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MEND to Jonathan: Your assassination story not true By Emma Amaize

HE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, again yesterday denied that it planned to assassinate President Goodluck Jonathan, on October 1, 2010, as alleged by the President, saying that it was not true. President Jonathan had said at a PDP rally in Lagos Thursday that MEND tried to assassinate him on two separate occasions, pointing out that the leader of the organisation, Henry Okah, now serving a jail term in South Africa, was paid to assassinate him in 2010. This was even as an exmilitant general, Godsday Smith, alias Bouninawei (the god of the forest), yesterday, in Warri, Delta State, said there was no way ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region would abandon President Goodluck Jonathan for General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), just as he maintained that Jonathan’s indictment of ex-militants on plot to kill him was hasty and uncalled for, adding that there was no time exmilitants conspired against his government. Smith asked Jonathan to be bold enough to confront the North which was planning his downfall using the Boko Haram insurgents. However, MEND’s Spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, said, “We challenge President Jonathan to come out and reveal to the nation the names of the persons he claimed paid Mr Henry Okah to assassinate him. Goodluck Jonathan should also explain why these persons, as he obviously knows who they are, were not arrested, tried and convicted.” In an electronic mail by Gbomo, MEND said it was untrue that it planned to kill Mr President. “MEND views the President, Goodluck Jonathan’s recent campaign rally speech as the most outrageous and ridiculous speech by any President, where he openly accused Mr Henry Okah of being paid to assassinate him.” “Mr President, the MEND says thank you for vindicating every word in our recent statement of endorsement of General Muhammadu Buhari and for also solidifying your status.” “The MEND would like to state clearly that our endorsement of the All

Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential candidate, has absolutely nothing to do with Mr Henry Okah. “Nigerians may recall that prior to the bomb blast of October 1, 2010; the MEND issued a warning of an impending attack on Eagle Square, Abuja , where we also advised the public to stay clear of any parked vehicles to avert any casualties. These warnings were ignored by the Nigerian security agencies, hence the unfortunate and regrettable casualties. “If as Goodluck Jonathan claimed, that he was a target of an assassination attempt, why did we issue a prior warning? Where in this world would an assassin warn their targets in advance of an attempt on their lives? This allegation by Goodluck Jonathan, further confirms our earlier assertion of how he takes Nigerians as stupid as he seems to have forgotten how he openly came out to absolve MEND of any involvement in the attack. “Rather than address his administration’s failures, he chose to descend so low by using a very cheap bare faced (method) to get sympathy. Is this the kind of President the country wants to be stuck with for another four years of misery? “On the National Dialogue report, Goodluck Jonathan has finally resorted to cheap blackmail by urging the nation to vote for him as a condition to implementing the report. What a blatant insult! Despite all the billions of Naira spent on that jamboree? “At this point, the MEND urges the nation to use the power of their votes in securing this great country from the claws of Jonathan’s corrupt and inept government and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.” Also in his reaction to Jonathan’s allegation, an ex-militant general, Godsday Smith, said there was no way ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region would abandon President Goodluck Jonathan for General Buhari, just as he stressed that there was no time ex-militants conspired against his government. He told Saturday Vanguard on phone in Warri that the controversial endorsement of All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, by

the non-operational Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, was a manipulation by the party. Though, he rebutted the claim by President Goodluck Jonathan that MEND plotted to kill him he stated, “Jonathan is our son, there is no way ex-agitators of Niger Delta will support Buhari against their son, President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 general elections.” His words: “The APC manipulated the purported online statement with the name of MEND to boost their dying camp and I want to say that such treachery should stop forthwith. “There was no time MEND issued any press statement against President Ebele Jonathan, the purported online statement was

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Mr. Owolabi Bankole and Chief Alani Bankole when the governor visited the Bankole family to condole with them over the demise of Chief Bankoke's wife, Adunni, in their Abeokuta residence. PHOTO: WUMI AKINOLA manipulated by APC and I use this medium to urge the general public and their numerous supporters to

disregard such as unfounded.” He stressed that exmilitants and the entire Niger

Delta region had confidence in Jonathan and had passed a vote of confidence on him.

CAMP AIGN CR OSSFIRE CAMPAIGN CROSSFIRE

Jonathan to Buhari: You do not fight corruption by throwing people into jail •To Women: Vote for Buhari and die in the kitchen By Francis Igata

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said his administration has fought corruption more than other past administrations in the country, asking the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, to tell Nigerians how it would tackle corruption if voted into power in the country. Jonathan spoke in Enugu while flagging off his second term re-election and governorship campaign at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium. The South East flagoff rally attracted a large crowd of party supporters from the five south east states of Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi States. The President, however, tongue lashed the presidential candidate of the APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, saying that the former head of state wanted power to throw people into jail as was the case in 1983, when he threw into jail, Igbo politicians like the former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme, the former governors of old Anambra and Imo States, Chief Jim Nwobodo and late Chief Sam Mbakwe respectively among others out of sheer

wickedness. His words, ‘’Chief Alex Ekwueme; Sam Mbakwe were all thrown to jail by Buhari. Chief Jim Nwobodo was jailed 301 years before the successive administration released him. Corruption is fought by blocking loop holes where public funds are looted from. “We are fighting corruption through Information Communication Technology,ICT. Our method is technology driven. We have changed the way we do government businesses. The fertiliser distribution scheme, which go directly to farmers is a key example. “We have also modernised the system of salary disbursement through technology. This is one of the ways we are fighting corruption in the system. You do not fight it by locking people in Kirikiri and closing down their businesses. That is why the economy collapsed under Buhari’s watch. GENDER FRIENDLY Jonathan urged women in the country to vote for his re-election, saying that Buhari never appointed a woman in his cabinet as military head of state. He however, commended the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, governorship candidate in

Enugu State Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for towing his line by being a gender friendly governorship candidate. Cecelia Ezeilo is the running mate of Ugwuanyi. “Buhari never appointed any woman into his cabinet. Our women had all the qualifications and experience at that time. If you make the mistake of voting him, you will not be liberated. You will remain in the kitchen and die,’’ he said. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT Jonathan enumerated the achievements of his administration in the southeast geopolitical zone especially Enugu State to include the upgrading of the Akanu-Ibiam Airport to an international status saying that the airport would commence full international operations in 18 months. “I visited the international terminal as I landed. I told the contractor handling the project to shorten the completion time so that our people who are commerce driven can fly to any part of the world from Enugu. We have flagged off the EnuguPort Harcourt inter-city passenger mass transit train quite recently. “We have completed over 2,000 kilometres of roads in the region and built irrigation dams that will boost agriculture in the area. Our auto-mobile policies

have been friendly that is why Innosson and ANAMMCO are now rearing up their heads; assembling cars in the state. PVCs The President assured Nigerians that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had been directed to issue Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs, to all registered voters nationwide to enable all voters exercise their franchise during the forthcoming election. ECONOMY President Jonathan challenged the APC to tell Nigerians how it would change the economy for good other than the usual mantra of change which they had been continually mounting. ‘’Let them show us the material they parade that can change the economy. Buhari promised Nigerians heaven on earth more than 20 years ago. He could not achieve anything because he was more interested in throwing people into jail without any just cause. APC wants to take over government because they entrenched enemies locally and internationally. They are interested in creating more enemies Continues on page 6

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

Jonathan to Buhari: You do not fight corruption by throwing people into jail

CAMP AIGN CR OSSFIRE CAMPAIGN CROSSFIRE

2015: I will tackle unemployment, insecurity in South East, says Buhari By Anayo Okoli & Peter Okutu

HE Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari yesterday pledged to tackle unemployment and insecurity which had over the years plagued the people of the south east geopolitical zone in the country if elected president next month. He also said that his administration would stamp out armed robbery as it would focus on education and effective healthcare delivery in the country. Buhari spoke separately at Aba and Abakaliki, in Abia and Ebonyi States respectively while on his campaign tour of the South East. Speaking at a rally organized by the state chapter of the APC at the Peoples Club in Abakaliki, Buhari further explained that the APC administration would empower the zone especially Ebonyi State in the area of food production, human capital empowerment and entrepreneurial development and asked his party supporters to ensure that they obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs, to enable them vote for their preferred candidates during the elections. Earlier at Aba, in Abia State, Buhari had promised the commercial city of Abia State, that the commercial city and

indeed the entire South East will enjoy constant power supply if elected. He said that his administration would also tackle ecological problems in the zone, as well as fix the roads and tackle other infrastructure challenges in the zone.. In Ebonyi, the rally which was scheduled for 3pm was delayed till a few minutes after 7pm, when most members had waited for his arrival and left for their homes. Before his arrival, thousands of the party members in the state continued with their protest against attempts to impose some unpopular candidates as candidates during the forthcoming elections. At Aba, in Abia State, Buhari also, promised that

his administration would also tackle ecological problems affecting the zone. Speaking at Etche Road Primary School play field, Buhari said Aba in particular needed constant power supply because of the city ’s strategic importance to the economy of the South East region. He praised the ingenuity of the people of the South East, especially the entrepreneurs in Aba, assuring that if voted into office, his administration would provide financial assistance for Small and Medium Scale Enterprise, SME, managers to enable them support and grow their businesses thereby helping to grow the nation’s economy. The APC presidential hopeful also promised to

support agriculturists and the mining of untapped mineral resource deposited in the country as a way of depending less on oil as well as reducing unemployment. “The main concern of the APC is to ensure that there are no idle persons roaming the streets and becoming touts instead of becoming productive citizens. “We want to encourage the financial institutions to empower the small scale industrialists by giving soft credits. I assure you that in spite of the fall of crude oil prices, the APC will employ qualified, competent, patriotic Nigerians to manage our ministries so that competent and qualified Nigerians will get jobs and opportunity to perform”, Buhari said.

2015 polls: Agbakoba chides INEC’s shoddy preparation By Dapo Akinrefon

ORMER President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) yesterday lampooned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its alleged shoddy preparation for the February general elections, saying that the commission was not ready for the elections. Agbakoba, who however faulted calls for the postponement of the election noted that such move would be against the

constitution, that states that general elections should be held every four years. According to him, INEC lacks the fundamentals to conduct the February polls, let alone conducting a free and fair election. His words: “The problem with this particular 2015 election is that this one seems to be most volatile and the competition for power is very personalized and the impact it would have is what I think Bakare and others have spoken about. We need to be very careful about sliding into the abyss. INEC does not have the

fundamentals to conduct the election let alone a free and fair election; on the ground that the logistical framework to conduct the election is not there.” While he expressed worry over recent verbal altercation from politicians ahead of the election, he noted that it is only a statecraft machination that can reverse the looming apocalypse. According to him, “In the last 60 years, the political process has not thrown up statesmen. I am not interested in focusing on these two political contenders.

Continues from page 5 than making friends; that is why they incite Nigerians and want power at all cost. “During the Buhari era as head of state, discipline was just a symbolic word. We do not want people who will rule us as Medieval kings. We are in a democracy. You do not label people as corrupt because they have private jets; live in good houses; drive good cars. INSECURITY “During the Buhari era, he never bought one rifle for the Army, Navy or Air Force. The Navy since 1960, had only one frigate. But today, they have additional four under my administration. The Air Force is experimenting on manufacturing of drones now. The Control Tower is being built by Innosson to improve our indigenous capacity,” Jonathan said. ON MEND President Jonathan refuted claims in some quarters that the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta,MEND, dumped him and endorsed APC presidential candidate. Jonathan said:”MEND led by Charles Oka wanted to assassinate me during the 2010 independence celebration. It has been proven and he is now serving his jail term in South Africa. He is no longer the leader of MEND. Is it that Oka MEND that dumped me?” ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL “Our children can now engage in research to learn and improve their education through ICT. During Buhari’s era, how many Nigerians had telephone lines? Today, over 90 million Nigerians have access to telephone. “Buhari should tell us what he did with technology at that time. What would Nigerians want in a man that is over 70 years that may not be able to remember his phone number.?” DAME JONATHAN The first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan urged women in Nigeria to vote for his husband insisting that the 35 percent women affirmation initiated by the Jonathan’s administration would be sustained. She said,”the President has shown that he is gender friendly from the number of appointive offices to women. His administration has fought to improve the girl- child education, eradication of maternal child mortality and polio. CHIME The Governor of Enugu state, Sullivan Chime assured the President that he has no business campaigning in Enugu State, saying, “We are united under the umbrella in Enugu. Hon. Ugwuanyi will rule Enugu state till 2023.” MUAZU The National Chairman of PDP,Alhaji Adamu Muazu assured all party members that the party will provide equal opportunity for all members to attain any height. He presented the party’s flags to Enugu State governorship candidate of the party, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his deputy, Mrs. Cecilla Ezeillo who is a member of the State House of Assembly representing Ezeagu consistency.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015 — 7

BRIEFS

2015, a make or mar election for Nigeria — Senator Akume •Says: INEC must conduct credible polls By Peter Duru, Makurdi

HE Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume has cautioned that the forthcoming 2015 general elections could make or mar Nigeria, advising that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should be allowed to conduct credible polls in the country. Akume also urged all political parties and their leaders and contestants to resist any attempt to subvert the wishes and aspirations of the electorates, warning that anything to the contrary would be a recipe for disaster. The former governor of Benue state, who spoke to journalists in Gboko said, “2015 is the defining year for Nigeria, we either make it or mar it. In a democracy you must respect and recognize the topical role of the electorate. “Today what eludes Nigeria is free and fair elections, and where you do not have peace, where you do not have justice there is no way you can have free and fair elections. “Where the wishes of the electorate are undermined, where their votes do not count, then that is recipe for disaster. We either

L-R Chairman Archdiocesan Laity Council of Lagos State Sir Fola Adekoya; All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode; His Grace Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins; State chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Henry Ajomale and Deputy Director-General Akinwunmin Ambode Campaign Organisation; Mr Adeniji Kazeem, during Ambode ‘s visit to His Grace Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins in Lagos recently.

destroy our democracy or destroy our country if we try to rig the coming election. “The leaders of the APC

have always made solemn commitment that we are all committed to free and fair elections. Believing and rightly too,

APC urges Jonathan to proffer solutions, not commentaries to Nigeria’s problems By Emman Aziken, Political Editor

HE All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign has expressed dismay and disappointment at the inability of the incumbent President and presidential candidate of the ruling Peoples Demo-

cratic Party (PDP) to use the opportunity offered by his campaign outings to tell Nigerians what he has done for them in the last six years. A statement by the APC Campaign in Abuja yesterday recalled that President Jonathan had earlier urged that parties and candidates dwell on issues agitating

Aregbesola dismisses FG claims on oil theft, dwindling allocations By Demola Akinyemi And Victor AhiumaYoung

SUN State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has faulted the federal government over claims that the stolen 400,000 oil barrels per day since 2013 was responsible for the drop in revenues accruing to states and local governments by 40 percent.

that it is only through a free and fair process that the people will determine the leadership.”

Aregbesola who spoke at the celebration of life and book presentations of the Vice president of Nigeria Labour Congress Comrade Issa Obalowu Aremu during the week in Ilorin, stated that Nigeria has lost N1.2Trillion between the specified period, adding that, the indiscipline in the oil sector coupled with the madness in the Middle East are responsible for the

depression in the oil market. Only God knows when and how this will stop”. The governor recalled from August last year oil has been at its lower ebb till date. It sells below 50 dollars now. “I pray it would not be as low as 10 dollars; if that happens, Nigeria will be in such a dire situation that riding an Okada, as depressing and degrading as it is will be a luxury.” While reviewing the federal government oil theft claims, he said ,”From July 2013, the Federal Government announced to Nigerians that 400,000 barrels of crude oil were being stolen everyday and as a result, the revenue accruing to government to both tiers of government fell by 40 percent.”

the minds of Nigerians and how these can be solved, but said it was surprised that in his campaign outings so far including those of Enugu and Lagos, the President has been unable to do this. The statement signed by Mallam Garba Shehu, Director, Media and Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign noted that at the PDP Lagos campaign flagoff and at Enugu, rather than the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria telling the people of Nigeria watching on television and those at the campaign venue what he has achieved and what he intends to do differently, the second-term seeking President Jonathan spent valuable time reading copiously excerpts from the maiden speech of General Ibrahim Babangida who overthrew Buhari in 1985. “Nigerians do not expect a political commentary from President Jonathan of a nearly 30 year old speech delivered to the nation by IBB.” What Nigerians expect to hear among others is what he has achieved in the last six years and why corruption still remains endemic and the economy in shambles. Is this what is needed to free the Chibok girls, strengthen the Naira, pay salaries of civil servants, stop the industrial stealing of crude oil or ensure the safety and security of Nigerians?” the APC Campaign queried.

INEC database: Expert faults DSS on hacking claims By Chris Ochayi

N Infrastructure Economist and cyber secu rity expert, Friday Udoh has faulted claims by the Department of State Services, DSS, that the All Progressives Congress, APC, was planning to clone the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s, database Udoh was reacting to DSS findings on November, 2014 raid of All Progressive Congress, APC, Data centre in Lagos, where it accused the party of planning to clone the electoral umpire’s database. It would be recalled that the Deputy Director, Public Relations, DSS, Marilyn Ogar during media briefing in Abuja recently disclosed that her operatives recovered computer hard drives containing a video of 21 hacking tutorials focusing on how to become hackers and being illusive in the process of hacking website while raiding APC No. 10 Bola Ajibola Street, Ikeja office in Lagos. But Udoh doubted that owing to sophistication in cyber crime across the world such a critical asset as INEC could be operated without strong defensive environment.

2015: Reps put off meeting with Jega By Emman Ovuakporie

HE House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters last Thursday indefinitely postponed a meeting with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Attahiru Jega and other stakeholders. Cancellation of the meeting was communicated in a text message sent at about 9.30pm on Thursday by the committee clerk. . The committee simply cited Jega’s “ill-health” as its reason for postponing the meeting. The committee is headed by Rep. Jerry Manwe,PDP, Taraba and the message was sent by his clerk. “The Chairman has just directed me to convey the inability of the INEC Chairman to come for the meeting tomorrow (Friday) owing to ill-health. “Accordingly, the meeting of tomorrow will not hold. A new date will be communicated please . All inconveniences are regretted”, the committee stated in statement by the Acting Clerk, Mr. Oscar Okoro.

APC condemns deadly attack on French magazine

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the offices of a French Magazine in Paris that left 12 dead, saying terrorism anywhere is abhorrent and will not win. In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the senseless attack was a dagger in the heart of freedom of expression and press freedom, hence must be condemned by all who believe in these fundamental human rights. It said any attack against these basic human rights is an attack on the society itself, thus underlining the seriousness of the deadly attack on the French magazine.

INEC decentralises PVC distribution

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered the decentralisation of on-going distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to Ward levels, in order to enhance access by persons yet to collect their cards. Before now, the distribution was done at the local government offices of the Commission since the end of distribution at the polling unit level. But distribution of the PVCs will henceforth be at Ward level nationwide.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

BRIEFS

Okowa, best for Deltans — Group

We‘ll provide 720,000 jobs in a year — Osinbajo •Unfolds APC’s economic blueprint •To introduce social security for elderly and disabled

ICE Presidential Can didate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has unfolded plans by his party to introduce a social security scheme for the elderly and disabled in Nigeria just as he promised that APC-led Federal Government will provide 720,000 jobs in its first year, when elected come February 14. Professor Osinbajo disclosed this on Thursday in Benin City when he met with the people of Edo State across political divides where he articulated the position of APC in its quest to effect change in the social and economic life of Nigerians. Addressing the mammoth crowd at Imaguero College Hall, Osinbajo said, “For the first time in the history of Africa, we are introducing a social security scheme. It means the elderly who are poor and the disabled will be

given stipends. “Now the reason why that is important is because our country has continued to be one of the poorest 35 countries in the world despite our resources. We have 110 million people who are extremely poor, so we need to lift

people out of poverty.” He said: “As a first term relief, the APC intends that state governments will, with the backing of the Federal Government that has 52% of the revenue control, employ 20,000 young persons per state acting as emergen-

cy relief. He said, “If we do not tackle that emergency, we will run into trouble because as you can see, there is a lot of youth restlessness. You will notice that unless we do something about this, we will be in great trouble.”

By Emma Amaize

HE National Youth Coalition for Jonathan/Okowa 2015 and Tompolo Grassroots Movement in Delta State has described the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, governorship standard bearer in the state, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, as the surest wager for Deltans in the February 2015 election. The group in a statement jointly signed by the national coordinator and director of media/publicity, secretary, Mr. Olatunji Olusoji and Dr. Clarkson Agagha respectively, described Okowa as the most qualified gubernatorial candidate in the state, judging from his antecedents as a pragmatic and detribalized leader. “We call on all well-meaning Deltans, despite their ethnic and political divide, to see it as an obligation to vote for Okowa to bring about rapid development and transformation to the state,” they said. In a related development, the groups also passed a vote of confidence in Mr. Kingsley Otuaro as Okowa’s running mate, saying, “It is a combination that will work considering Otuaro’s unwavering commitment to the development of the state, loyalty to the leadership of the party and leadership strides in diverse public offices he held before now.”

Edo secures N5.7bn world bank facility to fight erosion

Police parade 81 suspected armed robbers and cultists in Edo

OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said the state Government has secured a N5.7 billion facility from the World Bank to tackle the erosion problem at Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the State. The Governor said the facility was secured by the government after the state was abandoned to its fate by the Federal Government which refused to release funds to the state from the Ecological Fund to address erosion problems in many parts of the state. Speaking at the commissioning of the AuchiJattu-Afashio-Ikabigbo-Ojio road on Thursday, Oshiomhole said, “Erosion has been a problem that has been threatening the existence of Auchi as a community. Not only has erosion destroyed the farmlands, erosion has also destroyed a number of roads and even killed a number of our people.”

Delta South Primary: Prince Emiko’s candidacy is 2015: One million Urhobo unacceptable — Omatseye group ko who did not win this will vote for Buhari, Emerhor

HE Campaign Organ isation of Temisanren Omatseye, a Senatorial aspirant in Delta South in the recently concluded primary elections, has said attempt by the party to recognize Prince Yemi Emiko as the duly elected candidate for the APC Delta South Senatorial District is illegal, null and void with no effect, adding that the candidate for the senatorial seat remains Prince Temisanren Raymond. K.Omatseye. According to a statement signed by the group’s Media Officer, Abdullahi Inapeh Yusuf, the declared results of the elections held and counted in the presence of the INEC officials, the electoral panel, the police and the Department of State Security, showed that Prince Temisanren Omatseye had 424 votes; Prince Yemi Emiko got 181 votes; while Dr. Austin Urette had 18 votes. The statement reads in part: “The electoral sheet came in triplicates, of which the white sheet was given to the executives of the state party, the pink sheet was handed over to INEC while the blue sheet

was handed to the aspirant Prince Temisanren Omatseye. Other copies of the results were handed to the DSS and the police who were at the counting, wherein they acknowledged and confirmed that the scores were collated and counted in their presence.” “It is therefore a surprise to the organization, and

our aspirant, that a socalled panel headed by one Osita Okechukwu presented totally different result from the actual and legitimate results of the conducted election. “It’s also more surprising that the party has accepted these false results, and we have been made to understand and reliably believe that the name of Prince Yemi Emi-

election, and who polled votes far less than Prince Temisan Omatseye has been forwarded to INEC by the Party.” The organisation stated that in line with the electoral act, a court action has been instituted against INEC, APC and Prince Yemi Emiko in order to claim the mandate given to Omatseye by the delegates of the Delta South Senatorial District.

Akpabio’ll facilitate victory of opposition parties in Akwa Ibom — G22 By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke, Abuja

HE aggrieved 22 Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirants in Akwa Ibom State otherwise known as G-22 have accused Governor Godswill Akpabio of working for the victory of the opposition parties in the forthcoming general elections. The group specifically alleged that all the candidates of the opposition parties were members of the PDP who had indi-

cated interest in different positions for the elections but were frustrated out of the party as a result of the personal interest of the governor. The G22 also critised the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu over his recent outburst that there was injustice in the ruling party, accusing him of being hypocritical and an agent of injustice. It will be recalled that the PDP National Chairman had on Tuesday during the inauguration

of the Jonathan/Sambo Presidential Campaign Team alleged that there was injustice in the party But in a recent visit to the leadership of the Akwa Ibom State Senate caucus, Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, leadership of the group said that with his experience in the last 31 days after what he described as ‘shoddy’ PDP governorship primary in the state, it appeared that Alhaji Mu’azu did not listen to himself.

— APC chieftain

chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State, Chief Isaac Emetitiri, has insisted that Urhobo will deliver their one million votes to General Mohammadu Buhari, APC presidential candidate and Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, APC governorship candidate in Delta State in the February presidential and governorship elections. Emetitiri, at a briefing in Warri, also dismissed report in the media wrongly credited to the President General of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Chief Joe Omene that President Goodluck Jonathan will be given Urhobo one million votes. The APC chieftain advised Omene and UPU to stand firm on the Uvwiamuge declaration, warning that Urhobo poeple will move for the removal of the present UPU executives should they betray the Urhobo and work contrary to the Uvwiamuge declaration.

Edo Police Command parade 81 suspected armed robbers, cultists By Simon Ebegbulem

HE Edo State Police Command yesterday pa raded 81 suspected armed robbers, cultists and murderers including 41 year-old Festus Aimufua who allegedly murdered his Austrian based lady friend, Rose Aifuwa on Christmas day. 19 vehicles, 15 locally made guns, one AK47 Rifle, 38 toy pistols and seven live ammunition were also recovered from the suspects. Among the suspects, were suspected cultists allegedly involved in the recent killings in the state which left about 15 persons dead.

SA TURD AY V anguard ARY 10 SATURD TURDA Vanguard anguard,, JANU JANUARY 10, 2015 —9

2015 Guber race: More troubles for PDP in Rivers T

HE coalition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants for the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Federal House of Representatives have rejected Barr. Nyesom Wike as the PDP governorship flag bearer of the state. This was contained in a statement yesterday signed by four members of the coalition including Mr Eyaalada Akari, Mr Nature Kieghe, Engr. Francis Ibarakunye, and Mr Iheanyichukwu Paul. The statement noted that the coalition did not recognize any gubernatorial candidate in the state due to flaws in the primary elections. “Several members of the coalition received invitations via SMS to a meeting scheduled for 11 am on Tuesday with an aspirant purporting to be the ‘governorship candidate’ of the Party and State Chairman of the PDP,” it said. “In the said SMS,” it added, “Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike is addressed as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in Rivers State.” “Having met at

emergency session, we wish to reiterate the fact that to the best of our knowledge, the PDP in Rivers State does not yet have a gubernatorial candidate or any candidate for any other elective offices except the presidency following gross fundamental flaws in all other primaries,” it further stated. To this end, the statement added, the coalition has dissociated itself from the said meeting. It urged the national leadership of the party to timely resolve complaints regarding the PDP primaries in the state as this would have grave consequences at the polls as the state may be handed to the APC and make Mr. President worry about Rivers state in his tough reelection battle because his brothers and sisters in Rivers state sold their rights for a pot of porridge which may not really taste as it looks. “The truth is that,a Wike candidacy poses the greatest risk to PDP. It will tear the party apart with the real possibility of losing a majority elections in the state.” In a related development, the Kalabari/Ijaw ethnic

nationality in Rivers state said they have rejected Barr. Nyesom Wike and have instead endorsed Dr Dakuku Peterside, of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as their gubernatorial candidate. Their position was contained in a communique read by Chief Broadfield Michael Jack to journalists, Kalabari chiefs, and elders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State yesterday. It said that the decision to support Mr Peterside was in protest of the ‘political hegemony of the Ikwerre’. “It is sad that the First Lady DamePatienceJonathan,an acclaimed Rivers daughter, who should share and protect the innermost sensibilities of Rivers people, is at the forefront of institutionalising a political hegemony by openly endorsing a governorship candidate from Ikwerre,” it said. “Mr President as an Ijaw

Chief Stephen Isibor (left) his wife Mrs. Dora Isibor (right) shortly after the wedding ceremony of Ogechi Isibor (2nd left) and former Miss Kikachukwu Ebiteh (2nd right) held in DSC town 1, Aladja near Warri recently. Photo: Henry Unini should have taken timely decision to protect the legitimate political rights of

Rivers-Ijaw, but rather the president chose to act in the same manner as he did

concerning the Kalabari oil fields,” it further stated.”

Presidential Election: Obasanjo will work for PDP— Muazu By Henry Umoru

HEAD of next month’s Presidential and general elections,

•Vows party will surprise APC in SouthWest the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu has boasted that in spite of his attack on the Presidential candidate of the party, President Goodluck Jonathan, former President Olusegun Obasanjo will work assiduous-

ly for the party to win. Muazu also vowed that the PDP will surprise the All Progressives Congress, APC by winning the elections in the South West next month by not only defeating the Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, rtd but also all the APC

Governorship candidates in Oyo, Ogun, Kwara and Lagos States. In a statement yesterday by his Press Secretaty, Chief Tony Amadi, PDP National Chairman said that those who assume that the PDP will play second fiddle to the APC in the South West during the general election, will be shocked.

UPN adopts Jonathan as presidential candidate •Elects Abiola’s wife as Lagos gov candidate By Dapo Akinrefon

NITY Party of Nigeria(UPN) yesterday adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for next month’s presidential election. This was made known during its national convention which was held in Lagos yesterday. The party also unveiled Chief Modupe Onitiri-Abiola, the wife of the late MKO Abiola as its governorship candidate for Lagos. National chairman of the party, Dr Frederick Fasheun said that the UPN is a new party and needs time to take roots in all parts of the country. According to him, “We are still a young party and that is why we are not fielding a presidential candidate. We have asked our members who we are to support. We felt their pulse

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and it was moving in a particular direction. Explaining why the party threw its weight behind the PDP candidate, Fasehun said “Allowing President Jonathan to continue in of-

fice on another four-year term will allow for the maturation of his infrastrucural and socioeconomic programmes, as well as guarantee continuity in development policies which a new government may likely abort.”

I will ensure federal presence in Borno — PDP candidate By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

HE People’s Democratic Party ’s senatorial candidate for Southern Borno, Mr. Nicholas Elijah Msheliza has assured the people of his Senatorial District that he will attract more federal presence to the area if elected senator in 2015. In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Mr. Ibrahim Gwamna in Maiduguri, the candidate said, “if I am elected to represent Southern Borno in 2015 , I shall ensure that more federal presence is felt in our area by way of establishing at least one federal institution of higher learning, medical facilities and the repair of all federal

roads in our area.” According to the statement, Mr. Nicholas Msheliza is not happy with the state of federal roads in Southern Borno because of their deplorable nature which is full of potholes, making them unmotorable. The candidate urged the people to vote massively for the PDP during the 2015 general elections in order to bring the senatorial district into the mainstream politics of the country. He also assured that the Biu Dam project which has remained under construction for more than 30 years shall be completed if he is elected as it will be one of his priority projects.

