here by the matron and owner of this place, Mrs Titilayo Koyejo whom I met and developed a cordial relationship with at Ikotun Medical Centre, where I had gone to register for ante-natal in December 2012;. I also

Since that Friday up till now, (April 22nd), this is where we have been sleeping. We have not had our bath

she was asked to go for a second scan, which we did at Tejuosho laboratories here in Ikotun.

It was at the laboratory that the doctor broke the news of the abnormal positioning of the baby in her womb, he also noticed that the water was dry; a situation that will cause difficulty in delivering the baby,and he said the only solution would be a Caesarian operation.

Unfortunately, I suffered colossal losses in my oil and gas business as I was duped of a huge amount of money, part

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carried out a scan at a laboratory here in Ikotun. I brought the result to the clinic and was told every thing was fine,that I will be due in January. But the due date came and nothing happened. I came to the clinic and was administered an injection to induce labour; but it did not come. It later resulted into a caesarean operation.

After the operation which went successfully, my husband went to the matron and asked her for the total cost incurred, she told him it is N150,000; but that she had to pay the bills to

•THE WOMAN: I am helpless

settle the doctor that performed the operation and that we have to balance her the money. We saw this as a very kind gesture from her and my husband explained his ordeal in the hands of fraudsters.

He assured he would not mind a written undertaking to be allowed a short period to raise the money and offset the bill. She agreed but insisted that I have to stay back at the hospital. I was also being administered medications due to complications that followed for two weeks after the operation,and a doctor she employed came to my room and asked the nurses why I was still at the clinic, they told him my story and he ordered them to stop administering any medications to me until we have settled all outstanding bills.... From that time, I would cry of stomach pain and would not get any medicine.

“Since that development, the matron has been threatening me and my baby, that we will start sleeping on the floor. Last Friday (April 19th) , when she returned from work, she came into the room and told me that

from now, we will have to start sleeping on the floor; that I will no longer use the water nor electricity. My husband came and we pleaded with her to give us more time that things have not been easy for us, especially as my husband has been running around, to get the money.

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ut she turned down our plea. I later went to meet her in her apartment, which is next door to the clinic, she refused to listen instead,she asked me to return to the clinic that she will meet me there.

When she came, I further pleaded with her to consider the baby, that we know she has really tried her best, and that we did not plan things to turn out this way.

I told her we deeply appreciated all she has done, and that she should exercise a little patience with us. She said she can not bear it any more and then instructed one of the nurses to pack up my things and clear the room. The nurses hurriedly cleared up all our belongings there by scattering them all over the room. After

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013 — 47

that, an electrician was called in to disconnect the electricity and fan.

“Since that Friday up till now, (April 22nd), this is where we have been sleeping. We have not had our bath. Mosquitoes feast on my little baby at night while other flies will take over in the day time. We have not been allowed to take our birth for days now. Efforts by sympathetic patients to render help were stopped by the nurses who were directed not to give us any breathing space.

Not being able to bear this anymore, my husband went to Ikotun police station and reported the matter pleading that they should assist us to make the Matron agree to an undertaking.

The DPO accompanied him here to see things for himself.

He asked the matron to make us sign an undertaking that we will pay the money at an agreed time, and allow us to go home. she refused, telling the DPO that she does not want to be going to the station to ask for her money; that the police was not there when the clinic carried out the operation on me. The DPO then ordered her to allow us back into the room since she refused to us signing an undertaking. That it is a crime to throw out a new born baby and a nursing mother.

“I feel helpless, if I could, I would have rallied and payed up the money a long time ago.

This is a situation no woman will want to see herself in, and my baby, what has he done to deserve this,” she asked, wiping tears off her eyes.

Related case

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sympathetic neighbour who spoke with Crime Guard under the guise of anonymity narrated another pathetic case involving a pregnant woman in the same hospital. According to the neighbour, a pregnant woman identified as Grace was rushed to the clinic in the 1st week of March 2013; but because there was no down payment for delivery, she was not given proper medical attention and as a result, the set of twins died.

The visibly angry neighbour volunteered the telephone number of the victim.

When Crime Guard tried to reach the victim on phone, a man that identified himself as her husband confirmed the incident but said he would rather allow the case to rest, because he felt everything happened the way God wanted it. “Yes, we lost our twin babies at the clinic last month, but I don’t want to attribute it to poor medical attention. I feel the clinic did their best, believe me they tried their best, considering the fact that we did not drop any money. We have

Mother, New born baby, detained 3 months in hospital for failure to settle N150,000 bill

•The frontage of the hospital decided to take the death of our twin babies as an act of God.”

Why we took the measures

W

hen Crime Guard visited the clinic, the matron, Titilayo Koyejo, was not around but her 25 year-old son, identified as Abolaji Koyejo, spoke on why the clinic took such measure. He said, “The clinic decided to take some stringent measures to get Mr Douglass to speed up and get the money paid. This clinic was started around 1992 by my father, who managed this place alongside my mum.

But after his death on the 9th of March 2012, my mother (Mrs Koyejo) has been saddled with the task of managing this clinic and believe me, it has not been easy. The clinic has not been fetching much funds like it used to when my dad was

alive. We have been trying to run it, introducing different strategies just to make sure things are working fine. The clinic suffered a drastic decrease in patronage after my dad passed on due to the fact that the man they used to know to be in charge of the place is no more. Though, we now have some of them coming back. It’s been well over two months that we have Mrs. Douglas here. She came in as a pregnant woman and put to birth through caesarian operation that involved one of the doctors in the house. Normally, she was meant to pay up her bills and leave after every other checkup must have been done to ensure that she is alright. But unfortunately, we had to settle the bills from our purse, because the doctor that operated on her was not directly associated with us, he has his own clinic. After the operations,

she had some other complications which was treated by the clinic without her paying a dime.

During the Easter period, the husband came to us and pleaded that we give them more time, that he was going to settle the bill; a month later, he did not show up to fulfill his promise. The clinic has been very lenient with them, what we did is not against the ethics of hospital management anywhere. She can go to any other clinic to confirm this.

This has not been fair to us. We pay bills here too; we have over N9,000 PHCN bill every month, the staff salary is there and many other responsibilities. Considering the low patronage, running this place has not been easy on us, what we are after is for them to pay their bills and go.” rime Guard gathered that the situation took a

C

Court gives landlord 2 weeks to produce defendant or go to prison

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

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Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere yesterday, ordered a landlord to produce a defendant, Friday Ibor, 33, within two weeks or go to prison, following his statement to the police that he will produce him when needed, if granted bail.

The trial judge, Justice Ebenezer Adebajo, in his ruling said, “I have heard enough from the landlord not to ask him to proceed to prison. However, inasmuch as he has promised the police that he will produce Friday Ibor upon release, the landlord is hereby released.

And if he does not produce the Friday Ibor or assist in the re-arrest of Friday Ibor, I shall consider him as constructively harbouring a criminal and interfering with the course of justice and exercise the power of this court in that respect.”

The court further ordered that police should immediately arrest and charge Mr Innocent Onwubiko, CEO of EDS, for receiving stolen property amongst other things. Ibor, who lives at 22/23, Nnemekuzo Street in Iba, Lagos, and six others were accused of stealing a N 6,285 million cheque.

The charge reads; (LCD/175/2011): “Raphael Akindolie, Anthony Ebeogu, Friday Ibor, Korede Oladimeji, Osegua Jeremiah, Daniel Foludu, Edwin Jimoh and others at large, between May 5, 2010 and June 29, 2010 at Maza Maza in the Lagos judicial division conspired to steal.”

However, at the proceeding yesterday, the police was able to produce Egbeogu, Oladimeji and Foludu, while Ibor was said to have run away when the police went to effect his arrest. The matter was adjourned to May 5, for the bail application of the defendants to be moved.

