15072017 - 2019: PDP unveils plans to sack APC

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2—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017 

Soyinka disagrees with Obasanjo 

By Dapo Akinrefon, 

Charles Kumolu and 

Samuel Oyadongha 

ARGUMENTS against 

restructuring of Nigeria 

were yesterday countered 

by Nobel Laureate, Prof 

Wole Soyinka, who said it 

was wrong to say that the 

country’s structure should 

be left the way it is. 

Corroborating Soyinka’s 

position, Governor Seriake 

Dickson said there was 

need to negotiate 

cohabitation just as he said 

those calling for the break 

up of the country should 

jettison the idea. 

Soyinka spoke at a 

colloquium entitled: ‘A day 

with the Nobel laureate, 

Prof Wole Soyinka and 

Ijaw literary icons’, held at 

the Ijaw National 

Academy, Kaiama, Bayesla 

state. 

Other literary icons 

present include Dr Gabriel 

Okara, Prof Ebiegberi 

Alagoa and Prof John 

Pepper Clark. 

Asked to contribute to the 

debate on restructuring, 

the Nobel laureate said: 

“My response is simple. 

We must stop confusing 

and mixing up the 

argument, we are mixing 

up the argument. It is very 

unfortunate for our leaders 

to say that the question of 

breaking up or not breaking 

up should not arise in the 

first place. It all sounds 

hypocritical, dogmatic and 

dictatorial. The statement is 

the unity of Nigeria is non 

negotiable”. 

On the need to discuss 

the unity of the country, he 

said “Anything is 

negotiable, the right for 

people to determine their 

future is what is nonnegotiable. 

Most nations 

came to being through 

negotiation.” 

In an attempt to 

enlighten Nigerians on 

what is obtainable in 

restructuring, Soyinka said 

•Says Nigeria can be restructured 

“Sometimes, when people 

say negotiate, what they 

really mean is 

restructuring. The question 

should be: should Nigeria 

break up? My answer to 

that is no, but please don’t 

tell me that Nigeria, as it 

stands is non-negotiable. 

For me, this is a fallacy.” 

“The nation has got to be 

negotiated, negotiation 

includes ensuring that 

there is no marginalisation. 

Negotiation means control 

of resources, negotiation 

has to do with restructuring 

a nation in a way that the 

components and 

constituents are not 

feeding an over bloated 

centre to the detriment of 

their own development. 

The language we should 

use is what are you willing 

to sacrifice? what effort are 

you willing to make to 

ensure Nigeria remains 

intact? That is the question,” 

he said. 

Nigeria’s unity is 

negotiable—Dickson 

Also throwing his weight 

behind Soyinka, Dickson 

said: “Nigeria’s unity is 

desirable and negotiable. 

The answer to break up is 

no, there is a desire to stay 

as one. There are several 

things to negotiate, if we can 

control our resources, we 

will do more for our people. 

All we need to do is to talk 

about about existence, our 

living together.” 

Arewa youth’s call for UN to declare 

IPOB a terrorist group: 

•It’s a blackmail–MASSOB 

•We’ll not honour them with a response–IPOB 

By Vincent Ujumadu, 

Anayo Okoli 

THE Indigenous People 

of Biafra, IPOB, said 

last night that it would not 

react to a statement credited 

to the Arewa youths calling 

on the United Nations to 

declare IPOB a terrorist 

organization. 

Saturday Vanguard 

gathered that though the 

leadership of IPOB 

deliberated on the issue 

extensively yesterday, it 

however decided to ignore 

the youths because they did 

not merit to be taken 

seriously or given the 

honour of a response. 

According to a source,” 

Gov Ugwuanyi assures new Air Force 

Commander of support 

GOVERNOR Ifeanyi 

Ugwuanyi of Enugu 

State has assured the Air 

Officer Commanding the 

newly established Ground 

Training Command of the 

Nigeria Air Force, Enugu, 

Air Vice-Marshal Samson 

Okon Akpasa, of his 

administration’s readiness to 

offer necessary assistance 

and support towards the 

success of the operations of 

the Command. 

Gov. Ugwuanyi gave the 

assurance when the new 

commander with his 

entourage paid a courtesy 

visit to the Government 

House, Enugu, to inform the 

governor of his recent 

posting to head the new 

Command in Enugu. 

The governor who 

welcomed and congratulated 

Air Vice Marshal Akpasa on 

his posting to “this new and 

obviously, very important 

•From left: Pastor Olaitan Olubiyi; Convener, Pastor Charles Kpandei; 

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, New Telegraph newspapers/President, 

Nigeria Guild of Editors/Guest Speaker, Mrs. Funke Egbemode; Pastor (Mrs) 

Bola Kpandel and RCCG Assistant General Overseer (Admin/Personnel), 

Pastor Johnson Odesola, at the 2017 Lagos Leadership Conference by The 

Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Resurrection Parish, Jakande 

yesterday. 

and strategic office”, which 

is equivalent in status to the 

General Officer Commanding 

(GOC) of an Army 

division, noted that the feat 

was a demonstration of the 

confidence the hierarchy of 

the Nigerian Air Force 

reposes in him to provide 

effective leadership for its 

formations in the new 

platform. 

Gov. Ugwuanyi acknowledged 

that officers and men 

of the Nigeria Air Force, 

along with other security 

agencies in the state, have 

all contributed in helping the 

state, maintain her enviable 

status as one of the safest and 

most secure in the country. 

He added that his 

administration has always 

maintained and enjoyed a 

cordial working relation-ship 

with the Force through its 

formations and 

establishments in the state 

“all of which have 

consistently partnered with 

and assisted us in many areas 

of necessity more especially, 

security and education”. 

“As a matter of fact, I 

consider myself privileged to 

have received the pioneer 

head of the new Command 

and therefore, on behalf of 

the good people of Enugu 

State, I welcome you to the 

state and I assure you of our 

goodwill and friendship”, 

Gov. Ugwuanyi pledged. 

Earlier in his address, the 

Ground Training 

Commander, thanked the 

governor for the warm 

reception, stating that it was 

“the present security 

architecture of the country 

that warranted the 

restructuring of Nigerian Air 

Force, which gave birth to 

Ground Training Command” 

in order to ensure effective 

and efficient security of every 

part of the country. 

IPOB could had reacted if 

such a statement come from 

Arewa elders”, adding that 

IPOB would therefore wait 

for the Arewa elders to 

speak on the matter before 

IPOB could react. 

However, Movement for 

the Actualization of the 

Sovereign state of Biafra, 

MASSOB, commended 

the Arewa Youths for the 

alleged letter, urging the 

world body to initiate a 

peaceful referendum to 

settle the Biafa issue. 

MASSOB however 

attacked the Arewa youths 

for asking the United Nation 

to declare the Independent 

People of Biafra, IPOB, a 

terrorist group, insisting 

that the IPOB has never 

involved violence in its 

struggle. 

A statement signed by 

MASSOB leader, Comrade 

Uchenna Madu said it 

“welcomed the supportive 

voice of Arewa people 

through their well tutored 

and backed youths on 

writing to the United Nation 

for quick conduct of a 

referendum that will 

determine the peaceful exit 

of Biafra from Nigeria. 

“But In as much as 

MASSOB commends the 

Arewa people for this 

support, we condemn their 

hypocrisy and bias against 

Biafra agitation." 

Kidnappers kill Osun 

Perm Sec 

A 

Permanent Secretary in Osun State, Mrs Olu 

funke Oluwakemi Kolawole, who was kidnapped 

while travelling along Okene-Abuja highway last 

Thursday, has been killed by her abductors. Before 

her death, late Mrs. Kolawole was the Permanent 

Secretary, Bureau of General Services, Office of the 

Governor. 

The Osun State Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Owoeye, 

who confirmed the abduction and killing of the 

former Permanent Secretary in a statement in Osogbo, 

described the killing as a rude shock. 

It was gathered that the Permanent Secretary was 

travelling to Abuja from Osogbo on an official assignment 

when the hoodlums kidnapped her and took 

her to an unknown destination. 

The deceased was said to be driven in her official 

car and was going to attend the inauguration of the 

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Abiola 

Adewemimo, as one of the judges of Industrial Court 

when the hoodlums struck. 

“On behalf of the Forum of Head of Service and 

Permanent Secretaries, Tutors-General, Accountants- 

General, Auditors-General and Surveyors-General, 

and with rude shock and a deep sense of loss, I hereby 

painfully announce the untimely death of Mrs. Olufunke 

Oluwakemi Kolawole, who was brutally attacked 

by kidnappers while traveling along Okene-Abuja 

highway on her way to Abuja on Thursday, July 12, 

2017 for an official assignment. The Forum commiserates 

with the families of the deceased, the entire 

public service and the State Government of Osun on 

this irreparable loss,” Owoeye said. 

N8.4b fraud uncovered in Kogi varsity 

Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja 

KOGI State Government yesterday said it uncovered 

three officers of the State University , Ayingba who 

had embezzled N100 million from the monthly wage bill 

of the state government. 

Addressing newsmen after the weekly executive council 

meeting at the government house yesterday, the Director- 

General of Media and Publicity to the State governor, 

Mr Kingsley Fanwo said the fraud was discovered during 

the last staff screening exercise. 

Although, the governor’s spokesman refused to disclose 

the names of the affected staff, he however said the money 

which had amounted to N8.4 billion in seven years were 

proceeds illegally gotten through ghost workers, but vowed 

that every kobo defrauded the state government must be 

accounted for. 

He also disclosed that government approved the 

establishment of three befitting markets in Ankpa, Kabba 

and Adavi to boost commercial activities in the state and 

that contract for the market had already been awarded 

and work expected to commence by September with one 

year duration for completion. 

Fanwo also disclosed that council has approved the 

reconstruction of the office of the state owned newspaper, 

The Graphic, to give it a befitting look. 

He said council has also declared a state of emergency 

on the environment owing to the ravaging floods that 

have devastated parts of the state. 

Corruption: EFCC arraigns former 

Enugu State Chief Judge 

ENUGU, The Economic and Financial Crime 

Commission (EFCC), yesterday arraigned former 

Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Innocent Umezuluike 

before an Enugu High Court for alleged corruption. 

Umezuluike appeared before Justice Anthony Onovo 

on a one-count charge of allegedly receiving N10 million 

donation from Chief Arthur Eze in February 2014, who 

was a litigant in a pending and concluded civil matter 

presided over by the former chief judge. 

It said that Eze, the Chief Executive Officer of Oranto 

Petroleum LTD, made the donation at the launch of 

Umezuluike’s book “ABC of Contemporary Land Law in 

Nigeria.” 

The EFCC said the money was drawn from the account 

of Oranto Patroleum LTD and paid into Umezuluike’s 

Zenith Bank Account. 

Counsel to the commission, Mr Wahab Shittu told the 

court that the action is contrary to Section 19 of the 

Independent and Corrupt Practices and Other Related 

(offence) Act (Laws of the Federation) 2000. 

The former Chief Judge, however, pleaded not guilty 

to the one-count charge. 

Counsel to the defendant, Mr Agu Gab-Agu, asked 

the court to grant Umezuluike bail on self recognition 

and to address him as “Honourable Justice”. 

He argued that the former chief judge was granted bail 

on self recognition in a similar matter pending before the 

Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. 

The prosecuting counsel, Shittu did not object to the 

bail request, but pleaded with the court for accelerated 

trial of the case.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 15, 2017 — 3 

2019: PDP unveils plans to sweep out APC 

•To zone presidency to the north 

•No more imposition of candidates 

•May merge with other parties 

By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja 

STILL basking in the 

euphoria of Wednesday’s 

victory at the Supreme Court, the 

Ahmed Makarfi-led Peoples 

Democratic Party PDP has begun 

moves to shoot itself back into 

public reckoning and dislodge 

the ruling All Progressives 

Congress in the 2019 general 

elections. 

Though Makarfi had in the 

aftermath of the Wednesday court 

victory which sacked his rival, 

Modu Sheriff, asked the APC to 

begin to prepare its hand over 

notes, he did not however 

disclose how the PDP intends to 

wrest power from the APC. 

Saturday Vanguard has 

however learned that the PDP, 

among other plans, will use the 

APC’s manifesto against it. 

“The APC had at least 81 

promises in its manifesto. Among 

all the things the party promised, 

how many has it achieved? The 

promises were mere propaganda 

tools which unfortunately many 

people bought into because some 

of our colleagues in government 

under Jonathan also lost focus 

and were too detached from the 

people. So, today we intend to 

benchmark those promises and 

then take the APC up on its own 

words”, said a former key 

minister under the Goodluck 

Jonathan administration who did 

not want his name in print for fear 

of a backlash from the current 

administration as he is presently 

facing prosecution by the antigraft 

agency. 

He said, “the PDP will also 

zone its presidential ticket to the 

north knowing that President 

Muhammadu Buhari might be 

too ill to recontest in 2019. The 

PDP will beat any other person 

including Buhari if he stands for 

re-election because Nigerians 

have seen through the lies of his 

party and can now judge better, 

having tasted the soup of two 

wives”. 

The former minister added that 

the PDP has learned useful 

lessons and will ensure that in 

order to move, it practises 

internal democracy. 

“Printing only one presidential 

ticket, and therefore excluding 

others, was perhaps one of the 

major reasons we lost the 2015 

presidential election. By the time 

we are able to put our house in 

order, we will ensure that there is 

nothing like imposition, 

especially beginning with our 

forthcoming national convention. 

We shall improve on our reward 

system so that party members are 

rewarded for their contributions 

unlike what the APC is doing now 

to its members”, he said. 

On the fate of Sheriff, the exminister 

added that the PDP was 

already trying to reconcile all the 

parties to the dispute, but added 

that the Makarfi-led caretaker 

committee could wield the big 

stick on those who refuse to abide 

by the rules of the party. 

“Makarfi is like that small 

Fulani boy who guides a herd of 

cattle from Daura to Ibadan. He 

has the rod. People are expected 

to shape in or shape out, 

otherwise it will not be out of place 

to suspend or outrightly expel 

those who may want to drag the 

party back”, he added. 

PDP should merge with 

Accord, APGA—Attah 

Meanwhile, former governor of 

Akwa Ibom state, Obong Victor 

Attah has advised the PDP to 

merge with other political parties 

if it must provide a robust 

opposition to the ruling party. 

Attah, who had long exited the 

PDP and retired from active 

politics told Saturday Vanguard 

in Abuja that democracy is best 

when there is an opposition, 

rather than having a one-party 

state. 

He said the PDP has an image 

problem and should not be too 

arrogant to hold on to its present 

brand but merge with other 

parties. 

“I had once advised them 

(PDP) to change their name and 

merge with other parties. Now 

that they have resolved their 

crisis, what is left of the PDP? 

Many people have left. I respect 

Makarfi as a person and believe 

he can administer the party, so 

they have to go and bring back 

some of those people, because 

really, a one-party system is not 

Bukar in Romania with wife: The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs 

Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, accompanied by her husband and officials in Bucharest, Republic 

of Romania on official visit. The Minister was received on arrival by the Charge d' Affaires, of 

the Nigerian Embassy in Bucharest, Mr. Alex E. Kefas and other top Romanian government 

officials. 

good, especially for a country like 

Nigeria. We need at least two 

strong parties. I will still advise 

the PDP to woo other parties like 

Accord party founded by Rashidi 

Ladoja and even APGA. If they 

all agree to surrender their names 

to the PDP, fine but if they want 

another name, it is also fine. The 

PDP should not be too proud to 

hold on to that name, after all 

what have they done that they 

should be so proud of?”, he 

queried. 

Other chieftains of the party who 

spoke on how to launch the party 

into reckoning include a former 

deputy national chairman of the 

party, Chief Bode George; 

Deputy Senate Minority Whip, 

Senator Biodun Olujimi; 

Minority Leader, House of 

Representatives, Rep Leo Ogor; 

Senator Stella Oduah; Senator 

James Manager and Rep 

Tajudeen Yusuf 

According to Chief Bode 

George, the top management of 

the party has been holding series 

of meetings since the judgment 

was delivered on how to stabilize 

the party and restore its lost 

glory(see Saturday Politics on 

page12 for details). 

APC moves to tackle PDP in 

S’West 

Meantime, with its loss of last 

Saturday’s Osun West senatorial 

bye-election, the APC was said 

to be reviewing its strategy to 

consolidate on its earlier gains in 

the south west. Saturday 

Vanguard however learned that 

the APC was not particularly 

unhappy that it lost the byeelection 

as some of its leaders saw 

it as a way to teach Tinubu a 

lesson. 

“The Lagos power brokers had 

always accused us of working 

against them. They accused us of 

going against their candidates in 

the Kogi and Ondo elections and 

that we did not do much to ensure 

the recall of the suspended SGF. 

In Osun West, both the primary 

election committee and the 

screening panel disqualified the 

aspirant presented by the 

governor, but the Lagos power 

brokers subtly blackmailed the 

party’s national leadership to 

upturn the two verdicts and the 

party did so. Of course, the rest 

is now history and you saw what 

happened. If we did not do their 

bidding, they would have been 

writing letters again”, explained 

a member of the National Working 

Committee NWC who was part 

of the whole process. 

According to him, some APC 

national leaders were said to be 

contemplating wooing a former 

PDP governorship candidate, 

Iyiola Omisore. “The thinking is 

that the PDP is ready to take 

advantage of the power struggle 

in the APC and then gain new 

grounds especially in the south 

west. If you look at Tinubu the 

APC leader in that region, he has 

lost in virtually all recent 

elections. From Kogi, Ondo to the 

recent senatorial bye-election in 

Osun state, his candidates lost. 

Then, there is the issue of the 

suspended Secretary to the 

Government of the Federation, 

Babachir Lawal who many see as 

a close confidante of Tinubu from 

the north. The man’s influence is 

waning and there are strategists 

within the party who feel that if 

we allow him (Tinubu) to 

continue to bulldoze his 

candidates through, then the 

party would lose just as it 

happened in Osun”, he said. 

We’re Unperturbed, APC 

Declares 

However, APC has said it is not 

losing any sleep over the 

resolution of the PDP crisis, 

despite concerns in some quarters 

of possible political realignments 

across the country. 

Its National Publicity Secretary, 

Bolaji Abdullahi, in an interview 

in Abuja, said it does not matter 

who heads the PDP, saying the 

APC is actually comfortable with 

having a virile opposition. 

“Whichever way you want to 

look at it, the ruling has no direct 

consequence on APC whichever 

faction the pendulum swings to”. 

Newly-appointed zonal vice 

chairman of the party in the North- 

East, Mustapha Salihu, also said 

the party was not threatened by 

who became PDP chairman. 

“Makarfi or Ali-Modu Sheriff is 

no threat to us; we are looking at 

the institution and not the 

person.” 

We should be worried -Timi 

Frank 

Despite claims of the party’s 

preparedness for the antics of the 

PDP, the ‘suspended’ National 

Publicity Secretary of the ruling 

All Progressives Congress APC, 

Comrade Timi Frank, said there 

was cause for his party to be 

worried. 

According to him, APC is 

treading the same path that led 

to the loss of the PDP in the last 

general elections and the 

subsequent crisis that nearly led 

to its destruction. He however 

said the resolution of the PDP 

crisis was the needed tonic to 

spur the APC into delivering on 

its electioneering campaign 

promises. 

Noting that Nigeria needs a 

viable opposition political party 

for democracy to succeed, Frank 

added that “having a strong 

opposition, whether it is PDP or 

any other party will force the 

ruling APC to deliver more on 

its promises to Nigerians. It is 

high time my party (APC) 

learned from the PDP 

experience by urgently resolving 

all the issues at hand before it is 

too late. I know that as a ruling 

party, we believe in multi-party 

system because we were once in 

the opposition, so the insinuation 

that APC does not want 

opposition does not arise. 

“As we prepare for the 2019 

general elections, I believe that 

APC is still the hope of Nigerians 

if the party will sustain its 

popularity and resolve all the 

internal crisis at all levels.” 

Frank observed that; “Though 

PDP had allowed itself to swim 

in troubled waters for a long time 

but if they will be able to put their 

house in order that will be good 

for democracy. 

He however, restated his call 

on the Acting President, Prof. 

Yemi Osinbajo to force the Chief 

John Odigie-Oyegun’s led 

National Working Committee to 

a round table in order to quickly 

resolve all outstanding issues, 

saying the APC might not 

survive the kind of leadership 

crisis that had held the PDP down 

for so long.

4 — VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017 

Suspension: I’m going nowhere, embattled 

NHIS boss, Usman dares Health Minister 

*Says minister lacks power to suspend him 

*Reveals there are 18,000 petitions against 

public officers including ministers 

Soni Daniel, Northern 

Region Editor 

THE crisis rocking the 

National Health Insurance 

Scheme, NHIS, has 

taken a new dimension, 

as the Executive Secretary 

of the federal government-owned 

agency, 

Prof Usman Yusuf, has 

rejected the suspension 

order slammed on him by 

the Minister of Health, 

Prof Isaac Adewole. 

Meanwhile, the Federal 

Ministry of Health has 

reacted to the response of 

the embattled Executive 

Secretary of the National 

Health Insurance 

Scheme, NHIS, Usman 

Yusuf, to his suspension. 

In response, the health 

ministry in a statement on 

Friday signed by the 

health ministry’s spokesperson, 

Boade Akinola, 

said Mr. Yusuf, being a 

public officer, is bound by 

the regulations governing 

the Public Service. 

“The NHIS is an agency 

supervised by the Federal 

Ministry of Health 

and the Administrative 

Panel of Inquiry raised by 

the Ministry to investigate 

activities of the 

agency has commenced 

its assignment with specific 

terms of reference,” 

the spokesperson said. 

Yusuf, a professor of 

Paediatrics, who came on 

board the scheme last 

year. The minister, had 

directed that Prof Yusuf 

proceeds on suspension 

for three months following 

mounting petitions 

against alleged fraudulent 

practices and nepotism 

by concerned 

groups. 

The letter suspending 

Yusuf, who hails from the 

same state as President 

Muhammadu Buhari, 

was given to him on July 

6, 2017, directing him to 

go on three months suspension 

to pave the way 

for an independent probe 

on petitions against him. 

In the three paragraph 

letter entitled “Suspension 

from Office” and addressed 

to Prof Yusuf , 

Adewole said, “I refer to 

the series of petitions 

against you which were 

forwarded for your comments. 

“I am to draw your 

attention to your response 

which has been 

considered unsatisfactory. 

I have therefore, directed 

the setting up of an 

investigative committee 

on the various allegations 

against you. 

“Consequently, you are 

directed to proceed on 

three months suspension 

with immediate effect to 

pave way for an uninterrupted 

investigation, in 

accordance with Public 

Service Rule. 

“Meanwhile, you are 

hereby directed to handover 

to the next most 

senior General Manager 

in the Agency,” the suspension 

letter said. 

However, in a daring 

tone, Prof Yusuf fired 

back at the Health Minister 

on July 12, telling 

him that he could not 

proceed on the suspension 

as the minister 

lacked the power to sanction 

him. 

Yusuf pointedly told 

Adewole that it was only 

the President of the Federal 

Republic of Nigeria, 

who appointed him, that 

could remove him from 

office, which has tenure 

of five years in the first 

instance and another five, 

if renewed. The embattled 

NHIS ES advanced 

five reasons Adewole 

could not suspend him 

and why he would not 

leave his office to anyone 

By Chinonso Alozie, Owerri 

A 

MOTHER, Chioma 

Fidelis, age 

20, from Ehime Mbano 

Local Government Area 

of Imo state, yesterday, 

said after selling her 

baby, Favour Fedelis, 

not up to a year old, she 

was given a half bag of 

rice, chairs and provisions 

as well as bags of 

cement to build a house. 

Chioma made this confession, 

while being paraded 

along side other 

40 suspects of different 

offences by the Imo State 

Commissioner of Police, 

Mr. Chris Ezike, at the 

police headquarters in 

Owerri. 

According to Ezike, 

the arrest of the child 

traffickers was made on 

July 10, 2017 by the surveillance 

team of the 

command. He said that 

it was as a result of the 

whistle blowing policy 

else. 

Yusuf said, “By virtue of 

the NHIS Act particularly 

section 4 and 8 thereof, 

my appointment and 

removal from office 

whether by way of suspension 

or otherwise is at 

the instance of the President 

of the Federal Republic 

of Nigeria. 

“Except removed from 

office by the president 

under circumstances 

specified in the NHIS 

Act, my appointment is 

for a period of five years 

subject to further term of 

the same period at the 

discretion of the president. 

“Although by virtue of 

section 47 of the NHIS 

Act, you are empowered 

to give directives of a general 

nature to the Governing 

Council of the 

Scheme and in the absence 

of the Council, you 

have Presidential mandate 

to exercise the powers 

and functions of the 

council, but since the 

powers and functions of 

the Council do not include 

discipline, suspension 

or removal of the 

Executive Secretary of 

the Scheme from office, 

the directive in your letter 

under reference cannot 

find comfort under the 

said section or presidential 

mandate; and 

“The letter of suspension 

is not in accordance 

with Public Service Rules 

as no prima facie case 

has been established 

against me in respect of 

the petition referred to in 

the letter. The mere fact 

that there are pending 

petitions against a public 

officer which is yet to be 

substantiated does not 

constitute a ground for 

suspension under the 

Public Service Rules. Otherwise, 

with over 18,000 

petitions pending 

Continues on Page 6 

From left: Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Barr. Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, 

Deputy Director Admin, Dr. Ibrahim Sodangi, Director ICT, Dr. Ashiru 

Sani Daura andHead of Tour Operators, Alhaji Alidu Shutti at a one-day 

workshop for members of the 2017 Hajj national and state media committees 

held at the national Mosque complex, Abuja 

Mother sells baby for N.7m, but gets 

half bag of rice in return 

of the command as well 

as community policing 

methods. In her confession, 

Chioma said: “I got 

pregnant by mistake. I 

did not know how it happened. 

When I born the 

baby, I did not have 

money to take care of 

him. 

“So, I decided to sell 

the child. They told me 

that they sold the child 

for N700,000. I did not 

collect any money from 

them. They gave me half 

bag of rice, chairs, provisions 

and bags of cement 

which I used to 

repair my house.” 

While Mrs. Chidimma 

Unakala Mgba, age 34, 

from Mbomiri in Mbaitoli 

Local Government 

Area of Imo state, who 

facilitated the deal, said 

that the mother of the 

child complained that 

she could no longer take 

care of the baby. 

“When the mother 

brought the baby to me 

and I took the baby to 

the hospital and the hospital 

confirmed that the 

baby was suffering from 

malnutrition. 

From there, I started 

taking him to various 

churches to get healing 

and I succeeded. I spent 

N130,000 and N200,000 

on the mother.” 

Speaking to Vanguard, 

the buyers of the child, 

a couple, Mr. Jonas and 

Salomi Anyanwu, from 

Umunakanu in Ehime 

Mbano Local Government 

Area of Imo state 

said, “It is true that my 

husband brought the 

money that we use in 

buying the child. 

Let me tell you, because 

we needed the 

child my husband had to 

borrow money, N700,000 

and give it to Chidimma, 

and collected the child. 

“I wanted to reject the 

child but because of God 

I collected the child and 

started training him.” 

RESTRUCTURING: 

Clark replies OBJ 

*Drums support for Acting President, 

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South 

CONVENER of the Pan Niger-Delta Forum, PAN 

DEF, and South-South leader, Chief (Senator) 

Edwin Clark, yesterday, lashed out at former President 

Olusegun Obasanjo, over his condemnation of 

restructuring, saying the ex-president knows the truth 

and should say it. 

He said: “If he (Obasanjo) does not believe in restructuring, 

what were the national conference or political 

conference and national reform conference, 

which we all attended for? I was the leader of the 

Southern delegation even though we walked out, what 

was if for, was it only for his third term or concern for 

restructuring of Nigeria? That is a question Obasanjo 

should be asked to answer.” 

Clark stated: “The truth is that he (Obasanjo) is a 

leader who wants to impose his will and authority on 

Nigeria.” 

Many things to restructure 

Contrary to Obasanjo’s submission that there was 

nothing to restructure in the country, he said: “There 

is need for restructuring, there is need to go back to 

the kind of government we had before and after independence 

until the soldiers struck.” 

“What we are saying is that we want the former one 

where there was devolution of power, where every 

region had its own constitution even the Midwest region 

was created based on the demand for restructuring. 

Then, every region was independent in whatever 

they did. No one held the other down, which was 

why western Nigeria government did things that other 

government did not do and others were not envious 

of it because everybody had his own government. 

“At present, Nigeria is running a unitary government, 

a situation where every state first goes to the 

Federal Government for money. That is not federalism. 

So Obasanjo is not saaying the truth, he knows 

what to say, but he is not saying it. He is saying there 

is nothing wrong with the structure of the country, 

which is not true. 

“We want restructuring to correct the defects in the 

current structure of the country. For instance, Kano 

has 47 local governments but contributes nothing to 

the revenue of the country, while Bayelsa, which contributes 

a lot has only eight local governments. I 

think these are anomalies that should be corrected,” 

he added. Chief Clark continued: “There should be 

devolution of powers to the states if the states are going 

to be the federating units. Obasanjo is wrong to 

say that there is nothing wrong with the structure of 

the country, everything is wrong with the structure of 

the country.” 

“We believe that the minorities in Nigeria, especially 

in the north, should have a sense of belonging by 

creating states for them. Like the Southern Kaduna, 

the people need a state with headquarters in Kafanchan, 

which is why we need restructuring. 

“We also believe that in every state, governorship 

should rotate from one senatorial zone to the other to 

give every section of the state a sense of oneness and 

participation so that in a state like Kogi, where only 

the Igalas until recently or Benue, where only Tivs 

have been producing governors can be checked,” the 

South-South leader said. 

According to him, “These were part of the things we 

discussed at the 2014 national conference, that governorship 

should be zoned, it is part of restructuring 

and the conference discussed everything from Obasanjo’s 

2005 report, Abacha’s conference, Babaginda’s 

conference, all the reports were brought before us and 

the conference deliberated on them.” 

He maintained: “The talks that northern Nigeria was 

not represented at the conference is a lie, it was properly 

represented. They had 10 men in the three committees 

from the north, what type of representation 

are they talking about? Muslim, Christian leaders were 

at the conference.” 

He called National Assembly memebers armed robbers 

but he was part of the problem there. 

“When Senate presidency was zoned to the Igbo 

during his tenure, Obasanio ensured that it was not 

stable, so he had about five senate presidents or during 

his tenure. Let him keep quiet. Is it because we 

have a country where people do not know their right 

from left and everybody is being praised as a worthy 

leader?.” 

Osinbajo needs support to stop cabal 

I am calling on all Nigerians to support the acting 

President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo. 

“Therefore, I call on all Nigerians to support his 

administration. A situation where some few individuals 

who were never elected by the people of Nigeria 

would sit down in Aso Villa to manipulate President 

Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda should not be allowed,” 

he said.


Take hard decisions, heaven will not fall, CJN 

tells judges 

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri 

THE Chief Justice of Ni 

geria, CJN, Justice 

Walter Onnoghen, yesterday, 

swore-in 19 new judges of the 

National Industrial Court, NIC, 

saying they should “take hard 

decisions” for the sake of the 

country. 

According to the CJN, “heavens 

will not fall”, should the 

new Judges, in strict adherence 

to their oath of office, decide 

cases brought before them in 

Chief Executive Officer, Luciano Global Development Initiative (LGDI), 

Mrs. Lucy Olaniyi; the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Richard Ogunmola; 

Mr. Phillip Ogbonna and Mr. Yomi Pedro at the fund raising ceremony 

marking the African Child’s Day 2017 with theme: Accelerating Protection, 

Empowerment and Equal Opportunity for Children in Africa by 2030. 

Constitutional review: Ambode seeks FG exclusion 

from land matters•Calls for review of revenue sharing formula 

By Olasunkanmi Akoni 

and Monsur Olowoopejo 

LAGOS State Governor, Mr. 

Akinwunmi Ambode has demanded 

review of 1999 constitution 

to exclude Federal Government 

from land administration 

in the country, describing 

it as an aberration which the ongoing 

Constitutional amendment 

process must address in 

line with the principle of fiscal 

federalism. 

Ambode, also faulted proposed 

stamp duties bill, describing 

the bill, which was still 

on the floor of National Assembly, 

as an attempt by the federal 

government to cripple state 

internal generating revenue 

mechanism in favour of its 

agency, Nigerian Postal Service, 

NIPOST. 

The Governor made the remarks, 

yesterday, while declaring 

open a joint working retreat 

of Senate and House Representatives 

Committees on the Review 

of 1999 Constitution held 

in Lagos. 

He posited that land should 

remain state affairs vested under 

supervision of State Houses 

of Assembly to legislate 

upon, saying, “land should remain 

a residual matter and 

Land Use Act should become 

Land Use Law of the States.” 

Ambode’s reaction came 

barely a month after elder 

statesman and former Federal 

Commissioner for Works and 

Housing, Femi Okunnu, submitted 

report to the state government 

on Federal Government 

Assets and on land matters 

in Lagos. 

According to him: “It is an 

aberration for the Federal Government 

to continue to operate 

land registry in Lagos State. 

The Federal Land Registry 

which was established when 

Lagos was Federal Capital Territory 

ought to have been 

closed down and all title therein 

moved to the Lagos State 

Land Registry. The National 

Assembly is urged to look into 

this and correct this anomaly,” 

Ambode added. 

On Stamp duty bill, 

the governor stressed that 

the proposed bill is a grave 

threat to principles of fiscal federalism 

in the country. 

He said: “As representatives 

of the true beneficiaries of the 

Act as it presently stands, there 

is need to put an urgent and 

immediate end to its further 

coordination by the National 

Assembly which also has the 

noble tradition that once a 

matter is before the Court, all 

activities on the matter would 

be suspended. 

“It is therefore our hope and 

earnest expectation that the proposed 

amendments will be given 

due consideration,” he added. 

accordance with the rule of law. 

He stressed that the Judiciary 

could only checkmate impunity 

in the country by adhering 

to the law. 

He said, “When you need to 

take hard decision, take it, heavens 

will not fall. Heaven has 

never fallen off anybody’s judgment. 

“We can only checkmate 

impunity by adherence to the 

law.” 

Justice Onnoghen implored 

the new judges to be guided by 

oath of allegiance they swore 

to the Nigerian Constitution 

and their Office. 

“I want to advise judicial officers 

particularly those of you 

who have just been sworn-in, 

to always be guided by the 

Constitution of the Federal Republic 

of Nigeria, the laws and 

your conscience. 

“I assure you that as judicial 

officers, if you remain true to the 

oaths of your office, you have 

no problem; anything you need 

to function in that office is contained 

in the oath of office. 

“If you allow yourself to be 

guided by the Constitution of 

the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 

the law, and your conscience, 

you can never go 

wrong. 

“Two persons you cannot deceive 

- yourself and your God.” 

The Acting President, Prof. 

Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, appointed 

the new NIC Judges, following 

recommendation from 

the National Judicial Council, 

NJC. 

Those that were sworn-in 

yesterday as judges were: 

Targema John Iorngee (Benue), 

Namtari Mahmood Abba 

(Adamawa), Nweneka Gerald 

Ikechi (Rivers), Kado Sanusi 

(Katsina), Adeniyi Sinmisola 

Oluyinka (Ogun), Abiola 

Adunola Adewemimo (Osun) 

Opeloye Ogunbowale (Lagos), 

Essien Isaac Jeremiah (Akwa- 

Ibom) and Elizabeth Ama Oji 

(Ebonyi). 

Others were, Arowosegbe 

Olukayode Ojo (Ondo), Ogbuanya 

Nelson S. Chukwudi 

(Enugu), Bashir Zaynab Mohammed 

(Niger), Galadima 

Ibrahim Suleiman (Nasarawa), 

Bassi Paul Ahmed (Borno), 

Danjidda Salisu Hamisu 

(Kano), Hamman Idi Polycarp 

(Taraba), Damulak Kiyersohot 

Dashe (Plateau), Alkali Bashar 

Attahiru (Sokoto), and Mustapha 

Tijjani (Jigawa). 

Their elevation brought the 

total number of Judges in the 

NIC which has the mandate of 

resolving industrial/workplace 

disputes, from 20 to 39. 

Police arrest three with two 

human skulls in Ogun 

By Daud Olatunji, 

Abeokuta 

MEN of Ogun State 

Police Command on 

Thursday arrested three 

suspected money ritualists, 

Saibu Popoola, Aliu Ajiroba 

and Jimoh Ijiola for being 

in possession of two human 

skulls. 

The Police Public Relations 

Officer in the state, Abimbola 

Oyeyemi in a statement 

disclosed that the suspects 

were arrested when 

Policemen attached to 

Ayetoro Division were on 

routine patrol and accosted 

the duo of Saibu 

Popoola and Aliu Ajiroba 

on a Bajaj motorcycle 

along Idagba Olodo road 

with a suspicious bag. 

He said: “Search was 

quickly conducted on 

them and the two human 

skulls were discovered in 

the said bag. The duo were 

promptly arrested and 

taken to Ayetoro Police 

Station where they told 

the Police that the skulls 

were given to them by 

Jimoh Ijiola who lives in 

Erinpa area of the town. 

“Upon the information, 

the DPO Ayetoro Division 

CSP Makinde Kayode 

led detectives to the 

residence of the suspect 

where he was also arrested 

İn his own statement, 

he denied being the 

person that gave them the 

skulls, but they all got it 

from neighbouring Benin 

Republic and their 

intention was to use it for 

money rituals. 

“Meanwhile, the 

Commissioner of Police, 

CP Ahmed Iliyasu has 

ordered that the case be 

transferred to State 

Criminal Investigation 

and Intelligence 

Department for further 

investigation and possible 

prosecution of the 

suspects.” 

Police arraign seven Badoo 

suspects 

By Abdulwahab Abdulah 

SEVEN alleged members of the dreaded Badoo cult 

believed to be causing unrest and killings in the Ikorodu 

area of Lagos State were yesterday granted bail by an Ebute 

Meta Magistrate's Court. 

The seven suspects who were arraigned by the police for 

belonging to an unlawful society however pleaded not guilty 

to the offences. 

The accused are :Afolabi Kessington (25), Ismaila Shaibu 

(36), Mutiu Nurudeen (26), Ibrahim Bello (25), Lukman 

Mohammed (35), Gift Itafa (50) and Sheriff Adewunmi (23). 

They were charged on a four-count charge bordering on 

conspiracy and belonging to an unlawful society. 