10—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

Indians

handing death and slavery to Nigerians By OUR REPORTERS

he forklift lifted tons of iron inside the Indian company – African Wires and Allied Industries Nigeria Limited, Plot No. 4-6, Opic Industrial Estate, Agbara, Ogun State. But two heavy discs of iron hooked, so Tosin Olajide, one of the hundreds of casual workers at the company, went up to free the two irons weighing over 1.5 tons each. Suddenly, one of the irons came down on him, trapping him to the ground. No safety helmet was provided for Tosin by the Indians. It took the same forklift to lift the tonnage of iron before the boy could be pulled out. But the damage had already been done. The iron had chopped off part of his face and broke his foot! His work mates present at the scene of the accident said blood was pumping out of his nostrils as water would rush out of a tap. “Such accidents occur regularly there,” said former safety officer of the company, Mr. Jonathan Abimbola. Tosin’s life could have been saved if the company had been prompt in providing transport and rushing Tosin to the hospital, eyewitnesses insisted. Unable to find a vehicle in a company whose turnover runs into millions of naira, the Indians instructed two Nigerians who they employed for “cleaning up” such messes for them to use the same

The Indians instructed two Nigerians whom they employed for “cleaning up” such messes for them to use the same forklift to take the dying Tosin out of the company unto the road leading to a hospital forklift to take the dying Tosin out of the company unto the road leading to a hospital. After some kilometers, they saw a pick-up van and transferred Tosin into it. They drove him to one ill-equipped hospital used by the company. But there was no doctor there to attend to the boy. The nurse advised them to take Tosin to the Badagry General Hospital. On their way to Badagry, the pick-up van carrying Tosin broke down. Tosin gave up the ghost before they could reach the general hospital. Police connivance With the assistance of the DPO of Agbara police station, said to be at beck and call of the Indians who own the company, Tosin’s body was deposited at the

Continues on page 11

Late Tosin Olajide

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Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015—11

Massive exploitation, deadly work conditions Continues from page 10 Badagry general hospital mortuary. Angered by the negligence with which Tosin was handled by management, his colleagues, on the following morning, Thursday 11 December, 2014, gathered at the entrance of the company, refusing to go in. The Indians swiftly reacted by calling in policemen and MOPOLS from Agbara. The DPO of Agbara police station came personally. Together, the policemen fired tear-gas canisters at the workers, beating them and seizing the mobile phones of those who tried to take pictures of the brutality. Tosin, Saturday Vanguard learnt, could hardly be up to 23 years old, though Mr. Samuel Ogundimu, the personnel manager and one of the most disgusting Nigerian lapdogs of the Indians, according to sources, told our reporter that Tosin was 28. Tosin had laboured for years for African Wires and Allied Industries under Parco Group of companies for a paltry N850 a day as casual worker, working from 7am to 7pm. Parco Group of Companies is owned by the Guptas, one of the richest Indians who have lived and done business in Nigeria for more than 50 years, exploiting the endemic circumstances. Last year, the company employed Mr. Jonathan

Abimbola, a chemical engineering graduate from a UK university, as a Safety Officer, “not that the company cared about safety,” said a company source, “but because they wanted to use him as a shield from the harassment of the officials of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity and Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry.” Massive exploitation, deadly work conditions The company thought it could use Mr. Jonathan in the usual way it uses other Nigerians, but that was not to be. Mr. Jonathan was shocked at the way the company uses and exploits Nigerians. For instance, people worked more than the number of hours stipulated by labour laws without any payment for overtime. Moreover, there are no safety measures whatsoever in the company. The Indians expose Nigerians who work for them to all manner of dangers, and whenever accidents occur, the victim or the victim’s family only get a ridiculous amount as compensation. Death of Tosin’s elder brother Last year, the chief driver of the company, Tosin Olajide’s elder brother, who drives Mr. Narayan (MD), slumped and

died after closing work. Those who should know said “nothing reasonable” was done for the chief driver. The same year, Onyebuchi, another casual worker, got drowned in a deep reservoir filled with alum water while trying to clean himself up after work. It was not until 12.30 after midnight that Onyebuchi’s body was pulled out of the large body of alum water. At first, the company was said to have offered Onyebuchi’s family N150,000 as compensation. However, the fiery safety officer, Mr. Abimbola, demanded N5 million for the family. At last, one of the Nigerian lawyers working for the Indians arm-twisted onyebuchi’s family and convinced them to collect N600,000. Fear of govt agencies Besides exposing Nigerians who labour for them to danger and making money with their blood and sweat, many don’t understand the attitude of the Indians inside the OPIC Estate any time some kind of inspection team comes around. They can’t explain the pandemonium that occasionally ensues among the Indians whenever officials of the Nigeria Immigration Services, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, or other government agencies, arrive at the company’s gate without prior notice to the Indians.

Last year, the chief driver of the company, Tosin Olajide’s elder brother, who drives Mr. Narayan (MD), slumped and died after closing work. Those who should know said “nothing reasonable” was done for the chief driver

What could be happening inside the OPIC Estate? Have the Indians fully declared to regulatory agencies and the Nigerian government, all the business activities engaged by the four companies rolled into one – the acid plant, the silicate plant, the fertilizer section, and the wire section? Although this may not be said of OPIC there are companies owned by Indians which enjoy duty waivers for the importation of certain goods like irons for the purpose of building factories. But when they import the goods they turn back and sell those goods to Nigerians, forcing the country to continue to be a consumer economy dependent on imported goods, while their home country, India, is known for its booming technology, health export and manufacturing. But one may blame this on Nigeria’s leaders and government and not those who exploit the circumstances created by Nigeria’s failure. The Indians make the government believe that their businesses in Nigeria are providing employment to Nigerians. This may appear to be true on face value, but in reality, their exploitative tendencies are a sad commentary. For instance, out of hundreds of Nigerians who Continues on page 12

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Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

‘You need to see where a policeman is saluting an illiterate Indian’

Continues from page 11 work for companies owned by Indians in Nigeria, only a handful of them, probably less than 10, are staffed. Many of them are paid as little as N600 per day, working from 7 am to 7 pm. The Indian exploitation and enslavement of Nigerians is not limited to their factories. They select Nigerian young girls meeting their fancies and employ them at home, where they work as cleaners and as sex slaves for Indian men whose wives do not live with them in Nigeria. Sexual harassment of the young Nigerian ladies, even the married ones who work for them, is already viral on the Internet. Nigerian authorities including the police, immigration and Standard Organisation also compromise on matters of compliance to rules as the police demonstrated when Tosin died. As we write this story, Tosin who died a few days ago has already been buried and forgotten. “They have completely bought over the Agbara police station,” a company staff told us, adding “you need to see where a policeman is saluting an illiterate Indian. They have also bought over the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity. Their contact man at Abeokuta (name withheld) who is on their payroll to make sure that unionism does not take root in the company.” Tax evasion

Many companies owned by Indians and Lebanese or where they head prefer to bribe tax officials and get tax clearance than to pay their taxes. Environmental contamination and pollution There is the issue of environmental pollution and contamination of sources of drinking water supply. Since environmental laws and regulations in Nigeria are porous, hardly enforced, foreigners have field days flouting environmental provisions. Some companies channel toxic waste from the acid and silicate plants directly into gutters. Since the largest sources of drinking water for people nowadays are boreholes, one can almost be certain that the water from those boreholes have been contaminated by waste water and from factories. Apart from poor working conditions and pay, it is not surprising that some of the Indian companies are highly insensitive to the environment. In June 2012, an Indian Company, Top Steel Nig. Ltd, in a seeming display of insensitivity to the environment, reportedly erected a transmission pillar and ran a high tension power transmission line directly over the roof of an industrial complex owned by Isocare West Africa Ltd., in which over 100 Nigerians work daily. Both companies are located at the Ikorodu Industrial Estate, Odogunyan, Lagos. On June 5, 2012, the counsel to Isocare West Africa had met with the General Manager of Top-

Steel Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Rajendra Bharadia and explained to him the dangerous implications of mounting a high tension wire directly over the roof of the industrial complex of Isocare West African Limited and advised him to have a rethink. Mr. Bharadia however, rebuffed the entreaties and went ahead with the project. Following Isocare’s complaint and petition, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) inspected the project and issued an abatement notice to Top Steel and its General Manager Mr. Rajendra Bharadia to discontinue the project. The order was also ignored by the company. The Ikorodu Local Government Environmental Task Force also issued a stop work order that and was also ignored. At the time, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, in a statement by the Principal Manager (Public Affairs) Mr. Jude Oyenuga, said it portended grave hazards to have buildings or activities under or even within close proximity of a high tension wire. His words: “The public should bear in mind that these electrical materials are persistently exposed to mother nature which makes them vulnerable to wear and tear. This could lead to the snapping of the line and such accident could happen without notice with dire consequences”. Mr. Bharadia, after several

Beside the officials of the regulatory and law enforcement agencies they keep some faithful Nigerians as members of staff – men who serve as fronts and intermediaries between them and those they compromise

complaints and directives to him to stop work, was said to have got top officials at the Army Barrack in Ikorodu, Nigerian soldiers and mobile Policemen and stationed them at the construction site, while he personally supervised the erection of the high tension wire. Staff of Isocare West Africa who attempted to take pictures of the erection of the high tension wire over Isocare were reportedly brutalized by mobile policemen. Culpability of govt agencies, others Certainly, it would almost be impossible for these companies to succeed without the help of some Nigerians themselves. Beside the officials of the regulatory and law enforcement agencies they keep some faithful Nigerians as members of staff – men who serve as fronts and intermediaries between them and those they compromise. Reliable sources gave Saturday Vanguard the names of some of those obedient lapdogs in OPIC Estate. The Personnel Manager, of African Wires and Allied Industries, Mr. Ogundimu, a retiree from a textile company denied that Nigerian workers were being treated poorly. In a telephone interview with Saturday Vanguard, Mr. Ogundimu said Nigerian workers were better treated than what we were told.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

How Nigerian officers aid Indian company in corrupt practices, former staff reveals *Recalls death of another Nigerian

I attended St. Finbarr’s College Akoka Yaba Lagos; University of Lagos (Chemical Engineering dept.), and University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom where I graduated from the Department of Chemical and BioSystems Engineering in 2009. After my second year at Surrey, I gained an industrial placement year with RWE power, a leading power generating company at Didcot Oxfordshire, as an assistant Chemist to the Power Station. During the placement year in 2008, I attended several safety courses such as Fire Marshall with the commercial training department of Oxfordshire Fire Service, Breath of life with St John Ambulance, Chemical Handling, General Safety, Manual Handling etc. In 2011, I attended Cranfield University, Cranfield Bedfordshire United Kingdom where I had a short course programme in Msc Ultra Precision and NanoEngineering. How, and when, did you go to work at the Indian company called African Fertilizers and Chemicals Nigeria Limited? On getting to Nigeria on 18 November 2011, I went for an interview at African Fertilizer and Chemicals Nigeria Ltd, Silicate plant section. I was interviewed by Mr. Victor Adhaeze, the factory manager of the company, and later by the general manager, Mr. G. Ramesh and Mr. Chackraborthy. After I was told that my work hours would be 7am – 7pm, Monday – Saturday and that I would be paid N40, 000 monthly.

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What is your educational background and qualifications in safety management?

JONATHAN ABIMBOLA

I was not happy with the salary. But in order to build a work experience in Nigeria I took the offer and on 18th April 2012, I started work at the acid/alum plant branch of the company as the safety officer of African Fertilizer and Chemical Nigeria Ltd covering the acid plant, Parco warehouse, and the silicate plant which has four companies in one i.e. AWAIL, African Glass, Ispat, and Silicate plant.

r. JONATHAN ABIMBOLA M a former Safety Officer of the Indian was company, African Fertilizers and Chemicals Nigeria Limited. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard, he reveals things about the operations of the Indian company in Nigeria.

The Indians do not care for the safety of Nigerians who work for them, especially at African Fertilizer and Chemicals Nigeria Ltd

Vanguard , JANU ARY 10, 2015—13 JANUARY

Why did you leave the company? My job as a safety officer was challenging in the Indian company. The Indians do not care for the safety of Nigerians who work for them, especially at African Fertilizer and Chemicals Nigeria Ltd. They believe it is a waste of resources to spend money on the safety of Nigerians. They make Nigerian workers to work without protection. It was a bit better in acid plant of AFCL because Mr. G. Ramesh, the general manager, tried to buy a few helmets (but very inferior ones), and some nose masks which were not enough at all. The plant manager in acid plant was a very wicked man. He forced workers to work bare footed in the acidic sludge. I tried many times to stop workers working unprotected there but I was frustrated. At a time I was allowed to sign the issue slip to enable workers take safety items from the store. This was later stopped by the management of AFCL. As a safety officer, I have the right to stop an unsafe procedure, but the Indians instead told me never to do so. Many times they called me a foolish man. It was fight everyday while working with them. I will cite three cases that show the Indians never wanted me to succeed or perform as a safety officer. They only hired me so that the company would be portrayed to outsiders as having a safety officer. At a time, the company was expecting visitors from Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA). The back of the acid plant is a place where the company initially used the tractor to store the acidic sludge to solidify before taking it to somewhere outside the company. The job was contracted out to a Nigerian man who had to find where to take the acidic sludge from the alum plant. Now, if any worker in the company enters the black book of the acid plant manager, he transfers that person

to a very difficult job. I guess one Anato Emmanuel offended him, so he sent him and his two friends to go and pack the acidic sludge with shovels. This is a very difficult job only an excavator or a JCB tractor should do. The men, after some attempt, came and complained to me that they were sinking because the ground of the work area was very weak. I told them to go and tell the factory manager, Mr. Victor Adhaeze and the quality control manager Mr. Sam Ibiloye. The factory manager and I went there to assess the work area and we saw that truly, it was dangerous and hazardous. On our way to see Mr. Chacraborthy, he met us with the guys and asked them why they were not doing the job he assigned them. Mr. Anato told him that they came to me because they could not do the job. He then faced me and pointed his finger directly in my face and told me that I was foolish for stopping the work. He asked me what right I had to stop a work he ordered to be done. I told him to remove his finger from my face. His fingers were already touching my eyes. He reported me to the general manager and I sat waiting for my punishment. Later, Mr. Anato Emmanuel was fired because he refused to go and die in the acid sludge. Second, the company was importing bauxite, the raw material for the production of alum. The bauxite yard was where tractors and cars are packed because there was large space there due to very little bauxite left there. Now they had to look for somewhere else to pack the tractors and cars. There is plenty of space at the admin section, the sulphur yard etc., but the plant manager ordered that the cars and tractors should be packed inside the alum plant, blocking all emergency exits in and out of the plant while production was still going on. When I got to the acid/alum plant on safety patrol, I noticed this and complained about it to the plant manager. He said nothing would happen but I told him it was wrong, still he refused. I

Continues from page 14

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Vanguard , JANU ARY 10, 2015 JANUARY

Continues from page 13

Under the International Labour Organization Convention, a treaty ratified by Nigerian, and incorporated in its 1999 Constitution, workers have the freedom of association and the right to organize workers into a union. The state secretary of AAEUN, Comrade Aviri and Comrade Benco were both present at the inauguration ceremony of the branch union executives of AAEUN of which I was the union chairman. Trouble began a day after the inauguration ceremony. First, the Indians introduced gate pass system. Before I left the acid plant where I resume duty every morning, I was required to take a gate pass, even to other plants, if I needed to go out and work. Getting gate pass became difficult and my movement to other plants on safety patrol was restricted and safety of the workers and enforcement of wearing of PPE was affected. Prior to this time, in December, every staff got a little salary increment of N3, 000, N2, 000, N10, 000 etc. depending on how the Indians liked you.

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JONATHAN ABIMBOLA

“Nigerians work from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday and sometimes on Sundays”

called his driver to take the car away from the emergency exit. The man went to him and he ignored my advice. This was barely a month after one Mr. Onyebuchi died at the acid plant. I called the in-house Mobile Police Officers to come and be a witness to that. They came and advised him to tell his driver to remove the vehicles. He agreed. To my surprise, immediately the police officers left his office, he called the Admin Manager, Mr Malutra, and the General Manager, and told them that I called MOPOLS for him from outside the company. The following day, a tipper loading bauxite hit a centre pole in the bauxite yard and brought down a part of the building. It narrowly missed the workers inside the building. We would have lost some souls including Mr. Okanga Ezekiel who was monitoring the tippers. Third, there was a time the acid plant was shut down for major maintenance. The first stage of the sulphuric acid production is the melting of sulphur in a melting pit. So during this maintenance job, the solidified sulphur from the pit woul be kibbled out of the pit. It is such a long and wide pit. The job was to be contracted out. The contractor asked for a million naira, but the Indians did not want to pay. Instead they chose to use the contract staff for the job. The contract staffs are paid N600 per day. During my usual safety patrol round the plant I went to the sluphur pit and Mr. Segun was kibbling the solidified sulphur from the pit. After assessing the work area I discovered that although the area he was working on was solidified already but then, the other part close to where he stood was still full of hot melted sulphur. So any little mistake, he could fall into the molten sulphur and would not survive it. I advised him to stop the job but he started abusing me. He went and reported me to Mr. Navik, the acid plant manager. The following day, Mr. Navik saw me and said that I was a foolish man. He was angry that I told Mr. Segun to stop the work. The Indians are very quick in abusing Nigerians and enjoy it a lot. It’s so annoying. I reported the case to the Managing director of the company, Mr. Narayana. He said if it was Mr. Navik he knew, he would say worse things to me. He said he has told me several times never to stop a work; that I should take permission from the person who gave the work before stopping it. I was disappointed and I felt so sorry for myself. The real reason I left the company was my involvement in the union. I took the case to a law firm, Segun Joseph & Co. during my stay there, we contacted three unions. The first was NUCFRIANMPE. They wrote the company and later asked us to form a union. The company began mass victimization of workers and union members, threatening them to withdraw from union activities. We called the union and they kept saying that they would do something about it. Then the company began to sack workers who were union members. We didn’t give up. As the union chairman and safety officer of the company, I contacted the Agriculture and Allied Union of Nigeria (AAEUN), an affiliate of the Nigerian Labour Congress. I drew strength and confidence from God and Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

The Nigerian Labor Congress, and the Ministry of Labour and Productivity turned blind eyes on all those things

They used this to get some workers to dance to their tune. Workers who were not involved in union activities and those who spied on members of the union for the Indians got highest salary increment at the end of the year. There was no salary increment for me and other union members. In addition, I was queried for being absent from work for some days in the month. Money was deducted from your salary in that company any day you were absent. They are aware that workers work above the 40 hours as stated by the constitution. Nigerians work there from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday and sometimes on Sundays. We put in 72 hours of our life time weekly without overtime payment. Yet, if you are absent from work, for whatever reason, be it sickness, they would deduct money from your monthly salary. After I submitted a fiery answer to their query, the factory manager instructed the security not to allow me into the company from the next day, saying the order came from the Managing Director, Mr Narayana. Somehow, the information got to me and I got battle ready. The news spread everywhere and workers planned a big strike action the following day. This account can be read on-line in the Sahara reporter’s page. Unfortunately, the Nigerian Labor Congress, and the ministry of labour and productivity turned blind eyes on all those things. On December 10, 2014, one Tosin Olajide died in the company… For Mr. Tosin Olajide to die in such a manner after the death of his elder brother exactly a year and six months ago (June 20, 2013) in the same company….oh it’s just a shame to us that this country could allow Indians to be committing these atrocities against Nigerians and getting away with them all. The death of Mr. Tosin Olajide was partly as a result of negligence of our government in dealing with issues that border on her citizens. While you were there, were there accidents similar to the one that killed Tosin? How did those accidents happen, and how much did the company pay to the victim’s relations?

A similar death occurred while I was with the company. He was Mr. Onyebuchi whose parents lived at Arikawe Street Ajangbadi Afromedia Ojo Lagos. He was about 18. One of the problems I identified at the acid plant was that there were no toilets and bathrooms for workers. The job of alum production is a very dirty and energy consuming one. Kibbling of the already solidified alum and bagging it is very difficult and hazardous. The job was contracted to about three to four contractors in the yard. Workers defecate in a nearby bush. I wrote to the company about the need to repair the old dirty toilet within the yard for workers’ use. The Indians ignored my advice. The plant runs 24 hours and workers work 24 hours. On this fateful day, I left home at 6:00 pm. At around 8.00 pm I received a call from Mr. Malutra. He is the manager whom I report to. His words were not clear but I sensed there was a problem at the plant. I called the Personnel manager who told me that it was like someone just died at the plant. I ran to Agbara police station to find out if any member of the company has been to the police station. The police asked me why, but I told them I would be back. I ran to the company where I met a very big crowd near the water reservoir. The water reservoir was a set of six 12feet deep container, uncovered and un-barricaded. I was told that a contract staff fell into the water and all effort to rescue him alive proved abortive and that the corpse was still in the water. They said four guys including the deceased went to bathe in the river (reservoir) and one of them died; that it was not the first time they were going there to bathe in the water; that each time they went there, Mr Onyebuchi (the dead boy) always fetched water with bucket from the reservoir to bath; that he didn’t swim. They said they were surprised to see Onyebuchi, all of a sudden remove his clothes and jump into the water. Immediately he jumped into the water, the whole company light went out. That was strange. The other two guys went home but the last four went out and cried for help. By the time people got there and managed to put on the light, he was already dead. Continues on page 17

SA TURD AY V anguard ARY 10 SATURD TURDA Vanguard anguard,, JANU JANUARY 10, 2015 — 15

Lagos 2015: US envoy meets with Agbaje, Obanikoro, others over non violence polls BY DAPO AKINREFON the party leaders to also ensure that their agents HE US were in all the polling Ambassador to units to forestall rigging Advising the leaders to Nigeria, Ambassador focus on issue based James Entwistle has campaigns that would in tasked leaders of the turn provide a Peoples Democratic Party sustainable system for all (PDP) in Lagos State on the need to ensure sectors in Nigeria,

violence free elections in the state. Entwistle said this yesterday in Lagos at a meeting which held at the campaign office of PDP governorship candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje, with Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and other party chieftains in attendance. In his remarks, the US envoy said that political parties should ask their supporters to eschew violence before, during and after the polls. Entwistle, who was accompanied by the US Consul General, Jeff Hawkins, Erica Chinsao, Political Officer, USA Consulate and Mr Tom Hines, the US Political Chief in Nigeria, advised

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Entwistle said that the Embassy had been encouraging INEC to come up with a creative solution to the agitations over the conduct of the February polls. According to him, “there is also need for voting areas to have privacy

during the elections”. In his speech, Agbaje alleged that there was deliberate attempt by the opposition to hire people to remove posters of PDP candidates which might make others want to retaliate.

Yoruba youth group commends Jonathan

He National E x e c u t i v e members of the Yoruba Youth Initiative, YYI, South West have commended President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for flagging off PDP’s campaign in Lagos, saying that it was an indication that the party would be strong in Lagos in the February elections. In a statement signed by the group, they commended the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, for his support, loyalty to President Jonathan and the party.

The president of the group, Mr. Adejumo Ishola, thanked President Jonathan for his policies on the

youth. “The Nigerian youths are calling on youths nationwide, most especially in the South West for support.”

Briefs Rivers PDP lauds Jonathan, party on presentation of flag to Wike

HE Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday applauded the national leadership of the party, particularly President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, for doing the needful by duly presenting the Party flag to the state Governorship candidate, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Wike.

The party said the presentation of the flag to Wike was a demonstration of the party ’s preparedness to overwhelmingly win elections in the State, and a recognition of who the cap fits. “The Rivers State PDP is highly honoured with the action of the President which goes further to strengthen the popular opinion of Rivers people, particularly the delegates”.

EU condemns Boko Haram attacks

At last INEC begins issuance of on Baga, Borno State PVC in Borno 2015 in the state. HE European are another expression of

HE outgoing Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in Borno state, Prof. Tukur Sa’ad has Friday said that the distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) by the commission commences Saturday, January 10-15,

Speaking on the nondistribution of PVCs at INEC’s headquarters in Maiduguri yesterday, Prof. Sa’ad disclosed that the distribution exercise slated for six days is however limited to Maiduguri Metropolitan and Jere council areas of Borno state.

Union (EU) has condemned the terror attack on Baga, Borno State where no fewer than 16 villages were destroyed while hundreds of people were killed. A statement made available to Vanguard yesterday, in Abuja said “the renewed attacks in the North Eastern Nigeria

terrorism targeting innocent people.” “They have led to the destruction of at least 16 villages and reportedly killed hundreds of people, displacing thousands.” The Boko Haram insurgency was discussed at the recent EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JANUARY 10, 2015

love the thought of a New Year. I love the notion that the good, the bad and the ugly of the past year are behind me and I can start on a new slate. It’s a form of closure and I love it. I also like the feeling of having a blank page, a white canvass to play with. I love the energy of the first few days as I try to plan the year and luxuriate on the purity of my vast, virgin canvass. In many ways, it is like a new birth. Unfortunately, birth precedes death as surely as day precedes night. Since the way of nature is the way of life, then a irrespective of calendar. You can also New Year also serves to get a grip on your life at any time of warn us of lurking death. the year. The knowledge of the latter is Every New Year day means we are one year probably the reason many of us older—irrespective of don’t take our New Year resolutions what time of the year we serious and even vacillate on life are born—and thus changing decisions. Many for nearer the grave. It also example, know the consequences of means, for those afraid of smoking yet indulge in it long after aging, an extra number the lung has been impaired. Many they would rather do diabetics know they have to change without. For the tardy their life styles if they don’t want and careless, it means their organs damaged yet many are time is running out on in denial and continue to indulge the things they have left in the very things that caused the illness in the first place. undone. Many of these are illusions because life is a continuum really and there is no actual break either in the physical or the spiritual at midnight. So for as long as we have time, we One second leads to will continue to indulge. Even if we another and an incident were told that we would have five is usually a years to live if we didn’t change our consequence of an lifestyles, we probably would want earlier action. The to indulge for two or three years consequences of what while hoping for a miracle. But our you do on December 31 reactions would be different if we will follow you into were told we had six months or a January 1. So the year to go. I have known people who calendar we follow is stopped a life-long habit of smoking man made and has no when faced with a grim ultimatum. bearing on nature. I have seen alcoholics who never People will achieve what thought they could stop drinking they are meant to stop after the liver had collapsed achieve and die when and were faced with the reality of their time is up death. So the first thing most people

What would you do….if you were told you had 6 months to live? who are given a short time to live do is to stop whatever the cause of the illness is if it is still possible— they would probably spend the rest of their time on earth wondering why they did not stop earlier. Then they would proceed to put their houses in order. Many, in a bid to make eternity, would reach out to those they had wronged and try to forgive those who had wronged them—I know one highly placed person who called his close friends and apologised for not helping them as much as he could have when he was in power. Many of

The consequences of what you do on December 31 will follow you into January 1

course would become extremely religious and spend time trying to make restitutions for the sins of a life time. It is at this time that many would realise the futility and vanity of the things they had spent a life time coveting and the lives and friendships they had ruined in the process. Most would willingly give up most of these possessions to gain a couple of years more. The attitude of a nation is not very different from that of an individual except that it is usually worse. When experts predict that the lifestyle of a particular country

o matter how bad your case may be, it can still be changed for good. Everything that has a beginning surely has an end. The only thing that has no beginning and an end is God Himself. This is why He is called the unchangeable changer. I see Him intervening in your situation in the name of Jesus. You will laugh again. God is not through

It will change for good

Please know that this is but nothing to God. Before we end today ’s message, I would like to draw your attention to two (2) things. One (1), the children of Israel cried (prayed) out to God for divine intervention. Stop being dignified and humble yourself before God and He will raise you up. Secondly, Peter gave Jesus his boat to use to minister to the people. What are you willing to give to God? Give Him ur house for house fellowship, sponsor a programme in the church, sow into the life of your pastor. Apply these principles and you will encounter God’s divine intervention. Know that God is not a respecter of persons. What He did yesterday, He can do today and much more. God bless you, our great nation Nigeria and President Goodluck Jonathan.

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

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experienced the kind of miracles that he has never experienced before. You see, when God intervenes in your life, the past shame, sorrow, pain, humiliation, etc will be nothing. Whatever you may have experienced last year is nothing compared to what God have in store for you this year. There will be exceeding great joy in your life never experienced before. It will amaze mankind. Get ready, this God that turns hopeless situations around is saying to you today that He will divinely intervene and your years of tears of pain will turn to tears of joy. $

one who created the heavens and the earth. Pharaoh thought there was no power greater than his power. Today we know better. This is why I say to you that anyone that has tied up your destiny will be destroyed by the power of the Almighty. You will have the last laugh. Those who told blind Bartimeaus to shut up were the same people that came to tell him be of good cheer. God will surprise you this year. God will supernaturally intervene for you. In your office, marriage, family, career etc where things are contrary to the will of God for you, the mercies of God will bring about a glorious change for you. Know for a surety that God will never forget nor forsake you. You are still in His plans and your end shall be glorious.