Police intervention dramatic turn last Monday after the police at Ikotun visited the hospital and saw the deteriorating condition of the woman and her child. They reportedly made concerted efforts to plead with the matron to allow them sign an undertaking to no avail. This prompted the urgent intervention of the Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko who directed that the mother and her ailing child should be urgently evacuated from the hospital while the police at Ikotun division should ensure that proper arrangements were made to recover the money for the hospital.

This directive was swiftly carried out and police sources said, if not for the wisdom applied by the DPO, some staff of the hospital nearly resisted police intervention violently.

As at press time, it was not possible to ascertain whether the police is pressing any charges on the hospital for detaining the mother and her child for so long in the hospital or not.

Man, 21, docked for stealing Qur’an at Shoprite

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE & MICHAEL NWOPOKE 21-year-old man, Alex Nduhusiya, was yesterday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for stealing copies of Holy Quran worth N89, 700, at a Palm Shopping Mall, Lekki, Lagos.

The accused, who claimed to be a security guard and resides at New Market in Oniru Estate pleaded guilty to a onecount charge of theft.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector Akeem Raji, the accused committed the offense on April 19 at 10a.m. at Palms Shopping Mall, Lekkki, Lagos.

He said: “The accused stole the Holy Qur’an, worth. N89, 700, property of Hub Media Stores. The accused who was caught while stealing the Qur’an was immediately apprehended and handed over to the police.” The prosecutor told the court that the said offense contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

However, Magistrate Olumide Fusika, adjourned the case to April 26, for facts and sentence.

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48 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

Living dangerously in Lagos

z CP Manko

zGov Fashola

Fashola, Jonathan should set up a joint military task force — Engr. Abiodun Burimoh

By Ephraim Oseji

T

he security situation is becoming some thing else, although it is a national prob lem. The federal government needs to do something drastic to curb it. Until the government provide jobs and makes it easy for people to feed, then crime in Lagos and Nigeria will reduce. I want to say that when Governor Buba Maruwa was the military administrator of Lagos State, he had to set up a joint military task force made up of the military, army, police etc. He bought them patrol vans and made them patrol all parts of Lagos State day and night and also he asked for help from corporate organizations who also contributed their own quota by also providing funds for the purchase of patrol vans. Some may see that as being impossible now because it’s a democratic dispensation. And I keep asking one question that what is the military and others doing in the barracks? The Lagos State governor and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should set up a joint military task force to patrol the streets, discuss with the service chiefs and let them know why their men should be deployed to the streets of the country instead of sending troops to Mali which does not benefit us at all.

Government should create jobs — Chika Godo It is quite unfortunate that a thing like this is happening in Lagos because it remains the most peaceful state in the country. The root of this problem is unemployment. When I say unemployment I mean there are a lot of graduates and even those with masters degree who cannot get jobs. So what do you want them to do because kidnapping have become very lucrative even more than the oil business. If you look at for example the kidnapping of the Ejigbo council boss, those who did that may be unemployed graduates and because they cannot feed. They are looking for short cuts. I want to advise the Lagos state governor and the federal government to create jobs, if not crime rate will continue to be on the increase.

And again we don’t have a good president. If President Jonathan wants to be the best president ever, all he needs to do is to revive the dead sector like the NITEL, Steel companies,

textile companies and create so many other bodies, all these will help curb crime and kidnapping because it is if only if a man cannot feed himself or his family then he thinks evil.

If you suspect your neigbour, call the police —Obinna Kalu

Kidnapping of the Ejigbo council boss of Lagos state was a sad event in the history of Lagos State because the state is a peaceful one made up of people from different tribes. This sad canker-worm must be checked closely or it will escalate. The Fashola led administration has done a lot in terms of roads, hospitals but must improve in the area of security. This issue of kidnapping and crime is a responsibility of both the government and the individuals in a , community. Everyone should be vigilant, once you suspect your neighbors and anybody on your street, you report the person to the police but people are afraid of the police because of their approach to issues and the Lagos state government should employ private security outfits to help it curb crime in Lagos. Another issue is that we do not have intelligence in this country, if you pay some young men to go around day and night gathering information and pass back to the relevant authorities it will go a long way to help.

Employ private security outfits —kenneth Okoh

The security situation in Lagos is becoming alarming compared to the past. To worsen it, they now kidnap people in Lagos. Ha! It’s a sad development. The kidnap of the Ejigbo council boss, just imagine that a local government chairman is kidnapped, that means Lagos is not safe anymore. I want Governor Fashola to act fast. Let him seek the service of our local vigilante groups, the OPC and others. Let each local government authority employ as many of them as possible and deploy them to their various localities but must also be checked to curb their excesses. Another fact is that for crime rate to reduce the government at both the local and federal levels should be able to create employment. Just imagine a graduate who has been looking for job for more than 5 years now and the young man is tired.

What do you want him to do? If he does not have the fear of God, then crime will be the next thing.

So employment is a vital tool if the government wants to curb crime.

Continued from page 11 familiar to the people of this country, judging from past experiences.

Kidnappers usually trailed their victims behind in moving vehicles to a point where they can be rounded up or double-crossed, armed with guns. They may not shoot at their victims instantly but only to forcibly seize and take them away to hide-outs, remote from where they were abducted on gun point. Thereafter, victims are tightly blindfolded, sometimes chained and cuffed, kept in solitary confinement, probably under armed watch. Some kidnappers belong to highly organized syndicates.

Immediately after being captured and now in the kidnappers’ den, victims are ordered to use their GSM phones to call family members – wives, children, husbands, brothers or sisters on the ransom demanded and then the phone switched off.

A reliable security source explained it to Saturday Vanguard this way: “Negotiations will then begin. Kidnappers can demand for huge amount ranging to several millions.

They are usually not in a hurry, after several hours and even days or weeks, will keep in touch with families of victims, trying to strike a deal, but the bargaining should not drag on too long or indefinitely, because of risk to the life of the victim who can be killed if the negotiation on ransom is protracted. Families, friends of victims are usually warned not to involve the Police at any point in time.”

Meanwhile, families are going through mental torture and agony and so ready to abide by any instruction given.

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n several cases, ransom demands, no matter how astronomical, can be brought down, provided the kidnappers get something at the end of the day which can be picked up at an obscure, but designated place, that can keep changing until it was safe enough. For example, in the case of Bamigbetan, the initial demand was $1 million but it was speculated that only N15 million was dropped before he was set free by his captors when it dawned on them that the Police were already closing in. In some others, ransom was paid and collected, yet the kidnappers still killed their victims.

One of the most sordid incident happened in Benin City when the Chairman of Tomline Engineering Company based in the ancient city was kidnapped in an operation which took the lives of his wife, two security personnel and his driver. He was later released after some days only to mourn the death of his wife and three others. Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, in a condolence visit to the victim, said government was restrategising, putting measures in place to tackle the crime of kidnapping, pointing out that a law had been enacted in the state to deal with the problem. Ever since, there had been joint army/police patrols in the city.

Another dramatic kidnap was that of Michael Obi Snr., father of the Nigerian international football star who plays for the Super Eagles and Chelsea of England Football Club which happened in Jos and was rescued in Kano after 17 days in captivity. Why the prevalence of kidnap crime in recent times?Victims included traditional rulers, medical doctors, judges, children, businessmen, industrialists, academicians, politicians, very old people, etc.

It was gathered that several factors including youth unemployment, lack of infrastructures, frustration, hopelessness, could be responsible for this crime.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 27, 2013 — 49

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odwin Ehigiamusoe, Managing Director, Lift Above Poverty (LAPO), a financial institution that has been on ground over the years with a strong financial structure and balanced managerial skills that provide financial services in the Nigerian economy particularly women and also creating jobs and at the same time training its employees. In this interview with Saturday Va n g u a r d Business, he reveals why people’ perception on Micro-finance sector must change and the effort regulatory authorities are making to reposition the sector despite their previous challenges.

Excerpt:

BIZNESS NEWS

Why we must change our perception of Micro-finance sector in Nigeria — EHIGIAMUSOE

Since inception, LAPO has been contributing its quota to the Nigerian economy by way of empowering Nigerian women mostly, despite the harsh economic environment, what is your strategy?

