It's Audu's son or nobody lawmakers tell APC

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Kogi polls: It’s Audu’s son or nobody, lawmakers tell APC •Say, we will impeach anyone outside Mohammed Audu •Kogi West/Central APC Exco roots for Faleke •There should be fresh polls – Ben Nwabueze

By Charles Kumolu, Levinus Nwabughiogu & Boluwaji Obahopo

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BUJA—THE consti tutional crisis trailing the Kogi State governorship election took a new twist, yesterday, with All Progressives Congress, APC members of the Kogi State House of Assembly insisting that Mohammed Audu, the first son of the deceased APC Candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, should replace his father in the December 5 supplementary governorship polls.

If the party fielded anyone other than Mohammed Audu, the legislators threatened to impeach the person, if elected.

This was the message the lawmakers took to the National Working Committee, NWC, of the APC at its national secretariat in Abuja, yesterday.

This came as supporters of late Audu’s running mate, Hon. James Falake stormed the party’s office in protest, demanding that the party should make Faleke step into the shoes of his principal, arguing that both of them ran the first election on a joint ticket.

Why we want Mohammed Audu – lawmakers Speaking to Journalists, Spokesman of the legislators, Alfa Momoh Rabiu (Ankpa 2) said their message to the APC national leadership was a unanimous decision of the APC members in Kogi state.

He, however, said that it was not a threat but a demand that should be given utmost consideration because the late Audu made sacrifices to popularize APC in Kogi state.

Hinting that the decision had the backing of the members of the national and state executives of the party, Rabiu also stated that the group resolved that Falake having run on the same ticket with Audu should also remain as running mate his son.

He said: “Based on our discussion, we have taken a decision and taken our resolution to the national chairman. We are overwhelmed by the response from them but we are still waiting for a safe landing so that Kogi will not be doomed.

“We told the national chairman that on no account should anybody be smuggled in to occupy that position, which we worked for in conjunction with the late Audu without who, there will be no APC in Kogi state. We present to the na-

tional leadership, Prince Mohammed Audu to replace his late father. It is not because he is the first son, but try him, he is very intelligent and equal to the task. With him, we will have the Kogi of our dream.

“We also resolved and we will appreciate if the leadership will understand that we came to complain to them with pains and tell them our position because of the commitment of our leader and we don’t want Kogi to be left in the hands of the PDP any longer. We are the legislators and have told the national chairman our position that in any case, if anybody is smuggled in contrary to what we present to them, we know the best way to remove him.

“It is not a threat, but we told them that we have no intention of washing our dirty linen in public. Removing somebody is just a two minutes job for us as lawmakers in the state. We want the change we worked for and we want Kogi to be part of the moving train...

Prince Audu was the man who went through primary before nominating Faleke as his deputy.

“We are not asking Faleke to stay away from the ticket. We equally worked with him during the campaigns. What we are saying is that it should be Mohammed Audu/Faleke ticket. The two of them, must work together”.

Why Faleke is the right man – Kogi West/Central APC exco However, supporters of Faleke in their numbers besieged the national secretariat, asking the party to nominate him as the governorship candidate of the party.

In a letter to the National Working Committee on behalf of APC from Kogi West and signed by former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Clarence Olafemi, they said the idea was justiceable in the interest of peace, equity and fairness.

The letter read in parts: “It is on record and it is common knowledge that about 95 percent of the process had been completed and the party has substantially complied with the electoral law before the election was declared inconclusive.

“Also very well known is the fact that the APC governorship mandate is jointly held by the late Prince Abubakar Audu and Hon. Abiodun James Faleke and the more than 240,000 votes given by the good people of Kogi state are for the two of them. Hon. Biodun Fale-

ke is still alive...

“We are drawing the attention of the National Working Committee to the need to avoid the mistake of compensating those who worked against the party and who would want to take advantage of the new primary being organised by the party and reap where they did not sow”.

Indeed, the State Executive Committee of APC in Kogi West/Central Senatorial Districts also called on the national secretariat of the APC to guide the joint ticket of Audu/Faleke ‘jealously’.

The committee, which spoke in Lokoja, yesterday, urged the party to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, through legal means to declare the party as the winner of the November 21 election.

In a statement by the Deputy Chairman of APC in the State, Shuaibu Osune, they said the INEC erred in declaring the November 21 polls as inconclusive.

“We are drumming support for Abiodun Faleke to step in as the governorship

•A Cross section of NYSC Batch 'B' Stream II Corps Members Deployed to Rivers State during their swearing-in ceremony, yesterday at the NYSC Permanent Camp Nonwa Tai Local Council of Rivers State. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke. candidate and Mohammed Audu as his running mate; this is in line with submission of majority of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SANs).

“The National Executive Council of our party should, for the sake of peaceful co-existence and unity of our beloved state take this resolution as the final decision.”

Meanwhile, for four consecutive days since Tuesday, the party had failed to assemble its stakeholders for a meeting to nominate a replacement of the vacuum created by the demise of Audu.

National chairman of the party, Chief John Oyegun on Tuesday told Journalists that the party was going to conduct fresh primary elections to pick a substitute, but was not sure of the modalities for the primaries.

Pressed to comment on the issue by newsmen at the national secretariat in Abuja, Oyegun stated that the process was still ongoing, stressing that he would only speak after the process had been completed. “I don’t want to say anything now until the process is complete”, he said.

There should fresh polls – Ben Nwabueze

Meanwhile, Elder statesman and Chairman of The Patriots, Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), has criticised the decision of the INEC to conduct supplementary polls saying the best legal option is to conduct fresh governorship election.

His words: ‘In Kogi there was an election and the man, who was leading died. As far as I am concerned, whatever votes he scored in the election died with him. We cannot ask votes to survive a dead man. Now that he is dead, there should be fresh elections in Kogi.’’

The Patriots to FG: You can’t stop pro-Biafra protests with force •Urges non-selective anti-graft war

By Charles Kumolu

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GROUP of eminent Nigerians under the aegis of the Patriots, has said that the Federal Government cannot address the current wave of protests by the Indigenous People of Biafra,IPOB, by using force on the protesters.

It also warned that arresting the protesters would accentuate the problem, adding that the government should be persuaded to release the IPOB leader to enable the elders of the land speak words of wisdom to him.

Some of the members of The Patriots at the briefing included, Chief Solomon Asemota (SAN), Chief Philip Asiodu and Mr. Michael Orobator., among others.

The group urged President Muhammadu Buhari to see the national question as the country’s foremost problem, noting that it is more challenging than corruption.

Briefing newsmen on the state of the nation yesterday in Lagos, the Chairman of the Patriots, Prof Ben Nwabueze (SAN), urged the Federal Government to avoid being selective in its war against corruption.

His words: ‘’The Federal Government should try to deal with the protests in a more matured way and not

by arresting everybody and putting them in prison. That will accentuate the whole situation.

“I think they should reason with these youngsters. They are young people. In my view, I will say to the protesters not to put the entire people, the people into another situation which they did not bargain for. ’We have to consider what has given rise to

these protests. I don’t necessarily see that the protesters want Biafra actualized. It is the general condition in the country.Itinvolvesunemployment and other serious issues which have given rise to youth unrest and protests.

“It is the feeling of the youths. What do you expect from the youths who spend three, four or more years after graduation? The second

issue that has given rise to the protests is the issue of injustice. Some areas of the country feel that they have not been well treated. ‘’They feel that they are treated as if they do not belong to the country. Consider the recent appointments in government by our President and the way they are slanted to favour a particular section of the country.’’

No figure on returned loot yet — Adeosun Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

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HE Federal Government is yet to put a specific figure to the amount of money so far returned by those who looted the treasury, as disclosed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, told journalists , at yesterday’s Federation Accounts AllocationCommittee,FAAC,meeting, in Abuja, that the process was still on-going.

According to her, when collated, the funds would be returnedtowheretheywerestolen from as appropriate.

Her words, “There is no figure on the funds being returned yet. The process is ongoing. When it is completed and the accounts are avail-

•As FG, States, LGS share 400 b able, they would be returned towheretheywerestolenfrom.

We haven’t come to that yet.”

Meanwhile, the sum of N 400. 310 billion was shared among the three tiers of governmentasrevenueearnedin the month of October and meant for November expenditure. It represent a N78.314 billion increased above the N321.996 shared in the previous month.

The federal government tookatotalofN200.662billion from both federation Account and Proceeds of Value Added Tax, VAT. States and Local GovernmentsreceivedN126.

177 billion and N95.303 billion, respectively. The oil producing states got an additional N24.141 billion as derivation on oil revenue.

Therevenueorganizations, namely the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria Customs Service and the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR were paid , N6.650 billion, N3.535 billion, and N1.531 billion, respectively,ascostofcollection.

An analysis of the revenue sources showed that the Non-Mineral revenue has surpassed earnings from the Mineral sector with the former accounting for N213.

080 billion to the latter’s N187.230 billion of what was shared.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation paid N6.330 billion to the central coffers as refunds, while N6.

6995 was also earned from Exchange Gain.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

I’m determined to fight corruption in tertiary institutions, says Buhari

BY DAYO JOHNSON, Akure

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R E S I D E N T Muhamadu Buhari has assured that the problems being encountered in the tertiary education subsector as regards the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) will soon be addressed.

He gave the assurance during the 27th convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State.

The President said his attention was drawn to the resultant discomfort the implementation of TSA has caused in the academic and administrative activities in tertiary institutions in the country.

Speaking through the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Julius Okogie, he explained that the TSA policy was introduced in order to enthrone financial discipline and curb corruption in the country.

The TSA was “introduced for a good cause and the issues involved in its implementation as it affects tertiary institutions are being addressed.”

The President reiterated the ‘zero-tolerance for corruption’ by his administration, saying he was determined to lead by example.

“We shall obey our laws and shall be transparent, accountable, just, fair and demonstrate integrity in all our undertakings.

“The leadership of this university should

... Okays appointment of 30 new federal high court judges

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of 30 new Judges for the Federal High Court.

The National Judicial Council, NJC, recommended the appointment of the new judges.

The new Judges, according to a statement that was issued by the Council yesterday, are: Hon. Justice Yellin S. Bogoro (Bauchi State), Rosemary O. Dugbo Oghoghorie (Delta State), Taiwo Obayomi Taiwo (Ogun State), Ibrahim Watila (Borno State), Mallong Peter Hoommuk (Plateau State), Isa

Hamma Adama Dashen (Adamawa State), Hassan Dikko (Kebbi State), Jude Kanyioh Dagat (Kaduna State), Olayinka Olusegun Tokode (Osun State), Simon Akpah Amobeda (Kogi State), Jane Egienanwan Inyang (Cross River State), Daniel Emeka Osiagor (Rivers State), Prof.

Chuka Austine Obiozor (Anambra State), Others ar, Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweib (Bayelsa State), Hassan Muslim Sule (Zamfara State), Hadiza Rabiu Shagari (Sokoto State), Saleh Kogo Idrissa (Yobe State), Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik (Edo State), Hillary Ide Osho Oshomah (Edo State), Fadima Murtala Aminu (Adamawa State),

Toyin Bolaji Adegoke (Kwara State), James Kolawole Omotosho (Ogun State), Nehizena Idemudia Ekunwe (Edo State), Stephen Daylop Pam (Plateau State), Akintayo Aluko (Ekiti State), Dr. Nnamdi O. Dimgba (Abia State), Emeka Nwite (Ebonyi State), Abdulazeez M.Z. Anka (Zamfara State), Abdu Dogo (FCT), and Adamu Turaki Muhammed (Jigawa State).

The statement which was signed by the Acting Director of Information at the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye,further disclosed that the new judges will be sworn -in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, on December 2.

therefore, continue to be prudent, transparent and accountable in the management of both human and materials resources.

“Government is determined to fight corruption at all levels including corruption in academics in our tertiary institutions.

“We cannot speak of effective and efficient funding of the education sector if our universities are mired in crises, confusion, fraud and lack of institutional vision.

“I must at this point call on universities to be at the vanguard of the fight against corruption and eroded ethics, which constitute a major component of our societal ills.

“We must all endeavour as citizens and members of the academic community to enthrone the spirit of hardwork, honesty and inspirational leadership which are the hallmark of any citadel of learning.”

The President said the need for the diversification of the economy is ripe now considering the dwindling fortune of oil in the international market and charged universities to join hands with Federal Government in the onerous task.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Adebiyi Daramola in his address said 4,435 students graduated with various degrees from the university with 28 of them having first class.

Suicide bomber kills 21, injures 45 others in Kano

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

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HE Kano Commander of Shia Movement in Nigeria, Muhammad Mahmud Turi, Friday said 21 members of the sect lost their lives while 45 others were injured when a suicide bomber struck the procession at Dakasoye Village near Kano.

Sheik Turi told reporters that the incident occurred at 2pm shortly after a suicide bomber was caught by its vigilante group in the procession that confirmed another bomber in their midst.

Turi explained that the suicide bomber detonated his bomb at the point of being captured alive by the search team.

The revered religious figure said that the tragic incident would not deterred the group from carrying on with the journey to Zaria, adding that ‘you don’t display cowardice or be cowed by death threats when carrying out religious obligations.

“TodayFriday,21membershavebeenelevatedtomartyrdom and they would be accepted by Allah to the bliss of Janatul Firdausi.”

Turi revealed that the captured suicide bomber said that he was from Mubi, was abducted by Boko Haram sect and taken to Sambisa forest where he was exposed to the training on the art of suicide bombing.

The religious leader said that the suicide bomber further revealed that he was ferried to Kano alongside others and quartered at Gwamaja area of Kano metropolis before they were deployed to the carry out the heinous act.

But the Kano Police Commissioner, Muhammad Musa Katsina who stormed the scene with his men had a running battlewiththesectthatbluntlyrefusedtohandsoffthesuspected bomber.

Eight CWO members, driver killed in Anambra auto crash

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BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

IGHT members of the Catholic Women Organization, CWO, in Awka Diocese and the driver carrying them were confirmed dead last night, while 10 others were injured following a ghastly motor accident involving their bus and a tipper lorry along the Ajali-Awka road. The women were returning from a condolence visit when the lorry knocked off their bus from the road, leading to a summersault.

An eye witness said that six persons died instantly, while three died in the hospital later.

Some of the injured who were in critical condition were taken to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi for treatment. Names of those who died were given as Mrs. Susan Okafor, mother of Sister Jane Francis Okafor , Mother General of Sisters of Jesus the Saviour, Elele, Rivers State; Mrs. Alice Nwankwo Igbidi, Mrs. Christiana Iloh; Mrs. Catherine Okafor Agu, Mrs. Veronica Ezibe, Mrs. Rose Ogbunankwo, who was Secretary of the Parish Council, Mrs. Therese Okoli, Mrs. Fedrick Ezeonwu and Mr. Samuel Ofomata, the driver of the bus.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015 — 7

FG to contribute N200m to AWF project I

APC leader, Chief Tajudeen Olusi, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun and Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu at the Lagos Island 1 Constituency Stakeholders meeting organised

by Lagos House of Assembly across 40 constituencies in the state recently. expired Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the evolving Sustainable Development Goals.

“Statistics has shown that Africa is facing challenges in the development and management of its Water Resources potential to meet potable water supply, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower and trans- boundary water management.

“In spite of all these challenges, I am happy to note that African governments, stakeholders and development partners have over the past decades embarked on several initiatives to address the many water security challenges through specific

political, technical and institutional measures and investments.” He noted.

President Buhari who was represented by the Minister

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contrary to the law of survey plan in Nigeria.

Accordingtotheirstatement of claim, ‘‘That every plan in Nigeria, including Ogun State, is required by law to be endorsed withthe name, date of execution, live signature and seal of the registered surveyor that carried out the

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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HE Nigerian Navy in the Delta state has arrested a self propelled barge loaded with estimated 4000metric tonnes, equivalent of 400 truck load of suspected crude oil in what the Central Naval Command, CNC, described as “a big break in the fight against

survey exercise in the case of a private parcel and name, designation of the survey officerwhocarriedoutthesite work, the date of such work and live counter signature of the surveyor general and the date of such signature to be endorsed in the case of government layout.

Lumen Christi gets excellence award for May/June WASCE

By Dayo Johnson Akure

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OR the fourth time, Lumen Christi International High School (LCIHS), Uromi, Edo State, has won the Augustus Bandele Oyediran award for producing the best aggregate result in the May/June 2014 WestAfricanSchoolCertificate

of Water Resources Engr.

Suleiman Adamu noted that the financial requirements for water security infrastructure are enormous.

Shocking: Navy arrest boat with 400 truckload of stolen crude oil

Surveyors drag Amosun, others to Court over homeowner charter

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, ABEOKUTA RIVATE Practising Surveyors in Ogun State yesterday dragged the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun before the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta over alleged discrepancies and illegality surrounding the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy under its new housing policy known as Home Owner Charter.

The surveyors in the suit number FHC/HB/CS/66/15 claimed that the sketch plans under the Home Owner Charter do not have the particulars of any registered surveyor and are only endorsed with the scanned signature of the SurveyorGeneral of Ogun State,

By Dayo Johnson Akure

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By Funmi Olasupo N response to the request of the African Water Facility (AWF) Governing Council to the development of water and sanitation in Africa, Federal Government has pledged to contribute the sum of $1 million (N200m) to the water facilities in Africa.

President Muhammadu Buhari who made the commitment yesterday at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the AWF in Abuja maintained that socio- economic importance of investment in the water sector is self- explanatory.

“It is noteworthy and especially to our development partners that African countries greatly value the work of the AWF. As it is our custom to take the lead in worthy causes, I am pleased to announce that the Nigerian government hereby pledges to contribute the sum of USD 1.0 million.”

The President stated that more than any other sector, water impacts on all the main themes of the development agenda such as food security, poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, gender development, education, health and good governance.

According to him, the cascading effect of water development is crucial to the attainment of all other development goals contained in the almost

B-R-I-E-F-S Ondo guber: APC aspirant calls for free, fair primary

Examination (WASCE).

The school had earlier won the same award in 2007, 20 09, 2011 and 2014.

The Ondo State CommissionerforEducation, Jide Adejuyigbe, presented the award to the school, duringtheopeningceremony of the 53rd annual meeting of theWestAfricanExaminations Council (WAEC) held on Thursday,inAkure,theOndo state.

Speaking during the ceremony, a non-council memberrepresentingNigeria on the Board of Trustees of WAECEndowmentFund,Dr. U.B. Ahmed, noted that the major objective of the Council’s endowment fund was to support awards for outstandingperformancesby candidates from the various countries.

oil theft” in the Niger Delta.

Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, CNC, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman who briefed the press yesterday at the Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Delta in Warri said the boat, MT Camille, was caught on November 15 along with 11 man crew in Forcados waters where Shell operates an oil terminal.

Apochi said, “The crew captain is making serious confessional statement, but this is a big break that we can’t let the details out now so as not to compromise the investigation. We have informed the oil majors operating in the area too.

“No ordinary person can put a 400 trucks capacity crude oil stealing boats on the river. This is a big break.

We will get to the bottom of this and get the kingpins, working with other relevant stakeholders.”

The crew members were paraded by the Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Raimi Mohammed who said they would be handed over to relevant agency for further investigation and prosecution.

The crew captain whose name was withheld claimed they were sailing on a voyage from Thelma, Ghana to Cameroon, adding that the boat was at the Forcados Rivers get fuel and food when it was allegedly hijacked by gunmen who deployed them for the oil theft.

S the governorship election in Ondo state draws nearer, an aspirant under the All Progressive Congress APC, Dr Bode Ayorinde yesterday appealed for a free, fair, credible and transparent primary election in the Party.

Dr Ayorinde who is presently representing Owo/ Ose Federal Constituency in the National Assembly made the appeal in Akure while declaring his intention for the position.

According to him “ this is an antidote to peaceful cohesion among the aspirants. “ When a Party primary is not only free, fair, credible and transparent but seen by all to be so, it makes the work of the Party’s candidate easier as any aspirant who have genuine interest of the party at heart would have no option than to cooperate and work with the party’s candidate having convinced himself and seen that the primary was openly won and lost.

The aspirant pleaded with the party leadership to follow the pattern adopted in Kogi and Balyesa states where Primaries were conducted before the party’s flag bearer emerged.He said the over 16 aspirants that have shown interest is an indication that the Party is a pride in the state adding that it shows the acceptance of the party by the people of the state.

Law against wife-beater underway in Ogun — Govt

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, ABEOKUTA

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GUN State Government, yesterday, disclosed that the bill against men that beat their wives would soon be passed into law.

Special Adviser to the state Governor on Women affairs, Adenike Osoba stated this at a programme organized by the ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on “commemoration of violence against women,” held in Abeokuta.

According to her, it is barbaric and cruel for a man to raise his hand against a woman, and as soon as the domestic violence bill is passed, men found guilty of this offence will be punished according to the law.

She further added that efforts are in progress for the Domestic violence Bill to be made into law in Ogun State by the ministry and other women organization.

“Some men believe they can commit crimes and get away with it without being punished. Measures will be put in place for men who commit such crimes,so that they would be punished according to what they have done,”she said.

NBC set to ramp up investments, upgrade facilities

By Prince Okafor

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N a bid to meet up with the sales projection trajectory in a competitive environment, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) is set to ramp up investments and upgrade facilities in the country.

The company which has put in concerted efforts to ensure that its plans in investment and upgrade in manufacturing facilities meet the interests of Nigerian consumers is keen on doubling its production capacity by 2020.

According to the Acting Head, Public Affairs and Communication, NBC Limited, Mrs Sade Morgan, who disclosed its plan during an engagement session with its major stakeholders, “the company is upgrading its manufacturing operations, and the Ilorin facility is being transformed to become a world class material handling and logistics hub.”

NEPC takes no-oil export campaign to Delta

By Perez Brisibe GHELLI - THE Nigerian Export Promotion Council, U NEPC has taken its non-oil products export campaign to Delta with an appeal to local producers to focus on exportation of non-oil produce.

Welcoming participants yesterday to a one-day workshop on the Legal Aspects of Export Contract in conjunction with the Ughelli Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, UCCIMA, NEPC director, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, stated that the council has developed the One State, One Product project aimed at producing competitive products in which each Nigerian state has comparative advantage.

Resource persons at the workshop include; Secretary, NEPC governing board, Dr. Ezra Yakusak and Dr. Augustine Agom who spoke on issues ranging from making an export offer and the legal aspects of export contract.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

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Nigeria can’t sustain generator-based economy – SSANU •Says mass unemployment looms

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Nsukka

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HE Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), yesterday, said that mass unemployment looms in the country following epileptic power supply that is hampering the operations of industries.

National President of SSANU, Comrade Samson Ugwoke who raised the alarm at the SSANU 2015 National Delegate Conference holding at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State, said many industries have started laying off workers which has adverse effects on the the country.

Comrade Ugwoke also berated state governors that recently said that they would meet with President Muhammadu Buhari on the possibility of stopping the payment of the agreed N18,000 minimum wage, saying that such plan was unreasonable.

According to him: “The nation’s economy would be better when we have the right people at the right places. We looked at the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and we’ve seen the effect.

“What some of us thought was that they would have made a trial elsewhere with one or two ministries to see how it wiould go before applying it at the national level.”

He further lamented over the perennial fuel scarcity in the country, noting that as a country that produces oil, there was no reason for the people of Nigeria to witness such scarcity.

He said: “Up till now, we are still having fuel scarcity because the government had not done what it is supposed to do. We are talking about anticorruption; we have not seen anything there.

“That one or two people have been prosecuted is not enough to say we are fighting corruption. There is still oil bunkering, people are stealing the crude oil; a country that produces oil

does not have oil. I bought fuel at almost N200 in Nigeria, and we are talking about economy.

“Industries will sack their workers sooner or later because there is no power; the power level is still low.

An economy that is generator-based cannot guarantee companies to

produce at 100 percent, and it is the workers who are suffering.

“So if a businessman cannot make profit, he will reduce workers and these people will come back to be unemployed, increasing the poverty level in the country.

So government must look at the economy; we must go

agro-base. We are blessed with arable land, including 6 to 10 months rain.

“So, why can’t we feed ourselves and other African countries? Even as we produce quality graduates, we can export them for money, and the economy will be boosted; and a situation where Chinese vulcanizers will come to Nigeria and be called engineers is not acceptable,” he said.

UNDP, Anambra govt give lifeline to 20 physically challenged persons

BY VINCENT UJUMADU, AWKA

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WENTY physically challenged persons belonging to two cooperative societies in Anambra State have been empowered by the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, and the Anambra State government to create and manage small- scale enterprises that would assist them earn decent living.

The beneficiaries were assisted by government to form two cooperative societies namely, God’s Will Physically Challenged Cooperative Society Limited and Divine Love Physically Challenged Cooperative Society Limited, both in Awka. They would be receiving financial assistance from the government of Denmark under the UNDP innovation facility, which is part of the Special Target Enterprises Development and Monitor Initiative.

The empowerment entailed vocational training and equipment support, design of entrepreneurial monitor template and use of monitor recordings for design of credit access.

The 20 lucky persons were selected from 30 physically challenged persons drawn from some local government areas who were trained in the areas of footwear making and tailoring in August this year.

14 passengers cheat death along East-West road

BY PEREZ BRISIBE

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From left: Global Head of Cybersecurity KPMG, UK, Mr Malcolm Marshall; Partner & Head, Risk Consulting, KPMG, Nigeria, Olumide Olayinka; Partner, Information Protection & Business Resilience (II), KPMG, UK, George Quigley; Senior Manager, Technology Advisory KPMG, Nigeria, John Anyanwu, and Head, Sales & Markets KPMG, Nigeria, Nike Oyewolu, at the Cybersecurity press conference by KPMG, Nigeria, in Lagos.

Biafra: Group demands Kanu’s unconditional release terror group and we are all

BY UFUOMA TIVERUAHOR

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HE South East RevivalGroup(SERG) has urged the Federal Government to tread cautiously in handling the current clamour for selfdetermination, by a cross sectionofpeopleoftheSouthEast, pressing for the actualization of the Republic of Biafra.

The group also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kalu,who was arrested in Lagos by the Department of State Service (DSS) when he returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom in October.

According to an SERG’ statement by its National Coordinator, Chief Willy Ezugwu, it is imperative that the Federal Government acts

fast before it becomes too late describingtheBiafraagitation as intellectually- driven.

Thestatementregrettedthat some persons close to government tend to dismiss theagitationasthehandiwork of hoodlums and paid touts even when it is apparent that those protesting are genuine stakeholders in the Igbo nation’s quest for self determination.

The statement said that, “it is instructive that this was the same way Nigerians dismissed Boko Haram insurgents as street urchins in the formative years of the

collectively paying the price in tears and blood today.

“The people of the Igbo nation are currently pursuing their desire through intellectual engagement and peaceful street protests.

“Sadly security agencies, includingthearmy,havebeen violently clamping down on these protests in violation of the people’s right to self expression.

“Those associated with the movement are being thrown into detention and being secretly tried in a desperate effort to stifle the people of the South-East.”

Kings varsity takes off, doles out 120 scholarships

BY DAYO ADESULU

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N its quest to give qualitativeeducationtothe less privileged, Kings University, Ode-Omu, Osun State, has concluded arrangement to offer scholarships to 120 students yearly.

Speakingwithjournalistsin Lagos, the presiding Minister of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) who is also the Chancellor of of the university, Pastor Matthew Ashimalowo, said that, “the scholarship which is valued between N450,000 and N500,000eachwillcovertuition,

accommodation and other expenses,excludingfeeding.”

He noted, however, that beneficiaries will continue to enjoy the scholarship on the condition that they sustain excellentacademicrecordsfor the duration of the course.

Accordingtohim,Matthew Ashimolowo Scholarship Scheme (MASS) and the KICC are the two bodies responsibleforthescholarships.

While MASS, he noted will cover the cost for 40 scholars, KICCwilltakecareof80,outof whichfivehavebeenreserved for indigenes of the host community, Ode OmuAshimolowo’shometown.

OURTEEN passengers, yesterday, morning cheated death when the commercial bus they were travelling in, was rammed into from behind by a fuel tanker with registration number Delta AA 998 KPE. The incident occurred a few meters from the Otovwodo junction along the Ughelli axis of the East-West express road.

According to witnesses at the scene of the accident, the commercial bus was heading to Onitsha, Anambra State from Ughelli and the passengers are mostly traders going for shopping at the Onitsha main market.

Recounting how the incident occurred, a commercial motorcycle operator told Saturday Vanguard that the bus had moved a few kilometers from the Ughelli terminal of the transport company before the accident occurred.

NBC set to ramp up investments, upgrade facilities

BY PRINCE OKAFOR

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N a bid to meet up with the sales projection trajectory in a competitive environment, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) is set to ramp up investments and upgrade facilities in the country.

The company which has put in concerted efforts to ensure that its plans in investment and upgrade in manufacturing facilities meet the interests of Nigerian consumers is keen on doubling its production capacity by 2020.

According to the Acting Head, Public Affairs and Communication, NBC Limited, Mrs Sade Morgan, who disclosed its plan during an engagement session with its major stakeholders, “the company is upgrading its manufacturing operations, and the Ilorin facility is being transformed to become a world class material handling and logistics hub.

Lenovo kicks off consumer promo

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N a bid to making the festive season memorable for smart phone enthusiasts, Lenovo Technologies has launched a nationwide promo with a star price of Kia Rio and 10 educational grants worth N200,000 each and lots more.

Addressing news men recently, the Executive Director, Mobile Business Group at Lenovo, Middle East and Africa (MEA), Shashank Sharma, said that the promotion was designed to drive significant engagement its Nigeria customers by giving away lots of valuable prizes.

According to him, “this promo is aimed at demonstrating our commitment to providing smart phone enthusiasts with additional value for each Lenovo brand purchase.

“It ïs also a platform for showing our gratitude for their loyalty and support all through the year as we look forward to having more activities of this kind in the years ahead.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015 — 9

OPINION

We’ll never go back to PDP —Ekere, others •

APC, presidency plotting to take Akwa Ibom against people’s will – PDP

By Clifford Ndujihe & Tom Moses

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KWA Ibom State elders and leaders of thought have dismissed as baseless social media reports and that some of their members are about to joining or returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

According to a statement

by Mr. Iboro Otongaran (director, Media and Publicity, Akwa Ibom APC Governorship Campaign Organisation), the leaders said nothing would make them return to the PDP. Otuekong Sonny Jackson, who is the political leader of Uyo Senatorial District, described the internet rumour as a joke taken too far and warned that his name should not be associated with the PDP in any circumstance.

Mr Nsima Ekere, former deputy governor of the state, who was also mentioned in the rumoured plan to return to the PDP, said: “With the impunity that hallmarks the affairs of the PDP and the humiliation suffered by the G22, of which I was the leader, at the hand of the former ruling party during the governorship primary in the state, there is no way I can go back to the PDP.” In like manner, Akwa Ibom State chairman of the APC, Dr Amadu Attai, said there was no basis for any leader of the APC, or any conscientious leader in the state to move to the PDP and dismissed the speculation as fiction.

Attai said very soon Udom and Akpabio will be given the Wada treatment, translated to mean they will be booted out the way APC recently dislodged Governor Ibrahim Wada in Kogi State.

This came as the PDP once again raised the alarm that the APC with support from the Presidency was planning to take over Akwa-Ibom State without recourse to people’s will.