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way. This God that said He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the deserts will make a way for you. Fear not, God knows how to turn things around. Imagine pharaoh saying who is God? Thank God that God revealed Himself to pharaoh. Everything in your life that is asking who is God shall experience the awesomeness of Jehovah God Almighty. Just as God disgraced pharaoh openly, so shall God deal with your enemies? Know that all power belongs to Him. Psalms 66:3, says, “Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee”. There is no power that can contend with the power of the

I want you to rejoice and again I say rejoice. In Luke chapter 5, Peter went to catch fish and caught nothing. At the close of business he met with Jesus who requested to use Peter ’s boat. Peter obliged Him. When Jesus was through with the boat He intervened in Peter’s business and Peter

with you just yet. He is working things out for your good. I declare to you that by the mighty power of God, all your enemies will be put to shame. With your eyes will you behold the reward of the wicked? Pharaoh said who is the Lord that I should let the children of Israel go, so that they can worship Him (Exo. 5:2)? Pharaoh thought he had all power and that he was the all and all. He had no respect for God who created him. He forgot that the creature can never be greater than the Creator. He was so full of confidence that no one can free the Isrealites from his domain. This year, your mockers and enemies will congratulate you in Jesus name. Beloved, refuse to fret about that situation. The devil cannot defeat you forever. Something in you that they do not know that exist in you will spring forth this year. The God of heaven and earth will intervene on your behalf. The God who makes all things beautiful in His time will beautify your life. He is working in your favour and all the pharaohs working against your glorious destiny shall be disgraced. Sometimes God will wait until when the devil says there is no way of escape and then He (God) shows up to deliver you because He is the

is likely to lead to ruination or disintegration, that country, in most cases, is in denial. The leaders will call those experts the agents of doom. A book ‘Why Nations Fail’ was published late last year and instantly became an international best seller. It was instructive to note from the book, that most nations fail, not because of lack of knowledge, but because of the unwillingness of the leaders to make the necessary changes. Many are reluctant to sacrifice their today for the tomorrow of their children. Nigeria had always known that the economic path they were following could yield to economic disaster; that depending on a mono product without building an industrial base would eventually spell trouble. We knew, or must have known, that the worsening security, the worsening poverty, the undue emphasis on ethnic and religious politics at the expense of competence could destroy the country. Now we are in 2015, the year many observers

predicted Nigeria would become a failed State if we didn’t change the way we do business. The signs are glaring even to the most optimistic. But because they are glaring, they can be averted even at this eleventh hour. It is obvious that the way we conduct the forth coming elections will make or mar the country. I am therefore appealing to INEC to stand up and save Nigeria by conducting a credible and very transparent election. It is easier to take, even for the do-or-die politicians, when the people have spoken clearly with their votes in a credible manner. I am appealing to the security agencies to think of Nigeria and ensure a non partisan policing. This will help prevent people from taking laws into their hands. I am appealing to the judiciary not to play one side against the other but to interpret the electoral laws fairly and equitably. I am appealing to the media to focus on the issues affecting Nigeria and avoid overheating the polity. I also wish the media can come up with credible opinion polls so that the nation and indeed the whole world can gauge the popularity of each candidate across the country before the election. That way, there will be little surprise on election day. Finally, I am appealing to candidates, especially the incumbent not to abuse the instruments of power and to rein in their foot soldiers. No single person’s ambition is worth the collapse of a country.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Continues from page 14 last four went out and cried for help. By the time people got there and managed to put on the light, he was already dead. We called the federal and state fire services for help. Unfortunately their trucks could not pump out the water. We tried to use the company pump to pump the water out but it was not fast enough. One of the workers, a good swimmer, agreed to go in. He used a long stick for support. We tied a long rope round him so that we could pull him out if he began to drown. At around 1.00 am, Onyebuch’s corpse was brought out of the water. The Indians became afraid and ran away. I received his corpse from the swimmer and placed him near the water. Then the factory manager, Mr. Victor Adhaeze said we should take his corpse to his parents and tell them that he committed suicide. I told him to do that himself. He said Onyebuchi was looking for a way to enrich his poor family. I insisted that nobody should touch the corpse until we inform the police. Onyebuchi’s mother kept calling because Mr. Victor Adhaeze had tried calling her to break the news. The woman kept calling, wanting to find out what happened to her son. The company managers said her son was involved in an accident, and that he was receiving treatment. Then we went to the police station to report. The police came to the scene of the accident. They took photographs and asked for the workers toilet. Mr. Victor Adhaeze told me to take the police to the toilet meant for managers. I refused. I told him that I cannot do such a thing. Instead I took the police to the abandoned toilet which I have told them to repair but they refused. They also asked why the water reservoirs were exposed and not barricaded. We have also advised them on that but they never took our advice. They always ignore safety advice. The police also asked for safety signs around that water side. I have worked on this safety slogans. I told them to release money so we could print them on iron stands but they never agreed. I followed the police and the body was deposited at Ilaro State Hospital mortuary. The family of Onyebuchi was taken to the mortuary to identify the corpse. Later, Onyebuchi’s family engaged the services of a lawyer who asked for about ten million naira compensation. The company offered to pay N300, 000 naira. Out of the N300, 000, they wanted the contractor, IBM - Mr Tunde, to pay N150, 000. The lawyer refused. At some point I noticed that something was not right between the lawyer and the company. I told Onyebuchi’s father to change his lawyer. In fact, I gave him our union lawyer who was ready to help him. He refused. The same lawyer who was claiming ten million naira compensation descended to N600, 000! The company quickly agreed to pay the N600, 000. I was called to sign the document so that they would withdraw the case from the police station. I was not interested in his money. That was the end of Onyebuchi’s life. Six hundred thousand naira was paid by Mr. Narayana, the managing director of AFCL for a life. That same week, the Indians renovated the abandoned toilet. They barricaded the water reservoir and paid for the safety slogans which I believe are still be there till today. Could you compare how the company treats Indians with how they treat Nigerians who work for them? The company treats their fellow Indians very well. They pay them for overtime and annual leave allowance every six months. They have an in-house cook that cooks their breakfast, lunch and dinner. They even have their hostel in the company premises, which is well furnished. Each of them has a company car and a driver. The opposite is the case for Nigerians. As for the salary scale, the least of the Indians get N250, 000 basic salaries paid in Indian currency to a bank account in India. They only feed on the weekly allowance of at least N40, 000 weekly. On the other hand, the highest salary I ever saw for a Nigerian was N100, 000, and that is only for managers like the personnel manager, Mr. Ogundimu, the factory manager Mr. Victor Adhaeze, and the Quality Control Manager. During my time there, I got N40, 000 as a safety officer covering all their plants in Agbara Ogun State. I got no overtime pay. The N40, 000 included all my allowances like transportation etc. This means that my basic salary was around

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Vanguard , JANU ARY 10, 2015—17 JANUARY

“All Nigerians are casual workers”

JONATHAN ABIMBOLA

When an Indian is employed, he gets employment letter and all documents relating to his employment. But almost all Nigerians working for them are casual workers. They don’t give them employment letters

N25, 000 monthly! Nigerians respect Indians a lot, but Indians are so abusive of Nigerians. You would hear them say that Nigerians are foolish. I reported Mr. Navic of the Acid Plant to the general manager several times for saying that Nigerians are foolish. They say that Nigerians are very corrupt; that if you want to deal with Nigerians, just pay some money to the police and they will deal with the person for you. They say they know Nigeria more than Nigerians. They have in-house mobile policemen in the yard 24/7. They say it is for their protection. But they also use the MOPOLS to intimidate Nigerians working for them. When an Indian is employed, he gets employment letter and all documents relating to his employment. But almost all Nigerians working for them are casual workers. They don’t give them employment letters. A Nigerian must spend 6 years of hard labour there before he could be staffed, if they want to staff him. And of course, their employment letters carry no weight; even with it, you are still more or else a casual worker if you are a Nigerian. There are a lot of allegations that the Indians who own Parco Group of Companies use some key Nigerian persons to exploit Nigerian workers and bribe government officials - Police, Standard Organisation of Nigeria - SON, Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Inland Revenue, Federal Fire Services etc. While you were there, did you identify some of these key persons and how the Indians use them? The Nigerian Police and the Indians are very good friends. With money, the Indians can be off the hook for any crime they commit. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity is very corrupt. The company has a friend there who helps them scuttle union matters that are meant to promote welfare of the Nigerian workers. I only know a little

about the involvement of the Federal Ministry of commerce and industry. The only encounter I had with them was in relation to the union which I have already talked about. Taxes deducted from Nigerians workers’ salaries are remitted regularly, but unfortunately, more than half of the Indians don’t pay tax. They’d rather pay it in their home country. They don’t actually pay full company income tax. Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) comes for inspections regularly but they do not really inspect anything. With money, so many things can be waved. I am highly disappointed with the conduct and operations of the Nigerian immigrations in their dealings with AFCL. I have travelled out of this country, to the UK and America, and I have seen so much difference in the way immigration operates. The Indians at AFCL travel to Nigeria from their country on visitor’s visa. It is with this visa which is not a working Visa that the Indians use to operate in Nigeria. They don’t have work permits. This is not done anywhere. Nigerians living in India cannot do this. They will be deported back to Nigeria. Whenever the immigration officers come to AFCL, The Indians hide in toilets, bathrooms, undergrounds, inside plants, etc. In the end, they collect money and go away. In fact they no longer arrest the Indians; There are monthly or quarterly settlements. The Indians know that Nigerians are so corrupt so they always have their way. At two different occasions I have received letters for the company written by the Federal Fire Services saying they intended to visit the company. They wished to see some documents; they wished to see the safety officer, to ask of his companies’ readiness to fight fire in case of fire outbreak, training records, etc. At those two occasions somebody met with the officials of the Federal Fire Services. Before I knew it, a fat envelope had exchanged hands and they were on their way out.

18—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2014

Governor, Sullivan Chime

Sunday Onyebuchi

Vita Abba

Paradigms that shaped Enugu political landscape in 2014 BY FRANCIS IGATA

nugu State has been in the eye of the storm since 2014. As we step into 2015 , events of the past year will definitely determine the faith of politicians and the people in this new year. This report attempts to highlight major events that placed the state at the centre of national discourse. ONYEBUCHI’S IMPEACHMENT The impeachment charade of the former deputy governor of Enugu state,Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi was a cynosure that portrayed the state as a flashpoint for political manoeuvring and power play. Dubbed ‘Chiken impeachment’ the state House of Assembly had on August 26, indicted Onyebuchi for alleged misconduct. The 24-member House unanimously voted in favour of Onyebuchi’s removal from office after adopting the report of the 7man panel that investigated allegations of misconduct leveled against him. Onyebuchi’s impeachment followed his indictment by a seven-man panel of inquiry, which investigated allegations levelled against him by members of the Enugu State House of Assembly. The panel, in its report, held that Onyebuchi was guilty of the allegations brought against him. “The allegations of gross misconduct levelled against Onyebuchi, by

the Enugu State House of Assembly have been proved,” the panel, headed by Mr. Franklin Oraekeyi, stated in the report. The members of the house adopted the report of the panel after the House Leader, Hon. S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye, moved a motion for its adoption. UdeOkoye, who sponsored the motion on notice alongside 21 other members of the house, numbered HM/06/2014, noted that the motion was in line with the provisions of section 188 (9) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provided for the removal of members of the executive arm of government. The motion called for a resolution of the house to consider the report of the investigation panel on the allegations of gross misconduct of the deputy governor, and that the house, having carefully considered the report of the investigative panel, “do adopt it.” Onyebuchi was accused of running an illegal poultry in his official residence, an offence according to a resolution of the house, and also refusing to represent Governor Sullivan Chime at official functions, in spite of a directive from the governor. The lawmakers, in the impeachment notice, held that the said actions amounted to gross misconduct on Onyebuchi’s part. The deputy governor had denied the allegations, insisting that he was witch-hunted for expressing an intention to contest the seat of the Enugu East Senatorial Zone,

which is said to be reserved for the governor’s Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo. RESIGNATION OF PDP CHAIRMAN The resignation of the former chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Enugu state chapter,Mr. Vita Abba on October 10, on the grounds to seek elective political office threw spanner on the wheels of progress of the party. His resignation led to a leadership crisis that rocked the party’s foundation. ENDOSREMENT OF UGWUANYI The endorsement of Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi representing Udenu/Igbo-Eze south federal consistency on September 26 by the state Governor, Sullivan Chime led to a crack on the fragile party wall. Other aspirants to the governorship seat like Senator Ayogu Eze representing Enugu-North senatorial district,Samuel Maduka Onyishi,Chairman Peace Group, Prof. Onyeke Onyeke had been vociferous in their insistence for a level playing field where all candidates could test their popularity. That accounts for the litany of litigation attending the outcome of the primary held December 8. CHIME, EKWEREMADU FEUD The quest for Enugu-West sentorial ticket which Chime had indicated interest in, led to a

Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

fierce battle between him and Ekweremadu. The squabble riddled holes on the PDP umbrella. Chime later had to withdraw from the race paving way for the coasting of Ekweremadu who proved to be grounded and enjoying the support of many. MULPTILE SENATORIAL PRIMARIES The December 7, PDP senatorial primaries for the Enugu-North and Enugu-East sentorial zones in the state have left the people of Enugu state in bewilderment. Expect for Enugu-West sentorial zone,where Senator Ike Ekweremadu has the party’s ticket, the same cannot be said of other zones. In Enugu-North senatorial zone, for PDP national chairman,Okwesilieze Nwodo is claiming victory while Mr. Chuka Utazi,immediate past commissioner for transport is laying claim to the ticket. Utazi is relying on the presence of INEC officials and the party’s electoral panel chairman, Mr. Anthony Manzo at his primary to assert victory. However, Enugu-East senatorial zone had three aspirants laying claims to the party’s ticket. They are incumbent,Senator Gil Nnaji, former Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo and former Minister for Information,Mr. Frank Nweke. All the aspirants conducted their own separate primaries at different locations. OKEY EZEA EMERGES FOR APC On December 4,the candidate of the Labour Party in the 2011 governorship election in Enugu state, Barr. Okey Ezea, emerged the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress,APC, for the 2015 governorship poll in the state. Ezea was unanimously elected by the party’s 3,467 delegates, from 260 wards, after his rival, Dr. Ifeanyi Asogwa, stepped down at the last minute in order to vie for the seat of the Nsukka/Igboeze Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. N11.BILLION LOAN GRANTED November 4, angry reactions greeted the N11 billion loan secretly approved for Governor Sullivan Chime-led government by the Enugu State House of Assembly. Opposition parties,civil societies and the general public had questioned the rational behind such approval for a government that is in its twilights. FIRST FEMALE RUNNING MATE EMERGE Mrs. Cecilla Ezeillo, Chairman Enugu State House of Assembly committee on judicial matters emerged Ugwuanyi’s running mate ahead of the 2015 general elections. She represents Ezeagu constituency at the House. This is the first time since the creation of Enugu state in 1991 that a female running mate would emerge.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015—19

BY HENRY UMORU, ASST POLITICAL EDITOR

HEAD of next month's general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP conducted its primaries last year to field candidates for the election based on the guidelines and timetable provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The PDP primaries may have come and gone, but their memories will linger for a very a long time especially against the backdrop of the performance of Jonathan’s men who resigned to contest. Many of them, at the end of the day, came out wounded, some humiliated, defeated while some won with the support of some powerful connection and influence. One very interesting aspect of the primaries was the mass resignation of Ministers, Special Advisers and Special Assistants, those that could be described as the President's men who left the cabinet to contest for the governorship position in their respective states. Following the tendering of letters of resignation, the Ministers decided to test their popularity in their various states, by contesting the governorship primaries on the platform of PDP. Many overrated themselves and some possibly had the notion that their states belonged to them. There were those who felt that the name of President Jonathan rang enough bell to earn them tickets. They believed in the powers of the Presidency to do and undo. They relied on President Jonathan. Having served the President well, it became a seeming statutory right to emerge governors in their states. If a minister in a President’s cabinet resigned to contest for a higher political office, the conclusion was that such ambition must naturally enjoy the President’s support and approval, after all they were President’s men. They enjoyed the blaring of siren each time they visited their States and had become not only special but also high class people in their states. Again, as top government officials money was not going to be the problem. Labaran Maku resigned from his position as Minister of Information for the Nasarawa Governorship race; Emeka Wogu resigned from the Labour and Productivity Ministry for the Abia race; Musiliu Obanikoro resigned as Minister of State, Defence to contest for the Lagos State governorship ticket; Nyesom Wike left his office as Minister of State, Education for the Rivers State governorship race; Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu resigned as Minister of Health for the Ebonyi race; Dr. Samuel Ortom resigned

FALL OF JONATHAN'S MEN:

What implication for his re- election?

z Labaran

Maku

as Minister of State, Trade and Investment for the Benue State governorship race; Darius Ishaku resigned as Minister of State, Niger Delta to contest the Taraba State Governorship position and Elder Godsday Orubebe resigned to contest for the Delta State governorship ticket. Besides the Ministers who resigned, there were also Special Advisers, Special Assistants, heads of parastatals like the Federal Character Commission, FCC, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, among others. As aspirants commenced campaigns ahead of the primaries and because of the strength of the office of the president, many aspirants dropped his name as they went along in their respective states, telling those who cared to listen that they enjoyed the support of President Goodluck Jonathan. The President's men thought they had all what was required to navigate the murky waters of Nigerian politics, having worked at the federal level, with the President and attending Federal Executive Council meetings. They

z Emeka

Wogu

represented President Jonathan through their ministries. The Ministers had also concluded that the mere mention of the President’s name or the mere thought that they worked with the leader of the party, would be enough to frighten and scare away other contestants. At worse, even if they lost, the President may influence the outcome in their favour, after all, they all sought his approval to quit the cabinet in pursuit of more juicy political package. They either got it wrong or were wronged by the system they had served doggedly. Yes, some suffered protest votes and what irked those who resented them was their association with the Presidency and the perceived arrogance even if there was non. And the man they expected to help them looked the other way, especially in keeping with democratic principles. The ministers had possibly dreamt of the past where a sitting president would impose candidates on the people in various states without allowing such persons test how popular they were. But as it turned out, President Jonathan appeared too busy to put a word cross to the handlers of the primaries in various states or force other contenders to drop their dreams. But there alleged cases where his kinsmen ensured the emergence of the

z Musiliu

Obanikoro

The President's men thought they had all what was required to navigate the murky waters of Nigerian politics, having worked at the federal level, with the President and attending Federal Executive Council meetings

z Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu

President's favoured candidates. However, they remain allegations even as eyebrows are being raised on Rivers, Taraba and one or two other states. The leadership of the party was accused of having taken side with some like in Akwa Ibom following its quick endorsement of Governor Godswill Akpabio's zoning arrangement, that of Adamawa, among others. In Delta, the President's kinsmen had their candidate. But what picture does the President's non interference in many other cases where his men failed paint? Is it a case of being a true democrat, leader and father to all? During campaigns, former Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku who was so optimistic of getting the PDP ticket for the Nasarawa governorship race even boasted after he appeared before the PDP governorship screening committee at the Legacy House, Abuja that his DNA was PDP. Said he: "I believe in the party, I believe that people should be in the party as a matter of ideology and principles. “Political parties are not just platforms for elections,

Conitnues on page 20

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

Continues from page 19 they are philosophical foundations for the construction of our own democratic infrastructure. “As for me even if you test my DNA, it is PDP. I' am saying so because recently some of my opponents who are so afraid of me in Nasarawa State, who are scared of my popularity in the party, who are scared of my grassroots followership made my posters under APC, they even designed some billboards under APC and claimed that I have left PDP. “The reason was because when we were rebuilding the party they left to other parties, when they came back the party was solid and we were everywhere. “I' am very confident because it has been years of hard work, years of loyalty to the party, since 1999. I have served this party in different capacities. I was commissioner of information, deputy governor. I contested for the seat in 2007. Somehow, I did not leave the party like some others who migrated to other parties looking for platforms to contest. “I am bringing an experience beginning from student unionism to journalism, a development agent before going into politics where I served as a commissioner, deputy governor and a minister. If I go there I will be the unifying force, I will bring development to my people using my wealth of experience that I have gathered throughout these years of service to the nation. So I am ready to change my state.”

fter much political intrigues, manoeu vring, backstab bing, permutations, the President's men lost out in the race of picking the governorship ticket of their states. Even Maku whose performance as minister of information was a shining light for the Presidency failed to enjoy the support of the same Presidency even if you may not attribute his failure to that. Except for former Minister of State, Education and former Minister of State, Niger Delta, Nyesom Wike and Darius Ishyaku who emerged respectively as Rivers and Taraba Candidates, other ministers like Labaran Maku; Emeka Wogu, Musiliu Obanikoro; Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu; Samuel Ortom; Prof. Sylvester Monye, among others failed to get tickets. At the end of the PDP gubernatorial primaries, the following persons emerged. Akwa - Ibom - Udom Emmanuel; Lagos - Jimi Agbaje; Adamawa - Nuhu Ribadu; Enugu - Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Jigawa - Aminu Ringim; Oyo - Teslim Folarin; Cross River - Benedict Ayade; Kaduna Muktar Yero; Gombe Ibrahim Dankwambo; Rivers - Nyesom Wike; Delta - Ifeanyi Okowa; Abia Okezie Ikpeazu; Nasarawa Yusuf Agabi; Plateau - Gyang Pwajok; Niger - Umar Nasko;

z Darius Ishaku z Godsday Orubebe

Samuel Ortom;

Victor Ndoma

z Prof. Sylvester Monye

z Martins Enehi

FALL OF JONATHAN'S MEN:

What implication for his re- election? Benue - Terhemen Terzoor; Imo - Emeka Ihedioha; and Ebonyi - Dave Umahi. Others were Auwal Jatau for Bauchi; Senator Abdallah Wali for Sokoto State; Salihu Sagir Takai for Kano; Adamu Maina Waziri for Yobe; Gambo Lawan for Borno; Engr. Musa Nashuni for Katsina; Darius Ishaku for Taraba State, Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi who was defeated during the 2011 election became the candidate of the party for Zamfara State, among others. Wike and Ishaku got theirs because of the support from first lady Patience Jonathan and former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma respectively. Aside the governorship race, some of Jonathan's men who were very loyal and still loyal like governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State who had wanted to come to the Senate to represent Delta South; Sullivan Chime of Enugu; Martins Elechi of Ebonyi, all with senatorial ambitions

The problem with most appointees to the Executive arms at the federal and state levels,is that as soon as they assume duties, they lose touch at the grassroots

lost out. Uduaghan did not contest as he withdrew few days to the election allegedly on the advice of Mr. President who wanted his fellow Ijaw man James Manager to continue after 16 years as senator. The emergence of Ifeanyi Okowo also had the Ijaw touch although huge credit should go to Uduaghan for providing a level playing field. Ijaw man is Okowa's running mate and PDP appears to be united in Delta although some candidates believed to be loyal to Uduaghan are being substituted by those they defeated in the primaries. Will they defect too? Will APC gain from this? That's for Delta Just as Senate Majority Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma- Egba; Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Solomon Ita Enang, Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Helen Esuene, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri representing Bayelsa West, among others lost out. Manager is

tipped to replace Victor Ndoma-Egba as Majority Leader in the Senate. Presidential power, you may say but he and few others who enjoyed such support also played their game well. And why did others fail? Was it an indication that the Ministers were merely Abuja politicians, even though Ortom and Maku have dumped the PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA respectively as their governorship candidates for next month's election? Maku has succeeded in flushing out his PDP DNA now and having that of APGA. May be after the election, he would then have a combination of both. Why the abysmal performance of Jonathan's men at the primaries? Could it be an indication that he left them to be on their own or was it that he worked against them and what with those who suffered protest votes as associates of the President? These were those who were believed to parade their association with the President as their only quality and suffered protest votes. Wike in Rivers would have suffered same but for the doggedness of his team coupled with the intimidating support of Patience Jonathan who was allegedly quoted as vowing that Wike would emerge the next governor of Rivers State. So what happened to the other President's men? What does their failure portend to the party in next month's election? Would it have an implication on President Jonathan's re- election bid? Will those who lost out still remain committed to the victory of the president? Saturday Vanguard sought to know from PDP leaders, Stakeholders on the implication of Jonathan's men losing at the primaries as the party begins campaigns ahead of next month's general elections and here are their comments. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh noted that their failure to get the tickets will not affect the President's re- election bid. He said that some of them like Obanikoro are powerful in their states which explained why the PDP would want them to remain. Also in his contribution, former Edo State governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor said, " This is a direct consequence of the internal contradictions and manipulations which characterised the primaries generally. I believe that those who lost out know that President Jonathan was not responsible for what happened to them and have no reason to get back at him by working against his reelection." In his remarks, former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Rowland Owie, said, "No implications at all for Jonathan's re-election. The problem with most appointees to the Executive arms at the federal and state levels,is that as soon as they assume

Continues on page 52

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015 — 21

22—SA TURD AY 22—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , JANU ARY 10, 2015 JANUARY

Battle of the sexes:

WHO IS WEAKER, STRONGER, MORE INTELLIGENT?

Sola Ogundipe analyses researches and balance of power between man and woman •When a man loves a woman, •He can’t keep his mind on nothing else •He’ll trade the world for the good thing he’s found •Turn his back on his best friend if he put her down... BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

he above extract from the lyrics of the 1966 hit song “When a man loves a woman” written by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright aptly

sums up the kind of power a woman often wields over a man. “What man can pretend to know the riddle of a woman’s mind?” pondered Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, in the classic novel

Don Quixote. Call it love or obsession, it’s all about power and control. Who has the power and who is in control? Will there ever be peace on earth except there is peace between man and woman? Man is destined to rule, but the balance of power is constantly under negotiation. It begins with an argument. The man says: “What a man can do, a woman can’t do better.” But the woman replies: “What a man can do,

a woman can do better.” There have always been arguments over the relevance of trying to determine which the better sex is. Admittedly, we live in a largely male-dominated world. The world is man-made and made for man. Man rules. If you are a man, the world is in your pocket. Being born male is an advantage first more than any other factor. Man is king because he is destined to rule and appointed to dominate. A male-dominated society is one that benefits men in the laws, education, academia, inheritance, religion, and general day-to-day life. A man does not only have the mandate, but the manifesto and manpower to manipulate the woman and the world at large. Even the female reproductive cycle and health is tied to the male ideology. Girls going through puberty are said to be in their “menarche”. Women who “menstruate” are seeing their “menses”, and women at the end of their reproductive life, are going through the “menopause”. All these words comprise the key word “men”. But while the man may have the world at his feet, the woman has him firmly in her pocket. As mothers, don’t women beget men and the Continues on page 23

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , JANU ARY 10, 2015—23 JANUARY

WHO IS WEAKER, STRONGER, MORE INTELLIGENT? Continues from page 22 entire world? Are women not the reason the world exists in the first place? The debate rages. Several comparative analyses of the sexual, political and economic emancipation of women, show there is not much difference between men and women in terms of talent, motivation, successes and ambition. However, compared to men, women are “naturally” at a disadvantage. But what she lacks in physical strength and tenacity, a woman more than makes up for psychologically, emotionally and spiritually. Nature is somehow unkind to women, particularly in the area of reproductive health. It takes two to tango, but society (this side of the world) tends to claim the child “belongs” to the man, never mind that it is the woman that gets pregnant and goes through labour to give birth. It is the woman that breastfeeds, nurtures, and weans the child. It is the woman who has to take time off for the sake of the children while the man can be “excused” from such chores because “he is a man”. This notwithstanding, women are more territorial than men when it comes to their families and offspring. True, a man builds the house or pays rent for one, but it takes the touch, presence and ambience a woman make it a home. A home is incomplete without that feminine touch. What or who is a woman? The answers are varied. “A woman is a female human being that is made from a man and specifically for the man,” noted Olabisi, a 45-year-old mother and housewife. “I am a woman and I know how much a woman complements and completes a man,” says Romoke, 25-year-old medical doctor. In the view of Oluwatoyin, 37, a single mother: “It is said that behind every successful man, there is a woman, in other words, a man needs a woman’s input in order to be successful. I don’t know if it is the same thing the other way around.” Tola, 33,

Woman is shelter for man and is engineered to turn a house into a home. Without woman, the purpose of creation would be unfulfilled

puts it this way: “If we recall the story of creation in the Bible ‘And the Lord said, it is not good for the man to be alone, I will make him an help meet (Gen2 18, 19).’ So we can see that man is incomplete without woman. Woman is designed and customised for man and is actually the best part of a man.” In her own view, Felicia Okon, 37, sees every woman as “a potential wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece and daughter. Woman is the desire of man and is made to satisfy man. Woman is shelter for man and is engineered to turn a house into a home. Without woman, the purpose of creation would be unfulfilled,” she asserts. But Akin Falade, a Lagos-based legal consultant thinks it is illogical comparing a man to a woman because they are biologically different and so directly incomparable. “Men

and women are created differently and for different purposes and tasks. For instance, in procreation, a man fathers a child, and a woman is the mother. “A man cannot be a “mother”, just as a woman cannot a “father”. Each lacks the equipment and attitude to carry out the role of the other which is well spelt out and cannot be exchanged. So there would be no sense asking which is better. Both sexes are important. Every woman is work in progress, and not a finished product. There is no perfect woman, just as every man is imperfect.” Akin’s conviction is that it makes more sense to ask which the “stronger ” or “dominant” sex is. “Man and woman are meant to complement and not rival

each other, but everyone knows that man is the stronger and dominant sex,” he concludes. The wise man knows it pays never underestimate the power of a woman. And lest anyone forgets, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Women are born to demand their share. But has sexual equality ever existed? There is doubt about this. When it comes to relationships, a man tends to be motivated by what he sees while a woman is quite likely to act on what she knows. While a man cares about his woman’s appearance, her looks, her shape and her structure, the woman is more concerned about her man’s functionality, character, mindset and potential. In relationships, men savour the moment, while women are more disposed toward the long haul. A sexual selection theory predicts endemic cooperation and conflict between potential or actual sex partners. For the male and female species, sexual encounters provoke games of strategic decision-making. It’s actually a game of wits. Humans, as large-brained mammals are in an eternal battle for supremacy. This tug of war between the sexes is generally suspected to be part of the evolutionary force that propelled the emergence of human culture. The male dominance/female submission patterns are gradually being reversed. The modern woman has emerged and there is evidence she is asserting gender relevance (not equality) by getting men to be more assertive. A man can only be as good as the woman determines. So the man is kept on his toes. Women motivate men because they collectively control the ultimate scarce resource: sex. Whoever is saying women are not relevant needs to think again. Women have a lot to bargain with - their nature and their nurture. Man cannot function effectively without woman because he is irrelevant without her. In the book of creation, woman was created from man, so woman is a part of man, and he is incomplete without her. Whether we admit it or not, the gender balance of power is slowly but steadily shifting.