In providing financial services especially credit to a large number of economically active people particularly women, we have contributed first, to enhancing their productivity and therefore their contribution to the national economy.

Secondly, we have also contributed to the provision of mass employment; access to credit enables individuals to set up own businesses therefore engage in selfemployment. As it is obvious that selfemployment is the best form of employment. In addition, as the need for more staff arises, we create opportunity for employment of youth.

Many micro-finance banks had gone underground, LAPO is still waxing strong, what is the secret of your survival?

There is really no secret about the growth of LAPO. However, a number of factors have contributed to our growth. First is the fact that we have been around for a very long time, as a result, we have been able to develop our capacity and strengthen our systems which enable us to address challenges in our operating environment which other operators may find challenging. Again, we have been able to build a strong relationship with our clients, meet their credit needs and retain their loyalty.

For some micro-finance banks that had operated for years, but now couldn’t forge ahead, what do you think could be responsible for that?

Micro-finance banks are just like businesses and viability of businesses is majorly the function of their internal and external environments. Growth or lack of it depends on how effective the internal system is able to effectively engage the external environment. For instance how do you deal with competition and curtail cost in the face of challenging environment?

Somehow we have done pretty well in responding to our operating environment with appropriate institutional structures.

You’ve said one among others, could you also see incompetence as another factor?

Obviously, management is heart of the internal factor. It determines other factors such as formulating sound business plans, designing the right structures and processes to engage their clients and deal with issues and challenges that we all know in the operating environment.

In trying to reduce poverty in the land, you increased your budget in 2011, 2012 to meet up with demand, how is the range of your budget this year?

Usually we set our plan and target over five years. 2013 would see us engaging more clients and by implication delivering larger volume of services, principally credit.

So, we hope that during this financial year, we should be able to deliver N61 billion Naira as to our clients.

What is your clients’ response in terms of paying back?

It’s not a matter of borrowers’ cooperating, even though that is important, but the most important factor is what our systems are – are they strong, flexible enough to ensure that we are able to deliver credit in the quantum and at the time our clients require?

If you meet those conditions, that is, delivery of response services and as at when our clients need these services they are most likely to meet their repayment obligations with little prompting. The second factor is the level of training both for the staff who are delivering the financial services and as well as to our clients who receive and use this credit. If you put all these together, the

Ehigiamusoe likelihood that you have good repayment performance is always there.

Can you estimate the volume of your clients patronising you?

At a time, it was difficult to put figure down on the number of clients we have because people are coming in everyday and at the same time, we have a few clients who are also dropping out. Our target is that before the end of the year, we should be able to have one million clients actively engaging us for their services.

If micro-finance banks in Nigeria must be revived, what must be done to change people’s philosophy about the industry?

The first thing I must agree with you is, there is an issue of perception of the microfinance sector in Nigeria. At the moment the perception is poor. This is largely because of its own history of what happened in the last few years, when some micro-finance banks went under. But that is not enough to portray the industry the way people see it. The fact on ground is that, there are a lot of micro-finance banks, big and small, in urban, semi urban and rural communities that are delivering

Bell Apple farming in Nigeria, investment prospects — Oluwagbenga M

r.

Akinyemi Oluwagbenga is a researcher and Founder, Bell Apple Wealth Ventures. In this interaction with Saturday Vanguard Business states the need for agricultural research and prospects for investment in tropical apple.

Concerning financing of agricultural projects, not enough is being done and that is not encouraging.

Though the government has made some efforts, it is not enough and that is not encouraging individuals to go into agriculture. If you look at the climatic conditions in the country now, when you invest, you are taking a big risk as the challenges are numerous. For instance, we have seen climate change leading to excess rainfall or excess heat.

So entrepreneurs and investors

are very cautious when it comes to investing in agriculture.

Effects of poor funding The effect of poor funding surely will affect food security if we look at the area of food security.

Some countries engage seriously in plantation farming, and as a result they have enough food to take care of their populace and even export, but in our situation where we don’t have enough plantations whatever food we produce that is what we consume. Even that is not enough. We have arable land but we still import.

We shouldn’t be importing food, but the situation is that we have not been able to go into

massive production of food that will take care of our population and still enable us to export.

Entrepreneurs’ attitude towards research Research is very important to people, who want to invest in agriculture. From my experience, however, young people are not interested in research. They see it as a waste of time.

They just want to get a monthly job and start making money. Some that I have come across will look at me and say things like, “What is this guy doing?”, “You are just wasting your time, putting money into research”, “You know the type of country we are in”, “Who will encourage your” and so on. The attitude of many young entrepreneurs

is not encouraging at all.

When it comes to research, you have to have passion for it to go into it; it’s more about your talent or gift. I was fortunate that I did my NYSC at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research. That is where I really developed the ability to do research. I worked with professors and doctors and we will go to the field and I will ask a lot of questions. At times they will give me assignments, which will require me to go to the library and study extensively. All that really encouraged me, seeing people with really inquisitive minds in agricultural research in the country. Entrepreneurs need to know that research is not about immediate gain, but about facts that can help them with their investment.

Unfortunately, many of the research documents end up on tablets and in shelves. And so many times, investors come into the sector without even being aware of these research findings. This is because several research institutes, from my own findings, carry out research and put them in a journal and leave them on a table wasting away.

Cronos Airlines, Peacock collaborate to open Port HarcourtMalabo route Cronos Airlines, an Equatorial Guineabased carrier, has partnered with Nigeria’s Peacock Travels and Tours Limited to open the Malabo-Port Harcourt route. This followed an agreement recently signed by the two companies.

Peacock has now obtained the exclusive General Sales Agency right to issue the airline’s tickets in Nigeria.

A statement by the Executive Chairman, Peacock, Chief Segun Phillips, said Cronos also has a plan to commence flights from Malabo to Lagos and Abuja before the end of the year. According to him, Malabo as a destination has historical link with Nigeria, especially the Efik speaking tribe who are found in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

The Malabo-Port-Harcourt service, he said, came at the right time for the sizeable number of Ibo traders plying the route.

He said, “Previously, the traders go by ship which is slow, hazardous and unsafe.

The new air link between Port Harcourt and Malabo, which lasts for just 45 minutes, become a comfortable, fast and reliable option than going by ship.It is an interesting tourist’s destination which boasts of upscale holiday and recreational facilities, including luxury hotels and one of the best golf courses in Africa.”

Chief Phillips further said with the popularity of golf game in Nigeria, the airline and Peacock would give priority to golf players for easy access. According to him, there is a plan to offer total package, including entry visa and flight tickets for prospective passengers. To do this effectively, Peacock has three offices located in Aba, Port Harcourt city and Port Harcourt International Airport.

Peacock will assist prospective passengers to facilitate the issuance of visa. services such as loans and also providing savings opportunities to people who obviously would not have had opportunity to save in an institution. That is the fact should first be noted. The issue therefore is, what can we do to deepen the industry, what steps should we take to record better performance in the industry and at the same time enhance the perception of the industry? The good news is that key stakeholders in this industry, the CBN, the NDIC and the micro-finance banks themselves are currently taking some steps to address challenges in the sector.

Investment opportunity What comes to my mind is bell apple.

When I mention bell apple, your minds goes to the imported apple, but bell apple is a tropical apple that grows here in Nigeria. It is bigger in size compared to the imported apple, very attractive, highly nutritious, and even medicinal. It grows in Lagos, Delta, Edo and Benue States. We have bell apple trees sparsely scattered around the country.

Cultivating and selling bell apples When you talk about the time it takes from planting to your first harvest, you are looking at three years. From the third year, it starts fruiting gradually. When it comes to the fruits you can get over 1,000 apples per harvest and you have two harvests per annum.