Chairman of the AkwaIbom State Leaders Caucus, Senator Anietie Okon raised the alarm on behalf of the group in a statement entitled: “APC’S mindless plot to take over Akwa Ibom: Again a timely warning.’’

He said that a vast majority of the people of the state had on “April 11, 2015, demonstrated their overwhelming support for the PDP and its candidate, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel but the Elections Petitions Tribunal, which sitting was moved from the state to Abuja without genuine cause, discountenanced the votes and ordered a rerun in 18 of the 31 local C M Y K

government areas in the state on the tepid excuse that voters were disenfranchised.”

According to Senator Okon, the evil plan against his party, the PDP, was one of the recommendations contained in the APC’s “Penetration Strategy document issued in August, entitled: “Political Penetra-

tion of South South/North Central Strategy Plan Draft, August 2015” which was released almost two months before the tribunal delivered the judgement.

“In respect of Akwa Ibom State, the document, apart from asking for massive shipment of funds to enable the invasion and forceful take over, made specific

decisions including the nullification of the governorship election to pave the way for a rerun and where a total nullification proves difficult in view of the strength of the PDP in the state, the nullification of a substantial part of the election in majority of the local government areas should be pursued”, Okon further noted.

From left: Country Director of Enactus Nigeria, Mr. Michael Ajayi; Lead, CSR/Sustainability of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mrs. Temitayo Ade-Peters; a beneficiary of the skills acquisition/economic empowerment programme organized by Enactus and sponsored by FCMB, Esther Nsude; the Zonal Head, Enugu, Mr. Chijioke Mbagwu and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Enugu State University of Technology (ESUTH), Professor Sam-God Eze, during the graduation and presentation of working tools to the beneficiaries recently.

Bayelsa Polls: My achievements will speak for me — Dickson •Jonathan, PDP govs, others to attend flag presentation

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

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AYELSA State Gover nor, Seriake Dickson, yesterday said his achievements in office would convince the people of the state to vote for him in the December 5 election.

Dickson, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in an interview in Yenagoa, said his achievements were all encompassing, adding that they have also given the people a new appreciation of government as enabler of development.

“We have changed the face of politics in Bayelsa State,” he declared.

Meanwhile, all is set for today (Saturday) grand finale rally/official PDP flag presentation to Governor Dickson and his running mate, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd).

The event which will have former President Goodluck Jonathan in attendance, according to the party, is slated for the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

Also expected at the event are members of the PDP National Working Committee and other stakeholders including the party’s sitting governors.

According to Governor Dickson, his administration has emphasized the impor-

tance of the people as the centre of all development just as the issue of accountability has been elevated as an essential ingredient of democracy.

He cited an example saying, “Every month we announce what comes in in terms of revenue and how we spend them; it is empowerment of the people.

“We are empowering them mentally and demo-

cratically to take charge of their future. I believe that this will be a standard moving forward as far as governorship and other elections in this state are concerned.”

The Governor listed development in education, roads and bridges, health, provision of important public buildings, agriculture, empowerment and the airport at Amassoma as some

I’m not a terrorists, Kuku cries out EFCC to answer to chargBy Soni Daniel

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MMEDIATE past Spe cial Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Hon. Kingsley Kuku, has cried out over surreptitious moves to link him with terrorist acts and stockpiling of arms in the country.

Kuku in a press release, yesterday, accused some desperate unnamed ‘Hawks’ of conspiring with some security agencies to frame him up as sponsoring terrorism with a view to preparing the grounds to arrest him on arrival in Nigeria.

Kuku has been abroad to seek medical attention over a broken knee, coinciding with his invitation by the

es bordering on the management of the resources of the PAP. He is preparing to return to Nigeria any moment from now.

He said that the alarm became necessary following an online media report by a spectral Kano-based group, National Security Watchdog, which claimed that “there was incontrovertible evidence linking (me) to terrorist acts and illegal stockpiling of arms.”

The group had called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to initiate proceedings for Kuku’s extradition to face terrorism charges.

He said: “The claim by this group must not be taken lightly by either the government or well-meaning Nigerians.’’

The re-emergence of Dr. Olajide Idris, as Lagos State Commissioner for Health

By Roy Gregory

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furore of a frightening dimension made way over a year ago into the subconscious of the nation’s healthcare landscape, as a result of a deadly epidemic virus called Ebola, which made its way into the state through the first reported index case of one Amos Sawyer, who was to be the first victim.

It also infected and claimed the lives of an unsuspecting medical personnel of a private hospital in Lagos, led by the irreplaceable Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, who attended to him in the first instance. The entire episode and experience, remain fresh in the memory of residents in the state.

Dr. Olajide Idris, the then Lagos state commissioner for Health, rose up to the deadly challenge, mobilized and remained an example to the end, encouraged a deft and robust advocacy management drive for a troubled sttate and by extension the nation, as the Ebola epidemic raged, leaping onto the front pages and headlines, since the deadly virus was unknown in our clime and history.

In his unflinching resolve to bring to an end the menacing scourge of the Ebola virus, he was able to inspire hope, where panic was evident in all the nooks and crannies of the state, since Lagos State stood out in all ramifications as the epicentre of the first reported case of the Ebola saga.

He made the State Ministry of Health support staff, stay proactive and showed direction right from the outbreak of the virus, which was key among other factors for the overall success and routing of the scourge from becoming a crisis in the state. We owe Dr. Olajide Idris a debt of gratitude for the way he and his colleagues shut the door against the Ebola virus from the state. We salute the various ARMS of the state hospitals, LASUTH etc who showed true professionalism during the aforementioned state of anomaly.

I did not make a dance or sound of it, but watching Dr. Jide Idris from the sideline, I was encouraged to see him display a rare pedigree of an unassuming but faithfully committed public servant who meant well for the state.

Finally, I salute the wisdom and courage that assailed the direction of mind of His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, for bringing back a good brand into his administration.

B-R-I-E-F-S Investigate kidnap of Siasia’s mother, musician, Ijaw asks police

By Tony Nwankwo

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HE Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG) has criticised the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, in the Police handling of the kidnap of two prominent Ijaws in Bayelsa State. In a statement by Comrade Josephm Evah on behalf of IMG, the Ijaws said the I-G failed to give the same attention given to other prominent citizens kidnapped, in the past, in other parts of the country.

“We condemn the I-G refusal to visit the state after the kidnap of the mother of the Chief Coach of the Dream Team, (U-23 Eagles) Coach Samson Siasia, and an Ijaw leading musician, Mr. Peneama Freetown”.

According to the Niger Delta activist, “The two victims of these criminals are prominent citizens and the signal of this evil at a time Bayelsa is going to the polls within three weeks, clearly shows that Bayelsa is not safe for the elections. We urge all the candidates for the forthcoming elections to take a break in the campaign to meet with the I-G and the D-G of the DSS to reassure the citizens that all will experience peaceful election,” he said.

Christmas Concert holds in Unilag Dec 6

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Christmas concert tagged ‘In the Soul of Music’ pro duced by Greenland Classics and Mr. Godonu Amusu will hold on December 6, 2015 at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos at 5pm.

In a release Amusu said the event was in support of Lagos’ premier classical music radio programme. ‘In The Soul of Music’ on University of Lagos FM. According to him, “this will be the biggest celebration of the Christmas season for all lovers and patrons of classical music.

He added that performers include the Greenland Chorale, Lemuel Iyalla, choirs of Cathedral of St Jude Ebute Metta, St. Paul’s Anglican Church Idioro, Bishop Adelakun Howells Memorial Church Surulere, recent graduates of the UNILAG Music department among others. He noted that attendance is free for all leading public and private sector figures.

10 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015 B-R-I-E-F-S

Lagosians will no longer accept excuses, Ambode tells police •Hands over N4.6b security equipment to State Command, RRS •Urges FG to increase support to Lagos •Buhari, IG Arase ask states to emulate Lagos

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AGOS State Governor, Mr.AkinwunmiAmbode, yesterday handed over security equipment and vehicles to the State Police Command and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), just as he charged them to ensure that the equipment are deployed effectively to tackle criminalactivitiesasresidents will no longer accept excuses.

The Governor spoke at the official handing over of 100 4door salon cars, 55 Ford Ranger pick-up vans, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser pick-up vans, 15 BMW power bikes, 100powerbikes,Isuzutrucks, three helicopters, two gun boats,15armouredpersonnel carriers,revolvinglights,siren and public address systems, vehicular radio communicators, security gadgetsincludingbulletproof vests, helmets and handcuffs, all valued at about N4.765 billion.

The Governor noted that with the new development, the Lagos State Police Command has been repositioned to compare to similaroutfitsinothermodern cites, expressing optimism that the equipment would go a long way to aid security agencies respond faster to crime.

“Our Police Command will have its operations significantlydrivenbytheright technology and equipment that will match the emerging sophistication of crime in our contemporary time”, he said.

“Members of the Police Command have been undergoing training to better equip them for the job. We have also re-branded the Rapid Response Squad of the StatePoliceCommandtogive them a new identity.

“Given the encouraging partnership and support of well-meaning citizens and corporate organisations, we are on course to making our state a safe haven only for law abiding citizens”, the Governor added.

He however urged the officers of the State Police Command to ensure that the purpose for which the equipment was acquired is not defeated.

“We say to whom much is given, much is expected. Law enforcementofficersarenever ‘off duty’. They are dedicated publicservantswhoaresworn toprotectthepublicatanytime and place. Lagosians will not acceptexcuses.”

Governor Ambode also seized the occasion to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to further strengthen support for the state, noting that the security of the state reflects directly on the economic fortunes of Nigeria.

He also urged residents to playtheirpartbyvolunteering useful information on suspected criminals and activitiesthatmightleadtothe

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (3rd left); Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase; Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; Minister OGInterior, Lt.Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, retd.; Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the commissioning and handing over of Patrol Vehicles, Motorcycles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), Gunboats, and Patrol Helicopters to the Nigerian Police and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), at the Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday.

Local, foreign syndicates worsen oil theft, drug trafficking, terrorism —Navy

By Kingsley Omonobi

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HE Nigerian Navy disclosed, yesterday, that promblems plaguing Nigeria’s maritime environment have become more challenging with local and international syndicates combining to wreak havoc in the areas of crude oil theft, drug trafficking and terrorism.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, who made the disclosure at a briefing to acquaint the media on the 2015 Nigerian Navy Retreat holding in Asaba from November 30 to December 2, said other new challenges in the maritime domain include gun-running, illegal immigration, pressure from climate change, natural disasters and marine pollution.

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval headquarters, Rear Admiral Johnson Olutoyin, the CNS noted that, “The challenges in Nigerian maritime environment and the entire Gulf of Guinea region are no longer those of smuggling, piracy, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing and illegal bunkering alone.

“These challenges have negative implications for our nations maritime security interests, economy and ultimately national development” the CNS said, “The Nigerian Navy has been making serious efforts towards mitigating these challenges but they keep evolving in different modes and tactics”.

“The good news is that the Navy has also resolved to deal with the challenges appropriately and effectively too. It is this resolve of the Navy that has informed the theme for this year’s retreat as ‘Nigerian Navy and Emerging Maritime Security Challenges”, he said.

Egbin generates 1, 100 megawatts electricity

By Ediri Ejoh

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Cross section of the Patrol Vehicles, Motorcycles, among other equipment handed over to the Nigerian Police and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday. breach of security in their various communities, to the police through the state emergency hotline: 112.

President Buhari in his remarks commended Governor Ambode for his laudable role in prioritizing security and the purchase of the security equipment that would make the state safer and conducive for residents and citizens.

The President who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdurrahman Dambazau, said the security equipment was a clear demonstration of the fulfillment of the Governor’s mantra to the people of the state.

“This is indeed a laudable achievement by Lagos State Government to improve the security of life and property of the people of Lagos State. I therefore salute the Governor ofLagosStateforinitiatingthis judicious use of public funds to protect Lagosians”, Buhari said.

The President who said that addressing security challenges calls for collaboration among critical

stakeholders, especially elected government representatives, also enjoined other states to emulate the great strides of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode by supporting security agencies in their various states.

He however called on men of the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that the equipment is preserved throughdiligentmaintenance culture in order to justify the huge resources expended.

Speaking earlier, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, said with the huge investment in security equipment donated to the police by the state government, Governor Ambode had shown that beyond his widely acknowledgedcommitmentto the security well-being and welfare of the people, he was determined to prioritize security. Arase said the gesture was a clear demonstration of political will andclearvisiontorebrand,reequip and re-energize the security architecture in a manner that would motivate security personnel to operate

optimally and remain step ahead of criminal elements in the battle to re-assure citizens of security and safety.

The police boss who acknowledged that Governor Ambodehasbeenconsistently motivatingsecurityagenciesin the state, said the Governor deservedtobecommendedfor remaining a strong executive pillar for which the security architecture of Lagos could confidently rest.

While appreciating GovernorAmbode,Arasesaid: “I can assure you that the huge investment will not be invain.Forbythisgesture,you have motivated us and assured us that as we work hand-in-hand as security agents to advance your vision for a safe and secured Lagos State,you,astheChiefSecurity Officer of Lagos State, will be by us, meet our needs and giveustheexecutiveleverage needed to succeed.

“You have challenged us by this gesture and I can confidently assure Your Excellency that we shall not fail you as we appreciate that towhommuchisgiven,much is expected,” Arase said.

UTHORITIES at Nigeria’s largest power generation plant, Egbin Power Plc, said yesterday that it had maintained a consistent generation of 1,100 megawatts of electricity into the country’s national grid in the last three weeks.

The company Chairman, Mr. Kola Adesina, made this known to Saturday Vanguard in a telephone conversation.

According to him, “vandalism has been a great threat to the country’s electricity power stability and as such should be tackled with technology.

“We have consistently continued to generate 1, 100 megawatts in the last three weeks except for occasional load shedding.

“Nigeria witnessed a power output of 4,883 megawatts two days ago and this was the highest capacity generated ever.

“Invariably, there has been more power to the consumers. We have had sporadic cases of vandalism of the transmission facilities though.

“However, the threats to the current state of the country’s power supply, especially vandalism, can be conquered via technology and better policing.”

Stallion Group wins fish farmer of the year award

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ULTINATIONAL conglomerate, Stallion Group, has won the prestigious award of “Fish Farmer of the Year 2015 award at the Nigeria Agriculture Awards event held on the 25th November in Lagos.

Stallion Group was accorded the honour for its investments and extensive activities in Nigeria’s aquaculture industry, aimed at increasing local production of fish and thereby making Nigeria self- sufficient in the sector.

Stallion also operates a nation-wide cold chain network that assures consumers of the highest quality fish, meeting international standards.

While confirming the award, the Central Committee of the Nigeria Agriculture Awards (NAA) noted Stallion Group’s “massive investments in Nigerian aquaculture, signalling confidence in the nation’s economy, is highly commendable and this award appreciates the said effort.”

The annual Nigeria Agriculture Awards (NAA) honours performing Nigerian farmers in the various agricultural sectors.

The award is aimed at recognizing and rewarding men, women, businesses and institutions that have contributed to Nigeria’s re-emergence as a veritable force in agriculture.

The organizers said they were convinced that such special recognition of individuals and corporate organizations that have distinguished themselves as critical actors in the agricultural sector would serve as motivation to other stakeholders to follow suit.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—11

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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T is no longer news that Late Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, the wife of first Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, began her life on November 25, 1915 and ended her era on September 19, 2015.

Perhaps, what may be news is what happens to the Awolowo political and business dynasty after the passage of the patriarch and matriarch.

Born into the modest Adelana family in the small Ikenne community of Ogun State, Mrs Awolowo got married to the late sage on December 26, 1937.

History has it that HID Awolowo was a successful businesswoman and astute politician who played an active role in the politics of Western Nigeria.

She was said to have stood in for her husband in the alliance formed between the National Council of Nigerian Citizens, NCNC and Action Group, AG, which was called the United Progressives Grand Alliance, UPGA, while her husband was in incarceration. Her husband famously referred to her as the “jewel of inestimable value.”

It was gathered that while her husband was in jail, there was an idea that HID Awolowo should contest the elections, and if she won, would step down for her husband.

She toured the length and breadth of the country with her husband campaigning in a bid for her husband to fulfill the dream of becoming president in the Second Republic.

She also coordinated the women wing of the party and was always present at all party caucuses.

HID Awolowo was not only a politician but also a successful business woman who became the first Nigerian distributor for the Nigerian Tobacco Company (NTC) in 1957. She was the first to import lace fabric and other textiles into Nigeria.

Burial of the year As a honour for HID Awolowo, the state government had directed that all markets and public schools in the Remo Zone of the state be closed for the burial.

The burial of HID Awolowo attracted who-is-who across the country including President Muhammadu C M Y K

AFTER HID AWOLOWO

What becomes of Ikenne, Awo’s dynasty, family businesses?

Buhari, his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki; former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former heads of state, General Yakubu Gowon (retd) and Chief Earnest Shonekan.

Others who attended the burial ceremony of the late matriarch were former governors,16 serving governors as well as ministers, captains of industries, politicians and clerics among others.

The Church, Our Saviour’s Church, Anglican Communion, Ikenne could not contain the guests that trooped in to pay their last respect while the premises which had big canopies all over as also filled to capacity.

The remains of HID Awolowo which were contained in gold-plaited casket was carried by a horse-drawn chariot. The chariot was led by other five horses and followed by the two surviving children, grandchildren and great grand children to church and later to the mausoleum where she was committed to mother earth.

AFTER HID’s DEATH WHAT NEXT? Before the demise of HID Awolowo, despite the death of her husband in 1987, she successfully led Awo’s disciples for 28 years. She formed Yoruba Unity Forum, YUF, which had been attended by some core Awoists. The meeting

Continues on page 12

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

What becomes of Awolowo’s dynasty Continues from page 11 had been presenting Yoruba views on national issues.

But the meeting had never been attended by the All Progressives Congress, APC leaders across the South West. They had boycotted it, despite appeal by HID Awolowo to APC leaders. It was being attended by chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP Labour Party, LP and Afenifere among others.

After her death, there are fears about the continuity of the forum. Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, who was vice chairman of the group, who was recently appointed as chairman of the forum. The question however is whether he will muster the necessary political will to coordinate the bigwigs and divergent interests in the region. This is particularly important as there are many Yoruba groups claiming to be fighting for Yoruba interest with seeming disunity among members.

REVIVING THE LEGACY OF UPN The Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN which was a political party that was dominant in Western Nigeria during the Second Republic between 1978 and 1983 was revived during the last general elections.

The UPN, which inherited its ideology from the defunct Action Group and saw itself as a party for everyone was the only party that promoted free education and called itself a welfarist party.

The party featured in the burial ceremony of HID Awolowo and held a farewell programme in her honour .

Leading the burial rite, the Ogun State Governorship Candidate of the party in the last general elections, Prince Rotimi Paseda, described the late matriarch of the Awolowo family and her late husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as exceptional leaders who stood for the cause of the masses.

Paseda said until politicians learn to put the welfare of the masses first and provide free education, free health care, employment and ensure integrated rural development, the country would not experience the desired development.

He said: “Papa and Mama Awolowo espoused the ideals of an egalitarian society through the C M Y K

keeping the flag of unity flying even after the demise of her husband .

Ikenne was popular because it was where Chief Obafemi and HID Awolowo lived.

This attracted very important personalities from far and near to the town on a daily basis. Now, after the death of the Awo Matriarch, what becomes of Ikenne as a town?

provision of free education, free health care, employment and integrated rural development policy.

These were core programmes of the UPN which Papa founded.

Politicians must emulate this exceptional couple.”

Also, eulogising HID Awolowo, National Chairman of the party, Prof.

Bankole Okuwa, who was one of the followers of Awo, also recalled his relationship with the Yeye Oodua, who he described as a jewel of inestimable value.

The deputy governorship candidate of the party, Mrs. Aminat Olatubosun, also eulogised the late matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty particularly for her role in

Ikenne after the death of HID Ikenne was popular because it was where Chief Obafemi and HID Awolowo lived. This attracted very important personalities from far and near to the town on a daily basis. Now, after the death of the Awo Matriarch, what becomes of Ikenne as a town?

Saturday Vanguard gathered that one of the surviving daughters, Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu had relocated to the house even before the death of her mother. Will she be the new face of Awo in Ikenne or her elder sister, Reverend Omotola Oyediran who is the head of the family? What becomes of the Awolowo political fiefdom if there is no one to step into the shoes of HID? Speaking with some residents about their feelings on the death of HID Awolowo, it was gathered that even the people in the area were worried and concerned about what may likely become of the town.

According to them, the enduring benefit they got from Awolowo family was the attraction of big personalities to the area regularly.

According to them, the influx of the people to the town and the fame it garnered was a great benefit to the town.

A resident told our correspondent that whenever he traveled outside the state and he was asked of his town, he only describe the town with Awolowo’s name and without much ado, people

get idea of a mega town.

Some of the market men and women as well as artisans and transporters expressed fear that the town might be neglected after the death of HID Awolowo.

They said that during the lifetime of Mama HID Awolowo, the roads were being repaired especially when there was going to be a meeting.

FEARS ABOUT FAMILY BUSINESS Saturday Vanguard observed that there was no leader in Nigeria that had not paid his homage to Mama HID Awolowo while alive.

Despite that her husband had died 28 years ago, the late Matriarch received prominent personalities across the country. Would the music continue playing or stop with her death? The next few years would provide answers to this question.

Mama HID Awolowo had been a unifying factor in the family. She was said to have stabilised the Awolowo dynasty.

Out of five children of the Awolowos, only two children survived. Among the grand children are wife of Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo and Segun Awolowo (junior).

Reverend Omotola Oyediran who, by virtue of her position in the family as the eldest child of the family is now carrying the burden of head of family.

Findings showed that Rev. Omotola’s success is hinged on the cooperation and submission of her younger sister, Tokunbo AwolowoDosunmu.

A close observation has shown that for the maturity displayed by Rev. Oyediran

during the burial, there would have been a serious leadership crisis in the family ahead of the burial ceremony.

A good example was during a press conference held to announce the burial programme of Mama Awolowo. When Rev. Oyediran was called to give a welcome address, she politely expressed her displeasure over her alleged marginalization in the scheme of things.

She told the gathering that what she was called to do was strange to her as she was never briefed about the activities of the programme.

Her younger sister had the details of the whole programmes and she rolled them out to newsmen.

Also, at the launch of the biography of their late mother, ‘’The Radiance of the Sage: The Life and Times of HID Awolowo,’’ Oyediran’s name was conspicuously missing in the programme while her younger sister was indicated as the one that would give the welcome address.

The organizers, after serious consideration, had to create an item which featured the eldest sister as she gave the closing remarks.

Most people who visited the family had advised that the family’s name should be kept intact.

According to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the shoes left behind by Mama Awolowo was too big for anyone to wear. He however, prayed that the children would have the grace to keep the glorious name intact.

Also, in his remarks, Senate President Bukola Saraki admonished the family members to keep the great name intact.

On the business interest, there had been great concern over the family business and investments.

It was learned that Mama had been a sole signatory to the account of the family which, reportedly stabilised the family. There was also fear about who becomes the new chairman of All African Newspapers, the Publishers of Nigerian Tribune, the oldest surviving private Nigerian newspaper in Nigeria. It established in 1949 by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. How will the family manage these interests to avoid trouble?

Only time will tell.11

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—13

ORGY OF EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS: POLICING THE POLICE

Why Police kill and how to avoid being a victim

BY EVELYN USMAN & OGHENE OMONISA

N

obody has ever questioned the statutory role of the police to safeguard lives and property of the citizenry. However, when the institution mandated to give the people a sense of security is fast turning out to be a source of insecurity, it gives food for thought and cause to ask questions. The Nigeria Police Force which is saddled with the primary and constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the people has been in the news for the wrong reasons, owing to the seeming recurrent operational errors by some of its men, which have led to irreparable loss of lives of those they are meant to protect.

Evidently, this is certainly not the best of times for the topechelon of Nigeria’s principal law enforcement agency, which has come under severe tongue-

C M Y K

lashing from members of the public, no thanks to reprehensible actions of some policemen in recent times.

Although such incidents are not new to Nigerians, the spate at which they occur, particularly in Lagos State, calls for quick check by the authority concerned, before it gets out of hand

History of killings Extrajudicial killings have almost become associated with the Nigeria Police. Just four weeks ago, pandemonium broke out at Second Rainbow Bus stop along the OshodiApapa Expressway in Lagos, following the alleged killing of a commercial bus driver by a trigger-happy policeman. The bus driver with an undisclosed identity, reportedly drove against traffic, apparently to avoid being trapped in the perennial gridlock on the everbusy expressway. But little did he know that his bid to apply the short cut would turn out to be his greatest undoing, as a policeman who was alleged to have demanded an undisclosed amount from the bus conductor reportedly pulled the trigger when the man refused to part with the

money, thereby killing the driver on the spot.

This happened barely a week after a Mobile Policeman (MOPOL) attached to Mountain Troop Division reportedly shot dead Beauty Nnena Macleod, a one-time tennis player and mother of a tennis rising star, at Emperor’s Place in Lagos.

Two months before, the life of a nursing mother had been cut short in her prime by a bullet from one Corporal Musefun Aremu, along Ijegun Road in Lagos. The corporal who was immediately arrested and is at the moment being remanded at the Kirikiri Medium Prison, allegedly fired a shot at the deceased’s husband, a tricycle operator, following his refusal to part with N200. But the bullet reportedly pierced through his wife’s skull before it hit the tricycle operator in the jaw and arm. While he is alive to narrate his experience, unfortunately, his wife is not, as she reportedly breathed her

last before arriving at the hospital.

Although such incidents are not new to Nigerians, the spate at which they occur, particularly in Lagos State, calls for quick check by the authorities concerned, before it gets out of hand.

From the foregoing, non of these cases can be described as an accidental discharge or a negligent discharge but a clear intentional firing of bullet aimed at causing severe harm to the target. While accidental discharges occur during a mechanical failure of the weapon, negligent discharge occurs as a result of operational error.

Among other cases that could be considered as deliberate discharge on the part of culpable policemen was that of late Chinedu Ozor, who was reportedly shot by a policeman in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on July 20, 2015. Reports had it Continues on page 14

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

'Turning against their own' Continues from page 13

that Ozor was driving back home penultimate Monday, when some men in mufti flagged him to stop but he ignored them apparently thinking they were robbers. On getting to a police checkpoint, he reportedly stopped, unknown to him that the men who had earlier flagged him down were following behind.

Reports said while explaining himself to the policemen in uniform, the other team later discovered to be policemen, arrived at the scene and one of them allegedly shot Ozor in the head. He was said to have been placed on oxygen at the Specialist Hospital, Abakaliki, where he was rushed to.

Unfortunately, he died the following day.

In Imo State, on September 10, 2015, a 21-year-old undergraduate of the Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Ikechukwu Vincent Uwagbaokwu, had life snuffed out of him by a bullet from another trigger-happy policeman, in connection with a family land dispute at his home town in Ohobo Afara in Umuahia North Local Council of Abia State.

In the petition addressed to the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Joshak Habila, family of the slain undergraduate said: “On September 10, 2015 Mr. Ikechukwu Vincent Uwagbaokwu, a Marketing student of Imo Polytechnic went to bed at about 9pm but at about 10:50pm, there was persistent banging on the door of the Uwagbaokwu family house.

“When Mr. Anthony Uwagbaokwe (elder brother of deceased) came out to see who was banging on their door, lo and behold, there were about 10 fierce-looking men in police uniform who had taken strategic positions around the house.

They came in a Hilux pick-up van and black Camry saloon car. One of them hit the door of one of the house occupants and forced it open. When the occupant came out, the men in police uniform, who refused to identify themselves, said that he was not the person they were looking for.

“The police then went to the direction pointed to by those who allegedly brought them.

The armed policemen forced the next door open and on sighting Ikechukwu Vincent Uwagbaokwu, one of the policemen allegedly shot him and he died on the spot.”

It appeared to be the turn of Ogun State on October 8, 2015 when a commercial bus driver identified as Likinyo Olumide C M Y K

In a year remarkable for police killings, nine deaths of innocent civilians were recorded between May and September 2012, with Lagos state recording the highest number of casualties

was allegedly shot dead by a police corporal at the Shagamu Toll Gate along the Lagos/ Benin Expressway. The driver was said to have been conveying seven passengers and their goods from Lagos to Okitipupa in Ondo State, when a team of policemen flagged him to stop.

Although the circumstances that led to his being shot was unknown, reports had it that Olumide stopped his vehicle as directed, alighted and was discussing with one of the policemen when the sound of gunshots was heard. When the apprehensive passengers

alighted, they reportedly found the lifeless body of Olumide in the pool of his blood.

From Edo State was the news on June 27, 2015, of two women who had attended a funereal ceremony in Fungar Town, the administrative headquarters of Etsako Central Local Council but who, however, ended up being mourned. Reports said a police corporal, Ali Christopher, had bullets discharged accidentally from his AK 47 riffle, some of which hit the nursing mothers.

One of the bullets narrowly missed a two-month-old baby who was strapped to the back of his mother before hitting his mother in the neck. The incident resulted in the baby being an orphaned as his father died when his mother, Sandra Imhaku, was still pregnant. Imhaku was said to have been rushed to Irrua Specialist Hospital, Irrua, where she died the following day.

The second victim simply identified as Mrs. Saliu, an indigene of Fugar, came from Warri, Delta State with her husband to attend the funeral of her in-law, late Mr. Itu Joseph when the incident occurred.

Endless killings

The list of police killings in 2015 alone appears to be endless. However records at Saturday Vanguard’s disposal showed that in year 2012 alone, over fifteen innocent Nigerians were allegedly killed by policemen.

In a year remarkable for police killings, nine deaths of innocent civilians were

recorded between May and September 2012, with Lagos state recording the highest number of casualties.

In Lagos, along Gbagada, one Ugochukwu Ozuah was allegedly shot dead on September 15, 2012, five days after his wedding. The incident occurred barely a week after a drunk cop allegedly shot to death Dele Oroja, chairman of the Association of ThreeWheelers (Keke Marwa), Meiran/Ilepo Branch. He was allegedly shot by one Corporal Abbey Adekunle.

Two months after Oroja’s killing, precisely on November 7, a bus conductor was allegedly shot dead by a police man attached to Alapere Police Division, Ketu. The conductor’s offence? He reportedly stepped on the toes of the policeman who was in mufti. The policeman was reportedly standing at Tipper Bus stop when the conductor who was calling on passengers mistakenly stepped on him.

During the argument that ensued, the policeman was said to have brought out his weapon of death and allegedly shot the bus conductor in the neck, killing him on the spot.

A day before the incident, reports had it that a commercial motorcyclist otherwise called okadaman was also shot by a policeman at Ilupeju, Lagos, leading to mass protest by motorcyclists. However, in this case, the motorcyclist survived.

Same year in Kaduna State, a cop allegedly shot a commercial motorcyclist, one Umar Danmichika, to death on September 26, while the victim was reportedly waiting to

collect his money from his passenger.

Also in Ogun State, another commercial motorcyclist was killed by a policeman in Iperu Remo area of the state, for hitting a police patrol van.

Oil-rich Bayelsa State was not left out in this orgy of killings in 2012, as a teenager was shot dead by a policeman on October 2.