The Prosecutor, ASP Fidelis Dike, said that the accused 

committed the offences between July 3 and July 5 at Powerline, 

Agbala area of Ikorodu and also at Irawo Estate, Owode- 

Onirin in Lagos. He said that the accused, who are members 

of the Badoo cult, had conspired and gathered in the above 

mentioned areas to have their meeting, which was deemed 

illegal.The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravened 

Section 42(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. 

The Magistrate, Mrs Kofo Ariyo, admitted each of the 

accused to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in 

like sum, one of whom must be a blood relation. 

The case has been adjourned until August 9, for mention. 

U.S. holds roundtable with religious 

leaders on fighting corruption 

By Ishola Balogun 

ACTING United States Special Representative for 

Religion and Global Affairs Amy Lillis held a roundtable 

discussion on Thursday with members of the Religious 

Leaders Anti-Corruption (RLAC) working group. 

The Religious Leaders Anti-Corruption (RLAC) working 

group was formed in 2016 by Muslim and Christian religious 

leaders with the primary goal of addressing how faith 

communities could take a leading role in anti-corruption 

advocacy in Nigeria. The group has since developed 

partnerships with leading anti-corruption voices in civil 

society in order to fight corruption at all levels in Nigeria. 

During the meeting, Special Representative Lillis pledged 

the U.S. government’s continued support to the religious 

leaders as they work to find lasting solutions to stamp out 

the scourge of corruption. 

“The moral standing of religious leaders, and the capacity 

of religious institutions to reach a broad cross-section of 

Nigerian society, make RLAC’s work essential to the future 

of anticorruption advocacy,” Special Representative Lillis said. 

“It is my pleasure to be here to support this next stage of the 

Religious Leader Anti-Corruption working group. Religious 

leaders are an essential component of the multi-faceted fight 

against corruption in this country.” 

She explained that working against corruption is essential 

to many of the priorities of both the U.S. government and the 

religious leaders, including constructing peaceful, secure 

societies, and promoting prosperity. 

At the event, the religious leaders discussed additional 

innovative options for bringing the principles of anticorruption 

to the grassroots. They resolved to disseminate 

anti-corruption messaging through media outlets, sermons, 

and train-the-trainer workshops. 

The Department of State’s Office of Religion and Global 

Affairs was established in 2013 to strengthen the U.S. 

government’s efforts to assess religious dynamics and engage 

religious actors across a wide range of foreign policy priorities. 

Honourable Wamakko is dead 

By Abdallah el-Kurebe 

THE death has occurred of a House of Repre 

sentative member representing Kware/Wamakko 

federal constituency in Sokoto State, Hon. Abdullahi 

Muhammadu Wamakko. 

A cousin to Senator Aliyu Wamakko, the 50 year 

old member died in an Abuja hospital after a brief 

illness. 

Wamakko was before his death, the vice chairman 

of House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance 

Agency (FERMA) and a member of several other 

committees. 

Chairman of Wamakko Local Government council, 

Ahmed Kalambaina said that “he was buried yesterday. 

He is survived by one wife and five children.

6 — VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017 

Fight against corruption, not targeted 

against anybody – Osinbajo 

By Joseph Erunke & 

Emmanuel Elebeke 

THE Acting Presi 

dent, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo 

has said President 

Mohammadu Buhari led 

anti-corruption war was 

not targeted at anybody 

but against the enemies 

of the state, who have stolen 

common resources 

for selfish enrichment. 

The Acting president 

made the clarification yesterday 

during the 2017 

BusinessDay States Competitiveness 

and Good 

Governance Award held 

in Abuja. 

He insisted that the 

anti-corruption crusade 

was not only geared towards 

eradicating corruption 

but aimed at engendering 

development 

and good governance 

across the country. 

Osinbajo, who was represented 

by Sen. Babafemi 

Ojodu, said the 

administration beyond 

fighting corruption, had 

gone ahead to initiate 

plans that had helped the 

states to embrace competiveness 

and overcome 

their present economic 

challenges. 

He commended BusinessDay 

for its choice of 

Competitiveness and 

Good Governance in 

choosing the award recipients, 

saying that the 

award would spur the 

awardees to increase their 

performance in governance. 

“The present fight 

against corruption led by 

President Buhari is not 

targeted at anybody but 

a fight against institutional 

rot and bad governance. 

It is a fight against 

those who have stolen 

our common wealth for 

selfish enrichment. 

“We must applaud BusinessDay 

for this competitive 


award aimed at 

gauging the performance 

of public sector at the 

state level. It is very reassuring 

for BusinessDay 

to engage in this exercise. 

“What is particularly 

pleasing about the award 

is that it selected the key 

priorities of the present 

administration for good 

governance as enunciated 

in the economic recovery 

of the government. 

“This will help in promoting 

transparency, provide 

infrastructure and 

other critical aspects of 

governance. More will be 

achieved if we can work 

together to ensure affordable 

education, housing, 

increase jobs opportunities 

and other dividends 

of democracy. 

“It is worthy of note that 

the choice of BusinessDay 

in selecting the awardees 

aligned with the recently 

signed Executive Order 

on Ease of Doing Business.” 

The Acting president 

further charged the public 

office holders to hold 

their offices in trust and 

also urged other media 

outfits to emulate Businessday 

in initiating 

ideas that would enhance 

competitiveness and 

good governance in the 

country. 

“I challenge other media 

organizations to borrow 

a leave from Business 

Day to come up with such 

initiatives to improve 

good governance and developmental 

practices. 

This goes to remind us 

that those entrusted with 

the position of leadership 

should know that they are 

called to serve and not to 

be served. 

“This goes to remind us 

that those entrusted with 

the position of leadership 

that they are called to 

serve and not to be 

served,” he added. 

On the effort of government 

to encourage states, 

Prof. Osinbajo said, “the 

introduction of the Bell 

Out Fund initiative by 

Federal Government was 

evidence of President 

Buhari’s administration 

resolve to spur state governments 

to competiveness 


among other initiatives. 

“It is in recognition of 

the critical importance of 

states that we have consistently 

initiated so 

many initiatives in support 

of states. 

“Since our return to 

democratic governance in 

1999, our democratic dispensation 

opened a new 

vista for competitiveness 


through the 36 states of 

the federation, with a 

view to accelerating democratic 

process, progress 

and development. We 

have indeed seen record 

improvements over the 

years, though there are 

still much to be done,” he 

added. 

Earlier in his welcome 

address, the Publisher 

and Chief Executive Officer, 

Business Day 

Newspaper, Mr. Frank 

Aigbogun said the 2017 

States Competitiveness 

and Good Governance 

Award was conceptualised 

to recognise competitiveness 


in Nigeria 

among the state governors 

because they believe 

that it forms a big 

bedrock for national development 

and transformation. 

While congratulating 

the awardees, he said 

their successful emergence 

as winners of the 

awards would enhance 

the competitiveness of 

their respective states. 

“In a nation in need of 

recovery, we believe 

there is a need to motivate 

and galvanise state 

governments and remind 

the chief executives that 

the era of dependency on 

federal allocation to sustain 

their states is over 

and should rather begin 

to showcase their areas of 

competitiveness to up 

their internally generated 

revenue, IGR. 

“Increasing IGR is paramount 

to economic development. 

We believe 

that each state is well endowed 

with many resources 

and has a comparative 

advantage in one 

area or the other. They 

need to increase competitiveness 

with IGR. 

“We believe this opens 

the door for self sufficiency 

in areas of competitive 

strength and bilateral 

trade and also improve 

industrialization,” he 

added. He cited the partnership 

between Kebbi 

and Lagos states in rice 

production and trade 

which he described as a 

huge success. 

According to him, such 

attempt in harnessing the 

competitiveness advantage 

of states will engender 

increase in employment 

and food security 

and also wealth creation. 

Suspension: "I’m going nowhere" 

Continued from Page 4 

against public office holders before the EFCC and 

ICPC as at the end of June 2017, the total number of 

public officers who would have been on suspension 

by now including Honourable Ministers is left to be 

imagined. “As you are aware, the petitions referred to 

in your letter are currently being investigated by the 

ICPC which is yet to submit its report. In view of the 

criminal nature of most of the allegations in the petitions, 

security/investigative agencies like ICPC are 

the appropriate agencies for investigation contemplated 

in your letter; not a Ministerial Committee. I have 

cooperated fully with the investigations so far and will 

continue to do so.” 

Copies of the letter were sent to the Acting President, 

Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, 

Katsina Governor, Attorney General of 

the Federation, Director of DSS, Head of Service of 

the Federation, the Chairman of the EFCC and the 

Chairman of the ICPC. 

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the minister’s 

decision to suspend the embattled NHIS ES followed 

two memos given to him by the Acting President, Prof 

Yemi Osinbajo and the Head of Service of the Federation, 

Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, directing him to investigate 

two allegations of criminal diversion of NHIS 

cash running into billions by the ES and cronies sent 

in by United Youths Alliance against Corruption and 

Dr. Tunde Ladele. 

In the two petitions sighted by Saturday Vanguard, 

the two groups had called on the Acting President to 

cause the EFCC and the ICPC to investigate the high 

level of corruption and nepotism in the NHIS, which 

had caused the Federal Government billions of Naira 

and stifled the growth of health insurance as a result. 

Otuaro gets kudos over reduction 

in pipeline vandalism 

FORMER Warri North Local Government council 

chairmanship aspirant under the People’s 

Democratic Party in Delta State, Alaowei Miebi Balakumo, 

has commended the Delta State Deputy governor 

for his efforts in curtailing the activities of pipeline 

vandals in the area. 

It could be recalled that Otuaro as the Chairman, 

Delta State Advocacy Committee Against Oil Facilities’ 

Vandalization has been mobilizing against pipeline 

vandals in the state, curbing destructions of oil 

facilities by militants in the area. 

He said, “the drive of the Delta State Advocacy 

Committee Against Oil Facilities’ Vandalization has 

started yielding results with the increment in oil 

prices and production across the country. 

Miebi extolled the virtues of Governor Ifeanyi 

Okowa of Delta state, describing him as a man endowed 

with a lot of prowess to develop the state. 

According to him, “the Governor’s SMART agenda 

which includes empowerment of youths through 

various skills acquisition programmes, both completed 

and ongoing road projects among others have 

really impacted the lives of Deltans.

We'll punish Sheriff, Fayose fumes 

•I’ll be in Villa in 2019 

By Rotimi Ojomoyela 

THE Governor of Ekiti 

State, Mr Ayodele 

Fayose, yesterday declared 

that even though the 

embattled former Chairman 

of the People’s Democratic 

Party, PDP, Senator Ali Modu 

Sheriff and members of his 

faction might have been 

forgiven, they would not go 

unpunished for causing the 

party members so much 

pains. 

Fayose, who spoke in Ado 

Ekiti yesterday said he would 

have burnt his membership 

card and the PDP flag if 

Sheriff had won at the 

supreme court last 

Wednesday. 

Fayose, who had been the 

most vociferous critic of 

Sheriff’s leadership in the 

party, said he went to court 

with a perfume with the 

sinister intention to destroy his 

card and the party’s flag if 

Sheriff had won, saying “ I 

never imagined myself being, 

in the same party with 

impostors”. 

The Supreme Court had in 

a judgement on who was the 

authentic Chairman of the 

party declared the Ahmed 

Makarfi-led faction the 

authentic leadership, laying 

to rest crisis of several months 

that had done colossal 

damage to the party. 

The governor said with the 

victory, President 

Muhammadu Buhari and 

Acting President Yemi 

Osinbajo would be defeated 

in the 2019 presidential poll, 

saying efforts will be stepped 

up to revive the party and 

fortify it the more to be able to 

play its opposition roles. 

“I went to court with a 

perfume which I wanted to 

use to spray my cards and 

party flags and set them 

ablaze even within the court 

premises if Sheriff had won, 

that was why I went to court. 

“Though, I believe that we 

remain the same PDP family 

but no one can cause our party 

such pains and 

embarrassment and expect 

that he would go without 

being asked to account for his 

actions. “Even the reactions 

of Sheriff’s men show that 

we remain together. But the 

no victor, no vanquished that 

we said was a mere political 

slogan. Whoever that 

participated in this charade 

must show some reasonable 

level of remorse for their 

actions”, he said. 

He said the party would 

henceforth begin serious 

mobilization drives up to the 

grassroots level with efforts to 

re-energize the party to be 

able to defeat President 

Buhari and his Deputy in 

one swell swoop. 

When asked about his 

presidential ambition, Fayose 

retorted that; “It is still much 

alive. I am an early starter and 

that has been my style of 

politics. In 2003, I started 

earlier and I defeated Otunba 

Niyi Adebayo and likewise Dr 

Kayode Fayemi in 2014. 

“I want to tell you that the 

APC won’t return to the Villa. 

We shall defeat both Buhari 

and Osinbajo, we are 

removing the two together 

and I want you to believe this. 

“When I talk, people would 

say I always pose like a 

Nostradamus, a man who 

can see tomorrow. Whether 

they like it or not, I shall be in 

the Villa in 2019, so my 

ambition is very much alive”, 

Fayose stated. 

Nigerian Navy foils hijack of US 

Sea vessel; destroys illegal 

refineries 

By Kingsley Omonobi, 

Abuja 

THE Nigerian Navy has 

successfully foiled an attempted 

hijack of a Merchant 

Vessel, MV UAL HOUSTON 

around Bonny Fairway Buoy in 

Rivers State. 

A statement by Navy Captain 

Suleiman Dahun said, 

“The incident occurred on 

Thursday July 13, 2017 at about 

7.45am. 

He said, “six suspected sea 

robbers boarded the vessel but 

were unable to access the ship’s 

living quarters, bridge or machinery 

room as the ship was 

on lockdown by the crew. 

“Subsequently, on receipt of 

the ship’s distress call, the Forward 

Operating Base (FOB) 

Bonny dispatched a boat to rescue 

the vessel. 

“On sighting the naval patrol 

boat, the robbers abandoned 

their hijack plot and fled. 

“Preliminary investigation 

revealed that no crew member 

was abducted or any item stolen 

during the attack. 

Dahun continued, “In a related 

development, the Nigerian 

Navy has continued the 

recent trend of successes in the 

operations against crude oil 

theft, illegal bunkering and other 

illegal activities in the Niger 

Delta. 

“To this end, Nigerian Navy 

Ship (NNS) Pathfinder has discovered 

and destroyed 7 illegal 

refineries around Bolo 

Creek and Isaka axis in Rivers 

State. 

“The illegal refineries destroyed 

at Bolo Creek had several 

storage tanks and 2 wooden 

boats laden with about 80, 

000 liters’ of suspected stolen 

crude oil and 65, 000 liters of 

illegally refined Automotive 

Gas Oil (AGO). 

“Furthermore, the illegal refineries 

destroyed in Isaka axis 

had storage pits laden with 

45,000 liters of suspected stolen 

crude oil and 5,000 liters’ of 

illegally refined AGO. 

“Similarly, a patrol team deployed 

by the Forward Operating 

Base (FOB) Bonny arrested 

a vessel, MT Leadership 

around Onne axis for conducting 

illegal bunkering operations. 

“The vessel was arrested receiving 

unspecified amount of 

petroleum products suspected 

to be illegally refined AGO 

from a barge without valid naval 

approval. 

“The vessel had 12 crewmen 

while 16 men were on the 

barge. The vessel and the barge 

are currently under the custody 

of the base while investigation 

is ongoing. 

“In view of the foregoing, the 

Nigerian Navy wishes to reiterate 

that the clampdown on 

illegal refineries and their operators, 

crude oil thieves and 

other criminal activities in the 

maritime domain will continue 

to meet operational objectives 

in line with the Chief of 

Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive.” 

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017 — 7 

Man kills girlfriend over 

pregnancy in Aba 

BY UGOCHUKWU ALARIBE 

A 

MAN identified as Ogbonnaya Igwe, has been 

nabbed by the Police in Aba, for allegedly killing 

his girlfriend, Ijeoma Chibuzo, for defrauding him over 

an agreement to abort her pregnancy in Aba, Abia State. 

Police sources told Saturday Vanguard that Igwe had 

invited his girlfriend to his residence at N0. 22 Obohia 

road, Aba, where an argument ensued. He allegedly made 

for his pump action rifle and shot her dead. 

Parading the suspect, Abia State Commissioner of Police, 

Mr.Leye Oyebade, said the Police received information 

that a woman was shot dead at No.22 Obohia road 

Aba, and met the deceased in a pool of blood. He disclosed 

that the suspect was arrested while hiding at the 

ceiling of the house. 

When a search was conducted on his apartment, a 

Pump-Action rifle and double barrel gun with 15 live cartridges 

and 4 expended cartridges were recovered. 

The corpse of the deceased later identified as Ijeoma 

Chibuzo was deposited in the mortuary for autopsy while 

investigation continues. In an interview with newsmen, 

the suspect who claimed having a license for the pump 

action rifle discovered in his apartment denied killing his 

girlfriend. However, he stated that Ijeoma had been defrauding 

him over their agreement to abort the pregnancy. 

Ibori, leader of leaders in 

Delta — Oghenesive 

THE Executive Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on 

Communication, Barrister Fred Oghenesivbe, has 

described the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James 

Ibori as the political leader of leaders in the state, noting that 

in the same token Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State is 

the State leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with 

Barrister Kingsley Esiso as state party chairman. 

He said that, Governor Okowa should be supported by the 

people of Delta State to complete Delta North eight years of 

two terms like his predecessors in Delta Central and South. 

Oghenesivbe who spoke to journalists during a media chat 

tagged: “Okowa at 58” in Asaba, the state capital revealed 

that, the Governor of Delta State was a quintessential leader 

and super motivational role model for new breed politicians, 

adding that the governor has positively impacted the lives of 

numerous Deltans through credible leadership and good 

governance. He described Okowa and Ibori as strong political 

associates currently warming up towards 2019 election. 

He said the duo are political twin brothers with enviable history 

of political and social collaboration which has yielded 

positive electioneering victories in the PDP in the state since 

1999. 

Voters’ registration: Group tasks 

INEC to conduct disability audit 

By Bose Adelaja 

THE Centre for Citizens with Disabilities has 

called on the Independent National Electoral 

Commission INEC, to conduct an audit of its processes 

to identify disability gaps and ensure that Persons 

With Disabilities (PWDs) are not marginalized in the 

electoral process. 

Speaking with newsmen, in Lagos, yesterday, CCD 

Executive Director, David Anyaele, said the disability 

audit of the processes of the electoral body will help 

INEC in its planning and budgeting for the forthcoming 

local government election in Lagos State as well 

as gubernatorial election in Anambra state, and subsequent 

elections in the country. 

CCD observers reported that INEC registration centres 

across the 18 local government areas had no sign 

language interpreters or special attendants for disabled 

persons coming for the Continuous Voters Registration 

exercise. It was also observed that INEC officials 

in 14 LGAs (i.e 70% of 20 LGAs visited), were 

not capturing PWDs data according to their disability 

types. Eighteen (18) of the INEC-CRV registration 

centres visited were located outside INEC offices at 

Local Government Areas in Lagos, hence, making it 

difficult for PWDs and even those without disabilities 

to locate the designated centres.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 15, 2017 

C 

M 

Y 

K


C 

M 

Y 

K

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 15, 2017 

•Uwazurike 

•Ojukwu 

BIAFRA: 

•Kanu 

Uwazurike 

tackles Kanu 

•I assured Ojukwu MASSOB will never resort to violence 

and that there would be no war again in Nigeria 

•MASSOB has gone beyond marching on the streets to 

diplomatic moves 

•I set up Radio Biafra, employed Kanu to run it but 

politicians hijacked him and the Radio is now being 

used to blackmail me and spread hate messages 

•It’s a lie –IPOB 

BY VINCENT UJUMADU 

Chief Ralph Uwazurike, the 

founder of the Movement for 

the Actualization of 

Sovereign State of Biafra, 

MASSOB is unhappy and that may 

not be unconnected with the fact that 

he, of recent, is being relegated to the 

background on the issue of Biafra 

agitation. The man of the moment, 

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who Uwazurike 

said he employed and handed over 

the Radio Biafra he set up as part of 

the agitation process, has been getting 

all the attention of late. 

Uwazurike is also worried that 

Uwazurike is also 

worried that many 

people, including 

the media, had not 

appreciated his 

sacrifices towards 

the actualization of 

Biafra 

many people, including the 

media, had not appreciated his 

sacrifices towards the actualization 

of Biafra. But he insists that only 

his style of approach can lead to 

the actualization of Biafra, 

describing as an act of wickedness, 

the insinuation that he was a sellout 

on the issue of the struggle. 

Since the launching in Aba, Abia 

State in 1999, MASSOB under 

Uwazurike continually alleged 

mass arrests and killings of its 

members by government forces. 

He had also consistently embarked 

on programmes aimed at 

actualizing Biafra and was indeed 

the arrow head of the agitation. For 

the first 10 years of the formation 

of MASSOB by Uwazurike, the 

body and its members/supporters 

were very active but non-violent. 

For instance, in May 2008, 

MASSOB released a list of 2,020 

members alleged to have been 

killed by security agents since 1999. 

Uwazuruike was arrested on 

several occasions and charged with 

treason. In 2011, he and 280 

MASSOB members were arrested 

in Enugu while attending a 

function in honour of late Dim 

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu 

Ojukwu. Few days later, however, 

former President Goodluck 

Jonathan ordered Uwazuruike’s 

release, as well as all other 

MASSOB members in detention. 

MASSOB thereafter launched 

the Biafran passport in 2009 as part 

of the program to celebrate its 10th 

anniversary and Uwazuruike, said 

the introduction of the Biafran 

passport was in response to 

persistent demands from Biafrans 

in Diaspora 

In 2005, MASSOB re-introduced 

the old Biafran currency into 

circulation. This sparked a lot of 

excitement at the time especially as 

one Biafran pound was said to 

exchange for two hundred and 

seventy naira at the border 

communities of Togo and the 

Republic of Benin. 

In February 2013, MASSOB 

claimed that several corpses found 

floating in the Ezu River on the 

boundary of Enugu and Anambra 

States were those of its members 

previously arrested by the police. 

The group claimed that the police 

Continues on pg 11

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 15, 2017—11 

Uwazurike 

tackles Kanu 

•Biafra agitators 

Continues from pg 10 

routinely executed MASSOB 

members without proper trial. 

On September 13, 2015 police in 

Anambra state arrested about 25 

MASSOB members who were 

marking their 16th anniversary and 

one of them was shot. At St Charles 

Lwanga Catholic Church 

Okpoko,18 members were arrested 

and one shot and at Iba Pope 

Catholic Church, while at Awada, 

11 members of MASSOB were 

arrested. At Awka, two MASSOB 

members were arrested by the 

police. 

On May 31, 2013, Uwazurike’s 

MASSOB was branded as one of 

three extremist groups threatening 

the security of Nigeria. In fact 

former President Goodluck Jonathan 

declared that the Nigerian state 

faced three fundamental security 

challenges posed by extremist 

groups which he listed as Boko 

Haram in the North; the MASSOB 

in the South-East; and the Oodua 

People’s Congress OPC, in the 

South-West.. 

But following his disagreement 

with a section of MASSOB 

members, the bubble burst and the 

man, who was almost invincible in 

the Biafra agitation, started 

receiving knocks from people who 

hitherto, were adoring him. One of 

the allegations was that he 

abandoned some MASSOB 

members who were incarcerated in 

various Nigerian prisons. He 

however defended himself, saying 

such a thing never happened. 

He told Saturday Vanguard: 

“The impression being created was 

that someone paid me to stop the 

struggle. This is unfair. Or do 

people expect me to start fighting 

Nnamdi Kanu? Or do people think 

you are fighting for Biafra when 

you kneel down in public places to 

make show? How can anybody 

hold the view that I am a sell-out? 

“I set up Radio Biafra in 1999 and 

Only last month, I 

risked my life to 

travel to the North for 

the sake of Biafra 

and I was at Arewa 

House in Kaduna 

where I met people, 

yet the media and 

Igbo people do not 

appreciate my 

sacrifices 

handed it over to Nnamdi Kanu for 

the good of the struggle, but what 

did I get in return? Someone I 

employed used the radio station I 

set up to blackmail me. Where did 

I go wrong? And if you were to be 

Uwazurike, what will you do under 

such a situation? If I didn’t set up 

MASSOB, how could Nnamdi 

Kanu have had a platform to start 

what he is doing?” 

Stressing that his approach to the 

struggle is what would ultimately 

lead to the actualization of Biafra, 

Uwazurike added: “On May 22nd, 

we organized a ceremony in which 

over one million people 

participated in Onitsha and other 

cities and this was reported by the 

media. It was the same in Aba, 

Enugu, Owerri and other cities, yet 

people are saying that I am 

backsliding or that I am a sell-out. 

“Do you also know that I built 20 

houses at Okwe, Imo State, for the 

wounded Biafra soldiers who were 

begging for alms at Oji River and 

I pay them salary every month? 

Today, there are no more Biafra 

soldiers begging for alms at that 

spot. 

“Only last month, I risked my life 

to travel to the North for the sake 

of Biafra and I was at Arewa House 

in Kaduna where I met people, yet 

the media and Igbo people do not 

appreciate my sacrifices. How 

would you feel if you were to be in 

my position?” 

Uwazurike, who led a delegation 

of Igbo leaders from the South East, 

told some youth groups at the 

Arewa House in Kaduna that 

MASSOB had pursued the path of 

peace since its creation in 1999 and 

would continue to do so. 

He continued: “Selfdetermination 

without violence is 

a fundamental right, we must strive 

against sowing the seed of discord 

but do all that will promote peace 

and justice in Nigeria. There is a 

gap in communication from our 

leaders which needs to be bridged, 

hence we are meeting with notable 

leaders in the north to persuade 

them that there is no cause for 

alarm, 

“We have overgrown the era of 

marching the streets with Biafran 

flags. MASSOB is now 

consolidating on building 

structures and diplomatic 

negotiations with other countries, 

recalling that there was a redeclaration 

of Biafra on May 22nd, 

2000, submission of Biafra Bill of 

rights to United Nations and his 

attendance of OAU Summit in 

Lome, Togo in 2000, among other 

achievements.. 

“MASSOB existed for 18 years 

without violence and in 2009, I 

went to London and opened Radio 

Biafra and handed it over to 

Nnamdi Kanu as the director. Soon 

afterwards, politicians hijacked 

him, and he started working for 

them. 

“The radio that was meant to 

educate our people and advise our 

people was turned into a source of 

hate messages, blackmail, 

intimidation and others. The 

resultant effect was that the 

northern youths came up to 

challenge us, to say that they are 

not happy with the hate messages 

and the insults they receive from 

the same radio. 

“The main purpose of floating the 

organization called MASSOB was 

not to cause crisis in Nigeria. I 

assured the late Odumegu Ojukwu 

when he was alive that there would 

be no other civil war in Nigeria. 

Because he, Ojukwu, was so 

concerned and wanted some 

measure of assurance from me that 

MASSOB would not cause 

problems in Nigeria, I gave him 

that assurance.” 

It’s a lie –IPOB 

IPOB, while reacting to Uwazurike’s claim that he established Radio Biafra and handed it over to Kanu to manage, said it was a 

blatant lie, adding that Uwazurike was a drowning man who would clutch at anything for survival. 

IPOB media and publicity secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful said Uwazurike did not know that he placed a price tag on his head and 

by extension the entire struggle for freedom when he was allegedly hobnobbing with Nigerian politicians. 

The statement IPOB made available to Saturday Vanguard last night said: “Nnamdi Kanu funded Radio Biafra from his own pocket 

after the initial three months MASSOB provided support elapsed. The whole world knew that Nnamdi Kanu was on Radio Biafra 

soliciting for assistance in 2009. How can Uwazuruike claim he is the founder of the station? It is a big lie. 

“He is comfortable with lies and that is why he finds it so easy to deceive the few gullible ones with him in his BIM (Biafra Independent 

Movement). If he is a man of the people, let him come out and take a walk in Owerri and see if he won't be stoned. He should focus on 

his real estate business and running his hotels. Biafra restoration is for serious minded people..


We need a President who 

is ready to die for Nigeria 

Nigeria worth dying for - Pastor Ituah Ighodalo 

•Says APC wasn’t prepared for governance 

•Speaks on Buhari, Saraki, Tinubu, Oyegun 

•Insists on economy that will make states stronger 

•I have no problem with Pastor Adeboye 

PASTOR Ituah Ighodalo, a chartered accountant, and an accomplished writer was born in 

Ibadan on April 6, 1961. He attended the King’s College, Lagos and the International 

School, University of Ibadan. He obtained a combined honours degree in Economics 

and Accounting in 1982 from the University of Hull, England. He is a fellow of the 

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and of the Chartered Institute of 

Taxation. He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management. He is the 

Editor-in-Chief of TIMELESS Newspaper, THE CHRISTIAN NEWS and TIMELESS 

BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP QUARTERLY. He also sits on the board of several 

charitable foundations and NGOs including the Courage Education 

Foundation, Eden’s Fields and Herotage Homes as well as a partner at SIAO 

(a firm of Chartered Accountants and Management Consultants). He gave 

his life to Christ in 1993 and was ordained pastor in 1995. He has worked 

as associate pastor of Freedom Hall, (later renamed Hope Hall) as well 

as the City of David Parishes of RCCG and has been involved in 

international missions, helping to pioneer several Redeemed Christian 

Church of God parishes abroad. Seven years ago he left the RCCG 

in controversial circumstances to establish Trinity House, an 

interdenominational church with headquarters in Victoria Island, 

Lagos. He is married to former Miss Lux, Ibidun Ighodalo nee 

Ajayi. To mark the seventh anniversary of Trinity House, SAM 

EYOBOKA & OLAYINKA LATONA got the debonair pastor to 

speak on the challenges of the ministry and the state of the 

nation. Excerpts...... 

From RCCG Christ Church to Trinity 

House. How has the experience been 

seven years after? 

Even the rose has thorns. The journey has 

been quite challenging in that everywhere 

you go, there is something or the other that 

you need to overcome but the good thing 

about working for God is that if God is 

with you, first of all, devil will attack you 

but God will make a way for you to 

overcome that demon. The journey has its 

ups and down but I thank God that at every 

area of serious, sincere legitimate need, 

God has been so faithful and we are grateful 

to Him. 

The first year after I left Christ Church, 

was a year at sea in that I did not know 

what to do with myself: I belonged to no 

parish but it was also a good opportunity 

for me to visit as many churches as I could. 

Every Sunday I would find myself in a 

different church. The only challenge with 

that, of course, is that no sooner that I 

entered the church that somebody there 

recognized me and that prevented me from 

enjoying my service. 

After a while I was so particular with what 

I did and where I went and I began to pray 

to God to know what next: should I forget 

ministry and concentrate on my business 

and profession or just I do a few itinerant 

thing here and there. For a season I did not 

hear anything from God and I interpreted 

that to mean God wanted me to have a 

season of rest. So I rested, in between I was 

slightly ill and did my medicals. Thank 

God that everything was okay. One bright 

day I just heard the voice ‘Trinity House’ 

and I began to ask God how will I go about 

this Trinity House because I did not have 

the resource to go into ministry. I kept 

praying and God in a mysterious way just 

provided the resources. Initially I asked a 

few people for support but I did not get 

positive response from them, only one lady 

responded and it was just only a token but 

God made a way Himself and He provided 

all the resources that we needed to kick 

start and run for a month or two and favour 

If you put dirty 

people in 

government 

to lead you, 

you get a dirty 

environment 

and dirty 

government 

and that is 

what we are 

paying for in 

Nigeria 

•PASTOR Ituah Ighodalo 

started coming from every quarter. I 

will never forget Jim Ovia who allowed 

us to use his venue free for two 

meetings and a few people brought 

equipment and my old people showed 

up and I knew indeed God was in this 

matter. 

It has been very refreshing and very 

joyful to work with God. We worked with 

God in RCCG but now you deal with 

God directly. You have to take full 

responsibility for everything that you 

do and it also requires of your extra 

care. All the people that surround you 

are your direct responsibility, you have 

to look over them, their life and affairs. 

It is a very delicate work! Spiritual work 

is not something that you play with; it 

involves a lot of prayer, fasting, patience, 

listening to different kinds of people, 

some with agenda and some without. I 

now understand why Solomon prayed 

for wisdom. Everyday I pray for wisdom 

because I need wisdom to deal with all 

the kinds of things that come across me 

and God has been consistent in giving 

us wisdom. And a lot of patience, 

understanding, tolerance of different 

kinds of environments and situations, 

boldness and courage to take some bold 

steps because at the end of the day, you 

have to take a decision concerning 

some certain things and sometimes 

some of those decisions are not very 

popular and if they are popular with one 

person, they might not be with another 

persons. One of my Pastor friends, late 

Pastor Eskor Mfon used to say if people 

are going this way, most likely God is 

going other way but we have to learn 

how to deal with unpopularity and 

eventually if it is God, they will see the 

wisdom in what you are doing. 

How did you take your unexpected 

exit from Christ Church? 

I took it like a soldier of Christ and 

you know when you fight a battle and 

you get hit by a bullet, it is painful but as 

a bold soldier, you take it as a soldier of 

Christ and know that it is something 

God allows for you to do other things. 

We took it very peacefully and there was 

no ‘wahala’ at all. 

Were you angry with the leadership 

of RCCG? 

Not at all! Because I could understand 

where he was coming from. I could 

understand his perspectives and what 

was going on and it was okay. He is my 

very good friend; I am close to him and 

I understand him very well and there 

was no place for anger, a bit of pain but 

no ‘wahala’. 

You have reconciled your differences? 

Continues on pg 13


A cross section of APC supporters 


We had no differences. Like I said I 

understood what he was doing and we 

are very close even till tomorrow, I dare 

bold to say that. He is a very nice, friendly 

and humorous man. So we get on very 

well. I understand him, I know his 

strength and weaknesses and everybody 

has weaknesses and strengths including 

myself. So you work with the strength and 

tolerate the weakness and you move on. 

You once told me that you would get 

Daddy G.O. to preach for you. Has he 

found time to do that? 

I did not quite say so. He was the one 

that said he would come and preach for 

us and he has not done it. I did not say I 

will get him to do that, he on his own free 

will announced publicly that he was 

going to come to Trinity House and 

preach. Maybe he has been busy. When 

the time comes he will fulfil his words. 

What has been the greatest challenge? 

Typically with most ministries and with 

the way we started, it was finance because 

we did not start small. Most churches 

start small and grow bit-by bit. We started 

big from day one with a lot of what 

business people call historical or old 

problems. As in Christ Church, we started 

with a lot of welfare issues, people’s 

school fees, medicals, homeless children. 

From day one, people knew the kind of 

grace that I carried and a lot of them 

came to look for me in the church, so it is 

like king David in the Cave of Adullam 

where all the needy people came. We have 

been carrying heavy burden and not only 

that we have quite a lot of technical people 

to give us quality and standard sound that 

we needed, so it was a kind of heavy lifting 

from day. Resources have been quite 

challenging. Even then God made a 

way—people you have never seen before 

would send you a cheque. 

What will you say informed your 

passion for Nigeria? 

I have a passion first of all to see things 

being done very well; to see people 

making progress. I grew up from a very 

upright, ethical and very morally 

standing parents. My mother, in 

particular, was the first female 

permanent secretary in Western Nigeria 

and at a time she headed Trade and 

Industry, Education, Information and at 

a time she was the chair person of 

Oduduwa Group of Companies in 

Nigeria, then WNDC. She was so 

passionate about Nigeria. She started her 

career as a civil servant and ended it as 

civil servant after 35 years. Till the day 

she died, she prayed for Nigeria everyday. 

If you like, it is in my DNA, my blood to 

try to make Nigeria work and succeed. 

I see Nigeria has great potentials in 

mineral resources, in agriculture— 

Nigeria has no business importing one 

grain of food—great potentials in water 

‘APC wasn’t prepared 

for governance’ 

resources, in human intellect, great 

potential in oil, sunlight, wind, tourism. 

The history and cultural heritage of 

Africa reside in Nigeria. We have great 

potential in landscape, almost 

everywhere you look in Nigeria, there 

are potentials including waste to wealth. 

The waste we throw away is wealth to 

some other people, the human dropping 

and other things are fuel in other 

countries. The toilet water is recycled 

in Israel; the sewage is recycled, 

separated, cleaned, reused and 

Nigerians waste almost everything. 

I went to Obalende recently to see a 

member of our church who was a bit 

ill and I was surprised seeing that 

human beings are living in that kind 

of circumstance, not to talk of people 

in Ajegunle, Mushin and people in the 

villages. When they were doing 

campaign in Edo state, I followed my 

uncle to encourage the people and the 

level of poverty is much that the things 

that a thousand naira could solve for 

my people in the village are huge. But 

you would find people who could not 

afford it. The decay in public schools 

is as if government did not know they 

even exist. 

I followed a friend to Ado Ekiti 

recently to attend his father’s burial, 

the Ekiti that I met was the one that I 

knew in the 1960s; nothing has 

changed. Few things have changed in 

Ado Ekiti town but the surroundings 

Califonia is growing 

on agriculture and 

ICT and its richer 

than Texas where 

you find oil. Boston 

grows on 

technology and 

education, its not 

suffering 

have not changed. The roads that 

were built by the British in 1950s are 

still the same. When I was growing 

up, UCH was the eighth best hospital 

in the Commonwealth, Indian doctors 

used to come here to learn, people from 

West Indies used to come here to work 

in our hospitals, railway. Philippines 

used to come and learn tropical 

medicine, same from the United 

States but now it is the reverse. 

Nigeria has the best doctors in John 

Hopkins, US. In the UK you will find 

out that 20 to 25 per cent of the 

workforce are Nigerians. Most of the 

professors in Harvard are Nigerians. 

The best student in America as at 

today is a Nigerian. If you go to China, 

Alaska, Norway, you will see Nigerians 

there. We are bold, hard-working, and 

adventurous. With all these capacities 

and intellectuals why are we still here? 

Is something wrong somewhere and 

that is why I resolve to do my best while 

I still have my breath. 

Where did we get it wrong? 

We did not allow a natural 

leadership evolution to evolve in 

Nigeria: the military as nationalistic 

as they claim they were, truncated our 

natural leadership development. In 

the beginning, the politics was a little 

bit rough, even now it is still rough 

but it’s getting better bit by bit. More 

intellectuals and exposed people are 

getting into politics everyday, whereas 

in 1999 when this dispensation started, 

many intellectuals pulled back. Why? 

They did not think it would work. They 

did not trust the system, thinking the 

military would truncate it again. Then 

there was this horrible rumour that 

politics is dirty and it is only dirty 

people that get involved in it. But 

politics is the way to leadership. If 

you put dirty people in government to 

lead you, you get a dirty environment 

and dirty government and that is what 

we are paying for in Nigeria. 