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

How I saved Alamieyeseigha from untimely death—Evah Comrade Joseph Evah is the national coordinator, Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG) and former Publicity Secretary, Ijaw National Congress (INC).In this encounter, he speaks on topical issues of presidential pardon granted former Bayelsa Governor, Alamieyeseigha and issues of recovered loot from public servants. Excerpt.

How are you coping with the pressure of activism?

Despite the fact that the highest concentration of Niger Delta people outside our region is Lagos and South-West, the pressure is terrible. Some people still travel down from Niger Delta to Lagos to seek my help. You can see the crowd in my office. I told them I’m also a beggar like them but they didn’t understand me. They said I can easily see the President or Governors but I just look at them and laugh. There was a case of a woman suffering from breast cancer and I struggled to send her to India but because I could not sponsor her second trip to India, she died. I also handled this case of a Niger Delta University student now suffering from kidney problem.

The parents came to my office to cry. I asked various groups to contribute money for his treatment but it was not enough even after I gave the parents money. So I gave the parents a letter to take him to see the chairman of the Local Government in Bayelsa where they come from for assistance but on getting

,

there, they drove the parents away. The boy is out of school for over a year now. As I speak to you now, another Bayelsa woman is in LUTH on admission with breast cancer. The husband comes here to beg everyday. I try my best for them but my best is useless because of the kind of health crisis she is facing. This office is just like my house. It is also like a police station where everybody comes to lay complaints. When I have cases that involve infringement on human rights, I send them to lawyers like Festus Keyamo who handles them without collecting any money from me. Despite the frustrations, I can’t abandon the suffering of my people. I feel their pains. I enjoy giving hope to people and because I’m in the media, television and radio talking for the silent majority, any problem they have, their neighbours will just tell them, go and see the Niger Delta activist Comrade Joseph Evah and your problem will be solved.

That is my cross but thank God, the masses appreciate my efforts. That is why I’m the only Niger Delta activist today that can mobilize over 5,000 people within 24 hours because I have the structures on ground and the hell I face today is how to maintain these structures. These structures are also in the Niger Delta region and the greatest gift I got from my mentors, Gani Fawehinmi and Femi Falana was the capacity to put smile on the faces of the masses.

How did you feel as one those who witnessed the exhuming of your hero Isaac Boro’s remains from Lagos Ikoyi cemetery back to Ijaw land two weeks ago?

This initiative by Governor Dickson of Bayelsa State is our pride. In fact, this uncom-

Evah...Nigeria is a funny country tured him like a prisoner of war. The problem of This office is like a police station Alamieyeseigha continued throughout Obasanjo’s periwhere everybody comes to lay his od and Yar Adua inherited the problem and along the complaints; I send most of the cases line, Alamieyeseigha was involving human rights to lawyers like granted permission to go for medical treatment abroad by Festus Keyamo who handles them the court and while undergoing treatment in Dubai hoswithout collecting any money from me pital, the EFCC deported him mon achievement of Dickson but where is the money? No- without due process. The will be recorded in the Guin- body is asking EFCC to dis- former Governor- General of ness Book of Records in this play the money or return such Ijaw nation was deported century. He should use the money to Bayelsa State. without allowing him to comsame visionary steps to Obasanjo told us that over plete his medical treatment. It change the face of Bayelsa N800 billion was recovered was shocking and sad. My State and the Ijaw nation for from Abacha loot. Where is revelation about Alamieyesprogress. He should use the the money? We need such eigha’s condition embaroccasion of the exhuming of money to repair our universi- rassed the Federal GovernBoro’s body to withdraw his ties and colleges but as we ment and the international case against those who pro- speak, Nigerians are not ask- community and it created tentested against graduate unem- ing about Abacha’s alleged sion in the Niger Delta reployment from the law court stolen money or Alamieyes- gion.

What revelation are you and present those who partic- eigha’s alleged loot. talking about? ipated in the protest the Ijaw In fact, I saved AlamieyesI was driving along the third national medal. The protest eigha from untimely death. I was not against him but a read some claims that Yar ’ main land bridge when I rewake-up call on all our politi- Adua loved Alamieyeseigha ceived a call from Ambassacians in Ijaw-speaking states so much that when he was dor Godknows Igali, the and Abuja to address the deported from Dubai hospital, former Nigerian Ambassador time-bomb of unemployment that the late President called to Sweden and the current in the Niger Delta region. I the former Bayelsa State Gov- Permanent Secretary, Miniswas the first to compile five ernor and after sending his try of power. You know Dr. volumes of the “Niger Delta Vice President Goodluck Godknows Igali was the SecBible of unemployment” with Jonathan to visit Alamieyes- retary of Bayelsa State govover 8,000 CVs of graduates eigha, he concluded the ar- ernment under Dr.Goodluck since 2008. So, I have the rangements to set him free af- Jonathan when he was Bayelfacts about the agony in our ter agreement on plea-bar- sa State Governor. So, when I home land. Since Bayelsa gain. That is a naked lie and received the phone call, I symbolizes the Jerusalem of a lie against the late President parked my car on the bridge all the Ijaws on earth,he Yar Adua .I started the pro- and he told me that should be prepared to carry cess that made Yar Adua to ask Alamieyeseigha was in danthe cross of the whole Ijaw Jonathan to visit Alamieyes- ger and the only person that eigha in EFCC detention and could save him was me. So, I nation. him that During the Alamieyeseigha the government started the reminded saga, you played a prominent process for his release. It is Alamieyeseigha was in hosrole. What was your interest? only in a country like Nigeria pital in Dubai and I’m not a Nigeria is a funny country. that people can even lie medical doctor. He replied Instead of people asking for against the dead for cheap that Alamieyeseigha was deported back to the country sethe where-about of the alleged politics.

What happened at that cretly and was being detained recovered loot of at EFCC detention centre and Alamieyesiegha, they are time?

When Alamieyeseigha’s the only person who could talking about the disadvantages of state pardon. Did you trouble started in London, he bring his condition to public know that EFCC told us that was facing health crisis and notice was somebody who is over 50 billion naira was re- he escaped from London to without fear. He begged me covered from Alamieyesgha Nigeria where Obasanjo cap- in the name of God and the

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Ijaw nation. He said he had consulted widely and everybody agreed that it was only Joseph Evah that could handle that because I was able to face Abacha and military rule; that everybody was hiding from EFCC trouble. I abandoned where I was going and returned to the office to fine tune my strategy and arrange a world press conference. Nigerians were shocked that Alamieyeseigha who was supposed to be receiving treatment abroad was deported without completing his treatment.

So prior to the alarm you raised, Yar Adua did not make any effort to arrange plea bargain for Alamieyeseigha?

No way, you see, I received several threat phone calls on my life because of the alarm I raised over him to the extent that I could not sleep in my house. So, to imagine that somebody just sitting down somewhere would cook up falsehood is painful. There was nothing like personal relationship between Yar Adua and Alamieyeseigha that set him free. Even the title the Emir of Kastina gave him when he was in power did not do the magic. It was the alarm I raised that made Yar Adua soft- pedal and bring up the idea of plea bargin because I stated how Alamieyeseigha would be eliminated. You can check Daily Sun Newspaper, Thursday July 19th 2007 cover story and Vanguard Newspaper July 19th 2007 cover page story, among other newspapers. I stated that I had evidence that Alamieyeseigha would be poisoned to death and that he was chained him to the wall like an animal in detention. The EFCC addressed a press in Abuja to counter me and abused me and I engaged them in a media war that lasted for weeks. The late Yar Adua sent Jonathan to visit Alamieyeseigha on Saturday 22nd of July and the press reported the meeting.

Alamieyeseigha’s lawyer Mr.Mike Ozekhome spoke on the alarm I raised on the 24th of July papers.In fact, the press also reported that the EFCC demanded that the Vice-President should come and see that they did not chain Alamieyeseigha to the wall as alleged by me. So, if Yar Adua so loved Alamieyeseigha, why was he deported secretly and the Presidency kept quiet until I risked my life to raise the alarm that prompted the then Vice-President to visit his former boss.