In addition, a commercial driver was also shot by a police corporal attached to a new generation bank in Uruagu, Anambra State, on November 9. Reports said that the deceased was shot because he wrongly parked in front of the bank to pick a passenger.

In Yobe State, a policeman, said to have been drunk, had in August 2012 shot at the convoy of the then Deputy Governor, Abubakar Aliyu.

Fortunately, no life was lost in this case. But same could not be said in the case of 20-yearold Lucy Ukpong, a salesgirl who was reportedly hit in the chest by a bullet from a police corporal said to have gone to monitor a demolition exercise in Apo area, Abuja, on October 16, 2012, as she died right on the spot. The list is endless.

Turning against their own Even fellow policemen are also not left out in this reign of unwarranted deaths, as some of them have fallen victims to their colleagues’ negligence, either deliberately or otherwise.

A case that vividly comes to mind was that of a police inspector, Madu Ugwu, attached to the Mobile Police Force 20 Unit. He reportedly Continues on page 15

SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—15

Continues from page 14

shot himself dead while adjusting an AK 47 riffle, on August 25, 2015. The deceased, said to be the Second-inCommand at the MOPOL 20 Armourer, accidentally pulled the trigger of the rifle which resulted in the release of a bullet which shattered his jaw and a large portion of his head.

Another case of accidental discharge which resulted in the death of a policeman also occurred two years ago in Ondo State, after a police inspector allegedly fired his senior colleague, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Kazeem Shehu. The incident, as gathered, occurred during a squabble at a drinking bar at Ejankole Street in Okerowo area of Ondo State.

These incidents have no doubt further confirmed the already betrayed trust and confidence members of the public reposed in the police.

While several of the incidents, whether accidental discharge, negligent discharge or intentional release, were discovered to have been committed by policemen of the rank and file, surprisingly, some were committed by officers who were supposed to leading by example.

One of such killings was that allegedly perpetrated by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Pen Cinema, Agege, Lagos in 2012. The deceased, Abiodun Ademola, was shot dead by the DPO, Mr. Segun Fabunmi, a Superintendent of Police (SP) at Yaya Abatan Street, Ogba, during protests against the removal of fuel subsidy in various parts of Lagos.

Another pathetic case was that of the killing of a student of the Faculty of Laboratory Science at the University of Benin, Ibrahim Momoh, by a female DPO, one Carol Afegbua, in charge of Ogida Police Division in 2013. The 22year-old victim, said to be an only male child, was shot a stone throw from his family house located at No. 1 Igbobawaye Street off Siluko Road by Textile Mill Junction in the Edo State capital.

Penalties It is, however, worthy of note that several policemen have been arrested, dismissed or charged to court for murder any time incidents of such occur in any part of the country.

Information at Saturday Vanguard’s disposal showed that not less than 50 policemen have been charged to court in the past five years with about half the number presently serving their respective jail terms.

Saturday Vanguard’s investigations showed that whenever news of such shooting is received, the Commissioner of Police in the affected command, immediately directs the arrest of the erring C M Y K

'Causes of accidental discharge' policeman. Thereafter, an Orderly Room Trial will be set up by the State Command, following which the policeman is dismissed and charged to court. Any erring policeman automatically forfeits his gratuity irrespective of the number of years he has put into service or previous sterling performance.

One of the dismissed

A critical look at this ugly phenomenon showed that some of these killings were perpetrated by policemen under the influence of alcohol

policemen who was charged to court, Inspector Samuel Timothy, was sentenced to death in September 2015, five years after he shot dead an innocent sachet water dealer, Onyekachi Nwasuoba, who was also an industrial chemistry graduate, at his shop at Old Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The current InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, had during his visit to the Lagos State Police Command, warned that he would not tolerate any act of brutalisation or extrajudicial killing by policemen. To this end, he directed a daily check of all cells by the officers in charge as well as continuous orientation for policemen by their superiors at the Divisional, Area Command, Command and Zonal Command levels.

Causes of accidental discharge It is worrisome that in spite these warnings and strict measures taken to checkmate the re-occurrence of such killings, they have remained unabated. A critical look at this ugly phenomenon showed that some of these killings were perpetrated by policemen under the influence of alcohol.

It is no longer news that many policemen, like some

other Nigerians, patronise local liquor vendors, popularly called paraga, as early as 6am before they begin work for the day.

At other times, some of these policemen are discovered to be temperamental. They tend to vent their frustration and anger on helpless citizens by resorting to pulling the trigger at the slightest provocation.

While some attribute this temperament to their low income, others are believed to easily get angry and intimidated when they see their contemporaries in other fields driving in posh cars.

Carelessness on the part of some policemen have also been identified as a reason for accidental discharge. It has been observed that some policemen carelessly leave the cork of their guns on, while some pull the trigger unknowingly. For instance, it has been observed that some policemen do not take into congnisance the position of the muzzle of their weapons when decocking the weapon.

Another cause of accidental discharge can be traced to weapon-related failure, though weapon-loading discharge involving pistols are usually the result of poor quality arms and ammunition. Most semiauto pistols have a drop safety or positive firing pin block that

prevents the firing pin from running forward unless the trigger is fully pressed to the rear. But rifles are another story. They don’t always have this safety system. There was an incident of a policeman who reportedly left the weapon pointing downrange and inserted a loaded magazine; and he pressed the bolt release. But the bolt ran forward and the weapon fired, even though the policeman’s finger was not on the trigger. It was discovered that the cause of this accidental discharge was a high primer on the cartridge.

The bolt struck the high primer and fired the cartridge.

Study showed that a policeman is expected to ensure that the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction.

When loading a semi-auto pistol equipped with a decocker, a policeman is advised to always use the decocker to lower the cocked hammer, otherwise the firing pin safety may be bypassed.

Another important cause of accidental discharge can be linked to the society from which a policeman comes from.

During recruitment, for instance, it is pertinent for the appropriate authorities to take into congnisance the background an individual is Continues on page 16

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

apply to vehicles. That is, by maintaining rigid muzzle discipline and keeping their fingers off the trigger until the need to shoot arises. That way they can protect themselves and the public they serve from unintentional discharge of their weapons which were procured by tax payers’ money.

'Gun safety rules'

Continues from page 15

coming from and the history of his mental state.

POOR TRAINING Lack of proper training of policemen has been variously speculated to be one of the major causes of accidental or intentional discharge by policemen. Impeccable police sources hinted that aside the training policemen undergo at the entrance level, many of them do not go for further training on musketry (training in small arms).

Police sources told Saturday Vanguard that such training was capital intensive. It was also discovered that while the military receive annual budget for shooting range, the police do not.

Continuous training of policemen will not only reduce the orgy of killings but it will also go a long way to keep the policeman abreast of new trends in firing.

C M Y K

The most important gun safety rule, as gathered, mandates that a policeman should never point his weapon at anything he or she doesn’t want to shoot

GUN SAFETY RULES Although study also showed that weapon-related problems are rare, continuous training on weapon handling helps a policeman detect on time weapon-related problems.

Another cause of accidental discharge can be traced to lack of strict adherence to gun safety rules. The most important gun safety rule, as gathered, mandates that a policeman should never point his weapon at anything he or she doesn’t want to shoot. Regardless of what other boneheaded mistakes a shooter makes, if the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction, no unintended injury can occur. This is the difference between an embarrassing accident and a tragic one. The second most critical gun safety rule is not to place one’s finger on the trigger of the weapon until one wants to shoot. It is pertinent to understand that this rule doesn’t say that a policeman should put his finger on the trigger when he thinks he will shoot. It states

that he (policeman) should put his finger on the trigger when he shoots. Violation of this rule has been discovered to be the number one cause of all accidental discharges whether in Nigeria or elsewhere in the world.

Study also showed that negligent discharge is likely to happen when a cop is covering a subject with the muzzle of his or her weapon or just moving with a drawn pistol. The best way to prevent all negligent discharges, Saturady Vanguard gathered, is for a cop to keep his finger out of the trigger guard unless he has to shoot, regardless of whether the weapon’s safety is engaged.

Sadly, no current technology can prevent negligent discharge because it is essentially caused by operator error. But the answer to avoiding negligent discharge is for policemen to apply the same common sense and respect to firearms as they

Avoiding being a victim On the other hand, members of the public also owe themselves the duty to safeguard their lives and avoid being victims of accidental or negligent discharge. In this vein, members of the public are expected to keep a reasonable distance from any policeman bearing arms.

There are some basic ways to avoid personal harm in situations with a police officer who has a gun drawn. Much of this advice involves common sense, but when there’s a gun pointed at you, it’s easy to panic and accidentally do something that could be misinterpreted as threatening. The safest approach is to follow the officer’s directions, remaining aware of your physical movements and maintaining a calm and respectful tone whenever possible.

One is expected not to flee from an armed policeman, as this may incur the wrath of some overzealous policemen who may mistake such move as a criminal’s bid to evade arrest.

One is also expected to keep hands visible and avoid making any move with the hands, whether in the car or not, as this may prompt the pulling of the trigger. And one is also expected never to attempt to hit or assault any armed policeman or armed security personnel, as this action has contributed to some of the accidental, negligent or intended discharges recorded in Nigeria and the world over.

It is also expected that one avoids talking more than necessary when accosted by an armed policeman, whether you’re guilty of the crime or you are a victim of a misunderstanding. It is also expected of one to refrain from making threats such as suing the policeman, seizing the officer’s badge, or retaliating, when apprehended by an armed policeman, as this will only make things worse for one.

Members of the public should endeavour to always cooperate, no matter how stupid or unfair the situation may seem because acting otherwise may result in an accidental or negligent discharge. It is better to stay alive to get justice done than being dead, while one’s loved ones fight for justice that will never bring one back to life.

SATURDAY

BY EMEM IDIO

T

HE tempestuous build up to the December 5, Bayelsa State governorship election indicates that the polls will be a keenly contested affair and might be a two horse race between the incumbent governor and candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, Hon Seriake Dickson and former governor, Chief Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Beyond the popularity of the candidates, their parties and sentiments, other factors that will affect the voting pattern include: The ‘Ijaw’ factor Bayelsa State may pride itself as the only homogeneous Ijaw state, however, some parts of the state are regarded as ‘more Ijaw’ than others. Those that pride themselves as the ‘core Ijaw’ includes Kokokuma/Opokuma, Southern- Ijaw, Ekeremor, Sagbama and parts of Yenagoa Local Government, while Nembe, Brass, Ogbia and parts of Yenagoa Local Government are labelled ‘non-core Ijaw. ’ The ‘core- Ijaw’ are in the majority. Politicians indeed have a way of dividing the people and whipping up sentiments to curry favour.

The ‘core and non -core Ijaw’ crept into the political lexicon of Bayelsa state during the administration of Timipre Sylva when some C M Y K

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—17

BAYELSA:

Issues that will

shape guber polls politicians, who were opposed to his emergence as governor started whipping up tribal sentiment that he was not from the ‘core-Ijaw’ stock, although he is from the Nembe speaking Okpoama in Brass Local Council of the state Again, the core and noncore Ijaw sentiment is being freely exploited at the campaigns. Governor Seriake Dickson supporters have been using the ‘Ijawness’ of their candidate to appeal to the electorates to garner their support.

The Jonathan and PDP factor Former President Goodluck Jonathan by all indication still remains a highly revered political leader in the state and well loved by the people. His shocking defeat in the presidential election is what most Bayelsans are yet to come to

terms with. With the presidential defeat hangover still fresh in the minds of Bayelsans, the governorship election presents an opportunity for the people to vent their consternation with the way and manner their son was defeated. Many will therefore vote the PDP not because of Dickson but as a payback for the defeat of Jonathan. Those who share this school of thought are of the view that another defeat of the PDP in the state will amount to a second defeat of Jonathan, a case of once bitten twice shy. This explains why most PDP chieftains and political leader in the state are insinuating that the December election is not about Dickson but about Ijaw people. The outcry by the state chapter of the APC following Jonathan and his wife’s endorsement of Governor Dickson underscores the relevance of

the former first family in the political dynamics of the state.

The APC may have captured power at the federal level but the PDP still remains a formidable party in Bayelsa State.

However, APC, it is believed, will make a good impression at the polls, but it may take another four years for them to make political inroads to Creek Haven, the state seat of power.

Performance Governor Seriake Dickson is adjudged to have performed in the area of critical infrastructure development. Peradventure he leaves power on February 14, 2016, his imprimatur will stand the test of time. The Dickson Administration has built bridges to link rural communities, embarked on urban expansion and

renewal, in addition to the construction and renovation of schools, health facilities and rural electrification.

Governor Dickson was in such a hurry to develop the state, a situation that prompted him to embark on huge capital intensive projects including the state airport, sea port and roads, housing estates, state polytechnic and ring roads.

With the paucity of funds from the federal, these projects have been abandoned momentarily.

For the first time in the history of the state, projects are been cited in almost every community in the state. Also for the first time in the state, the governor had introduced free and compulsory education to the secondary level, with free books and school uniforms.

The governor has appointed over four hundred aides, all drawing salaries from the state government purse.

If Bayelsans were to cast their votes on the basis of performance, Dickson would have gotten it, but the complaint is that the governor is not paying as much attention to stomach ‘infrastructure’. The governor has also been criticized for not giving more jobs to indigenous contractors, but the governor has said he does not want to compromise on the quality of jobs.

Dickson has been banking on his performance, but who knows, the electorates might be looking for something.

18—SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

By BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO. LOKOJA

victory. But just as he was about to celebrate his victory, death snatched him away.

W

hat ordinarily should have been a story of joy for the Family of Abubakar Audu, his political party, All Progressive Congress, APC, his associates and friends of a seeming victory in the Kogi Governorship election turned out to be a tale of agony.

The wife who had been hoping of being the first lady of the state suddenly becomes a widow, the Party who by now would have been in celebration mood found themselves in a political crisis; the people of the state who voted for him now faced a constitution debacle, political supporters who have been hoping of benefiting from his emergence suddenly become political outcast who have to start scuttling for favour from anyone who would be the governor; and his friends suddenly become ‘alien’.

The story of Audu’s death has overshadowed his victory at the poll. He was leading in the 21 local government already conducted before the election was declared ‘inconclusive’ by INEC. The requiem at his burial site was a testimony of his personality. All state and local government offices were closed in the State in line with the three-day mourning period declared by Governor Idris Wada; just like ministries and agencies were under lock and key, flag flew at half mast.

A similar situation was also observed in the secretariat of the 21 Local Government area of the state.

Aside the closure of state and local government officers, some private business centres did not open for business, while all banks across the state also observed the mourning period. The streets of Lokoja especially Ganaja junction that used to experience heavy traffic, showed little or no activities at all. He was that ‘powerful’ even in death.

Since 2003 when Audu was ousted from power by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, through federal might, C M Y K

AUDU:

Signs of death before his fall •

How prophetess escaped lynching

he struggled to return back to power, contesting in every elections. In 2003, he lost to Ibrahim Idris, in 2007, he contested again against same Idris and lost, a rerun was called in 2008, he contested and lost, in 2011 he did and lost to

Capt. Idris Wada and finally in 2015 he won but lost to death.

All through these elections, he has adjudged himself to be the winner saying the Federal might controlled then by the PDP have always been used to

usurp his victory. In 2015, his prayer seemed to be heard as the PDP led federal government lost to APC, giving him ray of hope to contest again in the last election and indeed was actually coasting to

Many angles to his death There were many angles to his death. Audu was said to have complained of stomach ache on Saturday shortly after voting and returning to his country home in Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government, and was advised to take a rest.

Though some said he had died as early as 10 am on Sunday but other source said he slumped and died after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared the result inconclusive.

Accusation has continue to trailed his death, some said he was poisoned by ‘people’ who may benefit from his death, other said his time was up as they regarded Audu as a mystified person that no one could have easily caused his death.

But pointer to his ill-health started on Wednesday prior to the election. It was the day for the grand finale rally of the party in support of his guber ambition. The Federal Government delegation headed by the Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo was at hand to honour the rally, but Audu was absent at the airstrip to welcome the VP. Many have attributed his absence at the welcome party to annoyance that President Muhammedu Buhari himself was not present and he was not happy to receive the VP. Only those close to him knew that he was already feeling the weight of illness and asked his deputy, James Faleke to welcome the VP. At the rally, Audu only spoke for five minutes, unlike him, who use to exhibit his charisma and eloquent flow of speech at every public fora.

The following day, the state Campaign committee, held its final meeting to strategize on the election.

Even when the meeting was held at Audu’s house in GRA, Lokoja, it was still his deputy, Faleke, that presided over the meeting.

Audu was seriously ill, resting upstairs and could not stay for the hour-long meeting.

On Friday, Audu was already at his country home, but was not getting better, the family called for medical personnel who placed him on drip and bed rest. Audu only remove the drip on

Continues on page 51

SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—19

BY KINGSLEY FANWO

E

VER since the release of election timetable for the Kogi governorship polls, aspirants of different political parties traversed the length and breadth of the state, scavenging for the golden votes of the electorates. From issues to vitriol and garrulous campaign, the election, no doubt, lived up to expectations.

Bookmakers had tipped the All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as the stars of the contest. They are. But they failed to take the shine of the smaller parties in the race with the Labour Party, LP and Progressive People’s Alliance, PPA showing great potentials for the future.

They campaigned as hard as the two major parties to engrave their ideals in the minds of Kogi voters.

Few days to the election, the major parties started throwing allegations of attempts at manipulating the process against one another.

A handful of violent incidents were recorded and the atmosphere was charged ahead of a landmark election that would define the intent of the people of the state.

As the election was under way, the then governorship candidate of the APC, late Prince Abubakar Audu expressed confidence in winning the polls, with his running mate, Hon. Abiodun Faleke sharing a similar sentiment at his Ekinrin Adde country home.

But the running mate to the PDP candidate and the Deputy Governor of the state, Arc. Abayomi Awoniyi, accused the APC of trying to rig the election. He called on the electorate and security agents to be vigilant enough to thwart the antics of “antidemocratic elements that are out to silence the voice of the masses”.

As results started trickling in, it became obvious that the APC was in the lead in majority of the local councils in the state. Areas that were hitherto the stronghold of the PDP were lost to the APC in a keenly contested election. Such councils include Kabba/Bunu and Igalamela/Odolu.

The cancellation of 91 polling units with over 49,000 votes momentarily paused the celebration of the APC. But hours later, the shocker surfaced: Prince Abubakar Audu died. And a melodrama was kicked off.

KOGI 2015:

Confluence of commotions

A prophet promised to raise Audu from death, sparking wild celebration in Lokoja, the state capital. At that time, Kogi was going through an inconclusive election and an “uncertain” death.

The revelation by an unnamed member of the late politician’s family to the effect that their benefactor was poisoned by a “top political figure from the South West” threw up a twist in the already confused situation. Who killed Audu? To gain what?

How did it happen? There were more questions than answers.

Then came the legal quagmire

As the dust of Audu’s death was settling down, the feathers of our constitution were ruffled by the unpreparedness of our law books for what is fast getting popular as the Audu Scenario. The constitution and the electoral law take care of death or withdrawal of a candidate before or after the conclusion of an election. They never envisaged the death of a candidate before the conclusion of a voting process.

Analysts are of the view that had the election results

As the contest creeps to the climax, the APC may settle for Bello, to be under a safe legal canopy. But the PDP is also believed to be doing everything legally possible to thwart the conduct of the supplementary election slated for December 5, 2015

been declared and a winner emerged, his or her deputy would have been the beneficiary of the Audu Scenario.

The death of Audu opened old wounds emanating from the acrimonious primary that threw up the late politician in the first place.

Despite the high wire intrigues against Prince Audu, he still emerged as the governorship candidate of the party. Like the cat with nine lives, the late Audu also survived the report of a high-power committee headed by Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, to look into the propriety of his candidacy. The committee recommended that the late politician be stripped off the party’s ticket for failure to comply with the guidelines governing the primaries. He would have been many times lucky but for death.

Since the demise of Audu, many legal opinions have emerged. While many favour the continuation of the polls with Audu’s running mate, Faleke, other informed legal opinion faulted the arrangement on the ground that Faleke didn’t go through any primary election.

In the course of the scrabble for the shoes of Audu, many names were thrown up, including but not limited to Isah Jibrin Echocho, a former Afribank chief, Mohammed Audu, the first son of Prince Abubakar Audu and Alhaji Yahaya Bello, a multimillionaire business mogul from Okene Local Council of the state.

The ethnic jingoism that had characterized the state from inception reared its ugly head again with the three major ethnic groups in the state laying claims to the governorship ticket. While Kogi West was building a wall of interest around Faleke on the ground that he holds a joint ticket with the late Prince Audu, Kogi Central leaders have quickly closed ranks behind one of their own, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on the ground that the transport czar came second in the party’s governorship primaries.

The largest ethnic group of the tripod, the Igala people are making a case that Audu can only be replaced by another Igala.

As the contest creeps to the climax, the APC may settle for Bello, to be under a safe legal canopy. But the PDP is also believed to be doing everything legally possible to thwart the conduct of the supplementary election slated for December 5, 2015.

PDP believes that the election had already been won and lost, owing to the sudden demise of the candidate that had dragged the contest to a supplementary stage. The supplementary polls may need more legal supplements to hold as the PPA and the Democratic People’s Party, DPP are already in court to challenge the decision of INEC to go on with the polls.

However it goes, interesting times lie ahead in the Kogi scenario.

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20—SA TURD A Y Vanguard , NOVEMBER 28—2015 20—SATURD TURDA e can now all admit that we are at war. The proclamation that slapped a state of emergency on three States—Yobe, Adamawa and Bornu—a while back would seem to suggest as much, especially from the launching of all-out hostilities in certain areas of that region.

It did not appear that we were really sure of what was going on these past three to four years during which we had borne the scourge of the Boko Haram. Some of course called it “terrorism” which is, in fact, a measure of warfare. Others described it as “insurgency”, which is also a variant of the same.

But call it what you may, whenever a group takes up arms to harm and destroy the life and welfare of another group with the set purpose of eliminating it or subjugating it, the situation is one of war.

Of course, that is an ugly word, a word associated with horror and darkness, brutality and wickedness, and which no one with any sense of decency wishes to be linked with. And so we seemed to have been fighting shy of it. Only one voice was raised in pertly identifying it for what it was. After one of the brazen attacks of the Boko Haram, the former Senate President, David Mark, could not once help blurting out: “This is war!” His distinguished audience mostly pretended not to appreciate the gravity of his words.

The situation was glossed over as an inadvertent development and that tone was laid to rest. Not many other instances of allowing the truth to show its naked face was permitted afterwards. A convenient consensus of mild reactions to the fiery situation was welcome to mask the flames, with all kinds of meetings of security officials following harrowing destructions of lives. And then each episode would be properly rounded off by “condemnations” of the “dastardly ” acts whose “perpetrators” would be “fished out and made to face the full rigour of the law”. And then would start another woeful cycle of destruction, bombings and killings, followed by some skirmishes in which the “enemy” did not ever come out second best.

Some would have made the former President, Goodluck Jonathan, sue for peace under the ruse of a “dialogue”, but throughout the strife this nation had to face, and despite the low marks he was consistently awarded by many people, it is and will ever be to his credit, that he refused to be made to eat humble pie at a table with those he rightly referred to as “ghosts”. Yet other pacifists even proffered a

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*the next phase

virtual capitulation ploy clothed in the dazzling hue of “amnesty”, for people who themselves declared that they did not deserve such humanitarian consideration, since forgiveness had no place where there had been no offence. They pleaded not guilty to any crime. But the ex-President bore that humiliation just as he shrugged off the insult of the demand that he should change his religion. Some of us were left wondering who really the guilty party was, anyway—the men who were creating massive mayhem, or the man whose position as the leader of the victims made him to bear the brunt of the atrocities?

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ut some of those who have always held back the mighty hand of the government with their “ode to dialogue” or “hymns of amnesty ” may have meant well after all. I wonder, though, if they would have felt so civilized, or urbanized, or patient, or decent, or whatever it is that makes them advocate a mild approach to such an urgent situation, had they lost any of their sons to a sudden, senseless murderous attack from nowhere; or witnessed the anguish of a grief-stricken daughter at the vicious hands of a rapist; or heard the stifled cry of a child in the last throes of strangulation. This is what happens during the “insurrections” and “terrorist” attacks. And it is war.

And let us face it: every war is a “crime against C M Y K

•Chief of Army Staff,Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai humanity”. No war is won with fancy gloves. Soldiers are trained to kill by not being killed. We should not condone extreme cruelty in a situation that rides, in itself, on extreme prejudice, but that is difficult.

It is therefore not very realistic to make flaring headlines out of the fact that populations are being displaced. That is an aspect of a war situation that can only be minimized by firm control. In the same vein, one feels left in a snit by the hypocrites among our foreign friends whose first reaction about the present situation in Nigeria was co-mingled with strident warnings about “crimes against humanity. “ They can be assured that we shall not attain the dizzying heights of Hiroshima and Nagasaki before this campaign is over. Indeed, it is so easy to issue such hollow warnings about propriety in a war situation in which one is not involved.

Until the ISIL marauders came calling a week ago in Paris, France too did not actually call it “war”. But on Friday, the 13th of this month President Francois Hollande vowed to inflict a merciless reprisal on the ruthless perpetrators of the evil that made Paris stand still. That day, a Friday that falls on the 13th of any month is usually associated with horrible, tragic events— like the day Murtala Mohammed was cut down.

Hollande probably knows nothing about all that, but it is remarkable that Nigeria’s assistance has been solicited in the forthcoming war against terrorists. It is also noteworthy

that Nigeria made an identical request when the Chibok girls were abducted, and Jonathan went to Paris for a meeting with Hollande. It is worth mentioning that nothing seems to have come out of that meeting.

It is also remarkable that Nigeria has also been named as one of the countries that co uld offer France some help in these troublous times. The principal terrorist group, ISIL,

War against terrorism has to be total now seems to make a routine exercise of attacking France in urban areas, notably Paris. And President Francois Hollande has also announced, “This is war!”

The United States of America had come to that realization painfully with 9/11. Iraq had been painfully made aware of how the Americans respond to anything that touches their welfare like war. That open confrontation full of reprisals, however, is what

has been absent in the war against ISIL. The US has refrained from subscribing to the extent of “boots on the ground”, depending on air strikes that have amounted to very little effect. President Barrack Obama has been able to resist all attempts to commit.

American lives to a war in Asia.

History is on his side. But he has shown no great anxiety about releasing the prisoners captured after the Iraq invasion—another sensible decision in a time of war.

That is why one was uncomfortable at the reported release of some imprisoned members of the Boko Haram some time ago. A case may be made for some of the womenfolk who might not be fully involved in the fighting. But women are swift conduits of information even in times of war. They are not all harmless. With regard to the men, however, we find it difficult to subscribe to such an open-ended gesture. These are warriors who are committed to a cause and, as we know, many of them are committed to the death.

One would find it extremely unlikely that they would not make straight for their weapons the moment they were set free. One would imagine that it would be a celebration as they rejoined their units.

We are really at war. Not only us, but the whole of Europe as well, as ISIL has made everyone to realize that the idea of “degrading and destroying” may be tenable only in an hypothetical format. War against terrorism has to be total.

The Joint Military Force has done credit to themselves and this nation, but how far have we gone in eliminating the menace of the Boko Haram from our midst? Not until this campaign started did many of us even realise that the Boko Haram had even territorialize a part of Nigeria as an enclave for itself where its offensive foreign flag had been implanted on Nigerian soil.

This is war and again we state that it has to be total in its operational commitment. You cannot pummel a man’s body while massaging his back. The rules of engagement already put in place are adequate and will be effective in taking care of a humane conduct of the conflict. There will always be complaint on both sides, of course, but we must trust our forces to be a disciplined body of armed men. We cannot afford to be too mild now, for we are face-to-face with a foe that will not walk away, but must be driven—chased—away. We are no longer offending anyone by linking them to the religion under whose aegis they profess to commit these atrocities. Even the religion, Islam, openly forbids their methods of operation. It should not all be strange to us. This country witnessed the exploits of Maitatsene and brought them down. The JTF must not relent in its continued swoop on the marauders until they are squelched.’

We are at war. And this is why we would recommend that a serious look be made to bear on our Budget which was prepared in almost a total negligence of the seriousness of a war situation. It is hard to bear the fact, as testified to by so many responsible people over and over again, that the so-called insurgents carry “sophisticated weapons” and are “better armed” than our soldiers. That in a country that can afford, or acquire a couple of bullet-proof cars for 255 million mazumas and no one sheds a tear? Where trillions of naira leak away in stolen petroleum products and no one winces? Where billions of revenue funds miss their way to the Federation Account and only create a mild discussion as to their proper destination?

And we cannot arm our security forces with the best weaponry available anywhere?

We are at war. It echoes from the North to the South. We are at war. And we cannot yet openly declare that we are really winning. Not when we leave the door of initiative open to the opponents. The next phase now must be to join in the international move to pursue and rout the terrorists from our vicinity.

Time out.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—21

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he pro-Biafra protests are not abating; and, for the first time, reached Abuja last week when Kanu the Director of Radio Biafra, was brought before the magistrate's court. The protests may be fuelled by yet to be identified financiers, but those fanning the embers of secession are youths who have abandoned their various vocations to participate in the protests. Some are doing so for genuine, if misguided reasons. Some, not so genuine. Some might not even be of Igbo origin. But all are unhappy and discontented with their lives and have inadvertently become willing pawns in a complex chess game.

After a period of studied but loud silence, the Igbo elders have come out to condemn the protests and by extension, the agitation for Biafra, by listing the many hurdles that await the realisation of Biafra. I don’t think they have gone far enough. The protesting youths need to be educated on the inevitability of war should they continue on this path. And should Radio Biafra continue to denigrate and insult every other tribe in Nigeria, the protesters are going to have many hostile neighbours. They also need to be made aware of the realistic and pragmatic gains and losses of their actions both in the shorter and longer terms. No divorce, either of marriages or business partnerships or countries is without scars and casualties. The resultant ‘freedom’ is often not worth it.And speaking of marriages, our parents were not any happier in their unions than we are. Yet they largely stuck with them, learnt mutual respect in the process and gave us stable homes in which to develop. There is no evidence that our lack of tolerance which has led to higher divorce rates has made us happier as individuals and as a society.

The UK comprises of four distinct nations. They have been pushing and pulling themselves for as long as I

Should Biafra become a reality can remember. They are often privately disdainful of one another. But they realise in their wisdom, that the components cannot be better or greater than the whole. So it is with Nigeria.

The recent history of the Soviet Union, Sudan and other countries that have had to balkanise themselves because of unresolved internal contradictions are there for all to learn from.

Let us assume today, that Kanu, Nwazuruike and their army of young Turks succeed in their wish to have Biafra. Would it all be gloom and doom for the rest of the country? I think not.

Yes, the country would lose a valuable and vital piece of the tripod that had sustained the country. It would probably lose that section of the country that is most disposed to entrepreneurship in commerce and industry. It would also no longer be able to bask in the glory of their contributions in the diaspora. But it is not as if the crown jewel has been taken away and the rest of us are ordinary stones or mere shafts as the radio Biafra propaganda wants people to believe. The vast inroad they have made in trade and commerce all over the country is because their host ‘nations’ have been accommodating and have provided a level playing field. This, of course would stop. In any case, it has hardly

been reciprocated in Igbo land. The Igbos for all the noise, don’t believe in inclusiveness. Or put another way, they don’t share well. I was once involved in a national newspaper where the admin manager was Igbo who was responsible for hiring the clerical staff.