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

My link with Vanguard I

t was only a matter of time before I retraced my steps to links that helped strengthen my nascent journalism career as sports editor for Newswatch Magazine. Interestingly, that odyssey which includes the 24 years spent in the United States of America, (between 1989 and 2013) has now brought me full circle to Saturday Vanguard where my weekly column, which will focus on topical issues covering the spectrum from politics, sports, the economy and international issues, debuts today. Why Vanguard? Well, even though my career did not start here I have always had a sentimental link with the paper because through my sports beat at Newswatch I was able to strike up professional associations with a group of writers at the paper such as Tony Ubani, Onochie Anibeze, Chris Okojie, Phillip Ahante and Ikeddy Isiguzo, who all helped to redefine sports journalism in Nigeria in the late 80’s. This special relationship with Vanguard newspapers was one of the reasons I chose to travel to Chile with Chris Okojie (then former sports editor) for coverage of the 1987 Junior World Cup. And what a great time we had (in a positive way) beginning with our one day transit through Rio De Janeiro, that afforded us an opportunity to witness a carnival as well as watch a game with rivals Santos and Vasco Da Gama at the famous Maracana Stadium. I do not know what obtains now, but in those days the camaraderie between journalists extended beyond coverage of events to actually playing pick-up soccer games most weekends at the University of Lagos Sports Stadium and other L-R; Chris Okojie, former Vanguard Sports Editor, Nduka Chris, Brazilian legend, Gerson at the Maracana in Rio venues in Lagos. Irabor, then Editor of Guardian Express and Ben Edokpayi of De Janeiro Because of the disillusionment I felt Newswatch at the National Stadium with the profession (which I am sure is worse now) I checked out for the USA in 1989. had stopped reading the newspaper because I never really let the revolving chair that the And so now I am a Nigerian-American was the editor. I also freelanced for of poor quality and content. editor-in-chief’s position had become, before with a unique perspective on issues the BBC and the Africa Service of the By the time I left four years later the man my arrival, deter or disturb me. affecting both countries. My Voice America; covering the was one of my best news sources in town and Good thing I did because the challenges experiences, on both sides of the Atlantic, inaugural Major League Soccer had become a fan of the paper that he felt came fast and thick. One of them was an will provide a unique fountain for the (MLS) for VOA. inspired enough to contribute a regular incident that was as shocking as interesting. ideas that will drive my contributions to Being an African editor with an column on soccer for the newspaper. For some it seemed hilarious, but to me it was The Vanguard, facilitated by the Editor accent at Dixon Tribune, a town After journalism I transitioned to public deeply troubling having never experienced of the paper, who recently approached with a population that is service, working as a Public Information something like that in almost two decades in me to be a contributor for this esteemed predominantly white, was certainly Officer (PIO) for two state agencies in journalism. newspaper. a unique challenge that I embraced California; the State Compensation Insurance It happened with the issue of The Tribune It is certainly a unique privilege to call with gusto. Fund (SCIF) and the Department of that reported on the winners and losers for two great countries home. And I will not At the very first reporting Transportation (CALTRANS). My elections to the City Council. The caption I trade my American experience for assignment in this small town with a accomplishments at Caltrans included used for one of the winners in the election was anything because it has helped population of approximately managing the publicity campaign for deliberately switched to something more tremendously to define who I am as well 20,000, I remember encountering President Obama’s very first American malicious and damaging. We never really did as given me the opportunity for my two my first shock at the local Scottish Recovery and Reinvestment Act” (ARRA) finger the culprit but steps were taken sons who are very special to me. Games. stimulus project implemented in California— internally to ensure it never happened again. While in America, I was fortunate to It came from the publicist for the the Interstate 80 rehabilitation project in In those early days it was almost a daily continue my career in journalism at a games whose first question for me Solano County. And so after 25 years in occurrence for me to come across readers and very high level as well meeting high was: how long I planned to stay as America here I am back in Nigeria during a subscribers who for one reason or the other profile personalities, working for a editor of the newspaper when I first turbulent period which I believe is the perfect were dissatisfied with the quality of the number of publications including the introduced myself to him. As he condition for a new and great beginning for newspaper. African Times, The African tried to recount the number of the country if next month’s election is On one occasion, during an interview with Commentary, The Daily Republic (from editors who had passed through the handled well. Which is what my very first a prominent businessman in town, the table where I covered the 1994 World Cup), paper in the last fifteen years I began contribution for Saturday Vanguard focuses was literally turned on me. I spent almost an The Vacaville Reporter (where I was the wondering what I had gotten myself on; the hope for successful elections in Nigeria hour defending the credibility of the paper weekend editor and on the editorial into. next month. instead of interviewing the man, who said he board) and the Dixon Tribune where I But that thought was fleeting, and

Nigerian Elections ttoo AAttr ttr act Global AAtt tt ention ttract ttention

he whole world will be

watching when Nigerians go to the polls on February 14 and 28 for crucial elections that will decide who will lead Africa’s biggest democracy for the next four years. With democracy now flourishing in almost every African nation, the success of the elections in Nigeria will be seen as another step forward for the continent, despite recent hiccups in Gambia and Burkina Fasso. In addition to observers from the EU and the United States of America, there will be a delegation of journalists from the US-based National Association of African Journalists (NAAJ), who are concerned about a successful democratic transition and the entrenchment of democratic principles. Members of the organization which has already contacted INEC for accreditation status, will be in the country throughout the elections, and also plan to conduct training sessions for Nigerian Journalists covering the elections. Based on lessons learnt in the beacon of democracy, the NAAJ plans to use the monitoring template for the Nigerian elections in other African countries as well as its token contribution to the sustenance of democracy and

Jonathan

Jega

democratic principles across the continent. Inaugurated 10 years ago at the Howard University in Washington, D.C., the NAAJ is led by Eyobong Ita, a Nigerian-born journalist with nearly 30 years of practice in Nigeria and the United States. The organization is made up of journalists from across Africa now residing in the USA. At the inauguration 10 years ago, Jerome Mendouga, who was then Cameroon’s Ambassador to the United States and deputy dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, delivered

Buhari a keynote address in which he urged African journalists to play a lead role in giving the continent a new image and political direction. NAAJ was established to “promote balanced media coverage of Africa-related issues, provide education and professional development workshops to its members, organize seminars and discussions in furtherance of its objectives, assist African-trained journalists’ transition to the American media and encourage African students to pursue careers in journalism.”

“The transparency of the Nigerian elections is very critical to the sustenance of the country’s democracy,” said Ita, Ohio-based freelance editor and NAAJ founder whose journalism career started as a sports reporter at Vanguard. “We solicit the cooperation of INEC, the political parties, the electorates and other key players in this election to help us present the true picture of the upcoming elections to the world.” Prominent members of the NAAJ include Sonala Olumhense, founding editor of Nigeria’s THIS WEEK magazine and former editor/ publisher of CITY TEMPO, Maudlyne Ihejirika, Assistant City Editor at the Chicago Sun-Times, Ugandan-born Shaka Ssali, managing editor at the Africa Division of the Voice of America and host of Straight Talk Africa, Liberian-born Getahn Ward, a reporter at The Tennessean, Zimbabwean-born Praxedes Jeremiah of the Voice of America, American-born Tracie Powell, founder of alldigitocracy.org, Joseph Omoremi, Nigerian-born editor of Chicago Inquirer and yours truly, a former editor of the Dixon Tribune and weekend editor and editorial board member of the Vacaville Reporter. The general concern is for free and fair elections but from the progress made in the continent in the last two decades it is now quite clear that Africans do not want to return to an era of military rulers. “Setting aside the quality of African democracy, all but a few of the continent’s 1 billion people now expect to vote in regular national polls. That is something which 1.5 billion Asians, for all their impressive economic performance, cannot do,” The Economist magazine wrote in a 2012 piece emphasizing the importance of democracy in Africa.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015 — 25

By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

Ho w Ali Baba How ushered in 20 15 201 with jabs, dance and music!

*Comedians on stage

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

t was not just another memorable event, rather it was an evening of fun, laughter, music and dance. Ali Baba, last week, reaffirmed his status as the godfather of comedy in Nigeria, when he ushered Lagosians into the New Year with a spectacular concert tagged “Alibaba January 1st Concert,” at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Thousands of fun seekers, smainly couples, politicians, celebrities, captains of industry, oil magnates and the cream of society turned out in large numbers for the big concert which featured series of memorable events. Sponsored by Heritage Bank, the event had all the trappings of a first class show, one fit for anyone looking for unbridled night of fun with family and friends. Top entertainers at the event were, D’banj, 2Face, Adewale Ayuba, Waje, Omawumi, Bez, Yemi Alade, Blackmagic, DJ Cuppy, Dj Cass, Basorge, Bovi, Tee A, Kofi, Yaw, Okey Bakassi, Seyi Law, Gbenga

*First Lady of Lagos State Dame Abimbola F a s h o l a presenting award to ASP Chioma Ajunwa

*2face and his wife Annie the event

Adeyinka, Reuben, Senator, Mc Abbey, Egos, Bash, Peteru, The Don, Damola, Funny Bone, Mandy, Chigor and Helen. Also, in attendance were the First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, business moguls and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote; and oil magnate, Mike Otedola. Others were veteran actor cum comedian, Patrick Doyle, and his amiable wife, Iretiola Doyle.

With the awesome performances put up by the enteratiners, the host of the night, Ali Baba mounted the stage to honour six outstanding Nigerians who took the baton to be first in their chosen field of endeavours. From Chief Mike Adenuga who was recognized for being the first indigenous telecom operator in the country to ASP Chioma Ajunwa, Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist and Chief Akintola

Being glamorous is par partt of m myy brand’s characteristics —Olu maintain

hough the Yahozee star Olu maintain didn’t stick around after the success of his hit song, but the good news is that the flamboyant crooner has a lot in store for his fans this year. In a chat with Showtime, the artiste disclosed that he will be doing the unexpected in 2015. “2015 is going to be much more exciting .Its going to be filled with something I haven’t done before. “he said. When asked why he is a showstopper and enjoys being glamorous he said:” I always like to step in with an entrance. If you can’t step in with an entrance as a celebrity or an artiste, then something is missing.I always like to leave a lasting impression.Being glamorous is part of the characteristics that surrounds my brand and l have been able to sustain it over the last 10 years and that will continue.

Williams, Nigeria’s first chattered accountant among others, it was a night to remember. The award presentation ushered in the main entertainment on the night, as top muiscians and comedians took turn to thrill the quality audience. Timi Dakolo, Nigeria’s first ever winner of West African Idol, held the audience spellbound with his soulful rendition of one of his hit tracks, “Believe.” His

performance drew a standing ovation from the crowd, some of whom wondered why that song has not yet been adopted as the country ’s official National anthem. The high points of the night: was the ‘Roast and Toast’ segment where 12 top comedians reviewed the events of the past year, personalities and general happenings in the country in the most insightful and comic way possible. They were 12 top comedians like Yibo Koko, Okey Bakkasi, Basorge Tariah, Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st, and Tee-A. Others were Koffi, Yaw, Bovi, Seyi Law and Senator. Despite promise to talk about virtually all the events of the past year, the comedians unanimously stayed away from making any comment on the leader of the Boko Haram sect, the dead and alive, Abubakar Shekau. However, the comedians did not shy away from ripping the host, Ali Baba apart with the major damage done by Bovi. Ali Baba’s roast which appeared to be too harsh for the comedian was, however, a planned session by all the comedians who had unanimously decided to take on the King of comedy with the excuse that had it been him, he would have spared anyone, had the table being turned. Taking on Ali Baba, Bovi called the host “a serial divorcee who ended up marrying the same set of women twice.” He also said that Ali Baba mentored 2face. But the most interesting jab on the night came from an Abuja-based comedian Ambassador, Wahala. The comedian, whose real names are Lukumon Oni Olarenwaju, was spectacular in his mimicking of Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

Why I featured Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva in my video —Immaculate

•Olumaintain

ast rising singer Immaculate signed on to Tee Y Mix’ Vivace records released the visuals for her afro pop single Gogo baby late last year. The colourful video featured Nollywood veterans Olu Jacobs and Joke silva.In a chat with Showtime, the busty artiste said she featured Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva because they are a symbol of the message she was passing across in the song. “Gogo baby is centered on love .Its talking about the different sides of love.I featured olu Jacobs and joke silva because they are a symbol of the message I was trying to pass across in the song. They have been there for a very long time, it doesn’t mean they don’t have their issues but they are still together, aging with grace.”

•Immaculate

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

Moments that made Nollywood laugh, cry and cringe in 2014 Y

ear 2014, may have come and gone, yet its memory still lingers in the hearts and minds of many stakeholders in the industry. From the high points, like Ibinabo Fiberesima’s glamorous wedding to the low points such as the painful exit of Clems Onyeka, there are many ups and downs in Nollywood last year. As 2015 begins in earnest, here’s a look back at the happiest, saddest, and most talked-about moments in the nation’s motion picture industry.

Omo Omottola, Genevieve

Ibinabo Fiberesima’s blissful moment

mingling

t’s hard to argue the obvious that Ibinabo Fiberesima’s wedding which held between December 18 and 19, was one of the most talked-about glamorous events in Nollywood last year. When many thought she wasn’t going to get married in her lifetime, Ibinabo shocked her detractors as she walked down the aisle with her man. Her star-studded wedding which shook her home town of Okirika, Rivers State to its very foundation rewrote her story as a single mother of many years. Her Nollywood colleagues came in their numbers to show solidarity to one of their own. Those who attended the wedding are still talking about it till date. But 2014 belonged to Ibinabo. Apart from her getting married, she was also re-elected as the president of Actors Guild of Nigeria,AGN, despite the odds.

The bir th of birth Audio-Visual Rights Society

ne major breakthrough that was recorded in the industry last year was the birth of the Audio-Visual Rights Society. Like music, the industry secured government license for a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) with the approval of the Audio Visual Rights Society,AVRS.

ntil last year, the perception was that Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde and Genevieve Nnaji were engaged in a supremacy battle that has soiled their relationship for many years. But at the Genevieve and last year’s Africa Omotola International Film Festival (AFRIFF), the leading stars of the award winning movie,”Ije: The Journey”, Omotola and Genevieve shocked those who seem not to like them. They were spotted walking hand-in-hand and having good time together. The two stars arrived Calabar a night before the closing of the festival and it was a happy reunion of sort for them. Bubbling with life, Omotola and Genevieve sealed the lips of many with awe. Together, they joined CEO of Ebonylife TV, Mo Abdul, and the entire Ebonylife family, to pay their last respect to their late Head of Programming, Pamela Ofoegbu, who passed away last year. They also participated in the candlelight procession in honour of the deceased. It was a relishing experience last year. The society will be to the film industry, what the Copyright Right Society of Nigeria,COSON, is to the music industry. At the take-off of the AVRS in Lagos,late last year, Chairman of the society, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, asserted that henceforth, the illegal use of intellectual property by individuals and organisations for commercial purposes without the consent and benefit to right owners must stop. Accolades greeted the approval as industry operators expressed hope that it will help to turnaround their fortunes. Indeed, the birth of the society was a moment eveyone shared in the industry.

Ugly Moments:

Demise of Amaka Igwe, Clems Onyeka, Ijeoma Okori...

Ini Edo,Uche Ogbodo’s marriages crashed!

he industry mourned the loss of many celebrities in 2014; Legendary producer, Amaka Igwe died of undisclosed ailment in May, Clems Onyeka was killed by a stray bullet in Asaba, while Ijeoma Okori passed on in Feburary during childbirth. Unfortunately Ijeoma's twin baby also lost their lives. Two other Nollywood actors, Shehu Jubril and Charles Warren, reportedly died the same day in the month of January. Jubril, a famous Kannywood actor cum comedian, died on Thursday morning in his country home in Talatan Mafara, Zamfara State, while Charles Warren was said to have complained of chest Clems pains in the evening of the same day. Warren Onyeka was immediately rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead on arrival by doctors. Jubril, before his death, was quite popular in the Hausa speaking Kannywood and was known as ‘Golobo.’

Uche Ogbodo

wo celebrity marriages that made headlines in the national dailies crashed during the expired year.They were the marriages of Ini Edo and actress Uche Ogbodo. While Ini’s marriage hit the rock following accusations of cheating levelled against her by her Americanbased husband, Philip Ehiagwina, Uche’s marriage crashed due to failing health of her ex-husband. Her husband took ill, and Uche alledgedly dumped him, denying, however, that she was never married to him in the first place. The same year, Uche travelled to the United States where she gave birth to her baby boy. She has since moved on, as well as Ini.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015 —27

•Lilian Afegbai

ilian Afegbai who was evicted at the early stage of the Big Brother Hotshots is ready to get her groove back after the devastating experience she had at the continental reality show. Speaking recently on a programme on AfricaMagic, Lilian disclosed that she would soon hit the silverscreen with her talk show. Recall that before entering the BBA house, Lilian was pursuing a career in acting as a star of M-net produced TV drama, “Tinsel.” She also has a talkshow, and has since shot a couple of episodes. Lilian said, she’s ready to hit the screens with her talk show, which according to her, is far from being the regular talkshows, where the hosts interview personalities. “I am bringing something new to the table. My talkshow will soon be ready. Before I went for Big Brother, I had already shot a couple of episodes. The aim of the show is to help up-andcoming talents to get closer to their dreams. I just want to give back in my own little way,” she added. However, revealing

I’m ready to launch out this year

Desmond Elliot hosts talent hunt ffor or yyoung oung filmmak er ilmmaker erss T

op Nollywood actor-turned-politician, Desmond Elliot, has been named the host of a new talent hunt show geared towards putting rising actors into the mainstream world of filmmaking. The event, which is being put together by 2et media Network Limited, owned by Eyaba Emmanuel Tagbo will commence as soon as possible. According to the producer, seven locations are being considered for the camping. They include, Obudu Ranch Resort in Cross River State, Federal Capital Territory, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Bayelsa, Kogi and Lagos States. Eyabo said, the need to create a platform where many people will be empowered through the movies has given rise to Unleash Ur Creativity organised by his outfit. “Going by Unleash Ur Creativity’s concept, two groups of 25 artistes will be selected and camped for one month during which they will learn the rudiments of filmmaking and then shoot a short film. They will be required to conceptualize a story, produce and premiere it within the period. The movie will be premiered to an audience on live TV and the winning group will receive N10,000,000 (ten million naira) to produce a feature film. Seasoned filmmakers will visit the artistes from time to time to give them practical tips on the art and science of filmmaking. Seasoned actor, Desmond Eliot will be anchoring the first season of the show which will be aired on AIT and other satellite TV stations.

BBA Lilian Afegbai: that while in the BBA house, she developed a strong passion for rap, Lilian said, she has a desire to go into acting professionally this year. “That’s where I want to focus my energies. ‘ Describing herself as a goal-getter,

Lilian declared that, “I’m mentally prepared to be on top of my game. Even if it goes rough, I will still do it. At the end of the day, nothing good comes easy.”

Sadiq Daba, Oge Okoye and Ivie Okujaiye unite in new telenovella I

n 2015, television gets more exciting as a new Nigerian telenovella, “Hotel Majestic”, berths on Africa Magic. The daily telenovella premiered during the week on Africa Magic. “Hotel Majestic” focuses on the Emeni family as they fight one another and the outside world to protect a hotel that has been in their family for decades. The Hotel, which is situated in a beautiful and flawless riverside community in Nigeria, has been in the family since the late 1800’s and is currently run by two great-grandchildren of the original owner. The Regional Director, M-Net (West), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu says: “Hotel Majesticis is yet another addition to the exciting content line up on Africa Magic. This new and exciting telenovella features afresh storyline and the cast, an impressive mix of established and up-and-coming names in Nollywood, brings to life all the intrigue, suspense, ambition, betrayal and love that make it a must watch.” Hotel Majestic stars renowned actors like SadiqDaba, Gloria Young, Tina Mba, Oge Okoye, Bukky Ajayi and Anne Njemanze. The telenovella also features Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) nominee Ivie Okujayein who is the lead role as Alero.

Invest more funds BY EMEKA AGINAM Project Fame Season in ent er enter ertt ainment, The7current Winner, Geoffrey Oji, has called on the government for more Oji urges focused investment in the entertainment industry, saying that it is one of the fastest growing industries government globally. •Oge Okoye

•Desmond Elliot

Oji, who stated this during a press conference in Lagos to unfold details of the partnership between the 960 Music Group and Ultima Productions and his recent activities, noted that government should fully tap into the potentials in the Entertainment industry which he believed could generate more revenues similar to the oil industry. According to him, start-ups in the music and movie industry in the country need funding to survive, adding that the entertainment industry holds a lot of potentials for Nigeria. Social vices in the country such as kidnapping, terrorism, among others, according to him could be reduced to the barest minimum if creative talents among the youths were encouraged. “The government is yet to tap the low hanging fruits in the entertainment ecosystem. There is need for the government to understand the worth of the entertainment industry which has longer staying power than oil. Creativity will never dry up,” he •Geoffrey Oji explained.

28—SATURDAY

Diet Doctor

Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

F or egg-cellent health, y ou need the egg-xact breakfast

ive yourself an egg treat to start your day off right today. For the perfect hard-boiled eggs, don’t put the fresh egg into boiled water. Put the eggs in a pan and add cold water so they are covered by an inch. Turn up the heat. When they start to boil, take the pan off the heat and cover. Let them stand in the hot water. Extra-large eggs need about 15 minutes, large ones 12 minutes, and medium eggs. To peel, gently tap the egg on the table and peel. Eggs are incredibly fulfilling. They are a high protein food that scores high on the Satiety Index, which measures the ability of foods to induce feelings of fullness and reduce subsequent calorie intake. Many people do love eggs, never mind that they are so misunderstood and for decades, have been demonised. Often, because of the cholesterol in them, eggs are considered bad for the heart. Someone is either telling you not to eat the yolk or to eat no more than an egg in a week or a month, or you are being urged to drop eggs altogether. There are studies that have found that people with diabetes who eat eggs have an increased risk of heart disease, but whether the eggs are actually causing the increased risk isn’t known, because such studies only show statistical association and do not prove that eggs caused anything. But you’d better believe it when I tell you that eggs so much loaded with nutrients they qualify to be called super foods. An egg is the complete food. You could even call it the perfect food, particularly breakfast, because it contains a little bit of almost every nutrient your body requires. The health benefits of eggs so much outweigh all the negative criticism of their cholesterol content. It is true that eggs are high in cholesterol. A single

•About half of an egg’s protein is in the white, which is lowcalorie

egg actually contains about 212 mg, which is over half of the recommended daily intake of 300 mg. However, keep in mind that cholesterol in the diet doesn’t necessarily raise cholesterol in the blood. The liver actually produces large amounts of cholesterol every single day. Eating more eggs reduces the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver, so it evens out. The truth is that the response to egg consumption

•Eggs contain Choline

varies between individuals. In 70 percent of people, eggs don’t raise cholesterol at all. In the other 30 percent, eggs can mildly raise total and LDL cholesterol. Egg consumption consistently leads to elevated levels of HDL (the “good”) cholesterol, which is linked to a reduced risk of many diseases. Common recommendations about how many eggs to eat at a time vary from a maximum of 2-6 yolks per week. However, there really isn’t much scientific support for these limitations. Eggs contain Choline—an Important nutrient you don’t get enough of except in the diet. Choline is used to build cell membranes and has a role in producing signalling molecules in the brain, along with various other functions. Egg consumption appears to change the pattern of LDL particles from small, dense LDL (bad) to large LDL, which is linked to a reduced heart disease risk. Eggs also contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin — antioxidants that have major benefits for eye health. Eggs are rich in high quality animal protein, which are the main building blocks of the human body. A single large egg

contains about six grammes of protein. Whether boiled, scrambled, poached, sunny-side up, or in omelettes or quiches, eggs are easy, versatile, and inexpensive. One large egg gives you six grams of protein and has lots of vitamins and minerals — all for only 70 calories. They’re also not the bad-for-you food we once thought they were. Eating an egg a day should be OK for most people. If you’re closely watching your cholesterol, try egg whites. All of an egg’s cholesterol and fat are in its flavourful, rich yolk. A large egg has as much cholesterol as a single serving of liver, shrimp, or duck meat. The yolk isn’t all bad, though. It holds a lot of the egg’s vitamins, including all of its vitamins A, D, and E. About half of an egg’s protein is in the white, which is low-calorie and fat-free. Keep your eggs in the main part of the refrigerator, not the door.. The main part of your fridge will keep them colder. And leave them in the egg carton. Not only will it protect their shells, but it’ll also keep them from taking on strong odours and flavours of other foods like fish. As a rule of thumb, use raw eggs within 3.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015—29

Lifestyle

Trim midsection is more than skin deep E

veryone has an area on his or her body they consider a trouble spot. For a lot of people,this area is the midsection.Carrying excess weight in your stomach can hinder confidence while also putting you at risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Managing a healthy diet along with daily exercise can help you slim down this area for a trim midsection. Misconceptions There’s no way to “spotreduce” belly fat; you must improve your overall body composition by removing excess body fat while building lean muscle tissue. As this happens, any fat in your midsection starts to go away and the muscle tissues you are building give you a toned stomach. Trim midsection One of the best reasons to aspire to a trim midsection is your health. A waistline of 35 or more inches puts women at risk for lifethreatening conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Smart eating, aerobic exercise, and ab-tightening moves such as the ones below will help you lose love handles and keep you out of the danger zone. The moves target the obliques on the sides of your torso. Do two or three sessions a week, with a rest day between workouts. Food Facts The type of food you eat is just as important as how much you eat. Your body functions better with nutrient-dense foods that provide minerals and vitamins without containing extra calories, sugar and fat. Examples of nutrient-dense foods include lean protein, whole grain breads, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. A diet rich in these types of foods can promote a permanent and long-term healthy weight. Eat when you feel hungry and stop eating as soon as you no longer feel hungry. Eating until you are stuffed or “full” can lead to consuming too many calories and eventual weight gain.

Seated Knee Drop Keeping your spine straight, sit back on your sit bones with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, ankles touching. Place your hands on the floor behind you for balance. Contract your abdominal muscles, and lower your legs to the left until they are about 6 inches from the floor, keeping your ankles pressed together and your shoulders forward. Your feet will roll, but they should stay on the floor. Hold for a second, and then use your abs to slowly pull your legs up and over to the right. Don’t let your knees simply fall to the side; keep the move controlled. Repeat from side to side for 1 minute. Side Crunch Lie on your right side with your legs extended. Wrap your right forearm across your waist and rest your right hand on the left side. Bring your left hand behind your head, so your left elbow points toward the ceiling. An easier version: Don’t lift your leg; lift your upper body only. Using the obliques on your left side (not your right arm), pull in your abs and lift your right shoulder off the floor about 2 to 3 inches, while raising your left leg about 12 inches. Hold for 2 seconds, and then slowly return to the starting position. Start with 5 to 8 reps on each side, and work up to 12 to 15. Do one or two sets with 1 minute of rest in between.

A toned stomach.

•Contracting the abdominal muscles

30—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

BY IYABO AINA

Nicki Minaj talks abortion, police brutality, & Kanye West •Nicki Minaj

eports has it that popular international screen diva Nicki Minaj, has come out to talk about some controversial stories making wave about her, starting with abortion, police brutality and her recent sympathy for Kanye West in the new year cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. In the candid interview, the “mad genius” spoke about her breakup with long-time boyfriend Safaree Samuels, the police violence against unarmed black men including Mike Brown and Eric Garner, and her sympathy for Kanye West. She also reflects on her teen pregnancy and abortion, which she raps about on The Pinkprint opening track “All Things Go.” The decision, she says, has “haunted me all my

life.” The issue hits newsstands on Friday, January 2, when the sexy songstress opened up about her personal life: “One of my goals was to give people a glimpse into my personal life, because it’s something I’ve kept very private. I had to learn to do something as simple as sleep alone. I struggled with ‘Do I express these feelings?’ And I decided there’s no reason for me to hide. I’m a vulnerable woman, and I’m proud of that.” On “Anaconda”: “With a video like ‘Anaconda,’ I’m a full grown woman! I stand for girls wanting to be sexy and dance, but also having a strong sense of themselves. If you got a big butt shake it! Who cares? That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be graduating from college.” On her decision to have an abortion: “I thought I was

going to die. I was a teenager. It was the hardest thing I’d ever gone through. It’d be contradictory if I said I wasn’t pro-choice. I wasn’t ready. I didn’t have anything to offer a child.” On the deaths of Mike Brown and Eric Garner: “It’s sickening, and I’ve been reading so many people saying, ‘Why are we surprised?’ That’s what’s really sad: that we should somehow be used to being treated like animals. It’s gotten to the point where people feel like there’s no accountability: If you are law enforcement and you do something to a black person, you can get away with it.” On Kanye West: “He was the unofficial spokesman for hiphop, and he got torn apart. And now you haven’t heard him speaking about these last couple things, and it’s sad. Because how many times can you be made to feel horrible for caring about your people before you say, ‘Fuck it, it’s not worth it, let me live my life because I’m rich, and why should I give a fuck?’”

The Wests move into their $20m mansion

ccording to Daily mail, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have completed renovations on their $20 million mansion in California, and appear to have moved in. Their home is said to have 8 luxury bedrooms, a pool room, several swimming pools as well as a vineyard. The power couple bought the property over 4 months ago and have been living at Kim’s mum, Kris Jenner ’s home in the same neighbourhood, pending the end of renovations. Recently, Kim Kardashian’s black MercedesBenz SUV has been seen parked on the mansion’s driveway; also, piles of rubbish have been found around the property and it looks like Kim and Kanye are set for another level of family life.

Presenters for golden globe awards announced

n Tuesday, January 6, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced the first batch of presenters who will present the trophies at the upcoming awards show which include Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Amy Adams. The two “Iron Man 3” stars and the “Big Eyes” actress will be joined by others such as Anna Faris, Salma Hayek, Kate Hudson, Lily Tomlin, Kristen Wiig and Catherine ZetaJones. Other stars including Adrien Brody, Ricky Gervais, Kevin Hart, Channing Tatum and Owen Wilson will also take part as presenters. The upcoming Golden Globe ceremony which is set to air on Sunday, January 11 at 8 P.M. ET on NBC will be hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. This year, “Birdman” leads with seven nominations in movie category. “Boyhood” and “The Imitation Game” trail behind with five nominations each. Additionally, “Selma” director Ava DuVernay makes history as the first African-American woman to receive Best Director nomination at the Golden Globes. “I don’t believe I am the first one who has made something worthy,” DuVernay commented on the nomination to Reuters. “That is where the bittersweet moment comes in. It is sweet for me in this moment and my mother is very happy, but certainly I know I stand on the shoulders of a lot of amazing women.”

2 more women join defamation lawsuit against Bill Cosby s Bill Cosby faces a slew of sexual A assault allegations, two women are joining a defamation lawsuit against him.

It was gathered that Linda Traitz and fellow accuser Therese Serignese are joining the suit, which was originally filed by Tamara Green. Cosby’s attorney, Martin Singer, has called the spate of sexual assault accusations against the comedian “ridiculous.” Saying it defies common sense that “so many people would have said nothing, done nothing, and made no reports to law enforcement or asserted civil claims if they thought they had been assaulted over a period •Bill Cosby of so many years.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015—31

ith 2015 on us, now's the time to ditch your bad habits and try out new beauty habits, for a more glowing you. If you're making up your resolutions, here are 11 beauty resolutions you should actually stick with this year. It's time to revamp your routine and update your look

Exercise

You should resolve to be more active in the New Year, whether it's running or dancing, just ensure you workout. Find some sort of routine whether it's taking a long walk, do something that doesn't feel like such a chore.

Moisturise your body

Not just when you're wearing a short dress, but every day. It is advisable to use a liquid body wash that leaves your skin moisturized.. When it's time to scrub, use a granular formula suspended in oil that buffs as well as moisturises.