If the military had not come in and 

imposed themselves; and these 

military officers were young men, fresh 

from Sandhurst. Military training is 

different from political, economical, 

administrative training. Because you 

are a good military general does not 

mean that you are a good politician 

or a good administrator or that you 

even know the dynamics of political 

training. If they know any economics, 

it is war economics but we are talking 

of handling resources, how the 

economy can be serviced, which civil 

servants have been learning for years 

and politicians have been exposed to 

through advice from civil servants. 

We had non-accountability in that 

military regime: A military man from 

somewhere would be made a sole 

administrator in a place he had no 

affinity, obligation, accountability or 

motivation to do anything and nobody 

could call him to question because he 

was just imposed and we did not have 

people who had broad and esoteric 

mind to work effectively wherever they 

put them. The sole administrator was 

not accountable to anybody than the 

Commander in Chief of Armed Forces. 

And it couldn’t work that way—it was 

an aberration. 

Not only that, when God blessed us 

with oil, we didn’t quite know what to 

do with it. We did not know that oil 

was as a seed and not bread. Oil was a 

seed through which economic 

emancipation of the other parts of 

Nigeria should have been fuelled. We 

should have used oil to develop 

industries, agriculture and other 

mining resources. 

The military came and changed our 

derivation formula. In the first 

republic, each region was responsible 

for its own economy based on what it 

derived from its own economy. There 

was no strong central pull: the Western 

region ran its own parliament, ran its 

own laws, educated its own people and 

there was healthy rivalry and 

competition among the three regions. 

They were copying one another. But 

by the time the derivation formula was 

cancelled because oil was found in 

southern Nigeria and the rest of the 

Nigeria wanted to partake in that oil 

by compulsion, there was no longer 

any motivation from any of the regions 

to try and ensure that they survived on 

what they could produce. They just 

waited every month for allocation. 

The groundnut pyramids went, the 

palm kernel faded, the cocoa died, 

meanwhile oil should have financed 

better ways of doing cocoa, better ways 

of doing groundnut, cassava, 

education and better ways of doing 

other things. Our leaders were not 

motivated to get the best out of 

Nigeria and they had this mental 

poverty with what they referred to as 

‘National Cake’, no nation can be built 

on cake sharing. 

And now everybody is clamouring for 

restructuring..... 

We must restructure and we must go 

back and look at our derivation 

principle. My suggestion is 50 per cent. 

Every state should consume 50 to 60 per 

cent of its natural resources and 30 to 

40 per cent can go to the federal but 

Continues on pg 14


‘Speaks on Buhari, 

Saraki, Tinubu, Oyegu’ 


because of our imbalance, we may tune it 

to five to 10 years; we keep reducing it every 

year. So that we sound a warning to 

everyone else to start developing their 

natural resources and start to become self 

funding. And honestly, I did not think there 

is any state in Nigeria that cannot look after 

itself. The first is to feed itself through what 

it grows, the second is to educate its children 

and the third is to provide medical and 

social services. With a lot of efforts within 

10 years, almost every state that is focused 

and is allowed to develop its own mineral 

resource and allowed to take 50 to 60 per 

cent of its earning should be able to stand 

on its own. 

If I was head of state, I would have a 10- 

year plan and reduce the revenue sharing 

formula and taper it up to about 30 to 40 

per cent so that the states can have 50 to 60 

per cent of what they derive. It is their 

resource. They should do anything they 

want to do with it, share it among the people 

so that this clamour for oil will no longer 

be there and every state should go and look 

for its own oil. 

Singapore has no oil and they are doing 

well. They even refine oil. Ghana leaves on 

cocoa and gold. Even in America, those on 

whose land oil is found own the oil and 

pay heavy taxes.Califonia is growing on 

agriculture and ICT and its richer than 

Texas where you find oil. Boston grows 

on technology and education, its not 

suffering. Every state in America has it 

own strengths: some are just tourism and 

music and they are doing well. Samsung, 

Huawei and Kia fund the economy of 

South Korea. They did not have oil and 

they are surviving. 

Have the current class of politicians 

helped the situation? 

They could not because you cannot give 

what you don’t have. The problem is that 

people like us did not have the boldness, 

the foresight or the resources to go into 

politics in 1999. You didn’t need much 

resources to be in politics. You just needed 

to present yourself and almost everybody 

that presented themselves in 1999 got in 

and when they got in, they became 

kingpins and warlords because they 

started controlling resources. People like 

us stuck to our profession, nobody to 

mentor or advise us. Those who should 

advised us, told us that politics was dirty 

and not meant for us. But Nigeria is worth 

dying for. For any good change, 

somebody died. Indira Gandhi died for 

India, Nelson Mandela died for South 

Africa, many people died for Israel, Lee 

Kuan Yew died for Singapore. What we 

need is a leader who is actually ready to 

die for this nation. These present crop of 

leaders, are they ready to die for the 

country? I am sure of one thing; that 

Nigeria is actually worth dying for. 

Mandela said: “It is an ideal for which 

I hope to live for and to see realised. But, 

My Lord, if it needs be, it is an ideal for 

which I am prepared to die.” And that is 

exactly same thing that I am saying that: 

Nigeria is worth dying for. We need a 

leader, a President who is ready to die for 

the country. 

Will you consider going into politics? 

I am into politics a little bit but because 

of my pastoral calling, I am a little bit 

non-partisan at this point in time except 

if it becomes glaring and needed. My role 

right now is to speak truth to power, 

develop a crop of political leaders and I 

am prepared to offer myself if a specific 

role I wish to play is open before me. 

•Tinubu 

What is the purpose of the 

Honour Nigeria Awards that you 

give annually? 

There are many stools on which the 

emancipation of Nigeria stands: one is 

to recognise those who have served 

diligently, ethically and morally. It is 

to thank and appreciate them and 

showcase them as people worthy of 

emulation. Every nation has its heroes. 

Unfortunately, in Nigeria we do not 

have many of these people and where 

we have, they are hiding because they 

don’t have the money to proclaim or 

promote themselves. So we look for 

them and honour them. We believe we 

are honouring Nigeria as we honour 

them. Some of them are well known 

while some are not known. It is to 

showcase them as role models. 

But the award have gone beyond 

Nigeria 

Yes, we have an African award which 

late Mandela won, Kenneth Kaunda, 

For any good 

change, somebody 

died. Indira Gandhi 

died for India, 

Nelson Mandela 

died for South 

Africa, many people 

died for Israel, Lee 

Kuan Yew died for 

Singapore. What we 

need is a leader who 

is actually ready to 

die for this nation. 

These present crop 

of leaders, are they 

ready to die for the 

country? I am sure 

of one thing; that 

Nigeria is actually 

worth dying for 

•buhari 

•Oyegun 

the first President of Zambia, he did 

very well for the freedom of Zambia, 

and we will still go beyond that. I am 

African centric not just passionate 

about Nigeria and I think if Africans 

could pull together, unite and think 

right, we can emancipate ourselves 

from the clutches of the Western 

world. I know that Africa has a lot of 

potentials. 

What’s your assessment of two 

years of APC government? 

The problem with APC government 

is that they were not prepared for 

governance. They were more focused 

on getting power and when you get 

power, what are you going to do with 

it? That is why for the first four, five 

months, they were just feeling their 

way. Before Donald Trump was sworn 

in as President, he had chosen his 

cabinet. In Britain we have what they 

call a shadow cabinet. 

But APC was not quite prepared for 

governance. It took them long before 

they chose their cabinets and and 

such slows down the economy. Two, 

their focus and fight against 

corruption almost distracted what 

they should have done. They should 

have set up a special task force on 

corruption and fight it while the 

Presidency will focus on the economy 

rather than only corruption. 

Corruption is not the only problem 

in Nigeria but one of the key 

problems. 

Nigeria lacks vision. The vision, 

mantra has to be defined. A nation 

lines up behind a mantra, it goes 

beyond promises. We want Nigeria 

to be number one in Africa; number 

one in economy, friendliness, in 

education, environment, number one 

in quality of life and happiness of its 

people; number one in tourism and 

others. But unfortunately there is no 

vision and people queue behind one 

who has vision. When a leader goes 

they may not remember other things 

but they will remember this is Mr. 

number one. We remember Obasanjo 

for Operation Feed the Nation, 

Buhari and Idiagbon for War against 

Indiscipline but we have gone past 

all that. We should think about 

making Nigeria great again. We even 

•Saraki 

came out with that slogan before 

Donald Trump started saying make 

America great again. 

They have not quite chosen the best 

of hands to drive our economy. In 

several positions, we do not have the 

best in class and in Nigeria, we 

always have the best in class: go and 

look for them wherever they are all 

over the world. It is time to get rid of 

too much politics over everything, let 

us go and look for the best in place. 

APC itself is fragmented, there is 

no real political party as such and 

there is no real central unit pulling 

the political party together. You can 

say anything about late Chief 

Obafemi Awolowo but he formed 

and ran a party, Action Group, UPN. 

It was well coordinated and 

everybody bowed to the supremacy 

of the party and the party was 

cohesive and united. Although there 

were few renegates here and there 

which is natural but the party took 

control. In APC, where is the party? 

Again it is like strange bird fellows 

coming together to take power, there 

is no central figure piloting the party. 

Any time, any moment anything can 

happen and this was my initial 

challenge to them. When all these 

things were starting, I kept on asking 

the leaders where was the party, 

where was the voice, spirit, the theme 

and strength of the party or the 

succession plan? They said they 

wanted to win the election first. Now 

the chickens have come home to 

roost, you have won the election what 

next? 

Everybody is thinking 2019, that 

is not what we want. How is it going 

to benefit Nigerians and that is why 

to some extent I salute Alhaji Bola 

Ahmed Tinubu in that he was 

compelled to bury his personal 

ambition but now he is feeling that 

somehow he has not benefited. But he 

should be patient and be a statesman, 

be magnanimous enough and move 

on. We want something that will 

benefit all Nigerians. Nobody is 

thinking for the poor masses who have 

not taken a meal for a day. 

We want a real party for a change. I 

think it could be better if somehow the 

leadership of APC can come down and 

put Nigeria first, let someone be their 

Continues on pg 15


‘Insists on economy that will make states stronger’ 


forced on them. Such will not be am not a greedy person. You are introduction, and we began as 

acceptable. 

what you eat, people eat, they are friends. What I like about her most 

leader to form a cohesive party, bury 

Nigerians used to do things together. bloated, uncomfortable, unable to is her mind, she has a very fresh, 

individual ambitions, talk to themselves and 

I grew up in a background where my sleep, they eat almost everything. determined and forthright mind. I 

put their best foot forward for the interest of 

grandfather was a Christian and his I don’t eat all those things. I eat decided to marry her and help her 

this nation. The leadership must talk to 

brother a Muslim and almost every fruits, vegetables, small proteins to become what God has destined 

themselves and stop all these greedy, selfish 

family in Nigeria was like that and in decent quantity and I drink a lot her to become and I think I have 

desires, personal interests that are 

there was no problem. My mother of water and I have peaceful mind. tried my best in that area. I married 

destroying our economy. 

would buy ram for my aunty during When your mind is at peace, you her to fulfil her purpose in life 

They all know the truth; it is just only 

Ileya festival. They would slaughter it are not angry often, you are not because I loved her for who she was 

about self interest. Nobody can tell me 

and eat in peace. She also celebrated squeezing your face, no undue and I made no demands on her for 

that they did not know what Buhari can do 

with us during Christmas period and aggression, it will reflect in your whatsoever and to answer your 

or his best, or Tinubu, Oyegun, Amechi, 

attend church with us. We did not have face. I take life easy. 

question, she does cook my food 

Osinbajo, Saraki and others. Why does 

any problem at all. 

from time to time but I do not make 

You are almost on every social 

everybody want to become the President? 

any demands on her. Not only that 

When you put a group of boys together on 

What is the secret of your youthful media platform and yet you have she is a fantastic home manager, 

a pitch, when they play you will know who 

look? 

managed to stay out of wherever she is in the world, she 

has leadership skill, you’ll know natural 

I will say it is the grace of God. The controversy. How do you do that? supervises the home and my diet. 

number two and others. The main 

second is a peaceful mind and the third I have just told you. I take life Presently, she is out of town but she 

challenge is that the real support that 

is fare diet. I eat little and moderate, I very easy. I mind my business and I has instructed all that I am going to 

try to speak the truth. I quarrel 

Buhari needed, he didn’t get. They were 

eat. She is very fantastic, generous 

with nobody and don’t make 

not sincere about giving him that support 

in giving of herself, very hard 

enemies. Actually some people will 

and in choosing the right team. 

working. She has the usual ‘palaver’ 

not like you but I like them. I am 

Nigerian Christians are at war with the 

most people would have since 

not competing with anybody. I am 

government over a change to the education 

nobody is perfect but honestly she 

running my own race and I don’t 

curriculum that fused IRK, CRK to one 

is a really wonderful woman, 

quarrel with anybody that have 

subject to be known as Religion and 

forthright, hard-working, willing to 

issue with me. I will just tell you 

National Values.... 

support me to any level that I want. 

that I do not agree with what you 

That is unfair; a man should have a 

She is determined to be 

said and I will suggest that there 

choice of what he wants to study. It is 

successful and she is very caring. 

are better ways of doing it and you 

dangerous because it depends on who is 

can take it or leave it. And 

teaching, it is a back way of doing 

everybody has a good and bad side. 

something delicate. Nigeria is a secular 

I look out more for the good side 

state and there must be freedom of 

The main challenge of people, there is no one I can not 

religion, worship. It is either you have a 

curriculum that caters for all religions 

is that the real 

work with. 

including African Traditional Religion for 

support that Buhari 

How did you meet your beauty 

those who are interested and then you 

needed, he didn’t 

queen wife? Does she find time to 

chose your course, or you cancel everything 

completely allowing only technical and 

get. They were not 

make your food? 

I met her at a wedding reception 

professional courses and get religious 

sincere about giving where I went to minister. One of 

teachings at home. But we should have 

Muslim students to go for Islamic 

him that support 

my people was getting married 

and I was invited. I greeted her and 

Religious Studies while Christians attend 

and in choosing the somebody who noticed that I gave 

the Christian Religious Knowledge class. 

If Christians opt to go for IRK, there is 

right team 

her a bit of attention at the 

wedding decided to make an 

noting wrong with it but it must not be 

•Pastor Adeboye 

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○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 

hospital for treatment. This has been shot is taken to the nearest 

From Senate 

led to many avoidable deathsl. hospital for treatment. 

This is because having a system Additionally, the Bill preserves 

in place that forces both the good the fundamental rights of gunshot 

Comes A Relief for 

and the bad people who have victims by mandating that no 

been shot to first request police person with a bullet wound shall 

reports before going to the be subjected to inhuman and 

Gunshot Victims 

hospital, makes the innocent degrading treatment and that no 

people among them victims of person with a gunshot wound shall 

circumstance (i.e. robberies, or be refused immediate and 

BY OLU ONEMOLA 

stray bullets); victims of the 

them in the news; and 

adequate treatment by any hospital 

hospitals, who refuse to treat 

watch news reports about 

in Nigeria — whether or not an 

At the end of 2008, 

gunshot victims without police 

victims that could have 

initial deposit has been paid or not. 

there was a tragic 

reports; victims of the police, 

been saved. 

Finally, the Bill takes the 

story in the 

who oftentimes do not process 

However, based on 

approach of several nations, that 

newspapers about a young 

these requests in a speedy 

current legal practices, 

have a ‘treat first, ask questions 

8-year old boy that died from 

manner; and victims of Nigeria’s 

many lives have been lost. 

later’ mindset. This is because it 

a single gunshot wound that 

current laws that make police 

This is why, this week, the 

specifies that it shall be the duty of 

could have been treated. 

reports mandatory for both lawabiding 

citizens and criminals 

Senate fast-tracked the 

any hospital that receives any 

The story was about a bank passage of the Compulsory 

person with a gunshot wound to 

robbery that happened in 

alike. 

Treatment and Care of 

report the situation to the nearest 

Lagos, which culminated in 

By the passage of the 

Victims of Gunshots 

police station. This amendment 

the death of eight civilians. 

Gunshot Victims Act, the 

Bill. The Bill, which 

puts the horse back in front of the 

However, the death of the 

Senate has moved 

was sent to the 

cart, because saving lives must 

eighth casualty, the young 

Nigeria one 

Senate for 

always come before due process. 

•Saraki 

boy — who was hit by a stray 

step forward 

concurrence by 

Moving forward, Nigerians must 

bullet — could have been 

to saving 

House of 

commend the National Assembly 

easily avoided. This is 

tens of 

Representatives, 

for the passage of this Bill, and urge 

because when the child was 

thousands 

seeks to ensure that all victims 

that it is signed into law by the Acting 

rushed to a nearby hospital 

irrespective of the of lives each year. This law has 

of gunshot wounds receive 

President. On top of this, the 

by passersby, the staff of the 

cause of the shooting. addressed several inadequacies 

necessary treatment from 

Presidency and the Executive arm 

hospital refused to treat him 

This is because so — like ensuring that society has 

medical workers and 

must properly orient officers and men 

without a police report. 

many lives have been a burden placed on it to ensure 

assistance from security 

of security agencies to comply with 

Needless to say, in the time 

lost in the absence of that there will be no unnecessary 

agencies. 

the dictates of this law. Doing this, 

that it took for the police 

this law. 

loss of lives. 

The Senate President, Dr. 

will show the world that we have 

report to be requested for, 

As things stand, Moving forward, based on 

Abubakar Bukola Saraki, was 

society that values the lives of our 

written out, and transported 

innocent victims who certain provisions of the new 

right when he stated after the 

citizens, more than we value the 

back to the hospital, the 8- 

have been shot by law, every person, including 

passage of the Bill, that with 

‘perception of adherence’ to the rule 

year old boy bled to death. 

robbers, must first be security agents must render 

the Compulsory Treatment and 

of law. 

Issues like the 

rushed to a police every possible assistance to any 

Care of Victims of Gunshots 

I rest my case. 

aforementioned story are 

station to secure a person with gunshot wounds. 

Bill, the Senate has moved to 

rampant. We hear about 

police report, before This assistance includes 

ensure that everyone is entitled 

•Onemola is a Legislative Aide 

them everyday; read about 

they are rushed to the ensuring that the person that has 

to medical treatment — 

to the Senate President 

C 

M 

YK


•Senator Ahmed Makarfi 

What is your reaction to the recent 

trends in the country especially with 

the threat of secession by the south 

east and the quit notice issued by 

Northern youths to the Igbos living 

in the north to leave by October this 

year? 

There are all kinds of agitations in 

the country. I think we will not be 

doing justice to the entire situation 

when we will bring it to the threat of 

the Indigenous People of Biafra and 

the Arewa youths. Even before then 

there had been agitations from 

different parts of the country. We 

should be sincere in dealing with 

these matters and looking at them 

comprehensively. The issue of 

political agitations, the criminal 

aspects of some of the Fulani 

herdsmen and those who may be 

assuming the identity of Fulani 

herdsmen to wreak havoc should be 

dealt with. Criminals seize 

opportunities. Once you create 

opportunities, those with criminal 

minds will seize them. That should 

not take out the fact that there are 

criminal elements amongst the 

Fulani herdsmen that have been 

wreaking havoc throughout the 

length and breadth of this country. 

We also need to deal with the issues 

in the Niger Delta. We need to 

continue to deal with the issues in 

the north east. You see, we have a 

lot of issues in this country and it 

will be wrong to continue to think 

that it is just the problem of IPOB 

and Arewa youths. Arewa Youths is 

just a name who might have come 

from one or two states but because 

of the name, people assume that 

they are relevant. We should avoid 

propelling an issue to make it larger 

C 

M 

YK 

Nigerians ‘ll 

change APC in 2019 

—AHMED MAKARFI 

•Speaks on agitations for Biafra and Arewa 

Youths’ quit notice to Igbos. 

Makarfi spoke before the Supreme Court ruled 

him authentic chairman of PDP 

n this Interview with Ben Agande in Kaduna, former governor of Kaduna state and one of 

I the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi speaks on the face off 

between the senate and the executive arms of government, the quit notice given by Arewa 

youths that Igbos should leave the north and his assessment of the performance of the APC 

government. 

than life instead of minimizing the 

problem. In reporting such issues, 

journalists should not call it what it 

is and not giving it an identity that it 

is not thereby escalating issues. 

Those who do not know but may read 

or hear such things will view them 

from what they read or heard and it 

may not be to the scale that is being 

painted. There may be reaction and 

counter reactions and before you 

know it, we will be creating serious 

problems in the country. We must 

avoid this. 

What worried some people was 

the seeming silence of political 

leaders in the south east before 

As a party, we 

were having all 

kinds of meetings 

without fear of 

anything. As it is 

now, the All 

Progressive 

Congress is even 

afraid of having its 

national executive 

council meeting 

because of what 

the outcome could 

now and the open support given 

by Professor Ango Abdullahi and 

a few others to the Arewa youths 

(cuts in) 

You said a few others. What is 

the population of the north? When 

did the issue of Arewa youths 

happen and for how long has the 

IPOB agitation been going on? 

Unfair reportage and reaction 

creates a country reaction that is 

not good for this country. I am 

absolutely sure that the 

overwhelming majority of the 

people in the north were not in 

support of the statement of the 

Arewa youths when it was issued. 

The constituted authorities, the 

state governor, Nasir El Rufai and 

the chairman of the Northern 

Governors Forum reacted 

immediately. When they reacted, 

the rest of the country should have 

let the matter stop at that point 

and even commended them and 

also commented on things that are 

happening at their own back yard. 

But the reaction from the 

constituted authorities was 

completely ignored and emphasis 

was placed on the statement from 

the Arewa youths as if there was 

no reaction from constituted 

authorities. 

People will react naturally to say 

if leaders have risen to condemn 

the statement as soon as it was 

made yet the other ones have been 

going on for so long and people 

are carrying on as if one was right 

and only the other one was wrong. 

That created a wrong impression. 

Let me give you an instance; if your 

son and another person’s son were 

fighting and you arrived at the 

scene at the same time and 

without investigation, you pulled 

out your son and started scolding 

him that why should he be 

fighting, you expect the other 

parent to scold his own child or 

take him away. But when he leaves 

his own child and joins you in 

scolding your own, how will you 

react? That was the mistake that 

was made. It is good that leaders 

from all over the country have 

woken up and have seen the 

dangers in allowing these things 

to escalate and are reacting in a 

manner that we should all have 

reacted long ago. We should 

rather commend the leaders in the 

north for condemning the 

statement of the Arewa youths. If 

we had done this long ago, we 

should not have gotten to where 

we are. 

Agitations have always been 

going on in this country but there 

seems to be an escalation with 

the coming in of this 

government. What is this 

government not doing right? 

It is a government that has been 

unsettled right from day one. The 

Peoples Democratic Party 

government had glimpses of 

problems with the legislature 

which were resolved within a very 

reasonable time. Since this 

government came into office, it 

has virtually been at logger heads 

with the national assembly. That 

does not create conducive 

atmosphere within the All 

Progressive Congress. 

As a party, we were having all 

kinds of meetings without fear of 

anything. As it is now, the All 

Progressive Congress is even 

afraid of having its national 

executive council meeting 

because of what the outcome 

could be. It is a party of strange 

bed fellows and when you have 

that kind of situation, the outcome 

is what we are having now. 

Nigeria should take note. 

But the APC claims that they 

are reaping from the years of 

bad governance of the PDP. 

Excuses, upon excuses. They 

should know that they are no 

longer in opposition now. People 

elected them because they 

thought they would do better. If 

the people did not think they 

would do better than the PDP, we 

would have won. Having been 

given that confidence, they 

should not say that ‘oh we did not 

know it was going to be that 

tough. Governance under 

whatever circumstance is not easy. 

As a former senator, what is 

your view on the ongoing face 

off between the senate and the 

executive arm of government 

over the confirmation of Ibrahim 

Magu as the chairman of the 

Economic and Financial Crimes 

Commission? 

It has been seriously over 

politicized, which is quite 

unfortunate. The statements 

coming out from both parties are 

not helpful. Everybody knows that 

the senate has the powers to 

confirm certain appointments, 

whether as provided by the 

constitution or any other act of 

be Continues on pg 18


BIAFRA: 

From Monologue To Dialogue 

And Getting To Yes? 

BY M AGNUS ONYIBE 

The separatist politics of 

MASSOB-Movement for the 

Actualization of the Sovereign 

State of Biafra led by Ralph 

Uwazurike which has birthed 

Indigenous People Of 

Biafra,IPOB, now branded 

BIAFRA EXIT and driven by 

Nnamdi Kanu, started slowly. 

But now the row has picked up 

so much steam that it appears as 

if the dreadful Bosnia- 

Herzegovina ethnic cleansing in 

Yugoslavia, and the Tutsi-Hutsi 

internecine in Rwanda which is the 

African equivalent, is about to be 

re-enacted in Nigeria, if superior 

reasoning from elders does not 

prevail over the emotional 

outburst by aggrieved youths from 

both the eastern and northern 

flanks of Nigeria. 

As the cry for Partitioning of 

Nigeria along ethnic, cultural and 

religious lines , which mimics the 

Partitioning of Africa amongst 

European countries during the 

Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 , 

grows louder, it is pertinent to note 

that the conflict is being fuelled 

by policies steeped in politics, as 

opposed to equity and justice. 

Which is why allowing the lgbo 

agitation in particular and 

similar self determination 

struggles amongst the 

multifarious ethnic nationalities 

in Nigeria to remain a monologue 

rather than a dialogue, has been 

dangerous, if not reckless . 

And it is therefore very 

heartening that both the 

presidency and the National 

Assembly, NASS are now 

weighing in with a view to 

resolving the conflict as evidenced 

by recent consultations and 

media comments from both acting 

president, Yemi Osinbajo and 

senate president, Bukola Saraki. 

l’m pretty convinced that like the 

duo, it has dawned on most 

Nigerians that disputes related to 

ethnic nationalism can no longer 

be attended to via the surfeit of 

window dressing measures that 

have been the attitude of 

authorities in Nigeria. 

In other words when such rifts 

are allowed to fester, they could 

be likened to wounds that soon 

degenerate into sores, only 

because they were left unattended 

The late Biafran 

leader, 

Odimegwu 

Ojukwu probably 

went to war in 

1967 because of 

the absence of a 

democratic 

forum such as 

NASS to square 

up with other 

political actors 

through political 

horse trading 

to, as is currently the case 

with Biafra. 

To understand the origin of 

the schism which is fast 

becoming a sort of cul-de-sac 

, we need to interrogate the 

remote and immediate 

causes of the previous 

agitation for the nation of 

Biafra (50 years ago) that 

resulted in a 30 months civil 

war (1967- 1970) and the 

current cacophony of voices 

amongst the over 250 major 

and minor tongues and 

tribes now issuing 

ultimatums to each other to 

exit their domains. 

The allure of forming their 

separate countries along 

ethnic, cultural and religious 

colorations, may seem so 

appealing, but the pertinent 

questions that the 

proponents of breaking away 

from Nigeria or those 

expelling their compatriots 

from their land should ask 

themselves is: are the 

attractions ephemeral or 

real? Subjected to critical 

thinking, the proponents of 

BRAFRA EXIT and issuers of 

QUIT NOTICE TO THE IGBOS 

would realize that such behaviou 

rs are emotional for the former, 

as it is irrational for the latter. 

This is more so because it has 

been proven in this age of 

globalization that due to 

economics of scale, nations are 

greater when they have high 

populations as evidenced by 

China and India, the most 

populous countries( over one 

billion each) that are also the 

fastest growing economies in the 

world. 

Despite their apparent 

marginalization in appointments 

into public offices, the lgbos 

flourish in business all over 

Nigeria and beyond. 

As the saying goes, necessity is 

the mother of invention. 

So by and large, commerce and 

industry have become the lgbo’s 

Unique Selling Point,USP or an 

area that they have comparative 

advantage over other members of 

the Union of Nigeria. They need a 

large territory and population-not 

a miniaturized country of perhaps 

less than (40m) and landlockedto 

sustain their flourishing trade. 

Having found their niche in 

business, l can’t help but wonder 

what has happened now that has 

not occurred in the past that has 

ignited the new Biafra agitation 

that makes the lgbos appear to be 

ignoring the sad misadventure 

that precipitated the thirty months 

war that claimed the lives of 

three,3 million people-mostly 

children and women. 

In my considered opinion, the 

quest for political power should 

be left to politicians in the 

National Assembly , NASS, 

ministers and governors to carry 

on because those are the 

appropriate platforms in a 

civilized society for doing such 

battles. 

The late Biafran leader, 

Odimegwu Ojukwu probably 

went to war in 1967 because of 

the absence of a democratic 

forum such as NASS to square up 

with other political actors through 

political horse trading etc. In the 

absence of a democratic platform, 

both Gowon and Ojukwu went 

to Aburi, Ghana for a dentete , and 

failure to implement the 

agreement reached resulted in the 

unfortunate civil war. 

As lgbos are known to be 

politically sagacious, why resort 

to trading of threat, vitriolic and 

violence as a panacea to their 

marginalization ? Let the men of 

timber and caliber in the hallowed 

chambers of congress and other 

such fora wear their thinking caps 

and slug it out with their 

contemporaries from the north. 

That’s on one hand. 

On the other hand, it is such a 

contradiction that the Hausa/ 

Fulani or northerners that fought 

doggedly to ensure that Nigeria 

did not disintegrate and thus were 

in the forefront of the war to 

restrain the lgbos from breaking 

away half a century ago, that are 

now issuing quit notice to the 

same easterners that they fought 

so hard to restrain. I can recall 

the mantra of Nigerian army 

during the war. “To Keep Nigeria 

As One Is A Task That Must Be 

Done” 

That message was constantly in 

the airwaves during the war . 

There was even a fun one: Go-On- 

With-One-Nigeria-GOWON 

which resonated with the youths 

across country .It was coined 

from the alphabets in the surname 

of then military head of state, 

Yakubu GOWON. 

Does the new attitude by the 

Arewa youths ( some of whom are 

offsprings of northern soldiers 

who dominated the military in 

those days) that fought in the war 

imply that those slogans that their 

parents were so passionate 

about,have no value anymore? 

What has changed so terribly 

badly that warranted a 360 degree 

U-Turn around to the extent of 

issuing the lgbos an ultimatum to 

quit by the Arewas? 

Assuming the Arewa youths 

suddenly discovered that their 

fathers made a mistake to have 

fought to make Nigeria one about 

half a century ago, what is the 

raison detre for the hurry to drive 

away the lgbos by force through 

an unrealistic ultimatum of 90 

days? 

Interestingly, the second part of 

the Arewa youths order which is 

that a referendum should be 

conducted in in Nigeria in my 

view is what should be pursued 

with greater vigor. But that aspect 

seems to have been lost in 

translation. 

So l wonder why commentators 

are ignoring the second 

ultimatum given by the Arewa 

youths which is a referendum for 

all Nigerians to decide whether 

they want to remain in Nigeria or 

not. 

At least both the Arewa youths 

and IPOB agree on that as the duo 

called for referendum and self 

determination respectively, which 

in my view are the same, except 

that they referred to same 

principle by two different names. 

Now, the main issue creating the 

rift between the lgbo and Arewa 

youths , in my view, are the 

language and attitude employed 

or deployed in conveying the same 

message. 

My understanding is that the 

Arewa youths are offended by the 

vitriolic language employed by 

the lgbo youths especially the 

IPOB leader, Kanu hence their 

angst and subsequent quit order 

to the lgbos otherwise they appear 

to have acquiesced with the desire 

by some lgbos (not all) to pull out 

of Nigeria. 

Obviously trading of barbs don’t 

seat well with Arewa people and 

this is underpinned by some 

cultural and religious trappings. 

On the flip side, yapping or 

calling out each other is a favorite 

past time of the average easterner 

or lgbo. You can witness that in 

Aba or Alaba markets in Abia or 

lagos states where the traders 

exchange banters and in the 

process sometimes harass the 

weak, especially women. 

Unlike the Arewas, the Yorubas 

are indifferent or more tolerant of 

the exchange of vitriolic or barbs 

and very accommodating of none 

indigenes, hence they are not as 

perturbed or incensed by the 

alleged Nnamdi Kanu lambasting 

of members of other ethnic groups 

in Nigeria as the Arewas. That’s 

not to say that the Omo Oduduwas 

are insensitive to insults,but they 

are more absorbent of such 

insolence , perhaps owing to their 

cosmopolitan nature. 

A testimony to how 

accommodating the Yorubas are 

is the existential reality that there 

are lgbo legislators in lagos state 

just as there are British born 

Nigerians in British parliament. 

Another angle to the conflict is 

that considering the short time 

frame given for the lgbos to quit 

the 19 northern states, some 

analysts have simply narrowed it 

down to the belief that the Arewa 

youths want to strip the lgbos of 

their enormous assets and wealth 

spread all over the north which 

can’t be liquidated within 90 days. 

Although l don’t subscribe to 

such pedantic reasoning, 

nevertheless, the motive behind 

such unrealistic demand can’t be 

ignored. So l’m curious to find out 

if the quit notice is mere red 

herring or it carries the grievous 

consequences of enforcement, if 

the lgbos fail to comply. 

In my view, the latter is the case 

because, the Arewa youths have 

come out to deny the claim that 

they are threatening violence or 

proposing a war, plus they also 

like the lgbos demanded a 

referendum. 

Understandably, the lgbos have 

every reason to be worried. And it 

would be foolhardy not to take the 

threat for granted, given their 

previous tragic experiences of 

being killed in the north under 

similar circumstances before the 

war in the 1960s and during 

maitasine religions insurrections 

as well as Boko haram insurgency 

, they can’t be too careful. By the 

same token, l have the notion that 

the general belief amongst lgbo 

intelligentsia was to use the 

invocation of the spirit of Biafra 

to bring the federal govt to the 

negotiation table fora negotiated 

restructuring. 

I suspect that was the mission of 

MASSOB, but like a genie out of 

the bottle,Kanu’s IPOB which 

sprang forth from it, developed a 

Continues on page 18 

C 

M 

Y 

K


BIAFRA: From Monologue To 

Dialogue And Getting To Yes? 

Continues from page 17 

life of its own. From experience, 

that’s what happens to most 

convoluted or decoy intentions. 

They go rogue and turn sinister. See 

what became of Boko haram. 

Now, it behoves of our 

intelligence agencies like the DSS 

to infiltrate the system with a view 

to extract vital facts and analyzing 

same to unravel the true state of 

affairs. I believe the organization 

has the human resources (not sure 

of the material resources) to 

achieve that objective if it makes it 

a mission. 

Nevertheless , there is need to dig 

deeper into the underlying 

practical issues with project 

Nigeria by weighing some policies 

of govt, before and after the civil 

war , against the politics that 

informed the policies and 

principles on which Nigeria now 

operates. 

That is necessary to prevent 

Nigeria from disintegration, as 

country now looks more like the 

character from the kindergarten 

carton rhyme, Humpty Dumpty 

which sat on a wall , and had a 

great fall. 

How long will the authorities in 

Nevertheless , there is 

need to dig deeper into 

the underlying 

practical issues with 

project Nigeria by 

weighing some 

policies of govt, before 

and after the civil war , 

against the politics that 

informed the policies 

and principles on 

which Nigeria now 

operates 

Nigeria continue to sit or stand on 

the wall of indecision and watch 

the country become densely 

populated by dissatisfied citizens 

to the extent that the nation is now 

on the brinks of a break up, if 

appropriate measures are not 

taken ? 

Let’s attempt to dig beyond the 

veneer by identifying some of the 

policies which the secessionist 

Biafrans have cited as being 

responsible for their decision to 

break away and why the irreverent 

Arewa youths have issued them 

quit notice. 

We commence by looking at the 

issues from the prism of Biafra 

agitators. 

Although the lgbos lost the 

Biafran war 50 years ago, the desire 

to be separated from Nigeria never 

died and apart from the no victor, 

no vanquished policy after the war, 

and the federal character principle 

enshrined in the 1999 constitution, 

not much was done by the authorities 

to address the grouse of the agitators, 

so they have remained very bitter . 

As it has now turned out,even the 

measures like Federal Character 

Commission, FCC established by 

statue to create national balance, are 

being regarded as mere cosmetics, 

especially in the present 

dispensation(Google my published 

article in vanguard newspaper and 

online titled REPUBLIC OF 

INEQUALITY?). 

Rather than engaging in soul 

searching with a view to reviewing the 

cause or causes of the war to ensure 

that equity and justice prevailed, it 

would appear that the lgbos were left 

in a lurch after the war. 

And that’s the crux of the matter and 

why Biafran zealots still abound. 

Regrettably, it would appear that the 

military which yielded power to 

civilians some seventeen,17 years ago, 

managed the anger of the lgbos better 

than current politicians, particularly 

in the past two years. 

President Muhamadu Buhari’s 

Freudian slip in the USA where in 

response to a reporter’s question he 

reportedly stated that he would favour 

the 97% in other parts of the country 

who voted for him over the 5% 

easterners, stoked the fire of 

separatism amongst the easterners 

who feel left out. 

Under former presidents Olusegun 

Obasanjo (1999-2007) and late 

Umaru Yar’Adua (2007-10) through 

to Goodluck Jonathan (2010-2015) 

the lgbo angst was ebbing, principally 

due to the fact those presidents were 

more conscious of the need for ethnic 

and regional balancing in the 

appointments of people into national 

offices as affirmed by the Federal 

Character Commission. 

However in the current 

dispensation, there appears to be a 

flagrant disregard for the FCC policy 

enshrined in the 1999 constitution by 

the authorities. 

Take the appointment of military 

service chiefs for instance. 

Not the army, navy, Airforce or even 

the police force has anybody of lgbo 

extraction in charge, yet the lgbo 

nation is one leg of the tripod (three 

major tribes) that Nigeria stands on. 

The only appointment that maybe 

deemed close to lgboland is that of 

the chief of naval staff, Ekwe Ite-Ibas 

who is from cross rivers state. 

Such a policy which is against the 

spirit and letter of the federal character 

policy only further alienated the 

lgbos. 

Even the military that is autocratic 

in nature was not that insensitive to 

the provisions of FCC . 

From Ebitu Ukiwe to Ndubuisi 

Kanu, as members of the supreme 

military council to Amadi Igwueche 

and Allison Madueke as military 

service chiefs, the military regimes did 

their best to be democratic by applying 

ethnic balancing tenets in 

appointments into critical positions at 

the national level. 