Before I knew it, all the cleaners, typists and messengers were from a particular part of the country. I had to tell him that were the owner of the paper like him, neither he nor I would have been employed in the first place since the owner was neither Igbo nor Yoruba.

Another important issue to consider is where the territory would be. Some of the maps I have seen include the states in the old South-Eastern region. One even includes the Idomas of North-Central! It is instructive that leaders of the South-South have dissociated themselves from the partition as the fear of ending up as minorities with a dominant partner is real. This was one of the many causes that the late Isaac Boro fought for. One South-South leader cynically told me ‘they will have to conquer us if they want us to be part of them’. This leaves the core Igbo land which is essentially landlocked.

But more importantly, having your own State like marriage, is in itself a journey not a destination. Nothing is to say that you are all going to live

Sometimes, what unites you can also divide you

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wo weeks ago, we discussed purposeful living. Today, we shall look at traits of people whose lives are purpose-driven. They are people with vision on a mission. They never rest until they get to their destination. They work hard, physically and, especially, mentally. They work hard on the opportunities that are available to them as a result of their strength. But equally important, they work hard to convert their weaknesses to strengths so that their threats can become opportunities. This increases their chances and brings them more fulfillment. It is a lot of hard work, but success is very sweet and certainly better than failure.

Purpose-driven people know the their minds and lives are othersdifference between shadows and controlled. substance; they know that activity is Purposeful people also do not not accomplishment. These people procrastinate. They do what needs to deal with facts; they do not assume be done when it should be done. But when facts are available. When facts they also know the virtue of patience. are unavailable, they hypothesize. They know that certain things must They do not play fools. take their normal time. A normal Purpose-driven people do not human pregnancy takes nine months, develop habits they cannot sustain. plus/minus two weeks. As Donald They do not start what they cannot Trump said, “patience is realizing that finish because they plan. They know things take time, efforts and thoughts.” the differences between wishes and Louis Leclerc Buffon says: “genius is a goal-setting and their goals are great capacity for patience.” When you SMART: specific, measurable, see Nigerians hurrying on the road and achievable, realistic and time-defined. other public places, you just wonder.

They have good reasons for all their A tricycle rider dubiously gets in front actions in life. of a N17m Lexus Jeep and he feels They also have FOCUS: Follow One happy that he has chanced Cause Until Successful. They know (outsmarted) the Lexus owner; some the value of consistency. They can smartness. Phew, mtchew! stand alone, even when every other Persistence is good. It is going the person is on the other side, because extra mile. It is the stuff of sterner they are sure of their action. They are people, but purposeful people define people of strong conviction; they are persistence to suit their circumstances. meticulous.

They know the door to knock until the Purpose-driven people are in control skin of their knuckles comes off; they of their minds. Whoever controls your also know when to knock a few times mind controls your life; youths must and move on. After all, they have be in firm control of their minds. The millions of doors to knock. They apply problem with many youths is that the Pareto 80/20 principle. They have

Traits of purposeful living

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carefully segmented all audiences in their lives. They know the 20 per cent that will give them 80 per cent of their target and spent 80 per cent of their time and energy there. That is purposedriven persistence.

Humility is a virtue many purposedriven have. They have undergone a journey of self-discovery and are selfassured and very secure. They are also unbelievably disciplined. They have so much to brag about, but simply stay humble. But it is beyond discipline; they have divine grace. That is where their confidence flows from. A writer said confidence is about being so comfortable with yourself you focus on other people. Arrogance is about overestimating yourself, trying too hard and focusing on you. Many arrogant people are insecure and their arrogance is armour to protect their vulnerable low self-esteem. Wealth, power and positions do not cure insecurity; selfdiscovery, truly accepting who you are and inner peace are cures for insecurity.

A purposeful person builds a team.

He knows that Together, Everybody Achieves More (TEAM). He realizes that he does not necessarily have to achieve success at the expense of others. Life is not always a competitive

together happily ever after. Nothing is to say that one section is not going to feel maginalised by the other sections. This message is also to those who are angling for Oduduwa Republic. They should remember that the Yoruba have fought themselves in the past and could still do so.

Sometimes, what unites you can also divide you.

At the end of the day, what the restfulness in the various sections of the country is all about is the callous way our leaders have wasted the tomorrow of our youths. For years we have stated the need to run an inclusive, transparent system that is not based on ethno/religious considerations. One has pushed for merit and a robust engagement of our youths. Now the chicken is coming home to roost. From North to South, the devil is providing tools for the idle hands of our youths.

MASSOB and the other disenfranchised youths from the other zones of the country need to engage the leaders from within. They need to tell them they were elected to improve living conditions for the entire populace and not for themselves alone.

They should realise that many of the financiers of protests, riots and killings either live abroad or have their families abroad.

The country on its part should cede some autonomy to the zones. Let the different nationalities develop at their own paces. We have run the unitary form of government now for over 40 years and it really hasn’t worked. That is not to say that it is the only solution to the problem of the country. Our problem is the attitude of the leaders to governance and it is not likely to change whether we have Oduduwa Republic or Republic of Biafra.

The hope is that zonal autonomy will create inter zonal competition which will in turn bring development to the people especially the youths. It is only a hope.

sport with the ecstasy of victory and the agony of defeat. Purpose-driven people are also not too proud or ashamed to get mentors to fast track their journey to their destination.

Purposeful people have contentment. Their lives are selfdefined, not others-defined. Once they achieve their goals, they are fine.

Other people’s accomplishments have no bearing on their self-worth. They are not in competition with anybody on personal accomplishments; they are simply personal-goals driven.

People who are purposeful know the difference between assets and liabilities. Assets are people or elements that add value to your life.

They make you a better human being.

Anything and anybody that diminishes your humanity is a liability. Do something about such people/ situations.

Purpose-driven people learn life’s lessons. Their failure, for instance, is purposeful and a gate-way to success; some of them have failure(s) as the foundation of their successes. In addition, they are not ashamed or scared and do not feel too old to stop travelling on a wrong road and start all over. They know that a wrong road will never get them to their destination.

Youths who want to be purposedriven must learn the virtue of delayed gratification, making sacrifices and denying oneself now to have a better tomorrow. It might just be the critical difference between a great life and a regrets-filled life later.

So youths, “Write your (purposedriven) script, then produce it yourself, living the way you want to” (Donald Trump). It is possible.

22—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

Diezani in Dele

Momodu’s wheelbarrow W

hen the society substitutes true spirituality with showy religiosity then conspicuous consistent sinning will abide and recourse to rigourless magical atonements will be the rule.

When the tokenistic giving of alms becomes a common penance for iniquity, hypocrisy and beggarliness will be jointly promoted. And because the economic situation has become increasingly desperate even begging has become competitive . In being competitive, it became an art, creativity and imagination are now freely employed. People, I suspect, are learning what works. And when greed and moral decadence see such a window, profit making sneaks in and a business is in place.

So an otherwise able bodied man rents a wheelbarrow at a daily fee puts in a sick person preferably with a large angry and weeping sore that will touch or arrest. For the stakeholders, the profit sharing may prove more problematic than the morality of the enterprise. The sore or perhaps the scrotal swelling occasioned by aggressive elephantiasis, is thrown into the faces of passers- by who must cringe first and then reach for their pockets and throw in their alms, some out of pity but many others in submission to that assault. But others will feel so much repulsion at the antics of the one wheeling the sick that indignation rather than sympathy takes over them and resentment rather than alms becomes the handout.

Diezani, wanted like Umaru Dikko in 1984, is innocent until proven guilty. Like many other senior government officials of the Jonathan regime wanted by the new administration for one reason or the other.

Diezani is ill. The public is skeptical. It is true one can flaunt the agility of an ‘atilogwu’ dancer during the campaigns in March only to be prostrated by a malignancy and the brutality of surgery and chemotherapy in May. But since senior government officials lie about their health and dismiss every revelation of ill health as the work of malicious opponents, the public has also learnt to treat any declaration of ill health by any government official on whom suspicions of corruption and theft have settled as plain mischief.

Ordinarily Nigerians, superstitious and religious, offer unsolicited effusive sympathy to the sick and when the illness is as serious as cancer then the usual response is a near collective outpouring of pity. But Nigerian

politicians have earned distrust. And Diezani’s circumstances are particularly curious. She supervised the oil industry under the Jonathan regime. Many allegations of corrupt enrichment and wanton profligacy have been thrown at her.

The new government claims to have dossiers filled with grave financial atrocities. And like the sort of stardom Umaru Dikko enjoyed at the end of the second republic, all eyes are on the once powerful Diezani, on whom many feel the strongest statement on corruption should be made. It was suspected she would abscond and she left for London just in time, before Jonathan stepped down.

We don’t know if she was diagnosed after Jonathan lost the elections. Rumours of her ill health sprouted late last year and were promptly squashed. Dele Momodu the publisher of Ovation looked at Diezani and her travails and saw an opportunity. He says journalistic instincts marked out the Diezani scoop as a prized asset. And he stalked and probed. If what he described as the first meeting is all that transpired then it was such an anticlimax. A frail Diezani was so tightly chaperoned that a scheduled interview was stopped by an aide even before it had really begun.

Momodu says that we didn’t understand the story.

But Diezani is not in hiding. She is not a wanted person. The attempt to melodramatize was not subtle. Momodu talked so much about James Bond and James Hardley Chase but when he needed theatricality, it would appear, he borrowed from

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Nollywood. He struggled to fabricate needless suspense. The unnecessary splitting into parts of a single story for commercial reasons is unmistakably Nollywood. There were many private interludes, did they perhaps discuss breaking it into many parts to generate public interest? Momodu left room for a part two by having an empty part one. So in part one we received a description of the gauntness and hair loss typical of cancer and chemotherapy and nothing more besides routine denial of all the allegations.

Momodu, the celebrity reporter, maintains this was a scoop even though it contained nothing spicy, nothing new. Part two wasn’t brief but still lacked explosion. Perhaps the setting in a café , the frailty of the actress and the lurking whimsicality of the chaperons who must be eavesdropping with Bond-like gadgets would mean that Momodu would thread gingerly. Diezani dismissed any suggestions that she embezzled funds. And trumpeted her professionalism and hatred for corruption. Momodu is yet to find out why she went to court to avoid a probe by the house of representatives over the allegation that billions were used by her to rent jets, to finance an irresponsible lifestyle. Diezani dismissed allegations that she maintained questionable relationships with some young men and it is perhaps unfortunate that a happily married 54 year-old woman had to attend to such suspicions.

Diezani is beautiful and stylish. Such rumours will always swirl around such women in Nigeria. She doesn’t need to please anyone by conforming to any austere lifestyle. But a certain coquettishness and the ‘coincidence’ of regular newspapers pictures with her mouth slightly, and perhaps seductively, open, will leave her more vulnerable than others to such imaginings .

The news was in the pictures. If it were any other everyday Nigerian, the pictures would have attracted donations. Diezani isn’t begging for alms, she is a former petroleum minister. It doesn’t matter that she wants us to believe that as minister, she was

collecting dresses and jewelries and paying in installments like young lady bankers. If a comical governor Akpabio finds Diezani’s aloofness and snobbery legendary, then the Diezani who has allowed the dissemination of these pictures truly seeks something from the public. When those who care so much about their appearance are struck by any chronic wasting disease they stay away from the public until fat and comeliness have returned. When a

Diezani allows her sorrow to be flung in the faces of Nigerians in the name of stating her side of the story then suspicions that she seeks sympathy from Nigerians are invited. Sometimes, however, it is easier to get alms than sympathy.

Dele Momodu isn’t exactly a desperate journalist.

But he who published the empty part one in his Thisday column and used the insipid part two to launch his new BOSS magazine is carefully looking after his own interest. If he asked any hard questions and got revealing responses then perhaps the story could have given him, and given Caesar - the public, their dues. But if his probing questions elicited routine answers then the public should have been saved hype and superfluity and the pictures could have been slipped into the last page in an edition Ovation. Who knows, part three may be in the works.

Diezani is innocent until proven guilty. If she seeks any genuine sympathy then she should be more forthright, and answer questions, and answer even questions not posed by Momodu. It’s not enough to throw a missile at the former CBN governor by suggesting he begged and groveled to be made ADB president. It is not enough to suggest Tinubu came thrice to plead for Oando. It would be nice to know if truly she had approached the new government to seek understanding, to arrange a soft landing. She wants us to believe she is one of the most vilified, most denigrated public officials. That she, like Tam David West , should rather be appreciated. I am not sure David West will welcome that association and it’s not true that ministers that have supervised the NNPC always left ‘battered and blistered’ by allegations.

Ajumogobia supervised that ministry.

If Diezani had allowed the House of Representatives probe the allegations against her, some negative public impressions may have been contained. If Diezani who left the country when she was still Petroleum Minister had allowed an official announcement of her affliction with breast cancer the public wouldn’t doubt she is truly sick. If public officials do not lie about the health the public won’t be

Dele Momodu isn’t exactly a desperate journalist. But he who published the empty part one in his Thisday column and used the insipid part two to launch his new BOSS magazine is carefully looking after his own interest

invited to suspect that Diezani was malingering. If Diezani had condescended to grant interviews to local journalists and answered questions bordering on her lifestyle, when she was minister, perhaps many of the rumours swirling around her would not have gained momentum. If Diezani had opted to treat her cancer of the breast in one of the hospitals in Nigeria, no Nigerian would suggest that she wants to evade justice.

But the rich always feel entitled to travel abroad for treatment even when being investigated for serious offences. Lamorde was sacked, promptly took ill and has left and just on time. Dasuki is ill too and wants to leave. And the poor, to whom the decrepit hospitals in Nigeria must belong, will rise to defend the freedom of the rich to evade justice in the name of seeking medical care. When NNPC spent billions hiring jets, they forgot to upgrade one or two teaching hospitals to the sort of standard that would have allowed something as common as breast cancer to be handled efficiently here. If Diezani was such a saint Akpabio would not have advised incoming ministers not to behave like Diezani.

But Diezani has no regrets, and all the allegations against her are false. Her relationship with Dame Jonathan is cordial. She owns no houses. She acted strictly professionally and empowered many young men. You would think that candour and resignation from sophistry would come from tribulation. So why isn’t Diezani courting the public with truth in confessions? Well , perhaps she has none. She is innocent.

Diezani is a lesson to all especially the high and mighty. No condition, they say, is permanent. Let our leaders embrace simplicity. Let the rich and powerful develop and equip our hospitals and perhaps the prisons. Let public opinion matter to politicians. Let the innocent be innocent until proven guilty. Let the sick receive due compassion. Let offenders be prosecuted dispassionately.

I wish Diezani a speedy recovery.

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—23

Selling sex is a win-win for artistes and fans — Karina K

atherine Kpina, a . k . a Karina, is an up and coming musician who doesn’t shy away from the fact that she has plenty of sex appeals.

She’s beautiful, sexy and talented. Born in PortHarcourt, Rivers State, the light-skinned Afro pop singer could differentiate between many music genres before she was four years. In this interview, the sensational singer reveals her inner self and share her views on a number of issues.

What actually prepared you for what you are doing today?

Music has always been an integral part of me. I have been able to differentiate notes before I was four years old. I can recall an incident when I harmonized a song as a child in the choir and my choir master criticized the adults for not being able to do so.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in music?

I decided to pursue a career in music because it’s inborn in me. I enjoy singing. I don’t feel stressed doing it because I am passionately in love with with music.

What are the challenges of being an up and coming singer?

There are lots of challenges. We hardly have funds to push our music. If you are not smart, you can get duped by fake promoters. Another issue is that people want to sleep with you before they produce your song or put you on a show. Some A-list artistes even ask you to pay in cash or in kind before they feature in your songs.

These are the challenges How have you been able to cope?

I have been lucky though. I usually get favours without having to sell myself cheaply. I also believe that whatever I want is not a do or die C M Y K

affair. If I don’t have money, I let it slide because I am not in a hurry. I believe in waiting for the right time and also,letting God decide my fate.

Do you think we have record labels that live up to their promises?

Just a few of them I must say. Nigerians are greedy and impatient. Most record labels don’t have what it takes to push an artiste. I mean the needed structure, funds and promotions platforms needed to take an artiste from talent to superstar status. I have been part of a record label before and it wasn’t what I expected, so I had to quit

Are you satisfied with how far you have gone in the music industry?

So far, I have tried my best and God has been faithful. Some people have come into the industry with millions and have not achieved half of what I’ve achieved. I’ve got a strong fans-base in the east. It’s only a matter

,

By KEHINDE AJOSE

Sex sells of course. That’s why you see guys showing off their six packs and the babes showing off their hips.

The fans are happy and the artistes smile to the bank. It’s a win –win situation

,

of time; I will become a household name.

What makes you different?

What makes me different is the uniqueness of my sound.

Do you think sex sells in entertainment?

Sex sells of course.

That’s why you see guys showing off their six packs and the babes showing off their hips.

The fans are happy and the artistes smile to the bank. It’s a win –win situation

So, will you be using that to push your music?

Well, I am sexy already.

I don’t have to take off my clothes to get attention. I know am sexy. I get that attention all the time. I don’t try too much to be noticed. I usually get noticed from a distance. I am tall, got straight beautiful legs, fair in complexion and have a pretty face. A little tease and eyes pop out everywhere.

Have you ever been embarrassed on stage during a performance?

There was a day I was performing on stage with my dancers and my song refused to play. I got on stage and introduced my song and it just didn’t play.

After spending like five minute, it played.

Meanwhile, the audience got noisy and then someone from the crowd said: “Sing na, abi shame don catch you?” I replied the individual and said: “Na wa for you o, things like this happens” What changes would you love to see in the music industry?I I would love to see unity a m o n g artistes. A list artistes need to help the up and c o m i n g a r t i s t e s

without billing them .You can imagine an artiste billing an upcoming 1.5m to feature in a song. I know of a few but won’t mention names. Let us love ourselves and make the industry grow better.

What is your opinion on sex before marriage?

It is against the Christian religion but flesh is flesh. It’s difficult these days. It’s up to the individuals. Sex is very important in a relationship, so I wouldn’t blame individuals who indulge in it before marriage. I don’t believe in divorce. So I’d rather check my partner ’s compatibility and beg for forgiveness later, than marry and then divorce.

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

By KEHINDE AJOSE 08054680266

War of the judges as Dance With Peter I didn’t expect Ojuelegba gives contestants free hand to be a hit song — Wizkid

•Dance with Peter

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ousemates in the ongoing Dance with Peter T.V reality show sponsored by Globacom will be at liberty to bring their own dance style this evening or risk being evicted from the academy.

With the theme “Bring your own thing or Go Home”, the housemates will battle to retain a slot in the academy.

Of the 12 remaining housemates, Marion X, Nekky, Messiah, Teejay and Miracle were put up for eviction last week after the week’s performance which was based on Africa dance steps including skelewu, galala, alanta and azonto.

Viewers will find out on the broadcast of the show at 7 p.m. tonight on Africa Magic Urban (Channel 153) which of them will leave the show.

The housemates are being mentored by the judges comprising Peter Okoye of PSquare, dance choreographer, Don Flexx and

dance queen, Kaffy. Team Peter has C-Fly, Da Octopus, Miracle and Teejay; Team Flexx comprises Marion X, Nekky, G-Extreme, Kelvin, TRubber while Team Kaffy has Messiah, Amazing Amy and

Julius Faktah.

Glo ambassador and Marvin Records protégé, Korede Bello, will feature as guest judge on the show. He says he simply wants to be entertained by the dancers. “ I just want to see a great show and be entertained” he declared.

Ahead of the show, Don Flexx is boasting of his team’s ability to clinch the coveted prize. “ I feel my team members are the strongest in the show. I’ve watched them grow in this show and they deserve to be in the finals” he enthused.

Wale Rubber, dance director, opines that “Team Kaffy have the desire to succeed and win and they indeed have what it takes to win the competition.

Peter Okoye however insists that his team members are exceptional. “The audience can attest to the fact that my team members are exceptional. All I have to say to them is get out there and make it work.

•Wizkid

fropop star, Wizkid is one youngster whose swift rise to the top wows everyone. The Ojuelegba sensation is undoubtedly one of the most sought after African pop stars of his generation.

On the flipside, the star boy, as he loves to be called hasn’t been quite fortunate when it comes to winning awards. In a recent interview, the outspoken entertainer says that winning awards isn’t his reason for doing music. His Afrobeat song, Ojuelegba has enjoyed countless airplays and has further added to his star power. He reveals in a recent interview with Fader magazine that he didn’t expect it to be a hit song: I knew ‘Ojuelegba’ was a good song, but I didn’t expect it to blow up the way that it did. My parents still live there. We have a house there.”

Why I performed in Uganda while pregnant —Tiwa Savage F

•Tiwa Savage

or those who have been wondering why Tiwa Savage performed on stage despite being pregnant, the sexy mother of one reveals this in a recent interview with Genevieve Magazine.

During her pregnancy, she was in Uganda for some days and performed at their Women’s Day celebration and Social media awards. The Mavin

Top trending music and 15 videos of the week 1. Olamide – Eyan Mayweather

Olamide has officially unveiled his new album titled Eyan Mayweather.

He dedicates a song to that album title where he brags about him being best rapper. The song is produced by Pheelz.

2. Adokiye featuring SYM 19 -Glory

After being away from the music scene for close to two years, the Virgin singer, Adokiye Kyrian is back on the beat with ‘Glory’ featuring SYM 19. It is produced by Kukbeat.

3. DJ G Money featuring Abdulala and General Pype – Work It

DJ G Money teams up with Abdulala and General Pype in this dancehall tune.The song is produced by Sage Kwality.

4. Runtown featuring Wizkid - Lagos to Kampala C M Y K

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records first lady gave it her best shot, twerking and entertaining her fans.

“I went ahead with that performance because my doctor had given me the go ahead. And I had also contacted a local doctor out there.

However, even though I did do a few other performances like that; I wasn’t planning to be that energetic at that event. But I got so much love from the crowd in Uganda and it was very emotional for me,

considering the stage of the pregnancy at the time.

Before, I got there; I had doubts about how I would be received and if I was going to be made to sit on a stool during the performance. But when I got there, everyone was warm, loving and understanding of my situation.

In all, that performance was unexpected. I got that energy from somewhere, but trust me, the next day I was in bed all day.”

Off the Ghetto University album, Runtown releases a new song titled Lagos to Kampala.He collaborates with Wizkid on the song. It is produced by Maleek Berry.

5. Tunde Ednut featuring M.I, Orezi and Falz - Jingle Bell

Tunde Ednut returns with the remix of his Jingle Bell song. He collaborates with M.I, Falz and Orezi.The song is produced by Popito

6. Koker - Kaabo

Chocolate City’s rising act, Koker returns with this Afropop tune titled Kaabo.The song is produced by Pheelz.

7. Sefiya featuring Mystro – Mumu Button

Sefiya ends the year with the release of the new song titled Mumu Button. This song will surely get you moving your feet.Mystro produced the song

8. Meaku – Study your body

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015 — 25

By TOFARATI IGE 08068792241

Why I once refused to sign on fan’s boobs — Rasquie

I stil have splendid relationship with Kennis Music — Kelly Hansome

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any artistes wouldn’t mind penning their autographs on the boobs of their female fans, but not Rasquie.

The ‘Soji’ singer recently revealed to Showtime that he once turned down the request of a female fan to sign his autograph on her bosom.

He said, ‘A female fan once asked me to sign on her boobs, but I refused. And that’s because I feel it’s not decent enough when there are other parts of the body like hands, shoulders and others that I could sign on.’

The singer also lamented the fact that the Nigerian music industry doesn’t seem •Rasquie to respect people who reigned in the past.

According to him, ‘The industry only recognises and respects the reigning champions. Once you’re no longer there, nobody cares about you again, and it shouldn’t be so. In the United South African rapper, Kiernan States, there are some Jarryd Forbes popularly known as Grammy award-winning artistes that still keep making AKA surely has a lot of female fans money from their music even in South Africa who would give years after they were anything to have the handsome dude in their lives. However the released.’

He continued, ‘There’s more rapper revealed to Showtime that money now in the industry. I he also has a soft-spot for Nigerian do feel good seeing these women.

In his words, ‘I like Nigerian women young ones enjoying the fruits of what we, the pioneers, because they are sassy and go-getters; laboured for. It’s just that they they know what they want and are not afraid to don’t give us adequate go for it.’

He also hinted that he wouldn’t mind recognition.’

Rasquie also mentioned that relocating to Nigeria. According to him, ‘I could he has been working in the live in Nigeria, but I don’t want you guys to get studio and dropping new too used to me, so I’ll just be visiting and spend songs which are inspirational at most, some months for now.’

On what he’s working on at the moment, he and message-laden. Finally, he said, ‘I have a label now, said, ‘I’ve worked with a couple of Nigerian but we’re focusing on my artistes, and there are many others I’ll like to career for now. After that, we’ll work with, but I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag yet.’ groom other artistes.’

W

•Kelly Handsome

Why I like Nigerian women — AKA

Budding singer, Meaku is back with this new song titled Study your body. The song is produced by Ghana’s Mo Beatz

9. Splash and Cole – Don’t Cry

The duo of Splash and Cole both signed to Bong House Media unveil their new single titled Don’t cry. The song is produced by Classic music

10. TM featuring Flavour- Ike

Nigerian born London based artiste, Tim releases the video for his song Ike.He collaborates with Flavour on this song. The video is directed by Ninja films

11. Konga featuring Pepenazi - Sisi Eko

Konga unveils the video of his groovy song Sisi Eko.He teams up with Pepenazi on the song

12. Ycee featuring Olamide – Jagaban

Since its release,Ycee has consistently shove his Jagagban song off C M Y K

•AKA

ho can forget how ‘Maga Don Pay’ crooner, Kelly Hansome once took his former record label, Kennis Music to the c l e a n e r s ?

Definitely, not us! The battle was so fierce that Kelly vowed that both he and his generations unborn will never forgive Kennis Music.

However, it seems Kelly, who is now a father, has decided to let bygones be bygones. In a recent chat with Showtime, he proclaimed, ‘I have a good relationship with Kennis Music now. You know sometimes, the media just like to blow these things out of proportion; but we’re okay.’

When reminded that he had once vowed never to forgive his erstwhile label bosses, an embarrassed smile ran across his face as he said, ‘That was in the past; things have changed.

I recently collaborated with Joel, so that should tell you that all is well between us.’

On his relationship with MI, he said, ‘Everybody’s cool...we’re all making money.’

He also spoke on his blog which has grown silent for a while now. According to him, ‘I have someone managing my blog for me though I’ve stopped for now. We’re all out to make money.’

the faces of his fans.He collaborates with Olamide for the remix.

The video is directed by Mex

13. Jennik -Swaggabully

Jennik, an upcoming artiste unveils the video of her new song titled Swaggabully.The video is directed by Adasa Cookey , while the song is produced by Dekumzy.

14. DJ Rafzy featuring Peejay - Daun

UK based DJ Rafzy collaborates with Peejay on this song titled Daun.The video is directed by Ivan Edd

15. Boogey featuring Yvonne -Said no

Boogey is a new kid on the block who collaborates with Yvonne to produce this emotion laden song, titled Said no. The song takes us through Boogey ’s detailed narration about a complicated relationship turned sour. The video is directed by Brotha Lee.

26 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

•AMP president, Zik Zulu Okafor

• Director-General of NCC, Mr. Afam Ezekude

: w a l t h g i r y p o c f o w e i v e r d Propose n o i t i s o p s e t te a t s , C C N s t c i d n i Nollywood •ANCOP president, Alex Eyengho

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he Nigerian film industry otherwise known as Nollywood may soon be locked in a legal battle with the Nigerian Copyright Commission,NCC, in the event of NCC tampering with the position of Nollywood on the proposed review of the country’s copyright law, a source has revealed.

HVP gathered that NCC organized a town hall meeting early last year, where the stakeholders in the nation’s film industry stated their position on the proposed amendment of the

copyright law.

Unfortunately, since organizing that meeting, our source alleged that NCC has not bothered to carry the industry along, causing suspension and raising of eyebrows among the operators.

Meanwhile, in a paper titled, “Nigeria’s Film Industry Copyright Manifesto” which was made available to HVP and signed on behalf of the industry by four Guilds heads in Nollywood, including Mr Zik Zulu Okafor, President, Association of Movie Practitioners,AMP, Mr Stephen

Osezua, President, Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria,ITPAN, Comrade Alex Eyengho, President, Association of Nollywood Core Producers,ANCOP, and Comrade Victor Asaolu, President,Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners,ANTP, the stakeholders restated their position on the review of the nation’s copyright law.

In the paper which was prepared by the

industry’s lawyer, Barr. G.O Sodipo, the stakeholders want the National Assembly to amend the Nigerian constitution by introducing a clause similar to section 40 of the Kenyan Constitution which states that “ The State shall support, promote and protect the intellectual property rights of

Cool FM empower Nigerian students

By ANOZIE EGOLE

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hree Nigerian students including Chima Martins Agara from Imo State University, Senate Ewah George from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Ayodeji Donaldlove Ogunleye who won this year’s annual script writing competition organized by Cool FM in collaboration with Heritage Bank are due to return to the country any moment from now.

The student were sponsored th to the 8 edition of the Notre Dame University International Student Film Festival, which held at Notre Dame University, in Lebanon between November 15 and November 22.

According to the Group Managing Director of AIM Group, Amin Mousali, the sponsorship was one among the company ’s corporate social

C M Y K

responsibility platform to expose students to innovations in filmmaking worldwide.

He added that they started taking people to the film festival since 2012. Besides, he said the participants stand a chance to learn about the culture and mores of the host country amongst others.

On the set criteria for selection, Mousali said the competition is open to every student across all disciplines who is able to write scripts as it is designed to task the creative ingenuity of the students.

While justifying the sponsorship of the programme

by Heritage Bank, Tobe Nnadozie, Divisional Head, Innovation and Products, said the company has a strong affinity with the arts, hence it is always willing to support activities around the sector.

n i s n u t s i m s Si u o i r a l i h new deo vi

•Simi

By Juliet Ebirim

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the people of Kenya” and section 260 of the Kenyan Constitution which also defines property to include right vested or contingent to, or interests in or arising from intellectual property. “ We are demanding for more robust provisions targeted at curbing online pirating of films in line with the treaties we have signed. There is evidence that the film industry suffers huge losses, resulting from illegal streaming of films."

"Given the international nature of copyright, first publication of a film in a treaty country must be a qualifying condition for copyright protection under section 5 of the Act. At the moment, this is not so.”

Furthermore, the stakeholders want a specific broadcast right, pointing out that “Section 6(1) (c) of the copyright Act does not specifically mention “the broadcast of a film” as one of the rights of a copyright holder.”

They said, “The film industry may benefit if given a separate right to control the making available to the public of their works in such a away that members of the public may access these works from a place and at time, individually chosen by them” They also want the criminal penalties including the fines and terms of imprisonment to be increased and new offenses such as attempt, aidding and abetting of copyright should be criminalized.