Say yes to SPF

If you aren't already wearing sunblock, it's time to start layering it on. Even if your foundation includes SPF, pick up a sunscreen and add it to your morning makeup routine, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.

Prep your skin

Sleep more

Make 2015 the year you go to bed early. As vague as it sounds, it's called "beauty sleep" for a reason. While you're sleeping, your body takes the time to rejuvenate, including your skin cells. So stop with the all-nighters and start getting some sleep. Your skin will thank you.

Air-dried Hair

Give your hair a break from heat styling by letting it air-dry when you wash. Embracing your natural African texture is also on trend for 2015.

Moisturize your hands

Your hands go through a lot every day, especially for those of us who do all the washing ourselves.. They also tend to show signs of aging, like sun spots and wrinkles. Keep them moisturized and also covered in sunscreen daily.

Beauty products

Get a primer

If your makeup never lasts all day no matter what you, then you should get a primer that works for you.

Fresh nails

The trendiest nail art of the moment is the negative-space manicure, which is also a little healthier for your nails. Keeping them covered with polish can result in brittle, yellow nails, so resolving to go polish-free every couple of days, or experimenting with this new trend and skipping the clear basecoat or topcoat, is a great way to take care of your hands.

Negative Nail Space

Remove make-up

Do not forget to remove your makeup at night. Leaving it on overnight can make your pores look giant and haggard. Keep some makeup removing wipes near your bed if you often find getting up to take off your makeup is too much effort.

Quit smoking Make-up wipes C M Y K

PRIMER

That bad habit you're still secretly doing, it's time to stop it. Whether it's smoking, drinking or overdyeing your hair, make the resolution to stop it now. Your future 2016 self will thank you.

FWL recently opened its African inspired designer clothing concession in the Red Dress store in the iconic plaza on Oxford Street London. With fifteen designers and over 200 designs of limited quantity, The AFWL concession is a London-based fashion and lifestyle concession that stocks clothing’s, fashion accessories using vibrant African and tribal prints to bringing wonderful colours into peoples wardrobes. . As Europe’s largest fashion event for Africa and African inspired fashion, Africa Fashion Week London is thrilled to offer designers the opportunity to showcase their designs in the heart of London’s shopping district. The annual event is s a celebration of African designs talents and the diverse ethic influences that contribute to fashion in the UK. It aims to promote new and emerging designers that are inspired by the rich culture of Africa. And incorporate this heritage into contemporary designs. The store which opened from November the 1st 2014 will run for three months with each week featuring a new guest designer from designers that showcased at the AFWL 2014. According to Ronke Ademiluyi Founder of AFWL, the initiative is to support the high street entrepreneurs of the future offering brands the opportunity to sell their products in the space with other brands.

32— SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015 BY KEHINDE AJOSE

oul Muzik First Lady, Zaina Agoro is a diva who knows her onions in

How has your law background helped your music?

ducation in any capacity is

very helpful. For me, it helped me in the sense that it made me understand the legal aspect of the music industry to an extent. I didn’t study entertainment law, so I didn’t know anything about that .It made me have an idea of signing a contract, of how to protect myself, what is acceptable and what is not acceptable .It helped me just to be more armed and guarded in the business side. Knowledge is power. With the acceptance of Sarewale, would you say you have hit the bull’s eye? I will say it was a nice opening. I won’t say that is the bull’s eye. A lot of people got to know me through the song .It was an eye opener, a crack in the head. I won’t say it’s the bull’s eye yet. It’s the bull‘s eye when you are visibly known everywhere and your song as well is number one out there. Growing up in the U.S, how has it aided your music? Growing up in the U.S made it a bit difficult to be able to connect with the Nigerian market. Luckily for me, being at home around my family made me connect easily because I grew up listening to Fela from seven years old. My family is very musical. I might not have been in Nigeria, but I wasn’t very far from the culture. Unlike In the U.S where you get to eat pizzas and hamburgers, my favorite food then was Eba. So it wasn’t difficult blending. The only difficulty would be communication because I didn’t grow up speaking Yoruba or pidgin, so that is the only barrier I had to conquer over time. What’s your relationship with Shizzi, the music producer? Shizzi is like a brother to me. We blended from the first day we met. We just understand each other. I understand his personality, he understands mine. He was in South Africa before he came back to Nigeria. He has an open mind. We have great chemistry, he is a fantastic producer. Have you ever regretted being part of any collabo? I won’t say I have ever regretted being part of a collabo because no one can force you to do collaboration. Before it was released you would have listened to it. The push might not be the kind of publicity you wanted, but everyone has to play some kind of part.

C M Y K

What is the craziest thing ever written about you? I think it’s yet to be written. I have been quite fortunate media wise. I can’t think of anything that will make me say: “Wow, how can they say that?” Headlines tend to be a little bit funny. May be it was something I said in passing and that becomes the headline How about the news making the rounds that you are dating Don jazzy? That’s the media for you. People do whatever digging they have to do. Don Jazzy is a good friend of mine. I don’t think it’s a big deal; I just kind of laughed it off. How did your music journey begin? My music journey started from secondary school. I did my first solo at 13. It was a jazz solo. I was put on the spot to sing, I want to say that was when the idea and the dream came from. From then on, I continued loving music. I started writing my own songs at about sixteen .I started recording when I got to college. There was a time I went to New York with my mum to audition for a label. The label we

music. From her very remarkable stage performance at The Headies 2013 and the acceptance of her Fela inspired song Sarewale, one could tell she is ready to give the likes of Tiwa savage and Waje a run for their money. In this interview, the Chicago-born gorgeous songbird opens up how her law background has helped her music, while debunking the rumour that she is dating Don Jazzy, and the inspiration behind her hit song ‘Sarewale’ among other issues

My music journey started from secondary school. I did my first solo at 13. It was a jazz solo. I was put on the spot to sing, I want to say that was when the idea and the dream came from. From then on, I continued loving music

How wa Ni m

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015 — 33

y m d n u o f I ow o t S U m o r f y a o d o t a i r ige a n i a Z c i s u m went to audition for was at the time the management company working with Alicia Keys. We went there prepared and with the mindset of “If they say yes, what next?”I never actually followed up with them. Between 2003 and 2004, I met Eldee Tha Don, we were all living in Atlanta at the time. Eldee was the one who introduced me to the Nigerian side of music. He was the one who told me things are beginning to happen and the sound is changing in Nigeria. That was when I got familiar with everything that has to do with music In Nigeria. Can you quit music for your relationship? I could, depending on the context. If, let’s say my partner was ill and required a lot more time and attention and my music was going to be a hindrance to that, it would be a yes. But if it is just a matter of “I don’t like what you do”, I am not too sure about that. What if he isn’t comfortable with the fact that you are in the public glare? It would never have gotten that far. How you found me was in the public glare in the first place. Can you go unclad in a music video? I won’t do anything that I cannot back up. I won’t do anything that my parents and my two younger sisters won’t be proud of. Anything that I won’t be able to comfortably talk about with my loved ones, I probably won’t do it. I can only do what I am comfortable with

and I can stand by it. If it’s a matter of going nude for the sake of viewership I won’t do that. That is not what I am selling. What defines you? What defines me is my environment, my experiences and my emotions. By birth, I was born in June which makes me a Gemini. What defines me is being a down-to-earth girl who is pretty much a ‘What you see is what you get ‘individual. My personality is very big and also honest. There is no forming like they say. What part of your body gets you the most attention? That will be my eyes and legs. They have always been my attention getter. What is the inspiration behind your famous Ankara picture? That picture has gotten more famous than me even before I moved back to Nigeria. I didn’t even know instargram existed as at that time and the picture was on instagram. A friend of mine who is a designer was the brain behind it. We had a photo shoot and I liked it. I like the fact that it was Ankara. My style of dressing is often very enigmatic. I was comfortable in it, I wasn’t necessarily trying to sell anything. It’s something I would wear. I looked into the mirror and I liked it and I said” let’s go for it”. So were you surprised at the response it generated? Yes, I was; I was surprised at how far it went. I didn’t look up in the picture. My head was bent down. When you are yourself people will pick up on it and fall in love with that. What is the inspiration behind ‘Sarewale’? The inspiration behind ‘Sare wale’ is a common love shared for the late musician Fela. The producer ‘Shizzi’ and I happen to be huge Fela fans so it wasn’t much of a surprise when he played me the beat. After listening once, I let my creativity take the driver’s seat and started to freestyle whatever came to mind at the same time . 75% of the song was created at that moment. It all came together naturally and spiritually. I would actually say my back ground is more Afro-beat than R n B. Even though I was raised in the U.S, I grew up listening and knowing all of Fela’s music, as well as Fuji musicians and High-life. As an entertainer I would consider my ability to confidently blend my western orientation with my Nigerian background and entertain my audience as my selling point. If you were to start all over again what would you do differently? I would take all opportunities as they came .I would do what I believed, would do what I felt. I would be more like a Davido and just go for the opportunities around me. As you grow you become more cautious, but I would have that ‘One life to live’ mindset. That is what I would have done differently.

C M Y K

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

Animals inspire my designs — Abimbola Osanyibi, scientist turned designer BY ANINO AGANBI

bimbola Osanyibi is one woman who found her passion for fashion designing and flew with it. Not even a burgeoning career in Computer Science could hold her ransom. She is today the Creative Director of Bibi Quintessence, a fast growing fashion designing outfit in Lagos. Abimbola shares more with Woman to Woman. You abandoned a career in Computer Science for fashion; what does fashion mean to you? Fashion designing, to me, is an imagination you create. It is not just about what you wear or how well you combine colours. Fashion could be gotten from anything. A glass could be fashionable. You could get spectacular fashion ideas from a moving vehicle or an animal with beautiful skin. It is not really about style or what we wear but it is creating an imagination and making it a reality. I receive a notion and do everything within my capability to make it a reality. So to me, it’s all about what I conceive in my mind. What do you like best about being a fashion designer? I like the fact that people get awed when they see a piece I designed. I love the attention these pieces get and the way my clients look when they wear them. C M Y K

Abimbola Osanyibi,

sketching designs at any time of the day.

When I see people put on my collection, it amazes me.

How do you define your personal style? I am more of a vintage, trendy person. I like to style things that really get people’s attention. I like beading. I don’t like designing plain clothes. I do a lot more on couture designing. When did you realize you were cut out for fashion? That was in 2010. But I however did not take my ability for designing seriously until 2013 because I was torn between being a career woman and a designer. But I soon realized I needed to come out of my shell and let people know what I do. I enjoy

It’s easier to express emotions of people who are already easily disposed to them than to try and do that with a man

Why fashion? All other recreational aspects actually felt boring to me. I love fashion and I have a passion for it. There are a lot of clients who are very hard to please. So creating something exceptional keeps me busy at all times because I have to be creative and artistic to enable me stay in the field. It is not all about just cutting clothes. I am a trend setter and I like playing with colors. I am actually missing the color blocking trend (chuckles). I don’t get tired of fashion because it is something I love doing. Where do you get your inspirations from? I get my inspiration from things around me. Because I love playing

with colors, I get most of my inspirations from animals. The zebra skin is one of my favorite patterns; I also get my inspiration from the snake skin. I could see a fabric and immediately form a picture of what I want to design. I also get my inspiration from nature.

What matters to you most as a fashion designer? What matters most to me is how my clients feel about what they wear. I have lots of designs on my table and when I tell a client this will look good on you, they say no. When they have the designs they asked for, they sometimes end up not liking them and we’ll now have to go back to those designs they rejected. But basically, what my clients really want is what matters to me.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015—35

Some female celebs just can’t forget 2014 BY JOSEPHINE AGBONKHESE & JULIET EBIRIM

t is 10 days into the New Year but some Nollywood’s female celebrities can’t stop thinking and talking about 2014. Here, we bring you memories of breakthrough, joy and sadness as shared by some of them.

Stella Damascus

I started my own production outfit

- Chika Ike 014 was an awesome and indeed fruitful year. I started up my own production company and produced my first movie Miss Teacher in collaboration with my foundation. I ended the year with the first premiere at Enugu. I also got to start my own Reality Tv game show “African Diva”. The sad part was that I lost of my dad. I thank God for his strength so far, though. No regrets at all because I believe in lessons. Generally, it was a God ordained year and I bless him for everything. I’m looking forward to better things in this.

It was life-changing for me -Stella Damascus

014 was a very eventful, dra matic, miraculous, life changing and amazing year for my family and I. In all of it I give all the glory and

Halima Abubakar

honour to God who never left me. No matter how tough some situations were, he always had a way to bring us out of it. So, it tells me that he wants me to keep pushing and keep standing because I have a lot to do to fulfill my purpose. My theme for 2015 is “DO IT BIG”. Whatever it is I want to do, as long as it falls in line with my purpose, I am going to do it BIG regardless of what anyone has to say about it. Stella is going to be soooooooooooo BAD (Bold And Daring) that people might start to wonder who her Godfather is. I am pushing against the status quo and against mediocrity, so, when you see a lot of changes around me, don’t be surprised at all.

It wasn’t rosy for me at all

Chika Ike

-Halima Abubakar 014 was not rosy for me but I can’t complain. I love all my experiences and I’m grateful to have gone through all of them. 2015 is going to be about me, basically. I mean me and me alone.

It was a great year

-Belinda Effah 014 was a great year that came with a lot of blessings of which I am grateful to God for. My plan for 2015 is to remain focused and keep aiming higher. Hone my skill and become better at what I do. The sky for me is just the stepping stone.

Belinda Effah

JAZZ YOUR SPACE

Bring flair, style to those empty walls T

ired of staring at rooms with empty walls? It’s understandable because empty walls have a way of making one feel empty. But the good news is that you can instantly make your walls become an extension of your distinct personality with wall decorations. Trust wall decoration’s ability to make any room

come alive instantly. More so, they could be a constant source of inspiration, depending on your choice of design, as they come in wood, canvas, metal and even paper form. Even beautifully framed photographs can do some magic. All you really have to do is decide to make your wall a masterpiece. With a wide range of home wall decor, including art

Modern decor of ancient wall art

photography, wall sculptures, wall mirrors and more to choose from in the market, you can achieve your desired look. You can also hire an interior decorator for some professional touch because arranging and hanging wall decorations the right way with the right hanging method can add more panache.

Classic wall decor in bedroom

Cake pan kitchen wall decor

Wall decor in living room C M Y K

36—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

08 116759 759 081 6759759

Bride TTrr ashes gown in Badass phot oshoot photoshoot af iancé called of aftter her ffiancé offf the wedding

helby Swink was supposed to marry her college sweetheart on Nov. 1. When he left her just five days before the wedding, the game plan — and life as Swink knew it — quickly changed. Swink, 23, spent the next few days in shock, rushing to call guests and cancel services. But moping around was the last thing she wanted to do when Nov. 1 rolled around. When wedding photographer Elizabeth Hoard mentioned doing a “trash the dress” photo shoot with friends and family that day, Swink was game. “I knew that a pity party was the farthest thing from what I wanted or needed,” the Tennessee resident said. Her bridesmaids were just as game as she was for the dress-destroying shoot. “My friend Carol threw her paint on me, not hesitating for one second, and it splashed all over my dress,” Swink told The Huffington Post. “That’s when I suddenly realized that

the dress didn’t matter. It was merely a material item.” With each flick of paint, Swink felt more and more free: “I let go of everything I was feeling before. I felt free of sadness, free of disappointment, free of anger. I let all of that go and let happiness take over,” she said. “Nov.1 was supposed to be a day full of happiness surrounded by loved ones, and that’s exactly what it was!” Though Swink had

initially worried her parents wouldn’t support the idea, they showed up, too. “My mom had spent so much money on the dress,” she said. “But they were 100 percent supportive. They told me that the money didn’t matter in the end. The only thing that mattered to them was my happiness.” In the end, the once white gown was a rainbowcolored mess, with paintplastered feathers scattered

Touching moment ... A

bagel s h o p worker was given a Christmas to remember after her customers and co-workers banded together to buy her a car so she would no longer have to walk to work. Shirley Ratliff, 47, had been walking several miles every day so she could get to get to a bus stop and ride to work at Bruegger ’s Bagels in Raleigh, North Carolina. So to ease her burden, the group of loyal customers and colleagues - calling themselves ‘Shirley ’s Fan Club’ – presented the worker with a 1992 Buick LeSabre as a Christmas gift. Shirley, who has been serving at the shop since 2006, had tried to save money for a car, but she was diagnosed with cervical cancer a few years ago and experienced a financial setback, th e News Observer reported. ‘I’ve never had a whole lot of money anyway, and every now and then something happens,’ she told the newspaper. So with Christmas approaching, loyal customer David Burton bought a car for $1,500 and then asked other

regulars and co-workers if they could chip in. ‘When I asked for people to contribute, they didn’t even blink,’ he said. ‘She had been riding the bus for years and years and years and I know she was looking for a car,’ Burton told WNCN. ‘So she had a health issue that kind of set her back and I decided to try to fix that problem for her.’ Burton presented the car and a gasoline card to a clearly emotional Shirley in front of a group of 20 or so customers and coworkers who had contributed to the gift. He said: ‘We wanted to show you how much you make our day. When we come here every morning you’re always in a good mood, you’re always smiling.’ ‘This is the best Christmas present I ever had,’ Shirley said. ‘All my friends are here, and I see that now. I knew it before, but now I really know.’

Cancer is the best way to die

all over it. Today, the dress is being displayed in a local bridal shop in Memphis until early January (a portion of the shop’s sales during this time will go to local nonprofit called Be Free Revolution). As for Swink, she says the roller-coaster experience has reminded her to look inward for happiness. “We define our own happiness, not who we’re with,” she said. “You have to face life head on and use the lemons it gives you to make some awesome lemonade! Everything happens for a reason.”

‘We warned them’

n accused thief was beaten to death by a mob in central Mexico

ancer is the best way to die because it allows people time to say goodbye claims leading doctor as he calls for an end to spending billions searching for a cure Cancer is the best way to die because it leaves sufferers with time to say goodbye to loved ones and visit sentimental places one last time, a leading doctor has said. Rather than sudden death or the gradual decline of dementia, cancer allows the afflicted to prepare for the end of their lives and make arrangements for after their deaths, Dr Richard Smith said. Writing in a blog for the British Medical Journal, the publication’s former editor said while his view was ‘romantic’, charities should stop spending billions trying to find a cure for the disease because it is the best way to die. His comments have sparked fury online, with social media users accusing the doctor of insensitivity to the families of sufferers.

after the furious crowd caught him and three accomplices, including a

Making reference to the Spanish film-maker Luis Buñuel who died in hospital of cirrhosis of the liver in 1983 and reportedly wanted to avoid sudden death to ‘revisit life for one last goodbye’, Dr Smith said: ‘So death from cancer is the best, the closest to the death that Buñuel wanted and had. ‘You can say goodbye, reflect on your life, leave last messages, perhaps visit special places for a last time, listen to favourite pieces of music, read loved poems, and prepare, according to your beliefs, to meet your maker or enjoy eternal oblivion. ‘This is, I recognise, a romantic view of dying, but it is achievable with love, morphine, and whisky. ‘But stay away from overambitious oncologists, and let’s stop wasting billions trying to cure cancer, potentially leaving us to die a much more horrible death.’

pregnant woman and a teenager, robbing a home. A crowd of some 100 people discovered the four allegedly robbing electronics at a home in the town of Tehuacan, in the state of Puebla. The residents seized the four — two men, a male teenager one woman said to be pregnant — and stripped them. Then they beat them with sticks and metal pipes before tying them to trees. The woman, who said she was pregnant, was ‘struck in the face’ while the teenager was tied by his hands and feet and beat up, local reports say. He suffered wounds to his abdomen, legs, back and head. ‘We warned them of what would happen if they returned to rob from us,’ local neighbors, who said they were tired of thieves after a recent string of robberies, told local newspaper Excelsior. Local cops tried to stop the brutal beatings but were pushed back by the crowd. State police had to intervene to bring the situation under control. One of the four suspects died of his injuries. Local reports say the other three, including a teenager and a pregnant woman, received medical attention. They were all expected to survive.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015—37

Verah Ok ogba buries husband in style Okogba EZINNE Chief (Mrs) Verah Uju Okogba laid the remains of her late husband, Ogbueshi Anthony Edozie Okogba to rest recently in Asaba. Both the wake-keep and the funeral service held at St Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral Church, Asaba, Delta State. Family, friends and well-wishers were there to grace the occasion,

Chief (Mrs) Verah Uju Okogba flanked by Mrs Uju Aginah and Mrs Ezinwa Azinge

When the Ogahs dedicated child

r. Isaiah Ogah and wife, were full of joy and were not ashamed to show it when they presented themselves before men of God at God’s Call Deliverance Ministry recently to dedicate their newborn child. They were joined by many powerful friends who suspended all their personal engagements to share in the euphoria of the day with the ecstatic Ogahs. Photos by Akpokona Omafuire

Chief (Mrs) Vera Uju Okoba with relatives and friends.

Pastor James Atakpiri presenting Victor Tamarakuro Ogheneovo to his mother, Mrs. Ogah while Mr. Isaiah Ogah looks on

Mr Billy Amuka (2nd Rt) and brothers.

Cross section of Agip staff, who came from Portharcourt.

Omonijo ordained Reverend Araromi Day celebration MOBOLADE Omonijo, member of the Nation’s editorial board has been ordained a Reverend alongside many others at the 2014 Advent Ordination held at St. Peters Anglican Church Idimu, Lagos.

irst Araromi day celebration and launching of Baale’s palace, playground, central mosque and ultra modern market held recently in Araromi kingdom, Ibeju-Lekki local government area of Lagos State.

Mr. Isaiah Ogah in warm handshake with the member representing the people of Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives,Hon. Daniel Reyenieju.

A dek ey e’s daught er deke daughter weds hear t-thr ob ttoda oda heart-thr t-throb odayy

L-R: The newly Ordained Revd, Omonijo Mobolade, his wife, Ayobami Omonijo, Bishop of Lagos West Anglican Communion, Rt. Reverend James Olusola Odedeji, his wife, Mrs. Lydia Odedeji and Chancellor, Archbishop Vinining Memorial Cathedral Church, Babasola Opeoluwa Ogunade.

Cross section of the newly Ordained Reverends, C M Y K

L-R: Iyalode Araromi, chairperson, Ibeju-Lekki local government, Chief (Mrs) Taiwo Surakat, Baale Araromi, Chief Lukman Arowolo Olayemi and Hon. Olorunkemi Surakat, the executive chairman, Ibeju-Lekki local government

L-R: Chairman Ibeju-Lekki local Govt., Hon. Olorunkemi Surakat, Baale Araromi Ibeju,and Balogun Araromi

he Family of Vice Admiral GTA Adekeye, former Chief of Naval Staff will be rolling out the red carpet today for the wedding of their daughter Oluwakemi Aminat and her heartthrob, Adeniyi Sefiudeen Balogun. The Nikkai ceremony holds at Lekki Central mosque followed by reception at the Dorchester Events Center, also in Lekki

Oluwakemi Aminat Adekeye and her heart-throb, Adeniyi Sefiudeen Balogun.

38—SA TURD AY 38—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JANU ARY 10, 2015 JANUARY

ou cannot be a complete person until you learn to empathise, that is, put yourself in the position or situation of others. I have always loved and respected my parents-in-law since I met them; they are nice people and we are now one family. Moreover they allowed me marry their daughter without any hassles even though I was a complete stranger when I met them. They had reasons to be stubborn because their daughter was young, in school and had time on her side. They could have insisted that she completed her education first, but no single obstacle was placed in my way. But honestly I did not see anything changing diapers, sometimes nappies, extraordinary then in giving out a with enthusiasm. The whole daughter. The tide is however experience was wonderful. But like all changing. As I watch my eldest beings, she will move on some day daughter developing into a full and start a new family. I guess for grown woman, reality is coming every parent a time comes when he/ down heavily on me that in no time, she must let go of the children to chart I will have to travel the road my their own future. What that time parents-in-law and so many other should be is still a matter of opinion parents-in-law travelled since the and that is partly the root of so many creation of mankind. It is a mixed marital and family conflicts as a result feeling. You look forward to your of perceived or real interference by daughter being happily married and parents (in law). I now empathise with my parentsstarting a family of her own. At the same time you feel a little sense of in-law. My respect and love for them loss. It is tough parting with a loved have grown. I pay homage to all the one, albeit temporarily, because she great parents-in-law who have made is still very much around. But the surname has changed. Anybody who never knew daughter and father before will not know about the relationship seeing different surnames except he/she is told.

Thank yyou, ou, parents-in-la w parents-in-law

remember the first time I became a father. I was with my wife in the labour room all through. I remember my daughter coming out and the first things I noticed when she roared, as a result of change of environment, were her lips which were her mother ’s. I remember being reluctant to go work so that I could be with my daughter. I remember taking her with me on outings when she was a few months old. I remember

bruises from a wife beater. It will wrench my heart. And so I pray for them every day even though they are still years away from marriage. I also talk to my sons even though they are still very young. I tell them we have a tradition. Their paternal and maternal grandfathers were not wife beaters. I have never raised my hand against their mother. So they must also continue in the family tradition by not being wife beaters. They should start learning by refraining from beating their baby sister, the level of provocation notwithstanding.

I cannot bear to see my daughters with a black eye or bruises from a wife beater

enormous contributions to the institution of marriage by turning out great children. I think for all the troubles parents-in-law have gone through to give us good spouses, we need to treat the children (daughters and sons alike) they have given us right. I believe in the sanctity of marriage and family, but an abusive relationship is tough to swallow, especially when somebody you love dearly is involved. I cannot bear to see my daughters with a black eye or

Formal education stops at some points in our lives, but informal education never ends; we learn every day. During a failed attempt to get married, a friend was with the fiancée trying to iron out their differences and she told him something that forever changed his (and mine when he narrated the encounter to me) understanding of an abusive relationship and for which he is forever grateful to her: “ you claim that you have not beaten a woman

in your life, but with the words that come out of your mouth, any woman will prefer beating.” Except for one or two occasions when they had some very stormy sessions he could not even remember saying anything that could hurt her. He cared so much for her and could not have gone out of his way to hurt her. But the message was clear, she said he was abusing her emotionally and even though he could not remember, he did not argue because his tongue was very acidic then (remember what St. James said about the power of the tongue). It was a massive reality check for him; all that gargantuan “achievement” of not being a woman beater came tumbling down like a multi-storey building, put together by quacks with inferior materials. My friend’s story has made me to be restrained when dealing with my wife, especially when I am upset. Silence is now my immediate reaction, since I know my tongue can also run riot. I have also started warning people around me about emotional abuse. Emotional abuse is a weapon of war in many marriages. It comes in various forms—verbal, silence, sex, absence, etc., but it is just as vicious, if not more vicious than, physical abuse; the only difference is that the scars are not visible, but they can manifest and also linger like physical scars. Emotional abuse can easily lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, mood swings, emotional imbalance, among other outcomes. If not checked, emotional abuse can lead to suicidal tendencies and mental derangement. So deal with it before it festers. There is no specific day in this part of the world like Mother ’s Day or Father ’s Day set aside to celebrate parents-in-law, but I just thought as we begin the year, I should thank these special people on this day for their good works.

(Text Only)

Relieve tension,insomnia via natural therapies The Triangle (A variant) Techique: Stand with the feet about three feet apart. Bend the right knee while keeping the left leg diagonal to the trunk. Bring the trunk lower towards the right tigh. Keep the left hand stretched out on the side of the

head as you drop the right hand next to the right foot. Hold this position for 10 — 15 seconds and repeat on the other side. Benefits: This asana or posture improves the legs like the previous Triangle. The difference being that with this pose the flanks also get a good workout eliminating excess fat there. Half-Plough Chair.

with

•The Wheel The Wheel:

Technique: place a chair at the head halfway underneath the chair .Now swing both legs and place them atop the back-rest of the chair. Stay in the pose for about 10 seconds.

•The Triangle

C M Y K

Benefits:The Halfplough exercise has a healthy impact on the spine because it makes it to be elastic which also triggers strength.The abdominal organs are massaged. The gastric fire is improved and constipation will not show up.

Technique:lie on your back and draw up the knees with the heels close to the buttocks. Bend the elbows and place the hands down by the sides of the head. Take in a deep breath and raise the whole body. Stay in the pose for 510 seconds. Benefits: The Wheel strengthens the entire musculature, and it also expands the chest for more air intake which has health advantage.

Yoga Classes STARTED •The Half-Plough

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

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 10, 2015—39

juliecoker100@yahoo.com

I’m in love with two guys Dear Julie, I have a serious problem . I’m kind of in love with two different guys. One of the guys is quite a looker, he is absolutely a feast for the eyes. He is exactly my “type.” He always says hello to me when he sees me or stops for a minute, and he’s always smiling at me which I am told he doesn’t do for everybody. I also know that he’s currently seeing somebody but not seriously. On one hand, I don’t want to seem like just another girl fawning all over him; on the other I want to let him know I’m interested without

offending his Christianity. The other guy I love is absolutely at the other end of the spectrum. He’s short and dorky, but when I met him, I fell for his personality. He seemed like such a nice guy: quiet, and smart, and funny. Now I do like him a lot and do find myself attracted to him, but I definitely don’t want to marry him . I’m not into one night stands but I would like to be his friend. I know he’s attracted to me, but I’d prefer something easygoing over something complicated. What do I do with this one? Diane, Abuja

Dear Diane, It’s great to be attracted to a wide range of people. The more varied the guys that catch your eye, the more opportunities you’ll have to meet different types of people. It also appears that your problem here is not necessarily how to choose between two types, but how to proceed with each of them. In both cases you could probably benefit from taking things slowly and getting to know the guys for who they are beneath their caricatures of “the looker and the bookworm”. Cultivating friendships with each of these men will give you a chance to observe what it is about them that attracts you. Are they opposite poles of your own dynamic personality? Do they embody qualities that you’d like to develop in yourself? Knowing yourself better, and understanding why you are attracted to certain people, can result in deeper, more meaningful and honest relationships with yourself and with others. While dating is exciting and fun, it can also be scary and frustrating. It involves taking risks, putting your emotions out there, and possibly being disappointed. For the looker, talk to him when he says hi to you in passing. Make yourself not just another “fawning girl” but an actual person who’s interested in getting to know him. Maybe ask him out just as friends, so

He’s jealous and insecure Aunty Julie, I ‘ve have been dating someone who seems to be a very insecure guy. He is very jealous, and is always accusing me of wanting to break up with him or of having another man. I thought maybe he was trying to tell me that he indeed wanted to break up, but when I confronted him, he said he never wanted to break up with me. I am a little tired of all of it, but I really like this guy. Can you give me any advice on how to stop this game he plays? Thank you. Joanna, Edo Dear Joanna, I think I have seen this question before but with a different name. I will tell you exactly what I said before too. Your guy has one of two things going on. Either he is very insecure indeed and is asking for reassurance, or he is trying to build up his self-esteem by demanding that you declare your faithfulness and affection for him on a regular basis. Take a look at the rest of his life. If he is timid and hesitant, needing lots of reassurance in general, then he really is just insecure.