Conversely, there is also the narrative 

from the northern perspective which 

is a justification for the current claim 

of hegemonic moves by the hausa/ 

Fulani which is alleged to be 

undermining the rest of Nigeria and 

particularly, the east. 

And the simple reason for the current 

hankering over the policy of self 

perpetuation and entrenchment of 

northerners in government via 

apparent lopsided appointments into 

public offices at the national level, 

derives from their sordid past 

experience. 

It may be recalled that the 1966 

coup was alleged to have been led by 

lgbo officers who assassinated northern 

leaders such as Abubakar Tafawa 

Balewa, Amadu Bello etc and wiped 

out soldiers of northern extraction, 

then spared southern politicians before 

installing an Igbo general, Johnson 

Aguiyi-lronsi, as head of state. The fear 

of the easterners who already excel in 

commerce also taking over the 

bureaucracy is still palpable amongst 

northerners. 

Even after a subsequent counter coup 

led by the northerners a few months 

after, which resulted in the 

assassination of then head of state, 

Ironsi and many other high ranking 

Igbo officers precipitating the civil 

war , the northerners appear not to 

have forgotten the sad experience and 

are therefore doing everything 

possible to avert a future occurrence 

through self perpetuation. 

Be that as it may, Nigerians are 

unanimous that the ridiculous 

Arewa quit notice to the lgbos 

amounts to overreaching themselves 

and overplaying their hands by 

attempting to expel the lgbos by 

threat or cohesion from Nigeria, 

Read more on 

www.vanguardngr.com 


national assembly. That is not in doubt. 

But we know that even if the 

confirmation is done, the president can 

change his mind and still not make that 

appointment. The power of the senate 

stops at confirming and not insisting 

that when it confirms, the appointment 

must be made. The executive has the 

flexibility of powers that maybe only 

through legal processes that can be 

clarified. These are some of the 

excesses in the executive powers that 

can be looked at and maybe through 

legislation, streamlined so that there 

is no confusion down the line. Both 

sides should realize their powers and 

the limit of their powers. 

No matter the power the executive 

or the legislature has, a synergy 

between the two is what produces 

result. I expect both arms of 

government to calm down and see how 

they can work together for the good 

of this country. 

With what is happening, do you 

think Ibrahim Magu will still enjoy 

the confidence of Nigerians to carry 

on with the job? 

There will be varied opinions on this 

because of the over politicization. If I 

were in the senate, the time the 

president resubmitted his name for the 

second time, I would have confirmed 

him. That is my personal view. I don’t 

know the politics hat is going on 

between the senate and the executive 

but we are injuring the institution, we 

are ridiculing the executive, we are 

ridiculing the legislature and at the 

Nigerians ‘ll change APC in 2019 

—AHMED MAKARFI 

end of the day, it is the country 

that will suffer. We need to calm 

down, we need to allow reasons 

to prevail and move ahead. 

Looking at the trend of what 

is going on in this government, 

what should Nigerians expect? 

Change. Nigerians are going 

to change The Change. As I 

mentioned earlier, a political 

party that is afraid to hold an in 

house National Executive 

Committee meeting, how can 

you give it the opportunity to 

lead the country? It may be PDP, 

Of course we have 

our problems in the 

Peoples Democratic 

Party but we still 

meet. By the time we 

resolve our problem, 

we will come 

together stronger. 

We will continue to 

work for PDP 

it may not be PDP. Nigerians 

will change APC in 2019. Of 

course we have our problems 

in the Peoples Democratic 

Party but we still meet. By the 

time we resolve our problem, 

we will come together 

stronger. We will continue to 

work for PDP. 

Whatever the outcome of the 

Supreme Court judgement we 

will abide by it. That is the 

highest court in the land. You 

can only appeal to God. As a 

leader I can say this is what I 

want to do but it is not 

guaranteed that everybody 

will follow me because people 

must have formed their 

position already. 

Including forming the 

Advance Peoples Democratic 

Alliance? 

PDP did not form that party. 

We have been saying this but 

people do not want to listen 

because they have made up 

their mind to believe what they 

want to believe. Of course 

some members of the PDP are 

principal actors in its formation 

but it was not an official project 

of the PDP 

•Makarfi

Managing your mother 

and your spouse 

or this reason a man will leave 

“F his father and mother and 

cleave to his wife, and they will 

become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24- 

25). This statement is so critical to 

the institution of matrimony that 

Jesus amplified it in Matthew 19: 4- 

6. Bible scholars interpret “leave” to 

mean breaking away from your 

parents to establish a new home, 

while “cleave” means being glued 

together so tightly that you become 

one and inseparable. This statement 

should put to rest the squabbles 

between mothers-in-law and 

daughters-in-law, which have torn 

many marriages apart and is still 

threatening many others. But human 

phenomena do not work that way. 

I believe the husband is very 

critical in ensuring that his wife and 

his mother do not put asunder to 

what God has joined together. Very 

important is fairness, firmness and 

a thorough understanding of his 

mother and his wife. For instance, if 

your mother is brash, autocratic and 

domineering, insulate your marriage 

and spouse from her. On the other 

hand, if your spouse is selfish and 

possessive, you need to shield your 

mother from her. Be discreet in your 

interaction with and financial 

support for your mother. That is not 

the best way to relate with your 

mother, but what you need at the 

end of the day is your peace of mind 

and peace in your home. Continue 

to maintain a good relationship with 

your parents, but it should not be to 

the detriment of your spouse. 

There is a time for everything, the 

great King Solomon wrote. A mother 

gives birth to a baby and nourishes 

him into adulthood. That is a long 

time to love and bond. Now he 

moves to another phase of life and 

gets married. That is what Genesis 

2:24-25 is all about. Mothers, do not 

tie your married sons to your apron 

strings. Leave them alone to live their 

lives without your towering presence 

or shadow. The only time you have 

a right to intervene, as I have said 

in a previous article, is if your son’s/ 

daughter’s life is in danger. Only 

foolish parents stand aloof while 

their son’s/daughter’s life is 

endangered in a marriage. 

Otherwise, parents should mind 

their business unless their opinion 

is sought, and let it remain an 

opinion, not an order. Some mothers 

actually ask their daughters the 

performance of their sons-in-law in 

the other room. Why ask? The taste 

of the pudding is in the eating. Go and 

experience it. 

Husbands must at all times protect 

their wives (and vice versa). Do not 

denigrate your spouse before your 

parents or siblings, especially if they 

are selfish or loathe your spouse; it will 

destroy your marriage. Put measures in 

place to make the job of protecting your 

spouse easy. If you do not feel obliged 

to protect your spouse, your marriage 

is dead. What is left is carcass. However, 

I feel protection of spouses should be 

based on fairness, equity and justice. 

Why offend God to please your spouse? 

If your spouse is wrong, while I do not 

support dressing her down in public or 

before your mother, you must privately 

point it out to her. If you do not, you 

are living in deception; you are not 

helping her to become a better person. 

She should also be humble enough to 

apologise to her mother-in-law. If 

refuses to, you must do it on her behalf 

and pray it suffices for your mother. The 

same should apply if your mother is 

wrong. Humility has no age barrier. I 

do not support sweeping problems 

under the carpet and hoping they go 

away. They seldom do, if anything they 

grow worse. 

Do not denigrate your 

spouse before your 

parents or siblings, 

especially if they are 

selfish or loathe your 

spouse 

SATURD 

TURDAY Vanguard, 

JULY 15, 2017—19 

This is Africa; we marry not just our 

spouses, but the family. But we must 

realize that your new family is not an 

extension of the one you are coming 

from. We must learn to balance the 

interest of our nuclear families with 

that of our extended families. The best 

advice I got from my elder brother, 

Fr. Tony, while preparing for marriage 

is that my wife and I should respect 

each other’s family. The fifth 

commandment admonishes 

Christians (African tradition also 

does) to honour our parents. Our 

parents include our parents-in-law. 

We all had pre-existing bonds before 

we got married. Marriage does not 

erode these bonds. So, you do not 

treat your spouse’s parents or family 

like filth and expect peace in your 

home. Even if you cannot love them, 

even though I think you should, 

respect them, be kind to them and be 

patient with them. Many older people 

need patience. If you truly love your 

spouse, you will do everything within 

your power to avoid conflict with his 

mother, because when you don’t, you 

put him in an awkward and difficult 

situation. 

Husbands should let the 

relationship between their wives and 

mothers evolve naturally. Do not force 

or influence it. If they get along, fine: 

if they do not, just ensure their paths 

seldom cross. Notwithstanding the 

nature of the relationship, there 

MUST be mutual respect. Finally, do 

not take your marital issues to the 

court of in-laws. You hardly get justice 

there. The court runs on emotions and 

bias, not equity and fairness. That is 

why churches have sponsors 

(advisers) for new couples and 

marriage advisory councils to handle 

marital issues. The government also 

has customary courts and other organs 

for arbitration on marital issues. 

How to massage your 

organs...slow down aging 

Trunk Raise 

Technique: 

Lie flat on your belly with 

your hands stretched along the 

sides.Now,breathe in deeply 

and raise feet,hands and chest 

off the floor. Hold the position 

for about ten seconds;rest 

awhile and repeat. 

Benefit: 

Trunk Raise, 

strengthens the 

muscles of the 

back,buttocks and 

shoulders. It helps to 

improve double chin. 

The Peacock 

Technique: 

Kneel down and 

place the 

palms on the floor 

about half a foot 

apart,with the fingers 

The Peacock pose on a vehicle 

The Peacock on the floor 

Trunk Raise 

pointing backwards. 

Lower 

the trunk and 

place the forehead 

the floor. 

Now extend 

the legs fully 

and gently 

lift them 

them off the 

ground to 

the same 

level as your 

back and 

then slowly 

raise the 

head up 

from 

the ground.It 

must be 

noted that it's 

the tricepts or 

the muscles at 

the back of the 

arm above the 

elbow that trunk 

rest on. 

Benefit: 

The Peacock is 

said to massage 

the internal 

organs improving 

their functions 

and also 

slows down 

aging process. 

It imparts cardiovascular 

strength without 

over tiring 

the legs.

20—SATURDAY Vanguard,JULY 15, 2017 

Mama is not crying wolf. Jackals 

and hyenas are everywhere. 

Mama Peace says EFCC agents have 

tried to kill her twice. Mama suspects 

they will come again. Mama didn’t go 

to the police. Perhaps she has no 

confidence in them. Her brother, 

Governor Wike said the Inspector 

General wants to kill him. So mama has 

taken her case to the House of 

Representatives. If Mama were not a 

retired Permanent Secretary, I would 

have said she was mixing 

hallucinations with reality. But Mama 

can’t be lying. Permanent secretaries 

are beyond sensational lies. 

So why would the EFCC choose to 

eliminate Mama? Mama has told the 

EFCC to prosecute her if they have any 

evidence against her. She has poked 

fingers in the eyes of the agency, 

literally. The agency has been timid. 

Many believe that against Mama, the 

agency’s hands were tied while its 

mouth was wide open. Mama is 

ebullient. She doesn’t like media trials 

by lily-livered agencies. She kept a few 

billions with her maids and hair 

dressers. She doesn’t see anything 

scandalous in her action. Yes, some of 

them are in foreign currency. Every 

past first lady has hers. She uses these 

little monies, not to buy frivolous bags 

and shoes but, to take care of her 

health. They are legitimate earnings. 

Gifts from a multitude of generous 

friends. She wasn’t the wife of a former 

President of Guinea Bissau. This is the 

land of the Aliko Dangotes. Mama is 

sure the EFCC has tried to kill her. The 

EFCC is amused by mama delusions. 

Well, it sounds ridiculous. But it will 

be utterly rude to conclude that mama 

hired a senior lawyer to package and 

levy wide lies against federal agencies. 

Let’s stretch plausibility a little. We 

should believe her. Mama keeps a few 

things, millions of dollars, with a few 

people. That we now know. It’s not 

impossible that a bad egg in a good 

agency has seen something 

From the Shakespearean account in 

the Merchant of Venice, the 

character, Gratiano consoled his friend, 

Antonio who felt sad because his world 

was coming to an end. In a 

conversation frustrated Antonio said: 

I hold the world, but as the world, 

Gratiano, a stage where every man 

must play a part and mine a sad one. 

Gratiano addressing Antonio said: Let 

me play the fool. With mirth and 

laughter let old wrinkles come. It is a 

choice between laughter and tears. We 

must live with merriment but also 

remind ourselves that a referee has 

signaled the commencement of the 

extra time in the petroleum game. 

Nigeria must avoid the 

underutilization of staff and reduce 

research laggards in our petroleum 

that is mired with corruption, 

inefficiency, and underinvestment. 

That is the message as we joined the 

Group Managing Director, GMD of the 

NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru who 

celebrated his one year in office last 

week July 4. Commending him for a 

job well done in a 25-minute podcast 

cataloguing his modest achievements 

is also to ask more questions. 

Asking what the problem is expands 

the frontiers of knowledge to squeeze 

more revenue from each barrel if we 

are more efficient. From data available 

one has observingly evaluated and also 

reminds the GMD of a memo in July 

2016. The three-page checklist to Baru 

and published on this column was to 

reengineer NNPC, excerpt of which 

read: “ Environmentalists continue to 

pile on the pressures for global fuel 

efficient technologies to conserve 

energy and reduce greenhouse 

emissions using renewable and 

alternative energies including solar, 

geothermal, and nuclear energy 

sources.” 

But the story line of last week, July 

5 which headlines were more like 

Is Mama Patience Fak 

aka 

Jonathan really crying wolf? 

somewhere. And he could have 

come up with funny ideas of 

doing something quick, and 

then blowing a whistle. What 

other reason would an EFFC 

agent, who isn’t mad, have for 

assassinating Mama? The EFCC 

prides only in convictions and 

recoveries. The EFCC is not 

SARS. But it appears Mama has 

other complaints. 

Mama says the NDLEA are 

after her too. Why would the 

NDLEA waste taxpayers funds 

snooping mama. Mama is a 

retired permanent secretary and 

not a retired drug dealer. 

Everyone knows that Ribadu has 

cleared Mama of all suspected 

associations with money 

laundering. The nation’s youths 

have taken to drugs. All kinds 

of drugs and stimulants are now 

freely used by the youths. 

Commercial drivers drive with 

pockets filled with bitters and 

strong alcohols repackaged in 

user friendly sachets. Drug 

companies import raw materials 

and sell them on the street as end 

products to bend minds. The 

NDLEA was once everywhere. 

It’s now nowhere. Why then 

should the NDLEA leave its job 

undone only to trouble a retired 

pensioner? The NDLEA has 

denied investigating the former 

mother of the nation. So are we 

Volv 

olvo’s o’s injury y time for 

petroleum 

fictional narratives, was that automaker 

Volvo announced changes in the 

structure of production technology and 

innovation from internal combustion 

engine, ICE vehicle to electric vehicle. 

It tended to bring to fruition Thomas 

Edison’s thought on oil and solar 

(renewable) energy in the 19 th century 

when he put his bet: “I’d put my money 

on the sun and solar energy. What a 

source of power! I hope we don’t have 

to wait until oil and coal run out before 

we tackle that.” Edison’s reasoning for 

alternative to fossil fuel was not given a 

Major automakers, including 

Renault-Nissan, 

BMW and VW, have 

intentions to consign 

petroleum to geological 

history in two decades 

supposed to believe mama is 

whipping up sentiments? But Mama 

is not a liar. 

Mama is also troubled by the FIRS. 

She said they stormed her spa and 

Papa doesn’t 

have to be a 

strong husband 

to bark at people 

running after his 

wife like a pack 

of wolves 

carted away documents. Mama has 

suffered. FIRS is pretending to be a 

no respecter of persons. All agencies 

uniformed and ununiformed are now 

all chasing mama from pillar to post. 

But, why mama? Why always her? 

What has mama done? Where is 

papa? What kind of an African man 

keeps quiet while his wife is being 

hounded? Wole Soyinka once said 

Papa was a weak husband. I didn’t 

thought then because revenue 

generated from petroleum tax was 

more attractive. 

For their money Edison was 

misunderstood when he announced 

that renewable energy and not oil was 

the future. His quest for innovation 

and the dependence on fossil fuels 

drove him to think about solutions in 

inexhaustible natural energy. He 

developed a suitable storage battery 

that could power what was the first 

electric car in 1912. The system 

Edison developed in the auto 

industry was abandoned for the 

gasoline-powered internal 

combustion engine which cost was 

half the price of his electric car valued 

then at between US$500 and US$750. 

Volvo announced that the internal 

combustion engine that powers our 

vehicles since the 1870 second 

industrial revolution would be 

phased out from 2019. The Swedish 

carmaker was purchased by Chinese 

carmaker Geely in 2010. But the latest 

fanfare has not brought down the 

price of the future Volvo cars. The 

basic plug-in hybrid version of its 

XC90 SUV crossover costs £61,650, 

£13,250 more than the basic diesel 

version. 

Although the economic viability of 

the electric vehicle is still in doubt, 

agree then. That was when Mama 

was making enemies for Papa 

recklessly. Now Mama is the prey 

and not the predator. Papa has a 

moral duty to protect and defend 

Mama. Papa doesn’t have to be a 

strong husband to bark at people 

running after his wife like a pack of 

wolves. Even weak dogs bark and 

run away. Yes, Papa is a humble, self 

effacing man. But how can he take 

this humiliation. Does he think mama 

is telling white lies? He should speak 

for mama even if mama has employed 

some truthful hyperbole. 

Mama says her properties have 

been ransacked. And that she has 

been trailed by hired assassins. It 

sounds outlandish. Why would these 

people leave papa to pursue an 

innocent hardworking woman? But 

since they wouldn’t go near papa and 

papa wouldn’t bark at them, I have 

an advice for mama. Mama, pack your 

things and hand over to papa and stay 

with papa. 

Papa is peace loving. He is a hero. 

He conceded an election he lost. His 

grieving supporters ridicule him for 

his meekness. No one knows the 

terms of the pact that has kept him 

immune from troubles. Those who 

mock him may be uninformed. But 

they insist he would have reacted 

differently if it were a certain former 

oil minister that was crying like 

Mama. People can say what they like. 

Ebele Azikiwe is not an Abiola. Papa 

is happy enjoying his freedom and 

sipping his soft drinks. Papa please 

teach Mama how to handle your 

challenges. 

But if they can’t touch the goose, 

they should leave the gander. Gender 

equality. If they want only the eggs, 

mama ask papa if it was the 

agreement. If it was agreed that these 

kinds of eggs should be quietly 

returned or taken, then let them take 

the eggs. You will never run out of 

eggs. This is not Papua New Guinea. 

Volvo chief executive officer, Håkan 

Samuelsson announced the end of 

the solely combustion enginepowered 

car.” All new cars produced 

by Volvo from 2019 onwards will be 

partially or completely batterypowered. 

They will range from 

battery-only to plug-in hybrid— 

which can run for a significant 

distance before switching to petrol or 

diesel—and mild hybrids, where a 

battery helps a conventional engine 

achieve greater fuel economy. Volvo 

plans to sell a total of one million 

electrified cars by 2025. 

Major automakers, including 

Renault-Nissan, BMW and VW, have 

intentions to consign petroleum to 

geological history in two decades. 

The VW emissions scandal gave 

added impetus for companies to focus 

on the technology, as policy makers 

and environmental activists 

increasingly blamed diesel for cities’ 

air quality problems. The German 

Bundesrat, Legislative body last year 

approved the ban on internal 

combustion engines, ICE arguing 

that the current lower costs for 

gasoline and diesel cars are 

detrimental when trying to encourage 

buyers from switching to zero 

emission cars. It is to encourage 

Germany’s world car manufacturers 

including BMW, Porsche, Audi, 

Mercedes and Volkswagen to 

advance in the development of 

electric vehicles. 

The G7/G20 countries have almost 

had a definite stoppage time for 

petroleum to tackle orchestrated 

climate change with generous 

government grants to support 

research and subsidies for electric 

vehicle manufacturers and drivers. 

There are over two million electric 

cars worldwide by the end of 2016. 

No more time for merry making.

I 

once bought a pair of trousers 

when coming from a trip for 

someone who worked with me. He 

thanked me profusely for the gesture, 

but regretted he could not accept the 

gift because his religion forbade it. It 

turned out there is a white garment 

church where the worshippers don’t 

wear anything in black or red as they 

claim the two colours signify mourning 

and hardship. I like black and I cannot 

imagine my wardrobe without black 

trousers and tops. But then, each to 

his own. There are those who don’t 

wear jewelleries or any form of 

ornaments because they are things of 

the world. There are those who don’t 

watch television for fear of its 

corrupting influences. Each church 

has its idiosyncrasies from the use of 

holy water, to the use of salt and sugar 

or even brooms and handkerchiefs. 

Each church has its own order of 

worship. Each church has its own 

structure. While it is true that many of 

us are born into which ever church we 

find ourselves; it is also true that we 

have a choice which is to leave the 

church if we find the mode of 

worship—or structure—uncomfortable. 

It’s a choice many of us have exercised. 

The church will not change for us, so 

we will have to change for the church; 

or find another church. 

It is one of the reasons I find the 

stand-off in the Ahiara-Mbaise 

Catholic Diocese in Imo State 

confounding. For four good years, 

some priests, yes priests, and the Laity 

have refused the Bishop appointed for 

them by the church on the ground that 

he was not a native of their community. 

They claim that they have over 700 

priests and a bishop should be picked 

from them. The first question is to ask 

whether that is the norm and if the 

Catholic Church had made an 

exemption in their case. The simple 

answer to that question is negative. 

There is no law—or convention for that 

matter—that says the Church should 

pick a Bishop from a community. In 

fact, the contrary seems to be the norm. 

Even the church, despite some 

advantages in having a local priest, is 

not obliged to pick parish priests from 

Devotees of wild life television 

programmes know very well the 

hatred lions have for hyenas and 

jackals. It is that deep-seated mutual 

animosity that First Lady Aisha Buhari 

and Senator Shehu Sani drew on to 

illustrate the seemingly bestial 

inclination of the Nigerian political 

class. 

Hyenas and jackals move in packs 

and would use their numbers to steal 

food from most animals that come their 

way. However, they almost always beat 

a retreat when a lion pride appears. 

But not always. 

In his posting on Mrs. Buhari’s 

Facebook page, Sani observed that with 

the lion king away, that the hyenas and 

jackals are now trampling on other 

animals and whispering that the lion 

may not come back. 

However, Sani’s claim that it is the 

wish of the hyenas and the jackals that 

the lion does not return can be easily 

disputed. Unless Senator Sani wants 

us to believe that Acting President Yemi 

Osinbajo has been incorporated by the 

cabal which everyone knows is not true. 

However, some have said that Sani 

could be referring to a hyena operating 

in his native Kaduna with whom he 

has been at odds with since 2015. The 

claim is that Sani was passing a 

message to the sleeping lion that the 

hyena whom everyone had believed to 

be respectful and differential to the 

lion king is not really so. Sani’s 

supposition is that the Kaduna hyena 

is wishing to benefit from the 

permanent absence of the lion king 

with a promotion to Abuja to become 

the deputy lion-king. 

Time to practice what you preach 

(or once preached) 

the community. Besides, a local 

priest can easily be compromised by 

an overzealous laity like the one in 

Ahiara. In any case, the church does 

not patronise zoning or quota system. 

It also does not subscribe to ‘he is our 

son. Let him do it.’ Every parishioner 

knows this or should. Every priest 

certainly does. 

The Catholic Church is highly 

hierarchical and structured. No 

organisation can survive the 

turbulence the church has survived 

over the centuries without evolving 

an enduring structure. I am told the 

hierarchical discipline within the 

church can only be likened to that of 

the military. For example, an associate 

parish priest is not expected to 

publicly disagree with his parish 

priest and a Bishop is treated with so 

much reverence. A Cardinal 

irrespective of colour, is treated like 

a demi god anywhere in the Catholic 

world. This structure, this respect for 

constituted authority, is the glue that 

has bound the Catholic Church 

together over the years. It is the 

distinguishing fabric, the ‘aso-ebi’ 

that characterises the Catholic 

Church. It is this authority, this glue 

that the Diocese in Ahiara has 

challenged for the past four years. 

The unfortunate thing is that it is 

this same authority that gives the 

priests the respect they get from the 

parishioners. The authority with 

which a priest hears confession and 

absolves sins is derived from the 

church. The authority with which a 

SATURDAY Vanguard, , JULY 15, 2017—21 

moral and spiritual authority of even 

their own priesthood. On another 

level, how do you want to be respected 

as a priest if you do not respect your 

Bishop. It is like a governor Fayose 

who wants to be respected as a 

governor but continuously insults the 

President. Or a Senate which wants to 

be respected as an institution but 

shows disrespect to every other 

institution. You are either a Catholic 

priest who abides by the doctrine of 

the church or you are just another 

pastor. 

Finally, any priest who has ever 

mounted the pulpit must have 

preached the virtues of humility, 

obedience to constituted authority and 

faith because they are cardinal to 

Christianity and because all the great 

prophets, including Jesus the son of 

God and the founder of Christendom, 

exhibited these three virtues. Jesus 

was said to be obedient unto death, 

even death on the cross. Prophet 

Samuel told King Saul while striping 

him of his crown that ‘to obey is better 

than sacrifice.’ Furthermore, pride and 

intemperate anger are regarded as 

mortal sins in the Catholic Church. It 

is alleged that pride caused the 

downfall of the arch-angel Lucifer. The 

priests in Mbaise diocese have clearly 

departed from what they preach or used 

to preach because I don’t see how they 

can now mount the pulpit and preach 

these virtues in all conscience. And by 

allowing the carnal to subsume the 

spiritual, they have led the laity astray. 

Worse, in their home grown quest for 

justice and fair representation, they 

have employed words and actions that 

have dented the image of their 

community and the universality of the 

church. They have been obdurate, 

intemperate and disobedient. They 

might not know it, but they have 

actually moved themselves away from 

the Catholic faith. 

Irrespective of what Rome decides, 

these priests should go back to the 

seminary to re-learn the basics of 

priesthood. Nobody has the right to be 

a priest. Nobody has the right to be a 

bishop. Just as there is no career 

organogram that leads to an office in 

Rome. 

priest turns ordinary bread into the 

body of Christ and ordinary wine into 

the blood of Christ just by mumbling a 

few words is derived from the church. 

That is what differentiates them from 

you and I or even pastors from other 

Christian denominations. The 

parishioners have implicit faith in the 

authority reposed in the priests; just as 

they have implicit faith in the authority 

reposed in the Pope as the 

representative of Peter in whom Christ 

The priests in Mbaise diocese 

have clearly departed from 

what they preach or used to 

preach because I don’t see 

how they can now mount the 

pulpit and preach these 

virtues in all conscience 

gave the keys to His Kingdom. And 

when the Pope pronounces on anything 

within the Church, it is regarded as law. 

Hence the famous maxim ‘Rome has 

spoken, case is finished’ or words to 

that effect. To challenge that moral and 

spiritual authority of the church which 

is what some priests and the laity of 

Ahiara-Mbaise Catholic Diocese seem 

to be doing, is to challenge one of the 

important pillars on which the Catholic 

Church stands. It is to challenge the 

Hyenas in our midst 

The pursuit of Senator 

Bukola Saraki as seen in 

the pursuit of his wife, 

the arraignment at the 

Code of Conduct 

Tribunal and the 

desperation to even 

arraign him for forgery 

when he was not even in 

a position to forge the 

Senate Rule Book would 

show a hyena’s 

desperation to exhaust a 

prey 

Devotees of wild life programme also 

know that when a lion is tired, weak or 

encumbered by ill-health or whatever, 

it is incapable of doing much to stop 

hyenas from trampling on fellow 

animals. 

Hyenas are indeed opportunistic 

scavengers who will steal food from any 

other animal including lions, especially 

if the lion is weakened by ill-health as 

is the case in the Nigerian animal 

kingdom. 

Sani would want us to believe that the 

hyenas in Nigeria have stolen political 

power from the lion king after the 

genuine canvassers campaigned to 

enthrone the lion as king. 

As Mrs. Buhari said last year, those 

who did not campaign for Buhari are 

the ones in government. The cabal as 

she insinuated, had like hyenas, stolen 

political power from those who 

campaigned for her husband. 

Another feature of hyenas is that they 

do not give up in their chase of prey. 

Hyenas will pursue a prey for miles to 

the point of exhaustion and use several 

tactics to get at their prey. 

The pursuit of Senator Bukola Saraki 

as seen in the questioning of his wife, 

his arraignment at the Code of Conduct 

Tribunal, and the desperation to even 

arraign him for forgery when he was 

not even in a position to forge the 

Senate Rule Book would show a 

hyena’s desperation to exhaust a prey. 

The unprecedented decision of the 

Federal Government to lodge an 

appeal against Saraki’s acquittal by the 

Code of Conduct Tribunal is also 

indicative of the hyena’s desperation 

to pursue its prey to exhaustion. 

Another tactic of hyenas is to use 

their strong jaws to attack preys from 

their weak sides. They often start 

eating their prey from the backside 

while still alive. 

God help you in Nigeria if hyenas 

set their sight on you and you are weak 

on ethics or morals! If you as a 

government official accept a wristwatch 

as a gift, drink tea with contractors or 

commit the simplest infraction, you 

become food for the hyenas! 

Another feature of hyenas is that as 

they devour their prey alive, they make 

noise probably out of excitement. 

The noise from the hyenas now 

feeding on their prey in Nigeria could 

sooner or later rouse the Nigerian lionking 

from sleep. When the lion rises, 

he has two options; either to pursue 

the hyenas out of the kingdom or to 

surrender his kingdom to the hyenas. 

The second option is often chosen if 

the hyena pack is strong enough and 

views the lion as too weak to fight back! 

C 

M 

Y 

K


That South-East, South-South 

rapprochement 

hings are taking shape and at the 

Tend I am sure the country will be 

smelling sweeter. The recent moves 

by different geo-political zones of 

Southern Nigeria show that with one 

voice, so much will be achieved. 

It is interesting to see South-East 

governors jaw jaw with their South- 

South counterparts. There is a thin 

line of difference between the Igbo 

and their Ijaw, Ibibio, Annang, Efik 

and Ogoni brothers. They were 

together in the old Eastern region and 

understand themselves so very well. 

The different Edo groups also share 

a lot in common with the Igbo even if 

they were part of the Western region 

and later Midwestern region. The 

Urhobo and Isoko may not feel the 

same way, but fact is that within Ndi 

Oshimili and Ukwuani, you will see 

the links. Now is time to put politics 

aside and work together to ensure 

sanity in the polity. 

The civil war divided the South and 

it is taking this long to come together 

once again because that is the only 

way to keep this country breathing 

again. Our nation is on life support, 

let us not shy away from the truth. And 

if our leaders do not get it right now, 

they will not have anyone to lead. They 

may be signing their death warrant. 

And we must not allow some of our 

elders to continue to sow the seed of 

discord. General David Akpode Ejoor 

keeps me thinking anytime he attacks 

the Igbo because of the January 15, 

1966 coup. It should be noted that at 

no time did the Igbo as an ethnic 

nationality sit down to plan that 

military take over. 

Gen. Ejoor must be told that one of 

the plotters, an Igbo, later 

confessed that their plan was to 

release Chief Obafemi Awolowo 

from prison, appoint him Prime 

minister and make then Lt. Col. 

Ejoor, Chief of Army Staff. And the 

Urhobo Chief has failed to note that 

one of the subalterns was Second 

Lieutenant Harris Eghagha, his 

kinsman. 

It is strange that Gen. Ejoor 

prefers the humiliation his junior, 

General Yakubu Gowon, meted out 

to him to the lift the so called Igbo 

brothers wanted to give him. Gowon 

joined the Army in 1954, and was 

commissioned in December 1956. 

Ejoor enlisted on November 15, 

1953 and was commissioned on July 

27, 1956 with officer number N.17. 

As Head of State, Gowon 

appointed Joe Akahan, Army Chief 

in November 1966. An officer with 

number N.98 whose career began 

on September 4, 1957 and was 

commissioned on February 11, 1959 

spent only seven years to head the 

Army. After Akahan came Iliya 

Bisalla who was commissioned in 

1960.Hassan Katsina, 

commissioned in 1958, succeeded 

Bisalla. It was after Hassan that 

Gowon considered Ejoor fit to lead 

the Army. 

The Igbo majors were wrong in 

looking the way of Ejoor in 1966, if 

they wanted to follow the rules. And 

one could be right to say that 

probably was their reason for 

eliminating such tough seniors as 

Brigadiers Samuel Ademulegun, 

Zakariya Maimalari, Colonels Raph 

Sodeinde, Kuru Mohammed and 

Abogo Largema. 

Ejoor was junior to Brigadier Babafemi 

Ogundipe, Colonels Wellington Bassey, 

Adeyinka Adebayo, Adekunle Fajuyi, 

Conrad Nwawo, George Kurubo and 

Philip Effiong who were spared. Gen. 

Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi was lucky to escape 

ambush laid by Major Don Okafor and his 

mutineers. 

And Ironsi favoured Ejoor by appointing 

him the First Military Governor of 

Midwestern Region after the coup. Nwawo 

was senior to Ejoor yet the new leader 

overlooked him for the same Ejoor. These 

details must be exposed so that when 

those who should preach unity try to heat 

up the polity, we should not go to bed. 

Gen. Ejoor’s nephew, Navy Captain 

Temi Ejoor, would later become Military 

Administrator in the two Igbo States of 

Enugu and Abia. When he appointed his 

kinsman,Tony Urhobo, Team Manager of 

Enyimba Football Club, Aba, it was a 

proper decision for the former National 

Gen. Ejoor must be told that 

one of the plotters, an Igbo, 

later confessed that their plan 

was to release Chief Obafemi 

Awolowo from prison, appoint 

him Prime minister and make 

then Lt. Col. Ejoor, Chief of 

Army Staff 

Athletics coach was also well versed in 

soccer. 

One of those who kept Dr. Nnamdi 

Azikiwe and the National Convention of 

Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) going was 

Chief Festus Okotieh-Eboh, an Urhobo 

man also known as Omimi Ejo. As Sam 

Edah, the big spender owned Bata 

football club just like Zik established an 

Athletics club in Lagos. Unfortunately, the 

first coup consumed the NCNC treasurer. 

Honestly, the Biafran occupation of 

the Midwest created a lot of bad blood. 

When Brigadier Victor Banjo set up 

the 101 Division of the Biafra Army, 

there were few experienced officers to 

handle the soldiers, many of who were 

using weapons for the first time. The 

12th Battalion then was led by Lt. Col. 

Festus Akagha. The 13th Battalion was 

commanded by Lt. Col. Mike Ivenso, 

heading the 18th Battalion was Lt.Col. 

Humphrey Iwuchukwu Chukuka while 

Lt.Col Wale ‘Cyintomen’ Ademoyega 

was in control of the 19th. 

In Benin City, Oba Akenzua had to 

complain about some of the unruly 

soldiers. The same complaints came 

from the Warri/ Sapele seaside. The 

appointment of Major Albert 

Okonkwo,a Midwest Igbo medical 

officer, as Administrator of Benin did 

not go down well with the other groups 

especially considering the fact that 

Ejoor rejected the post when offered 

by Banjo. 

Some wild, trigger-happy, young 

Igbo officers could have created a lot 

of harm. Biafra was severely punished 

for by Nigerian Army officers of 

Afenmai, Bini, Esan and Urhobo 

background. It is always good to learn 

from the past. Common objectives 

must be pursued now. 

In Bini language, mouth is unu. In 

Igbo it is onu. Monkey is enwe in Igbo, 

in Bini it is eme. Dog, according to 

the Bini is ekita, in Igbo it is nkita. 

Sebastine Brodericks-Imasuen, the 

pioneer Eaglets coach is a Bini son. 

He speaks fluent Igbo because he 

spent time in Onitsha playing for 

Ikpeazu Redoubtables with 

Wonderboy Paul Hamilton, an Ijaw 

man. 

The Esan call fufu akpu just like the 

Igbo. In Uromi, there was Sylvanus 

Enwerem, Eze Ego of Omuma who 

owned Sylvanus Bakery. All his 

children today, speak more Esan than 

Igbo. Senator Hope Uzodinma lived 

in that town. Senator Chuba Okadigbo 

was at Irrua as much as Mr. Felix 

Ohiwerei passed out from Government 

College Owerri. 

This renewed love must not die. 

More attempts should be made to 

educate the younger ones who know 

not History. 

Don’t look back, , flee before he kills you 

A 

professor and notable diplomat, 

whose names I am not going to 

mention here, once told me an interesting 

story. So funny was the story that I got my 

ribs cracking with laughter. 

I can’t now remember exactly how we 

got talking on the issue, but Prof’s graphic 

narration of a certain incident throws me 

into a fit of laughter anytime I remember 

that story, which he said was a true life 

story. 

Was the issue involved really a laughing 

matter? Not quite, but hey, what do people 

laugh about these days? Evil, wicked, 

unthinkable and abominable acts that are 

not in short supply in our world of today. 

Malevolence is now a source of 

amusement for many Nigerians. 

Prof was just trying to disabuse my mind 

to the notion that only men are capable 

of battering their spouses. 

“There are also expert husband beaters 

in our midst,” he told me. 

And here is the story. Most nights in this 

particular city suburb, there used to be 

wailing and gnashing of teeth from a 

particular room in a particular compound 

therein. 

The wife would wail and wail for long 

about the same time of the night— 

somewhere around 9pm. 

As this dehumanizing act went on, 

neighbours got worried that the man 

could kill his wife. But none wanted to 

interfere in a matter between husband and 

wife, a convenient alibi this part of the 

world. 

However, one of the neighbours, on 

this 

particular day when the couple were 

at it again, could not endure anymore 

what he felt could lead to death. He 

summoned the courage to confront the 

‘monster.’ He wanted to talk some 

sense into the ‘violent’ man’s head. 

Expectedly, the door to the couple’s 

room was locked. When the ‘Good 

Neighbour’s’ persistent knocks were 

not responded to, he forcefully opened 

the door. 

And there he was confronted with an 

unbelievable sight he probably will 

never forget. The well endowed lady, 

size wise, was sitting pretty and 

dangerously on top of her husband, 

who was on the floor, beating and 

slapping the hell or devil out of him, to 

the extent she nearly choked him to 

death. 

Yet, she was the one doing all the 

crying, which got louder and intense 

with every blow she visited on the man. 