“We are equally demanding for the criminalizing of “the making, selling, using or stocking devices that circumvent anti-copying technology,”the industry stated.

ast-rising afro-pop singer, Simi recently released the visuals for her hit single ‘Open and Close’. The video is from her upcoming sophomore album which parades other hit singles like ‘Jamb Question’ which dropped earlier this year.

In this hilarious video, Simi displays her

acting skills through the comic character she played. Poised as a naïve attractive young lady, she stole the spotlight in a high-octane gig held at one of the elite suburb where she drew everyone to herself with her dance. The video although entertaining harps on the power of selfconfidence. Despite her unrefined manners, she was able to shine to the envy of those who considered themselves royalty.

Born Simisola Ogunleye, the young graduate of Mass Communication wrote her first song at the age of 10. Her early teen years saw her honing her skills in the church choir resiliently. Her uncanny passion for music later launched her into the music industry with her debut album in 2008. The album produced by Samklef, spawned hits like Ara Ile, Ogaju, Iya Temi, to name a few.

Simi who is signed unto X3M Music, home to Nigerian R&B sensation Praiz, has won a lot of awards including Best Promising Act at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Award and the Most Promising Act of the Year at the 2015 City People Award. Other hit songs from Simi include ‘Tiff ’ & ‘E No Go Funny’

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015 — 27

N ext2N one r allies African celebs against human tr af f ic king

(From left) Gen. Lanre Apata, Amb Rachael Bakam, Ambassador John Fashanu, Barrister Ndukwe Sam Obu and Mary next2none model ccra, the capital city of Next2None support initiative, They are Senator George Ghana, will play host an NGO dedicated to fighting Opon Weah, Ambassador Rogto an array of African human trafficking across Afri- er Milla, Lucas Radebe, Gen stars as they march in solidar- ca and organizers of the Afri- Lanre Apata (RTD),Chief Awa ity against the social menace ca My Africa Walk Against U Kalu (SAN),Rear Admiral of human trafficking. The Af- Human Trafficking/Legendary Peter Ebeleheme (Rtd), Major rican ambassadors will also Football Match has released Gen Yakubu Usman(Rtd), Prof play a charity football match the first 50 African celebrities Ernest Ojukwu (SAN), Rev Biat the Accra Stadium. billed to be part of the project. odun Fatoyinbo (Minister-in-

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Charge COZA),Pastor Mrs. Modele Fatoyinbo (COZA), John Fashanu, Rachel Bakam, Chief Acho Ukaha and Hajia Titi Abubakar.

Others are Christian Chukwu, Hajia Laradan Shuaibu, Keppy Ekpeyong, Zack Orji, Coach Samson Siasia, Juliet Ibrahim, Mrs. Mary NS Obu, Etoo Fils, Apostle Eucharia Anunobi, Sammy Kuffor, Anthony Baffoe, Paul Ajogwu Oseni, Abedi Pele Ayew, Monalisa Chinda, Shaffy Bello, Ireti Doyle, Garuba Lawal, Patience Ozokwor, Chief Kingsley Okeh, Lexy Mojo Eyes, Bimbo Akintola, Ruth Africa, Ri-

Amaka Iruobe turns social crusader F

ast-rising actress, Amaka Iruobe has joined social crusaders to fight against domestic violence following her belief in gender equality.

The actress recently made a cameo appearance during the staging of an epic broadway-styled stage play, "Ewuro," at Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre, Lagos, to add her voice to the campaign.

"Ewuro," which is the Yoruba representation of the popular Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) is a story by Tim Godfrey, scripted by Doris Chinasa Ariole and directed by Joseph Ofili.

The allegory between "Ewuro" and the plight of the Nigerian woman is apt in the sense that the intense bitter taste of ewuro when consumed strives to capture the misery of Nigerian woman.

However, the sweet after taste coupled with the beneficial effects of the consumption strives to capture the sweetness of freedom from fear, violence and discrimination. The relieve that can only come from the freedom to be.

Ewuro as modified into drama, according to Amaka Iruobe, conveys a message of solidarity, hope and support to the women all over the world, who are having depression from domestic violence.

“The journey of endurance from the bitter to the sweet axis for these women is not an easy one. It won’t be easy and they would require help to get there. For those who have traversed that realm and are now on the sweet plain, this is invitation to lend a hand to those still tasting the bitterness. To those still on this journey, this is a message of hope.

•Amaka

Taxi Driver, a review

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his one of a kind movie set in the city of Lagos is mainly shot on the streets portraying the everyday hustles and bustles Lagos city drivers go through and the lifestyle choices young ladies make in order to make ends meet. Each scene breaks through into the next and the synergy of the casts is absolutely amazing as each portray their part with accuracy.

Femi Jacobs (Adigun)flawlessly delves into his role as the newbie Taxi driver doing his best to survive through the harsh realities of Lagos state. Delia, portrayed by Ijeoma Grace Agu, brings her character to life as she effortlessly plays the prostitute. Hafiz Oyetoro, a.k.a Saka, who portrays the part of the dreaded Kakanfo, as always, did not

C M Y K

disappoint as he delivered his role with utmost professionalism. The script in itself is extraordinary as the dialogue is consistent with everyday Lagos ‘street’ lingo and the sound tracks fused

well with the theme of the movie.

Daniel Emeka Oriahi proved to be an excellent director as the sound quality, picture quality and the setting of the movie make you forget you are seeing a fictional work and draw you into the plot as he takes you around the city of Lagos exhibiting the city’s beautiful night life. What sets Taxi Driver (Oko Ashawo) from other Nollywood movies, is its realism and down-earthedness that it showcases to its viewers, entertaining them while educating them as well. The comic relief is very well timed and you will definitely be glad

chard Mofe Damijo(RMD), Tuface Idibia, Yemi Blaq, Don Jazzy, Ben Iroha, Ben Kwasi, Frank Nelson, Zik Zulu Okafor, Justin Akpovi Esade, Uche Jumbo, Oshinbimbo Abimbola, Florence Onuma, Ngozi Ezeonu, Tonto Dikeh Churchill, Ufoma Ejenobor, Yvonne Okoro, Mercy Aigbe Gentry, Ice Prince and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.

The second list of Ambassadors, according to the organizers will be released soon.

Abuja-based lawyer, Ndukwe Sam Obu, Founder/Chairman BoT of Next2None said, the epoch-making event is billed for the end of next month. “We are glad to announce to you that the event is 90 per cent ready. 90 per cent ready means that the very difficult part of it is as good as accomplished. The most difficult part was to travel many African countries to get the endorsement of the various Ambassadors of those nations in the entertainment industry such as football, music, movie and comedy, literary works.

We have travelled in the last one year and six months; from Liberia to South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya, Cameroun to carry out a survey as to the present situation as it relates to human trafficking. We have the endorsements of reputable African stars who are ready to partner us on this cause. We intend to have for the very first time, a convergence of African celebrities in Accra, Ghana, to have a celebrity walk against human trafficking. Each celebrity will carry the flag of his country to showcase the solidarity of that nation against human trafficking.

to have spent your time and money watching it. If you are expecting to see a basic run of the mill Nollywood movie, I am sorry to disappoint you. This movie gives you much more than what we are used to on the local scene. There are times when a few scenes seem to be over drawn but it all adds to the beauty of the whole movie. It is a must watch for everyone and it will definitely leave you thrilled. “Taxi Driver” which stars Femi Jacobs, Odunlade Adekola, Ijeoma Grace Agu and Hafeez Oyetoro (SAKA) has been in cinemas for two weeks now, raking in impressive numbers and beating James Bond movie, Spectre in its first week of release. The film directed

by Daniel Emeka Oriahi is expository and reflective of the lifestyle of average Lagos nightfall taxi drivers.

28 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

How I survived the wickedness of my mother *She dumped me in a bar as a newborn baby, chased me away at 15 to save her marriage

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

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is story is laced with sadness and joy. As he recounts it, one is left speechless. Though he has overcome the trauma with the passage of time, yet he has not totally erased the bad memories from his mind.

As a child of circumstance, top Kenyan gospel musician, Alex Apoko, will forever be haunted by the memories of his ugly past. Unlike many young people today who would want to look back at their childhood and will be full of nostalgia, wishing to return to those days of innocence and pampering, Ringtone, as he is fondly called by his fans back in Kenya, does not feel the same way. The reason is not far-fetched; his childhood was that of nightmares, grief and despair.

In a recent encounter with Saturday Vanguard, in Nairobi, the talented gospel singer recounted how he never enjoyed the love and care usually accorded most newborn babies by their parents.

According to him, as a newborn baby, his mother dumped him at the doorstep of a bar along one of the popular streets in Nairobi called Tom Mboya Street, which was frequently visited by his father. Unfortunately, his father did not visit the place that fateful night. But his uncle who did, recognized the baby's wrappings and took him to his paternal grandmother who took him in and brought him up like one of her own. Today, 26-yearold Ringtone, is not only one of the richest singers in Kenya,he is equally, one of the most-sought-after gospel artistes that dine and wine with the high and the mighty in that country.

He's currently living a flashy lifestyle that has continued to startle those who are familiar with his story. But it has not been an easy journey for Ringtone.

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Unfortunately, the unrepentant woman refused to be remorseful as she chased her abandoned son away, claiming that she wanted to save her marriage

"

I was thrown into the street by my own mother.

I was raised by my grandmother who turned her place into a small brewery so that I could get something to eat. When I was five years my dad passed away before I could meet him. But my grandmother's passing away two years later marked the beginning of the darkest period of my life. My uncles took me in and for the first time I slept in the cold and went through a lot of hardships. Eventually, I ran away and the street was my home, " he began.

Narrating further, Ringtone said,"One of my aunts asked me to live with her, promising she would treat me the way my grandmother had. She promised me tea and bread, food which she knew I loved and couldn’t find on the street. From one relative to another. It was misery. But God has helped me. I was taken to school by a church but now, God has given me a name. I am known across East Africa today."

His journey to stardom Ringtone said his journey to

Alex Apoko stardom started after he went looking for his wicked mother whom he never met before now when he was 15. Unfortunately, the unrepentant woman refused to be remorseful as she chased her abandoned son away, claiming that she wanted to save her marriage. Frustrated and hopeless, however, Ringtone travelled to Mombasa, a city on the coast of Kenya, in search of a white tourist who could ask for his hand in

marriage. It is not uncommon for tourists to take in locals for marriage or intimate relationships in Kenya and some tourists countries. While he was there, he ended up a street urchin and beach bum.

But luck smiled on him, after he met and narrated his mission to one of the local traders at the beach.

The man, according to him, counselled him, saying that he did not need a white lady to achieve his dream. He took

him to his house, and introduced him to his church which later sent him to school. While in school, Ringtone developed a strong passion for music as he was taught how to play guitar and drums.

He narrates: " I went looking for my mum when I was 15. She was married and when she saw me, she chased me away on the ground that I was a threat to her marriage. So. I became

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—29

Unbelievable grass to grace story of Kenyan singer, Ringstone

hopeless and frustrated. I decided to travel to the Kenyan coast to look for white tourists who come to the beach to find love. I was told they like marrying young men and I felt that I could be lucky."

"Before I went to the street, after the death of my grandmother, I had four dreams I wanted to achieve before I die. I wanted to board a plane before I die. I also wanted to go to America and I wanted to buy a car as well as live in a house built with cement. So when my mum chased me away, I decided to go to the coast of Kenya to get married to a female tourist who could help me achieve my dreams. But when I went to the coast, I couldn't meet a tourist. However, I saw a man who was selling at the beach, I decided to narrate my story to him so that he would link me with a white lady since most of his customers were tourists. But after narrating my story to him, he told me that I didn't need a tourist to achieve my dreams, adding that God had a plan for me. He then took me to his house and later, his church and the church sent me to school. While in school, I started music because they were teaching us how to play drums and guitar. Soon, I started composing my songs. The church was not so much accepting my music because my music was contemporary.

But eventually, I released my first single which I took to radio stations for airplay. Then they had started playing Kenyan gospel music in clubs. My song became popular and started playing in clubs. I also started performing at social functions. That marked the beginning of a new dawn for me."

Then after my education, I started hawking on the streets of Mombasa. It happened that one of my songs was popular among the people. I moved to Nairobi and started living up my music. Since then, I have come a long way and now, I am stable. I have built a house which is 200 kilometer away from the vice president's house. And God has blessed me with other things that I have never imagined,"he enthused.

I have forgiven my mother

H

aving been blessed with the good things of life, Ringstone said, he has since forgiven his mother despite all the things she did to him.

“Yes, I have forgiven her. In 2009, I visited some High schools/Colleges as C M Y K

well as universities in Kenya, where I shared my story with the students to inspire them. So, the more I share my experiences with people, the more I learn to forget about my past. I thank God, he allowed me to go through a bad upbringing, so that I can be an inspiration to others.”

According to Ringtone, he has dedicated his life to his music, becoming a source of inspiration to many young ones in Kenya. “I have visited many schools and colleges in Kenya, where I inspire the students never to give up their dreams despite their upbringings. I am a product of resilience and that is why I am where I am today. I'm using my music as a platform to tell my story in order to inspire people.”

In 2012, the talented singer was ranked #10 among the highest earning artists in Kenya. He became popular after releasing the hit single “Pamela”, which topped many local charts for weeks. After that, he recorded several other songs with the current hit being “Jubilation.” One of his songs, “Kalanta” later became Kenyan President's favourite song.

Ringtone is currently living large and has a lot of assets to his credit. He was said to have delved into politics in 2012 but didn’t succeed and ended up purchasing a Range Rover worth more than Kshs 7 million with part of the funds raised for the campaign.

Ringtone said, he's looking forward to collaborating with some big names in African music industry. Particularly, he expressed his love for some Nigerian music stars such as Davido, Wizkid among others. According to him, “I like Davido for his consistency. Davido came when Wizkid was already a big star, but he decided not to give up, releasing songs after songs. Till now, he's highly celebrated in East Africa.

Controversy

I

nterestingly, Ringtone's name is associated with controversy. Beyond his story, he's one of the most controversial artistes in Kenya. But that does not take away the fact that he's equally, a man after the hearts of many ladies in that country.

Recently, a 22-year old girl known as Angela, accused him of impregnating her. The allegation was coming months after an up and coming make-up artist, Susan Kamene, also accused him of sexually harassing her. But reacting to the allegation during this interview, Ringtone denied having anything to do with the lady in question. He, however, described Kenyan ladies as “ Attention seekers,” lamenting that the male singers in Kenya are under attack by the ladies that admire them.

According to him, the accusations are part of a scheme by detractors in

Alex Apoko the industry to tarnish his name. “This girl, whom I only met once before, happens to be one of my fans I met on Facebook and not my girlfriend. These allegations have no ground. The girl is simply seeking attention by using my name. All these malicious allegations are as a result of the big fight I am currently having in the country, where I am fighting the Music Copyright Society of Kenya.

They have been misappropriating the royalties of musicians, “ he added.

“Because of ladies like Vera Cidica and Hulder who are known all over Africa, and have gone to the pages of newspapers celebrating how they had sex with the likes of Davido and Wizkid. So, other Kenyan girls now see them as role models as many of them are coming up with different ways to draw attention to themselves.”

Still single but not searching , Ringtone's music career has indeed taken him to places beyond the shores of Kenya. His grass to grace story, remains a testament to the fact that “ no matter how dark the night is, it must break into day.”

30—SA TURD AY 30—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, NO VEMBER 28 2015 NOVEMBER

(Text Only)

The right attitude towards fitness Fingers to Toes

Technique: it down flat on the ground; stretched your hands gently to touch the toes. Remain still for a period of 15 to 20 second and repeat thereafter for two or three times.

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

S T

Leg over knee Forward Bend

Technique: it with both legs ex tended in front of you, grab hold of the left leg with both hands and bending forward place it on the back of the head and as you put the right hand on the leg and slide it as far down the leg as it will go. Retain the pose for some 5 to 15 seconds and repeat changing legs.

Benefits: he hamstrings are made flexible and the legs rendered powerfully strong.

S

T

•

• Leg over knee Forward Bend

Fingers to Toes

Half-Plough

Technique: lace a chair at the head of your practice mat. Place your head halfway underneath the chair.

Now, swing both legs and place them atop the back-rest of the chair.

P

• Half-Plough Yoga Classes STARTED

@ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

C M Y K

Duration: tay in the Plough Pose for about 10 seconds. To return to the original position, first bend the knees and gently roll down flat back onto the floor.

S

Benefits: he Half-Plough Pose makes the spine elastic. The abdominal organs are massaged. The gastric fire is improved and constipation dealt with.

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SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—31

By BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com

Fans blast Dayo Amusa over Hello cover

American Diva, Chante Moore Arrives Lagos for ‘Light Up’ 2015

By Kehinde Ajose

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ward winning Ameri can Diva, Chante Moore, will arrive Lagos this Saturday, November 27, 2015, in preparation for the hosting of the second edition of “Light Up” Music & Art Concert.

Chief Executive Officer of the Red Ribbon Limited, organisers of the event, Mr Tunde Shofowora, while confirming her arrival, noted that the news of her arrival is already generating lots of excitement among her numerous fans as this is the first time the R&B & Jazz singer, songwriter & actress will be visiting the country.

Chante Moore is performing alongside other international renowned gospel singers such as Frank Edward (Nigeria’s best gospel artist), Buchi (Super Star Gospel Reggae maestro), Mike Aremu (Nigeria’s leading saxophonist) and multi-talented rapper & singer, TB1.

The event which holds on November 29, 2015 at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, will also be bring-

•Chante ing back on stage, Nigeria’s diva and elegant stallion, Lady Onyeka Onwenu.

Some of the highlights of this year’s edition also include a special art exhibition by some leading Nigerian contemporary art exhibitors such as Dr. Tony Marinho; grand cocktail/ classical quartet and a Red

Carpet to be anchored this year

by International Award winning ace photo specialist Kelechi Amadi Obi: We will also be having the pleasure of the wives of the Executive Governors of Lagos and Ogun States to officially handle the “Light Up Moment” during the event.

According to Tunde Shofow-

Vivian Timothy paints Africa’s past pains at Augsburg’s African Week

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igerian Germanybased, BEFFTA Award winner, Vivian Timothy, known for her series of paintings with heavy African accent stunned her audience again in an ongoing African week in Augsburg with her astounding and sensational paintings that evoked series of emotions.

Her recent winning of BEFFTA Award has brought her closer to international recognition, as her artwork is appreciated more and more everyday. There is a great demand on her paintings by organisations, individuals both C M Y K

in London and in Germany who wish to use her artwork for exhibitions to bring African culture, lifestyles, problems and more to light. Her paintings are getting more and more popular everyday, as she gets better and better.

Wednesday, the 11/11/ 15, at Hollbau , Annahof, Austellungsraum in Augsburg , saw this talented young Artist display with the use of colours, brush and canvass , the Story of “ Exploitation in Africa´s natural mineral resources, and the slow development in

Africa. With her paintings she expressed the pains, her love and her dreams for Africa.

In her creative paintings she compacted and squeezed her pains, disappointment and her expectations on Africa and calls on African leaders to re-think.

Vivian Displayed her talent, her creative world as she made us see the ills of the past on Africa and her hopes for African using her paintings.

She pinned her emotion down with colours as she brought a fantastic world of Africa in focus.

ollywood actresses cum singer, Dayo Amusa seems not to be slowing down on her quest to make it big in the music industry. The Aye mi singer who recently collaborated with Oritsefemi joined the list of Nigerian musicians who have done covers for Adele’s Hello. Her version of Hello has a waka twist to it that reminds one of Salawa Abeni. The Psalm Jazzy produced song features SGee, a budding artiste.

Dayo’s cover seems not to go down well with some of her fans as they have taken to various social media platforms to express their dissatisfaction. One of the fans, Mary Jane, puts it this way: “I appreciate local but this is just trashy and an insult on Adele’s music.”

Another of her fans puts it this way: “People need to accept that they can’t do everything like Dayo, I enjoy your movies , please you are not a musician and you murdered this song.

In addition, Segun Odejimi in his article further states his displeasure: “The world has been forgiving you for your previous crimes against music. There was one you committed recently with Oritsefemi. But, how can you expect us to just listen to your vocal assault on aunty Adele and move on as if nothing happened?

What came over you? Was it some fever?

Why didn’t you call your doctor?”

Recall that a plethora of Nigerian artistes like Ruby, Omawunmi, Samklef, Praiz, and Yemi Sax had done their own covers of Adele’s Hello.

•Dayo Amusa

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

08 11 6759 759 081 6759759

Woman has 6 ribs removed to look like cartoon character Jessica Rabbit

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ith her impossibly tiny waist, inflated cleavage and doll-like face, she looks as if she’s just stepped out of a cartoon.

But Pixee Fox, 25, is very much a living, breathing woman and she’s spent more than $119,200 (£79,160) on surgical procedures to achieve her look.

Most shockingly, the former

electrician from Sweden has had six of her lower ribs removed in a bid to shrink her waist to a record-breaking 14 inches.

‘People often come up to me and say, “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you look like a cartoon”. she says. ‘But for me that’s a compliment, that’s what I want to achieve.’

Pixee cites her inspirations as

Jessica Rabbit, Aurora from Sleeping Beauty and Holli Would from Cool World.

She has 70,000 followers on Instagram and insists she is a good role model for them.

‘Those cartoon characters represent the idealisation of the female body,’ she explains.

‘I want to have the tiny waist, the butt, big boobs, big eyes and a really pretty face.

‘Having my ribs removed was just another step in achieving that ideal.’

Pixee, who now lives in North Carolina, underwent the extreme five-hour keyhole surgery to have her ribs removed in Indianapolis last month after Dr Barry Eppley agreed to

Mistress who has affairs with married men claims she is doing their wives a favour because she SAVES their relationships

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businesswoman who had three long affairs with married men has said she was doing their wives a favour by keeping their families together. Gweneth Lee, 45, said her lovers would have left their wives if they had not been able to cheat without getting caught. The financial consultant from London said at least one of the wives knew about the affair and tolerated it because her interest in sex had waned and she knew her husband would seek excitement elsewhere.

Brunette Gweneth said: 'If her husband had not been allowed to cheat he would have left her and that would have caused huge upheaval to a family with children. 'He C M Y K

stayed in the family home and would sleep with me with his wife's full knowledge. We would be very discreet. I was a simple outlet for him to have his fun.

'I don't feel morally compromised at all in what we have done. Everyone benefited from the arrangement - even the wife who had a much happier husband because of me.'

Gweneth, who splits her time between the prestigious borough of Chelsea in West London, and California, met all the men on extra-marital dating site, IllicitEncounters.com.

She joined the site 10 years ago after her Dutch businessman husband Robert died from cancer of the liver and she wanted to meet rich men for

no-strings fun. She had been faithful to her husband while they were together but decided to embrace a more exotic lifestyle after his death.

A friend of hers was already dating on the site because her husband was impotent and she, too, craved more excitement. Gweneth said: 'My friend was having the time of her life and she told me, "You have got to try it".

'It is not like ordinary internet dating - this is a world away from Tinder. 'Sites like this attract a higher calibre of men.

They are rich, highly discreet and highly sexed. That ticks all my boxes.

'I wanted to have all the fun and none of the complications you normally get with affairs.'

perform the procedure.

The operation, which is irreversible, is usually performed for medical reasons, but it can be done for cosmetic purposes after extensive consultation.

Pixee’s recovery from the $9,000 (£6,000) operation was supposed to take six weeks.

However, she was already back into her normal routine of wearing a corset 24/7 just two days later. ‘Now I can wear it even tighter without any pain. I think I am pretty close to the world record for smallest waist.

The current record holder is American Cathie Jung, 78, who has a 15-inch waist.

‘If I just get time to heal and workout and continue my lifestyle I’m going to go down to 14 inches,’ says Pixee.

A

Syrian refugee living in Germany has started a project to say thank you to the country that’s given him a safe haven.

Every Saturday Alex Assali cooks hot meals, which he distributes free to the homeless outside Berlin’s Alexanderplatz station.

Now an image of Alex’s cooking stand which has a sign saying: ‘Give back to German people’, has been viewed more than 2.7 million times after being posted on Imgur.

One Imgur user commented that he represented what ‘humanity should look like’.

‘One of those beautiful gestures that outweighs its tangible significance in the physical world & means so much more on a human level. Bravo,’ another added.

A sign on Alex’s stand states that he’s part of a Syrian Christian project to help the homeless or anyone in need in Germany.

‘Our target is to give something back to the people who helped us,’ it says. ‘We are not consumer people but we are people who love tender.

‘We want to be a positive part in the German community. Want to be one hand (Syrian and German citizens) to help the others and help each other.’

Now people have taken to social media to praise Alex’s kind-hearted actions. AnonUKRadio wrote on Twitter: ‘Those who have nothing know what it’s like, so they are the first to give.’

A woman called Gaia described the image as ‘joyfully heartbreaking’. Referring to those who are prejudiced against refugees, Stefan Solanki said he hoped the image would ‘shut a lot of people up’.

Meanwhile Alex’s friend Tabea Bü, who took the photo, wrote on Facebook that they were both ‘overwhelmed’ by the positive

‘Jo yfully hear tbreaking’ ‘Joyfully heartbreaking’ photo of Syrian refugee who feeds the homeless in Berlin to ‘give something back’ sweeps the internet reaction. In a post, translated from German, she said that Alex had ‘lost everything’. ‘He had to leave his family back in Syria because people wanted to kill him,’ she said.

Alex fled Syria with nothing and travelled to Europe, via Lebanon, Cyprus, Egypt, Sudan and Libya before he finally settled in Germany.

‘Even though he doesn’t have a lot, he goes on the street and distributes food to the homeless Tabea said.

‘His motto is: “Give something back to the German people”.

‘God bless him, he is a blessing for so many more.’ She said the pair had received supportive messages from people all over the world.

‘We both never imagined what this little post could do, but we are happy that we did bring a little light into the world.’

SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 28, 2015 — 33

Fury: Klitschko’ll be my easiest fight

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yson Fury was cool and relaxed as he came face to face with Wladimir Klitschko for the first time this week ahead of tonight’s highlyanticipated world heavyweight title clash in Germany.

Fury claimed Klitschko will not be his toughest opponent.

“I think this will be one of my easiest fights,” said the 27year-old. “It might sound crazy because he’s a ‘superchampion’ and has been world champion for 11 years.

“But I see so many chinks in his armour and I’m going to expose them very quickly. If I could choose any champion to fight, I’d choose him.

“I can expose him and you’ll see what I mean on Saturday night.”

Fury (24-0, 18KOs) joked that he was overly nervous ahead of his defining fight.

“It all crashes down to me as soon as I land in the town and I see the big posters everywhere and I actually feel like I’m involved in a fight now and guess what? I’m really nervous.

“I never felt this way before – ever. I feel really anxious and really nervous for this fight and all these people and cameras are actually making me shy and I’m forgetting what to say. I’m actually shaking right now and I hope this is giving Wlad some confidence...not really, there we have

BO, IBO, IBF and WBA heavyweight champion, Wladimir Klitschko, puts his titles on the line against Tyson Fury tonight in Dusseldorf. He said: “It’s the calm before the storm.

We have the fight and that’s the cherry on the cake. Reality is little by little coming to him. It’ll happen especially on Saturday when we face each other in the ring.

“I can’t judge how he feels. He seems very motivated. He’s goofy as he always is.“I’m expecting from every opponent to be better than they usually are because this is the chance of their life - to fight for all the titles with a big champion.

“It’s not about how much is going to be said, commentated and all the nonsense in press conferences.

“It’s going to be fought in the ring on Saturday night and that’s what counts. That’s why we are actually here.”about the glove controversy that is potentially going to

•Fury

nternational athletics governing body (IAAF) President Sebastian Coe has come under fire for his role in the bid of American city Eugene to host the 2021 world championships, which it was eventually awarded without a vote.

The BBC reported Wednesday it had uncovered emails which showed Coe backed Eugene and had spoken to his predecessor, Lamine Diack, about their bid.

The city in Oregon, which lost out to Doha in bidding for the 2019 event, is closely associated with •Coe sports firm Nike, for whom Coe, a two-time Olympic 1,500 metre champion, acts as ambassador.

Eugene was eventually awarded the championships in April this year without a bidding process, much to the fury of Gothenburg who had planned their own bid.

“It smells and it has to be investigated. That’s for the sport, for everybody involved,” Bjorn Eriksson, leader of the Gothenburg bid, told the BBC. “It doesn’t look good. It doesn’t good at all. I would very much like to hear the explanation for this.”

C M Y K

Klitschko vows to bring Tyson back to reality W

Coe under fire

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•Klitschko

Wozniacki: I want to peak at the right moments

•Wozniacki

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wo-time US Open finalist, Caroline Wozniacki, began 2015 knowing she had a tough act to follow after a resurgent year that saw her become World No.1 Serena Williams’ closest rival over the final six months of the 2014 season. Reaching the final of her first tournament of the year at the ASB Classic, the Dane appeared ready for the challenge.

“I love to push myself to the limits,” she explained at the Huajin Securities WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai. “That’s when I play my best tennis on the court.”

A favorite to go deep at the Australian Open, Wozniacki ran into fellow former No.1 Victoria Azarenkaand fell in the second round. Dropping a second straight match to Azarenka in Doha, she bounced back to win her only title of the season in Kuala Lumpur, and parlayed that momentum into some of her best tennis at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.

“I had a good first half of the year. I was healthy and playing well and I played some of my best tennis, especially on the clay season. I played some great tennis.” Reaching her third final of 2015, Wozniacki won a thrilling three-setter against top seeded Simona Halep, narrowly losing the final to Angelique Kerber.

A back injury interrupted her grass court season, and more bad luck would follow as the Dane prepared for what is typically her favorite time of year. “In my first training back I hurt my calf, and US Open Series is the time when I love to play and where I normally play my best tennis. “Not being able to do that was frustrating.”

Dropping a final set tie-break to an inspired Petra Cetkovska at the US Open, Wozniacki nontheless had a solid Asian Swing that allowed her to remain in contention for a second straight appearance in the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global before losing to Kerber for a second time at the China Open.

Aspiring for stronger results in 2016, the former No.1 plans to create a schedule that she hopes will bring out her best tennis on the biggest stages.

“I think I’m just going to, yeah, try and peak at the right moments and make sure that I have enough matches under my belt for the Slams, but also that I don’t overdo myself. “Obviously I want to win everything, but peak at the right moments.”

34 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

Road to Rio 2016:

Nigeria dig for Olympics ticket

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

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igeria’s male under-23 team will tomorrow start their chase for a ticket to play soccer at the 2016 Rio Olympics, when they confront Mali in a CAF U-23 Championship Group B fixture at the Stade Caroline Faye in Mbour.

And for coach Samson Siasia, whose mother is still in the kidnappers’ den, after being forcefully taken against her will by three armed men at Odoni Community of Sagama local government area in Bayelsa State, it is going to be a testy time as he battles to keep a cool composure in his quest to qualify the team for a second Olympic ticket under his watch.

More than 12 days after Madam Ogere Siasia was kidnapped, the family is yet to meet up with the demand of the kidnappers, with accusations flying round that they have abandoned the C M Y K

•Taiwo

kidnapped.

Though they have pleaded with the Bayelsa government to help them secure the freedom of their mother, it appears the

appeal has fallen on deaf ears.

A member of the family, Denis Siasia said “the last time we spoke to the kidnappers, they threatened to bury Mama if we failed to meet their demand and we told them that we don’t have the kind of money they requested for as we were only able to raise N600, 000. From the tone of their voice, they

•Siasia

were angry.’’.