Insecurity is annoying to deal with, but there are worse things and it can get better with time

the rest of his life, then he is using you to build up or keep up his self-esteem. This is more problematic, but it can still be dealt with effectively.

I’m not confident anymore Naturally, I’m a very confident guy but it seems I’m beginning to lose that. I started a romantic relationship with my next-door neighbour. We are very fond of each other. We were friends a couple of months before we started kissing. Now we are getting close to having sex. I am completely love-sick. I was so confident, but now that I have feelings for her, I feel insecure. I know we could have a great relationship. How can I get past this insecure feeling and let this relationship flourish? David, Lagos Hello David, The feeling of insecurity comes from over-investing in how your relationship partner perceives you. In other words, what the woman you are dating thinks about you has become too

Babe-raham Lincoln An older man wearing a stovepipe hat, a waistcoat and a phony beard sat down at a bar and ordered a drink. As the bartender set it down, he asked, “Going to a party?” “Yeah, a costume party,” the man answered, “I’m supposed to come dressed as my love life.” “But you look like Abe Lincoln.” protested the barkeep. “That’s right. My last four scores were

C M Y K

and some help. On the other hand, if he seems more self-centered and selfish in

he doesn’t feel his religious values or current relationship is being threatened. Learn more about what he likes to do and how he feels about his religion. Don’t rush it, especially if he’s made it clear he’s dating someone. For the bookworm: talk to him too! Don’t let your friends play intermediaries. Tell him that you’ve enjoyed spending time with him and that you would like to be his friend. Hopefully this will allay any relationship fears or commitment issues he might be experiencing that would make him afraid to continue hanging out. After you get to know these men better and feel more comfortable with them, you can try to date one, both, or neither of them. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can ask them out or express your interest. If you’d rather wait to be asked out, be open and available to see what happens. No matter what the outcome, dating can also teach you a lot about yourself and what you’re looking for in a partner. And any experience that results in greater self-knowledge is usually wellworth any confusion it can stir up. In fact, you might find that the confusion can be half the fun.

important to you. The other possible explanation for the feeling of insecurity is that you are spending too much time with her. Often in relationships, people tend to get too close and do not give each other enough space. As a result they begin to feel lost. That’s what the feeling of insecurity is telling you , you are losing yourself. To get over the feeling of insecurity you need to return to yourself. You need to always remember to keep a balance between returning to yourself on a regular basis, while also investing in the relationship. Spend time away from her on a regular basis, focusing on what’s important to you. Make sure that during that time, you force yourself to focus on what you are doing or whom you are with, instead of thinking about her. Spend time with guy friends

C O C K - T A L E S seven years ago.” The wishing well A couple comes up to a wishing well. The guy leans over, makes a wish, and throws in a penny. His wife decides to make a wish, too, but she leans over too far, falls into the well, and drowns. The guy says, “Wow, it really works.” Who wants to be a millionaire

weekly. This is very good for men in general, and will return you right back to who you are, diminishing the feelings of insecurity. Also make sure that you are pursuing things in your life that matter to you, such as career goals or hobbies. Investing time and energy in what’s important to you will return you back to yourself. Do be sure to tell her very gently that the time away from her does not mean anything about her or the relationship. Tell her you need time and space to tend to yourself. Make sure she knows you are not abandoning her. Also be sure that you do not give in to the longing to be together during the time you decided to devote to yourself. Put the longing in the background and focus on you. If you able to do this, you will restore yourself, which will return your confidence and allow you to be in love without being love-sick.

A husband and wife are watching “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire,” and the husband winks and says, “Honey, let’s go upstairs…” The wife says no, so the husband asks again. Again she says no. So the husband says, “Is that your final answer?” The wife says yes. The husband says, “Well, can I phone a friend?”

40—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 10 10,, 2015

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

When it’s the husband who has a headache! Florence, 36, is a bank executive by day and a wife at night while her husband Raymond, 41, runs a motor repair business and makes enough time to be with Florence, his second wife in the evening. Raymond has three children from a previous marriage, whom he supports financially and he’s hoping to have a baby with his new wife. But according to Florence, the only time they have intimacy—when one of them isn’t working and Ray’s children aren’t visiting—is every other weekend. According to Florence, “my libido is very much linked to my most fertile time of the month and I rarely think about sex at the start or end of my cycle. Raymond gets a bit annoyed and insists the only way we’d improve our chances of conceiving is by having sex more often, instead of just the few days a month when I’m ovulating. But our bodies are different. I can wake up on a Monday and thin: ‘Oh yes, sex!’ but not feel at all like it at the weekend when Ray’s in the mood...” According to Dr. Anna Janssen, a clinical psychologist and psychosexual therapist, desire is influenced by hormones, chief among them testosterone, production of which is stimulated by regular sex. So

night! Mina’s rampant libido is more surprising given that they both work full-time, and they have two young sons of 4 and 2 years old. “There’s an assumption that women who are married and have children don’t want sex, but that’s obviously not true in my case,” confesses Mina. “I really enjoy sex, so can see no reason not to have it as often as possible.

Loss of libido can hit women at any age, childbirth and menopause are well-recognised triggers

when a woman goes off intercourse, it can become a vicious circle. Testosterone in women also declines naturally by an average of 50 pier cent between the ages of 20 and 45, with some women experiencing a far greater fall. Additionally, for reasons that are not fully understood, sex doesn’t provide the physical and psychological rewards and satisfaction for some females that it does for others. More than a third of women either do not experience orgasm with a partner, or find sex painful. Perhaps not surprisingly, studies involving thousands of women in Britain, Europe and America indicate that up to half experience prolonged periods of having little or no sex drive. While loss of libido can hit women at any age, childbirth and menopause are well-recognised triggers. But is it a myth that men are always in the mood’? Janssen believes it is. “I’d say from the couples we see in our clinics, it’s a pretty even split, with an equal number of men and women reporting lower libidos than their partners.” Mark, a 40-year-old solicitor admits to rejecting Mina, his wife of 16 years’ sexual advances several times a week. While making love eight times a month would be enough to satisfy Mark, 41-year-old Mina is in the mood for it every

“I take the view that once the children are in bed and asleep, there is nothing to stoop just making love. Sometimes I wish it could go on for longer, but afterwards I feel so good, positively glowing. My husband, however, is one of those people who can live with or without sex. He’ll say to me: ‘Stop looking at me like that, I’m not a piece of meat!’ Mina believes a high sex drive runs in her family and uses her ‘ womanly wiles’ to get sex four or five times a week — a compromise between the

seven she’d like and the two her husband prefers. “Mark will often say: ‘Oh dear, not tonight.’ But if I wear certain things—a little skirt or a flimsy nightie—I know he will find me hard to resist,” continues Mina. “Or I’ll send him suggestive text messages while sitting on the sofa opposite him! Even my friends are astonished I have the energy for regular sex, but I tell them it relaxes me which in turn helps me cope with the daily demands of motherhood and work. “Even with my wellpreserved body, there have been times when Mark’s rejections have left me smarting. I was ready for sex within a few days of giving birth, and when Mark didn’t want it, I took it personally. I’d keep asking him: ‘Is it because of my afterchildbirth figure?’ But he’d say: ‘No, I’m just tired. Why aren’t you after being up with the baby half the night as it’s expected of a new mum?’ Nowadays, I accept that some nights, whatever I try, the answer will still be ‘no’. So is Mark the envy of his friends for having such a highly sexed wife? “I don’t talk about it because it’s

shameful admitting that my wife has a higher libido than me,” he says. “But it’s hard work being a solicitor, and when I come home, I just want to rest. Ironically, my wife’s libido was one of the things that most appealed to me when we first met five years ago. Only, I assumed that, like many couples, we were going through a honeymoon period and our sex drives would settle down once we were past the first flush of romance! “Having sex twice a week is enough for me. All I want to do in the evening is collapse in front of the TV. But then, my wife starts tickling my thigh and whispering in my ear. When that fails, she’ll change into silky underwear or go starkers. But there are times when even that won’t work and I tell her I’m too knackered. I sometimes even disappear to the club to escape her advances! How ironic. A lot of men end up looking elsewhere for sex because they don’t get enough at home, whereas I go out to get a bit of peace.”

Do you think that partner is right for you? A

re you stuck on a love train to

nowhere? According to psychotherapist, Jill Curtis, there are signs that show you might be. If you tick three or more of the ones bellow, you’re advised to get your own train home. So, here goes—and be honest, no one’s looking! 1. You see him Friday or Saturday night. Never the whole weekend. Men in love, or even lust, don’t act like this —their hormones won’t allow it. 2. You’ve never met his family, though he often talks about them. This is just plain cruel. If he wants to keep you and his clan apart for now, fine. But why go on about them? Because he’s using this as a device to say: “This far, no further.” He’s telling you he is capable of intimacy, but he doesn’t want this with you. 3.You think his deep interest in your life-away-from-him is touching, it is not. He’s simply relieved you won’t be hanging around him all the time. 4. It’s Thursday night and you still don’t know if you’re seeing him this weekend. He’s not planning a surprise; he’s keeping his options open. 5. You find yourself telling friends he’s busy or how great it is to have a

man who likes his space. Oh, purlees! You are making excuses. Lie to your friends. Lie to your boss. But never, lie to yourself. 6. A friend asks if he’s married. No, you stammer. Of course, he’s not married. He’s just always busy. 7. He doesn’t take you to family wedding. He may not want to face that question. But if you’ve been together more than three months-leave. 8. He’s non-committal as your birthday approaches. He might be planning a surprise bash but then again... 9. He introduces you as his ‘friend.’ 10. You don’t introduce him to your friends because you know they won’t approve. Why not? If he makes you happy, he’ll make them happy too. Face it; you’re not that sure of him. 11. He only phones at night. This can be fun for a while —like having an affair without the guilt. But it is not normal. 12. He lives miles away, but doesn’t encourage you to visit often. Neither does he dissuade you. But he writes the most wonderful letters and phones you up to whisper sexy sweet

nothings—when you’re safety back home. 13. He never takes you home after a date. Men worth seeing make sure you get home safely. It’s called consideration, walk away and keep walking. 14. He still sees his ex-girlfriend. Even if he’s not sleeping with her, if he can’t let his past go, then he won’t make much of a future with you. 15. You hardly have sex now. Can anything hurt more than being ‘just good friends’ with someone whose clothes you once ripped off and want to rip off again? Do you really need another friend? 16. He makes you laugh all the time. Great. Jokes are fine, but they aren’t conversations. He’s using humour as a barrier to closeness. 17. He hasn’t said he likes you, let alone loves you. If this is going anywhere, you’re entitled to at least one. “I missed you, “ after a few days apart. 18. He hasn’t introduced you to his best friend. If he really cared about you, he’d be showing you off. 19. When he’s tired, he would rather relax alone than with you. If he says he needs his space, give him plenty of space—leave him.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015 — 41

YETUNDE AREBI

Women must learn to invest in their children, not husbands

Hi! The issue of polygamy needs no introduction, especially in our part of the world. While this practice seems no longer fashionable, due largely to cultural and religious shifts, factors against it have not been overwhelming enough to cause a radical and total change of general perception. Even many who wield the Bible (famously quoted as anti-polygamy) in one hand and step on the pulpit to castigate and condemn so-called adulterers, have hardly been doing so with clean hands. Besides, most Nigerians speak from both sides of their mouths, depending on what side of the divide they find themselves at any point in time. So, there actually are no standards, values and morals on certain issues. Most of us, literally just put our mouths where they are being buttered or we hope will be buttered. The story of Bisola and Akin resonated the debate on this topic a couple of months back on this page. Bisola, after several years of struggling with the fact that her husband was not faithful to their vows, finally discovered the evidence right inside her home. Akin was in fact, raising another family beside the one they have together. Threatening fire and brimstone, Bisola has been throwing all sorts of tantrums known with women with her experience. Would she sacrifice her home at the altar of her ego, I’d asked her. If a wife can share her husband with his numerous girlfriends in silence, why should she raise dust or feel threatened if he takes another wife? Are girlfriends less dangerous than wives? Can someone out there just sincerely tell me what our headache really is about polygamy, besides religion? I will be glad to know and educate other Nigerians with your contributions. As stated earlier, this issue is a contemporary one, so we are not ending this discussion any time soon. I want to thank everyone that has sent in their contributions so far on this. Please bear with me if I have not published yours yet. It will get to your turn soon. My mail address remains: yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk Do have a wonderful weekend! Dear Yetunde, Having read the story and some comments, I will like to contribute as a child from a polygamous family. My parents are Christians and have been married for 54 years now. My mother is the first wife. According to my father, after having two children, my brother and myself, my father wanted more children but my mother was unable to conceive again because of an operation after I was born. My father waited hopefully for another child for 10 years C M Y K

before he decided to marry another woman. The other woman eventually had five children for my father. The issues are these: 1. I never had a father-daughter, mother-daughter relationship with any of my parents. My mother is still fighting the other woman who took her husband 40 years ago, so all her energy was spent running from pillar to post to take back her husband to the detriment of her children. We were left to our fate and it is the grace of God that we are who we are today. Of course my father fully concentrated on the new wife and the children so that even today, 40 years after, it is only when he wants money he calls us. My father has visited the town I live more than 20 times in the last 5 years but has never bothered to visit me once. 2.The other wife kept her children so far away from us that today, 40 years after, I do not know the names of my siblings and cannot recognise them if we meet per chance. 3.My father believes that we take better care of our mother than himself and still says he is glad he married another woman whose children take care of him. While growing up, the second wife’s children were more favoured. Their school fees were paid first, their Christmas clothes were compulsory and so many injustice were done to us by both parents. In fact, today when my parents request for something and by God’s grace I am able to do it, I look back and wonder if they worked for these things by taking care of us. My only consolation is that the Bible enjoins us to honour our parents (it did not say our good parents). That is what they are enjoying now, our desire to do God’s will. 4. My own children see their grandparents as distant relations because they do not even come to visit. Some years back, I invited my mother to come stay with me due to old age and she responded that she could not leave her husband and stay with me. I had to ask her which husband? Now, imagine if my mother had taken her cross quietly and focused her attention on us! There is nothing I will like to change in my life now as per the grace and mercy of God for the achievements, success, help and favour myself and my brother have received from God. In fact, I think if both parents had concentrated on us, we might have been useless today. But because of the lack of care, we were pushed to trust in our Heavenly Father, the Omnipotent God who adopted us into His Holy Family and took care of us.

Imagine if my father had handled the situation differently, not allowing any difference in treatment of both homes. Some might say maybe we are not his children. I can assure you that we are – we made sure we did tests to find out if he really was our father. In my marriage so far, I don’t look at any woman chasing my husband or vice versa. There is an understanding that he respects me and keeps any business he has outside. I focus on my children and my work. I think this is the advice I will pass to this lady. Let go and focus on your children and your work. As my people say “the whip the husband used in beating the first wife he keeps in the cooler for the second wife”. I implore all mothers, it is very important for mothers to counsel their daughters on the issue of polygamy/ divorce/separation/bareness/infidelity before allowing them to get married. Let them know what options/actions they should/could take if it happens, even if they are married to the Pope. I wish you all the best. Titilola Olaitan Ossai Dear Yetunde, I must confess that if you truly believe what you espoused in your article, then you are not far from being the Biblical Sarah and are rare breed indeed. That “Nigeria is a society where everyone is always quick to throw the religious card up when we want to argue our points. But most of us are religious, not God fearing.” says it all. Polygamy is not bad in its pure practice. Its success or failure depends on the practitioners, especially the husband. The impartiality and fairness of the man towards his wives and children coupled with the wives acceptance and respect for one another is the key to success. Our “modern” day society has been brainwashed, especially by “Christian” or Western religious tradition that it is not only bad but evil. The truth of the matter is, there is nothing evil or bad about polygamy when one takes an unbiased look at it from the standpoint of what constitutes marriage or its practice, both in the Yoruba tradition and the Jewish Biblical culture, from which Christianity is derived. Unfortunately, marriage has been redefined by the same people who brought us the Bible, colonised us and destroyed our culture to include not only between one man and one woman but same sex couples. A closer look at these foreign cultures with regard to these marriage evolution and re-engineering that we are wont to copy will show that their so-called “marriage” has no basis in anything of virtue but Godlessness and Hedonism. It is anything but marriage. In the real sense of it, it is a “contract” between two people to live together till death do them part, whose contract rarely lasts more than a few short weeks, months or years. Whereas the same Bible they handed down to us says Christ is the head of the man and the man is the head of the woman. Today any man that plays that role is labelled “chauvinistic” or an abuser. Hence the women have effectively become the head of the man for all practical purposes in their society. To say that men and women have equal rights in marriage is to deny the word of God that places one over the other. Kindly note that, being head does not equate to tyranny but responsibility. We all know that no two drivers can drive a car, or two captains steer a ship or two CEOs run a company, yet in the most important institution of our life on this planet, we are told that the family ship should be steered by two and that the car should be driven by two. No wonder the institution of marriage as presently constituted has failed and is failing more by the day as exemplified by the many divorces and increase in homosexuality. The truth is that the woman has become the de facto head of the family, with most men submitting to their wives. This role reversal has effectively turned the women into men who are ‘jealous’ for their “wives” (husbands) and the men into women who must “obey their “husbands” (the wives) in all things. The solution to your friend’s “marriage problem” is to accept her husband as he is or quit. If she chooses to stay however, she will need to undergo a lot of counselling to first and foremost be debriefed from her “Western concept” of marriage and reoriented in what constitutes proper marriage in this new context of polygamy. If she cannot do that, she should file for divorce and move on to her next husband (“wife”). She has become a man and cannot but be jealous for his ‘wife’ (her husband). She should quit before she commits harakiri. My humble contribution. Regards, Tunji.

42—SATURDAY Vanguard, JAUNARY 10, 2015

•The recovered truck)

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

28-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly forging signatures of managers of MRS Oil and Gas Limited on the company’s vouchers, using same to load petroleum product from fuel depots on behalf of the company. The suspect, identified as Abdulahi Mammud, was arrested with one Bashiru Yusuf, his errand boy, while at the verge of loading a 33,000litre tanker with petroleum product. Surprisingly, Mammud, who hails from Zamfara state, was discovered not to be a staff of MRS Oil and Gas Limited afterall. Rather, report said he ran errands for a staff in one of the branches whose identity was given as Yaya Suleiman. Trouble reportedly started for Mammud last November, after the company discovered that six blank leaflets had been torn from one of its vouchers by unknown persons. Crime Alert gathered that, consequently, managers at the company’s mega fuel stations were alerted. Unsuspecting Mammud was said to have taken one of the stolen vouchers to MRS mega station at Alapere, Ketu, with the intention of loading a 33,000litre tanker. That was not to be as he was apprehended alongside Yusuf . A staff of MRS who spoke to C M Y K

Greed lured me into forgery — suspects

Crime Alert on condition of anonymity, explained that, “ordinarily, the voucher is meant to fill the extra tank of a truck conveying petroleum product to any part of the country. The quantity of the fuel is determined by the distance. But what Mamud did was to get extra blank vouchers which he used, filled and presented at our mega stations in order to be given fuel meant for our drivers. “What he does is to liaise with truck drivers by filling their extra tanks with the stolen vouchers, only to sell the product to ready buyers.” In this case, he gave Yusuf one of the vouchers which was used to fill the extra tank of a truck conveying petrol to Zamfara state. His intention was to sell the product to a ready buyer at Ogere, Ogun state.

While loading the extra tank, the manager demanded for the voucher, which turned out to be one of the missing ones. Unknown to them, the serial number of the stolen vouchers had been given to the managers in all our mega stations. He escaped when it became apparent that the lid had blown, leaving Yusuf at the mercy of the Police, until he was arrested in his hideout in Ogun state by detectives from the Lagos State Criminal Investigative Department, SCID. Suspect’s account Confessing to the crime, Mammud said he only took three blank leaflets and not six as alleged. Narrating his alleged involvement in the illicit act, he said: “I was lured into the act by a friend who works in

another oil and gas company in Apapa. Severally, my friend (name withheld) has sent me to MRS Mega station in Alapere, Ketu, with forged fuel voucher to load fuel in the extra tanks of the trucks, which were later sold to ready buyers at cheaper rates. “I kept assisting my friend in using forged vouchers from his company until I was caught in May, 2014. I was made to sign an undertaking that I would never use forge voucher to load product from that station again. But like a dog, I went back to my vomit my doing same in MRS. “Nobody knew when I tore the blank voucher. Greed lured me into this.” I never knew the voucher was fake. In defence, Yulsuf, who claimed to have known Mammud about a year ago at the Apapa Port Terminal, claimed he never knew the voucher given to him was fake. “I had no knowledge that the voucher he gave me was fake. He promised to give me some percentage if I succeeded in loading the fuel from the Mega station in Ketu. Unfortunately, I only succeeded in loading 350 litres before the fraud was discovered. Mammud has put me into trouble . I never envisaged I was going to spend the new year in the cell. What a shame!” However, Crime Alert gathered that investigations are still on-going to determine the culpability of some staff of MRS in the crime and that the suspects would soon be charged to court.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JAUNARY 10, 2015—43

I killed my neighbour in self defence

— murder suspect *Anthony Ogboru

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

ever in the wildest imagination of 29year-old Anthony Ogboru did he envisage to spend the just celebrated Christmas and New Year behind the counter, let alone to end up in one of the prisons in Lagos, for as long as the courts ruled! As you read this piece, Ogboru, an indigene of Delta state is being detained at the dreaded State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) cell in Yaba, over a case of alleged murder. He allegedly stabbed one of his neighbours to death during a fight on December 22, 2014. Crime Guard gathered that Ogboru, a driver with Worldwide Commercial Ventures located in Matori area of Lagos, engaged one Jonathan Ameh, a father of three, in a fight at their residence in Gowon Estate, Okonola in Egbeda. Trouble, as gathered by Crime Guard, started for the duo after Ogboru’s sister rushed into their one-room apartment, with her wrapper tied on her chest, and informed that one of the tenants, Jonathan Ameh, dashed into the bathroom unannounced while she was taking her bath . Irked by the tenant’s action, Ogboru was said to have gone to accost him (Ameh) in his apartment while members of his family were still awake. Time was 10pm. An argument was said to have ensued, which degenerated into a fight, during which some curious tenants reportedly peeped from their curtains while the concerned ones came out to calm the warring parties. Ogboru and Ameh were said C M Y K

to have been taken to their respective apartments by the good Samaritan tenants who also retired to their apartments, with the assumption that the dust had settled. Barely had they settled down than another uproar was heard outside. By the time they rushed out, Ameh was reportedly found on the ground, in the pool of his blood, with a knife stuck in his heart region. The perplexed tenants were said to have run in different directions in search of a vehicle with which to convey the dying father of three to the hospital. While that was going on, another group of onlookers were said to have held Ogboru and her sister, apparently to prevent them from escaping. Policemen from Gowon Estate Division were immediately contacted, consequent upon which Ogboru was arrested and transferred to the SCID.

I killed him in a bid to defend myself

In this interview with Crime Guard, Ogboru who was full of remorse, shook his head intermittently in self pity, wishing the hand of the clock would be turned back to that fateful day, so as to right his wrong. At a point, he burst into tears saying: “I never intended to kill him. I have never killed anyone in my life. It was a mistake... “, he paused . Continuing, he said: “After my sister reported the matter to me, I went straight to Jonathan, not with the intention to fight with him. I knocked on his door twice

before he came out and angrily asked what I wanted . When I asked why he barged into the bathroom while my sister was bathing without even apologising to her, he responded by asking if that was why I came knocking that late . Thereafter, he banged the door in my face, saying I should leave if I had no better issue to discuss with him . At that point, I shouted at the top of my voice, warning him to stay off my siblings and the next thing he did was to open the door and told me that I had no right to issue him any warning. He dared me to repeat the warning and when I did, he punched me in the face and we started fighting. After the first round of fight, I was taken to a restaurant in front of my house. While there, Jonathan came from nowhere with an iron rake, which he landed on my head. He raised the rake again with the intention to hit me the second time . At that point, I took a knife I saw in the restaurant with the aim of defending myself. In the process, it pierced into Jonathan’s chest. I never knew it was stuck in his chest because we still continued fighting. Even when I saw blood, I thought it was from my body” Crime Guard learnt that one of the onlookers raised an alarm when he saw blood all over the place. By then, Ameh

After the first round of fight, I was taken to a restaurant in front of my house. While there, Jonathan came from nowhere with an iron rake, which he landed on my head

was becoming weak. At a point, he fell down, before it became glaring that he had been stabbed. Expressing regrets over his action, Ogboru said : “I feel very bad about the incident that caused his death. I swear I did it in self defence . We have never been at loggerheads. “Before the incident, my sister sold a phone to him for N3000. About a week later, he said the phone was bad and insisted that his money be refunded. I appealed to him to give me sometime to pay him. But at the end, he said I should forget about the money and the matter ended like that. So, you see, I have no reason for killing him. It was all a mistake.” He has been charged for murder . Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Public Relations, Kenneth Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police ,DSP, said the suspect would soon be charged to court.

44—SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 10, 2015

Grasscutter farming, cheapest livestock business T

he United Nations’ report years ago on human development showed that governance in many African countries have performed poorly and that has attracted so much poverty in the region especially Sub-Saharan Africa with high rate of poverty. It was during UN’s report on Millen-nium Development Goals (MDGs) that critical issues like hunger, unemploy-ment, malaria and other diseases and environmen-tal degradation were identified as major challenges heralding African countries. The report also showed that child mortality rate in sub Saharan Africa is almost the highest in the world. Poor state of human development is worse-ning especially in Nigeria with youth unemployment topping the list. And with the fall of Oil price in the inter-national market which is the major revenue generation for Nigeria, the future is not certain. At this point, Nigeria’s economy needs to be diversified if we must achieve growth and development. According to Animal Farm Consultant and Managing Director, Jovana Farms, Prince Arinze Onnebunne, it is not possible to eradicate hunger and poverty with food importation which Nigeria is being known for. Onnebunne said, the country can only eradicate hunger and poverty by reviving the agricultural sector that can make Grasscutter farming is money spinning Nigeria produce surplus to consume and as well export. “Agriculture is the bedrock understand that domesticated grasscutters of sustainable economic development and are no longer bush-meat but domesticated growth in Africa. Interestingly, grasscutter bush-meat. They are no longer ‘’grassfarming is among the cheapest livestock cutters but grass-eaters”. The farmer is now business that can create huge the grasscutter because he goes into the employment. Its farming is a veritable bush to cut the grass for the animal that’s poverty reduction measure that can turn- now the grass-eaters in the house. around the economic misfortunes of the “Grasscutter farming is less demanding poor and income seeking people. It of space and capital, farmer’s time and does generates income through healthy meat not require much labour like crop-farming, production, boosts human health and thus making it the most ideal strategy to farmers’ income.” empower the unemployed who constitute “Again since grasscutter farmers need the bulk of the poor and malnourished in grass to produce grasscutter for food and Nigeria. Demand for grasscutter will forever income, continued bush burning is remain high because people are becoming tantamount to destroying their economic health conscious by avoiding the base. consumption of red meat that is loaded with To raise grasscutter, one requires at least cholesterol and toxins. Nowadays, N55,000. These include the cost of the 5- consumers prefer chemical-free meat like grasscutters and their cage. Feeding grasscutter. them is affordable; People should

Pix shows, Mannie of Cool FM, Yaw of Wazobia FM with OLX Country Manager, Lola Masha presenting cheques to The Modupe Cole Foundation and the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP); The Downs Syndrome Foundation, Bethesda Home for the Blind and Modupe Cole Memorial Home, at the OLX Gives Back Campaign event in Lagos.

SATURDAY

What Nigeria can learn from the world’s top education systems BY LAJU IREN (With Agency Reports)

outh Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Finland, The United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland, Poland-These ten countries have one thing in common-they represent the top ten education systems in the world according to the Pearson world education report released in late 2014. The report uses data gathered by The Economist Intelligence Unit to determine which countries are doing the best job in preparing students for the 21st century workforce. The report uses statistics on such indicators as spending, school attendance, teacher salary, test scores, employment rates and salaries to rank the countries. The study notes that while

funding is an important factor in strong education systems, cultures supportive of learning is even more critical -- as evidenced by the highly ranked Asian countries, where education is highly valued and parents have grand expectation. While Finland and South Korea differ greatly in

methods of teaching and learning, they hold the top spots because of a shared social belief in the importance of education and its "underlying moral purpose." Fifty years ago, both South Korea and Finland had terrible education systems. Yet over the past half century, both South Korea and Finland have turned their schools around — and now both countries are hailed internationally for their extremely high educational outcomes. South Korea stands apart as the most extreme, and arguably, most successful. The Koreans have achieved a remarkable

Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015—45

Nigeria is nowhere to be found in any of the rankings as the nation’s education budget is reportedly about 2.7bn dollars for the year 2015

feat: the country is 100 percent literate, and at the forefront of international comparative tests of achievement, including tests of critical thinking and analysis. But this success comes with a price: Students are under enormous, unrelenting pressure to perform. Talent is not a consideration — because the culture believes in hard work and diligence above all, there is no excuse for failure. Children study year-round, both in-school and with tutors. In Finland, only one in ten applicants to teaching programs is admitted. After a mass closure of 80 percent of teacher colleges in the 1970s, only the best university training programs remained, elevating the status of educators in the country. Teachers in Finland teach 600 hours a year, spending the rest of time in professional development, meeting with colleagues, students and families. Pearson found that the top four countries overall – South Korea (No. 1), Japan (No. 2), Singapore (No. 3) and Hong Kong (No. 4) – all put an emphasis on their students developing basic skills, such as numeracy and literacy. Pearson reports that recent years it has become increasingly clear that basic reading, writing and arithmetic are not enough. The importance of 21st century non-cognitive skills broadly defined as abilities important for social interaction - is pronounced. Technology can provide new pathways into adult education, particularly in the developing world, but is no panacea. There is little evidence that technology alone helps individuals actually develop new skills. Although expenditure on education went a long way to

determine the rankings, the top education systems aren’t necessarily the ones that spend the most money. The United States finished 14th in the composite rankings, but is the highest spender on education spending 809.6 billion dollars annually. South Korea with the best education system in the world is number ten in the expenditure ranking, spending 61.6 billion dollars annually. The United Kingdom, Finland, Canada and Japan are also one of the top spenders on education that fall into the top ten rankings. But Germany, France, Brazil, Russia, Australia and Mexico, despite being among the top spenders, do not top the education rankings. Needless to say, Nigeria is nowhere to be found in any of the rankings as the nation’s education budget is reportedly about 2.7bn dollars for the year 2015.