Alamieyeseigha’s plea bargain kicked-off on the 26th of July 2007 and was reported in the media on Saturday 28th of July because the conclusion of plea bargain ended very late on Thursday July 26th for the press to carry the full story the next day. From the day I raised the alarm to the time he was released from prison sentence, to the time he returned again to Dubai for further medical treatment

Continues on page 51

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013—51

Continued from page 50

How I saved Alamieyeseigha from untimely death with intimidating credentials like that of Chief E.K. Clark who has been in the development of Nigeria since post independent era.

How can the living oracle of Niger Delta argue with just anybody? It is a taboo in African tradition and Custom.

,

as a free man, I was updating the press and the Ijaw nation. All these are facts are in the libraries of media houses as well as my archives.

How will you react to Senator Waku blasting Chief Clark in a national newspaper of April 12th 2013?

Who is Senator Waku to deserve Chief Clark reply? It is an insult to expect our national leader to join issues with Waku. Chief Clark can only argue with Senator Waku’s father on one condition, that is, if Waku’s father is equally the leader of his region

It is an insult to expect our national leader to join issues with Waku

,

Did you read what Waku said about Chief Clark’s arguments being based on primitive tendencies?

It is very clear that Waku didn’t know what he was saying. When General Gowon appointed Chief Clark to manage Information in this country, where was the father of Senator Waku in Nigeria’s history? Is it the grandson of such people today calling those who first came in contact with civilization primitive? He doesn’t know the meaning of the word, otherwise, he wouldn’t have used it.

Dr. Mohammed Shaba passes on

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prominent Lagos socialite, Dr. Mohammed Shaba Umar, from the royal family of Etsu Nupe in Patigi L.G.A, Kwara State has passed on after a brief illness at the age of 66.

Alhaji Shaba, as he was popularly called, was a

member of British Institute of Surgical Technology, a member of Institute of Prosthetic and Orthodontist , Chief Executive, Northern Airline Services, President Yamashid Fountain Computer, LTD, amongst others. He is survived by

•Late Shaba wives, children and grandchildren amongst whom is Baba Shaba Umar, an ACN youth leader in Lagos State. He has since been buried according to Islamic Rights.

Madam Aduke Ige for Burial June 1 Due to the monthly environmental sanitation cutting across the South West states and other exigencies, the burial ceremony ear-

lier announced by the family of late Madam Comfort Aduke Ige, has been postponed by one week.

In the new burial ar-

Tunde Sa Savvage dies at 66 The death has been announced of former entertainment czar, Mr. Babatunde Idowu Savage, who for many years was responsible for organising the popular “Miss Nigeria” pageant.

According to family sources, Mr. Savage passed away at the St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos on Friday 26 th April, 2013, after a brief illness. He was 66 years old.

The ebullient Tunde Savage, who as General Manager of Times Leisure Services, a Division of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, supervised the smooth running of the ‘Miss Nigeria’ pageant and became the driving force behind the annual event that was for years, the high point of the Nigeria enter-

Late Savage tainment calendar.

Popularly called TS, the late entertainment executive, was until his death the Chairman and Chief Executive of Tukod Associates Limited and TUTASASA Ltd. He is survived by his wife Lola and children, Mrs. Yetunde Agoro, Mr. Babalola Savage and Mrs. Bidemi Olorunfemi. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the family.

rangement, the Christian Wake takes place on Friday, May 31, 2013 at her residence at K52, Isare Street, Efon Alaye by 5pm. There will be church service on Saturday June 1, 2013 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Idagba Street, Efon Alaye at 11am after which interment takes place. Reception follows the interment same day at Oke Are Primary School, Efon Alaye between 2pm and 7pm.

Madam Ige, popularly known as Mama OlopoEwa, died on Friday in Lagos after a brief illness.

She is survived by Mrs Folake Idowu, Chief Kayode Allen Ige, Engr.

Bankole Julius Ige, Mr Kehinde Festus Ige, Mr Taye Felix Ige, Mr Idowu Olajide Ige and Mrs Alaba Christianah Oderinde.

Late Madam Ige

52—SATURDAY Vanguard,APRIL 27, 2013

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin City

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ll had not been well between the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state and the last Saturday Local Government election in the state, has deepened the crisis between the duo. Also at war path with Oshiomhole, is the Minister of Works, Arch. Mike Onolemenmen who is from Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Council of the state, like the Chairman Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih. When Oshiomhole came in as governor of the state many were waiting to see how he will manage political leaders such as Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, Chief Anenih and Chief Igbinedion due to his back ground as a no nonsense labour leader. Before the coming of Oshiomhole, the trio who are members of the PDP decided the political fate of the people of the state including the late Alhaji Inu Umoru. And shortly after he was sworn in as Governor there was a clash between him and Dr Ogbemudia when the latter was asked to return vehicles belonging to the state government in his possession, by the Asset Verification Committee set up then by Oshiomhole. But Oshiomhole later returned the vehicles to him, as a matter of fact bought better ones for the two-time former governor of the old Bendel State who is well respected today in Edo and Delta states. The matter was resolved amicably and since then the duo has enjoyed cordial relationship.

Saturday Vanguard recalled that Anenih caught the wrath of Oshiomhole when the Iyasele of Esan land during a PDP campaign declared that all the Oshiomhole’s administration had achieved in his first one year was planting of flowers at Ring Road. Oshiomhole declared war on Anenih and it lasted till after the July 14, 2012 governorship election. After his election victory, the governor informed his close aides that he has suspended further attacks on Chief Anenih “unless dem find my trouble again”. And for Chief Igbinedion his relationship with him has been cordial due to the governor ’s closeness with the son and former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion. Due to the role the Igbinedions played towards Oshiomhole’s emergence the governor found himself in a dilemma on how to react to issues that had to do with the administration of the state during the administration of Lucky Igbinedion. He has even been accused by the PDP of working with the same people who were in the administration of Igbinedion and had refused to probe some decisions taken by that administration. It was obvious that the duo will clash but when was the issue. However, Oshiomhole was able to manage the situation until prior to the 2012 governorship election when Chief Igbinedion decided to pitch tenth with his party the PDP against Oshiomhole. Saturday Vanguard learnt that Chief Igbinedion was not •Governor Adams Oshiomhole comfortable with the tax regime of the state government which was clashing with his business interest in the state. As a result the Benin High Chief believed that supporting the re-election of Oshiomhole will further diminish his business empire in the state. consequently, he backed Gen.Charles Airhiavbere of the PDP and mobilized support for the PDP. Saturday Vanguard learnt that Oshiomhole in company of the former Secretary to the Edo state Government during the administration of Lucky and Vice-Chairman South South of the ACN, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu met with Chief Igbinedion on three occasions before the governorship elections to plead with him to support Oshiomhole but to no avail. It was learnt that each time they discuss the issue with the Chief, he kept insisting that the taxation policy of the state governjeopardy. Unlike the kind of verbal election commenced and as expectment was not a palatable one while attack Oshiomhole launched against ed, Oshiomhole tongue lashed the on his part Oshiomhole will argue Esama after the latter went to Okada Anenih, it was difficult for the that it will be difficult for him to governor to react that same manner to campaign for the PDP governorbend the rules because the poor in to Igbinedion because of his closeship candidate.

Unfortunately for the state also pay taxes. All the Chief Igbinedion, Oshiomhole won ness with Lucky and other close meetings yielded no fruit on either the governorship election and it was friends of the Igbinedions in his side, and it was obvious that the obvious that his numerous business administration. But the animosity battle line was drawn. resurrected during the Local Govinterests in the state will be in Campaigns for the governorship

Oshiomhole VS Igbinedion:

Why Oshiomhole is at war with Igbinedion (inside story) •Edo LG Polls a charade-Onolemenmen ernment chairmanship primaries of the ACN which was contested by one of the sons of Chief Igbinedion, Charles who was chairman of Ovia North East when his brother Lucky was governor. The Igbinedions are from Okada in Ovia North East and Continues on page 53

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013—53

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The war of words between the duo heightened last Saturday during the Local Government elections when Governor Oshiomhole accused Chief Igbinedion and Arch.Onolemenmen of violating electoral laws and asked the police to arrest them

,

•Chief Lucky Igbinedion

‘Why Oshiomhole is at war with Igbinedion’ Continued from page 52

that council has been under their grip until recently.