Siasia, it is recalled qualified the Dream Team to the Beijing Olympics in 2008, where they won the silver medal after losing to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentine side in the final. Interestingly, Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi was one of the stars of the Nigeria side and though he is not playing in this current tournament, he is backing Siasia to steer the team to success in Senegal. ‘’I feel the coach can qualify the team for the next Olympics’’, Mikel tweeted last night.

Nigeria have won the Olympic gold once at the 2006 Atlanta Games and have always been a force to reckon with at the greatest sporting show in the world..

But Siasia will have his work cut out for him when the CAF U-23 Championship revs off tomorrow in Senegal, from where Africa’s three representatives will be determined.

Eight teams, split into two groups of four will be contesting for the three spots to Rio, with the top three finishers at the end of the tournament progressing.

The Nigerians are in Group B with Algeria, Egypt and Mali, who they battle first on Sunday at the 5000 capacity Stade Caroline Faye in Mbour.

The other venue is the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Dakar, where hosts Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Zambia are expected to play.

After weeks of preparations, capped with a 1-1 draw against the Gambia U-20 earlier in the week in Brikama, Siasia fine-tuned his plans for the tournament, running from tomorrow to December 12, with the injection of new

•Aja

SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 28, 2015 — 35

•Senegal Team

Senegal set ball rolling against South Africa H

osts Senegal and South Africa will set the ball rolling when they cross paths in the opening match of the 2015 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations today at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium, Dakar.

The two teams will open the curtains for the eight team tourney which serves as ultimate lap for the continental qualifiers for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Senegalese capital, Dakar, will host Group A whilst Group B will be based in M’Bour.

The final tournament will run from 28 November to 12 December 2015, with the top three teams qualifying to represent Africa at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

ayi

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players like Chile 2015 highest goalscorer, Victor Osimhen, with the aim of spiking the team to a rousing performance in Senegal.

Blessed with a crop of gifted young players like Liverpool’s Taiwo Awoniyi and Ajayi Junior of CS Sfaxien, the onus is on Siasia’s side to roll to a sweeping victory against Mali tomorrow.

And, speaking from their Mbour base in Senegal, Siasia says he expects a stiff opposition from Mali, who he however insists will fall to the superior play of his team. ‘’’We are here to get the ticket to play at the next Olympic Games in Rio and are aware of the threats that Mali and the other teams in our group pose to our aspirations We will remain focussed and stay dogged in our quest to achieve our target here. ‘’It is very important for us to start with a win in our first match and with the crop of players I have here, I feel confident that they will rise to the demands of the day and get the three points to stay in the hunt for the ticket to Rio’’, added Siasia, who guided Nigeria to a silver medal winning feat at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

But the former Flying Eagles coach has also cautioned his wards on the dangers of playing with bloated ego.

•South Africa Team

Zambia test Tunisia’s might A

Some of the teams that have qualified for the Rio finals include hosts Brazil, Honduras, •Osimhen Mexico, Argentina, Fiji, Denmark, Germany, Portugal and Sweden.

Three more teams from Africa will join the Rio train by December 12 while the three qualifiers from Asia will be known on January 30 when the Asian U23 Championship ends in Qatar, hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

s Zambia confront Tunisia in today’s Group A match at the CAF U-23 Championship in Senegal, Chipolopolo coach George Lwandamina has been brought in to assist the Under-23’s in their quest to qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time since 1988.

Lwandamina will become part of the technical team that is being led by his assistant at the senior national team, Fighton Simukonda.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) communications manager, Nkweto Tembwe, confirmed the news from Lusaka.

“The national team coach will travel with the Under-23 team and, besides, most of the players are also in the CHAN (African Nations Championship) team and so are the two coaches, so I see them working so well,” he said.

Simukonda, meanwhile, says he is optimistic about the team’s chances in Senegal. “Chances of performing well are there. We are going there to pass the group stage, that is why we are going there. Otherwise why are we not going there if we won’t perform?” he said. Zambia find themselves in Group A together with South Africa, Tunisia and Senegal.

•Zambia

•Tunisia

36—SA TURD AY Vanguard, NO VEMBER 28, 2015 36—SATURD TURDA NOVEMBER

esufu Matriarcch of Y Yesufu Sights & sights fr om Olu of W arri’s burial Matriar from Warri’s

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Members of Unu-Oshoron from Egbokodo-Itsekiri led by Pa. Atiwa Amanoritsewor (5th from right )arriving at Ode-Itsekiri the funeral rites

he Warri kingdom was set ablaze in colours, cultural pomp and pageantry as the people of the kingdom filed out in their numbers to bid final farewell to the departed Olu of Warri, HRM. Ogiame Atuwatse II throughout the week.

It was as much a celebration of Itsekiri’s cultural heritage as it was an entertainment extravaganza as different groups came forth to showcase what distinguished the Itsekiri people from the rest of the world.

Royal FFamily amily mar ks 95 marks

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t was a day that would linger in the minds of the Yesufus of the Yesufu Royal Family of Agbede, Edo State as the matriarch of the family Alhaja Comfort Iginla (Nee Yesufu) celebrated her 95th birthday in Lagos, last Saturday 21st November 2015. It was a reunion get-together soiree for the family as they caught up on old times and merry.

Aihaja Comfort Iginla (m) surrounded by her brother, sisters and children, cutting her birthday cake.

Prince Yemi Emiko, chairman, burial publicity and media committee, with wife, Kathy and child

L-R: Alh. L.M Yesufu (brother), celebrator ,Alhaja Comfort Iginla; Alhaja Nana Momodu & Alhaja Daudu ,(sisters).

Chief Ayiri Emami and Chief Billy paying their last respect to the late Olu

Pfizer launches new products, Centrum and Caltrate

L-R: Brand Manager, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Uloaku Atueyi; Sales Manager, Worldwide commercial ventures Ltd, Deepak Kanwar; PSN President , Pharm Olumide Akintayo, Head of Procurement, Ministry of Health (Representing the permanent secretary), Rukayat Odekunle; Marketing Manager, South Africa, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Sue Cartwright C M Y K

L-R: Chief (Col) Satchie Etoromi (Rtd.) and Chief Joesph Popo.

Chief Bala Yesufu and celebrator, Alhaja Comfort Iginla.

R-L; Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, Chief Prest Udueyin and Chief Tony Onuwaje.

Alhaja Comfort Iginla and her daughters; Mrs Kofoworola Ajala and Mrs Roli Ugep

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—37

Lyxvara Concierge Packages the British Fashion Awards

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yxvara Concierge, a first class luxury c o n c i e r g e company has packaged a variety of tantalizing concierge programs and VIP solutions across the world for Nigerians between now and January next year.

These include Personal concierge programs, corporate concierge programs, Hotel/Residential Concierge support, Worldwide VIP Event and Access and Luxury travel programs.

Temitayo

Apparel 24 evolves with trendy suede hats Temitayo Eyitayo is the brain behind 24 Apparel, a casual fashion brand that caters for the young upwardly mobile youths and the fashion conscious ‘older adult’, who value quality and trendy designs. With years of success in the business, Eyitayo is set to debut his new collection tagged “24 TRIBES”.

The collection features four hats made of suede, leather and mesh.

Each hat carries a unique symbol which represents major tribes in Nigeria; Hausa (Arewa), Igbo and Yoruba (Oodua) and Benin.

What inspires each design?

Inspiration comes from anything.

Rather than designing individual pieces, we design based on an idea.

We always start off with an idea and develop around that idea. So inspiration can come from anything. The hats are made to the quality and standard that 24 have been known to deliver to and are very trendy.

Your brand seems to be target the younger generation, is this deliberate? Or do you care for the older class as well?

The notion of age is relative to the perception of whoever is analysing it. A young person of between 24 and 30 years, to me is an adult, same as a 60 year old. They may not command the same respect or have the same wealth of experience, but that is a topic for another day. I would rather say my products appeal more to the

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young adults and the more fashion conscious ‘older adult’, who value quality, trendy designs and are price conscious.

What informed the name 24?

When creating the company, everything had to have significance.

In choosing a name, we thought of what it is we are doing. We are a casual fashion brand and that is what we are sticking to. Depending on a person’s activity during the day, our products can be appropriate.

Therefore, depending on what you are doing during your day, you can wear what we produce. As it can be worn 24 hours a day, we stuck with 24 and rode with it.

Tell us briefly about your background and how it influenced your choice of career?

I am the 2nd of three boys in a

The successful brands inspire me to continue, the failed brands inspire me to be careful and push the right way

family of five. I have lived most of my life in Nigeria but my formative years were lived in the UK, where I did my a-levels and university education. I come from a highly vibrant family of minimalists. We are really about the simple life. This generally forms how I choose lines. They must be concise. Quality is first, design comes second. But we do not do overly busy designs.

How have you managed to keep up with the stiff competition considering there were others in this line of business, before you?

Competition exists in the mind. No one knows the direction any creative director wants to take next. The key to staying alive is staying true to what one initially started out to do.

Yes, there were many before 24, but in 30 years, if they are still in business, it will be said that they were around before 24. Those having that legacy have no hold on me. I celebrate everyone. The successful brands inspire me to continue, the failed brands inspire me to be careful and push the right way. With regards competition in Nigeria, due to the vast under serviced market it is, I do not see any competition here. My main competition is foreign brands that people would naturally compare 24 to. Those are the ones I look to tackling.

In one word define your line of fashion?

Trendy

The recently held 2015 America Music Awards, which held last Sunday, November 22, was one of the events on the company ’s event rader.

For Nigerian fashion lovers, the British Fashion Awards held November 23, 2015, was one to watch. The British Fashion Awards celebrate the breadth and depth of talent in the British fashion industry from the emerging stars to the designer brands, models and style icons, from creatives through to awarding the ultimate accolade, Designer of the Year.

Pope Francis’ visit to Uganda is another great show on the bill.

As part of the Holy Father ’s first trip to Africa in November, Pope Francis will travel to Uganda for a packed two-day visit, biklled for Nov 26th.

Another exciting time to look out is The Latin Grammy Awards, billed for November. Other events for January and February 2016 include People’s Choice Awards (Jan); Sundance Film Festival (Jan); Golden Globe Awards (Jan); Choice Movie Awards (Jan); Producer Guild Awards (Jan); Screen Actors Guild Awards (Jan); and Grammy Awards (Feb) The company enjoins Nigerians to take advantage of the offer and experience

NAOMI

CAMPBELL

the “courteous difference” with their highly trained staff. Leisure loving Nigerians could also interact with their professional team on the company website.

38—SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

Lifeline

Stop kidding with your kidneys T

he kidneys are very important organs in the body responsible for removal of wastes and control of the body’s fluid balance. They also regulate the balance of electrolytes, blood pressure, and red blood cell production in the body. As the kidneys filter blood, they create urine, which collects in the bladder before it is expelled.

The kidneys are so tough and hard-wearing organs experts say it is possible to lose as much as 90 percent of kidney function without experiencing any symptoms or problems.

But that is not a good thing to happen. On the contrary, it is quite hazardous to allow the kidney to drop to such unsafe functional levels. Don’t kid with your kidneys, because if you do, they may fail when you least expect.

Kidney disease is highly prevalent in Nigeria. It is estimated that 1 in 4 Nigerians have one form of kidney disorder or the other while about 15,000 new cases are diagnosed every year in the country, but very few are receiving specialist care. The reason is not far-fetched.

Managing any sort of kidneyrelated diseases is expensive and complicated. The burden is impoverishing not just to the patient but also the family.

IN the views of Dr. Olumayowa Aderinto, a US trained nephrologist (kidney specialist) and Director, TCNL Healthcare, a dialysis unit and kidney disease prevention outfit in Lagos, initially kidney failure may cause no symptoms. “By the time you are seeing symptoms, it is too late, so keep monitoring your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.”

During an open house activity of the private healthcare outfit located in Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos, Aderinto said symptoms of kidney failure are due to the build-up of waste products in the body that may cause weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, and confusion.

“Overall, diabetes and hypertension remain the highest risk factors. Prevention is better than cure. It is best to prevent from going into end-stage kidney disease. Things that can be done include checking for blood sugar, blood pressure, and ensuring it is controlled. Also use drugs only with medical guidance and watch what you drink and eat.”

Explaining that the purpose of setting up the facility is to promote preventive kidney care for Nigerians, she pointed out that there are numerous causes of kidney failure, and treatment of the underlying disease may be the first step in correcting the kidney abnormality.

“Some causes of kidney failure are treatable and the kidney function may return to normal.

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poor appetite and weakness, etc, we advise you to go on dialysis.

But if you are still walking around, then your kidneys, even though may have failed, still have reserve. For people that still have this reserve, they might still get away with once or twice a week. But not so for those that do not have this reserve.

“In acute kidney failure, you might require dialysis for just a while and the kidneys pick up again. Some illnesses cause the kidneys to shut down, also infection, and sudden drop of the blood pressure can cause the kidneys to fail. However, if adequately supported through dialysis, the kidneys can pick up again, but the patient

•Dr. Olumayowa Aderinto Unfortunately, kidney failure may be progressive in other situations and may be irreversible.

The diagnosis of kidney failure usually is made by blood tests measuring certain key parameters. During regular check up, if you are hypertensive, you are checked for protein in the urine. “That is the earliest sign. If we find protein, we might do it again; if it is high you might be prone to kidney failure. Normally there should not be protein in the urine; there could be traces, as a result of conditions such as pregnancy.”

She said treatment of the underlying cause of kidney failure may return kidney function to normal, but lifelong efforts to control blood pressure and diabetes is the best way to prevent chronic kidney disease and its progression to kidney failure.

With age, kidney function gradually decreases over time and if the kidneys fail completely, the only treatment options available may be dialysis or kidney transplant.

“As you get older, you lose a degree of kidney function, but it should not be significant.

Essentially, your kidneys should last your lifetime.”

An experience as a medical student at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, in 1992, motivated Aderinto to pursue a career as a nephrologist.

“When I was in medical school, my uncle’s wife died of kidney disease.

She was on dialysis for a while; the family sold their belongings to raise money for the procedure.

She was being taken from one place to the other, but she still died. Since then, it has been my dream to do something about this problem. I have had it in my mind, so when I had opportunity to become a nephrologist, I did not hesistate.

“We are factoring in a lot of things at this centre to ensure that the cost is as low as possible. We are campaigning against kidney disease and are reaching out to people to access this facility for such needs. The goal is to provide affordable kidney care services, such as dialysis, hence the focus on patients that cannot afford regular cost of dialysis by going to companies to ask for sponsorship until they can get a transplant for those that require it.”

Kidney failure “When we say the kidneys have failed, they have dropped below 15 percent functional capacity, so you might need dialysis. If you start having symptoms like

Most people with kidney disease aren’t aware of it. So get diagnosed early may become prone to chronic kidney failure in future if care is not taken.”

Kidney disease is classified into stages. In Stage 1, function is normal, but there is blood or protein in the urine. It is still chronic kidney disease, but the mild stage. In stage 2, kidney function is 60-90 percent good; stage 3, 30-60 percent, stage 4, 15-30, stage 5 is below 15 per cent. If you are in Stage 2 or stage 3, you might not know you have kidney disease because there would be no symptoms.

But such people need to take precautions and be monitored to ensure they do not go into stage 4 or 5.

Dialysis Dialysis cleanses the body of waste products in the body by use of filter systems. Hemodialysis uses a machine filter called a dialyzer or artificial kidney to remove excess water and salt, to balance the other electrolytes in the body, and to remove waste products of metabolism.

The recommendation is

for a patient that requires dialysis is to undergo four hours of dialysis at least three times a week. Dialysis is life-saving. Without it, patients whose kidneys no longer function would die relatively quickly due to electrolyte abnormalities and the buildup of toxins in the blood stream. While patients may live many years with dialysis, it is often unsustainable as a result of the high cost, even as other underlying and associated illnesses have been known to cause the death of the patient.

Kidney transplantation If kidney failure occurs and is non-reversible, kidney transplantation is an alternative option to dialysis. Not all hospitals are capable of performing kidney transplants. More patients in Nigeria travel to India to undergo their operation and are often in search of funds for the procedure. Prevention Kidney failure is a serious matter. Most people with kidney disease aren’t aware of it. So get diagnosed early.

Prevention is always the goal with kidney failure.

Once kidney failure is present, the goal is to prevent further deterioration of renal function. If ignored, the kidneys will progress to complete failure, but if underlying illnesses are addressed and treated aggressively, kidney function can be preserved, though not always improved.

Tips for kidney health Drink lots of water to flush out wastes. Drinking water also helps lower the chances of kidney stones and infections. Keep your blood pressure in the target range.

Weight control, exercise, and drugs can control blood pressure—and prevent or slow the risk of kidney failure. Eat more fruits and vegetables, stay physically active, keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm/ Hg, but check with your health care provider for your appropriate target. Stay in your target cholesterol range and try to eat foods lower in sodium. If you have diabetes, meet blood sugar targets as often as you can.

Go for medical check up at least twice a year. If your blood pressure is high, check it regularly and get it under control to make sure your kidneys remain healthy. Consult a doctor if you have any or all of these symptoms: cloudy or bloody urine, pain or burning when you urinate, or an urgent need to urinate often.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—39

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015 —41

Lifestyle

Benefits of engaging in regular sexual activity

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hese days, trying to squeeze sex into an already tight schedule seems next-toimpossible sometimes. But for married couples who get it on regularly, the payoff can be substantial. If you are stressed, burdened with life’s difficult problems and fear that your health is declining, sex could be the answer to happiness, longevity and a healthy body. You may not agree, but a group of sexperts say the benefits of having sex with your spouse on a near-daily basis are worth the trouble.

Reduces stress De-stress sex helps you reduce stress. When deep breathing exercises fail to de-stress you, sex will do the needful. During sex your body produces dopamine, a substance that fights stress hormones, endorphins, aka “happiness hormones” and oxytocin, a desire-enhancing hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. In a study, published in the Public Library of Science journal, three neuroscience researchers conducted a test on male rats and found that the sexually active rats were less anxious than rats with no sexual activity.

Great form of exercise Making love is a form of physical SEXUAL ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS

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RRESPECTIVE of what the symptom is in fungal infection, everyone knows it makes sexual intercourse unenjoyable and very unappealing in both men and women. This should be treated as soon as it noticed to avoid further complications and to restore self-confidence especially in women as 95% of women have it more than men.

I read one of your article some time ago about yeast infection and I had one at that time and was advice to get Cleanshield liquid. It was surprising that after the 3rd day of taking the Cleanshield and using some to wash my vagina, the symptoms of the infection totally disappeared and I even went for a test to clarify it ad it was totally gone, but I want to finish the dose of the Cleanshield totally so as to stabilize the pH of my body. What can you advice I use to arouse me for sex as I find it very difficult to get in the mood? Shola Hello shola, Cleanshield is a very powerful liquid which works by increasing the pH of the body from the acidic level which allows bacteria and viruses to thrive to an alkaline level where the body itself fight off these infections by itself. Cleanshield is helpful not only in fighting yeast infection but also in infections caused by staphylococcus especially in men. I’ll advise you get the C M Y K

immunity. Immunoglobulin A, an antigen that fights the flu increases when the frequency of sex increases.

Makes you look younger Making love three times a week can make you look 10 years younger, claims a Scottish researcher. “It’s good for you to have good sex,” says David Weeks, a clinical neuropsychologist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, whose study on the effects of sex on aging appears in his book, Secrets of the Superyoung.

•Benefits of having sex...

activity.

During intercourse, the physiological changes in your body are consistent with a workout. You must have noticed that the respiratory rate rises, which means you get tired.

Hence, you burn calories.

If you have sex three times a week for 15 minutes (but we know you can do better than that) you’ll burn about 7.500 calories in a year. That’s the equivalent of jogging 75 miles! Heavy breathing raises the amount of oxygen in your cells, and the testosterone produced during sex keeps

Lowers high blood pressure Hugs and sex can improve your blood pressure. Sex reduces diastolic blood pressure, that is, the bottom number while reading blood pressure. Researchers have concluded that sex improves blood pressure.

Keeps your heart healthy Sex helps you burn calories but it can also improve your heart. Sex will take care of stroke and heart attacks, you just have to enjoy the moment. Scientists examined the effect of sex on the heart.

The study concluded that men are 45 percent less likely to experience cardiovascular diseases. But the study fails to study the effect of sex on a woman’s heart.

Builds immunity Trying to fight the sniffles?

Sex is the answer to fight cold and other health problems; sex can boost your

Pain relief Pleasure is the measure to beat out the pain. Do you experience migraines and body pain? Well sex is the

your bones and muscles strong.

INFECTIONS AND SEX Germany sex drops with arousal gels like 69 lick me, Crazy girl, Mood arousal gel etc. use them together and you’ll get an amazing arousal anytime you need it.

I heard you have a new product called Neosize XL that increases the size of the penis faster than Vigrx plus. I’m presently in my 8th week of using Vigrx plus with Plump cream and the result I notice is very little. Can I stop taking them and move to take the Neosize XL instead? Which one is better? Boyo Vigrx plus and plump cream are very effective and just like any other organ enlarger, they need time to work and that doesn’t make any other penis enlarger better than them. Neosize XL on the other had has been proven to work just like Vigrx plus and plump cream, though Neosize XL works a bit faster than Vigrx plus with Plump cream and is also safe for use without side effects while increasing both the length and the width of the penis.

I have been using Vimax with gingko tea for about 2 months now, though I notice my erection is better as oppose to when I didn’t have erection at all and I also notice good result with my blood sugar, thanks to Gingko tea. I want a harder erection, what do you suggest I use to achieve that? Chief Bamtefa Vimax is good in bring up erection especially when it’s been dormant for some time. It also gives hard erection to some

people. For a harder erection, I will suggest you go for any of the following; Prosolution pills, Sexvoltz, Plant Vigra, rhino 5 to mention but a few. Any of these aforementioned will give very strong erection on demand and they are all herbal without side effects.

Gingko tea is efficient in reducing the blood sugar and also regulates blood pressure Apart from using Prosolution to correct early ejaculation, do you have other products that can help delay ejaculation instantly for the period of sex if I don’t want to correct premature ejaculation?

Afeez Yes, we have delay creams like Stahard, sta erect, stallion, prolonging cream, delay condoms and spray that can help delay ejaculation for the period of sex and you can also get the Cockring which help delays for about 20 to 30 mins before ejaculation.

Can I get the Jelly Caribbean vibrator and the Squirmy vibrator from you again? Are they still in stock? Yemi Yes we still have the Jelly Caribbean and the squirmy vibrator.

We have many interesting new sextoys for both men and women.

These are all we can take for today.

Adults who needs any of these aphrodisiacs can call us on 08034666358, 07059294782 or place your orders at www.viewden.com .

For further enquiries, send us an email at vieweden@yahoo.com, viewden@ymail.com Kemi Fawole (MD)

answer. But if you experience back pain, it is best to consult a doctor.

Experts in arthritis conducted a study on the link between arthritis and sex. They say patients who engaged in sex experience less pain.

Builds trust and intimacy The act of sex spikes the hormone oxytocin; this hormone is responsible for your happiness and love.

If your feel your relationship is falling out, there is trust or you’re worried that your partner will stray away, then sex will dispel these doubts.

The hormone oxytocin builds trust and brings couples closer, and cupid too.

Reduced cancer risk Regular ejaculation reduces your chances of developing prostate cancer. In an Australian study men who ejaculated 21 times a month were least likely to develop cancer. It is further supported by other researches that sexual intercourse reduces the risk of prostate cancer.

40—SA TURD AY 40—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, NO VEMBER 28 NOVEMBER 28,, 2015

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

The trauma of exposing your child t o foreign culture!

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says must go through a ny parent who has never sent a reluctant a mugging, a burglary, a faithless the whole tribe and they will beat you little bit of hell so she can ward to the boarding school would not husband and an ugly business with up’, and that girl would never have appreciate all that has been dared put a foot out of line. But the realize the depth of guilt felt Jane, a her senior daughter who lost all her done for her...” middle-aged, middle-class accountant who felt her domestic appliances in a flat-sharing girl came to England when she was In Ariyike ‘s case, it was son, now 21 was ripe enough to test the waters of dispute,” the report read.

14, noticed at once that physical independence. Her son, Jaiye is a British citizen, “She came from a large Nigerian violence towards children was frowned her 15-year old daughter that was always reporting thanks to the son’s father who is also a citizen. family who are also large in the area upon, learned at once that she could her to the authorities Jaiye had scaled through his first degree of the recalcitrant child. Her junior leave home when she was 16, and off because she (Ariyike) was effortlessly and Jane thought he would gain more daughter would not be where she is the rail she trotted. physically abusive towards if he were to have foreign post-graduate today if they were still in Nigeria. In “She bought herself a large trunk her. Since according to experience.

Nigeria, her mother would have been and began to buy saucepans against British law, each child is “We found him a good school abroad paid his able to threaten: ‘If you’re not home the day she could take off. But 16 owed a duty of care by his fees and I was more than lucky to have a sister by 11, I will summon my brothers and came, then 17, then 18, then 19 and parents, no parent dares she didn’t move out but living abroad who happily starve or be cruel to their stayed and by and large, consented to being his child. Ariyike who now pleased herself about what guardian whenever he was believed she was raising a she did with her crazy on holidays from the monster asked her friend’s friends. Her mother didn’t university”, recalls Jane. advice. The friends urged adapt to English ways with “A few days after I came her to return her daughter quite the same speed.

She home to Nigeria from settling to Nigeria. “To do this”, wanted respect from the girl him in, the phone rang. It was recalled Ariyike— I had to whose manners became him. Was he alright? Did he tell the children, (three in increasingly stroppy. She like life at his new university? all) that we were all going wanted to have a say in her My son sounded as if a warden back to Nigeria for the final life but the girl hated what had grudgingly agreed for him funeral rites of my mother. she had to say. Pretty soon, to use the phone. He moaned Tina, my recalcitrant they stopped speaking about the food, about the daughter was very fond of civilly, then they stopped students and about feeling her grandmas and after speaking, then the mother terribly lonely. I guess it was initially taunting that I began to take her meals in one thing going on regular couldn’t make her go; she her bedroom, they then holidays with the parents and finally agreed to come began to open each other’s quite a different kettle of fish when she realized all of us mail then to hide each being marooned in a college would be leaving. other’s mails, then matters amongst strange faces. I “After the funeral, I told became intolerable. And so reminded him that he would the other two children what the poor mother notified the soon get used to it. He was I had in mind. They never local housing authority that after all a man and lots of liked the way Tina always she was going to evict her children younger than he were behaved. So, when she daughter to teach her a happily settling into various reluctantly agreed to spend lesson. schools abroad. His complaints a few days with my “She also notified the local grew by the months. He said he younger sister in Ibadan, police because she said she was being bullied by racists we hurriedly came back to didn’t want any bloodshed. and I assured him it was a England, leaving her in my She then changed the locks. common trait abroad, that he sister’s care. My sister is a Though the daughter arrived should just ignore them. When no-nonsense disciplinarian with a policeman to collect I eventually went to visit him, and with luck, she would her belongings, and though my son was a shadow of kick her back into shape in the policeman told the himself. His warmth was gone the meantime, I have mother she was out of line, and he was more clingy. I was vowed not to get in touch she steeled her heart which getting ready to come back after with her until she’s civil was very heavy. The girl, she settling all his needs when he and responsible...? broke down and started sobbing heartbreakingly. I quietly bought his ticket and brought him back. No one has a right to ome of the most ‘saintly ’ to muscle aches and tears, joint injuries, in bone creation, which is still happening in be as unhappy as he was. assumptions could play havoc with low energy levels, extreme tiredness, your late 20s and 30s, your bone density “Two of his siblings are now your health. Here’s why new findings decreased immunity and even depression could be affected for the rest of your life and abroad and doing as well as believe you should drop the good-girl so it’s essential to give yourself time off. you’ll increase the risk of osteoporosis. Being could be under the But that’s not all—exercising every day underweight can also mean you’re not act and have fun keeping healthy: circumstance. Jaiye too has can prevent you from getting the results getting all the nutrients you need and You’ve cut out sweets and chocolate:since bounced back and is now If you’re trying to lose weight, not eating you deserve. It’s while your body is without those you’re likely to suffer from dry into his masters, in one of the chocolate and other sweet food is a good resting that it repairs muscle cells and skin, hair loss, a weak immune system and universities here. I guess some idea but putting them on a list of food syntheses new enzymes, mitochondria exhaustion. children are more adventurous Instead:-Ensure your weight and fat levels no-no can seriously backfire and ruin and capillaries, which makes you fitter. than others”. your weight-loss efforts. The reason? In other words, if you don’t give yourself are within healthy limits. And remember, it’s A while back, there was an Deprive yourself of something and a break, your fitness abilities won’t just as unhealthy to be underweight as it is ‘immigrant’ story in the foreign to be overweight. you’re more likely to binge. In fact, progress. paper about a Nigerian cleaner. researchers have found that successful You’ve cut out carbs:- Carbohydrates are Instead:-Exercise for a maximum of five “A woman whose good nature dieters who lost weight and kept it off, days a week. And don’t worry about vital to our diets—despite what high-protein has been sorely tested of late by didn’t ban any food and allowed taking small work-out breaks - research devotees claim. Carbs are the body’s primary shows that going for up to seven days source of fuel for muscles and the brain, and themselves regular treats. without breaking a sweat won’t impact they’re packed full of essential nutrients which protect against chronic diseases such Instead:-The key is to limit your intake your fitness significantly. **Your body fat is below 18 Per cent:- as cancer. to small amount and fulfil your urge by Instead:-Nutritionists agree that the staple opting for truly decadent options —a Not having enough body fat can be small slice of super-rich chocolate cake dangerous. Fat insulates nerve cells and of any healthy diet are carbohydrates. For is much more satisfying than lots of internal organs and is necessary for the maximum health benefits, these formation of hormones such as oestrogen. carbohydrates should come from a variety of tasteless biscuits.

You rarely miss a day at the Gym:-If When body fat dips too low, you go into mostly wholegrain and unrefined foods. Look you think never taking a breather from famine mode, which effectively shuts for those that are as unprocessed as possible, your work-out makes you ultra-healthy, down all non-life-supporting functions such as vegetable, wholegrain bread, pasta you’re mistaken. Obviously being such as ovulation and building new bone. and rice. If you cut back on any type of inactive isn’t a good idea, but exercising And in many cases the damage can be carbohydrates, make it the refined sort, such too often can also have a damaging effect permanent. Because oestrogen is involved as cakes, biscuits and sweats which are nutrient-poor. on your health. Over-exercising can lead

You need not be miserable to be healthy!

S

In Nigeria, her mother would have been able to threaten: ‘If you’re not home by 11, I will summon my brothers...

SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—41 YETUNDE AREBI Yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk tweeterhandle@yetundearebi 08054700825

Beware of the black widow T

he word widow often wrought in us a feeling of pity. It paints a picture of a once happy woman, along with her children, who was much loved; cared and provided for, no matter how little, but who had now lost everything. The word widow conjures a vision of someone in need of help to find a balance and sustenance for herself and her children.

The Biblical story of the widow often jumps to our consciousness and we are moved to lend a helping hand, at least to help ease their pain and burden.