At this point, I couldn’t listen to Prof 

anymore and so, missed out on how 

the poor man was ‘rescued’ or 

‘delivered’ or not, from his abusive 

wife, who neatly left all believing all 

the while she was the one on the 

receiving end. 

Unbelievable, right? Talk of what a 

man can do, a woman....But truth is, 

such scenario is rare, very rare indeed! 

And so as I write, I am still laughing, 

sadly though, because this should not 

be a laughing matter, at all, more so when 

you are not watching Gerald Norman 

“Jerry” Springer’s show. 

It is also very hard to believe the 

trending story on the cyber space, alleging 

that wife of an ex-president of the Nigerian 

Bar Association, Mrs. Ranti Dawodu, after 

more than 28 years of vicious domestic 

violence (DV), enduring torture no one 

should live with at the hands of a man, died 

July 6, 2017 in Kaduna. 

Writing on his Twitter page, Prof. Chidi 

Odinkalu, renowned human rights lawyer, 

activist and academic, who until November 

2015, was chairman of the National Human 

Rights Commission (NHRC), revealed this 

much about the late Mrs. Dawodu, whom he 

described as the ‘ablest advocate for human 

rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.’ 

Though the Dawodu children, in a formal 

letter, have denied that their late mother was 

a victim of DV, claiming instead to have all 

grown up in a loving environment where they 

witnessed, firsthand, affection of both 

parents, fact remains that DV is real and is 

claiming lives, daily. 

Women and children are mostly victims of 

domestic abuse and violence, which 

unfortunately, is progressively on the rise. 

Lagos State Government, alone, claims to 

have recorded, at least, 1,480 cases of DV 

between 2015 and 2017. Certainly, not all 

cases are recorded. 

The most publicized 

case of a husband stabbing his wife to death 

in Lagos was witnessed in 2011. One Titilayo, 

a banker, reportedly came home early from 

work, June 24, 2011 to prepare for her 

husband a big birthday dinner. By 

midnight, she was dead, brutally murdered 

by same husband, Arowolo. Autopsy report 

showed she was stabbed 76 times! 

Although Arowolo did not escape justice 

as he was sentenced to death in 2014, that 

has not served as a deterrent for many as 

cases of DV are committed with reckless 

abandon, daily. 

Amnesty International (AI) would 

identify our patriarchal system as major 

factor for violation of women’s right. 

Hence, DV in many states of Nigeria is 

not illegal. Victims are hardly entitled to 

legal support. For fear of being labeled 

and stigmatized, many women have 

chosen to stay in violent marriages, some 

losing their lives in the process and leaving 

behind their children to suffer. 

In most cases, it takes the man just few 

months after the death of the wife to bring 

in another woman because life must go 

on. 

Now, if this isn’t reason enough for any 

woman, or even a man, who notices such 

tendencies in their relationship to quickly 

look for the door, I wonder what is. 

The title, MRS, makes no sense in the 

grave, neither will you from there, take 

care of the children you may have claimed 

to have held you back in a toxic 

relationship. 

A woman has no reason remaining in a 

violent, abusive relationship because none 

of those advising you to endure will follow 

you to the grave if he eventually kills you.


Edited By AYO ONIKOYI 

08052201215 

onikoyi68@gmail.com 

How Abike Dabiri 

lifted me from 

newspaper vendor 

to music star 

— Irawo Jesu 

His name is Evangelist Musari Kolawole, 

known as Irawo Jesu of Irawo Jesu 

Gospel Band, a Lagos indigene from 

Ibeju Lekki. He started his ministry of gospel 

music five years ago and has since dropped two 

albums of about ten tracks. 

In this interview he tells us the story of his life, 

how he rose from a street newspaper vendor to 

become a music star. According to him, that 

happened with plenty of help from Honourable 

Abike Dabiri, the current Senior Special 

Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on 

Foreign Affairs and Diaspora. Hear his story. 

Evang. 

Musari 

Irawo 

Jesu 

BY ADETUTU ADESOJI 

Why did you choose gospel 

music? 

I will say it is a gift from 

God. Although I’m not in 

the choir, I just discovered 

myself because sometimes 

when I sleep I would sing 

from my sleep until I wake 

up. Before I started singing 

I was selling newspapers, 

you know in life you must 

pass through some forest 

before you get to the 

promise land, but I thank 

God for what he has been 

doing since I started 

singing. I would also like to 

appreciate Honorable Abike 

Dabiri because she has been 

there for me for so long; she 

has really been very 

supportive in my life. 

How did you meet 

Honorable Abike Dabiri? 

I met her when I was 

selling newspapers; I was 

going about my business 

one morning in the estate, 

when her husband called 

me and bought a paper from 

me. From then on I started 

selling newspapers to them. 

There was a time she gave 

me money to resit for my O’ 

level exam in order to 

further my education, she 

has been like a rock in my 

life. 

How instrumental has she 

been to you musical career? 

Until today she has been 

supportive of everything I 

do, financially and in other 

aspects, she prays for me 

always. 

So far, how many songs 

have you sung? 

My first album 

‘Atonigbanijesu’ was 

released in 2015 and it had 

six track. The second one 

‘Akosejaye Lo Bi Ogo’ with 

four tracks will be released 

soon. 

Can you list some songs 

from your new album? 

‘Akosejaye Lo Bi ogo’, 

‘Ipe’, ‘Omije Ile Iwosan’, 

‘Iyin’. 

You do most of your 

songs in the Yoruba dialect, 

why? 

I will say that is my talent 

and pattern, it is what God 

has given to me; I call my 

music ‘Miliki Gospel. I don’t 

believe in copying others, if 

I copy others I might not get 

to where I have been 

destined to get to. 

Why do you call your 

music Miliki gospel? 

I call it Miliki gospel 

because I sit to sing. Be it in 

the church or at an event, I 

sit to sing, it is a relaxing 

type of music. I got the 

name Miliki gospel directly 

from God. 

You earlier said you sing 

from your sleep, did you 

get some of your songs 

from your dream? 

‘Akosejaye Lo Bi Ogo’ 

was revealed to me in my 

dream. 

What inspires your kind 

of music? 

I’m gifted by God, I can 

start singing while sitting, I 

could be in a bus and start 

getting inspiration and 

people will wonder if I’m 

alright. Songs come to me 

naturally, I don’t drink 

alcohol or smoke like other 

people do. 

How successful was you 

first album? 

It was successful, I 

appreciate God. 

There are so many gospel 

artistes out there; do you 

think you have what it takes 

to break even? 

I believe everyone has 

their own calling, we all 

sing differently. Some 

people will sing only for 

their audience to dance 

without passing any 

message across. I don’t 

release albums anyhow; it 

takes about a year after 

recording before I release an 

album. After singing in the 

studio I will sit back, relax 

and listen to the songs in 

order to know where 

corrections are needed, 

unlike some artistes who 

I’m gifted by God, 

I can start singing 

while sitting, I 

could be in a bus 

and start getting 

inspiration and 

people will wonder 

if I’m alright. 

Songs come to me 

naturally, I don’t 

drink alcohol or 

smoke like other 

people do 

will just go into the studio to 

record and release without 

taking their time. 

Evang. Irawo 

Jesu getting a 

blessing from 

Evang. Ebenezer 

Obey 

Are you 

saying you are more 

concerned with the message 

you are passing than the 

financial aspect? 

We are all doing this for 

the financial benefit but we 

must also remember that we 

need to win souls as well. 

When you put good stuff out 

money will definitely come, 

but when you think about 

money first there will be a 

loss. 

Who are your role 

models? 

I like Yinka Aiyefele, King 

Sunny Ade, Evangelist 

Ebenezer Obey and my tight 

friend, Omo Abule. 

Do you any message you 

want to pass across? 

What I want to say to 

people is that they should 

be patient in whatever they 

do. 

C 

M 

Y 

K


Edited By AYO ONIKOYI 

08052201215 


By Adetutu Adesoji 

With so many 

talented 

actresses in the 

industry, what do you 

think makes you different? 

We all have our different 

ways of acting; what I 

would do is different from 

what someone else would 

do. If a role is meant for 

me,I know how to deliver 

it, using my own unique 

touch. I might not be able 

to act in a particular way 

and the role would be given 

to the next available 

person, I will only do what 

I can do. But so far so good, 

my style seems to be 

winning for me. 

Do you feel threatened 

by big players in the game, 

the likes of Genevieve and 

others? 

Genevieve? That is my 

aunty o (laughs). I can’t 

compare myself with her, 

but then I don’t feel 

threatened by people 

because I know I’m good at 

what I do. 

Would you take up a role 

that demands you have 

sex, either real or not? 

I can’t have sex for real in 

a movie, I can only mime it. 

Do you think it is right 

for actors to date one 

another? 

Of course! I don’t see 

anything wrong with it if 

they love each other. We are 

human; we have blood 

flowing through our veins. 

If you see someone you like 

and you think it can work 

out then there is nothing 

wrong with it. Actors are 

like every other person; 

they can date whoever they 

like if they feel it will work 

out. 

Can you date an actor? 

Yes, I can but right now I 

haven’t seen anyone I like 

in the movie industry. 

Does that mean you have 

someone outside the 

movie industry? 

Definitely! I’m actually 

very crazy about Runtown, 

he is my man crush. 

If you meet Runtown 

what will you do first? 

I will kiss him. The only 

problem is that I might be 

prevented from doing it but 

if I have my way I will 

definitely kiss him. 

Most people will say sex 

before marriage is wrong, 

what is your take on it? 

It is wrong in the eyes of 

God; the bible is also 

against it. For me as a 

person, I won’t just marry a 

person without knowing if 

he can satisfy me or not. I 

don’t want to get married 

to an ‘Indomie’ person, 

meaning five minutes in 

bed and we are done, I 

don’t want that. I want a 

man that can satisfy me. 

Does that mean sex is a 

big deal for you in a 

relationship? 

Yes it is. In the world we 

live in today there is no 

relationship without sex. 

So, if we are in a 

relationship why don’t you 

just satisfy me? I don’t 

want to look elsewhere for 

sex. 

If you are given an 

option to choose between 

a rich man that is weak in 

bed and a poor but strong 

sexually, who would you 

choose? 

I will choose a poor man 

that is good in bed; that he 

doesn’t have money today 

does not mean he won’t 

have tomorrow. As long as 

he is strong-willed and 

have a future he will make 

it in life, we will join hands 

together and succeed. I 

don’t want a rich man that 

would not have my time, I 

love attention and I like to 

be loved, it’s not just about 

the money. I can’t cheat so 

I will rather go for a poor 

man with potentials and 

•Lizzy Oraya 

I want a man who 

can satisfy me 

— Lizzy Oraya 

My front and 

my back are 

very heavy. I 

have a very 

nice shape and 

I thank God for 

creating me like 

that. I’m hot 

and I know it 

one that can love me than a 

rich man that cannot 

perform. 

What will it take to break 

your heart? 

I don’t like lies and I’m a 

jealous person. When I love 

someone I don’t pretend 

and I don’t like it when my 

man disrespects me by 

talking to other girls. I 

don’t mean he shouldn’t 

talk to people but there 

should be a level of respect. 

Also, if I know my man 

•Says, “I’m hot and I know it” 

Captivating Nollywood actress, Lizzy Oraya, from 

Benue State, is a sociology graduate of University of 

Abuja, set to change some rules in the movie 

industry. With her ‘see-saw’ kind of figure, she 

believes she’s aptly endowed to wow her 

audience and even wrest some roles from her 

competitors. Since 2014 she began acting 

professionally, things have been looking up 

for her and she says her best is yet to 

come. In this interview she talks love, 

sex and relationship. 

doesn’t have much I won’t 

ask for anything but I don’t 

like to be taken for a fool, 

I’m with you because I love 

you. 

Actresses tend to live 

fake lives, why is that? 

It’s not all actresses; 

some people only try to 

keep up the profile. Out of 

a hundred I will say only 

fifty percent live fake lives. 

I can tell you that people 

respect actresses that have 

cars than the ones without 

cars; even if they can’t act 

people will respect them. 

So, some people are ready 

to rent a car for a week so 

they can drive to locations. 

What has been your 

most depressing 

experience at an audition? 

I was given a script to 

rehearse and present 

before the judges 

afterward, everything was 

cool while I was rehearsing 

but when it was time to 

present I forget everything 

I had rehearsed, and I 

couldn’t remember a thing. 

The judges thought there 

was something wrong with 

me or I just couldn’t read. 

It happened to me a 

number of times at 

auditions. 

How do you get into 

character when given a 

script? 

I’m very good at what I 

do. When I get a script I 

just look through it and get 

into character naturally, it’s 

as simple as that. 

Have you ever been 

propositioned for romance 

by an actor or producer? 

Yes, I have people say to 

me that they like me and 

won’t mind having 

something with me. I just 

tell them that we are in the 

movie industry and I will 

rather go outside to do 

whatever I want to do. 

These people are human 

beings and when they see a 

beautiful lady they want to 

be with her. I’m a very 

beautiful lady; I have nice 

boobs, shape and 

everything, so you don’t 

expect such a thing not to 

happen. But then when 

they disturb me for a while 

and I say no they back off. 

You said you have nice 

boobs, shape and all, are 

these your selling points? 

Yes they are, my front and 

my back are very heavy. I 

have a very nice shape and 

I thank God for creating me 

like that. I’m hot and I 

know it. 

Which of your movies do 

you consider your favorite 

and why? 

I would say ‘Bloody King’ 

and that is because I 

played the role of a Queen. 

I loved the traditional 

attires that I wore; these 

are attires I can’t just wear 

on a normal day. 

What do you despise 

about Nollywood? 

I don’t like the fact that 

they don’t carry upcoming 

actors along, they focus 

more on the known faces 

and that is wrong, these 

stars also started from 

somewhere. 

C 

M 

Y 

K


BY ROTIMI AGBANA 

08137741609 

rotimiagbana@gmail.com 

•Davido 

One of Davido’s artistes of 

DMW, Mayorkun, has 

confirmed that there is no bad blood 

between his boss, Davido, and 

Wizkid, over who is a better artiste. 

According to Mayorkun, the music 

heavyweights have pretentiously 

been taking hilarious swipes at 

•Small 

Doctor 

NTYCE entertainment act, Ekene 

Ijemba, fondly called ‘Humblesmith’, 

has confessed that he lost his virginity to a 

one-night stand after relocating to Lagos from 

Asaba. Judging from the hilarious experience 

he recounted to Showtime during an 

exclusive chat, the Osinachi crooner was 

obviously a newbie in Lagos, hence his naive 

loss of virginity to a mischievous Lagos girl 

who saw him as a johnny-just-come. While 

recounting his ordeal with the lady whom he 

referred to as his first and only date ever, he 

confirmed that sex is truly a sweet experience. 

“I was a virgin till I left Ebonyi State; losing 

my virginity was fun for me, you know they 

say if you test new thing wey you never test 

before, you know as e dey be now, you go 

know whether e dey sweet or e dey bitter, 

whether you go continue and abi whether you 

go stop. For me it was a great experience, 

I’m still in contact with her; she commends 

my works, telling me she’s proud of me. She 

wasn’t my girlfriend but she was the first and 

only girl I ever dated”, he said. 

Davido-Wizkid 

supremacy tussle: 

They are 

only having 

internet fun 

— Mayorkun 

each other, misleading the public that 

they are at each other’s throats. 

“To be honest I just think we’re all 

musicians having fun with the internet; 

I can just pick up my phone and say 

anything, you reply me and from there 

anything can happen. I don’t think it’s 

anything serious, it’s actually healthy; 

I don’t think it’s anything to create a 

WITH the kind of lines 

characteristic of the lyrics in his 

songs, one would be curious to know 

where Mosquito Killer singer, Small 

Doctor, gets the inspiration for most 

of his songs. Showtime recently ran into 

the Agege singer and he confessed that 

the lyrics in most of his songs are 

inspired by his mom who is also a 

gospel singer. 

“I get most of the lines in my songs 

from my mom; my mom does most of my 

stuff, she’s street too. There are many things 

she suggests to me to use in my songs, and 

when I do so creatively it makes a lot of sense. 

My mom is an artiste also; she’s a singer in 

church so she knows all the nitty-gritty of 

music”, he explained. 

Showtime further confronted him with the 

How I lost my virginity to a 

one-night stand — Humblesmith 

•Wizkid Wizkid 

fuss about. If they see themselves 

right now I’m very sure they will 

hail each other, I don’t know if you 

understand? There is nothing 

going on, if there was anything 

actually going on I won’t attend Mr. 

Eazi’s concert, so we’re all cool”, 

he confirmed. 

My mom gives me the lyrics 

of my songs — Small Doctor 

allegation that his songs have a negative 

influence on the younger generation, but he 

was quick to debunk the impression. 

“There are two sides to a story, what I 

might see from a particular angle you may 

not see it from that same angle. If I tell you 

A is for ‘Apple’ another person might come 

and tell you that the same A is for 

‘Anonymous’, so that’s the thing. I put my 

lyrics out there in a matured way so nobody 

can come and tell me that I’m negatively 

influencing the younger generation, no. It’s 

left to you to decide to figure out what I’m 

saying, nobody is a bad influence on 

anyone, it’s up to you listening to the song 

to be able to use wisdom in understanding 

what I’ve said, it all depends on the angle 

you’re seeing it from, I’m in a world of my 

own”, he quipped. 

When Showtime asked if he was ripe for 

the negative criticisms he might receive 

for revealing such information to the 

public, he boasted of having what it 

takes to contain any attack that may 

come from the social media or any 

other angle. 

“This is business; this is 

entertainment so I’m ready for 

anything. Its better you say the 

truth, I believe it’s good to teach 

your kids the real thing, tell 

them the truth then they would 

sieve it and know which to 

apply in their lives, I don’t see 

anything bad in what I’ve said.” 

•Humblesmith 

On the ongoing drama 

between Wizkid and Davido, he 

said; “I love Davido and Wizkid , if they 

like make them dey fight dey go o, tell 

everybody I said so. If they want let them 

continue fighting, Humblesmith loves them to death. 

But they should not fight physically though. I love 

them and I’m praying for them.” 

•Niniola 

There is no 

perfect recipe for 

a good song 

— Singer, Niniola 

In recent times, stakeholders in the 

entertainment industry have condemned 

the quality of music dished by Nigerian artistes, 

complaining of how much they lack content and 

advising artistes to carefully find the perfect 

recipe for credible musical content before 

jumping into the studio. But for curvy afro-pop 

singer, Niniola, there is no perfect recipe/ 

ingredients for a good song. The Maradona 

singer told Showtime in an exclusive interview 

that a hit or good song is a function of the 

individual’s personal judgment. She blamed the 

crap music we have today on artistes’ desire to 

do the same thing as other artistes instead of 

creating their own style of music. 

“It depends on how you see it; I think maybe 

everybody is trying to do the same thing that’s 

why we have more of crap music these days. I 

really don’t know but I will speak for myself. 

Whenever I go into the studio, whatever comes 

out I dish out, especially when it comes to dance 

music; it’s meant for people to dance and not to 

meditate unlike slow music. That’s why I have 

dance music and slow music as well, songs that 

you can just sit down and enjoy the lyrics and 

then when you want to dance believe me I have 

them too. Yes, it has to make sense but you’ll 

need catchy phrases and words. A whole lot 

makes good music; every song is different in 

itself; for some, it’s the beat while for some it’s 

the delivery of the vocalist and the lyrics for 

others. There is no perfect recipe for having a 

hit song or a good song; the most important 

thing is for you to be able to touch someone’s 

soul. If you can do that regardless of what people 

think or feel, then you have good music, every 

song is different in itself 

She later hinted that her debut album will 

be released before the year runs out. She 

said, “Right now I’m working on my debut 

album; and it will be dropping this year by 

God’s grace, then after that we’ll take it up 

from there.” 

Eargasm concert returns 

with new surprises 

As part of the partnership plans between 2Face’s 

foundation and United Nations High 

Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on Projects in 

Africa with Focus on IDP Intervention, both 

organizations have put together a special IDP fund 

raising edition of the annual Eargasm concert, 

scheduled to hold on July 22, 2017 at the Transcorp 

Hilton Hotel, Abuja. According to the organisers, the 

initiative is to drive awareness and raise funds to 

cater for the immediate needs of IDPs 

This special edition of the Eargasm concert will be 

an evening of classic renditions and pleasant surprises 

with live showcase of classic tunes by top class 

vocalists in a premium and intimate setting. 

Headlining the event are; 2Baba, Waje, Styl Plus, 

Kelly Hansome and a special appearance by music 

legend Bongos Ikwue. 

C 

M 

Y 

K


•Omotola 

Alter Ego premiere: 

Omotola, Rita 

Dominic in 

glamour showdown 

Nollywood superstars, Omotola Jalade- 

Ekeinde,and Rita Dominic strutted 

their style stuff penultimate Friday, to 

the admiration of many, at the 

Intercontinental Hotel when the much 

talked about movie, Alter Ego featuring 

Omotola was premiere. The two 

leading ladies of Nollywood were 

looking so captivating that the social 

media resorted to mischief by pitching 

against each other, asking people to 

choose who wins the glamour battle. 

Other stars in attendance include 

Stephanie Linus, Wale Ojo, Swanky Jerry, 

BBNaija Bassey, Nkiru Anumudu, Biola 

Alabi, Gifty, Moses Ewang and wife, 

Kemen, Kunle Remi, Chinney Love Eze, 

Humblesmith, Ufuoma Mcdermoth, 

Uzor, Debola Lagos, Mo Abudu, 

BBNaija Tboss, and others. 

The movie which addresses Post Traumatic 

Stress Disorder ‘PTSD’ and effect of sexual 

abuse on children and adult will make it 

cinema debut on the 21st July. 

It is the story of successful law attorney, 

the beautiful Ada Igwe (Omotola Jalade 

Ekeinde), who has focused a substantial 

part of her law practice on seeing all sex 

offenders in the city, especially child 

molesters, go to jail. Her penchant for 

punishment against sex offenders even goes 

beyond the four walls of the courtroom. 

Whenever she cannot get the judges to 

imprison an offender, she finds other ways 

to punish him. She is a passionate law 

enforcement agent but that is just one side 

of her. The other Ada happens to be an 

extremely sexually active person who 

neither time nor place can stop her urges 

when they come to her. 

By AYO ONIKOYI 

08052201215 


•Rita Dominic 

Akure monarch declares Goldberg official 

beer of his domain 

His Royal Majesty, Oba 

Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade 

Aladelusi (Odundun 11), the Deji of 

Akure Kingdom has declared the 

Nigerian Brewery Plc brand of beer, 

Goldberg, as the official beer of his 

domain. The declaration was made 

when a team from Nigerian Breweries 

paid a courtesy visit to the Kabiyesi 

in his Palace in Akure to felicitate with 

the monarch on his second year 

anniversary on the throne. The team 

also used the occasion to inform 

Kabiyesi of the cultural music talent 

concert, Ariya Repete holding in the 

city on that day. 

“On my coronation, it was Goldberg 

that supported me; during my first year 

anniversary, it was Goldberg; and now 

•Deji of Akure with NB Plc officials 

my second year anniversary and it is 

still same Goldberg,” said the monarch. 

The Kabiyesi then declared ‘Goldberg 

as the official drink of the palace,” and 

gave his support and blessings to the 

team for bringing Ariya Repete 

quarterfinal to Akure. 

Tayo Adelaja, Public Affairs Manager, 

West and Mid-West, Nigerian Breweries 

Plc, who spoke on behalf of the 

company commended the royal father 

for his hospitality and congratulated 

him on his second coronation 

anniversary. 

“Respect is a key attribute of Goldberg, 

and so we are here to pay homage to 

Kabiyesi on his second year 

anniversary and for also giving us the 

opportunity of coming to Akure for the 

quarterfinal of Ariya Repete”, he said. 

BoI officials visit Steph Nora Okere’s 

film ‘Roberta’ location 

Led by the Group Head, Creative 

Industry Group, Mrs. Cynthia 

Nwuka, Mr. Okey Madu, Assistant 

Manager and Toyin Oyekanmi of the 

Corporate Communication Department, 

Bank of Industry team visited location 

of Steph Nora Okere’s movie ‘Roberta’, 

another BoI-supported Nollywood film. 

“What we have seen is very 

impressive so far. We can only hope for 

the best box office record when it 

eventually hits the cinema,” said 

Nwuka. 

Produced by Steph Nora Okere and 

directed by Ema Edosio, ‘Roberta’ is 

among the series of more than a dozen 

film projects which have received 

support of the development bank under 

the BoI Nollyfund (BNF) scheme. 

‘Roberta’ stars Kalu Ikeagu, 

Somkele Iyamah Idhalama, Wale 

Ojo and Nigerian dance queen, Kaffy 

and others. will, according to Edosio, 

wow Nigerians. 

“I believe that this film can inspire 

and appeal to every Nigerian and I 

think it would translate into box office 

breaks,” says Ema Edosio, film 

director. 

•Oyekanmi, Okere, 

Madu,Ikeagu, Idhalama, 

Nwuka and Edosio on 

location of Roberta 

After mopping up N75 million with Alakada 

Reloaded, Toyin Abraham launches BB eemojis 

Actress and producer, Toyin 

Abraham has revealed that her 

Alakada Reloaded movie has 

made 75million in box office and she is 

now set to launch her brand of 

blackberry stickers called ‘teemoji’ and 

a customised caller ring back tune. 

“I am indeed grateful for the 

astonishing success of Alakada 

Reloaded, 75million in cinema sales 

across the country, both in Yoruba and 

non-Yoruba speaking States. Its mindblowing 

and I have the production, 

distribution and publicity team to 

thank for that, and of course my 

loving fans. Alakada Reloaded will 

be premiering in the UK on 

Saturday 22nd July and Sunday 

23rd July. So, everyone in the 

United Kingdom should get ready 

and look forward to it.” 

“Now, I’m launching my 

blackberry stickers ‘teemoji’ and 

my caller ring back tune and I’m 

•Toyin 

Abraham 

excited about it. It has actually been in 

the pipeline for a while now and it’s finally 

ready to come out. It’s for everyone and 

I’m hopeful and at the same time 

confident that my ever supportive fans 

will support this too” 

The blackberry stickers ‘teemoji’ are 

available for a one-off purchase through 

the blackberry application store. The 

caller ring back tune on the other hand 

can be gotten by sending a specific code 

using your mobile phone number. 

Subscribers can get three variant of the 

caller ring back tune; ‘Alakada’, ‘Iyawo 

wa’ and ‘Omo ta’, she said. 

C 

M 

Y 

K


Juliet Ebirim 

08137897935 

juliet.ebirim@gmail.com 

C 

M 

Y 

K 

Shina Peller plans 

big for late father, 

Prof. Peller 

By Sofowora Oladapo 

Popular socialite and 

acclaimed King of night 

life, Shina Adisa Peller is one of 

the son’s of Africa’s foremost 

magician Late Professor Abiola 

Moshood Peller, who came into 

prominence in the 1950’s till 

the early 90s before his 

untimely death. 

SP, as he is fondly called, is the 

boss of Aquila Group of 

Companies. He has carved a 

niche for himself in the 

business and social radar. His 

upscale night club Quilox is 

located on Lagos Island, which 

is now the new Mecca for 

celebrities and uptown 

socialites to have fun. 

After the tragic death of his 

father in August 1997, The 

Aquila Records boss is set to 

remember his father 20 years 

after he passed away; in his 

home town in Iseyin, Oyo state 

next month. In a build up to the 

grand remembrance soiree, the 

business mogul is currently 

constructing a palatial country 

mansion for his mother and 

completing his father’s 

uncompleted mansion in 

Iseyin, Oyo State. 

A source close to the Quilox 

boss disclosed that, he is 

teaming up with the Oyo State 

Government, and the Ministry 

of Youth and Sport for a novelty 

match. The winner and runner 

up will rake in several millions 

of naira with the ‘Professor 

Peller Memorial Cup’. The 

source further added that he is 

planning to assemble several 

comedians and music artistes to 

perform at the grand finale. 

Late Professor Abiola Peller 

attended the school of Magic in 

India. After graduation, he 

relocated to Liberia, then 

Nigeria where he became 

•Olakunle Churchill 

Denrele Edun, Seyi Shay, 

others storm Moet Party Day 

On 17 th June, 2017, the world celebrated the 2 nd 

edition of Moet Party Day in the Maison’s big 

and bold style. The 24-hour non-stop event was held in 

over 80 countries across five continents. The first event 

took place in Christchurch, New Zealand, where guests 

enjoyed bottles of Mini Moët to kick off the worldwide 

celebration. 

In Nigeria, the luxury champagne brand hosted a 

series of parties to celebrate the second edition of the 

event. The day kicked off at 12 midnight on Saturday 

with a Blue Nectar Night at DNA Lagos, followed by 

the Moet Ice Imperial Party at Shiro, Lagos and 

the Moet Garden Party in Abuja, with both taking place 

simultaneously. The day ended with two Nectar Nights 

at the Bank, Abuja and Lamborghini, Port Harcourt. 

The main day event that happened on Saturday 17th 

June at Shiro was well attended by selected influencers, 

socialites and celebrities. Guests spotted at the event 

include Seyi Shay, Veronica Ebie-Odeke, Denrele Edun, 

Mako Alabi, Zikhona Sodlaka, Yvonne Nwosu, Denola 

Grey, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Latasha Ngwube, Zed Eye, 

Bayo Oke-Lawal and many more. 

•Shina 

Peller 

prominent with his wife Lady 

Peller. They both performed 

and gathered a massive fan 

base across Africa. Until his 

untimely death in Onipanu 

Lagos, he remained Africa’s top 

magic performer 

If there is anything that gives 

Olakunle Churchill, CEO, 

Big Church Group Limited, the 

greatest joy in life, it is the grace 

to be able to give hope to the 

hopeless around the world. 

Indeed, in his own modest way, 

Churchill, through his 

foundation, has donated relief 

materials to the victims of the 

Southern Kaduna crisis. Also, the 

foundation reconstructed some 

vandalized properties within the 

community to provide shelter for 

the affected people. 

He has employed the movie 

platform to preach against 

religious intolerance and ethnic 

bigotry by sponsoring a movie 

entitled “Kada River”, a southern 

Opeyemi Bamidele returns to 

limelight with 54 th birthday 

Vibrant and brilliant Iyin 

Ekiti born former 

Commissioner for Youth, Sports 

and Social development in 

Lagos state, Opeyemi Michael 

Bamidele could be said to have 

adopted a low profile for several 

months. Little or nothing has 

been heard from his end since 

his failed attempt to become the 

governor of his state, Ekiti, 

during the last 

governorship 

elections. 

The graduate 

of Obafemi 

A w o l o w o 

University and 

University of 

Benin, Barrister 

Bamidele may be 

set to return to 

center stage, 

according to 

information 

Olakunle Churchill’s rising profile 

•Denrele Edun 

Kaduna true life story. Very 

didactic, the thematic 

preoccupation of the movie 

borders on the need for peaceful 

co-existence without infusing 

religion and ethnical sentiments. 

More importantly, as proof that 

his efforts are beginning to catch 

the attention of the global 

community, he recently sealed a 

deal with American-based 

By Sofowora Oladapo 

For want of a better 

description, Rotimi 

Ajanaku is a misunderstood 

man. Like a proverbial cat with 

nine lives, despite several shots 

fired at his breath, Rotimi keeps 

resurfacing stronger. With the 

sobriquet ‘Don Dino’ in the 

social radar, he means 

different things to different 

people. Close allies define him 

as a free giver as he is always 

willing to extend helping 

hands to others. 

Rotimi has a thriving business 

that cut across hospitality, 

transportation, oil and gas, 

agriculture and real estate. He 

delved into the murky waters of 

politics in Oyo state where he 

contested but lost out at the 

party primaries. Rotimi is from 

the Ajanaku dynasty in Lagos 

Island ‘Oke Popo’. He was born 

and bred in Ibadan where he 

spent his growing days. 

Dandy Rotimi spares no cost 

in giving himself a nice treat. 

He went off the social radar for 

a while and rumours peddlers 

said he had gone broke, hence 

he had to keep a low profile. 

Unknown to many, Rotimi 

reaching us. The former 

member of the House of 

Representatives will clock 54 on 

the 29 th of this month and invites 

are said to have been sent to 

guests to join him in Ekiti state 

to mark the anniversary. 

The event, we gathered, is 

expected to re-launch MOB, as 

Opeyemi is fondly called to 

political limelight as it is said to 

have been designed with 

political coloration. This is 

because it has been confirmed 

that Ope still has his gaze on 

the governorship seat of Ekiti 

state, even as the 

incumbent’s tenure is slated 

to come to an end next year. 

•Opeyemi Bamidele 

software company, Microsoft, on 

the Green Project to empower 

36,000 youths across the country. 

He would be donating fire 

equipment to Nigeria Fire 

Services in Abuja on Tuesday, 

thus making him its only 

individual donor since its 

establishment in 1901. He would 

also donate relief materials to 

some fire victims on his birthday. 

Rotimi Ajanaku’s giant strides 

quietly jetted to the U.K for a 

three-month leadership course 

at the University of Cambridge. 

Don Dino is back to the social 

radar to reclaim his top spot. He 

has been spotted lately at 

different societal gatherings 

and events. As the next general 

election gets closer, a source 

close to the business mogul 

disclosed that he might be 

contesting for a political office 

in his paternal hometown in 

Lagos. 

•Rotimi Ajanaku


Movie stars set to 

shutdown Lagos tonight 

...as Nse Ikpe Etim hosts AMAA show 

*Shina Peters, Paul Play Dairo, others to perform 

TONIGHT, the city of 

excellence, Lagos and 

indeed, Africa will stand 

still as the 13 th edition of the 

annual African Movie 

Academy Awards,AMAA, 

holds amid glitz and glory,at 

the Convention Centre of the 

Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, 

Lagos. 

Meanwhile, as the major 

sponsor of this year’s AMAA, 

Lagos State government has 

expressed its readiness to 

play a good host to the 

delegates from different parts 

of the world who are already 

in the country ahead of 

tonight’s awards ceremony. 

The pan-African event is 

expected to bring award 

nominees and professionals in 

the film industry from over 50 

countries within and outside 

Africa. 

Speaking at a briefing with 

the organizing team, 

Permanent Secretary 

Ministry of 

Sir Shina 

Peters 

Abu Bello 

Information and 

Strategy, Mr. 

F o l a r i n 

Adeyemi , and 

his counterpart 

at the Ministry 

of Tourism and 

Culture Mr. 

Adewale 

Ashimi said, 

Lagos as the 

commercial 

nerve centre of 

Nigeria and the 

entertainment 

hub of Africa is 

ready as the host 

state to make 

coming to Lagos 

an exciting 

experience 

f o r 

visitors. 

“As 

the 

Nse Ikpe-Etim 

centre of Excellence 

whatever Lagos is 

involved with must be 

done excellently and 

we have enough to 

showcase to the 

outside world in 

Lagos. We will 

showcase the 

b u s i n e s s 

opportunities and 

very conducive 

i n v e s t m e n t 

environment that 

government of Lagos 

is working hard to 

create. Visitors will see 

the transformation 

going on under the 

leadership of 

Governor 

Akinwumu 

Abu Bello vows to train 

professional screenwriters 

By Rotimi Agbana 

Prolific Nigerian screenwriter, and CEO, Studio 

Wildlight, Abu Bello, has announced the 

expansion of the first ever screenwriting training 

course in Nigeria, Screenplay Masterclass, which 

commenced in early 2017. 

According to Abu Bello, the 4-weeks masterclass 

training which is aimed at grooming local 

professional screenwriters and movie 

producers in Nigeria is being expanded 

due to the high and overwhelming 

reception it enjoyed after it’s inception. 

Speaking to E-daily on why he is 

determined to train professional 

screenwriters in Nigeria, Abu Bello said; 

“The screenplay Masterclass has been 

espanded to a bi-annual programme which 

will service up to 50 trainees in a year. The 

objectives of the training is to raise the level 

of skill and knowledge of screenwriting in 

Nigerian film and television, to facilitate 

export to the global marketplace. 

Paul Play Dairo 

Ambode. The Ministry of 

Tourism has marked out 

tourism sites and locations in 

Lagos that international 

guests will see. As a megacity, 

Lagos is being transformed by 

the visionary leadership of the 

Governor to be a home for 

business and leisure. We have 

a government that believes in 

entertainment and the 

creative industry as a viable 

contributor to the economy of 

the state. Lagos is ready to 

welcome AMAA nominees 

and guests,” he said. 

Interestingly, the organizers 

of the awards have announced 

Nollywood actress, Nse Ikpe- 

Etim as the sole host of the 

night in a move which is seen 

as a departure from the usual 

two people as hosts of events. 

Director of Administration of 

AMAA, Mr. Tony Anih while 

speaking on the choice of Nse 

noted that the actress has all 

it takes to host the show 

adding that she is primed to 

bring her energy and natural 

talent to bear on her role. 

“Nse is a vivacious actress 

and one of the best on the 

continent. She is will bring her 

creativity and positive energy 

on board and we are sure 

she will do a good 

job.’’ 

Bimbo 

Akintola 

Rita Dominic. 

Between Bimbo 

Akintola and 

Rita Dominic: 

Who wins 

Best Actress 

award? 

As President of AMAA Jury, 

Bernie Goldblat announces 

winners in the various 

categories of the awards 

tonight, expectations are high 

as all eyes are on the acting 

categories and this year, two 

top Nollywood actresses, Rita 

Dominic (’76) and Bimbo 

Akintola (93 Days) ‘will be 

battling for the award of Best 

Actress in a leading role. 

The two actresses would be 

battling for the award with top 

actresses from other parts of 

the continent including, softspoken 

Ghanaian actress, 

Lydia Forson who was 

nominated for her role in 

“Keteke”, Cero Tshanda 

(Felicite), Oscar awardwinning 

actress, Lupita 

Nyong’o, top actress, Josette 

Bushell-Mingo (While We 

Live),and two of South Africa’s 

leading actresses, Khabonina 

Quebeka (Dora’s Peace) and 

Zimkhitha Nyoka (Vaya). 

Meanwhile, judging 

from Bimbo Akintola’s 

performance as ‘Dr. 

Stella Ameyo Adadevoh’ 

in the movie on the Ebola 

scourge, ’93 Days’ which 

was directed by Steve 

Gukas, one will be tempted 

to tip her for the award. Her 

powerful role delivery in the 

movie that also featured 

other notable actors such as 

Keppy Ekpeyong, Francis 

Onwochei and Paul Adams 

still dominates discourse in 

the nation’s movie industry. 