Charles was denied the ACN chairmanship ticket by the ACN leaders, rather the ticket was given to Mrs Lucy Omagbon, who was former PDP Woman Leader in Edo state. Omagbon was formerly Chief Igbinedion’s political daughter while she was in PDP but parted ways with the Igbinedions and became a core loyalist of the ravaging Oshiomhole’s political empire. This did not go C M Y K

down well with Chief Igbinedion. As if this was not enough, Oshiomhole revoked lands acquired by Chief Igbinedion when the son was Governor. In particular the large expanse of land at Okada where Yoruba cocoa farmers have been operating for years and paying royalty to Chief Igbinedion. While Oshiomhole is utilizing his executive powers to right the wrongs of the past, the Independent Television (ITV) belonging to the Igbinedion family has not

spared Oshiomhole’s administration with their persistent criticism of his policies.

The war of words between the duo heightened last Saturday during the Local Government elections when Governor Oshiomhole accused Chief Igbinedion and Arch.Onolemenmen of violating electoral laws and asked the police to arrest them. He accused the PDP leaders of disrupting elections with mobile policemen in their respective areas.

While swearing in the 14 elected ACN chairmen last

Monday, Oshiomhole said: ““there is evidence that he (Igbinedion) has undermined the prosperity of the state for a very long time.

Those who live in glass houses do not throw stones.I want to send a warning to Chief Igbinedion that he should take it easy, he has acquired a lot of government land that the people have not engaged him on. He walks as if he is above the law, he was a chief tax collector in this state, pocketing twenty five to thirty percent of every kobo that accrued while his son was the governor. I have not looked back because my mandate is to look forward. I want to put him on notice that if he continues with elderly rascality, I will bring him to justice. He must never ever underestimate the fact that I have the will and I have the capacity to deploy that will, if he crosses the law he will be cut to size.

Elders must teach the younger ones to behave responsibly. You heard how he is using ITV in a very reckless manner in a clear breach of the NBC code. He left where he is registered to vote and going all the way to Okada on a day movement was restricted across the state, he got to Okada and illegally used Mobile policemen to be walking on the street going to the police station where sensitive election materials were being kept in order to vandalize the sensitive electoral materials to ensure elections did not take place. If he misleads himself into believing that he has the birth right to continue to appropriate, privatize the resources of Edo State, he is living in a

fool’s paradise, Edo money will never flow to the Igbinedion house any more”.

But the Benin Youth Congress (BYC) in a statement signed by Douglas Ibizugbe Ojo, faulted Oshiomhole’s criticism of Chief Igbinedion, describing it as disrespect for the elderly.

“We are not happy with the way and manner the Governor has continued to abuse our illustrious son. Chief Igbinedion is a respected son of the soil and those abuses are not acceptable to us. We expect the governor to apologize for the poor performance of the Edo state Independent National Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) in conduct of the election and not abusing Esama”. Reacting also to the allegation by Oshiomhole that he should be arrested over alleged violation of electoral law, Arch.Onolemenmen asserted that there was no Local Government election in the state “so how could I have violated electoral laws”. His words: “PDP was ready for the election but we were disappointed that a government that always preached one man one vote has taken conscious effort to disenfranchise our people in Edo Central. Fifteenminutes to 2pm, no material has gotten to many Local Government Councils in Edo Central senatorial, is it a crime for a party to be strong in a senatorial district? We are surprised because this is the first election Governor Oshiomhole will be conducting in the past five years. It has taken him five years to conduct this charade election. We are thoroughly surprised and embarrassed because the good records of Mr President in the conduct of elections has been applauded worldwide. But what we witnessed in Edo state is a big minus to that score card of Nigeria in terms of conducting free and fair election”. He further stated that it was the desire of the PDP and the people of Edo Central senatorial district that a free and fair election is conducted, adding that the people of the area had “suffered mal administration in terms of mismanagement of their capital resources and we have resolved to enthrone a positive change”. However, Saturday Vanguard learnt that plans are in motion reconcile the Benin High Chief and Oshiomhole in order to halt this verbal war between the two camps.

54 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 27, 2013

NSC planning to take sports devt to the next level – Minister The desire to achieve a different set of results and take sports development to a great height has been identified as the driving force behind the on-going reforms and transformation at the National Sports Commission (NSC).

This was disclosed on Thursday by the Minister and Chairman of the NSC, Bolaji Abdullahi in his address at the 19th Council of Sports meeting in Ilorin.

The Minister averred that there was no better time than now to reposition sports administration in Nigeria.

According to him, “sports is a sector that generates so much attention and passion; it is also a sector in which almost everyone claims to be an expert, but it is our duty as the top sports administrators in the country to decide on policies and programmes which would result in greater speed towards achieving sports development”.

He charged participants at the Council which include State Commissioners of sports, State Permanent Secretaries of Sports Ministries, State Directors of Sports, Presidents of National Sports Federations and other stakeholders in sports to formulate policies and programmes which would result in greater

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speed towards achieving sports development in Nigeria.

Abdullahi lamented the situation where “we supposedly have lots of ‘experts’ in the country yet the fortunes of sports has continued to dwindle.”

Another justification for the reforms he said is the need to transform the National Sports Festival (NSF) games which is Nigeria’s equivalent of the Olympics and make it more competitive, attractive to sponsorship and athletes from various climes.

On the issue of the reconstituted National Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM), the minister said it is geared towards creating a junior competition for children that are still in school, maintaining that an open NSF will be

counter-productive without a junior competition where talents can be discovered.

In his remarks, Kwara State governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said “properly managed sports should serve as a tool of national mobilization and economic prosperity”.

He stated further that “the new awakening in sports will not only revive the spirit of pride in Nigeria, it will increase capacity building through sports”.

While emphasising the need for proper grassroots scouting for talents and improving the Schools Sports programme, Gov. Ahmed called on Nigerians to remain committed to using sports to mobilise the youths of the great country for productivity and prosperity.

Why I threw National Sports Festival open — Abdullahi

BY OSARETIN EMUZE Glory days of the National Sports Festival (NSF) may return soon as the Minister for Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has said that the old system of junior and intermediate categories that saw many sports men and women discovered at their tender ages and nurtured to greater heights will will be reintroduced.

Speaking in Ilorin during the week, the minister, who is also the Chairman National Sports Commission (NSC), reiterated the need for youth development which is the bedrock of every nation’s greatness in sports, stressing that all hands must be on deck to proC M Y K

Okagbare, Odumosu jostle for P enn R ela ys medals Penn Rela elays

mote youth development and encourage Nigerian youths to take to sports.

“My main target is to discover more youths that can be trained for the future. We are starting soon with the U-17 National Sports Festival where athletes will be discovered.

After we failed to win medals in at the London 2012 Olympics, it dawned on me that we have to to go back to the basics. I carried out an experiment with the National Sports Festival hosted in Lagos, but it failed because most of the athletes discovered were in their late 20s,” he said.

The Kwara state-born sports administrator said that the NSC would set up High Performance

Centres in the country to check the performance level of the athletes.

On the 2014 National Sports Festival that has been thrown open for all athletes, the amiable minister said he decided to throw it open to create room for the country’s best to participate because “it is our own Olympic Games.”

He stressed that “our athletes are scattered all over the world, the only way to get the very best is to open the festival to all comers. I have told all states to imbibe it. I have made it mandatory for the states to invest in elite athletes outside the country. My major aim now is to take sports to greater height in the country.”