But don’t be deceived, not all widows are in search of our pity, paltry stipends and breadcrumbs from the master ’s tables. Some of them are black widows, in search of safe havens and conducive environments to spin their next webs. If you don’t have enough on your plate as a man, you might just be the next target. Or is it victim? For, I really can’t comprehend how these things happen.

The first incident happened about 12 years ago. I did not initially believe the story when it first started making the round. This was because Dr. and Mrs Hassan had always seemed to me like a perfect couple, if there was one. Mr. Hassan, a medical doctor had recently started his own little clinic shortly before we met them. Mrs. Hassan, is a teacher and devoted mother of two, a boy and a girl who were doing beautifully well also at the time. I remember that the girl even came tops in one of the national competitions sponsored by a multinational company. They were kids any parent would be proud to have. We belonged to the same religious group and met for worship almost every Sunday. Like me, Mrs. Hassan had crossed over to Islam after marriage and had become very devoted.

So, I was surprised when she started missing worships and eventually stopped completely. Same for her husband. On enquiry, I was initially informed that she was seriously ill but a mutual friend eventually let me into the story. Dr. Hassan had deserted his family! How is that possible, I asked? She explained that Dr Hassan suddenly began sleeping out unnecessarily under the pretense of working late at the clinic and such other excuses used by medical practitioners. Eventually, they discovered that he was dating a female Nurse, his employee at the clinic. To make matters worse, the woman is a Christian, contrary to all the things Hassan loved to profess. On confrontation, his explanation was that the lady is a widow with five children to care for and he felt sorry for her and wished to help her. Well, there is no problem with helping a widow but must one have a sexual C M Y K

relationship with her before one can render assistance? When his wife’s questions and attitude became too challenging, Dr. Hassan stood up to her tantrums by reminding her that he is an African man and more importantly, a Muslim. He therefore has the permission of man and God to frolic with as many women as he desires. Poor Mrs. Hassan was backed to the wall when she discovered that many members of the family seemed to share similar views, a Muslim is entitled to four wives if he so desires. She has a good job and can take care of herself and two children, so, she should stop whining over such a little thing.

However, it turned out to be a big deal as Dr. Hassan soon stopped coming home, abandoning his wife and two children for a widow with five children.

Dr. Hassan reportedly told who bothered to ask, that the widow and her five children needed him more than his wife and two children as his wife was more

. The word widow conjures a vision of someone in need of help to find a balance and sustenance for herself and her children

than capable of taking care of their children. I ran into Mrs. Hassan about three years after the whole drama went public and did she have a story to tell?

She was convinced that her husband had fallen under a spell cast by the woman! Or why would he abandon his family to shack up with another man’s family? She said she’d been informed that the woman is a sucker who dries up men then spits them out. She feared that the woman will kill her husband too as she killed her first husband and was sure her grand plan is to take over Hassan’s clinic and then kill him. Rather than accept her fate, Mrs. Hassan has been expending time, energy, money and probably some other resources on looking for solution to her supposed problems. “Operation Save Her Husband From The Black Widow”. The woman I saw had become a shadow of the one I once knew.

A tall, lanky, fair complexioned and very full of life and laughter. The black widow had not only taken an unsuspecting husband and father into custody, gradually milking him, she had also sucked out life from everything that surrounded him, his wife, children and the clinic which Hassan now runs with her as a family business.

Much as I do not want to bother myself too much over the remote controversies, one recurring question I have not been able to find answers for is why a man would leave his own two biological children and a faithful, devoted and submissive wife, to take up responsibility over another man’s “left over” and children in the name of caring for the needy? What exactly is this need that is more important than that of his own God given family? Perhaps there is more to Dr. Hassan than we are aware of. Who can tell? I have not seen them in several years now.

I first read news about the second story in a soft sell magazine about three years ago. I’d known the couple for several years and the wife and I had also been members of some religious groups, when I was still interested in religion. My focus has since changed to God and not religion. Though the man had never been one to pretend that he is faithful to his marital vows, I had always believed that the bonds between his family and his wife’s were very strong and he will be wary to jeopardise it by throwing caution to the wind. They both come from affluent families and we’re also quite comfortable and successful in their individual businesses. Their union is blessed with two children, both boys were already undergraduates, schooling in England when their father decided to take another wife to everyone’s surprise. The lady turned out to be a widow with four children from two fathers. The first child was born out of wedlock. Well over 50, and having stayed out of trouble all these years, I’d assumed he would have been slowing down by now.

Why succumb now that his sex life span was most likely drawing to an end? I could not resist the temptation to hear the dirty details, so I picked the phone to confirm from my friend if all I’d read was true.

Yes, everything was true, she said, except for the part that said that the boys were in support of their father’s actions and that the woman’s children had become close pals with them. The truth was that the boys had vehemently condemned their father and stood up for and with their mother. Their father had practically moved out of the family house in GRA and was shacking up with the widow in a house he’d bought for her in one of the corporate estates along Lekki-Epe Express Road. Still, I fail to understand the reasoning behind such a decision. Can you replace the love, respect, admiration, support and happiness of your biological children with those of another man’s children? If he wanted female children, surely, that is not the only way to go about getting one, is it? No matter what might have gone down between a man and his wife, does it have to include the happiness and welfare of the children? But, again, perhaps there is truth in the Yoruba saying that a man pays better attention to the children of a woman he loves.

But thank God it is not all the time that the black widow strikes that she gets to kill. If you are lucky like my friend Hunsun, then you can escape her killer sucking powers with some pints of blood still left in you. Hunsun and I have been friends for over 30 years and though we hardly ever get to see each other, when we do, we often play catch up on almost everything under the sun. He is a jolly good fellow and this often gets him into trouble with women. And so he got entangled with a female co-worker, his junior, who recently lost her husband. He said he felt drawn to her because he was aware of the enormous burden and struggle that her life might become with the loss of her husband. The lady has seven children! In fact, he had always come to her rescue in the past, even while her husband was alive. He said she practically threw herself at him, instead of the other way around, and he felt compelled to assist her. So, he helped her completed a housing project she had abandoned for several years and she moved in. No sooner than that, he noticed that he would stay over at her house for several days abandoning his own family. Hunsun has three children but his first is long graduated and married. The children had started calling him daddy and she too was also carrying on like a wife in the office. “Yetunde, I may be everything, but an irresponsible father. God has not given me any problems, why should I walk into one with my eyes open”, he declared. My dear friend was quick and lucky to retrace his steps.

I will really appreciate it, if we can discuss this issue together. Kindly drop your comments/views/ or related experience via SMS or e-mail. God bless you as you respond. Do have a wonderful weekend!

42—SATURDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

“Please don’t kill me” Passionateplea pleaof ofrtd retdnaval navalofficer officerbefore beforedeath death ––Passionate

By Emma Nnadozie (Crime Editor), Ufuoma Tiveruahor & Faith Ake

T

he sombre look and sorrow on the faces of the teeming crowd that gathered at the home of Pa Peter Ikre, 74, at his Road 712, C Close, Festac Town residence, was enough to tell the sad story. The retired naval officer was tragically killed on Wednesday, by two gun-wielding miscreants on a motorbike at 52 Road junction by 5th Avenue, Festac, at about 12 noon while he was alighting from his car – a Toyota Camry with registration number LAGOS EPE 521 DA. Visit to the bank The unsuspecting old man was said to have earlier gone to the bank and later proceeded towards 52 Road junction where he normally relaxes in a popular joint when the hoodlums accosted him. They reportedly demanded for the money he had collected from the bank and he was said to have willingly given the paltry sum to them but they insisted on getting more while he kept on denying having any more money, and begging them to spare his life.

Passionate pleas Unfortunately, his passionate plea fell on deaf ears as the two hoodlums persisted and went ahead to release several bullet shots into his body with a view to forcing him to give them more money. At the last count, the bandits released not less than 15 bullets into the thin body of the old man and he slumped in a pool of his blood after which his assailants leisurely mounted their bike and sped off.

Sympathetic crowd to the rescue It was at this stage that the sympathetic on-lookers thronged the scene to behold the Urhobo-born retired navy commander struggling for life. They reportedly rushed him to a nearby hospital, RE-Venue Clinic, where he was C M Y K

confirmed dead. Trickles of his blood flowed freely from the scene of the incident to the clinic when the sympathetic crowd were rushing him to the clinic. It was the crowd that also picked up his phone and got numbers to alert members of his family at their residence, a few metres away from the scene.

Visit to the house of sorrow A visit to the late commander’s residence the following day unfolded heartrending scenarios which elicited uncontrollable tears from the eyes of all. More shocking was the startling revelation that Pa Ikre had twelve well-educated children including a reverend father, from one wife. His first son and some others residing overseas were said to have wept uncontrollably when news of the brutal killing of their dear father was broken to them.

Son, a reverend father, opens up The second son, Reverend Father William Ikre, who was visibly shaken by the tragedy but was able to hold himself with reserved equanimity, spoke volumes about his father. “It is sad that he went away because we did not find it funny at all. He had his own shortcomings as a human being but to us, his children, he was a good man.

He took out time to care for us despite our numbers. It was a big shock to me when I heard it. I was coming out from the

•Pa Ikre on uniform

lecture room where I went to teach in the seminary school in Ibadan when I heard of it.

I went straight to the car and drove down to Lagos after hearing the gravity of the attack. When I got to the house, I heard he had passed on. I have to stand in for my elder brother who is in America to see how we can put heads together to give him a befitting burial.”

“He was a good man” He spoke further: “My father was a good man and I am sure God will forgive him his sins. He did his best for us to have trained 12 children to the highest level. It is not an easy thing. So, I think he had done his best as a Godfearing man. God, in his infinite mercy, will forgive him his sins and accept him into his blossom.”

Background “He was born in the year 1942 and joined the Navy at the age of 19, rising through the ranks to retire at the age of 56 as a commander in Lagos. He worked in Lagos and Port Harcourt. His last assignment was at Victoria Island in Lagos. He was the Manager of Ship Right. He was a ship builder. After his retirement, he had been living a quiet life. He was a church person, always in church. He was a Christian father and was once Harvest Committee Chairman.”

No premonition “He did not have any premonition of his death. He was in the house when he told my mother he was stepping out in the morning and that was it. At about 10am, like I was told, he went to the bank, received money and felt being trailed.

They said he came down, did not have any altercation with the people before they said, “Where is the money?” He gave them his purse and was begging them not to kill him.

‘Please do not kill me’, he had pleaded. And the next thing he heard was gunshots. My mother said about 15 bullets were seen on the scene of the accident.

So, there was no way he could have survived it, except by God’s miracle. My

•Pa Ikre

mother said his legs were shattered as well as his stomach, where the bullets pierced through; he lost a lot of blood.”

Police arrived scene “Police came to the scene. I think from what I heard, the police came, rushed him to a private hospital but I think by then, he had lost so much blood. They said they tried to put him on drip and all that, but it was a lost case. From the hospital, they took him to the morgue.”

Investigation “The Naval Command are meeting with the Area Commander to see how far they have gone with the investigation but from what I gathered, it was even the DPO that moved the body to the morgue, and that he was even there when my father was at the hospital. In this regard, I think they said he did his best. That was after the crime was committed.”

What I will miss about my dad “He did not talk too much.

He was a military man to the core. He could stare at you and laugh but he did not talk too much. He was always brief and to the point. He was

a home person”, the son concluded.

Early callers speak One of the early callers to the house and a cousin to the deceased, Prof. Williams Odiete could not hide his feelings: “I was very devastated when I heard the news and it was a very painful realization. We are both first cousins. I am older.

For how much will they kill him? What did he go to collect in the bank? He has no project going on that he will collect big money; this is very painful. He was a clean, good, humble and honest gentleman; homely and hard working.”

Another close family friend, an ENT surgeon and a retired director in the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ochini also voiced out his feelings: “In my medical school, the first son was my junior. We came to know ourselves from the Catholic community. I was the Secretary then, while the first son, Dr. Ikre, was neckdeep in Catholicism until I found out about his parents and where they came from.

They are very good Christians. He was very jovial. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—43

Africa has no

business with poverty •Says: Our enemy is ignorance, not poverty •I wept when people attacked me, stalled my aeronautic university project

R

enowned international preacher, Rev. (Dr.) Uma Ukpai, in this interview speaks on the state of the nation and his forthcoming miracle convention arguing that prayers have kept Nigeria from disintegration among other issues.

The miracle convention We are bringing eight speakers who are anointed men of God. Remember we don’t have the same callings and measures of anointing. Solomon was anointed in wisdom, creativity and imagination. He was anointed to generate and create wealth. Elijah was anointed to bring down the power of God and do the seemingly impossible. He was a man who could compel God to cancel His programme in Heaven and come down to this world to do his bidding. Elisha could heal various sicknesses and also demonstrate the miracle of judgment. Not everybody has such anointing. So, we are going to bring teachers with various anointing. There are people like Solomon who can help you know how to generate wealth, there are others who can confront any type of sickness and it will disappear.

There are others who can show the limitless possibilities of God. Not everybody can do that. So, in this programme which we have been doing for over 10 years now, we are going to bring different preachers to demonstrate these various anointing of God upon them. We are also bringing the best musicians in this country who will lift worship to a higher level.

What people don’t know is that songs are invitation that God cannot refuse, they are higher than prayer. Paul and Silas prayed and nothing happened and they resorted to praises and then God came down and did the impossible. I am an Apostle of music, I brought musical instruments to the East in 1972.

I am happy that music is now accepted in all churches. When my first son became crippled, songs brought him back to good health.

Musicians are considered to be gifted and talented. They raise worship to a level that God cannot work in His office until He has answered our prayers. It will start on a Sunday on Sunday, December 13 and end on December 20. We are going to provide about 50 buses daily. So, it will be a programme where first class preachers and worshippers will be on the same platform. I am talking about those who can bring down the glory and anointing of God. C M Y K

Because I am based in Uyo, I desire that people should be able to walk into the presence of God and have their problems turn into promotions.

Challenge to pastors A pastor’s conference has also been lined up as part of the programme. The only mountain in life is the mountain of ignorance. Pastors don’t need to be paid by any church. They should be a blessing to their members. At a meeting held recently in PortHarcourt, I announced that the fibroid in 100 women will shrink without prayer and when we counted the number, we had 168. I announced that God will heal 1,000 people without prayers and when we counted, we had more than 1,200. Pastors should know that they are sent by God to turn lamentations into laughter; turn disgrace to grace and turn disappointments to super natural appointments. If prayer and counsel can make a hopelessly wretched man one of the 10 richest Nigerians, then their stories will change. A man who was owing virtually everybody and after my prayers he became one of the richest Nigerians. He brought five SUVs to thank me for that exercise. He paid about N55 million to get one of the SUVs. When I hear that pastors cry to their members to pay their salaries, I laugh. If they can make 40 barren women to get pregnant

The leaders of MASSOB were here, asking me to lead them. I said to them if you want me to lead you, you must drop your agitation, carry the Bible and become what the Bible wants you all to be

•Rev. (Dr.) Uma Ukpai...

The hand of God is upon this country

in one year, these women will come back with songs and dances.

So, we want to tell other pastors that by saving others, God will not forsake them. There was a time we had 10 cripple walk in one day.

One of them incidentally was my sister-in-law’s child who had been crippled after multiple accidents.

The bones were broken and after six surgeries, she did not walk. She came to that meeting and got the miracle. I was excited because, the miracle came from my in-law because you will always live to see the result of that miracle.

Impact of prayers on Nigeria It is difficult to say in clear terms but suffice to say that except what the Christians are doing in form of prayers, there would have been no Nigeria. We are where we are because of the prayers being offered everyday. If not for God’s mercy, Boko Haram would have crushed this nation long time.

Again, if not for these prayers, the level of poverty would have overwhelmed this nation. How we survive economically remains a puzzle. There are states where workers have not been paid for nine months and for the fact that they are alive is a miracle. There are bad roads in the East but God has made it possible for the people to survive.

Certainly, the hand of God is upon this country. We ought to have disappeared from this planet earth. That we are still here shows that God loves us so much.

Boko Haram, Biafra agitation If our leaders can listen to the agitators and answer their question, there will be peace generally. The leaders of MASSOB were here, asking me to lead them. I said to them if you want me to lead you, you must drop your agitation, carry the Bible and become what the Bible wants you all to be. The Jews prosper everywhere they go

without any government supporting them. The Jews are great in creativity and wisdom.

They are not just rich in money, they are rich in imagination. They have turned a barren land into a fruitful land. So, hold on to God, He will turn our state of confusion into a state of fruitfulness.

N1billion polytechnic project I have already completed the Administrative block of 92 rooms, e-library and laboratories for Computer Engineering and Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics. I am presently completing two hostels for about 400 students. I have also completed a three-storey building for the Rector and the Bursar. I have brought in a dome from Canada and it will serve as Multipurpose hall for 1500 students.

Right now, we are tarring the road.

We established a General Hospital about 15 years ago and now, we are tarring our second hospital.

Education is the greatest catalyst to success in life. The difference between Africans and Europeans is our lack of desire for knowledge. We don’t hunger for knowledge; we don’t even know what knowledge can do for us. For example, no African has any reason to be poor. The most fertile land under the sun is Equatorial Guinea followed by Cameroun.

Nigeria is so greatly fertile and the number one oil producing nation in Africa and sixth in the whole world and yet we are hopelessly poor. Ghana has been digging gold for more than 200 years and yet so poor. The best Uranium is found in Congo. While the white man is busy making good use of the uranium, the Africans there are busy killing one and other. The best copper in the world is found in Liberia and the Europeans who are processing this copper live like kings and our brothers live like

servants. You see poverty everywhere in the midst of plenty.

Twenty-five per cent of diamond processed in history is done in Angola, yet you go there, you get angry. The best meat under the sun is found in Botswana, best coffee found in Uganda. Sudan is stupendously rich. So, Africa has no business with poverty but when you are led by people who don’t know what the question is, they can’t give you the right answers.

Wisdom brings you out of poverty to a place of honour. I had wanted to build an aeronautic university where aircrafts will be assembled and serviced. I really had about $1billion from one of my friends set aside for the project.

I had already begun to pay for 15 miles square of land when people began to attack me that I was building to rule over them. I wept.

Poverty I asked former Prime Minister of Cameroun why the people are poor in spite of the wealth with which they are naturally endowed. You see, Cameroun can produce 20 miles square plantain plantation but stupidly, they have signed everything to France. Missionaries in that country can’t pick their bills. I told one of them that I can raise N10 million equivalent in 30 minutes. But they can’t raise that money even in one month.

I raised that money in 30 minutes and I demanded for 40 per cent of that money as my reward. It is knowledge that made a white man to invent an aircraft. Nigerians do not know how to refine crude oil; we depend on knowledgeable people from other parts of the world. As a result, we don’t know how many barrels we produced a day. Can’t you see how ignorance is dancing with us and mocking us at the same time?

44—SA TURD A Y Vanguard , NOVEMBER 28—2015 44—SATURD TURDA

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—45

Paris climate confab and petro economies

T

he annual Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations global treaty on climate change starts on Monday, November 30 to December 11, 2015 at Le Bourget in beleaguered Paris in the aftermath of the multiple terror attacks where 129 people were killed a fortnight ago. The COP is the supreme body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to make nations have a legally binding and universal agreement on climate to keep global warming below 2p C. The French President Francois Hollande, addressing security concerns on the Paris COP 21 with expected 50,000 participants (including government official and civil society delegates ) in a joint session of his country’s parliament, assured it would go ahead to show that the world must stay united against terrorism.

Growing concerns on global warming have led to calls for reduction of greenhouse emissions into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases act like blanket around the earth, trapping energy in the atmosphere and causing it to warm. This warming of the earth’s surface as a result of atmospheric pollution by gases is the greenhouse effect.

Although the greenhouse is

necessary to support life on earth, rising global temperatures have caused polar icecaps melting, oceans warming and sea levels rising with changes in rainfall resulting in floods, droughts or intense rain as well as frequent and severe heat waves. Warm climate affects water supplies, agriculture, power and transportation systems, health, safety and environment.

From the United States Environmental Protection Agency human activities over the past century have released a lot of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases into the atmosphere with dangerous effects on human health and ecosystems and indeed the ozone layer depleted.

Scientists discovered the hottest years of the last century came after 1990 with the hottest being 1998. A lot of greenhouse gases come from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) to produce energy. Industrial processes, deforestation, solid waste, and some agricultural processes also emit gases into the atmosphere.

The international climate negotiations are to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases linked to climate change. The discourse is the reduction of fossil fuels

for energy and replaced with renewable energy sources to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable energy like biofuel (ethanol and biodiesel), biomass, geothermal, solar, hydropower and wind are naturally generated energy.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that by 2030, renewable energy could become the world’s largest source of electricity ahead of conventional sources of coal, natural gas, oil and nuclear power.

The Group of 7 (G7) industrialised nations summit in Bavaria, Germany on June 8, 2015 pledged to rid the global economy of fossil fuels by the end of the 21st century. German Chancellor and G7 summit host Angela Merkel had told reporters they are committed to the decarbonisation of the world economy.

Observers believe the joint declaration may not have the bite considering the scramble for global oil

Natural gas with low carbon dioxide emissions is now preferred to coal by super majors from countries discouraging petroleum energy usage.

Would the United States yet to sign the 1997 Kyoto Protocol ratify any treaty to reduce carbon dioxide emissions?

Three heavy global emitters of carbon dioxide: China (27.6 percent), United States (14.5 percent), and India (6.7 percent) have not accepted the Lima 2014 legal framework that would obligate them to pay for CO‚ emissions.

I

am rereading Emefiena Ezeani’s book, In Biafra Africa Died, The Diplomatic Plot and the news ran into me “…Biafra died in 1970 – Ohaneze ndi Igbo.” The two titles struck me and I think I have some comments to make. I am aware that a lot have been said about Biafra; while some people think that it is mischievous for anybody or group of people to resurrect Biafra, some believe that it is the right of citizens to be involved, if they so wish, in self determination. But I must confess, I have not read much of what people have said recently. Last week, The Guardian Newspaper sought to speak with me, I was quiet hesitant as usual—you know journalists and their problems—then eventually I consented to their request. The first question I was asked about the now popular agitation for an independent State for ndi Igbo is whether it is viable. Viability will not be in the sense of economic or cultural significance but in terms of unanimity. Many observers believe that secession is not likely the consensus of opinion of all ndi Igbo and I started my comments from there. As an Igbo man, the temptation is for people to ask me what and how I feel about the agitation. I regard Nigeria as a diplomatic marriage and marriage is beautiful. However, there is a provision for divorce if at any point, marriage becomes traumatic. But because there is a provision for divorce does not mean that all marriages, which experience turbulence, must end in divorce. This is an opinion of Olusegun Obasanjo, which I share.

I want to feel the situation, under discussion, as a human being first; then I will feel it as an African, and as it is now, also feel it as a Nigerian and finally as an Igbo man. As a human being, I will struggle to look at the matter dispassionately, since that is the angle I have chosen to operate from. I am not very sure I am comfortable with struggles by nations (not sovereign C M Y K

Diplomatic marriage and divorces: mother Nigeria, hear thy children sovereignty of ndi Igbo is out of the countries) because there is a thin line demarcating freedom fighting and insurgency especially when there is a likelihood of mild presence of terrorism. In self determination bids, there are bound to be terrorist tendencies, either subtle, in relation to vituperations and other verbal jibes; or full violence, in relation to utilization of weapons. I recognize the fact that every group of people can form and operate National Movements and it is subtly implied that nations cannot be denied the right to self determination. For this reason, if a

The mark of Biafra is indelible on many of us group of people under a larger sovereign umbrella desires secession, it should be given an opportunity to articulate its desires and through properly articulated points, negotiations will begin as to the viability of such desires. So the case of viability in terms of agitation for the

question. Like any other group of the people of this world, that group has a right to do so.

I am an African and a witness to what is happening in the continent. In not too distant a time, Africa has passed through political turbulence and one can easily call to mind the case of Sudan. Eventually, a referendum was called for and there emerged an independent state of South Sudan. It appears to be a good story but it does not parade the usual romantic sweetness of the “happy ever after ” order. Nevertheless, nerves were calmed and relative general peace came. I also recall the suggestion of the ousted Libyan strongman, Gaddafi, when he advised Africa’s largest country, Nigeria, to split along the lines of religious and ethnic realizations. He thought that since that has worked in other areas like his own country, India, etc; it needed to be given a chance in Nigeria. While I lived in the USA, I had friends from other African countries who related with me as fellow Africans. A Ghanaian brother of mine at one time agreed to a United West Africa, under the condition that Nigeria should remain out of it as an autonomous sovereignty. His reason for that proposal is to avoid transference of the complications of Nigeria to other West African States. I take that to mean that

However, natural gas with low carbon dioxide emissions is now preferred to coal. China which heavily relies on coal, is now bowing to internal pressure on the dangers of smog in Beijing and 15 major cities making her to increase renewable capacity in solar energy. Last June, Norway reacted with plans to divest its $890 billion sovereign wealth fund from coal assets.

Technologies developed in energy sources including renewables may soon render liquid fossil fuels useless.

One’s concern is on climate change but one’s greater worry is the socioeconomic implications on economies that are heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Some OPEC members’ survivals hang on petroleum with some respected global institutions using global warming reduction as bait to push for fossil fuel subsidies withdrawal. These may fuel global political destabilisation owing tensions if not properly addressed.

The United States is already producing flexible fuels vehicles E85 and M85 that run on (ethanol 85 percent and gasoline 15 percent) and (methanol 85 percent and gasoline 15 percent) respectively. Saudi-led OPEC oil embargo of 1973/74 destabilised American economy that in four decades she developed technologies that are reducing production costs thus culminating in present oil glut.

U.S. researchers are recording breakthroughs in artificial photosynthesis that seeks to mimic the action of plants in capturing energy from the sun to produce biomass by breaking down water and combining it with carbon dioxide to power vehicles, planes and ships, reports Darrell Delamaide of Oilprice.com.

Number one auto maker, Toyota plans to transform its product line with the goal of selling very few if any conventional gasoline vehicle by 2050.

Nigeria needs to decongest first. These and other indications show that Nigeria requires a proper diagnosis in order to identify her ailments.

Let me now talk as a Nigerian. The story of Biafra ended indeed in 1970.

But did it end in truth? It is to me, one of the several stories that ended without conclusion. So what is happening now is a quest for conclusion. It is not out of place to search for conclusion but one must be extremely careful with such an endeavour because of the danger that could come out of it. However, one cannot legislate platforms for action in such an endeavour. For a people, like the Igbo of Nigeria, who have a strong sense of oppression and marginalization, any route perceived of capable of leading to freedom from oppression and marginalization is acceptable. They may not be particular about marked targets because what remains of utmost importance is how to realize what they need (freedom, as they claim).

Finally, I am an Igbo man. I found myself in Biafra, during the hostilities for no effort of mine; in fact not even the effort of my parents. I cannot say whether we can say yes it was good or no, it was horrible but I recall a pathetic encounter I had with a colleague of mine at a US College (University), Prof. Judy Donaldson who asked me of the place called Biafra. She wondered why she doesn’t hear or read about that place anymore (part of the story that ended without conclusion). She recalled that while she was in High School, she made it a point of duty to drop in a dollar regularly for the victims of malnutrition in Biafra. These victims were mostly children. I was so touched by what she said and impulsively replied “thanks Judy for that kindness … I was one of those children that your dollar, one time and several times, saved.” I saw tears drop from her eyes.

What do I say to this? The mark of Biafra is indelible on many of us.

46—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

bring with great joy the wonderful Word of God I which God has placed in my spirit by His Spirit for you. It will surely bless you greatly.

Read on and receive the excellent word of truth.

In judges 11:1-8,”Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of velour, and he was the son of an harlot; and Gilead begat Jephthah. And Gilead’s wife bare him sons, and his wife’s sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father’s house; for thou art the son of a strange woman. Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him. And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel. And it was so that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob: and they said unto Jephthah, come and be our Captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.

And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, did not ye hate me, and expel me out of my father’s house? And why are ye come unto me now when ye are in distress? And the elders of Gilead, said unto Jephathah, therefore we turn again to thee now that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.

Jephthah, the bible says was a mighty warrior but he was the son of an harlot. This mean that to man he was a no good. But thinking about it, Jephthah did nothing to C M Y K

You shall be located bring himself into this world and yet he had to face the consequences. Today, some of you may be passing through situations for which you have no role in it. You may have been implicated in a case for which you know nothing about. You may even be in prison for an offence you did not commit. But even at that God is working things out for your good. Your present predicament is not the end of life.

Jephthah’s brothers took a decision to thrust him out of their father’s house saying that he will not inherit any part of their father’s wealth.

They decreed it against him.

But do you know, God wants to tell you that the decree of

your enemies shall fail. It shall not stand for you shall surly possess your possession and inherit you portion in Jesus Name.

When they thrust Jephthah out of their father’s house they thought that would be the end of Jephthah. They rejoiced that they have done away with him but they failed to realize that no man, no devil, no foul power has the final say or control over any child of God. When Jephthah was kicked out, he did not moan his situation, he did not turn to alcohol, women, drugs etc, instead he went with men to perfect the art war. For you, how do you handle your moment of trial/waiting?

Spend such time worshipping

God and doing that which is right because those who thrust you out are on their way to you. Don’t let them come for you and see you as a hopeless person.

God allowed the Ammonites to wage war against the children of Israel knowing full well that there was no one in Israel’s camp to lead them. If you are called today to become the managing director, or editor, or Chief medical officer, or a pastor, an Evangelist etc, will you be ready for such a post.

Don’t spend your precious time on frivolities. Life is too costly for such things. Start now to develop yourself more so in the area of your gifts and talents.

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; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C 1011711622.

Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 7.45 am – 9:15am; 2nd service 9:15 – 11:30am. Wednesday World 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 – 7.15am.

Beloved, I speak to you that no one reckon with, that the same people who do not reckon with you will come to look for you. God will put your enemies in a place where nothing can rescue them until they come to locate you even as they located Jephthah.

They will make proposals to you but you will have the final say.

From our text in Judges, they requested for Jephthah to become Captain of the army but he declined because after the war he could be kicked out, and so the people offered him to be their king as well as be the Captain of the army which he gladly accepted because it fulfills the scripture that says that you shall be the head and not the tail.

You that is reading this message, you shall surely become the head. Your business, your efforts, your application, the runaway wife etc, shall be located in Jesus name. It is well with you and all that concerns you. Write and share your wonderful

testimony with me.

Now listen to this.

Everything in life begins with a seed. And a seed in your hand is only a potential forest not unless it is released. Every seed produces a great harvest.

We encourage you to prayerfully consider sowing a generous seed in our ministries to enable us continue to take the reality of Christ to the people. Our contact details are below. Our partners are constantly in our prayers and their lives abound with countless testimonies.

Do you want to experience a turning point in your life?

Then you must receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. To receive Him, pray this prayer. Father, your word says that whosoever shall call upon the name of Jesus shall be saved. I hereby call upon the name of Jesus, Break every covenant between me and the devil, and make me a new person. Fill me with your Holy Spirit.

Thank you Father for saving me.

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48—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

FG to offset N10bn premiums owed insurance companies

By Favour Nnabugwu

R

ESPITE came the way of Nigerian insurance industry yesterday, as the Federal Government promised to offset outstanding premiums owed the sector as soon as the economic situation of the country improves.