But like Bimbo, Rita Dominic 

is also a potential winner of 

this year’s Best Actress award 

following the role she played 

in “’76”, a movie that recounts 

the story of the 1976 military 

coup and assassination of 

General Murtala Mohammed, 

the then Head-of State of 

Nigeria. Recall that Rita 

Dominic was adjudged “Best 

Actress in a Drama (Movie/TV 

Series) at this year’s African 

Movies Viewers Choice 

Award,AMVCA, following the 

eruptive role she played in 

‘76’movie. 

Also, in 2012, the Imo Stateborn 

actress walked away with 

AMAA Best Actress award for 

her role in a Kenyan movie, 

“Shattered” beating the likes 

of Nse Ikpe-Etim, Uche Jombo 

and Yvonne Okoro to clinch the 

prize. While they have other 

strong contenders such as 

Oscar award-winning actress, 

Lupita Nyong’o, top actress, 

Josette Bushell-Mingo, and 

two of South Africa’s leading 

actresses, Khabonina 

Quebeka, Zimkhitha Nyoka 

to beat, critics are optimistic 

that the battle will be between 

Bimbo Akintola and Rita 

Dominic. 

C 

M 

Y 

K

By BENJAMIN NJOKU 


•Ogbene 

Kologbo 

I was Fela's house 

boy before I became 

a musician under 

his tutelage 

•My last moment with him 

—European-based Nigerian Afrobeat 

legend, Oghene Kologbo 

Not many would be familiar with the name, Ogbene 

Kologbo even though it does not ring bell any longer 

in the country. He was one of the legendary bass guitarists 

who played with Fela Anikulapo-Kuti in the 70s, and disappeared 

into thin air when the ovation was loudest. 

Kologbo attended the Berlin Jazz Festival, in 1978, with Fela, 

and stayed back alongside Tony Allen and other members of the 

Band after the festival to pursue his own dream. 

Then as Fela’s Personal Assistant and ‘tape recorder,’ Kologbo’s 

job was to remember the melodies the Afrobeat King would sing to 

him late at night, and later teach the songs to the band members at 

rehearsal the next day. He also played the hypnotic tenor guitar 

lines, but often recorded bass and rhythm guitar too. Indeed, since 

he took that bold steps of faith to fly his trade in Europe, Kologbo has 

not only become one of the true legends of Afrobeat music but also, 

one of the nation’s major creative exports to the outside world. 

Recently, a United State-based news portal, Nigeria Standard 

Newspaper.com, ran into him, where he relived memories of his last 

moments with the late Afrobeat King, Fela. 

Kologbo, who hails from Warri, in Delta State said divine providence 

brought him and Fela together in 1970, in Ghana after the Nigerian 

Civil War. 

“He came to perform at Kumasi Cultural Center then, Tony Allen (another 

Fela’s band member) came to visit my father, Joe King Kologbo. By divine 

arrangement, my mother cooked some Nigerian foods and Tony took the 

food to the hotel and Fela tasted it. Immediately, Fela sent a message to 

Tony, asking for more food. That was my luckiest day on earth because 

when I took the food to the hotel where he lodged, he enjoyed it. And that 

was my first passport and visa to meet Fela for the first time in my life,” he 

recounted. 

Recalling how he joined Fela’s African 70 Band, Kologbo said, he was 

Fela’s house boy before he later became a member of his Band. He’s forever 

grateful to Tony Allen, whom he said gave him 

the opportunity to be a musician in the African 

70 band. 

According to the Afrobeat legend , he 

relocated to Europe after Kalakuta Republic 

was burnt down by unknown soldiers. “I was 

very happy to relocate to Berlin, Germany after 

Kalakuta Republic was burnt down by unknown soldiers. 

It marked the first show of Kalakuta in Germany. Berlin 

Jazz Festival was the last concert Fela attended with the 

African 70 Band. After the concert, 11 of us did not 

go back to Nigeria in 1978, till date. It’s just like 

yesterday,” he narrated. 

Kologbo, who is known all over Europe as a 

respected Afrobeat musician said his music is 

devoted to the art of African rhythm, drums and 

messages reminiscent of the exponent Afrobeat 

music. “I keep playing and sharing Afrobeat music 

with original messages. Fela did support the 

awareness of the truth and spread the messages 

worldwide,”he added. 

From London to France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, 

Sweden and other European countries, Kologbo 

who was born in1957, in Warri, is a household 

name in Europe. He’s said to have been making 

headlines in most reputable dailies in Europe due 

to his creativity. He featured in 37 albums with 

Fela Kuti and the Africa 70 Band. He’s carrying 

on the tradition with 10 songs recorded with 

the Afrobeat Academy (also Backing Band with 

Brothers Keepers, Xavier Naidoo and Bantu). 

In the 1980s and 1990s, Kologbo worked with 

the legendary but short-lived Roots Anabo. He also 

toured and recorded with King Sunny Ade, Tony Allen, and 

Brenda Fosse, among others. In 2005, he began working with the Afrobeat 

Academy, Berlin’s heaviest Afrobeat ensemble. Their first single was released on 

Rabbi Records in 2006. Their album “Afrobeat Academy Volume 1, was also released in 2007. 

•Fela 

Mama Isabella, Sinach inspire me 

into music —Rising gospel singer, Uviesere 

It will be a dream come true for the US-based Nigerian gospel artist, Eunice Uviesere, as she 

releases her debut single, ‘Ogheneme,’ next week. 

The inspiring track will be launched in far away Saint Loius, the United States, and also, in the 

country on Monday, July 17. 

According to Uviesere, “Ogheneme is a song inspired by the faithfulness of God; A song of gratitude 

and praise to say ‘Thank You God’ for everything He’s done in my life. I owe it all to Him.” Describing 

her music as a blend of African and American gospel sounds, Uviesere said she developed passion for 

gospel music from childhood. “I was one of those kids you could always find in church singing, staying 

late for rehearsals so I wouldn’t miss any new song the “Main Choir” was rehearsing. While others 

were playing most of the time(not that I didn’t play at all). But I have love for music. That passion saw 

me attending different crusades as a child, events, and I have always been part of the music 

departments from my primary school days through my secondary and university education,”she said. 

Speaking further, Uviesere said, she has been influenced in recent years by the likes of the melodies 

of Mama Isabella and Sinach, adding that “The humility they exhibit as gospel singers serve as a 

sources of inspiration to me.” 

On her next project, the rising gospel singer said she has a lot in the pipeline including touring 

Nigeria and America with her music. 

•Eunice 

C 

M 

Y 

K


For ages, maintaining 

lighter skin tone has 

been the vogue and skin 

bleaching to get a fair 

complexion has remained 

fashionable. Light-skinned 

or fair-skinned people tend 

to be more admired than 

those that are dark-skinned. 

Why? Does this explain why 

quite a number of black 

women prefer to be light 

skinned? The reasons are 

debatable, but one school of 

thought agrees that light 

skinned people are more 

attractive. 

The quest for a fair skin is 

an obsession that dates far 

back in time. A premium is 

placed on lighter skin and 

there appears to be an 

unwritten agreement that a 

woman with lighter skin is 

the epitome of beauty. It is 

not uncommon for a man to brag 

about his wife’s beautiful fair 

complexion or for a woman to 

make claims about being 

beautiful because she is light 

skinned. 

A few years back, a study 

showing that about 77 per cent 

of Nigerian women engaged in 

use of skin lightening creams 

went viral. The study, ascribed 

to the World Health 

Organisation, WHO, was said 

to be the world’s highest 

percentage. However, 

Consultant Physician 

Dermatologist and Associate 

Professor of Medicine, College 

of Medicine, University of 

Lagos, Dr Funmi Ajose, has a 

different view. “I am sorry to let 

you know that the information 

that states that about 77 per cent 

of Nigerian women engage in 

bleaching is fallacy.” 

Ajose, an executive member of 

the Medical Women’s 

Association of Nigeria, MWAN, 

Lagos State branch, stressed 

that the WHO report being 

touted all over was a study 

conducted amongst market 

women in Lagos State. “That 

study cannot be generalised for 

the country and the WHO 

specifically pointed that out. 

But, unfortunately, somebody 

just talked about the 77 per cent 

and ran with it.” 

In a chat recently to herald the 

40th anniversary of MWAN 

Lagos branch, she said there is 

truth in argument that men 

prefer light-skinned women to 

dark skinned women and went 

on to berate the media for 

constantly featuring light 

skinned women at the expense 

of dark skinned women. 

“The media should 

discourage bleaching by 

projecting dark skinned women. 

If the media project dark 

skinned women, the young 

impressionable girls who are 

coming up will know they do 

not have to be light skinned. 

Why do people bleach their 

skin? Quite a number of persons 

who bleach admit it is because 

they want to look attractive and 

well-groomed. Blessing, an 

unmarried 27-year-old banker, 

uses toning creams in order to 

*Bleaching is 

dangerous; 

the 

consequences 

of bleaching 

are horrific. 

Dark side of 

skin lightening 

achieve a lighter skin tone and 

brighter complexion. “Life is 

about choices and I have chosen 

to become light skinned. “My 

complexion is what you can 

describe as middle-tone, not 

really dark and not really light, 

but I do not mind being lightskinned, 

not because it is better, 

but as a matter of choice,” she 

argued. 

On her part, Kemi, a 41-yearold 

mother of three, has been 

using one particular brand of 

skin bleaching product for over 

a decade. “I don’t know about 

others, but I’m naturally fairskinned 

as you can see, I only 

use the creams once or twice a 

week to remove unsightly skin 

discolourations such as age 

spots, melasma, and things like 

that from my face, arms and legs. 

That is not bleaching is it? I do 

not bleach, please,” she noted 

with a laugh. 

As for Feyi who suffered acne 

problem as a teenager, her use 

of skin toners is justified. The 

acne left her face full of small 

brown spots which she hates 

with a passion. Her saving grace 

is a skin toning product that 

hides the blemishes by making 

them lighter. Now she feels a lot 

more comfortable among others. 

Toyin was planning to get 

married when she began toning 

her skin. “In the world of 

matrimony, there are demands. 

I did not have any particular skin 

issue, but I desired a smooth 

and good complexion. I needed 

to look my best. Any girl looking 

out for a groom wants to be 

attractive. A good skin toning 

cream gave me what I wanted, 

so what’s the big deal?” 

Vera’s story is no different. 

Even as a middle-aged mother 

of three who works hard for a 

*Bleaching face 

living, her dream is to 

remain desirable as a 

mother and wife, and yet be 

as eye-catching as she can 

get on the professional front. 

Vera bleaches her skin, and 

has no problem with the 

result. Her excuse for this 

indulgence is that it 

effectively hides the tell-tale 

wrinkles and fine lines of 

ageing. 

But dermatologists think 

otherwise. They frown on 

the habit and repeatedly 

warn of dangers associated 

with abusive use of 

bleaching creams, soaps 

and lotions, warning that 

skin bleaching treatments or 

creams makes the skin 

much more sensitive to the 

sun and sun exposure raises 

risk of skin cancers and 

other adverse reactions. 

For these women and 

others, Ajose has a warning: 

“Bleaching is dangerous; 

the consequences of 

bleaching are horrific. 

Unfortunately, the early 

manifestation looks good but 

within a few years the story 

changes. The skin renews 

itself every three 

weeks, so if you bleach 

today, in three weeks 

your skin will return to 

normal so you have to 

keep bleaching to 

sustain that colour that 

is why bleaching 

becomes addictive. 

“Once bleaching 

damages the skin it is 

irreversible and 

majority of people who 

damage their skin from 

bleaching don’t 

continue to live with 

their spouses. One 

effect of bleaching is 

depression. A lot of 

women who have 

damaged their skin 

from bleaching end up 

being perpetually 

being depressed.” 

Urging mothers not to 

use bleaching creams 

on their babies, she 

said sometimes ladies 

bleach because of 

imperfections in skin 

colour on their faces. 

“This is uneven skin 

tone. Many say they 

want to even out their 

Once bleaching 

damages the skin 

it is irreversible 

and majority of 

people who 

damage their skin 

from bleaching 

don’t continue to 

live with their 

spouses 

skin tone, but uneven skin 

tone occurs because we live 

in a tropical environment 

where the skin interacts with 

the food we eat and some of 

the drugs that we take which 

cause some of the 

pigmentation of our skin.” 

She said drugs like 

antimalarials or 

antidepressants contain 

substances that interact with 

the sun and this may cause 

irregular skin tone. 

“Contraceptive pills also 

interact with the sun and 

give some pigment changes 

in the skin. Avoid excessive 

skin exposure when you are 

taking contraceptives or 

antimalarials.” 

Indeed, concerns about the 

harmful effects of skin 

bleaching have remained for 

as long as the quest for a fair 

skin has been an obsession. 

Bleaching agents contain 

harmful components such as 

hydroquinone, mercury, 

phenol, resorcinol, and all 

forms of corticosteroids; 

therefore, skin bleaching 

portends devastating 

consequences of skin cancer, 

ochronosis, fungal infections, 

acne, and striae. 

Chemical bleaching is 

potentially dangerous and 

can lead to serious skin and 

health conditions including 

permanent thinning of skin, 

uneven colour loss, a blotchy 

appearance, redness and 

intense irritation, dark grey 

spots, skin cancer, acne, 

increase in appetite and 

weight gain, osteoporosis, 

amongst others. 

The bottom line is the need 

to sustain constant public 

advocacy programmes on the 

dangers of using skinbleaching 

cosmetics in 

addition to taking 

appropriate steps to restrict 

access to bleaching products 

as well as educating the 

youth about the dangers of 

skin lighteners. Promotion of 

fair skin as a symbol of 

beauty and use of fairskinned 

models to promote 

cosmetics that target blackskinned 

people should be 

discouraged. 

C 

M 

Y 

K

SATURD 

TURDAY Vanguard, JULY 15, , 2017—31 

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk 

How one-night stands could 

be great for dis-stressing! 

VERA was in the midst of friends who were gaping in disbelief at her exploits when 

she continued, obviously enjoying rattling her listeners. “I had sex with an old 

boyfriend last week when I went to his office. Later in the afternoon, I had a date. Sex 

was on the cards and we got down to it. That night, I went to bed satisfied for having gotten 

laid without suffering a 

broken heart.” At 36, Vera 

confessed her life had gone 

crazy since she was 

dumped by her live-inlover 

with whom she had 

two children at the 

beginning of the year when 

he met someone new. 

Speaking of her former 

partner, she said, “He was 

a year older than I am, 

good-looking, funny and a 

real charmer and I fell like 

a ton of bricks for him. And 

at first, it was brilliant and 

we went on to have our 

kids in quick succession. 

By this time, I had 

discovered that he had a 

drink problem which I got 

caught up in. We would be 

drinking till late in the 

night after work, day after 

day. I hated being hung 

over all of the time. 

“Inevitably, he started 

cheating on me and became 

really abusive, so I packed 

my bags and left with my 

two children. I was lucky to 

have my parents’ help in 

raising them as I was really 

depressed about the break 

up. My self-esteem was so 

low I started going for any 

man that showed any 

interest. I work in a large 

insurance company and 

there are lots of fix guys 

there. I had flings with a 

few of them in succession 

and colleagues started 

talking about me behind my 

back and sniggering at me. 

So, the affairs at work 

stopped. 

“Shortly after, a guy I went 

to university with came into 

the office to sort out his 

insurance without knowing 

I worked there. He asked 

me for a date and even 

though the date was 

dismal, I still had sex with 

him at the end of it. 

Unfortunately, the sex 

obviously meant more to 

him as he later declared his 

love for me. I had to tell 

him I’d just separated from 

a man I had two kids with 

and wasn’t looking for a 

replacement so soon. He 

was quite angry I hadn’t 

been on the level with him 

about my past before 

If you’re 

sure you 

can bring 

your body 

to the party 

and leave 

your heart 

at home, 

fine 

leading him on. I mean 

how would he feel if I’d 

confessed that having sex 

with him on a first date 

seemed easier than telling 

him he didn’t turn me on 

at all.” 

One night stands, like 

Vera had, could be 

therapeutic even with 

your long term lover. In 

the past, no-strings sex 

was easy for men, but left 

women emotionally 

broken. Not any more. 

“Despite ‘experts’ saying 

the oxdytocin released 

after sex means a woman 

gets quickly attached,there 

is no neurobiological 

evidence to support this,” 

says Kayt Suken, author of 

Dirty Minds: How our 

Brains influence Love, Sex 

and Relationships. But 

don’t go in search of a 

casual hook-up just yet as 

it’s been discovered that 

while 80% of men felt 

positive after a one-night 

stand, the figure for 

women is 54 % with many 

saying their overriding 

feeling was one of ‘being 

used.’ 

According to Kayt: “If 

you’re sure you can bring 

your body to the party and 

leave your heart at home, 

fine. But we’re also 

dealing with psychology 

here, in which sex and 

self-esteem are out wined. 

Chemicals aside, when 

someone walks away after 

a fling, the other person 

can feel, ‘I wasn’t good 

enough to see again.’ 

Before you embark on a 

one-night stand 

relationship, here are five 

questions you should 

tackle: 

WHO: “Avoid relationship 

material” —advises Kayt, 

otherwise you risk 

emotional investment, 

which will ruin the 

disposable thrill factor. If 

you don’t share an 

emotional history and 

anticipate how it could 

affect mutual friends, a 

mate can be fun. Exes 

can also work. They 

already fancy you, but be 

honest: is one night 

worth relieving the 

break-p? 

Strangers are dodgy. 

They really could be 

anyone, into anything, 

plus you risk the 

dreaded day after; the 

best option is the friend 

of someone you rarely 

see—someone you can 

vouch for him. For a 

candidate who will make 

it memorable, choose a 

man with more hair on 

his body than on his 

head. They’re supposed 

to be the hottest onenight 

stands due to their 

hormonal make-up. 

WHY? Gratification. A 

one-night stand is great 

for dis-stressing, and 

being busy distracts from 

any residual longing 

after the event. A fling is 

a way of seeing “what 

else is out there and 

establishing what you 

need in bed before you 

form a relationship. But 

if what you’re really after 

is a confidence boost, 

grab your vibrator 

instead; a one-night 

stand will make you feel 

worse. 

WHAT: A good one-night 

stand should be simple 

and experimental. Just 

don’t go down a too 

complicated track that 

could transform 

excitement into a tryhard 

test that’ll ruin your 

kicks. Adopt the mind-set 

that this is a clean sexual 

slate. Challenge yourself 

to experiment. One of 

the benefits is you do 

this without worrying 

about the emotional 

aftermath for your 

relationship. If you’re at 

your place, go all out for 

fore-play. Let your 

imagination and 

preference run riot. Men 

enjoy this but would 

never request anything 

kinky from a partner. 

WHEN: Straight after a 

break-up can be great. 

According to Kayt, 

“Two to three months 

after a split with 

someone you loved can 

make you susceptible 

to pining afterwards, 

so hold off. Also being 

drunk makes you more 

adventurous, but it can 

be risky. Relaxed is the 

state to aim for. The 

more in control a 

woman is, the more 

she enjoys her one 

night stand— you can 

articulate what you do 

and don’t want. 

Meeting at Saturday 

lunch and staying in 

bed all afternoon 

means extended 

foreplay, which is great 

for your orgasm. You 

can even pick the best 

week for a day session; 

we produce” more 

testosteron days six to 

14 of our menstrual 

cycle, which means we 

crave no strings sex, 

while the premenstrual 

week chemistry makes 

us more experimental. 

Avoid days 15-21, 

however, when 

hormones may make 

you feel clingy post 

sex. 

WHERE? You’re most 

likely to orgasm in the 

kitchen at your house. 

Fact: Just make sure 

that everyone is out! If 

you’re in your ‘nest’, 

says Kayt, “it’s the 

optimum place to 

orgasm because you’re 

relaxed and have 

whatever you need 

nearby. Men (the 

victims?) prefer going 

back to the woman’s 

place because they 

could tell she’s more 

relaxed. Going back to 

his means you find out 

too much about him 

and that’s already 

investing too much in a 

one-night stand. 

Neutral ground— like 

a hotel room—is best 

for the walk-away 

element and makes 

everything even more 

exciting.

32—Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017 

Twitter: @yetundearebi 

yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk 

08054700825 

Yetunde Arebi 

Hi, 

Until a few years back when the National 

Assembly passed a law on homosexual 

activities in the country, many assumed 

the subject was more of a fairy tale than reality. 

To some myopic individuals, homosexuality is 

more of a cultural phenomenon and thus 

peculiar to some sections of the country and 

the Western world. Perhaps, up till now, some 

people still see it as a spiritual or demonic 

spell and not a natural human sexually deviant 

behaviour. But the truth is that homosexuality 

is fast gaining grounds in our society, no matter 

how much we want to pretend and play the 

ostrich as is our approach to almost everything 

in Nigeria. As parents and guardians, we need 

to be abreast of issues as well as be responsive 

to our duties towards our children. 

My son was barely 9 years old when he gained 

admission into the Nigerian Turkish 

International College. His father had insisted 

that there was no negotiation on him going to 

the boarding house. I was only allowed to 

choose between Lagos and Abuja. I chose Lagos 

for obvious and strategic reason. Some of our 

friends sent their sons to Abuja. Like most 

children his age, he had never left home nor 

been in contact with many people, both 

children and adults without the presence and 

protection of his parents until then. I was not 

worried about the mundane issues such as 

ability to keep his things safe and his general 

hygiene. Those will generally sort themselves 

out eventually. I was more concerned about 

bullying, especially because they were boys. 

Once a child is caught in the terror of bullying, 

there is no guessing what can happen and the 

extent it can escalate. So, our discussion was 

centered around bullying and homosexuality. 

We sat down and went through the whole hog; 

how to identify those things and what to do 

should he encounter them. Only after these 

tutorials did I feel comfortable enough to send 

him off. The results of the children's 

preparedness for boarding school came in at 

the half term break. Two of our friend's children 

from Abuja narrowly escaped serious sanctions. 

Trust the Turkish authorities, those caught and 

found to be engaged in the act were expelled 

while a boy who knew and did not report to the 

school was also suspended. The Lagos edition 

unraveled itself before the end of the first year 

and same punishment befell them. In both 

cases, the students were in the first year and the 

ring leaders confessed they had been doing it 

from home with their older relatives and 

brothers. I commend the management of the 

Nigerian Turkish Colleges for their high 

standard of discipline and swift handling of 

these cases and many others, regardless of the 

status of the parents of the children involved. 

In fact, it is worthy of mention that the son of a 

sitting Inspector General of Police was expelled 

for bullying back then. Special kudos to the 

duo of Dipo Gbajabiamila and Ayo Hamzat, 

who were the supervisors for the boys' hostel. I 

want to believe that the same level of moral 

and academic discipline and supervision still 

exists till date. This is why it saddens me to 

read the story of the attempted murder of a 

female student by a male classmate in one of 

our high brow schools in Lagos. 

While we as parents might want to hold the 

school authorities responsible for the safety 

and well-being of our children while in their 

care, parents have a greater responsibility 

towards their children more than any school 

will ever do. A parent once had the guts to 

stand up at a Parents/Teachers meeting to 

complain that her 10 year old son in boarding 

school was not being supervised to brush his 

teeth properly!! As a member of the PTA board, 

I had to explain to her that it is not the 

responsibility of the school to brush her son's 

teeth. Haba!! It is the responsibility of every 

parent and guardian to educate their children 

and wards and instill in them the level of moral, 

societal and religious standards that they deem 

suitable for them. The school and other agents 

of learning and socialisation can only add to 

and build on the solid foundation already laid 

out by parents. Reviewing the incidents 

narrated above, one of my friends whose child 

was posted to Abuja told me that the son was 

shocked to learn there was something such as 

Sex education is the 

responsibility of parents 

The homosexual lobby 

on the other hand 

argues that the 

Zimbabwe authorities 

were being intolerant, 

by denying them the 

right to publicise and 

exhibit their books, 

insisting that it was an 

infringement of the 

fundamental right to 

choose their sexual 

preference 

homosexuality. The child was about two years 

older than my son. I was surprised that she'd 

sent him off to school without ever discussing 

the possibility of such a thing happening 

around him. Her excuse was that she 

considered him too young for such a topic. 

Says who? You will be surprised to know what 

these kids are already aware of these days. 

Some of them might even have had experiences 

that will blow your mind off if you were to 

discover them. 

Most parents erroneously believe their children 

are the sweetest and best behaved kids on earth. 

There are some who believe that because of 

their religious orientation, their kids are 

spiritually protected and cannot do wrong. 

There are others also who know the kind of 

demonic children they have given birth to and 

raised but will rather feign ignorance and 

pretence to fool others. I have no qualms with 

whatever anyone chooses to call their children, 

after all, “monkey no fine, but him mama must 

like am”. Your child might be the best kid in 

town, but have you prepared him adequately 

for the other “not so good” children he or she 

is going to come across once they step out of 

your doors? I don't find it funny at all when I 

see parents telling their children to close their 

eyes when they see people kissing on the 

Television. In this age and times and the level 

of immorality going on all around, I think it is 

wrong for any parent to do that. Which 

two year old does not know how to 

kiss these days? What they need is 

education, explanation and guidelines 

to protect them, not ignorance. 

Ignorance is not a virtue, please. At 

every stage of growing up, children 

must be armed with proper and 

adequate knowledge of themselves, 

also called sex education, the society 

and the challenges they are likely to 

be exposed to. Some of the children 

who were caught in the mess I 

narrated earlier may not have 

handled the situation the way they did 

if they had been properly educated 

before they left for school. 

A late colleague several years back 

once told me how he narrowly 

escaped being sodomised by a senior 

he called his school father way back 

in secondary school. He said the guy 

had been pawing him and he'd even 

progressed to giving him a blow job. 

He was tiny and did not have the nerve 

to report because he was not the only 

one among the seniors as some of 

them who were prefects were doing it 

too. Then one day, his father stopped 

by to check on him on his way back 

from a trip to the east. He said though 

he could not bring himself to tell his 

father what was happening to him, he 

insisted he would no longer stay in the 

school and was glad that his father 

took him back to Lagos. Even as an 

adult, he still could not find the right 

words to discuss his experience with 

his parents, he'd confessed. Similar 

stories abound about young girls in 

female hostels. Many children are 

lured into homosexuality even without 

them realising what it is about. Parents 

must lay good and solid foundations 

and be vigilant of their children's 

activities. 

The fact that Nigeria has classified 

homosexuality as an offence 

punishable by imprisonment is not 

enough to deter anyone from 

practicing it just as imprisonment or 

even the death penalty has not stopped 

those engaged in armed robbery or 

kidnapping. It will only force 

perpetrators to be more dynamic and 

discreet about their affairs. Again, 

because the law is a respecter of money, 

power and connection in Nigeria, 

only the less privileged and unfortunate 

victims are likely to bear the brunt of the 

homosexual laws. The rich and affluent will 

continue to have a field day, just as they have 

always done. I was horrified when I saw the 

video clip of the supposed confession or rather 

interrogation of an alleged homosexual by 

some men of the Nigeria Police Force, in Jos, 

Plateau State, sometime ago. The gross abuse 

of power and inhuman act was despicable. 

Yet, I have not heard nor read anywhere that 

any of those who openly declare to be gay or 

are suspected gay has been arrested by the 

Police. 

While, I will never advocate for 

homosexuality strictly from a religious view 

point, I make bold to state that it cannot be 

stopped by mere legislations. It will take a 

combined effort of parental teaching, societal 

and religious guidance and personal will 

power to stop and eradicate it. I found the 

piece below in my jumble of mails and thought 

it very apt to share with you. Mr. Makinde, 

thank you for this where ever you are. 

Dear Yetunde, 

The issue of homosexuals in the society 

became topical some years ago, when the 

Zimbabwean authorities barred their 

participation in a ‘Book fair’ at Harare. It 

was felt that since the President, Dr. Robert 

Mugabe was to perform the opening 

ceremony, he would be perceived to be 

lending his exulted office towards the 

promotion of moral depravity if the 

homosexuals had been allowed to participate. 

In fact, a discussant in the British 

Broadcasting Corporation (B.B.C), Africa 

service programme. “Talk about Africa”, 

insisted that the phenomenon never existed 

in traditional African societies until the 

advent of white settlers, traders, evangelists 

and colonialists from Europe. The 

homosexual lobby on the other hand argued 

that the Zimbabwe authorities were being 

intolerant by denying them the right to 

publicise and exhibit their books, insisting 

that it was an infringement of their 

fundamental human right to choose their 

sexual preference. They also claim that it is 

just as natural for partners of the same sex to 

love each other passionately as it happens 

between the opposite sexes. 

In my candid opinion, the protagonists seem 

unable to differentiate between love and 

conjugal relationship. Admittedly, the two are 

not mutually exclusive and in fact, the act is 

sometimes erroneously referred to as ‘love 

making’, possibly because intimacy has been 

known to develop as a consequence, but the 

direct ‘opposite has also been known to 

happen. Again, anatomically, there is no 

gainsaying the fact that homosexuality is 

deviant. It cannot lead to procreation thereby 

contravening one of the fundamental 

injunctions of the creator to humanity. Hence 

from all deductions, the phenomenon is based 

on lust rather than love. It is a mental 

affliction, similar to kleptomaniacs and in 

the same vein as pedophiles, 

nymphomaniacs and even psychopaths. 

Indeed it has to be psychopaths and must be 

recognized for what it is and treated as such. 

Just as flawed also, is the view that the 

phenomenon is un-African. What happens in 

my view is that; while Europeans discuss it 

openly and have even legalized the act 

between consenting adults, Africans consider 

open discussion of the topic to be anathema, 

while the act itself is treated as a taboo, 

thereby hoping to stifle it. The dangers 

inherent in both approaches are that the 

Europeans’ tacit endorsement could result in 

impressionable youths, not otherwise so 

inclined, indulging in the practice out of 

curiosity thereby increasing their hold, while 

the African approach results in driving it 

under ground, where it is festering and may 

someday explode pandemically. 

Yours faithfully, 

Ayo Makinde. 

Festac Town 

“ 

What do you think? I'd really love to read 

from you. Do have a wonderful Saturday!!


C 

M 

Y 

K


The Public Presentation of the Book "A Biography and Postscript of Samuel Ladoke 

Akintola In The Eyes of History" authored by Hon. Femi Kehinde was held in Ibadan. 

From left: Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu; Book Launcher, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN); former Oyo state Governor, Dr 

Victor Omololu Olunloyo; left Publisher of the Book, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi; former Oyo state Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala. Son of the Late 

Premier of Western region, Justice Ladiran Akintola and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi at the public presentation of the Book "A 

Biography and Postscript of Samuel Ladoke Akintola In The Eyes of History" PHOTOS: by Dare Fasube 

Akintola book launch 

unifies Yoruba 

political leaders 

By Ola Ajayi, Ibadan 

Considering the epic 

proportions that political 

rivalry between the late 

sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo 

and the former Premier of 

Western region, Samuel Ladoke 

Akintola reached in 1960s, no one 

in his wildest imagination, would 

think that families, political 

associates and friends of the two 

political gladiators would ever 

come together under the same 

roof. 

But, on Monday, history was 

made when families of a former 

Attorney General and Minister of 

Justice, Late Chief Bola Ige who 

was political son of the late sage 

and Chief Ladoke Akintola 

assembled at the International 

Conference Centre, University of 

Ibadan during the launch of a 

book, titled “Samuel Ladoke 

Akintola in the eyes of History” 

authored by Femi Kehinde in 

honour of the former Premier. 

Time, indeed, has healed the old 

wounds. 

The Chief Launcher at the 

event, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde 

(SAN), aptly captured it when he 

said, ”We now have another 

generation. In the 1960s, we had 

political gladiators in late Chief 

Obafemi Awolowo and Chief 

Samuel Ladoke Akintola. But, this 

new generation has agreed to 

work together. That’s why we 

have Mrs Funso Adegbola, 

daughter of Chief Bola Ige with 

us at this venue”. 

Apart from relatives of Ige 

attending the book launch, 

Saturday Vanguard gathered that 

one of the children of late Chief 

Akintola, Justice Ladiran 

Akintola married the daughter of 

Dele Ige who was the brother of 

the late Attorney General. 

The event was well attended. 

Among those in attendance 

included Orangun of Oke Ila, 

Oba Adedokun Abolarin, 

Bashorun Dele Momodu, 

Publisher of Ovation Magazine, 

son of late Akintola, Justice 

Laniran Akintola, Mrs Funso 

Adegbola, daughter of the former 

Minister of Justice, late Chief 

Bola Ige, former fovernors of Oyo 

State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo and 

Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, 

Chief Bolaji Ayorinde(SAN), 

Chief Bayo Oyewusi, Governor 

Rotimi Akeredolu who was 

Once upon a time, 

to mention the name 

of Akintola was like 

committing heresy,” 

he said as he dug 

into Akintola’s 

history who he 

praised for what he 

described as his 

heroic deeds 

represented 

by Mr Wole 

Aina, Dr Akin 

Onigbinde, 

former 

Speaker of 

Oyo State 

House of 

Assembly, Chief 

Abidoye babalola, a 

commissioner in the Western 

region and many others. 

The Guest Speaker, Bashorun 

Dele Momodu who described 

late Akintola as “unsung hero 

and misunderstood leader” 

hinted that Akintola who lived for 

56 years actually influenced the 

establishment of Obafemi 

Awolowo University in 1962. 

Momodu, publisher of 

Ovation Magazine differed 

from the view expressed by the 

book reviewer, Dr Festus 

Adedayo who said it was the 

media that murdered Akintola 

noting instead, that it was the 

media that resurrected him. 

“Once upon a time, to mention 

the name of Akintola was like 

committing heresy,” he said as 

he dug into Akintola’s history 

who he praised for what he 

described as his heroic deeds. 

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi 

Adeyemi in his characteristic 

manner gave the right dose to 

the gathering from his reservoir 

of history while the audience 

listened with rapt attention.. 

Oba Adeyemi used the 

opportunity to make his voice 

heard on the topical issue of 

restructuring saying “The first 

time that the Federal 

From left: Publisher 

of the Book, Dr Akin 

Ogunbiyi and the 

Author Hon Femi 

Kehinde. 

Government would interfere in 

state affairs began when the 

government at the centre 

interfered in the feud between 

Akintola and Awolowo. The 

government, in support of 

Akintola, declared a state of 

emergency in the old Western 

Region, snowballing into serious 

crisis. 

“Iku Baba Yeye” as Alaafin is 

fondly called said, “The army 

came and took side during a coup 

that led to the death of Akintola. 

Aguiyi Ironsi that took over 

abolished the regional system 

through Decree 34 of 1960. He 

also scrapped the term Federal 

Republic and replaced it with 

Republic of Nigeria”. 

“The Northerners felt that with 

the new system, the Emirs would 

no longer be able to operate 

within a republic like before. 

Their belief was that Ironsi came 

from a culture that opposed their 

belief. This led to a counter coup 

of July 29, 1966. I am trying to 

tell you why we have to 

restructure Nigeria. 

“Gowon that came later 

returned the term Federal 

Republic of Nigeria but not the 

regions. Lagos is about 20 million 

people going by the first census 

conducted and Kano was next. 

Within next 10 years, Kano was 

split into about 44 council areas 

but Lagos remains with 20 

council areas". 

“Jigawa was created 

from Kano and 

given 19 

council 

areas. 

T h i s 

means 

that the 

bulk of 

w h a t 

Nigeria 

realises from 

oil goes to the 

North. If we 

are in a region, 

the government 

of that region 

can create council 

areas but because 

Continues 

on pg 35 

From left: Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Mr Wole 

Aina represnting Ondo state Governor, Publisher of Ovation 

Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu and Son of the Late Premier of 

Western region, Justice Ladiran Akintola. 

From left: Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; fomer Oyo state 

Governor, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo and former Oyo state 

Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala.

Patience Jonathan and the future 

of the Nigerian First Lady office 

To say that Patience Faka Jonathan, 

former First Lady of our Federal 

Republic is a colourful woman, is to 

make a gross understatement. 

Physically, as well as sartorially, she 

represents the very best of her native 

Niger Delta, which she represented well 

throughout the tenure of president 

Jonathan and beyond. She is a woman 

who exudes uncommon confidence and 

one who makes the term ‘native 

intelligence’ sound like a great thing. 

And like virtually every Nigerian 

First Lady before her, she threw her 

weight around and basically got her way 

the entire time. In her own case, she had 

got more practice than most, having 

earlier been wife of a deputy Governor, 

Governor and vice President. In all 

cases, she had run her husband’s affairs 

with an iron fist and been in the forefront 

of strategy and articulation of his 

various campaigns. 

Patience Jonathan is a woman who 

says whatever she wants to say in 

whatever manner she wants to say it. 

She has never had any pretentions to 

coyness, and the thickness of her skin in 

the face of criticism and derision is 

legendary. She had even become 

Permanent Secretary in a state civil 

service she had not previously worked 

in. 

Before 

Patience Jonathan, the wife of the late 

former president Umaru Yaradua, 

Turai, had been known to rule over the 

affairs of her gentle other half in a 

manner that belied the generally held 

belief of women from Northern 

Nigeria being relatively tame. She 

had, with able help from parties Aisha 

Patience Jonathan 

is a monster 

created directly 

and happily by 

Nigeria itself; and 

whether or not that 

monster will grow 

bigger or create 

progeny will largely 

depend on our 

determination to kill 

it 

Buhari would have happily tagged 

“jackals and hyenas”, held the 

entire nation to ransom during the 

illness and after the sad demise 

Yaradua while rumours were rife 

that she was making a fortune in 

the process. 

Right upon the inception of his 

presidency, Mohammadu Buhari 

had sought to diminish- even 

obliterate- the office of the First 

Lady, eventually delivering the last 

nail on the coffin right before the 

world’s most powerful woman 

Angela Merkel in his now 

infamous reference to za oza 

room!. Of course, it is early days 

yet in determining the success of 

the ploy. By all indication though, 

it is unlikely that Aisha Buhari is 

cast in the same mould as her 

many predecessors had been. Being 

not a stranger to affluence, she has 

displayed none of the avarice and 

blatant hunger for power of those 

that came before; while not being 

a stranger to controversy and 

audacious speech. 

Patience Jonathan is a monster 

created directly and happily by 

Nigeria itself; and whether or not 

that monster will grow bigger or 

create progeny will largely depend 

on our determination to kill it. 

From all appearances, it appears 

that determination is waning, if it 

ever existed. This week, one of the 

three-man panel consisting Justice 

John Ikyeh, who presided over the 

appeal, Justice Abimbola Obaseki- 

Adejumo and Abrahim Georgewil, 

had recused himself from the 

hearing of an appeal filed by the 

wife of former President before the 

Court of Appeal Lagos Division, 

seeking to stop the forfeiture of her 

$5.7million 

and 

N2,421,953,522.78 to the Federal 

Government. 