IGERIAN women sprinters are hoping to record world class performances and win medals as the Penn Relays reach its climax today in Philadelphia, USA. The event began on Thursday amidst tightened security measures after the Boston Marathon bombing penultimate Sunday. Blessing Okagbare, Endurance Abinuwa, Gloria Asumnu and Olivia Kazie represented Nigeria in the 4x100m, while Ajoke Odumosu, Bukky Abogunloko, Regina George and Idara Otuh filed out for the women 4x400m.

Coach Innocent Egbunike and Victor Omagbemi accompanied the athletes.

The Nigerian men relay teams did not get the

chance to participate.

According to Athletics Federation of Nigeria officials, there was no room for them. This was an opportunity for the to improve on their chances of qualifying for the World Championships billed for August in Mos-

cow, Russia.

Last year the men’s team failed to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics and the Penn Relays would have been an avenue to test the readiness of Nigerian male sprinters to get back into the realm of world standard performances.

Dashing Nigeria’s Regina George pushing for recognition during a relay contest.

AFN/Solid W or ks Golden League Wor orks land in Benin

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FTER a lack luster performance at the first Golden League meet, Nigerian athletes

are hopeful of upping their game and return quality performances that will put them in

IAAF opens doping centre for Kenya, Ethiopian runners

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ORLD athletics governing body, IAAF will open a blood test center (BTC) in Kenya’s Rift Valley town of Eldoret to cater for Kenyan and Ethiopian runners.

IAAF is also seeking to collaborate with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to establish a laboratory to test samples collected in the region either in Nairobi or Eldoret, Athletics Kenya (AK) boss Isaiah Kiplagat said.

“In the next three months, we expect progress to have been made on the proposed BTC. IAAF came up with the idea after extensive discussions about the seriousness of doping cases in this country,” he said.

“Currently, all samples collected here are sent to South Africa or Germany for analysis and having a

lab here will keep us ahead in our fight to ensure that our athletes are clean,” the chair added.

The development comes hot on the heels of the Kenyan federation revealing that five runners had been sanctioned for various doping offences in the past two months.

“The matter has received a lot of attention at the IOC, WADA and IAAF. From the BTC, we shall have biological passports for every athlete in Kenya and Ethiopia,” Kiplagat said.

Wilson Erupe Loyanae and Nixon Kiplagat Cherutich are serving a suspension of two years each with Moses Kiptoo Kurgat being sanctioned for a year after AK announced in February that both their A and B samples tested positive for proscribed substance abuse.

range for the prize money as they contest in the second leg of the Golden League series in Benin City today.

Though the athletes groaned about the seeming uphill task given to them in the golden league, those that qualified from the first leg in Sagamu, Ogun State are set to scoring points that will put them in position to earn the cash prize at stake.

Some of the events that will witness keen contest include the men’s 200m, where come-backing Durotoye Adetoyi is trying to stamp his authority even as youngsters like Isah Salihu and Elvis Ukale are unbending. In the men’s long jump, Stanley Gbagbeke will resume his chase of Yusuf Alli’s 8.27m national record in the face of competition from Oladimeji Oluwatoyin.

In Sagamu he jumped 7.67m and according to him, it was a wake up call. In the women’s 200m, Patience Okon, Peace Uko and Goodness Thomas will continue with their rivalry.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 27, 2013 — 55

WBO title defence: Emenogu gets Egyptian opponent

BY ISAAC OLAMIKAN

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ORLD Boxing Organisation (WBO) International light

middleweight champion, King Davidson Emenogu will face Egyptian opponent, Abdumonem for his world title defence bout holding Friday, May 31 in

Eaglets can win the cup again, says Howard

BY EDDIE AKALONU

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ORMER national Under- 20 captain, Franklin Howard has charged the Golden Eaglets to beat Ivory Coast in today’s final of the youngest cup competition in Africa.

With their World Cup tickets already in hand, this could be battle of wits, ego and pride given that each side strives to give their all in any meeting no matter the category.

Speaking with our correspondent in Lagos, Howard, who also starred for the defunct Lagos ACB FC said “the players are capable, they have scored well in this competition and I would only urge them to go further and beat the opponent. They have shown the capacity and determination that past generations of the team who won the cup in 1993 , 2005 and 2007 had, they have what it takes to win,” he said, adding “I would be expecting a challenging encounter between Africa’s best two in this level.

However, I feel the odds favour our team, going

by their team spirit.”

Though both teams had battled each other fiercely in the competition during the group round with the young Elephants running away with a 1-0 win, a wind of change had since set in, turning things around for the Eaglets after that meeting as they thrashed Tunisia 4-2 in the semi finals.

Although he refused to be drawn into making a prediction, Howard noted that the team he saw in the semi final was an improvement from earlier matches.

GOAL KING … Golden Eaglets striker and leading scorer at the African U17 Championship in Morocco with five goals, Isaac Success (r). Can he increase his tally today and help the Eaglets win the trophy?

Sacking of Eagles coaches, a distraction — Emeteole

BY EDDIE AKALONU

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ORMER coach of the Beach Eagles, Kelechi Emeteole has expressed displeasure on the recent down sizing of staff by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, which affected some coaches under Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi in the face of the

approaching World Cup qualifying match against Kenya in Nairobi as well as the FIFA Confederation Cup in Brazil.

He described the move as a complete distraction to the nation’s goals and objectives.

“I don’t see it as being done in good faith because we have very important matches on

Nest boosts Ogbomosho golf T

HE Ogbomosho Golf Club that appears to have gone under has come back into life and its members are now leaping high, punching holes into the sky.

Last week, at the ultra clean course of the club, some 100 golfers from across the country trooped into the historical town to partake in the Nest Hotel Open Amateur Championship.

The Spirit behind Nest Hotel, Col Ahmed Taiwo, son of the late Col. Ibrahim Taiwo who was slain during the bloody coup that claimed the late General Murtala Muhammed, stated that it was indeed important to bring the Ogbomosho Golf Club created by General Oladayo Popoola in the 80s back to life after C M Y K

many years of inactivity..

He believes that Ogbomosho Golf Club could really reclaim its glory days if a 5-star tourney was put in place to show golfers across the nation that the club was back. ”It costs a lot to put on ground a good amateur tournament”, Col Taiwo said, adding,”You can see I don’t have such fund.

All I could do was meet my colleagues and friends, especially at the Tiger Golf Club in Ibadan where I am a member to help so we could all save the ancient town Ogbomosho from shame.

They did very well and you could see this from the huge number of golfers that gathered here. I am very happy and I thank all my friends who dipped

deep into their pockets to make this happen”.

In the same vein, the new Lady Captain of Ogbomosho, Sade Ajola, has made it open that the very first Ogbomosho Ladies Open will play out sometime in September this year.

our hands. The action was ill-timed and not taken in the best interest of football,” said the former coach of Heartland Football Club of Owerri.

The action followed a said staff audit of the technical crew and backroom staff which commentators and stakeholders quickly interpreted as leaving Keshi completely bare and ostensibly designed to see him fail on all fronts. The notable name affected was assistant coach, Sylvanus Okpala but Emeteole said “ Yes,

the federation has power to take decisions deemed fit for football.

However, it shouldn’t be when the federation and team must concentrate fully, showing signs that football is making progress.

The action leaves room for speculation over Keshi’s fate. We all know there are matches on our hands and it doesn’t help preparations for these matches and our set target which is to pick a World Cup ticket in addition to having a good Confederations Cup outing.”

Abuja.

The Egyptian boxer maintains high profile record at the light middleweight category, wining 10 out of 10 bouts without any career loss. According to reports gathered from London, the WBO officials picked the Egyptian to match the Nigerian for size because of his intimidating record.

Speaking with King Davidson on expectation against the Egyptian opponent for the May 31 bout in Abuja, he said: “I am not intimidated by his record, all I am concerned about is to be in right shape for the fight, then everybody would see that I am good to go.

He has a nerve wrecking record no doubt about that; and the fight is about one month away. I am back in training, I don’t want to sound being overconfident, but all I’m going to say now basically is the end would justify the means.”