Ibrahim Shekarau C M Y K

46—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015—47

Human capital, Delta's greatest asset — Uduaghan D

ELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has described the feat recorded by the fastest woman in Africa, Blessing Okagbare as one of the gains of his administration’s Human Capital Development agenda. Speaking when management of The Sun Newspapers presented a letter of Sports Person of the Year award to Blessing Okagbare (now Mrs Ighoteguonor) in Asaba yesterday (07/01/15), Governor Uduaghan stated that his administration invested in the athlete and other Deltans, observing that such investments were not only a blessing to Delta State, Nigeria but to Africans. According to him, the success recorded by Blessing Okagbare at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland was a great feat for Nigeria after years of not winning medals at the Common-

wealth Games. He asserted that it was a thing of pride to see the world stand still for Nigeria’s national anthem as a result of the laurels won by Blessing Okagbare and Ese Brume who are Deltans. Dr Uduaghan stated that the greatest asset of the state is in human capital development and his administration has encouraged Deltans to excel in their chosen fields. “Blessing is a product of our Human Capital Development scheme and we believe that the state is not just rich in oil alone but is richer in human talent and we should be able to develop whatever potentials any Deltan exhibits be it in sports or entertainment,” Governor Uduaghan said. Governor Uduaghan expressed hope that Blessing Okagbare would also, do Nigeria proud at the 2016 Olympic games. Presenting the letter of award to Blessing Okagbare, the General

From left; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Mrs. Funke Egbomode, Blessing Okagbare, Mr. Kunle Solaja and Mr. Ighoteguonor Otegheri during the presentation of the Sun Newspaper award letter to Okagbare in Asaba, Wednesday.

Editor, Sun Newspaper, Mrs. Funke Egbemode commended Governor Uduaghan on his administration’s stride in human capital development of which Blessing Okagbare was a beneficiary. She commended the state government’s effort to transform the sporting, health, agriculture and other sectors of the economy. Blessing Okagbare dedicated the award and series of awards she has received to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in particular, Deltans and Nigerians. She also, thanked the management of The Sun Newspapers for the recognition as

From right; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Blessing Okagbare and PDP governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa

assured that she would continue to do her best for the state and the country.

at es Campaign Committ ee 2015 Elections: Delt Deltaa SSttat atee PDP Inaugur Inaugurat ates Committee D

elta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party [PDP] to engage in door to door campaign to ensure they garner all the votes in the 2015 general elections. Governor Uduaghan made the call Wednesday in Asaba during the inauguration of the Delta State PDP Campaign Committee. The Chairman of the PDP in the state, Chief Edwin Uzor performed the inauguration which took place at Government House, Asaba with the governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and members of the Committee in attendance. Governor reminded members of the party that time for celebration of the party primaries was over and it was time to prepare for the main elections, stressing that members of the party should embark on a door to door campaign to sensitise Deltans on the need to vote comprehensively for PDP candidates. According to him, “the celebration of the primaries is over, what is important is the main election, put what happened at the primaries behind us, come together as a family to deliver our candidates at the 2015 elections because we have to give 100 percent support and maximum vote to President Jonathan and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.” “This is not time for negative media propaganda, use your talents to deliver our candidates, it is going

Uduaghan, Urges PDP Faithful To Deliver Party Candidates

From Right: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN) and Chief Benjamin Elue, former Deputy Governor, Delta State during the inauguration of PDP campaign committee held in Asaba. to be a door to door campaign, we have the structure on the ground, we have a lot of achievements both at federal and state levels to market to our people, let all our leaders who are active at both wards and unit levels be mobilised to embark on this campaign”, Dr. Uduaghan added. The governor informed the gathering that the state PDP campaign would kick off on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at the Oghara Township Stadium while the National Campaign train which will include President Goodluck Jonathan would berth in the state on February 4, 2015. Also Speaking, Senator Ifeanyi

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (Middle), his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN) (left) and State PDP Guber candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa during the inauguration

Okowa urged members of the campaign committee to take their assignment seriously and mobilise all Deltans in the nooks and crannies of the state to vote for the party. He stressed that “elections are close, we must campaign vigorously, we will have rallies to let our people know that we are on ground, door to door campaign is imperative so as to sensitise the electorates and bring out the votes”. The gubernatorial candidate harped on the unity and peace of the state and urged the party faithful to embark on issue based

campaign. He commended the transformation agenda of the President Jonathan’s administration and its level of tolerance and the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for working to achieve success for the party at both national and state levels and called for cooperation of all to achieve this goal. Earlier, the state PDP Chairman,

Chief Edwin Uzor said that the inauguration ceremony would enable the committee start working to ensure victory for all PDP candidates at the polls and called for the support of all PDP faithful in ensuring that the committee achieve its goal.

48 —SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

Rev Fr Mbaka and the bird that wouldn’t fly

Mbaka BY DR UGOJI EGBUJO

t’s election time in Nigeria and politicians of all shades are invading the Houses of God. They are not in these places to listen to God or to repent of their numerous sins. They come to pull wool over the eyes of the people. Some of them have always been visible, simulating godliness while calculating the political profitability of that identification. Some others ,who cannot afford the cost in comfort and moral freedom the charade entails, can dash in for a few night vigils at popular grounds and get some mileage at politically expedient show of sanctimoniousness. The big weights will always ask for and get public prayers with hands laid on them. Heads bent, they come suppliant and seemingly contrite, literally crumpling themselves and

The tragedy for Mbaka is not in merely shifting positions but in his giving of two sets of diametrically opposed reasons in a space of two months

crumbling to the ground in front of thousands. Ancient Pharisees would have been envious of these modern day Pharisees. Obviously wowed and impressionable congregation will chime in thunderous ‘amen’ to favours being asked of God for their political oppressors. Didn’t the bible say they should pray for their leaders? Regardless of ones religious persuasion, these acts are generally aimed at brain washing. The idea that only ‘almajiris’ are brain washed and converted by instrument of false religion to malleable political tools is not wholly correct. It is true that the almajiris, by reason of regimentation, may be more flammable tools but the political consequences of religious charlatanism on the polity is as destructive amongst Christians as it is amongst Muslims. At the national level it’s a straight forward contest between Christian and Islamic sentiments but when you arrive Christian dominated south east Nigeria you come into a Catholic

versus Anglican political battlefield. And those adept in raising anti Islamic propaganda are even more adept in turning their guns on Catholics or Anglicans as the case may be to serve their interests. Bigotry is in a sense relentlessly boundless. Or so it seems. In their private lives, and when it serves their interests, they fall in love with Muslims and Anglicans , and Catholics and atheists, hire them, trade with them, live with them. Some pastors like some Imams now tell their flocks which party is evil and which candidate is preferred. Political shepherding. The Traditional rulers are similarly afflicted. Oba of Benin once said the gods have declared for Jonathan and Oba of Lagos , more conscious of jurisdictional limitations , says its APCs Ambode or no one as Lagos governor. When they speak they allude to an infallible binding spiritual instruction from some deity. These often contradictons only help to humanize these deities and demystify their spokespersons Enter Reverend Father Mbaka. Popular, politically active, bold and loquacious. He has fought many political battles in the past , crusading against corruption and taking on perceived corrupt politicians frontally and publicly. Against then Gov. Chimaroke Nnamani it was a no- holds -barred battle. He did win the battle of preventing the re election of one or two of his targets even after enlisting and unleashing what should have been sacrosanct, decisive prophetic utterances on them. He never leaks his wounds and is never fazed by any such set backs. We know how elections are won in Nigeria, anyway. Mbaka has remained for many the most popular priest in Enugu with substantial influence on the general Igbo catholic congregation. You can’t ignore the number. So no one was surprised when some weeks ago the first lady, Dame Jonathan led by the deputy senate president went to Mbaka’s adoration ground to literally ‘collect blessings’. For those conversant with south east political dynamics the first lady’s visit was an unmistakably brazen attempt at exploiting religious sentiments of the ordinary catholic faithful for the electoral benefit of Goodluck Jonathan and his PDP. Dame’s visit to Mbaka was a seeming testimony of Mbaka’s continuing political relevance . Mbaka received his visitors well and even had some good words for the President. He didn’t just praise the president , he defended him on numerous charges of incompetence routinely leveled against him by the opposition with the flair and zeal of a committed apologist. Words

were not enough. Mbaka delved into spiritual warfare. He anointed a kneeling Dame Jonathan and declared she would be first lady in 2015 . And that has fairly obvious implications . He anointed some birds and charged them to fly and fight for Jonathan. Dame was happy, the senate deputy president was all smiles. It was all going swimmingly . Their desired message had been preached .The people, in their many thousands, had chorused amen. Members of TAN present winked at cameras in satisfaction. Mbaka then was a great man of God, cherished and accepted. His bishops were quiet and perhaps happy because his endorsement of Jonathan was politically correct. But wait a minute. Mbaka was not done. The setting this time was same adoration ground but it was different because it was jammed and the occasion was special, very special. Many thousands usually converge there for their new year blessings from far and wide , ending the year there and starting the new year there. And Mbaka had a special new year message. He started by declaring that the message he had was from the ‘Oracle of the Holy Spirit’ . He warned all including pastors and bishops to seek the advice of the holy spirit before criticizing the message . He knew controversy was going to be stirred . Mbaka’s message was that God has directed him to inform the congregation not to support Jonathan. That Goodluck Jonathan had become ,in his words ,‘badluck’ . While he didn’t need to support this new position with any reasons since it was divinely instructed, he chose to rationalize it and in giving reasons invited inevitable scrutiny. His new reasons are widely known. The tragedy for Mbaka is not in merely shifting positions but in his giving of two sets of diametrically opposed reasons in a space of two months. Mbaka , to some, defied decency. Many were startled by the Mbaka thunderbolt. For some , its was simply ludicrous. Any mind that does not have the capacity for the kind of dissociation associated schizophrenia should not be burdened with the ignominy that should be a natural consequence of such a flip flop. In the minds of his ardent followers Mbaka is an oracle and so reasons are secondary. Of primary importance for them is the fact of his revelation. Faith they say cannot be founded on rationality. Mbaka said God has not only decided Jonathan’s time was up but that he must also make it public. If Mbaka had taken himself off the picture

Continues on page 49

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015 — 49

Rev FFrr Mbak d that wouldn’t ffly ly Mbakaa and the bir bird Continues from page 48 completely by not giving any reasons, by shying away from helping God to justify the new prophesy then no one would have labeled him incoherent. So it wouldn’t have mattered that Mbaka had derided the Bring Back Our Girls campaign and wondered aloud how it fell on Jonathan to bring back the Chibok girls since they were not in his custody, insinuating that the duty to release the girls lay with boko haram and their sympathisers. On new year day he had done a full 360 degrees and lampooned Jonathan for failing to provide security. Kidnapping, Mbaka now says, is the child of pervasive youth unemployment and joblessness which is the grand parent of Boko Haram and all are fruits of Jonathans poor leadership . While Mbaka’s new year message was riddled with inherent inconsistencies the main thrust of that

message is fairly well understood. It may not matter that Mbaka insists that Good luck Jonathan is a good man surrounded by hooligans while maintaining that Jonathan is now bad luck personified, Mbaka is not a logician. However, it seats a bit uneasily that in another breath he labels him a manipulator who bears Ebele and Azikiwe during elections and discards those names and promises made to Igbos after. Perhaps the priest was being polite. What else can I say? If any of his faithful finds ambiguity in the priest’s messages then he could , as a soldier of Christ, obey the last order. When Mbaka announced that the healthiest of the birds he released to fly and fight for Jonathan refused to fly despite all he did to make it fly , sighs of pity for Jonathan , the one that perhaps has now been forsaken by the Almighty, filled the congregation. Who would have

ever thought that the man who, in consonance with his name, had been propelled by sheer providence to the highest office in the land and whose opponents have often been warned by sycophantic presidential aides not to tempt fate by contesting or working against him would one day suffer such a reversal in superstitious assessment and metaphysical prognostication with Mbaka pronouncing that Jonathan is now an embodiment of badluck , a harbinger of evil. “Jonathan is now bad luck” he bellowed, “he was bad luck to Yaradua, and Yaradua died, bad luck to our oil and our oil poured away and bad luck to our naira and our naira is gone”. And the crowd murmured loudly in approval of the uncanny association. Irrationality begets irrationality. In going to him for spiritual blessings and in saying she experienced a spiritual rebirth while kneeling before him, Dame Jonathan has validated Mbaka’s legendary spiritual authority. They must accept his latest revelation as Godly. The

Jonathan and Patience employment of the clergy to do political jobs is a double edged sword. Rather than seek peoples mandate based on personal records and accomplishments and manifestoes, our politicians, for reasons obviously geared towards exploitation of the people, prefer ‘spiritual’ endorsements. So they can perform poorly but come back to procure and flaunt God’s supposed endorsement . And that rules out any further scrutiny and taints the protesting and disbelieving, the critical and vigilant as enemies of God. How many times have I heard that Jonathan is God’s candidate and any one challenging him is challenging God. Its funny that many politicians and members of the clergy castigating Mbaka are doing so because they don’t like the content of his latest prophesy. If he had prophesied that Buhari will islamise the country, the college of Bishops would have been quiet. In a weak political system where votes are bought easily and elections are rigged routinely , pastors and Imams can and should play crucial stabilizing and enlightening roles to enthrone decent politicians and politics. But because the contamination of the secular polity has spread to the religious houses, primordial clannishness, religious biases, rent seeking mentality, prebendary actions and outright perfidy have beset the clergy. Imams are as guilty too. In a plural multi ethnic society of people who try to make up what they lack in morality and spirituality with self serving public display of religiousity, social stability and democratic freedom cannot be fostered by acts that accentuate religious divisions and inflame religious passions. Pastors and Imams and traditional rulers do no one any good when they publicly instruct the people directly or indirectly to vote one way or the other. Politicians who exploit religious sentiments to win votes do not have the interest of God or of the suffering masses at heart. On a lighter note , wisdom, especially the earthly variety, would advise that any bishop contemplating a sanction for Mbaka waits till Feb 14. That will leave some room for a tactical withdrawal.

Dr Ugoji Egbujo wrote from Lagos C M Y K

50—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

ome APC members who were shot at on their way to General Buhari’s campaign in Port Hacourt have narrated their ordeal in the hand of their assailants from the hospital bed. They escaped death but suffered bullet wounds when gunmen attacked their vehicles. Governor Rotimi Amaechi has accused the PDP of masterminding that. The victims spoke to Saturday Vanguard: Aadum Marshall Yalu It happened about 5 am at Sakpenwa, Gokana local government area. We were in the bus. I can’t conclude that it was PDP but I suspect their members did it. I suspect that they were responsible. Though armed robbers had stopped me at that point about four days before that Wednesday I feel PDP had hand in this. I suspect PDP members because there was no road block mounted anywhere near the point of attack . They just started shooting at our vehicle and we were not dispossessed of our personal effects. Not even a bus that fell of the express way attracted their attention. Baribe Jack It was about 5am . I was to attend the APC rally in Port Harcourt before I was shot by gunmen. I did not recognize anybody who attacked me. I thought they were armed robbers. I cannot say categorically if they were PDP members because I could not recognize anybody. I was in the vehicle when they shot at the 18 cheater bus and commuters were shouting. It was God that saved me. The incident took place around Sakpenwa on the express road. Beatrice Demur. I was among those attacked Tuesday on our way to the venue of the presidential flag off of our party in the morning. I don’t know how it happened, all I heard were gun shots from a group of people I could not identified. I was in the back seat of the vehicle. The bullet hit me on the back, from the shoulder

to my right ribs. Governor Chibuike Amaechi has accused the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) of being responsible for the dastardly act. He charged President Goodluck Jonathan to call his party men to order. Amaechi made the allegation when he led top members of his party to Kesley Harrison hospital, Port Harcourt where about seven of the victims were receiving treatment. The Governor who lamented the ugly incidence said it had become clear that the PDP was not set for a free and fair polls. Against this backdrop, he cautions President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of PDP to condemn the attack allegedly unleashed on the APC supporters by suspected members of their party His words: “Imagine that the

C M Y K

•Some injured All Progressives Congress members on their way to the hospital in Port Harcourt

APC gun shot victims narrate ordeal

As Amaechi accuses PDP

•Buhari and Amaechi President goes to campaign in Katsina or in Kano and his convoy or supporters attacked, we will condemn it. In the same manner, we expect the President and the Peoples’ Democratic Party to condemn this violence unleashed on us by their members. Besides, we expect they should be able to control their members. “The President can’t be promising us free, fair and violence-free elections and here, we have already experienced violence, what is he expecting us to do? “The fact that people are being attacked every day is an indication that the PDP is not ready for a free, fair and violence-free elections”, he stated. Amaechi, however, expressed fear that the security situation in the country may degenerate into a situation where individuals will begin to provide security for themselves rather than supporting the state to perform her statutory function by

providing security for all. “I pray that all of us should come out and support the state to provide security and the state must be ready to provide that security,” he added. The Police image maker, DSP Muhammad in another statement also confirmed similar attack on a bus that same morning between Yeghe and Sakpenwa road in Gokana local government area, adding that those who sustained gunshot injuries in the sad incident were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. Some of those reportedly shot were Aadum Pya Alu, Deemmua Beatrice, Sorbari Npebee, Baribe Jack,Victory Vinam, Burabari Nenee Also, Senator Magnus Abe who represents Rivers south east senatorial district in the National Assembly condemned the attack, saying, APC members had become helpless even with the presence of large number of police officers in the state. Senator Abe who is seeking a return ticket to the senate on the platform of the APC, expressed worries over the security of voters during the general elections. Abe who said this through his media aide, Mr Honour Sirawoo noted in dismay that the different security bodies had often failed to arrest those behind the attack of APC members in the state in the past, adding that it was an indication that security services had been compromised. “Since the Rivers crisis, security has become political;

every gathering in Bori was preceded by gunfire and open display of banditry as well as terror, yet not one person was ever arrested or prosecuted,” The APC Senatorial Candidate alleged. He enjoined the state police command to endeavor to arrest those behind this latest attack on his party members. Governorship candidate of the APC, Dr Dakuku Peterside also flayed the attack. Chairman, APC in Khana local government area, Chief Eric Nwibani who painted a picture of how it happened said it was clear the act was perpetrated by the opposition political party. According to him, those behind it went for only vehicles conveying members of his party that morning on the Port Harcourt Gokhana road. He ruled out robbery, saying, the attackers targeted at vehicles conveying only APC members who were going to Port Harcourt for the presidential flag off campaign. But in a swift reaction, the Peoples Democratic Party denied involvement in the sad incident, saying the APC was a party whose membership was composed of pathological liars. State Chairman of the party, Mr Felix Obuah who spoke through his media aide, Mr Jerry Needam said the shooting could have been the handiwork of aggrieved members of the APC.

The ugly development has continued to generate mixed reactions in the state. Mrs Osondu Roseline appealed to politicians to allow peace reign in the state. “It is unfortunate that this could happen. I appeal to politicians to allow peace in the state. They are not the only ones here. They should allow others engage in their private businesses peacefully. “,she said. Remi Felix, a resident in Port Harcourt also condemned the development, saying it had already scared him from coming out to vote at the general polls. “I won’t come out during the elections if this is how they want the elections to be “, he said.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015—51

Delta 2015

How the Urhobos, Jonathan plotted against Obuh — Oru z Why the North’s scheme to harass Jonathan out of power will not work z South South will opt out of Nigeria if we are harassed out of office BY FAITH OLATIDE

arrister Andrew Oru, a senior lawyer and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Delta State came to national limelight as one of two lawyers that raised the issue of the alleged conviction of a former governor of the state. Oru who had initially aspired for the 2015 governorship ticket of the PDP subsequently became a senior adviser of one of the major aspirants, Mr. David Edevbie, a fellow Urhobo. Oru who is also the national president of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association in this interview, defends the relevance of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU despite the failure of its political project to place an Urhobo as the governorship ticket, the alleged harassment of President Goodluck Jonathan by entrenched ethnic interests and the proclamations of the respected Catholic priest, Father Ejike Mbaka among other issues. Excerpts: Given the developments that shadowed the PDP governorship primaries, do you agree with some that the UPU is now irrelevant? I do not agree that the UPU is irrelevant. If it were irrelevant, nobody will be talking about it today. If not for the last minute manoeuvre, the UPU candidate was on the way to victory. Let me tell you what happened because I was involved. The reason I didn’t contest for that ticket. Sometime in February last year, I was already preparing for the governorship race, when David Edevbie came to meet me in my house. He booked an appointment to see me, and he came to tell me that he wanted to run for governor and that he needed my support and he needed me to be the one to drive the crusade for him. He is like a younger brother to me, we are from the same town, Ughelli, and we have related quite closely. So I told him, you beat me to it, I was also planning to run, but since you are the first to approach me, I would encourage you and not discourage you. I met the rest of the candidates and we struck an accord. although I was not the one running, I was C M Y K

still able to reach out to all of them. Through the instrumentality of the UPU, one can get the president to realise that the Urhobos, if you lose them, you might lose the presidency. The president saw this clearly. So realising that he didn’t want to risk losing a million votes, so that was why the governor, just two days to the time, dumped Obuh. Unfortunately, a day before the primaries, UPU called a meeting of everybody at the Ughelli Town Hall to unveil David Edevbie as the candidate of the UPU, unfortunately, instead of the governor to allow that process to go on , he collapsed Obuh’s campaign organization directly and openly into Edevbie’s campaign. Immediately Uduaghan put his seal on Edevbie 24 hours to the time, openly, every other person just went behind and said, okay, you are the new imposition and you know that kind of thing, and there was no time to explain. What I am saying is this, the UPU is in no way irrelevant in the scheme of things because now we are going into general elections, general elections have nothing to do with local government areas, or how many delegates we have. So, how do you stand on the governorship election? First and foremost, I wear two caps, as it stands. First as an Urhobo man, and second, as a PDP chieftain. If I am to speak as an Urhobo man, I think clearly, I will not vote for Okowa but as a PDP man, I have an obligation to support the party’s candidate. I am now at a crossroad, and I am watching the two candidates as we speak, whether of APC or PDP; I can tell you one thing, I look more upon individual candidacy than party candidacy even though I am of the PDP.

Andrew Oru

If I am to speak as an Urhobo man, I think clearly, I will not vote for Okowa but as a PDP man, I have an obligation to support the party’s candidate

Okowa is a good person but certain persons around him will try to make a mess of his governorship. I don’t want to mention names because I don’t want to libel anybody. My moral burden is this; I don’t believe that Urhobos have been marginalized in the scheme of things in terms of the governorship race anymore. In any event, before I became a PDP man, I was first an Urhobo man so I am waiting now because even the UPU’s stand was that if the Urhobos did not get the slot, they were not going to support Mr. President. That is against my personal conviction because I intend to support Jonathan to the last. And secondly I do not think there is any reason now for the Urhobos to refuse supporting Jonathan. Are you not talking like an ethnic chauvinist? I am not an ethnic chauvinist. That will be wrong, every person who is in politics has a constituency. Everybody coming out is doing so to represent the interests of his constituency, so I am not doing anything different. In the first place, someone like Mohammadu Buhari, his emergence was largely because of the call purportedly for power to return to the north. What do you call that? And all the Northerners are queuing up behind him. The Yorubas are supporting Buhari because as far as they are concerned they cannot wait to become president again after eight years. Because if it goes to the North, eight years after according to their own plan, it will come back to the south and if it comes back, this time it is going to the Yorubas because that is where it started from. That is the game plan. So it is also a regional issue and I will be stupid not to align with a person from my own region especially because we are being short-changed. Jonathan has been there for only one term! The question of whether he was sworn in two times or three times, is just an excuse to harass him out. And thirdly, I believe that Jonathan is being harassed out of power, in this sense, the issues being raised against him are not his own making. You talk about insecurity; from the beginning of his tenure, it was made clear by some persons in the north that they will make this country ungovernable for him. And some people like Father

Mbaka, one or two weeks before he made this latest push, he was there praying for Mrs. Jonathan that they should have a second tenure and all of that. Only for him to suddenly turn around and start to castigate Jonathan. Only somebody who has a mental problem has the capacity to say yes and no almost at the same time. Father Mbaka, I can tell you, I am a catholic, but he is not the catholic priest that we know. He is doing what he is doing on behalf of a ministry, not on behalf of the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, people around here are gullible; Father Mbaka is not the man of God that he professes to be, himself and Bakare are the President and Vice president of papal wing of APC and they should be seen as such. Father Mbaka is an ordained priest of the Catholic Church but the instruments of discipline against him, I believe the Catholic Church will soon wield it because he has clearly gone overboard. The canon law does not permit him to behave the way he is behaving, he is completely out of order, and I think they will call him to order soon. Are you comfortable with the allegation that the Jonathan government cannot deal with corruption? I have been one of the critics of President Jonathan on the level of corruption prevalent under his administration. I don’t accept it. It is unwise for him to condone corruption and allow it to this extent. But has anybody been able to come out and say that President Jonathan himself is corrupt? The answer is no. The way to fight corruption in this country, the way I know it, is the way Nuhu Ribadu and others were fighting it initially, which Nigerians cried out against. Meanwhile, today, every person is saying Buhari has an anticorruption posture, they are forgetting to analyse who he truly was when he was military president. Under Buhari, he made a rule that during the course of changing Nigeria’s currency, nobody should be allowed to come in or out with currency. Yet he opened the door wide for Jokolo to come in with 53 suitcases. What else is that? As far as I am concerned, a man like Buhari, should still be arrested and tried for the 1983 coup because the mere fact that the coup

Continues on page 52

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

Continues from page 20 duties, they lose touch at the grassroots, to fulfill the destructive parable of " A FRIEND IN GOVERNMENT, IS A FRIEND LOST" "They no longer get in touch with the local leaders and those who worked for the party to win the elections on which basis they got the appointments. Such appointees certainly can't win party primaries. However there are good ones who maintain good relationship with their constituents and when such seek elective positions, they will surely get through. In addition the failure of such Aides of the President at various party primaries, go to show that Mr. President does not interfere with party primaries." Also reacting, the Political Adviser to Vice President Namadi Sambo, Mallam Abba Dabo who noted that it will not have any negative effect on the party because they did not lose to other parties, said that what happened was a true democratic process, an indication that the President never wanted to interfere in the election process as against the wishes of the people, adding, "Contest in PDP is very keen, people think that as a minister, once you come out, the deal is sealed, it is not true, the party is democratic, everyone can win, we had an array of contestants. In other smaller parties, once you come out to contest, you become a colossus, it is not the same in PDP. PDP allowed both the Ministers and non ministers to come out and contest." In his contribution, former Minister of Transport and member, PDP Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Ebenezer Babatope said, "Not at all, it will not have any effect on President Goodluck Jonathan's re- election bid. What happened to them was that he did not lift his hand to influence the process, he

FALL OF JONATHAN'S MEN: What implication for his re- election?

Gov Sullivan Chime

did not influence the decision of the electorate; it is a plus for the president, what happened boosted the image of Jonathan as did not interfere in the choice of the people." But there are party faithful who are not comfortable that many of those who remained loyal to the President and were known to have played tremendous roles in serving the party were schemed out or outplayed in the primaries. “You can't ignore the influence of some people who will not likely to be committed to the Presidential election any more,” one PDP party faithful said. For the fear of being tagged anti party he preferred anonymity. Same with a party chieftain who spoke from Enugu. Said he: “There's no way this crash by President's loyalists will not reflect in the election results. It will not make Jonathan lose but he will surely lose some votes.” Many in the opposition parties feel that the crash of President's men will be to their advantage. Even a

Ita Enang sitting governor has moved his loyalists to another party in Ebonyi State. Also contributing, former Member, House of Representatives, and Executive Secretary, Anti- Corruption Network, Otunba Dino Melaye said, "Nine Ministers have resigned from Jonathan's cabinet to contest political offices primaries. (Nyesom) Wike (Rivers PDP governorship candidate) bulldozed to win. Seven Ministers lost their primaries. That is the pronouncement of the disenchantment of Nigerians against the government of Jonathan. The PDP is a Trojan Horse, Nigeria is in the Intensive Care Unit, Nigeria is in the Hospital. The time for our rejuvenation is now. General Muhammadu Buhari is the only answer, antidote and remedy to corruption." In his contribution, a member of the 2014 National Conference and Executive Director, Human Rights Monitor, Barrister Festus Okoye said, "Different considerations other than the political travails of some of the Ministers and Special Advisers will determine the outcome of the 2015 elections. Some of the Ministers had no concrete base in their

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri

Seven Ministers lost their primaries. That is the pronouncement of the disenchantment of Nigerians against the government of Jonathan

states and relied on Federal might. Unfortunately for some of them domestic realities played a major role in their defeat. Barring electoral fraud and Violence , Religion,ethnicity, money, incumbency and performance will determine the outcome of the 2015 elections." In his contribution, former governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife who described the primaries conducted as imposition by those he described as cabal in the system, stressed merit, success and ability were thrown out, just as he said that the Ministers went to conduct the primaries and the people told them how they assess them, adding that the defeat of the Ministers during the primaries would not have any connection with the President's re- election. He said, " we are not doing democracy, I will talk on this after the election. I have always spoken in support of a two party system. A cabal is bringing out people instead of the people doing that. Only direct primary election is the way forward. What we have now is imposition by a cabal and not democracy. APC does not do direct primary, PDP does not do direct primary, you must select candidates on the opinion of the people and not on persons. "In Ebonyi, the Minister of Health who fought Ebola with international recognition and who ought to have won the primaries was not given, merit does not count, success does not count, ability does not count, only who supports you. "

20 15: How the Ur hobos, Jonathan plott ed agains 201 Urhobos, plotted againstt Obuh — Oru Continues from page 51 succeeded does not remove the fact that he committed an offense. And in criminal law, there is no time limitation. These are some of the things that Jonathan should be doing as a leader. And because he is not doing some of these things people consider him weak. If I were the president, I will take that bold step of arresting Buhari and all of those who are still around and prosecute them on those cases and then let anybody come out tomorrow and call me a weak leader and let me show them my credentials in that regard.