Cumulative premium on group life insurance owed the insurance industry by the Federal Government was said to be in excess of N10 billion.

Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, at the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) 2015 staff retreat in Abuja said government was cautious of its debt

to the sector and will endeavour to clear it as soon the nation recovers from the economic downturn.

Adeosun said, “government meeting its responsibility of paying premiums to some extent is a challenge; you will also agree with me that there is a serious situation in the country in terms of revenue that accrues to government.

“The tasks ahead are onerous and it is the expectation of government that the Nigerian insurance industry should wake up to its responsibilities and as a potential growth area of our economy, it must accept the challenges of change.

“It must surmount its timidity, shape up and contribute to the turn around of the economy.

It must contribute positively to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creation of employment. It can achieve these by cleaning itself of the bad eggs within itself and by improving its services to its consumers.”

Welcoming the various cadres of staff of NAICOM earlier, the Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari, noted that the insurance industry has made frantic efforts at recovering Federal Government’s outstanding premiums owed the companies.

Anambra N75bn controversy: Awka Bishop slams Peter Obi

T

HE Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has urged Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State to ignore what the cleric described as “fictitious and poisonous” stories allegedly being circulated in the state by media aides of former Governor Peter Obi. Ezeokafor in a press statement in Awka said the people should support Obiano in the task of taking the state to greater heights.

The statement regretted that Obi’s media aides went on what it called, “cyber slaughter, mowing down notable Igwes and Bishops with their poisonous stories on Facebook and circulating cruel rumours about the fictitious death of Governor Obiano’s wife.

“Curiously, while they carried out all these mindless attacks on innocent citizens and sacred religious and traditional institutions in the state on behalf of their boss, there was no call for restraint from former Governor Obi. “We are worried about the seeming streak of insincerity, beginning from the dubious claims over the contentious N75 billion and the brazen attempts to force-feed Anambra people with morsels of salacious lies and fabrications that no true Knight of the Catholic Church would give his support whether overtly C M Y K

or covertly.

“We wish to state clearly that the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has suffered vicious attacks on social media for 19 months and has risen to refute the falsehood of the contentious N75 billion.

Meanwhile, Obiano has dismissed a recent statement credited to Obi reportedly urging caution over the disputed N75 billion purportedly left in government coffers by the former Governor. The Governor in a

press statement described Obi’s reaction as “later day conversion to an apostle of peace.”

Obiano in the statement also ordered his social media team and all his supporters to refrain from any bitter exchanges with people whose sole aim is to heat up the political space in Anambra State with false and negative stories and directed his supporters to focus on creating awareness on the great policies, programmes and achievements of his administration.

Infraction: SEC sets up N5bn Investors’ Protection Fund ...pegs compensation at N200,000

By Nkiruka Nnorom

T

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has set aside N5 billion as a seed capital to jump start the National Investors Protection Fund (NIPF) to compensate investors who may suffer pecuniary losses in the course of their transaction in the capital market.

The NIPF is a scheme being promoted by the SEC to compensate investors that suffer pecuniary losses due to the insolvency, bankruptcy or negligence of a capital market operator (CMO) and defalcation committed by a CMO or any of its directors, officers, employees or repre-

sentatives in relation to securities, money or any property entrusted to, or received or deemed received by the capital market operator in the course of its business.

The NIPF, according the set of rules approved by the SEC’s Board earlier in the year, will apply only to defalcations by insolvent or bankrupt capital market operators that are not dealing members of any Securities Exchange or Capital Trade Points. Accordingly, the NIPF will be for the purpose of compensating investors whose losses are not covered under the IPFs administered by Securities Exchanges and Capital Trade Points.

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50—SA TURD A Y Vanguard , NOVEMBER 28—2015 50—SATURD TURDA

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SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—51

Fire boss blames Owode Onirin poisonous gas emission on carelessness

Ambode saved my life,

THE Director Lagos Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, has attributed last Wednesday’s fire outbreak at Owode Onirin, along Mile 12- Ikorodu Road area of the state to what he described as the nonchalant attitude of residents in handling bush and refuse burning.

Fadipe stated this during the joint inspection of the scene by the officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, and the firefighters to determine the cause of the inferno and to prevent future occurrence.

He said that the incident was further heightened when people who unknowingly inhaled the toxic fumes emanating from the fire that gutted the cylinders, throwing the entire area into commotion.

“Seven cylinders exploded and unleashed havoc on the residents but we attacked the fire professionally.”

He said those affected by the fire were rushed to the Trauma Centre at the toll gate for further medical attention. According to him, people must avoid the temptation of setting bushes and refuses ablaze in the name of saving cost as such could escalate and consume valuables, including houses and even human lives. Chief Scientific officer Mrs. Moji Adepega, who led the LASEPA said that the acidic odour was suspected to be ammonia gas.

STORIES BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

says Ilenre, rights activist A

human rights activ ist and Chairman, June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations, Mr. Alfred Ilenre, has expressed gratitude to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, for his intervention to save his failing health.

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard, Ilenre explained that, “the governor took notice of my ailing health condition during the commemoration of this year’s June 12 1993 presidential election annulment, at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television, while I was being helped up the stage.

“When it was time to read my goodwill message, as I stood up, my legs started wobbling and I just blacked out.

“One of our very resourceful activists, a lady called Titilope Akosa, who is a member of the June 12 Coalition read my statement eloquently and then we outlined our tablet of issues that the

late governorship candidate of APC said Audu died after the collation of results of the governorship election held in the state last Saturday putting paid to insinuation of his death at the early hour of the day.

The immediate junior brother to the former governor, who is also the Orego Attah Igala, Alhaji Tijani Audu, revealed this in Ogbonicha also said there had been premonition about his death before the election.

He said contrary to insinuation that his brother died in the morning of Sunday, that he actually passed on after the Returning Officer for the election, Prof Emmanuel Kucha, declared the election inconclusive.

The junior Audu said the former governor listened and watched the collation of the results before he died, “I was with him when the

government should look into.

“Three days after the event I received a call from a doctor informing me that the governor had directed that my health condition be moni-

Oladapo, said that, “to date about 284 roads have so far been rehabilitated across Lagos State since the inception of Akinwunmi Ambode Administration’s through LSPWC.” According to Shodeinde, another set of 189 deplorable roads have been approved by the governor for immediate rehabilitation to be completed before the end of this year.

RESIDENTS of Ilamose, Ejigbo, Lagos State and the family of A H Ojo, aka Ojo Barber have finally reached a truce following fierce confrontation over the legality of land title in the area.

Few weeks ago, residents cried fouls counting their losses after alleged invasion of the community by miscreants suspected to be working for the Barber family who laid claims to the land.

The residents who are in their hundreds were served eviction notice by the Ojo Barber following a court judgment in its favour obtained at High Court.

Barrister Val Iwuchukwu on behalf of the community who is also Oloye Tunluse of Ejigbo and Ijan Land of Lagos State said, “ we are committed to the peaceful settlement of the matter and we will continue with the negotiations until normalcy returns.”

The government through the Special Adviser urged the parties to ensure that anyone who thwarts the peace of the community should be handed over to law enforcement agencies.

He therefore wrote to the Surveyor-General requesting that a Surveyor should be sent to the Conflict Resolution Forum to sit as a permanent member of the panel.

A letter was equally sent to the office of the Surveyor-General requesting for their assistance in ascertaining the authenticity of survey plans and to settle boundary issues by making clarifications.

The panel agreed to give the standing committee in the community the opportunity to work together and bring back their report. Both parties agreed to the resolution.

There was jubilation across the state. Even while his remains was brought out of his living room at about 1.45 pm for the Islamic prayers for burial, some youths in their hundreds were crowded in his Lokoja GRA house. celebrating his ‘resurrection’.

The burial was witnessed by the State deputy Governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, the National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, governor of Kaduna state, Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Jigawa state, Abubakar Badaru, one of his predecessors, Saminu Turaki, former governors Lucky Igbinedion, Abdukadir Kure, Rabiu Kwakwanso and George Akume.

Others were the deputy governorship candidate, James Faleke, the senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaiye, former Chief of Naval Staff, Jubril Usman among others.

On two occasions sympathisers, family members and political associates that thronged his expansive mansion in his

Ogbonicha village went into wild jubilation following the news that Audu had “resurrected”. The first incident was at about 11.00 am, while the people again jubilated at about 12 noon.

A prophetess had boasted that she will bring him to live. Family members resisted the ‘gesture’, but some sympathisers had to break the iron bar in one of the back entrances before the prayer warriors led by the prophetess could gain entrance into the building. She along with her comrade went into serious prayers proclaiming that he (Audu) has ‘woken’ up. At a point, those preparing the grave had to stop to ascertain if there efforts will still be necessary. The anxiety however subsided among the people when they waited for over one hour and the situation remained the same.

The corpse was however brought out wrapped with white cloth for burial. Symphatisers went for the prophetess’ head, she narrowly escaped being lynched by the mob.

tored, followed up and the appropriate steps taken.

“The following day, I was given a letter to go to Diagnostic Centre and they did about 12 investigations all over my body including the kidney, heart and then sent the result to the doctor.”

“I sustained a disorder in my left lung as a result of a fatal accident I had in Ghana in 1998, during the NADECO crisis, which was life threatening.

“Now, here is the governor, coming down from his position to say that my health should be looked after.

“I was taken to a Chinese Hospital in Ghana where extensive treatment was carried out and I spent six weeks there.

“Now I feel better than what I used to be. If it was in those days, I would not be able to speak for more than 10 minutes. I may not be as eloquent as I used to be when I was in my 30’s and 40’s. I will be 76

by January next year and that means a lot.”

Lagos commissions Ikotun-Ejigbo road RESIDENTS and motorists around Ikotun, Ejigbo, Isolo areas and environs may now heave a sigh of relief following the completion of the Ikotun Ejigbo road which is being commissioned today.

The road had been in deplorable condition for several years before the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode intervened through the Lagos State Public Works

AUDU: Signs of death before his fall Continues from page 18

•Gov Ambode

whole thing started, I was told in the morning of Saturday that he was sick and I called him to confirm but he said he was okay and will be coming to vote by 1pm and he came without showing any sign of sickness and we went together to vote.

“But the following day (Sunday) by 10 am I went there to see him and his children said he was having health challenges and was weak, I even advised that after the announcement of the result he should go abroad for treatment.

“After the collation of results and no winner was announced but he won 16 local government areas, the next thing was that people started crying and he could not even enter his vehicle again and he died before he could be taken to the hospital”.

The junior Audu however debunked the insinuation that the APC candidate might have died because of excessive drinking

Corporation.

Last July, Ambode ordered an immediate rehabilitation of the road with the aim of providing succour to motorists and residents of the area following outcry by residents over the poor state of the road which had been neglected by both the state and local governments in the past.

The LSPWC Head of Public Affairs Unit, Mr. Yomi

following his victory at the poll.

He said he had stopped his brother from drinking since the electoral process started, adding that he was only taking bottled water.

“Whatever happens to a Muslim, we accept it as an act of God, only God has the souls of human beings, human beings make mistake with the claim that somebody killed another person.

My brother has fought a good fight, it was a fight for survival and he really fought for his people.

“We heard that he will die even if he wins the election, we heard from many sources that he will not stay long after his victory, but whenever I tell him this he will tell me not to mind them, he said even if they will kill him, he I’ll fight for his people, now he is dead”.

AUDU’S RESSURECTION As if a fiery tale, story about his resurrection on burial day turned the atmosphere of the state into a frenzy, and it spread like wild fire.

Peace returns to Ejigbo community af ter land after dispute

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

Journalists as victims of police brutality him from pursuing his cherished career in journalism. “If anything, it has strengthened my resolve to be more professional.”

BY OGHENE OMONISA

L

ucky Nwanekwu has a dream. He wants to become a great journalist, a childhood dream that still burns in his heart, along with a passion prodded by his love for the profession as much as by his desire to sanitise society, promoting virtues and condemning societal ills towards achieving a better life for the people.

This was the driving force which propelled him to study media and mass communication at the Abia State University, Uturu. As part of his three-month Industrial Training (IT), young Nwanekwu was at Vanguard newspaper last year, where he distinguished himself covering the crime beat. With the award of a university degree only a year away, he returned this quarter on the same beat for the final IT. It was while on the job on Thursday, October 29 that Nwanekwu had his baptism of Nigerian police brutality.

There was an unconfirmed report that two policemen were allegedly killed the night before, by rampaging hoodlums in connection with a crisis that erupted between commercial motorcyclists (okada riders) and policemen in Ajao area of Lagos; a report which was however denied by Mr Fatai Owoseni, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, who said the Command did not lose any of its men.

The crisis was said to have erupted following protests by the okada riders over alleged seizure of their motorcycles by officials of Lagos State Task Force, who were said to be out to enforce the restriction of commercial motorcyclists around the axis, and the hoodlums were said to have hijacked the situation. This had led to the alleged burning by the commercial motorcyclists, of a police Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) stationed at Canoe Bridge linking Ajao with Ejigbo.

Always with an eye for news, Nwanekwu was at the scene the following morning to interview witnesses and to take shots of the shattered windscreens that littered everywhere, as well as the charred remains of the police vehicle. It was in the process of taking those shots that a policeman shoved Nwanekwu aside and battered him, asking why he was taking shots of the scene. All entreaties on the policeman who claimed to be from Area ‘D‘ Mushin C M Y K

Like Nwanekwu, like other journalists

•Lucky Nwanekwu Command, failed and two of his colleagues even joined in beating Nwanekwu.

Thereafter, they seized his mobile phone and whisked him away in their van, to Mushin. They attempted to throw him inside the cell, boasting that nobody could stop the move. It, however, took the intervention of a senior police officer who reprimanded them, for Nwanekwu who had bloodshot eyes and marks of violence on his chest and ribs, to be released. The encounter landed Nwanekwu at Vanguard’s clinic.

However, an angry CP Owoseni apologised for the excesses of his men, assuring that the Command would look into the matter, with a view to finding out the circumstances that surrounded the attack on Nwanekwu.

“The experience was like a nightmare”, Nwanekwu recalls with memories of the agonies he went through written all over his sad eyes.

“For a moment, I thought they were going to beat me to death.” However, he says the experience will not deter

It was in the process of taking those shots that a policeman shoved Nwanekwu aside and battered him, asking why he was taking shots of the scene

Nwanekwu’s case is only one in recent incidents of police brutality against journalists. On June 1, police attacked Muhammad Atta-Kafin-Dangi, Head of News, Radio Nigeria, after he covered a protest by okada riders in Gwagwalada, Abuja. KafinDangi said he was beaten, kicked, and pushed. He also said he showed his press card to the Gwagwalada police chief, who accused him of covering the protest without permission.

A day later, on June 2, police beat to comatose Victor Akinkuolie, a correspondent with Ondo State-owned The Hope newspaper. According to Akinkuolie, he had followed an alternate route after he saw a police car parked in the middle of the highway, disrupting traffic. He said officers followed him in their car, told him to stop and get out of his vehicle, and then beat him. One report said the attack was an attempt by the police to “deal with” Akinkuolie, who has exposed police intimidation in the past. A senior police officer familiar with the case said he would investigate the attack and ensure that appropriate action was taken.

It was perhaps the turn of officers of the Nigerian Prison Service penultimate weekend, when about 10 of them openly brutalised a Vanguard reporter, Mr. Emmanuel Elebeke.

The incident occurred at the premises of Court 2 of the FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja, when Mr. Elebeke took the photograph of six accused persons from Kuje Prison, who were standing trial for a murder case.

Though the shot was taken outside the courtroom, the officials demanded for his camera and, together with family members of the accused, descended on him.

The incident drew the attention of court officials, who came to the journalist’s rescue, but were overwhelmed. While one prison official was hitting the reporter with his gun butt, the others kicked him with their boots. The beating stopped only after they had

got hold of the camera and made away with it in an official bus with number plates: PS635A01.

Reacting, the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Paul Ella, has condemned the attack and insisted that the prison officers must be brought to justice.

Partners in progress

Journalism, like every other profession, is chosen primarily to earn a honest and decent living and not to bring pains and grief to its practitioners as well as their loved ones. As a job aimed at providing services to the people, both in promoting public good and protecting the rights of the citizenry, officers and men of the Nigeria Police as well as other law enforcement agencies will do well to realise that they need journalists to effectively carry out their constitutional role.

In the keynote address by Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, rhetorically but aptly titled “The media and government: Partners in development or sworn adversaries?” at the launch of the book, “Nigerian Media Leaders: Voices Beyond the Newsroom”, on September 22, 2015, at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Mr. Adesina best captured this relationship in the following words: “The nononsense former military ruler, who had enacted Decree 4, meant to gag and shackle the press in the performance of its legitimate duties, is now a converted democrat, and champion of freedom of that same press, seeing the institution as a vital building block in national development.

Instead of an adversary, President Muhammadu Buhari has turned full circle to see the media as allies, critical partners in the quest to build a worthy new Nigeria, a country that can hold its head high in the comity of nations.”

Officers and men of the Nigeria Police have clearly not imbibe the change mantra. They need to fall into line and begin to regard journalists as partners and allies and not adversaries as journalists and the police are supposed to be partners in progress. The earlier measures are put in place by both the Nigeria Police and members of the fourth estate of the realm to strengthen this bond, the better for the united struggle for a better society.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 28, 2015—53

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t its third edition of the Nigeria Credit Industry Award, Institute of Credit Administration (ICA), has recognised its professionals with an accolade for their outstanding performance for the year 2015. The award ceremony was a gathering of stakeholders in the nation’s credit business market; from lenders, borrowers, grantors of trade and business credits to credit managers, commentators and friends of credit business and economy.

The President and Chairman of the Council of the Institute of Credit Administration, Mr. Adetuji Oyebanji, in his speech said, the intention of the occasion is to celebrate individuals and corporate bodies, who have made outstanding marks in the nation’s credit market.

On the banks’ publication of their debtors, ICA unequivocally wants the CBN to amend its directive to commercial banks, thereby stopping them from further publication of names of their debtors on the pages of national newspapers as a debt recovery tool.

According to Oyebanji, the CBN’s directive to commercial banks in April this year had recommended that the exercise should be done on a quarterly basis in order to recover ‘bad debt’, the second quarter for such publication has commenced.

“While ICA is by no means holding brief for bad business debtors in the country, such practice is completely against best practices in credit management; we therefore ask the apex bank to immediately retrace her step in the best interest of Nigeria’s growing economy”.

Oyebanji cited reasons that Nigeria is a large economy, we want more people to

credibility as one of the strongest symbols of the national economy.

In addition, the Registrar of the Institute, Prof. Chris Onalo, said, whereas the primary objective is to get the debtors pay up whatever they are owing, the atmosphere does not portray Nigeria as an enlighten country. If you borrow from bank and the portfolio is not well managed you could crash land, but then there should be effective resolution mechanism that needed to be applied including legal action.

What has happened so far is not good.

You don’t do such thing in an economy that is looking to attract investors, that could be damaging”.

Reacting on the proposed N5000 by FG to pay unemployed youths, Prof.

Chris Onalo, said, it has a very far implication on the economy of the country. You don’t wake and say you will pay jobless people N5,000 on a monthly basis. Can you sustain it? The economy is not in its full swing, it is still import driven, the strength of the economy is shrinking which is the oil, industrial sector is still in comatose.

So how are you going to sustain that?

How many are the jobless people? Do we have accurate statistics and what guarantee do you put in place to prevent infiltration. How are you going to make budget that would go round, if you say that they are twenty thousand million people and you multiple N5000 by the number, I’m sure the government would not be able to sustain it. Rather, let there be massive effort to creating jobs, industries revitalised. That would go a long way.

IC A recognises industr ICA industryy professionals, cautions on danger of debt publication

L-R: WFM OAP (on-air-personalities) Bolatito Bez Idakula, Dr. Babatunde Okewale, Chairman, St. Ives Communications (owners of WFM 91.7), ), Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Managing Director, WFM 91.7 and Kiki Okeale, Executive Director, St. Ives Communications during the media facility tour of the brand new ultra-modern studios of the niche radio station for women and their families in Arepo, Ogun State, recently.

participate, including foreign investors, so this step can mar Nigeria’s business

Novo Health Africa tasks organisations on mental wellbeing

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he Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Novo Health Africa, Dr. Dorothy Jeff-Nnamani, has tasked organisations to invest in workers’ mental well-being in the same way they train them for organisational goal performance,, revealing that lack of ideas and poor performance due to mental depression of employees can kill an organisation faster than lack of fund.

Nnamani, who said this at an Executive Symposium in Lagos recently, advised organisations to adopt and maintain psychological safe work culture that is positive for their employees’ mental wellbeing.

Continuing, she said, the World Health Organisation (WHO), reports that “over 21 million Nigerians are living with one form of mental health challenge or the other and 20 per cent of this figure gets to access any form of early treatment.

The greater percentage remains hiding either due to stigmatization or ignorance.”

In addition, she said that Novo Health Africa, is a very responsible organisation that brings out public health issues and make it our responsibility to take to our different target audience, as you have witnessed decisions makers in different organisations across industry sector to enlighten them and create awareness on mental health.

In her welcome address, she explained that the prevalence of mental health problem in employees makes it a pressing issue in its own rights, saying further that the symposium was geared towards not only raising awareness, but st also to equip the 21 business executives on how to tackle work place mental depression to impact organisational productivity and C M Y K

profitability, hence the choice of the theme, “Salutem Reditus: What Your Competitors Do Not Know.”

Citing on research and statistics available, Nnamani, said, more than 2.5 million people in Lagos State have one form of mental disorder.

In the same vein, the Catalyst, Life Coach Extraordinaire, Mr. Lanre Olusola, said, “our mental wellbeing is very important because you can’t be fully well if you are mental and emotional unwell, saying that 95% of mental depression is caused by stress and 100% of stress is caused by a wrong believe and it’s important we manage our stress.

Olusola said, one of the causes of stress is because people sit for much hours at. He advised that every one hour you need to get up and walk around for 5 minutes and that would help you circulate more blood to your system and release tension around your waist and tension around your body.

A Psychiatrist, Dr. Maymunah Kadiri said, the increasing rate of mental depression is widely alarming, citing World Health Organisation report (WHO) that 2010 depression became a global crisis and with the increasing rate in 2020, depression will be number two killer disease and 2030, it will be number one.

Kadiri stressed that, unemployment, poverty, insecurity etc. are contributing factors of depression.

climate, saying that CBN must take steps to preserve its own institutional

Intel, Lenovo, Microsoft launch Best of Both Worlds eading IT firms, Intel, Lenovo and Microsoft, recently launched “Best of L Both Worlds” campaign at Ikeja, using the

riveting performance of contortionists who uniquely showcased the innovative and creative abilities of the Lenovo Laptop with the flexible movement of their bodies. The event which took place between Monday, November 16 and Sunday, November 22, 2015 solidified Intel’s pact with innovation and creativity in the Nigerian Information Technology industry.

Best of Both Worlds campaign launch in Nigeria highlighted the practicability of using the 2 in 1 device that offers the flexibility of a convenient switch between PCs and Tablets whenever and wherever. It also highlighted how consumers can get more productivity, creativity and selfexpression out of 2 in 1 device, for the price of one.

Speaking at the event, Marketing & PR Manager, Intel West Africa, Adim Isiakpona noted that Intel, in partnership with Lenovo

and Microsoft, was proud to showcase the Lenovo Yoga series to Nigerians as a package that offers its users the Best of Both Worlds in one unique and sleek device.

Isiakpona said that, the devices in the Lenovo Yoga Series are powered by Intel’s best processors and Microsoft office and windows capabilities. This affordable device gives innovation and flexibility a fresh meaning. The device is a laptop as well as a tablet, offering a dynamism for personal preferences of the user. We believe that the contortionists portray the uniqueness, flexibility, and exciting offerings of the device quite nicely.”

He added that, ‘’Through the Best of Both Worlds campaign, Intel remains committed to making sure that users are aware that the Lenovo Yoga series brings the flexibility of modern life to full view, and shows the exciting experiences offered by 2 in 1 devices.”

R-L: Yvonne Ebbi Executive Secretary, UWC Nigeria with Mark Wang, Founder/Chair of UWC Changshu China and the Guyana NC Member at the Grand Opening of UWC China...recently.

54—SA TURD A Y Vanguard , NOVEMBER 28—2015 54—SATURD TURDA

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SATURDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 28, 2015 — 55

Asoju Oba

Cup’ll produce exciting

Anything can happen Y against Barca —Sociedad

uri Berchiche wants to see Real Sociedad stand up to Barcelona when the sides meet today but acknowledges the fierce form of the Catalans.

“If Barca can put six past Roma…We have to go to Camp Nou with the same attitude we displayed the other day at Anoeta,” he said, Marca reports.

“It’s going to be very difficult but we go there with a little more confidence. We’ll do everything

champions —Yesufu

possible so they don’t feel at ease. “We’ll have to use all of our weapons to try and get something positive. But we saw how lost Roma were. Barca come at you from all angles.

Anything can happen in a match.”The game will be Eusebio Sacristan’s second in charge and Yuri commended the former Barca coaching staff member for his work so far.

“The other day in the

Milan brace up for Sampdoria battle

C

adbury ’s Head of Corporate and Government Affairs, West Africa, Bala Yesufu believes this year’s Asoju Oba Molade Okoya•Neymar Thomas Table Tennis Championship will live up to the ideals of its founder, the late Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas. th The 47 edition of the Asoju Oba Cup strokes off next Monday, November 30 at Teslim Balogu Stadium in Surulere, with ping-pongers jostling for 21 eyepopping trophies.

Speaking during the briefing to herald the longest-running table tennis event in the country, Yesufu, who was the prime mover of the now rested Heineken Tennis Futures, said he was confident that the family of the deceased can deliver a mindblowing tournament. ‘’I am not surprised that the tournament is holding this year because Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, the Oloye of Oloyes is still very much alive. What we have seen is a demonstration of the fact that he lived so well and people felt excited to come here to honour him. ‘’I’m very excited that the place was filled to the brim. This is about the best press conference that we have had on this tournament in the last 47 years. I remain connected to the deceased.

You will recall that baba used to call me Oloye Kekere but I used to argue with him that there is no Oloye Kekere because Oloye is Oloye and he was the Oloye:”, added Yesufu.

Speaking further, the board member of the Nigeria Tennis Federation said ‘’I see table tennis development getting better even after his death. It is true that two people cannot be the same but I am confident that with the experience of people like us around the family, I believe we will sustain the gains of this tournament. If we all come together to team up with them, come up with new initiatives, I am sure we will do better than when Oloye was alive. And I expect the tournaments to produce new •Yesufu and exciting talents, who will go on to become stars in table tennis ‘’, added Yesufu.

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second half we could see what he wanted. The difference with Eusebio is he likes the goalkeeper as another player and we saw that,” Yuri continued. “It’s been two weeks with these ideas. We try to control the ball and press when we lose it. It didn’t go as we wanted with David Moyes.

“Eusebio likes the full-backs to get high up the pitch. I’m trying to enjoy it and I’m happy. We have to keep working.”

A •Antonelli

s Milan host Sampdoria tonight in a Serie A match, Milan defender, Luca Antonelli is under no illusions about how difficult the match will be.

“We’re expecting a tough game, partly because Sampdoria have just changed Coach, and because every team which come to San Siro want to do well.

“The boss [Sinisa Mihajlovic] will decide the formation, we’re preparing well because it would be an important win for our position in the table.”

The Rossoneri have four Serie A games before the Christmas break, and currently lie 10 points behind their city rivals Inter, who are leading the League.

“We’re obliged to do well, we’re Milan.

We’re facing teams within our reach. Let’s also not forget the Coppa Italia match against Crotone, which is very important for us.

“A team does well, above all if there’s a good group, that’s the basis of everything. We have great players, and being a group will help us to finish as high as possible’’, added Antonelli.

Muller, Boateng going nowhere

—Bayern B

ayern Munich chairman KarlHeinz Rummenigge is adamant the Bundesliga champions will not allow any key players to leave at the end of the season.

Stars such as Jerome Boateng and Thomas Muller have also been linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena, but Rummenigge is bullish about Bayern’s chances of keeping hold of their top talent.

“I can reassure you that I am almost certain nobody who we do not want to leave will leave Bayern Munich next summer.

We want to keep our squad together, with all the quality we have. We will hold contract talks with a number of players, but I will not mention their names right now out of respect.

Renewal talks will take some time, because negotiations generally take more than a couple of days.”

•Muller

SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

Bumper sports stories Road to Rio Olympics:

Nigeria

on pages 33,34,35and 55

dig for Olympics ticket >>34-35

Today’s Fixtures EPL Aston Villa v Watford 4pm v Everton 4pm Bournemouth Crystal Palace v Newcastle 4pm Manchester City v Southampton 4pm Sunderland v Stoke City 4pm Leicester v Man Utd 6:30pm LA LIGA Barcelona Atletico Madrid Malaga Las Palmas Celta Vigo

v v v v v

BUNDESLIGA Bayern Munich Hannover 96 Hoffenheim Mainz Werder Bremen

v Hertha Berlin 3:30pm v FC Ingolstadt 04 3:30pm v M’gladbach 3:30pm v Frankfurt 3:30pm v Hamburg 3:30pm

SERIE A Torino AC Milan

v Bologna v Sampdoria

LIGUE I Paris St Germain Angers Gazelec Ajaccio Nantes Reims Toulouse

Real Sociedad 4pm Espanyol 6:15pm Granada 8:30pm Deportivo 10pm Sporting Gijon 10:05pm

v Troyes v Lille v Lorient v Bastia v Rennes v Nice

6pm 8:45pm

5pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm

EREDIVISIE Heerenveen v Roda JC Kerk 6:30pm Excelsior v Feyenoord 7:45pm v Willem I 8:45pm FC Twente

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 President, Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Mr. Solomon – (4) 3 L.G.A in Imo state – (8) 7 Meadow – (3) 8 State in Nigeria known as “God’s own State”? – (4) 9 Former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru – (4) 10 Sierra-Leone Currency – (5) 12 Switzerland President, Mrs. Simonetta – (9) 16 Niger State Capital – (5) 19 Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon – (5) 20 Singapore’s First President, Yusof – (5) 22 Traditional Ruler of Nembe – (9) 25 Afghanistan Capital City – (5) 27 L.G.A in Kogi State – (5) 28 Traditional Ruler of Nupe – (4) 29 Writing Fluid – (3) 30 Former Deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Chukwuemeka – (8) 31 Anambra State Capital – (4)

DOWN 1 Executive Director of Projects, Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Tuoyo – (8) 2 Warning Device – (5) 3 Former British Prime Minister, Mr. John – (5) 4 L.G.A in Kogi State – (9) 5 State in Nigeria known as “The Sunshine State”? – (4) 6 Super Eagles Striker, Ike – (4) 11 Hebrew Alphabet – (3) 13 Insect – (4) 14 Ebonyi State Capital – (9) 15 Japanese Premiership Club – (5) 17 L.G.A in Abia State – (4) 18 Ogun State Capital – (8) 21 Ocean – (3) 23 State in Nigeria known as “The Confluence State “? – (4) 24 Colour – (4) 25 Tunisia “Cartnage Eagles” Full-Back, Alaeddine – (5) 26 Igbo Girl’s Name – (5)

Solution on page 46

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