The recusion is perhaps 

politically motivated; or perhaps 

not. But she is leaving no stones 

unturned and like Evans the 

kidnapper, the former First lady 


had filed a suit against EFCC asking 

the court for the “Enforcement of 

her fundamental rights to own 

property, fair hearing, human 

dignity, private and family life and 

freedom from discrimination.” 

She had also cried wolf in a claim 

that her life is under threat in the 

hands of hired assassins. She 

continues to move around with a 

seemingly permanent procession 

around her. 

The court, which had earlier ruled 

by an order obtained by the EFCC 

on April 26 from the Federal High 

Court in Lagos, had her temporarily 

forfeiting the funds to government. 

The commission had told Justice 

Mojisola Olatoregun, who made the 

order, that the funds were suspected 

to be proceeds of unlawful activities. 

It said the N5.7million was part of 

the $6,791,599.64(about 

N2.1billion) which Mrs. Jonathan 

allegedly directed her aides to pay 

into her account between February 

8, 2013 and January 30, 2015, while 

her husband was President and 

commander in chief. 

If the forfeiture is upheld by the 

Appeal and Supreme courts, there is 

every likelihood that the ball will be 

set rolling in the bid to restrict 

significant others of high political 

office holders from dipping their 

hands in the cookie jar in the 

persistently clear abuse of power with 

which they have come to be 

associated over the years. It will be 

nothing short of a landmark. 

There is no precedence 

whatsoever, however. Turai Yaradua 

is home free. Maryam Abacha, Sani 

Abacha’s wife who had been on a 

belligerent war path with the people 

of Nigeria particularly concerning 

funds stolen by her late husband; 

walks around free, bearing signs that 

the opulence to which she had 

become accustomed is not much 

diminished. For every Maryam 

Abacha, there is another dozen 

quietly getting on after years of 

questionable conduct in office. 

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Akintola book launch unifies Yoruba political leaders 


we depend on a monolithic 

manner of financing the states, 

we are in problem. Have they 

been able to publish for the 

people who own the oil blocks in 

Nigeria?” 

Dr. Olunloyo recalled that late 

Akintola was killed along with his 

generator man adding that the 

soldiers who killed him had 

called earlier by 2 a.m. but were 

resisted. He said that the 

soldiers later went for 

reinforcement and eventually 

killed Akintola. He hinted that 

Yoruba soldiers were among 

those that pulled the trigger 

calling on the children of the 

fallen Ogbomoso man to remain 

united. 

Reviewing the book, Dr. 

Adedayo, who served as Special 

Adviser on Media to Governor 

Chimaroke Nnamani and 

subsequently in the same office 

to Governor Abiola Ajimobi 

between 2011 and 2015, said: 

“Of all Nigerian leaders, 

especially those who contributed 

to the struggle against colonial 

rule and who thereafter became 

heirs to the emerging leadership 

of Nigeria, Akintola is 

undoubtedly one of the most 

understudied. There is sparse 

knowledge of him. The most 

dominant story that is paraded 

about him is his stiff-necked 

stand-up to his political party, the 

Action Group, in defiance of the 

parliamentary system of 

government which brought him 

into power. Little is known about 

the consummate polyglot who 

spoke Nupe, Hausa, Yoruba and 

English very fluently or the 

From left: Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; fomer Oyo state Governor, Dr Victor 

Omololu Olunloyo; Book Launcher, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) and former Oyo 

state Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala. 

extremely witty polemicist who, 

according to Awolowo, could 

argue the two sides of an issue 

with equal dexterity, the deft 

administrator and lawyer, the 

pithy, firebrand writer and the 

Editor of one of the most 

consequential newspaper organs 

at the time called the Daily 

Service”. 

“In the nineteen chapters of the 

book, Kehinde situated the 

essential Ladoke Akintola, 

revealing a Yoruba irredentist 

who meant well for the future of 

his people but who became 

imprisoned in the labyrinth of 

volatile party politics which 

eventually set the Yorubaland he 

loved so much on a path of 

destruction. The author traced 

the genealogy of a mutual 

friendship between Awolowo and 

Akintola which manifested in 

SLA and his family living in 

Awolowo’s Oke-Bola, Ibadan 

home for almost three months 

after he became Premier and how 

the two families were closely-knit 

and bonded inseparably. 

However, this brotherly bond 

eventually glided towards an 

Aristotelian concept of tragedy, 

a concept which goes thus: Two 

good men began a jolly good 

friendship that was primed 

towards a good ending; the two 

friends hit their feet against the 

stone and the gods destroyed 

their land for this”. 

“The Aristotelian tragedy was 

not only that S. L Akintola, Tafawa 

Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello and 

other Nigerian leaders were 

killed by the coupists of January 

15, 1966. The Western Region 

itself partook largely of the 

tragedy in the freezing of its 

growth and development within 

this period. Between 1962 and 

1966, the Region witnessed its 

own version of the September 11, 

2001 American twin towers 

destruction, for on that same day 

in 1963, 

pursuant to 

the crisis, 

Awolowo 

was jailed for 

15 years. To 

understand 

the enormity 

of the 

tragedy that 

befell the 

Western 

Region 

through the 

friction 

between 

Awolowo 

and Akintola, 

one can only 

imagine the 

level of 

development that would have 

further accrued to the West if 

Awolowo, the great administrator 

and Akintola, the builder of men, 

had jointly collaborated to 

administer the region after 1959”. 

“Till today, scholars have 

sought to understand what 

exactly led to the acrimony 

between the duo which 

eventually consumed a Western 

Region that hitherto witnessed 

one of the most effective political 

growths in Africa, a growth 

fertilized by an enviable amity of 

its political leaders. A number of 

reasons have been averred for 

the schism. While Billey Dudley, 

in his book entitled, An 

introduction to Nigerian 

government and politics (1982) 

puts the schism to an ideological 

disagreement over the running 

of government and the Action 

Group, and Professor Eghosa 

Osaghae, in his book, Crippled 

giant: Nigeria since 

independence (1988), also 

attributed it to the combative, 

anti-Northern stance of 

Awolowo as Leader of 

Opposition in the Parliament 

which incensed Akintola 

and other crucial members 

of the Action Group. Bola 

Ige, in his book, People, 

Politics and Politicians of 

Nigeria (1940 - 1979) 

published in 1995, put it to 

the decision by Akintola to 

act independently of the 

Action Group by building his 

own political base and 

structure, abhorring the idea 

of basking under the 

political sunshine of 

Awolowo who had vacated 

the Premiership for him”. 

“One cogent reason the 

humongous contributions of 

SLA Akintola to the 

development of the Western 

Region and the immense 

footprints he left in today’s 

South West have remained 

unappreciated (he was 

instrumental to the 

establishment of the 

University of Ibadan, for 

example; he established the 

Airport Hotel; he had a hand 

in his government’s 

acquisition of the Cocoa 

House, and many others) is 

because his developmental 

contributions were blanked 

out by the press and 

thereafter, chroniclers of 

history followed suit. This 

was solely because, even 

though he was a veteran 

journalist, Akintola went into 

that war without a 

newspaper press of his own 

to back him up. 

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•President Buhari 

•AishaBuhari 

•Shehu Sani 

Buhari’s Kingdom and the 

pestilence of Jackals and Hyenas 

BY DR. UGOJI EGBUJO 

We now know. The 

day of the jackal 

may never come. 

The Lion King will be back soon. 

He didn’t die. He is not a 

vegetable. He won’t come back 

like some others. He won’t be 

smuggled back at the night. He 

won’t come back with 

simpering smiles and bulging 

eye balls, fixed on the roof. He 

will come back to rule and 

reign. Because it’s been 

written, that he would come to 

banish the hyenas and expel 

the jackals. The prayers of 

weaker animals have been 

heard. The Jackals and the 

Hyenas will be banished from 

the kingdom. We heard from 

the other room, so we heard 

from the horses mouth. 

Hyenas and Jackals are 

African wild dogs. So it’s not 

surprising Abuja has turned a 

wonderful habitat. They have 

a reputation of savagery and 

opportunism. Humans and 

dogs, truly, have so much in 

common. They eat flesh 

wherever they find it - sick, 

dying, dead. They eat 

voraciously and ferociously. 

These dogs must have the 

tenacity and appetite of 

treasury looters. When there is 

no flesh they manage whatever 

they may find. When they are 

done with any animal they will 

leave no bits for funeral. The 

bits are falling into places. They 

hunt in packs. In other words 

they operate like cabals. They 

can be impatient. Sometimes 

they do not wait for the prey to 

die before they start eating. 

Their preys are often afforded 

the opportunity to witnesses 

their own dismembering. This 

is a season of revelations. 

Interestingly, they can seize the 

kill of a big cat. That sounds 

like hijacking a government. 

Remarkably, they kill old , sick, 

worn out, toothless lions. 

Hyenas and jackals must be 

chased away from the Buhari 

kingdom now. 

It was Shehu Sani who came 

up with this agricultural 

‘hyenas and jackals’ allegory. 

Shehu must have forgotten he 

is actually an agricultural 

engineer. Shehu has 

metamorphosed. He dresses 

now like pastors in impeccable 

suits, silk ties and gleaming 

shoes. He preaches 

righteousness like them too. So 

talks beautifully. But does what 

he likes, when he likes. The 

evidence of a swollen purse 

isn’t only in his swollen cheeks, 

it’s everywhere in his rampant 

smiles. 

Shehu knows so much about 

insecticides and deodorants. A 

few months ago he haughtily 

dismissed Buhari as a confused 

Chameleon. He denounced his 

fight against corruption as 

dubious. Now Buhari is his 

lion. The bold lion that the 

weaker animals badly to save 

them , to restore order to a 

crumbling kingdom. No one 

knows whether Shehu is a 

jackal, a chameleon or a 

praying mantis. Shehu rode 

like an egret on a cattle to that 

Hyenas and Jackals 

are African wild dogs. 

So it’s not surprising 

Abuja has turned a 

wonderful habitat. They 

have a reputation of 

savagery and 

opportunism. Humans 

and dogs, truly, have so 

much in common 

lucrative office. Shehu owes 

gratitude for a free ride. He is 

coming back to his senses. 

Buhari must be a lion. He 

could be excused for his 

tantrums. He fixed his fangs on 

the suspended secretary to the 

government and the lion 

started to roar. He had no 

option but to dare the lion, to 

call out his hypocrisy. Shehu 

can be petulant. So he called 

him a chameleon. 

But that was then. It’s not 

entirely Shehu Sani’s fault. You 

hang around with pigs for too 

long you snort when you 

should whistle. It was Shehu 

that discovered the jackals and 

hyenas have stopped praying. 

He didn’t if they have literally 

stopped trooping to Aso rock on 

Fridays. Or if he meant they have 

given up hopes of the lions return. 

But he said they have been jostling 

at night and whispering to 

themselves during the day. It 

seemed they had considered the 

lion moribund and started 

positioning themselves for a 

carrion. Shehu was struck by their 

savagery. They who would have 

been tumbling over themselves in 

the temple, out doing one another 

in servile show of loyalty to the 

lion. If the lion returns moribund 

the day of the jackal has come. 

But we have heard from the 

Lioness’ mouth . God is merciful. 

The last time we heard from the 

lioness we shuddered. It was 

through the same BBC Hausa 

service, that brought us our Eid-el 

message. Then the lioness was 

livid. And who wouldn’t be. A 

bunch of jackals had cornered the 

kill, hijacked the government. 

They made all the strange, 

confusing, and lopsided 

appointments. Lioness had been 

with the lion for 27 years. She had 

never seen this pretentious hyenas, 

not at Sallah and not during 

Christmas. These hyenas were 

scavenging where they didn’t sow. 

They have no voters cards and 

zero political weight. They were 

steering the country into a ditch. 

And she made it clear. She was 

ready to ditch her husband in 

2019 if he retained his baffling 

impotence against a cabal of 

hyenas and jackals. Her husband 

laughed at her. And announced to 

the world that she was kept in the 

other room not to interrogate his 

tigeritude but to perform kitchen 

duties and bedroom matters. 

Then rumours spread that she 

would be banished from the 

kingdom. But there are always 

rumours. We were once told that 

some jackals had kept husband 

out of the reach of wife. But she is 

there now, in the thick of London. 

Right in the thick of things. 

But who are these jackals and 

hyenas who have been whispering 

treachery to themselves? Shehu 

Sani is a bold man but he chose 

innuendos. Safety first, they say. 

But I must confess a suspicion. The 

Kaduna senator has taken to a 

sensationalism that paints him 

a caricature of his old self. He 

appears to have succumbed to 

the debilitating ailment that 

troubles all those who take 

human rights activism as a sole 

career. He is battling with self 

righteousness and 

vindictiveness. His opponents 

aren’t righteous but they be 

right in saying that Shehu has 

become a pulsating bag of 

grudges. 

I don’t agree with them but I 

know noticed changes. He now 

confuses ego and reason and 

substitutes public interest with 

personal interests. So Shehu’s 

hyenas must include El Rufai. 

El Rufai Sani insists is 

tyrannical. Perhaps only a little 

tyrant will organize Sani’s 

suspension from the Kaduna 

APC even if Sani had become 

a symbol of party indiscipline. 

When he goes after El Rufai no 

principles are sacred. Sani 

cannot label Saraki a jackal . 

That could be prohibitively 

costly. Sani’s new kind of 

objectivity is cost/benefit 

compliant. It allows the use of 

deodorants and perfumes on 

new distinguished friends, and 

poisonous insecticides against 

useless friends and enemies. 

We must then look at the 

more forthright lioness to find 

the jackals. She once said we 

could find them on television. 

She said they have no voters 

cards. The speed and alacrity 

with which madam adopted the 

‘hyenas and jackals’ allegory 

tells a story. It hints that pay 

back time could be upon us. 

Perhaps its time of redemption 

for the weaker animals . Her 

jackals and hyenas must 

include all those parasitic dogs 

eating where they didn’t sow, 

eating what they didn’t kill. If 

that is acceptable criteria then 

the one who chiefly organizes 

and supervises the presidency 

must be a jackal. El Rufai had 

named him in his epistle as a 

remarkably clumsy hyena. The 

lioness, I suspect , believes 

Director is a big jackal. I don’t 

mean director of radio Biafra. I 

mean the director that arrests 

for keeps. It is true he is rarely 

seen on television. But even 

roadside forensics have seen his 

finger prints are everywhere . 

And there is a strong rumour 

that he has no voters card. 

The senate must have some 

hyenas and jackals . Their 

whispers have turned to loud 

rebellious grumbles of late. 

There is a sense in which they 

could be viewed as some of the 

most pugnacious hyenas 

readying for the carrion. It’s not 

certain whether madam thinks 

Saraki is a jackal. Those who 

know say he took active part in 

the kill. But there are different 

breeds of jackals and hyenas. 

There is this breed that can 

hijack what has been hijacked. 

But who will blame the lioness 

for labeling anything 

opportunistic as a hyena?


How Obaseki’s 18 

Commissioners 

emerged eight months 

after assuming office 

SIMON EBEGBULEM, 

BENIN CITY 

It was a sigh of relief for the 

people of Edo state after 

members of the state Executive 

Council finally emerged last 

week, eight months into the 

administration of Governor 

Godwin Obaseki. The governor 

had attributed the delay in 

constituting his cabinet to his 

resolve to put in place a template 

with which the Commissioners 

would work with in order to 

meet up with the electoral 

promises he made to the people 

of the state. Apart from that, the 

governor said he needed to get 

capable hands that will help him 

pilot the affairs of the state. 

However, after a painstaking 

screening, including 

contributions from leaders of the 

All Progressives Congress 

(APC), the Commissioners were 

unveiled last week while a twoday 

retreat was organized for 

them in Lagos last Monday. 

Announcing their portfolio, 

Governor Obaseki said the 

Ministry of Lands and Housing 

has been scrapped just as he 

renamed some of the Ministries 

to suit his vision and mission. 

The Commissioners were picked 

from the 18 Local Government 

Councils of the state. 

The governor was said to have 

informed the party leaders of the 

kind of qualities he expected from 

the commissioner nominees they 

should present to him. 

Saturday Vanguard learnt that the 

leaders forwarded a list of three 

persons from each of the 18 Local 

Government Areas, giving the 

governor the choice to pick one 

out of the three. However, it was 

gathered that there are some 

Local Governments where the 

governor rejected the 

three persons 

presented as they 

were below the 

standard he wanted 

while fresh names 

were said to have 

been sent to him. 

In some cases he 

used his 

discretion to 

suggest names 

for the leaders. 

Among the 

commissioners, 

there were some of 

them who were 

referred to as super 

commissioners by 

virtue of having 

served in the last 

administration. 

This category of 

commissioners 

include the former 

Commissioner for 

Finance during the 

administration of Governor Adams 

Oshiomhole, Mr John Inegbedion 

who has retained his position as 

Commissioner for Finance. 

Inegbedion is one of the young and 

dependable technocrats who was 

The governor was 

said to have informed 

the party leaders of 

the kind of qualities 

he expected from the 

commissioner 

nominees they 

should present to him 

•Gov 

Obaseki 

brought into the system by the 

former governor, in his eight years 

tenure in the state. Others include 

the current Commissioner for 

Minerals, Oil and Gas, Joseph 

Ugheoke, who was Commissioner 

for Land during the Oshiomhole 

administration. Emmanuel Usoh 

who is currently the Commissioner 

for Wealth Creation, Cooperation 

and Employment, is one young 

man who distinguished himself 

when he acted as the Chairman 

of the state Revenue Board 

during the Oshiomhole 

administration. The new 

Commissioner for Local 

Governments and Chieftaincy 

Affairs, Mr Jimoh Ijegbai, will be 

bringing his wealth of experience 

as former chairman of Owan East 

Local Government. As a matter of 

fact, Ijegbai was one of the best 

chairmen during his time and it was 

not surprising that he was given this 

portfolio. The current commissioner 

for Communication and 

Orientation, Mr Paul Ohuobanmu 

who will take charge of the media 

for Obaseki, was former deputy 

Speaker of the state House of 

Assembly. He is a lawyer by 

profession and one of the APC 

lawmakers then who battled their 

counterparts in the PDP to a 

standstill to make APC survive in 

the state. 

Others who made the list of the 

commissioners include Yekini 

Idaiye (Energy and Water 

Resources); Emmanuel Agbale 

(Science and technology); 

Magdelene Ohenhen (Women 

•Barr. Emmanuel Usoh •Joseph Ugheoke •John Inegbedion •Jimoh Ijegbai 

Affairs and Social 

Development); Osahon 

Amiolemen (Infrastructure); 

Mika Amanokha (Youth and 

Special Duties); Hajia Maryam 

Abubakar (Budget); 

Edorodion Oye Erimona 

(Physical Planning and Urban 

Development); Prof. Yinka 

Omorogbe ( Justice); Osaze 

Osemwegie-Ero (Arts,Culture 

and Diaspora); Monday 

Osaigbovo (Agriculture and 

Natural Resources); Dr 

Christopher Adesotu 

(Education); Reginald Okun ( 

Environment 

and 

Sustainability) and Dr David 

Osifo (Health), Some of the 

Ministries were reorganized 

and renamed to suit the 

governor’s vision while the 

Ministry of Lands and Housing 

which was scrapped will now be 

supervised by the Property 

Development Authority. 

At the first Executive Council 

meeting (EXCO) held last Tuesday 

in Lagos, Obaseki announced that 

Forestry and Sports had been made 

full commissions. 

While stating that all the executive 

orders and gazettes necessary to 

show the new structure will be 

released immediately and that 

the terms of reference of all 

council members had been 

finalized, he then directed all 

commissioners to resume at 

their ministries on Thursday, 

July 13, 2017. A consensus was 

also reached that the State 

Executive Council meetings 

should hold every Wednesday 

b y 10 am. 

In his remarks, 

the Secretary to 

the State 

Government, Mr. 

Osarodion Ogie, 

pointed out to the 

n e w 

commissioners 

that the governor 

should be 

referred as 

Chairman –in- 

Council and not 

His Excellency. 

He said that all 

documents and 

issues relating to 

the meetings are 

to be treated 

with strict 

confidentiality, adding that all such 

documents will be returned to the 

state upon expiration of the 

tenure of appointees. The Headof-Service 

in her submission 

urged EXCO members to ensure 

that they discuss the decisions 

reached with their permanent 

secretaries in order to get their 

support in ensuring the 

achievement of the objectives 

of government. The Chief-of- 

Staff, Taiwo Akerele who also 

spoke at the meeting called 

on appointees to ensure they 

pay good attention to areas 

covered by donor agencies in 

their ministries, stressing that 

the donors account for about 

15 per cent of the annual 

budget of the state and must 

therefore be taken seriously. 

With the appointment of 

Commissioners, it is expected 

that the Obaseki’s administration 

will commence work in full force. 

US chapter of FGGC Sagamu 

Alumni holds reunion meeting 

The US chapter of Federal 

Government Girls College 

(FGGC) Sagamu Alumni has held 

its 7th annual fund raising/ 

reunion which took place on 

Saturday 29th April 2017 at the 

Sam Houston Ballroom in 

Houston Texas. Attendees 

represented several sets and came 

from many cities within the 

United States, Canada and 

Nigeria. The group was also 

honored with the presence of 

family, friends, well-wishers and 

a few special guests including 

representatives 

of 

congresswoman Sheila Jackson- 

Lee and Honrable Abike Dabiri- 

Arewa, special guest speakers 

HRH Princess (Dr.) Moradeun 

Ogunlana and Dr. John Adesioye 

of Utopia Consulting 

International. 

The reunion events kicked off on 

Friday 28th April 2017 with some 

of the alumni sisters volunteering 

at the Houston women’s shelter 

for domestic abuse. On the day of 

the main event, they started off the 

day with a 5kilometer- walk 

geared towards reinforcing a 

culture of keeping fit and healthy. 

This was followed by a breakfast 

meeting session titled “Women’s 

Health Let’s talk.” The 

presentation which was 

facilitated by “Mutiat Sunshine” 

focused on various womenrelated 

health issues. 

At the event, Congresswoman 

Sheila Jackson-Lee spoke to the 

attendees and expressed her 

gratitude for being included in the 

program. She said she was of the 

work being done by the alumni 

as they continue to work on 

giving back to their alma mater. 

The congresswoman presented 

the organization and alumni 

members with a certificate of 

congressional citation with a 

congratulatory message. Special 

guest speakers included HRH 

Princess (Dr.) Moradeun 

Ogunlana and Dr. John 

Adesioye of Utopia Consulting 

International and they also 

delivered encouraging, thought 

provoking and sincere messages 

•Mrs Abimbola Art-Alade 

to all attendees. 

The event also featured fun 

session with the MC/Host 

Jedidiah “Freshboss” Jedi 

entertaining the attendees with 

his clean jokes while 

renowned R&B artist Darey 

performed some of his hit songs 

which got everyone dancing and 

singing. 

In her closing remarks, 

President, Board of Directors, 

FGGCS Alumni, USA, Inc, Mrs 

Abimbola Art-Alade on behalf of 

the board, pledged pledged a 

•Cross section of FGGC 

commitment to continue to work 

on giving back to their alma mater. 

She then listed some of the 

The major goal of 

the organization is 

to bring together 

and leverage our 

network to raise 

funds and resources 

to support our Alma 

mater 

achievements of the alumni to 

include: Upgrade of school library 

(donation of books, air 

conditioning unit, book shelves 

and 100 Chairs for e-Library; 

Alumni assistance program 

(bereavement & medical 

expenses donation); Student 

sponsorship to the W-TEC 

Educational Live-In Summer 

Camp; repair of 40 eBooks; 

Student sponsorship for trip to 

Social Media Week (SMW), 

Lagos; and four health and 

wellness awareness workshops on 

breast cancer awareness, diabetes 

and physical activity successfully 

executed. 

According to Mrs Art-Alade, 

“the USA alumni in the USA 

was established in July 2011 and 

was formally registered as a nonprofit 

organization in November 

of same year. The major goal of the 

organization is to bring together 

and leverage our network to raise 

funds and resources to support 

our Alma mater. Other goals 

include providing support to 

members and our sister 

organizations across the globe by 

leveraging individual and 

collective resources and talents. 

Next year’s event will take 

place in Maryland USA on 

April 28th 2018


How we can truly 

bounce back 

— Bode George, Senators, Reps 

• APC divided over impact of judgement 

would disintegrate but I want to assure 

us that PDP would bounce back to power. 

We give are going to give a very good 

fight in 2019. 

•Bode George 

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor, 

Abdulwahab Abdulah, Henry Umoru, 

Emman Ovuakporie and Levinus 

Nwabughiogu and Omezia Ajayi 

Wednesday’s decision of the 

Supreme Court conferring 

legitimacy on the Senator Ahmed 

Makarfi leadership of the Peoples 

Democratic Party, PDP has inevitably recast 

expectations of party members 

The party that was only days ago forlorn 

and fading in the eyes of many was in the 

consideration of many of its leading lights 

set to retake its place in the polity with the 

court judgment effectively wresting control 

from Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. 

However, a common grain in the reactions 

of many is the need for the leadership to forgive 

the ills of the past. Unity, party stakeholders 

who spoke in different reactions to Saturday 

Vanguard affirmed, would help to launch the 

party into a serious threat to the ruling All 

Progressives Congress, APC. 

The prospects of the party is an issue that has 

divided the leadership of the APC. While the 

party’s national spokesman, Mallam Bolaji 

Abdullahi last Wednesday tended to dismiss 

the PDP as a threat, his deputy, Mr. Timi Frank 

was not so inclined as he saw the victory of the 

Makarfi faction as a call to arms for the APC. 

He said the party must reinvent itself, build 

bridges and forge reconciliations in order to 

avoid the crisis that put the PDP out of business 

for the last 13 months or so. 

Leading the calls was Chief Bode George, a 

former deputy national chairman of the party 

who had vowed to resign from partisan politics 

had victory been given to the Sheriff faction. 

George who was in Abuja for the judgment 

hearing has since last Wednesday been involved 

in strategic meetings with other prominent 

leaders on how to rebuild the party. 

In between the meetings, George told 

Saturday Vanguard 

“The victory was not only for the Peoples 

Democratic Party, PDP, alone but for the whole 

Nigeria. It shows that democracy has been reenhanced 

and entrenched in our polity. And 

that the impunity and abuse of rule of law has 

been banished. It is a day of joy for me and I 

cannot forget it. 

“It is a rebirth of the democratic dispensation. 

It shows that the rest of the world will know that 

under any circumstances, you can get justice in 

Nigeria. Fairness, justice and equity have been 

rolled into one. Foreign investors will believe 

that we are now very serious minded, and that 

they can get justice in our courts. 

On the next move of the party, he said: 

“The top management or structures of the 

party have been holding series of meetings since 

the judgment was delivered. Our meetings 

across the country are basically going to be on 

how to stabilize the party and our platforms so 

that we know exactly what we should do, when 

and how to hold the convention. I believe in the 

next week or so, we will know how things will 

work out to take shape.” 

Deputy Senate Minority Whip, Senator 

•Olujimi 

Biodun Olujimi 

It is good that we have our party back. The first thing 

to do is to reconcile, we need to be able to speak, what 

was lacking the last time was that people were not 

willing to talk. Without communication, it is difficult it 

run a home, not to talk of running a huge political 

party. We need to be honest with each other, we need to 

move this party forward, we need to overtake, we need 

to reposition our party, make amends, stay with PDP 

because we are the only ones that know how a country 

can be run, how we can make money from oil and be 

able to use it for the benefit of the people. 

Senator Stella Oduah, Anambra North 

It is a victory for party members and Nigeria and not 

only for Markafi or loss for Sheriff, but victory for 

democracy in Nigeria. The challenge now is for 

everyone to come together and build a very virile and 

formidable PDP. 

Senator Enyinnaya Àbaribe, Abia South 

No Victor, no vanquished, we are all PDP. We need to 

all come together as one to organise our convention 

and get the elected leadership that will lead us to defeat 

APC in 2019. 

Senator James Manager, Delta South 

It is intervention from God and now that God has 

intervened, God is for peace and forgiveness. Let the 

PDP forgive and forget those who seemingly have 

offended. We have learnt our lessons from the crisis and 

what we need do now is to forge ahead. We will forgive 

and forget those who seemingly were the brain behind 

the crisis. 

What I am saying is to forgive and forget, but not 

forgetting the lessons of where we were before the 

court judgment so that we can move ahead as a great 

political party. 

Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Edo South 

What I am saying is 

to forgive and forget, 

but not forgetting the 

lessons of where we 

were before the 

court judgment so 

that we can move 

ahead as a great 

political party 

•Oduah 

This judgment is not just victory for 

Markafi or loss for Sheriff but victory 

for democracy in Nigeria. The challenge 

now is to honesty and thoroughly 

reconcile all segments of the party and 

make it a viable option for all those who 

are currently stranded in the APC and 

indeed all Nigerians who are lovers of 

democracy. 

Rep. Leo Ogor, Minority Leader, 

House of Representatives 

I think first thing we’ll do is to integrate 

all our members who strayed into the 

wilderness when there was winter in the 

party. 

Now we are going to see 

virile opposition in the 

body polity of this 

country as our faith in 

the judiciary has been 

rekindled. 

The PDP will 

constitute a 

reconciliation 

committee to bring 

back all our brothers 

and sisters because 

forgiveness is now our 

watchword to ensure 

Nigerians enjoy what I 

call democratic principles 

and ethos. 

We have learnt our 

lessons, we must 

acknowledge the fact 

that it was a self 

inflicted injury but 

thank God the 

Supreme Court has 

saved Nigerian 

democracy. It was not 

PDP that was saved 

but our democracy. 

We should ask 

ourselves, how did we get 

here? If we continue to go 

round in circles, we will not 

make progress. If we don’t learn from 

this, we will not go forward. 

As it is now Nigerians have alternative. 

PDP coming alive is a good step because 

I can bet you that if the last regime was 

bad, this is ugly. 

Rep. Danladi Baido (PDP, Taraba) 

Whatever has a beginning must have 

an end , the tussle was so stringent but 

today, it is over. I want to tell you that this 

judgment is not only for one faction but 

for both. I am assuring Nigerians that 

we are fighting for a common cause, 

there is no cause for alarm. 

What everyone thought was that PDP 

•Àbaribe 

Rep. Tajudeen Yusuf (PDP, Kogi) 

We must set up a reconciliation 

committee that will go round, as 

statesmen, not as people who have won 

in the court, to unite aggrieved members. 

The truth is that what we have lost with 

all this wrangling has been colossal. 

While it lasted, we lost our cohesion, and 

also our position as an alternative 

platform. 

While PDP members are almost united 

on the need to forge unity, the APC’s 

national spokesman, Abdullahi and his 

deputy, Mr. Timi Frank were divided on 

the impact of the judgment on the ruling 

party. 

Abdullahi said: “Whichever way you 

want to look at it, the ruling has no direct 

consequence on APC whichever faction 

the pendulum swings to”. 

His deputy, Mr. Frank, however, 

differed telling Saturday Vanguard in 

an interview that was a tonic that the 

APC needed to spur it into delivering 

on its electioneering campaign 

promises. 

Noting that Nigeria needs a viable 

opposition political party for 

democracy to succeed, Frank added 

that “having a strong opposition PDP 

or any other party will force the ruling 

APC to deliver more on its 

promises to 

Nigerians”. 

•Manager 

He however 

urged the PDP to 

be alive to its 

responsibilities as 

the main 

opposition party 

for the betterment 

of the country’s 

democracy. 

“In all of these, the 

most important thing is 

that we are all Nigerians 

despite party differences. 

The interest of the 

country is bigger 

than any other 

interest and we 

should do 

everything 

possible to keep 

the country as 

one entity 

stronger and 

better”, he said. 

Frank observed 

that; “Though PDP 

had allowed itself to 

swim in troubled 

waters for a long time but 

if they will be able to put their 

house in order that will be good for 

democracy. 

“It is high time my party (APC) learned 

from the PDP experience by urgently 

resolving all the issues at hand before it 

is too late. I know that as a ruling party, 

we believe in multi-party system because 

we were once in the opposition, so the 

insinuation that APC does not want 

opposition does not arise. 

“As we prepare for the 2019 general 

elections, I believe that APC is still the 

hope of Nigerians if the party will sustain 

its popularity and resolve all the internal 

crisis at all levels.”

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017—39 

vanguardpolitics@gmail.com 

PDP bounces back after Supreme Court judgment 

By Vincent Ujumadu 

LAST Wednesday’s 

Supreme Court 

decision recognising 

the Senator Ahmed Makarfi 

led leadership of the Peoples 

Democratic Party, PDP is set 

to redefine the governorship 

contest. 

Until the judgment, the PDP 

was being set at irrelevance 

with just two notable 

chieftains, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu 

and Mr. Oseloka Obaze as 

major contenders for the 

party’s ticket. 

Most political heavy weights 

in PDP in the state left the 

party in the wake of the crisis. 

However, the party’s 

grassroots followership in the 

state is, nonetheless, believed 

to be still intact in many 

wards. 

Before the Supreme Court 

ruling, the newly INEC – 

recognized Advanced Peoples 

Democratic Alliance, APDA 

was already gaining ground 

as a likely alternative to PDP 

in the state. However, the 

moment the Supreme Court 

ruling sitting filtered into the 

By Vincent Ujumadu 

DESPITE the recent ruling 

of an Enugu High Court 

declaring the Imo State –born 

Chief Martin Agbaso as the 

national chairman of All 

Progressives Grand Alliance, 

APGA, Dr. Victor Oye who was 

ousted by the court from that 

office is vowing that he would 

be the one to present Chief 

Willie Obiano for the election. 

His assertion is despite his 

effort to overturn the decision 

of Justice R. A. Ozoemena 

which conferred legitimacy to 

Agbaso as national chairman of 

the party. 

Sounding confident in an 

interview, Oye told Saturday 

Vanguard that he will be the one 

to conduct primaries and 

submit the name of the APGA 

candidate, who, in this case, will 

be Governor Obiano, to the 

Independent National Electoral 

Commission, INEC, for the 

governorship election because 

the judgment of the Enugu 

High Court was not binding on 

him. 

“I was not joined in the suit 

and therefore, I should not be 

made to suffer any liability for 

something I did not do. I 

decided to go to Court of 

Appeal as an aggrieved party 

because my name was 

inadvertently mentioned. I had 

to do that to remedy my image 

that had been wickedly soiled 

by the order of the Enugu High 

Court 

“Those that were supposed to 

be affected by the order of the 

court, namely the police and 

•Obiogbolu 

state, some PDP members who 

were already hibernating with 

APDA said they would return 

to their original party. 

In fact, the belief before 

Wednesday was that the 

governorship race would be a 

straight battle among the All 

Progressives Grand Alliance, 

APGA, the PDP and All 

Progressives Congress, APC. 

But the judgment has put PDP 

into serious reckoning. 

As one of them said, the 

•Obaze 

good thing is that most of the 

people causing the crisis in 

PDP have, by divine 

intervention, left the party, 

while others who were 

banking on Sheriff emerging 

victorious to continue their old 

game, have been completely 

disarmed. 

“What we are obviously 

going to have is a refined PDP 

that will be united to face any 

election in this state,” a 

member of the party said in 

Awka yesterday. 

Basking in the euphoria of 

the Supreme Court ruling, a 

governorship aspirant on the 

platform of the party, Mr. 

Oseloka Obaze however 

described the judgment as a 

win-win for all PDP members. 

“We salute their courage in 

exhaustively addressing this 

matter using the judicial 

process. The outcome and 

decision strengthens our 

democracy. 

“The Supreme Court 

affirmation of Senator Ahmed 

Mohammed Makarfi as the 

indisputable and authentic 

chairman of PDP, has put a 

divinities end to the internal 

squabble that had adversely 

affected our dear and great 

party. We congratulate our 

chairman and members of his 

executive. 

“This moment and outcome 

does not call for triumphalism, 

but for regrouping the PDP 

family. Our umbrella is large 

enough to accommodate us 

all. We must come together to 

serve our people and return 

Nigeria to its place as an 

inclusive nation,” Obaze said. 

OBIANO: Oye says Agbaso will not conduct primaries 

•Agbaso 

INEC, because of their roles in 

the governorship election and 

which are federal agencies, are 

also at the Court of Appeal to 

vacate the order. 

“The INEC has proceedings 

of the national convention that 

produced me and the 

Commission knows that I am 

the only person legitimately 

PEOPLES Democratic Party, 

PDP aspirant, Dr. Alex 

Ogbogbolu has promised to 

tap into the Biafra can do spirit 

of survival to boost the 

agricultural base of the state. 

“I believe that we can get to 

our destination if we believe 

in ourselves. As far as I am 

concerned, Biafra represents 

integrity, ingenuity and faith 

in God. It is a mind thing to 

say that Igbo are marginalized 

•Oye 

and legally produced as the 

national chairman. Martin 

Agbaso is a total stranger in 

APGA as far as we are 

concerned. 

“So Obiano has nothing to 

fear as far as contesting the 

election to complete the good 

work he is doing in the state is 

concerned. It is possible that 

those sponsoring Agbaso and 

his group are people in other 

parties who know that they do 

not have any chance, if they 

contest against the governor.” 

Oye said the seeming crisis 

had even united APGA more as 

people had realized the motive 

of the sponsors of the division 

in the party. 

Obiogbolu says he will reawaken Biafra’s can do spirit 

because we can overcome 

every situation. 

“From the 20 pounds 

everybody was given after the 

civil war, we have today, multi 

billionaires, industrialists of 

repute and entrepreneurs of 

all categories in our state. It 

is in that spirit that I offer 

myself to serve as governor of 

Anambra State. 

“We have always been 

number one and we will 

continue to be number one if 

I become governor. I will 

ensure food security and we 

will embark on mechanized 

agriculture. 

My belief is that instead of 

empowering few individuals 

to embark on agriculture, I 

will distribute such money to 

hundreds of farmers in all 

parts of the state and the 

result will better. 

We don’t 

want political 

immigrants in 

PPA—National 

Chairman 

•As Ezeemo promises to 

eradicate street trading 

through education 

By Chris Ochayi 

THE Progressive Peoples 

Alliance, PPA, has fixed July 

22, 2017 for the conduct of its 

party primaries to pick its 

candidate but stressed that it 

does not want political 

immigrants in the contest. 

The National Chairman of 

the party, Comrade Peter 

Ameh, disclosed this when a 

governorship aspirant under 

the party, Chief Godwin 

Ezeemo called at the party’s 

national secretariat in Abuja 

to pick nomination and 

expression of interest forms. 