So why do you really support the president? I am from the South-South, we have a right to govern this country as well like every other section in this country. It is the northerners who have been shouting rotation. If

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If Jega and the west and the North connive to push the South-south out of office, certainly, we are going to opt out of Nigeria

they are the champions of rotation, why do they find it unacceptable for a southerner to govern this nation even if it is two terms plus one year. When they started fighting Jonathan, it was not because of incompetence or insecurity because it did not exist at that time. They were simply talking of power rotation. They then sat down and brought forth allegations of insecurity after creating those insecurities just to harass the man out of office. As far as I am concerned, we in the South-south believe that this country does not want us. They want to continue to treat us as second class citizens, as hewers of firewood and fetchers of water, and we reject that and as I speak I speak on behalf of the Urhobos and every other aggrieved persons of the south-south region. And I can tell you something as it were. If Jega and the west and the North connive to push the South-south out of office, certainly, we are going to opt out of Nigeria.

You agitate that you do not want the North to cheat you of your right to govern the nation, but why do you, as an Urhobo, insist that Delta North should not govern Delta State? I have not said I want to deprive the people of Delta North the governorship. Certainly not. People of Delta North have a right to govern Delta State, but when you keep talking of your own right and make it feel like the others are oppressing you, then we have to go to the records. I have done my own cross checking and found out that it is actually the Urhobos that have been marginalized in Delta State. Personally, I believe in meritocracy. Let the best man govern. Let them remove all these ideas of Delta North or Delta South or Urhobo. The fact that they conspired against the Urhobo candidate is painful enough for an Urhobo man. It was a clear case of imposing delegates, it was not a contest. There was no level playing field.

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JANUARY 10, 2015 — 53

54—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

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SATURDAY

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56—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

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SATURDAY

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TAMBUWAL:

The Eagle clocks 49 BY IMAM IMAM

s one political circle goes for another, elected office holders are traversing the length and breadth of the country giving account of their stewardship in the last four years and seeking a fresh mandate from the people. Many will face their constituents not knowing the sort of reaction they will get. For the fortunate ones, they will be received with open arms, given warm embrace and a new mandate. For the not so lucky, they will be turned back, and will be told to come back in four years, perhaps then, the people’s anger against them would have subsided. In the ancient city of Sokoto tomorrow, Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, will come before the people of his state to present his score card and ask for a new mandate, this time, a mandate to be the Governor of Sokoto State for the next four years under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC). That new mandate will be a new beginning for both Sokoto and Tambuwal. This is because, today, Saturday, January 10, Tambuwal added a new year to his life. He clocked 49. Much has been written about the life and politics of Tambuwal. In summary though, his courage, integrity, generosity and allembracing character have stood high above everything else. Tambuwal has proven to be a dependable ally, one who can be trusted to be there for the people at all times. His leadership of the House of Representatives has ushered in a period of tranquility not seen in the Green Chamber since the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999. His performance as Speaker has set the bar in governance. His intrepidity in the face of tough challenges has inspired his colleagues and emboldened them to go about their duties without fear, or favour. For Tambuwal, seeing Nigeria rise to greatness is something akin to obsession. He has, at every available opportunity, reminded Nigerians of the need to promote democracy and respect human rights of all. These ideas stem from his belief that strong democracies are more likely to secure peace, deter aggression, expand markets, promote development, combat terrorism and crime, uphold rights of workers, avoid humanitarian crises, protect and improve the global environment, and protect human health. The Speaker's widely circulated opinions and discourses on good governance, public service, C M Y K

constitutional reform, youth and women empowerment and national development cannot be lost to genuine lovers of our country. He had on many occasions demonstrated his love for country above personal interest and taught others to do the same. In the period since Tambuwal came to national consciousness, he has not lost touch with his base. Importantly, he has maintained what the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuade, described as “the proper upbringing” the Speaker passed through from his formative years. Perhaps, taking a cue from past leaders with inestimable value to their communities, Tambuwal has maintained a simple lifestyle dedicated to the service of the less privileged. From the likes Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill, Malcolm X, Aminu Kano and Nelson Mandela, there can be as many ways to lead people as there are leaders. Of particular reference here is Malam Aminu Kano. Before he died over three decades ago, he preached and championed the cause of social justice, environmental harmony and spiritual purification. He upheld the universal principles of truth, honesty, sincerity and keeping to time. Today, these are virtues commonly attributed to Tambuwal. Tambuwal remains the quintessential politician who has defied the notion that politicians, especially of the Nigerian variety, cannot say the truth to the powers that be while still in power. By now, Nigerians have come to identify their Number Four citizen as a fearless man whose words and deeds are not at variance with the hopes and aspirations of the men and women of his beloved country. In a clime polluted by years of sheer indiscipline and unfulfilled promises, the optimism, and testimonies openly exhibited by those who followed his leadership style in Abuja

•Tambuwal

will no doubt gladden the hearts of the people of Sokoto who are now set to have him as their Leader in the coming years. Not since independence have we seen a politician promote an ideology as fervently as the Speaker does. Tambuwal has promoted the concept of a strong dichotomy between politics and governance. To him, there is a marked difference between a candidate in electoral contest on the platform of a political party and an elected official who has assumed a non-partisan responsibility and taken oath to protect and preserve the constitution, to serve the people and the nation. While the former is not merely at liberty but under a duty to be partisan, the latter must conduct himself in a manner worthy of the call to non-partisanship in governance. And whenever partisan interests conflict with national interest it is partisan interests that must be sacrificed in the preservation of the national interest. Tambuwal's candor, nationalistic outlook, ability to make fair and inclusive decisions, maturity and his desire to interact freely and affectionately with all Nigerians has today earned him the confidence of his colleagues and all Nigerians alike. His strong stance on discipline, accountability, and truth, and his pen-

chant desire to do things differently, has set him aside and made him an example for elected office holders in the federation. At 49, Tambuwal’s life is bedecked with the stellar. As Sam Omotseye once noted, Tambuwal’s quiet but visionary hand has held the often tempestuous House of Representatives on an even keel. This is the same House of riot and broken chairs in the past. He has never attracted scandal to himself. He is equable in temper and felicitous in language. He has secured the House and it does not play slave to the executive, and he has defended his legislative turf. He does not play the games of tribal and religious fidelity in the way that injures the commonwealth of citizens. He does not carry an air of the superior personage. That explains why all the rumoured plots of presidential-inspired impeachment did not fly. He knows how to hold his own without vanity or flamboyance. He is humble without servility, effective without showiness, brilliant without bullying. As he celebrates his birthday today, it is not just the intriguing narrative of how he was elected Speaker of the House, or how he defied countless machinations of the powers that be, that should resonate with political scientists. That experience should also serve as a reminder of the many profound achievements we could record if we rise above the inhibiting considerations of tribe, region and religion. Tambuwal has, like US President Barack Obama said of the great Nelson Mandela, showed us the power of action; of taking risks on behalf of our ideals. In the arc of his life, we see a man who earned his place in history through struggle and shrewdness; persistence and faith. He tells us what’s possible not just in the pages of dusty history books, but in our own lives as well. To this man of courage, I say a happy birthday.

*Imam is the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Speaker Tambuwal

58—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

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SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , JANU ARY 10 JANUARY 10, 2015—59

with Vera Samuel Anyagafu veedd41@yahoo.com

PARIS ATTACK:

Two suspects shot dead in assault E

lite French police stormed a printworks and a Jewish supermarket Friday, killing two brothers wanted for the Charlie Hebdo attack and an apparent accomplice who had taken hostages in two separate sieges that traumatised France. Explosions rocked a small printing firm in the village of Dammartin-en-Goele, northeast of Paris, and smoke poured from the building as the heavily armed forces mounted their assault as night fell. The two Islamists launched a desperate escape bid, charging out of the building firing at the security forces before being cut down in their tracks, a security source said. Meanwhile, in the east of Paris, gunfire erupted as police stormed the Jewish store, where at least one armed assailant had seized five hostages after two people were killed in a gun battle. The gunman was also killed, security sources said, as terrified hostages were seen running out of the store. The dramatic climax to the two stand-offs brought to an end more than 48 hours of fear and uncertainty in the country that began when the two brothers slaughtered 12 people at Charlie Hebdo in the bloodiest attack on French soil in half a century. The hostage-taker in the eastern Porte de Vincennes area of Paris was suspected of gunning down a policewoman in southern Paris Thursday and knew at least one of the Charlie Hebdo gunmen. French police released mugshots of the man,

•Members of the French police special forces evacuate hostages including a child (C) after launching the assault at a kosher grocery store in Porte de Vincennes, eastern Paris yesterday Amedy Coulibaly, 32, as well as a woman named as 26-year-old Hayat Boumeddiene, also wanted over the shooting of the policewoman. The Porte de Vincennes area in eastern Paris was swamped with police who shut down the city ’s ringroad as well as schools and shops in the area. Residents were ordered to stay indoors. In Dammartin-en-Goele, only 12 kilometres (seven miles) from Paris’s main Charles de Gaulle airport, French elite forces had deployed snipers on roofs and helicopters buzzed low over the small printing business where the Charlie Hebdo suspects had been cornered early Friday. Police sources said there

was a “connection” between the supermarket gunman and Cherif and Said Kouachi, accused of carrying out France’s bloodiest massacre in half a century at Charlie Hebdo. Ahead of the stand-off, police had already exchanged fire with the pair — orphans of Algerian origin — in a high-speed car chase. One witness described coming face-to-face at the printer ’s with one of the suspects, dressed in black, wearing a bullet-proof vest and carrying what looked like a Kalashnikov. The salesman told France Info radio that one of the brothers said: “‘Leave, we don’t kill civilians anyhow’.” Schools in the area were evacuated and residents

barricaded themselves indoors as the standoff with police unfolded. One 60-year-old choked back tears as she said how elite forces burst into the shop where her daughter works and ordered them to take cover. “My daughter told me: ‘Don’t be scared mummy, we’re well protected. She was calm but me, I’m scared. I’m really scared,” said the woman. Prior to the standoff, the suspects had hijacked a car from a woman who said she recognised the brothers. Five dead, including gunman, in Paris supermarket hostage siege: security source Five people were killed, including the gunman, and

four were left critically wounded after a hostage drama in eastern Paris ended with a police assault on Friday. Gunfire erupted as police stormed the Jewish store, where at least one armed assailant had seized hostages in Porte de Vincennes on the edge of the city. It was not immediately clear if the casualties occurred during the assault or earlier in the siege, nor whether a second hostagetaker was among the dead. ‘Mass casualty attacks’ The spectacular attacks came as it emerged the brothers had been on a US terror watch list “for years”. And as fears spread in the wake of the attack, the head of Britain’s domestic spy agency MI5 warned that

Islamist militants were planning other “mass casualty attacks against the West” and that intelligence services may be powerless to stop them. Wednesday’s bloodbath at Charlie Hebdo, which had repeatedly lampooned the Prophet Mohammed, has sparked a global chorus of outrage, with impromptu and poignant rallies around the world in support of press freedom under the banner “jesuischarlie” (I am Charlie). US President Barack Obama was the latest to sign a book of condolence in Washington with the message “Vive la France!” as thousands gathered in Paris on a day of national mourning Thursday, and the Eiffel Tower dimmed its lights to honour the dead. And as a politically divided and crisis-hit France sought to pull together in the wake of the tragedy, the head of the country ’s Muslim community — the largest in Europe — urged imams to condemn terrorism at Friday prayers. In a highly unusual step, President Francois Hollande met far-right leader Marine Le Pen at the Elysee Palace later Friday, as France geared up for a “Republican march” on Sunday expected to draw hundreds of thousands. Interior Minsiter Bernard Cazeneuve announced that a total of 88,000 security forces were mobilised across the country and that an international meeting on terrorism would take place in Paris on Sunday. Nine people had already been detained as part of the operation, Cazeneuve said.

Looming oil glut points toward an avoidable global recession

nalysis of report disclosed that an oil glut over an extended period of time is certain to lead to an avoidable global recession. One concern of the present development is that in situation whereby crude remains below $50 per barrel, global inflation will reach levels never recorded since the worldwide recession ended in 2009. Attributing the recent situation to market force, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador James Entwistle, while responding to question in relation to the recent oil glut and the need for the American government to increase its oil reserve, thereby stimulating demand and avert an avoidable global recession, said that the C M Y K

demand for oil is determined by the market force. He also intimated that US domestic production is very much significant, and as such, the country is buying less oil from other countries, including Nigeria. Speaking further, the Ambassador disclosed that there is no US policy decision not to buy oil from Nigeria, as against the understanding of a large number of Nigerians’ H e emphasised that the demand for oil is determined b y market forces and has nothing to do

with the US increasing and or decreasing oil reserves. According to him, “There is no US policy decision not to buy oil from Nigeria. The US as the case maybe, is buying less oil from other countries all over the world, and not something directed to Nigeria.” In similar

d e v e l o p m e n t , Economists familiar with the situation on ground are of the view that the biggest collapse in energy prices since the 2008 global recession is shifting wealth and power from autocratic petro-states to industrialized consumers, which could make the world safer. They opined that even as cheaper fuel stimulates the global economy, it could aggravate political tension by squeezing government revenue and s o c i a l benefits.

Observation

here would be far-reaching negative effect on oil exporting countries, including Nigeria, when the US begins exporting light crude oil and withdraws its demand. The big question herein is, can China pick up the slack, if the US succeeds in weaning itself off dependence on imported crude oil? It is worthy of note that a global recession is certain to have a devastating effect on both the US and China, for fact that it would reduce demand •OPEC President for manufactured goods and services by oil producing Madueke countries. Although report disclosed that the main US export authority is encouraging some oil companies to consider exporting a lightly processed form of crude oil, called condensate, the arrangement is still unclear. People familiar with the discussion reportedly said that authorities are in conversations that may help clear the way for more overseas sales of US shale oil. Also, an official familiar with the law said the agency's discussions did not represent a change in policy since self-classification is allowed under U.S. export controls and is a routine, common practice for the majority of exports.

60—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015

Nigerians living with disability need govt empowerment — DFV Boss

Igberho

BY MOSES NOSIKE

elly Igberho, popularly known as Kelly Blind, is the National Coordinator of Disability Voters Forum. He reveals how people living with disabilities are abandoned to their fate while many who are frustrated have resorted to street beginning. In this interview with the Saturday Vanguard, he urged government at all levels to come to their aids as well as give them a sense of belonging as citizens of Nigeria. Excerpts: How can members of your group be empowered? If you will agree with me, many of these physically challenged persons in our society have talents. They are gifted, but so many of them because of the discrimination against them, some die with their gifts because they are not being encouraged by the government. Again, they are treated as third class citizen. Hence, government did not see the need to empower them. It’s just few of us that strive hard to succeed; persons like Yinka Ayefele, Kobams and myself, without support from government. It’s God’s help. So, we are pleading with government to come to our aids. I know the Federal Government have allocation for physically challenged persons through the ministry. But where is the money? Who is holding the money? How can the physically challenged persons be useful to the society if empowered? They will contribute a lot to the society. There was a tournament in London 2012. Throughout the tournament, no able bodied Nigerian won any gold medal, but the physically challenged Nigerians won many medals and the country celebrated them. Must it be at the winning of competitions alone that government will remember people with disabilities? After the eating and drinking celebration, they forget us. We are tired of eating rice and chickens after winning gold medals. Please empower us to be independent. We want to see people with disabilities begging for daily bread in different locations in the country are empowered. Make them to be self-employed in order to fend for their families. Some of us are not married and would like to own a family, but they can’t do that without empowerment. Some of the these physically challenged attended schools, do you know if there are exclusive positions in government ? If you go to our universities, you will see the physically challenged students. It may interest you to know that the cost of education for the physically challenged is very expensive. The cost of bray text book for the blind is very expensive. If you buy a printed text book for C M Y K

the fore sighted person for N400, you will buy a bray text book for the blind for N2,500.00. If you buy a biro for N20, you will buy a stylus for the blind for N1,500. That is why we need government assistance. If you visit some of our libraries, there is no provision for bray books. How many of these libraries make provision for someone using wheelchair? They deny us access to

these things and this is the area government is getting it wrong. We are asking for our due rights as citizens of this country. Positions and allocations meant for the people living with disabilities should be given to them. What we see is the able bodied people occupying those positions and carting away the monies after we had spent much

as physically challenged educating ourselves. Yet, we can’t be on that platform. It’s affecting us. As the National Coordinator of people living with disabilities, do you people vote during elections? Because of the next month’s election, we have decided to speak out our mind. Since we are citizens of this country, it’s our right to vote for the first time. Now, INEC created a desk for people living with disabilities to participate in the forthcoming general election. Most of us with our conditions went to queue to obtain voter’s registration card the same way able bodied persons do. We want to vote that is why we are coming up with Disability Voters Forum. How do you intend to carry out this campaign? We want to begin with a conference at the National Stadium in less than two weeks. This forum will give the opportunity to approach our members on one-on-one basis as well as educate them on how they will vote, the need to vote, and most importantly, the need to fight for their right.

‘Nigeria has no sympathy for the physically challenged’

People living with Disabilities BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

t has been estimated that there are over 20 million Nigerian People living with Disabilities (PWDs). Such persons include those with limited mobility such as people using crutches, wheel chairs, walking sticks, hearing, visually and mentally impaired. Also worrisome is that government has not ensured equal educational opportunities at all levels for children, youths and adults with disabilities, in integrated settings, taking full account of individual differences and situations. In accordance with best international practices, several legislative instruments exist to protect people with disabilities and prevent discrimination in the areas of education, employment, access to goods, services and facilities that would make living less painful and comfortable. Recently, our country amongst others in the world quietly observed December 3, a date set aside every year for the observance of International Day of persons with Disabilities which had been proclaimed in 1992 by a United

Nations General Assembly resolution. It seeks to promote understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of benefits and gains to be derived from integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. In the Nigerian context, investigation showed that a bill had been passed by the senate aimed at protecting the rights of persons with disabilities against discrimination in any form. Known as the Discrimination Against persons with Disabilities (prohibition) Bill, which the National Assembly – House of Representatives and Senate had harmonised, adopted and passed is now waiting for the assent of President Goodluck Jonathan. The Bill provides for the prohibition of discrimination and harmful practices against persons with disabilities. It also provides for rights to health, education, employment, participation in political activities and above all others, the

establishment of a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). It sought a transitory period of five (5) years within which all buildings and infrastructure used by the public must be made safe and universally accessible to physically challenged persons. Far reaching, all encompassing, the bill contains a stipulation that 5% of the workforce of any organisation with over 50 employees must be reserved for qualified persons with disabilities. Financial penalties for infraction of these provisions were provided for defaulters. Some states like Lagos, Ekiti, Plateau, Bauchi have enacted disability laws. They have made provisions for the protection of their people with disabilities from harmful and cruel practices including socio-economic discrimination. Any discrimination based on disability is criminalised. For example, the Lagos State special people’s law signed in 2011, specially provides for those living with physical and mental challenges that require special aids and adaptations to their environment in order to function independently or with minimal assistance. This law also stipulates that all existing buildings and facilities be made fully accessible within a five-year transition period from the date of enactment. An accident victim, who broke his spinal cord and now moves about in a wheel chair, lamented his plight to Saturday Vanguard. ‘’When I have to visit a ministry or office in the government secretariat or a corporate place, I am compelled to abandon my wheelchair and creep or crawl because there are no provisions for safe, accessible environment for the physically – challenged persons. To me, it’s cruel and wicked. There are no pathways for disabled on wheelchairs nor places for them in buses for them to use. Even when one gets into a public bus, nobody will help you or get up for ,you to sit down. Our society has no sympathy for the physically challenged. We are often frustrated.’’

SATURDAY

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62— SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 10, 2015

Buhari: Ikpeba denounces fake Twitter account By Jacob Ajom

2014 Glo-CAF Awards:

ORMER Nigeria in ternational, Victor Ikpeba has distanced himself from a Twitter account which goes by the name Ikpeba Special. The 1996 Olympic gold medalist who called our hotline to register his dismay over a purported political content carried by the fake Twitter handle, which declared and canvassed support for

the APC Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari said, “I have nothing to do with that.” Ikpeba insisted that he was surprised at the machinations of those who were behind what he called “the fake” Twitter handle, urging all his fans and friends not to fall for such. “I woke up yesterday to hear of the so-called message on the fake Twitter

Stars twinkle, as women save Nigeria’s blushes Stories by Solomon Nwoke

N a night that Ivo rian star midfielder, Yaya Toure rewrote African history books by winning a fourth consecutive CAF African Player of the Year award in Lagos, it was left to the women to save the day for Nigerian football, as they picked up valuable awards at a colourful ceremony held at the Eko Hotel in Lagos. The Manchester City international was awarded the continent’s top individual award ahead of Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama. The 31-year-old was seemingly a shoe-in for the honour, having been nominated after helping lead the Citizens to a Premier League and FA Cup double last season, while he also played a pivotal role in Cote d’Ivoire’s successful qualification to the 2015

Africa Cup of Nations. Toure joins Samuel Eto’o in becoming the only other player to win the African honour four times, although the Cameroonian striker did not achieve the feat in successive years. While Toure was busy dwarfing Nigerian men, it was up to the women to save Nigerian blushes. It is not so surprising to hear that Nigeria that collected six out of eleven 2013 Glo-Caf awards, has gone one step down in the 2014 Glo-Caf awards as they received five out of fourteen Caf awards on Thursday, 8 January 2015 at Eko Hotel and Suites Lagos. Nigerian Football enjoyed more successful football glory in 2013 than the year 2014, as it suffered a lot of set backs, ranging from leadership crises in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to organizational misunderstandings that characterized their failure to qualify for

•L-R; Sola David-Borha of Stanbic IBTC Holdings gives Asisat Oshoala her Woman Player of the year award as Tochukwu Nwosu joins in the presentation. Photo by: Akeem Salau Afcon 2015. But notwithstanding, the Women football team in Nigeria have proved that football in Nigeria is not in any measure a

write-off, as they demonstrated greatness in many tournaments like the Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada where Nigerian team

reached the finals only to be defeated 0-1 by Germany, and the African Women’s Championship that took place in Namibia which they won

Oshoala: Greatness beckons new African queen N

EWLY crowned African Women’s Footballer of the year 2014, Asisat Oshoala has said that winning the prize means a lot to her and her career, as she capped a brilliant 2014 with continental recognition. The 20-year old Rivers Angel striker,was named the CAF Africa women’s footballer of the year 2014, at the CAF African player of the year awards ceremony, held Thursday night in Lagos. She also carted home the African women’s young player of the year award, to cap a remarkable evening for her She told Saturday Sports Vanguard shortly after winning the awards C M Y K

that “ I want to say that these awards mean a lot to me, to my career and I don’t see it as a. stop for me. I will keep on working hard, it’s going to serve as an assignment for me to be a better player next year and always. I thank God for all the people who voted for me, it was a very good year for me and hopefully I will continue to get better.” Oshoala had a memorable performance in 2014 where she was named the Most Valuable Player award at the 2014 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Canada, where she helped Nigeria finish second behind winners Germany. Last November, she was also voted the Most Valuable Player af-

account. I have nothing to do with it as everybody knows that my state is a PDP state. It is sheer wickedness and fraudulent for anybody to associate me with such a statement.” The former AS Monaco star said he would not let the matter go without fighting back. “I am finding a way to see how to get to Twitter to ensure they cancel that fraudulent account. I have nothing to do with it and they continue to smear my name every now and then. “I have received calls from Ghana and overseas on the issue which I know nothing about. This is unfair and I will go to any length to ensure the perpetrators of this criminal act are brought to book.”

ter winning the 2014 African Women’s Championship in Namibia with Nigeria. The highly rated forward would not want to disparage the Nigerian female league as she paid special tribute to the Nigerian female football saying it was the best in the continent. Revealing that numerous foreign clubs were seeking her signatures, Oshoala who is also expected to feature for the Super Falcons when they play at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada later this year, refused to open up on her future destination. “ Talking about my move from the local league to somewhere outside, actu-

ally and sincerely, I have a lot of clubs coming up for me now ,but I am yet to decide. No doubt about this, Nigerian league is a very good league as you can see, I am a living testimony to that. If as a player playing in our local league coming out as a

Enyeama •Continues from BP want to say that I am not a bitter loser, I don’t feel bad losing to Toure. Big congratulations to Toure. I respect you.’’ On our qualification or not, it doesn’t count. It pains me that Nigeria is not gonna be there. I thank CAF for the award, I support the decision of

best female player in Africa it shows that our league is good. As for whether I will leave Africa for now, I am yet to decide because what I think I am going out to find, I feel I have it at home here”, she said.

this night, a big congratulations again and I thank God for him”. He however dismissed any notion that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the forthcoming AFCON in Equatorial Guinea made him to lose the award. “Our qualification did not count here. It pains me that Nigeria won’t be there’’.

and also qualified for the women’s World Cup. Holding in Calana this summer. It is not a mistake to say that it was their superb performances that earned them dominance in the five awards Nigeria collected in the 2014 Glo-Caf awards where they grabbed three out of the five awards that Nigeria received. The five awards are as follows. Women’s Player of the Year. Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria and River Angels) Youth Player of the Year. Asisat Oshoala(Nigeria, River Angels) Women’s National Team of the Year. Nigeria Platinium Award. His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan (President of Nigeria) CAF Finest XI. Goalkeeper- Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria), MidfielderAhmed Musa(Nigeria).

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 10, 2015—63

Faces @ 2014 Glo Caf Awards in Lagos. Photos by Akeem Salau •P-Square performing one of their hit songs to light up the gala night

•L-R;Victor Ikpeba, Flying Eagles caoch, Manu Garba and former Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen at the ceremony in Eko Hotel.

•African artists showcase their talent at the colouful ceremonyevent

•From left, Bolaji Ojo-Oba, Dr. Amos Adamu, Ghana FA boss, Kwesi Nyantakyi, CAF President Issa Hayatou and other Executive Committee members of CAF at the ceremony.

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•Super Eagles Goalkeeper; Vincent Enyeama and Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2face.

•Members of Nigeria’s Supporters Club enliven the atmosphere at the Eko Hotel.

•From left, Maria Svensson of Globacom, Mr Phillip Crown-Adedoyin and Yemi Wildehalim.

•Yaya Toure and his lovely wife.

•L-R;President of Ghana Football Federation, Kwesi Nyantakyi,CAF boss, Issa Hayatou and NFF President Amaju Pinnick stand tall for African football.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 10, 2015 (EPL) TODAYâ€™S MATCHES Sunderland v Liverpool 1:45pm Burnley v QPR 4pm Chelsea v Newcastle 4pm Everton v Man. City 4pm Leicester C. v Aston Villa 4pm Swansea C. v West Ham 4pm West Brom v Hull City 4pm C.Palace v Tottenham 6:30pm

Oshoala: Greatness beckons new African queen â€” Pg 62

LA LIGA

Real Madrid Malaga Celta Vigo Eibar

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Sassuolo Torino

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Bastia Evian Guingamp Lille Nice Reims

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Espanyol Villarreal Valencia Getafe Serie A Udinese AC Milan Ligue 1 PSG Rennes RC Lens Caen Lorient St Etienne

4pm 6pm 8pm 10pm 6pm 8:45pm 7pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm

Enyeama: Iâ€™m not bitter By Solomon Nwoke

KING OF AFRICA: Yaya Toure stands tall after winning his award Photos by: Akeem Salau

AFRICAN QUEEN: Oshoala with her awards.

â€˘Enyeama

Toure: Why Iâ€™m Africaâ€™s best F

CROSS WORD PUZZLE

Solution on page 16

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Down 1 Former PDP Chairman, Chief Audu â€“ (4) 2 L.G.A in Abia State â€“ (4) 3 Borno State Capital â€“ (9) 4 Former United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi â€“ (5) 5 Zambia â€œChipolopolosâ€? Coach, Honor â€“ (5) 6 Botswana Capital City â€“ (8) 11 Germany National Coach, Joachim â€“ (3) 13 Super Eagles Striker, Sone â€“ (5) 14 Israelâ€™s First Prime minister, Mr. David â€“ (3,6 15 Musical Instrument â€“ (4) 16 Spanish â€œLa Ligaâ€?Premiership Club-Side â€“ (8) 17 Anambra State Capital â€“ (4) 19 Spot â€“ (3) 21 Ecuador National Coach, Reinaldo â€“ (5) 22 Brazillian Vice President, Michel â€“ (5) 24 Acid â€“ (4) 25 Greek God â€“ (4)

Across 1 Lagos State Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Adekunle â€“ (8) 5 Plateau State Governor, Jonah â€“ (4) 7 Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ekpo â€“ (3) 8 Ferrous Metal â€“ (4) 9 Senseless â€“ (4) 10 African Antelope â€“ (5) 12 Mongolian Capital City â€“ (4,5) 16 Former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Sam â€“ (5) 18 L.G.A in Bauchi State â€“ (5) 20 L.G.A in rivers State â€“ (5,4) 23 Netherlands Prime Minister, Mark â€“ (5) 26 State in Nigeria â€“ (4) 27 Indian President, Narendra â€“ (4) 28 Female Rabbit â€“ (3) 29 Peruvian Capital City â€“ (4) 30 Respiratory Tract Infection â€“ (8)

â€œI always try to give my best whenever Iâ€™m on the field of play and I think that it is why I am the bestâ€?, Toure said. Continuing, the former Barcelona towering midfielder said that the contest was a keen one as the other two contenders did well in the year under assessment. â€œIt was a close one because Vincent and Aubameyang were impressive in their respective clubs and national teams as well. This time around, I would say luck did it again and Iâ€™m really proud about this.â€? Toure is yet to lift the Africa Cup of Nations and he said with the quality of players in the Elephantsâ€™ fold that the team will emerge champions.

OUR-TIME African Player of the year winner, Yaya Toure of Cote dâ€™Ivoire has said that hardwork was the key behind his historic win of the title on Thursday night at the Eko Hotel, Lagos. The 31-year-old midfielder became the first player to be named Africaâ€™s best four times beating off competition from Gabonese striker, Pierre Aubameyang and Super Eagles goalkeeper ,Vincent Enyeama to the title. Speaking to reporters at the post-award conference, Toure, who stars for Manchester City, said that he felt â€˜luckyâ€™ to win it considering the exploits of the other contenders.

Buhari: Ikpeba denounces fake Twitter account â€” Pg 62

UPER Eagles skip per Vincent Enyeama on Thursday night, demonstrated the spirit of sportsmanship, when he showed no bitter feeling over his inability to win the 2014 African Footballer of the year, which Cote dâ€™Ivoireâ€™s midfielder Yaya Toure won for a record fourth time Speaking after the elaborate and colourful awards ceremony held at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos , Enyeama said CAF was right in their decision to honour the Ivorian once again. â€œ I want to say a big thank you for everything, a big thank you for all who nominated and voted for me, to CAF, to Globacom Communications limited and to members of the press. I â€˘Continues on page 62