Gov Obi, exinternationals for Isima’s burial

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NAMBRA State gov ernor, Peter Obi and a host of ex Nigerian internationals and Rangers Players are expected to grace the final funeral rites of late former Super Eagles player, Okey Isima today in Nsugbe, Anambra State.

Isima who was part of the Super Eagles 1980 Nations Cup winning team died in March 2013 after a brief illness. Isima a defender played 20 times for Nigeria between 1978 and 1985 and he scored three goals.

Arthur Ebgunnam a former Rangers player and now special adviser on sports to governor Obi, confirmed that the burial will be attended by former Nigeria internationals home and abroad adding that the governor is giving full support to the burial.

Basketball: We lost to an older team — Borno player She looked forlorn and listless after the referee’s final whistle. She held her

nerves and still had something to say after she and her team mates representing Borno in the ongoing Nestle Milo Basketball championship in Lokoja had been beaten blue by their Zamfara State counterparts 30-4, reports Jacob Ajom.

Incidentally, she was the only Borno state player that got the 4 points for her side.

“I am Jennifer John Wada,” she started when asked of her name. Jennifer would not agree that From left, Col Ahmed Taiwo and wife receiving a their conquerors were gengolf gift from immediate past Captain and Lady uinely superior to them.

“First, I would attribute Captain of Ogbomosho Golf Club, Sade Ajola

the our defeat to the floor.

Our canvass were not good enough. We were always losing balance and slipping each time we wanted to make a run,” she said.

Apart from the inappropriate shoes used, Jennifer believes the Zamfara State team was much older that the agreed age.

“They bullied us and pushed us around. We could not match their strength and height. I believe they were more that 16 year-olds,” she said.

“That is true,” her team mates chorused in the back ground in agreement.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2013

Cote d’Ivoire won’t beat us twice, says Garba

BY SOLOMON NWOKE, MARAKECH

G

OLDEN Eaglets coach, Manu Garba

said that Cote’d Ivoire his team’s last hurdle to winning the CAF Under17 Cham-pionship will not triumph over the Eaglets a second time when they clash in the final today.

U-17 Final: What Eaglets must do to overpower Cote d’Ivoire

BY PAUL BASSEY, MARAKECH

T

HERE is no doubt that Nigerians will expect the Golden Eaglets to win the 10th U17 African Championship throphy this afternoon in Marakech, Morocco.

Why not? How can you react otherwise against a team that signaled its entry in the competition, by walloping Ghana 6-1?

Even when the same team fell to Cote d’Ivoire 0-1, the expectations were still high that the boys will come back against Congo and they did not disappoint.

In the semi final against Tunisia the Eaglets were three goals up in twelve minutes and the stadium started emptying only for the Tunisians to pull two back in quick succession, throwing panic into the hearts of otherwise over confident Nigerian spectators.

Against Tunisia, the Eaglets had their worse match to date, so much that even when they won 4-2, the victory was not considered good enough!

Childish exuberance, lust for goals that necessitated the two central defenders overlapping at the same time, anger in the ranks, blame and counter blame, selfishness as Ihenacho and Success battled to emerge highest goals scorer to the corporate detriment of the team.

Over all loss of concentration and the coaches realized there is still much to do if this team must remain focused and not only win the cup, but go ahead to make Nigeria, nay Africa proud at the World Cup in Saudi Arabia in October as emphasized

by Coach Garba Manu at the post match conference.

Christian Chukwu,

TUSSLE... A Golden Eaglets player (m) in a hot chase of a Tunisian during the semi final match at the on-going U-17 CAF Championship in Morocco which the Nigerians won 4-2 to qualify for today’s final member of NFF Technical Committee would have preferred Morocco for the final. “…in our days, even now, we know how to handle North Africans “ he said.

Not to be. The foes are co West Africans, Cote d’Ivoire, the only team that has so far remained unbeaten. Conquerors of the Golden Eaglets. Did the Tunisian Coach Ben Soltane Abdel Hay say the Eaglets won because the heat favoured them and they were more physical, stronger and faster?

The Eaglets will not have such luxury against Cote d’Iivoire, bigger, faster?

Stronger? You need to take a look at Chris Bedia and Anderson Niangbo to shudder.

Coach Ibrahima Kamara says his joker will be the intelligent Aboubakar Keita and that the Nigerians remain favourites.

Today’s matches Man City Everton S’hampton Stoke Wigan Newcastle

v v v v v v

West Ham Fulham West Brom Norwich Tottenham Liverpool

12.45 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

5.30 p.m.

Mind games.

Since they arrived back to Marakech after beating the Moroccans in Cassablanca, the Ivoriens have developed a champion’s gait. In the hotel they walk tall. There is need to cut them to size.

Revenge may not be the word as revenge can be blindly irrational. All the Eaglets have to do is listen to their coaches, establish tactical and tech-

nical superiority, utilize set pieces and forget about the highest goalscorer award advantage team success.

The die is cast, 18.30

Nigerian time, the whistle will kick off the match of the tournament and Nigerians will expect nothing less than victory and in grand style too.

CAN U-17 FINAL Nigeria vs 6.30pm

CIV

Suarez accepts ban, begs for forgiveness Liverpool’s Luis Suarez says he hopes to be forgiven by those he has upset after accepting a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.

“I am truly very sorry.

I hope that all the people who I have offended at Anfield last Sunday will grant me forgiveness,” the striker tweeted.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Across 1 President, Nigerian Football Coaches Association, Bitrus – (8) 5 Former Cross River State Governor, Clement – (4) 7 Headgear – (3) 8 L.G.A in Nassarawa State – (4) 9 Super Eagles Striker, Ikechukwu – (4) 10 Dolphins F.C Assistant Coach, Ndubuisi – (5) 12 Swaziland Currency – (5) 16 Cote D’Ivoire “Elephants” Full-back, Guv – (5) 18 Cameroun “Indomitable Lions” Striker, Achille – (5) 19 L.G.A in Borno State – (5) 21 Former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Adebayo – (9) 24 Nigerian Currency – (5) 27 Ebonyi state Commissioner for Information & Orientation, Mr. Ken – (4) 28 Country in Africa – (4) 29 L.G.A in Enugu State – (3) 30 Enugu Rangers Defender, Haliru – (4)

The Ivorian team ended the unbeaten run of the Eaglets at the CAF tournament in Morocco, when they pipped the high scoring Nigerian lads 1-0 during the group stages. The Eaglets responded with a 7-0 thumping of the Congolese team in their last group game. They also beat Tunisia 4-2 in the semi-final.

“We were unlucky against the Ivorians during the group stages.

But the final match is going to be a different ball. “ We are going to play a better game because we now know them better,” said Garba.

Nigeria will be gunning to win the trophy for the third time in four final appearances, while Cote’d Ivoire are playing their first final.

“Our aim was to come here and win this trophy and make Nigerians happy,” he added.

Cote d’Ivoire beat the hosts Morocco 2-1 in their other semi-final match. No doubt it is a morale boost victory and a message to the Eaglets that the final will not be a stroll in the park for them.

31 L.G.A in Delta State – (8) Down 1 Switzerland, Capital City – (4) 2 Minister of Labour & Productivity, Mr. Chukwuemeka – (4) 3 Colombia striker and Fulham Centre-Forward, Hugo – (9) 4 Country in Africa – (5) 5 L.G.A in Cross-River State – (5) 6 Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka – (8) 11 Adult Female Rabbit – (3) 13 Asian Ox – (5) 14 President, Enugu Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Industry, Mr. Okechukwu – (9) 15 Ethnic Group in Nigeria – (4) 16 Yobe State Capital – (8) 17 Adult Female Horse – (4) 20 Battle – (3) 22 Ingredient used in Making Bread – (5) 23 Proportion – (5) 25 L.G.A in Ebonyi State – (4) 26 Former Plateau State Governor, Chris – (4)

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Suarez added that, although his ban was greater than those in incidents where players had been badly injured, an appeal may “give the wrong impression”.

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SOLUTION on page 15

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