Ezeemo, at the occasion 

promised to abolish street 

trading through the provision 

of free education from the 

primary school level to Junior 

Secondary School level if 

voted into power. 

Comrade Ameh, who was 

optimistic of the party’s bright 

chances in the election, said 

the November 18 

governorship election would 

not be the first election to be 

won by the party, since it has 

won in similar elections in 

Abia and Imo States. 

The national chairman 

while declaring that the party 

abhors political migrants 

described Ezeemo as a 

consistent party man; who has 

laboured seriously to nurse 

and nourish the party with his 

resources and wealth of 

experience. 

According to Ameh, “First 

and foremost like I told you 

we are working on a system 

that people must participate 

in party, people don’t just 

jump ships and say they are 

going to contest. 

“He (Ezeemo) has shown 

faith to the course of our party. 

We belong to one party, we 

have one mission, one 

agenda and we have one 

understanding and that 

understanding is based on 

the fact that time has come for 

us to do things differently. 

“Time has come for Nigeria 

to change and change for the 

better, not change in a 

retrogressive aspect, change 

that will affect the life of the 

people positively and that is 

why we didn’t look at the party 

system of conducting party 

primaries in Nigeria.


BY FRED IWENJORA 

Chief CAO Baogang is the 

Executive President, 

Overseas operations for 

China Railway Construction 

Corporation with subsidiaries across 

the world dealing and providing 

intricate construction solutions for 

Chinese infrastructure growth as 

well as in many other countries of 

the world. CRCC has been involved 

in construction of railways, sea ports, 

roads and bridges and buildings for 

years. 

In Nigeria, they are highly visible 

in Lagos, where they are deeply 

involved in the development of the 

Lekki free trade zone to which they 

have invested over $162m out of the 

$267m amongst other constructions 

including the light rail project that is 

ongoing, they are also soon going to 

commence the real work on the Lagos 

Ibadan rail project just like the Abuja- 

Kaduna which the company built and 

delivered is already in use. 

This makes Chief Baogang a very 

busy man who must be and indeed has 

been in all places at the same time to 

oversee and coordinate the numerous 

activities. 

In this exclusive chat in his office at 

the CRCC headquarters in Beijing, 

China, he makes a solemn confession 

of how Nigeria still takes a full place 

in his heart as compared with his other 

places of work. 

He also delves briefly into the state 

of affairs between his country and 

Nigeria in area of construction and the 

issue of transfer of technology which 

happens to be a source of worry to 

many Nigerians. 

“I love Nigeria” he begins 

enthusiastically. “I take Nigeria as my 

second home country. I love the 

people of Nigeria who are very hard 

working and friendly with everyone. 

I love Nigerian food also like 

potatoes, yam and all those local 

Nigerian foods. I love the fish pepper 

soup. I mean that black fish with the 

big head. I enjoyed it regularly as part 

of our family meal since I tasted it in 

Abuja. Even the one they roast and 

garnish with spicy source is also a 

delight. 

You did not worry about the pepper? 

I probe 

“Not at all. China is big and several 

people enjoy different kinds of 

flavours in their meals depending on 

which part of China you are from. Some 

Chinese live where there is no pepper 

Confessions of a 

Chinese in love 

with Nigeria…. 

while some of us eat pepper. I 

come from the Southern part of 

China and we enjoy spicy 

foods. 

“Let me tell you, I lived in 

Nigeria with my wife and 

daughter for some time and we 

all enjoyed the period. We had 

a nice stay with our neighbours 

and friends. I even just returned 

from Nigeria a few weeks ago 

and will soon go back to Abuja.” 

Eating and relishing 

Nigerian dishes is not all that 

make this smooth talking 

Chinese show his love for a 

country in whom he is well 

pleased. He is also a recipient 

of two traditional titles from the 

Efik(cross River state) and the 

other from Ibibio (Akwa Ibom 

state) of Nigeria. 

“One of the titles from Cross 

River state is translated as” 

Chief of construction” 

while the one from Uyo means 

the” Sun of Uyo” . I cherish 

these titles so much and my 

organisation also does. As you 

can see the pictures of these 

events as well as the costume 

and regalia are well preserved 

and displayed in the CRCC 

museum and gallery” . 

We did not only chat about 

food as I also asked him many 

times about Chinese interests in 

Nigeria. What is the business 

relationship between Nigeria 

and China especially in the 

area of construction? His 

answers; 

China relationship with 

Nigeria in the area of 

construction has been very 

strong for many years. And we 

continue to service these 

relationships. CRCC and its 

subsidiaries including CCECC, EEC, 

have been involved with the major 

construction works across Nigeria 

since 1981. President Buhari has also 

visited China to discuss first hand and 

strengthen these ties. There is more 

mutual trust between the two 

countries. I believe that this has its 

benefits and will continue to benefit all 

parties. 

And what is the progress of work in 

general terms? 

“With our various subsidiaries we 

have over 100 ongoing projects 

scattered across 28 states in Nigeria. 

Others are still being prospected. 

Funding however is the main 

challenge. If there is no funding, 

there is delay in delivery. 

Many believe that you are not 

China has plan to build five 

technology universities in 

Africa and we are 

considering either Port 

Harcourt or Lagos so 

Nigerian young people who 

wish to make a career in 

construction of roads, 

railway lines and buildings 

should watch out for 

information regarding this 

•Ruke 

•Cao Baogang of CRCC 

•Fred Iwenjora with Cao 

Baogang, Ex President 

Overseas Operations CRCC 

transferring technology to 

Nigerians… 

I see Nigeria as one of the fastest 

growing countries in Africa and I am 

very sure that with the way things are 

going, in the next 15-20 years Nigeria 

would have reached its potential. I 

want to see this happen in my life time. 

It is also our biggest market in Africa 

followed by Angola. To answer your 

question specifically, we have a 

proposal on transfer of technology 

that is already being implemented. 

We are currently training Nigerian 

sub contractors who can grow in a 

few years time and be able to take 

charge of the construction needs of 

the country. Our training school at 

Idu will soon be completed. China 

has plan to build five technology 

universities in Africa and we are 

considering either Port Harcourt or Lagos 

so Nigerian young people who wish to 

make a career in construction of roads, 

railway lines and buildings should watch 

out for information regarding this. 

Already, 20 Nigerian students are in class 

with Chinese students taking training 

and this knowledge will be offloaded for 

and in Nigeria. So you can see it is not only 

about our business. It is also about Nigeria. 

“ Again we have a strong bond of 

relationship with our workers and friends 

and Nigerians at large. Our workers earn 

agreed wages as at when due without 

delays.

Stories by Moses Nosike 

Community 

empowerment 

erment 

omotes economic 

empo 

promo 

growth 

wth—T 

It has been proven that community 

and regional developments are 

the easiest way of developing 

economy of any country. Therefore, 

public, private sectors, NGO are 

advised to pull resources together 

to encourage community 

empowerment in Nigeria to aid its 

economic growth. However, where 

there is proper provision for 

vocational training, education 

empowerment, agriculture with 

better healthcare system etc. in 

communities it affects national 

development because it’s all about 

value chain that kick starts from the 

grassroots to state and federal levels. 

One of the challenges of low pace 

development in Nigeria is because 

most communities in the country 

are not developed which now affects 

national development. 

Empowering citizens reduces crime 

rate, unemployment, youth 

restiveness, corruption and 

economic upheaval. 

On this background, newly elected 

President, Rotary Club of Lagos 

—Tandon 

Island, Rotarian Sanjeev Tandon, a 

man with passion for community 

development and has been 

tremendously supporting charity 

work, less privileged and 

community development since he 

joined Rotary Club of Jabalpur in 

1990 till date. This commitment has 

brought him the level he is in Rotary 

today. 

Having spent decades in Nigeria, 

the Vice President Project, 

Kewalram Chanrai Group became 

passionate in youth empowerment, 

keen in better healthcare for an 

average Nigerian in order to 

promote healthy living in the 

country. 

Rotarian Sanjeev Tandon is the 

President of the first Mega Club of 

RI District 9110 in Nigeria, Rotary 

Club of Lagos Island, that has 

empowered 500 youths via 

vocational training. “Recently the 

club paid for the services of medical 

experts from abroad that treated 

patients with different ailment at 

Shagamu with most of the 

expensive medical facilities 

anybody can boost of and at the end 

of that exercise those facilities were 

left behind for further treatment. 

According to Tandon, this is what 

Rotary Club of Lagos Island since 

inception in 2016 has involved in 

around its operational 

environments. Of recent it adopted 

two secondary schools for 

educational empowerment. More 

of this can be achieved if we 

collaborate and help communities 

around us to develop fast and the 

economy will also grow through 

LBS, Coca Cola, other 

thers deepen support t for 

‘wat 

ater for sustainable development’ 

elopment’ 

Considering the importance of 

water to human lives, plants, 

agricultural, industries and other 

uses, Lagos Business School’s First 

Bank Sustainability Centre, Coca- 

Cola and other corporate partners, 

hosted a symposium that brought 

various stakeholders within the 

water ecosystem together to educate 

Nigerians various ways for water 

sustainability and uses. 

Speaking on Water for 

Sustainable Development 2017, 

Head, Department of 

Entrepreneurship and Strategy, 

Lagos Business School, Prof. Chris 

Ogbechie, said that this symposium 

has been designed to bring together 

business leaders, representatives of 

corporations, water and 

environmental specialists, 

academics, students, government 

agencies, policy makers, regulators, 

CSR and environmental 

sustainability executives to 

understand and appreciate policy 

measures, actions, and means of 

implementation of the water 

sustainable development goal and 

its targets. 

He further said that, as an 

institution, Lagos Business School 

strives to champion sustainability 

by providing a platform for different 

stakeholders to come together to 

have conversations on how we can 

preserve our world for future 

generations. So by putting this 

forum together in partnership with 

Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, we 

expect that the discussions will help 

spur innovative thinking, creative 

ideas, forge partnerships which will 

drive systemic and sustainable 

environmental solutions. 

Ogbechie said that water is life and 

is crucial to poverty eradication, 

gender equality, food security and 

sustainable agriculture, health, 

sanitation, sustainable industry, 

sustainable consumption and 

production, tourism, and 

sustainable urbanization, among 

others. 

He stressed further that in 

L-R: Mr Vinod Kumar, Country Head, WaterHealth Nigeria Ltd., Dr 

Grace Oloukoi, Department of Environmental Sciences, Lead City 

University, Mr Chigozie Ejimogu, Country Environment Manager, Nigerian 

Bottling Company, Engr. Muminu Badmus, GMD Lagos Water Coporation, 

Mr Clem Ugorji, Director, Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola 

West Africa Business Unit during the event in Lagos. 

adopting the 2030 Agenda for 

Sustainable Development, the vital 

importance of water and sanitation 

was highlighted by incorporating a 

standalone sustainable 

development goal on water. 

In addition, Director of Public 

Affairs and Communications for 

Coca-Cola West Africa Business 

Unit, Mr Clem Ugorji, while 

narrating the importance of 

responsible use of water at levels of 

society spoke the importance of 

‘golden triangle’ partnerships of 

government, industry and civil 

society in pursuance of the SDGs 

in Nigeria. “He cited what the 

beverage company, which relies 

primarily on clean water for its 

business is doing internally and 

externally to promote sustainable 

use of water resources”. 

Ugorji, who said that water 

adequacy is crucial not only for 

domestic, industrial and 

agricultural uses but also for 

averting water-related social 

instability. 


leaders. “ To encourage and foster 

the ideal of service as a basis of 

worthy enterprise”. 

He said that Rotary International 

is an international service 

organization whose purpose is to 

bring together business and 

professional leaders in order to 

provide humanitarian services, 

encourage high ethical standards in 

all vocations, advance goodwill and 

peace around the world. It is a nonpolitical 

and non-sectarian 

organization open to all people 

regardless of race, colour, creed, 

religion, gender, or political 

preference. There are 34,282 

member clubs worldwide and 1.2 

million individuals known as 

Rotarians. 

However, “the Rotary Community 

Corps (RCC) is a volunteer 

organization with an estimated 

157,000 non-Rotarian men and 

women in over 6,800 communities 

in 78 countries. 

Describing the bilateral 

relationship of India and Nigeria, 

Tando said it dated back in 1940 till 

date both countries have had a 

cordial relationships that have seen 

India established a lot of companies 

in Nigeria that have promoted 

employment in the country. 

In a media chart with Tando in 

Lagos, he advised Nigerian 

government to channel resources to 

agriculture to end poverty, 

unemployment and boost the 

economy of the country. He said 

further that Nigeria has a lot of man 

power and if trained and channelled 

into agriculture the economy would 

grow through food export and the 

country would have enough food for 

its citizens while many youths 

roaming around the streets will be 

engaged into agriculture. 

He also stresses the need for 

standard education that promotes 

science and technology which 

helped developed nations to 

advance and remain competitive 

globally. 

this means”. 

Tando, having been considered 

the right person and elected as 

President of Rotary Club of Lagos 

Island said that the club will 

continue this humanitarian services 

which the club is been known for. 

Continuing, he said that the club 

would strictly follow its mission and 

objectives of providing service to 

others, promote integrity and 

advance world understanding, 

goodwill and peace through its 

fellowship of business, 

professionalism and community 

TFN 2017 aims at promoting 

future leadership 

*Moves to bridge inequity in education 

Olam joins hands with Nurser 

sery, , Hatcher 

hery Fish Farmer 

armers 

Olam International, the leading 

agri-business group operating 

from seed-to-shelf in 70 countries 

recently launched the best in class 

and latest micro extrusion 

technology fish feed, Aqualis in 

Nigeria. 

Aqualis, the first offering from the 

animal feed investment from Olam 

International, has a high nutritional 

content and the right balance of 

protein that ensures better growth 

and high fish yield. Olam 

International, in reaffirming their 

•Sanjeev Tandon 

mission of supplying food and 

industrial raw materials to 

customers worldwide have 

launched a fish feed that will be truly 

revolutionary to the development of 

fish farming in Nigeria. 

The latest technology used in the 

manufacture of Aqualis is a very 

recent an innovation that delivers a 

fully floating feed which is best 

suited for the feeding behaviour of 

the African catfish. 

Olam believes that in order to grow 

Fellows of the Teach For Nigeria have been asked to bridge the gap 

created by policy somersault by successive governments in the country 

to reposition educational standards in schools. 

Speaking at the induction in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of the 

organisation, Miss. Folawe Omikunle, said, “To solve the problem of 

educational inequity in Nigeria, there needs to be critical mass of leaders 

working at every level of the education system leading and effecting true 

systemic change. We need inspired and motivated young leaders from 

different academic disciplines to canvass and act for excellence in the 

education standards of Nigeria. We are convinced that by preparing and 

equipping these groups of future leaders to take responsibility for 

producing an impact in high-need schools; accelerated change is inevitable. 

Omikunle said that TFN is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian 

child has access to an excellent education regardless of gender, economic 

or social background. Teach For Nigeria fellowship, a two-year educational 

intervention and leadership programme was launched in February 2017 

as a non profit organisation working to expand educational opportunities 

in Nigeria through the deployment of exceptional graduates in underserved 

schools. “Over the course of the next two years, you will be experiencing 

the most challenging but rewarding journey of your lives, with a programme 

that has been designed to challenge you and develop your leadership 

capacity to be successful leaders in the fight against educational inequity 

in Nigeria,” she said. 

Chairman of the organisation, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, highlighted the 

dire situation at hand. “In twenty years, Nigeria will be the largest country 

in the world. If we don’t address educational inequity now, we are doomed 

as a nation.” 

Miss. Omikunle noted that TFN received a total of 12,009 applications 

this year and after a rigorous selection process that lasted for four months, 

48 applicants were chosen for the fellowship. 

She explained that the fellows would begin with an intensive six-week 

training to prepare them for their new life in the classroom before they are 

posted to schools in Lagos and Ogun states respectively for the 2017/2018 

academic session. 

Pledging support for Teach For Nigeria, the Chairman of the Association 

of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN), Dr. Femi Ogunsanya commended 

Teach For Nigeria for their timely intervention. 

the Fish production – one needs to 

focus on two big drivers – Quality of 

the feed and the Fingerlings. 

Due to inbreeding the quality of 

fingerlings is sub optimal and there 

is a need to invest in research and 

development with an aim to deliver 

high quality fingerlings. 

Speaking at the occasion Mr. 

Ashish Pande, Business Head, Olam 

International said that, “Farmers 

forums like these help to discuss the 

key issues facing the industry and 

jointly work on solutions. 

The Nursery & Hatchery Forum 

was attended by Farmers from 

Lagos,Ogun,Oyo,Ondo andKwara 

also the President of CAFAN 

(Kwara Chapter) Mr Ajibola. 

Olam International was 

established in 1989 initially to trade 

cashew from Nigeria to India. The 

company has evolved today to build 

a global leadership position in 

many agri-business sectors such as 

Edible Nuts, cocoa, spices and 

vegetable ingredients, coffee and 

cotton.


BOOK Serialisation 

Mountain of Yesterday 

•Tony Nwaka 

Continues from last edition 

The wives and children of 

Uncle Madu were in 

attendance, yet the hostile 

stares of Isioma left no one in 

doubt of the tension within 

the family. 

Isioma and her husband 

had not been able to 

understand why the poison 

they gave to Amina was yet 

to take effect; they continued 

to look out for every sight 

and sound that indicated the 

expected end. 

Meanwhile, the burden of 

funding the funeral was 

largely left to Amina to bear. 

She managed to do so from 

what was left of her 

earnings. Her children 

returned to school a week 

after the burial ceremony, 

having missed out on much 

of their studies. They would 

need to work harder to catch 

up with the rest of the class. 

But that was not the major 

challenge that confronted the 

bereaved family. 

The children had gone to 

farm as they always did at 

the weekends before the 

death of their father. On 

getting there, they noticed 

that a rope attached with 

pieces of red cloth, tiny 

calabashes and omu was 

used to cordon off the farm. 

Omu was a long piece of leaf 

pulled out of a palm frond 

and used as a traditional 

symbol of injunction. 

They rushed back to notify 

their mother of the 

development. 

She was still 

observing the 

customary rites of 

bereavement 

which barred her 

from leaving the 

house or 

engaging in any 

form of work. She 

wondered why 

her children 

would be denied 

access to their 

father’s farm and 

sent Amuebie to 

Uncle Madu’s 

house to ask 

Nkiru to come 

over. 

Nkiru came in 

and joined 

Amina where she 

was seated on 

the floor. 

“How’re you 

doing today, my 

sister?” Nkiru 

asked. 

“We give God 

the glory,” Amina 

said. 

“This one you have sent 

for me this morning, I hope 

all is well?” 

“The children went to the 

farm but came back to report 

that the place has been 

sealed off.” 

“Why? What happened?” 

“I don’t know. How would I 

know when I’m seated here 

all day? I thought you might 

know or have heard 

something about it.” 

“I honestly don’t have the 

slightest idea about it. But 

hold on. Let me go and see 

Nna anyi. He must be aware 

of this,” Nkiru said and left 

the house. 

She returned some twenty 

minutes later to brief Amina 

of her findings. She informed 

her that the closure of the 

farm was a decision taken by 

the elders. A dispute had 

arisen between Uncle Madu 

and another member of the 

family over who was the 

proper person to inherit the 

land. Madu had laid claim to 

the property, being the oldest 

surviving direct relation of 

Udoka. But another member 

of the family had reasoned 

that the farm should be 

assigned to the general pool 

and split among members of 

the family. The elders had to 

intervene by keeping 

everyone out of the place 

pending a resolution of the 

dispute by the council of 

elders. 

For a few minutes after 

Nkiru had finished speaking, 

Amina kept silent and stared 

at the floor. She shook her 

head for a moment and 

turned to Nkiru. “So, what 

happens to me and my 

children? You mean we don’t 

have a say over the property 

of their father? On which 

land are we going to farm? 

How are we going to 

survive?” 

Nkiru bit her lips, rested 

her back on the wall and 

glanced at the ceiling. “They 

say property can only be 

inherited by male children,” 

she said. 

“Ehen, what about 

Afamefune, my son?” 

“Nna anyi says your son 

is still too young to lay 

claim to any property.” 

“Really? That means 

they can also come in 

here any day to 

dispossess us of this 

house.” 

Nkiru sighed in 

exasperation. She held 

Amina by the hand and in 

a teary voice said, “Nna 

anyi is laying claim to the 

house too.” 

“What!” Amina 

screamed. 

“My dear, that is not just 

all. He says you have also 

become his wife in line 

with the customs of our 

people,” Nkiru said and 

folded her hands. 

Startled and quivering, 

Amina grabbed Nkiru by 

the shoulder, “Nkiru, 

please tell me you’re 

joking,” she said. 

“It’s the truth, my 

sister,” Nkiru muttered. 

Two days had passed 

before the reality of the 

situation began to sink in. 

Further enquiries Amina 

made with visiting friends 

and sympathizers all 

confirmed that the 

disclosures by Nkiru were 

indeed the prevailing 

norms of the people. 

Amina observed that 

virtually every person she 

spoke to did not think it 

as despicable and 

distasteful as they did the 

issue of the corpse and 

bath water. But she still 

could not resign herself to 

the fact that she was to 

become the wife of Uncle 

Madu or any other person 

for that matter. 

Remarrying was the last 

thing on her mind. While 

she was willing to forfeit 

the property of her 

husband to whoever was 

laying claim to them, the 

question of having 

another man would have 

to be at her own time and 

volition. 

As she pondered the 

problem, she thought of 

who else she could bare 

her mind to. She 

remembered Father 

Akaduchi. She called 

Afamefune and asked him to 

proceed quickly to the 

rectory. The young boy was 

no stranger to the place, for 

apart from attending Sunday 

service with his parents and 

sisters, he occasionally went 

there to help out the 

Reverend Father with house 

chores. He squeezed into his 

shirt and dashed off on the 

errand. 

In time, Father Akaduchi 

arrived at the residence of 

Amina. His white cassock 

Isioma and 

her husband 

had not been 

able to 

understand 

why the poison 

they gave to 

Amina was yet 

to take effect 

shone in the light of the 

day’s sun as he made the 

sign of the cross. She took 

time to outline all she had 

been going through since 

the death of her husband 

and, though Father 

Akaduchi had no direct 

influence over the decisions 

and actions of the traditional 

establishment, his empathy 

enlivened the morale of the 

hapless widow. 

“There may not be much I 

can do in the circumstance, 

but I believe we can find a 

way around the situation,” he 

said. 

“How do you mean, Father? 

Could there really be a way 

out of this?” she asked. 

“I think so.” 

“How?” 

“Send a message to Chief 

Madu and Chief Obodo and 

tell them you want to 

address the next meeting of 

the family elders.” Amina 

adjusted her position on the 

floor and pulled up the 

black wrapper that was 

placed over her legs. 

“Really? Will they agree to 

admit me to their meeting? 

What am I possibly going to 

tell them?” 

Father Akaduchi sat up. 

The cushion on the wooden 

chair drooped toward the 

floor. He stood, pushed it in 

and sat back on the seat. 

“Good. Once they agree to 

hear you out, which I 

believe they will, then you 

already would have put one 

foot in the door,” he said. 

“So, what shall I tell them 

at the meeting? How do I 

begin to convince them to 

abandon their age-old 

tradition, knowing our 

recent experiences?” 

“Tell them you’ve agreed 

to remarry.” 

“What! No, Father. I’m 

sorry I’m not prepared for 

that now. No, no, no . . . I’m 

sorry, I won’t do that.” 

“Look, tell them you’ll 

adapt to the traditions of the 

land and remarry, and being 

that your new husband has 

to be someone from the 

family, tell them to at least 

give you the honor that’s 

due every woman by 

allowing you to pick a man 

of your choice from among 

members of the family.” 

“Father, you don’t seem to 

understand me. There’s no 

member of the family that 

can win my love and 

affection, no matter how fine 

or rich he is. I just don’t 

have the time or emotions to 

share with anyone now.” 

“There’s someone that can 

meet all those expectations.” 

Amina reclined on the wall 

and looked disinterestedly 

toward the opposite corner 

Continues next week

juliecoker100@yahoo.com 

Am I 

invisible 

to people? 

Dear Aunty Julie, 

I feel invisible to people and it 

has made me really suicidal and 

depressed. I feel that no one 

really wants to be friends with me 

and no one cares about me. 

Recently, I went out with my 

friends and we took pictures but 

when I checked Instagram , I 

realized that they have posted the 

pictures of three of them without 

me! 

It made me question our 

friendship in my mind. But I also 

feel like no one else cares either. 

It is always me who texts/call 

people for special occasions and 

when I don’t do it, people forget 

about me! It made me think that I 

might have some mental problem, 

like social anxiety, depression, or 

something else! I’m really shy 

and get anxious in most social 

situations. To the point that I lose 

my energy so fast. So I sometimes 

avoid social situations. 

Getting married 

Getting married is like going to a 

restaurant with friends. You order what 

you want, then when you see what the 

other fellow has, you wish you had 

ordered that. 

Wedding ring 

At the cocktail party, one woman said to 

another, “Aren’t you wearing your 

wedding ring on the wrong finger?” 

The other replied, “Yes, I am. I married 

the wrong man.” 

Cost of marriage 

A little boy asked his father, “Daddy, 

I was much better as a kid. I was 

still shy around some not-so-close 

relatives. But I was okay in most 

other places and sometimes, I was 

shy at first, but not so shy when 

people started to know me. I think 

it started getting worse after 

secondary school to the point that I 

can’t even look into people’s eyes 

when talking to them. I’m painfully 

shy and socially anxious, even 

around old friends that I sometimes 

meet on the street and usually, I 

don’t know how to start 

conversations, how to hold a 

conversation and what to talk 

about. 

I really feel jealous of loud and 

popular people who have lots of 

friends who care about them. But 

when I go to a social situation, I 

can’t be the real me. I can’t 

emotionally open up to people , I 

can’t be loud. Also, I’m really 

afraid of conflict, and I always try 

to be careful and not to do things 

that “might” bother people or make them 

uncomfortable. 

What should I do about this? 

Nneoma, Jos 

Dear Nneoma, 

There is nothing “wrong” with you! 

When we are feeling depressed or 

anxious, we tend to spend a lot of time 

caught up in negative thoughts. Our 

brains tend to latch onto the negative 

and sometimes we misinterpret different 

things that people do and say. 

When you have the thought that “no 

one cares” or “other people are better 

than me,” try to catch these thoughts 

and ask yourself if they are true and 

helpful. If you do some detective 

thinking, you may find that the thoughts 

that go around in your head aren’t 

actually completely correct. 

You said that you went out with friends 

and took photos but they didn’t post the 

photo with you in it. There could be 

many reasons why - maybe they didn’t 

like how they looked in the photo with 

you, maybe they didn’t even realise that 

you would feel left out by that! Our 

negative brain can be quick to jump to 

conclusions, which aren’t actually true 

at all. 

You are very shy and so you aren’t 

spending a lot time talking to others, 

which then “confirms” the negative 

thought that you don’t have friends and 

no one likes you. Therefore, you 

continue to be shy and avoid talking to 

others. 

But the good news is that once you 

realise you are in this cycle, you can 

start to make a few changes that will 

help you get out of it. 

Learn forcing yourself to smile at 

someone or ask a question to someone 

sitting next to you in a bus or public 

places. It might not be instant, but keep 

persisting as you’ll start to notice people 

positively responding to you. This will 

increase your confidence in talking to 

others and hopefully, will help form 

stronger friendships. Don’t pressure 

yourself to jump straight into long 

conversations, a smile is a good start! 

Also, try to keep yourself busy with 

things you enjoy . Staying at home not 

doing anything can lead to getting 

caught up in all the negative thoughts 

and feeling more and more helpless. 

The important thing to know is that you 

are never alone and there are always 

people who care. 

We are both itchy in our genital areas after sex 

Aunty Julie, 

A few weeks after my boyfriend 

and I had sex, we discovered we 

were both itchy in our genital 

areas. 

We postponed sex thinking it 

was just a yeast infection, his 

symptoms being redness and a bit 

of bumps, mine being itchy 

redness. 

Two weeks later, we had sex 

again thinking it was cleared, 

because we were symptom free and 

then it came back again. He has 

multiple bumps on and under his 

foreskin along with itchiness and 

redness. I feel slight itchiness and 

a little redness. What might this 

be? 

Jessica, Port- Harcourt 

Dear Jessica, 

You may have been right in the 

first instance. It does sound a bit 

like a yeast infection but you need to 

treat it to make it get better. You’ll need 

to see a doctor and explain your 

symptoms, which is a bit embarrassing 

but the best way for them to know what 

to suggest. 

If you try this and it gets better, that’s 

probably what it was . 

I recommend going to see a doctor 

anyway as you two should get a routine 

test for STIs, especially chlamydia, as 

well as make sure you’re using a 

reliable form of birth control. 

C O C K - T A L E S 

how much does it cost to get married?” 

And the father replied, “I don’t know 

son, I’m still paying for it.” 

What it takes 

Young son : “Is it true, Dad, I heard 

that in some parts of Africa, a man 

doesn’t know his wife until he marries 

her?” 

Dad : “That happens in most 

countries, son.” 

True marriage 

Married life is very frustrating. 

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 15, 2017—43 

My parents 

fight a lot 

Aunty Julie, 

I grew up to meet my parents 

fighting a lot . I think my dad beats 

my mum for no reason. 

My mum cries everyday and I 

hate seeing her like that. It also 

affects me and my siblings 

psychologically. Sometimes, I feel 

like we are not like normal children 

or our family is different from other 

families. My social life is suffering 

and I fear I will grow up to be like 

my dad and a wife beater. 

I feel so helpless. 

Fabian, Lagos 

Dear Fabian, 

That’s a terrible situation to be 

in. You clearly worry about your 

mother a great deal, and it’s not 

easy knowing what to do. It also 

sounds like you’re quite angry 

about how they fight. Sometimes, 

in relationships, issues come up 

which couples find difficult to agree 

on. There may not be easy answers, 

and sometimes, a compromise can’t 

be reached. Some couples find it 

helpful to get counselling together, 

to help sort out differences. You 

haven’t mentioned whether this is 

something your parents have 

done. If they haven’t, it’s really 

difficult as a child to suggest such 

things. I wonder though, if your 

parents know how upset you are 

over them fighting? If this is a 

conversation you are able to have 

with either of them, it may be 

helpful as a starting point to look 

at getting further help. 

I do understand that you might 

not necessarily be able to talk to 

your parents about these things. If 

so, you may find it helpful to get 

advice from someone you trust, like 

a family member or close friend. 

Sometimes, such people may have 

a different perspective on things, 

which could help you understand 

the situation, or they might be in a 

better position to talk to your 

parents. 

You said something about you 

turning out to be a wife beater like 

your father. That is why you also 

need counselling so as to live a 

separate life different from your 

father. 

You’ve talked about feeling 

helpless and having thoughts of 

killing yourself. It’s 

understandable to feel hopeless 

when faced with such a difficult 

situation. It might be a good idea 

to see a professional on your own 

to get some support. 

And do you ever get caught up 

in the fighting? The most important 

thing right now is safety. If you’re 

worried that anyone, you or either 

of your parents are physically 

threatened in anyway, it’s 

important to call the police. 

In the first year of marriage, the man 

speaks and the woman listens. 

In the second year, the woman 

speaks and the man listens. 

In the third year, they both speak 

and the neighbours listen. 

Fools for love 

After a quarrel, a wife said to her 

husband, “You know, I was a fool 

when I married you.” 

And the Husband replied, “Yes, 

dear, but I was in love and didn’t 

notice it.” 

C 

M 

Y 

K


08116759759 

Plastic Fantastic 

A TV star has undergone an 

operation to give her a bizarre 

wasp-like waist you’ll struggle to 

believe. 

Sophia Wollersheim, 29, is a 

German reality TV star and a selfdescribed 

DJ and showgirl also 

known by her stage name of 

Sophia Vegas. 

She was already known for the 

cosmetic surgery that has given 

her a breast size of 70K as well as 

a perfect nose after four 

operations. 

Now she has got herself a unique 

ultra-small wasp waist and huge 

bottom at a clinic in Beverly Hills, 

California. 

The German society star called 

it “the hardest procedure” she has 

ever had after being operated on 

by cosmetic surgeon Michael K. 

Obeng. 

Wollersheim did not want to say 

exactly what was done to her body. 

But German local media 

speculated she had a bum implant 

and some ribs removed to create 

Man accused of raping and 

killing girl, 8, ‘beaten to death 

by women in India’ 

A 

man accused of 

raping and killing an 

eight-year-old girl in a 

the bizarre wasp waist. 

Three weeks after the surgery 

Wollersheim told media she “does 

not regret the surgery” and is “supper 

happy with it”. 

Wollersheim added: “I am still the 

same person.” 

She previously told her fans: “If you 

have deficits in life, or did not lead 

your own life to date, you try to 

compensate for this differently and 

come up with crazy ideas.” 

Her ex-husband Bert Wollersheim, 

a famous brothel operator in 

Dusseldorf who was married to her 

for six years until their divorce in 

2016, was shocked by the pictures. 

Mr Wollersheim said: “I am 

shocked and if I have triggered this 

in her I feel infinitely guilty.” 

He is afraid that “such a thing 

cannot really go well” as it “goes 

against the anatomy of the human 

body”. 

He said: “Beauty is always in the 

eye of the beholder…but I’m just 

horrified.” 

village in India was 

tied up and beaten to 

death with large 

sticks by several 

women. 

The man, named as Mithun Hansda, died 

near the city of Dumka, Jharkhand, after he 

was beaten by a group of locals, according 

to Prabhat Khabar. 

The eight-year-old had been attending a 

wedding in Jalwe village when she and a 

few other girls went to a nearby lake to bathe. 

Hansda allegedly abducted the girl, raped 

her and killed her before leaving her body 

next to the river bank. 

Footage of the revenge attack shows three 

women surrounding Hansda, who has his 

hands behind his back. 

He is dragged across the ground with a 

long rope and the women then use the sticks 

to beat him. 

Other women and children can be seen 

looking on as the women take it in turns to 

beat Hansda, who doesn’t appear to be 

fighting back. 

The beating only ends when a police officer 

turns up and speaks to the crowd as the 

alleged rapist lies nearby. He was then taken 

into custody where he later died. 

Deputy superintendent Roshan Gudiya 

said: ‘We have taken the body in our custody, 

but so far it is not confirmed that the girl 

[was] raped or not.’ 

Video of the women taking revenge was 

uploaded to LiveLeak where it has been 

watched more than 23,000 times. 

The number of reported rapes in India 

continues to rise, with there being 34,000 

cases reported in 2015 alone. 

The most infamous case to date is the rape 

of intern Jyoti Singh, who was brutally 

attacked on a bus by six men. She survived 

the attack but died two weeks later from 

internal injuries. 

Heartbroken father prepares his critically 

ill daughter for her death by taking her to 

play in her future grave every day 

A 

desperate father from rural China has dug a grave for his critically 

ill daughter to 'prepare her for her death'. 

Mr Zhang Liyong, a farmer from Sichuan province, had spent all his 

savings treating the toddler, who was born with a serious blood 

disorder. 

The father said he brings the two-year-old to play and rest at grave 

every day to get her 'familiarised with her future burial space'. 

A clip posted by Pear Video has revealed the heart-breaking story, 

which occurred in Neijiang city, south-west China. 

In the video, the father lay in the grave while holding his daughter, 

Zhang Xinlei. 

Little Xinlei was diagnosed with thalassemia, an inherited blood 

disorder, at two months old. 

Mr Zhang and his family had spent over 100,000 yuan (£11,490) 

treating Xinlei, but they could no longer afford the medical bills. 

'We borrowed money from many, but they are no longer willing to 

lend us more', Zhang said. 

'I could only come up with this idea - bringing her to play at this 

place. This is where she will rest in peace. All I can do is accompanying 

her every day,' the father, Mr Zhang, said. 

He hopes that Zhang Xinlei will feel comfortable with the grave and 

won't be so fearful when the moment comes. 

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder. According to NHS, People 

with the condition produce either no or too little haemoglobin, which 

is used by red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. 

Thalassemia patients will need life-long treatment by blood 

transfusions or Chelation therapy.

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017—45 

Edited by 

•Rangers in action 

In 1975, just a year after 

emerging as the double 

Champions in Nigeria 

Challenge Cup and National 

League, Rangers International 

Football Club hit Africa Club Cup 

Competition with a killer instinct. 

In its first match against the Accra 

Great Olympics, March 1975, 

Rangers defeated the Ghana team 

2 – 0 in Accra Ghana; with Nigerian 

player, Christian Madu, who 

played for the Ghanaians, 

harassing Rangers throughout the 

match. Two weeks later, in Lagos, 

Rangers stamped their authority 

over the Ghanaians by defeating 

them 2 – 1 through Alex Nwosu 

and Kenneth Abana with the 

visitors’ only goal scored by 

Christian Madu. Of course, 

Rangers “conscripted” Madu from 

Accra Great Olympics after the 

Match in Lagos and he was not 

allowed to go back to Ghana. He 

joined Rangers after the Lagos 

second leg match! 

In the second round match against 

Young Africans of Tanzania, played 

on May 10 at the National Stadium 

Lagos, Ernest Okonkwo, the 

legendary radio Commentator had 

this to say of the match: “This is 

unbelievable….I cannot believe 

that Rangers that out played and 

outscored Great Olympics of 

Ghana last month is finding it 

difficult to score this Tanzania 

team.” 

The match ended goalless in 

Lagos. Rangers prepared for the 

return leg in Dar-es-salaam, 

Tanzania, by staying put in Lagos 

instead of flying back to Enugu. In 

the return leg, two weeks later, 

Rangers played 1 – 1 draw with 

their hosts in Dar-es-salaam, 

Tanzania with ex-Nigeria Academic 

player, Alex Nwosu, scoring for 

Rangers. Thus, Rangers 

progressed on away goal 

advantage. 

In the Quarter Finals, Rangers 

defeated Green Buffaloes of 

Zambia, a predominantly military 

team on 4 – 3 aggregate having 

drawn 2 – 2 in Lusaka, Zambia, 

earlier on September 14th 1975. 

Rangers FC equalizer after trailing 

2 – 1 up to two minutes to go was 

so dramatic and unbelievable. “I 

collected a pass from my skipper 

and ran through the left flank 

ending on the corner flag and 

pulling the ball into the eighteen, 

which Stanley Okoronkwo nodded 

in for the equalizer”, said Francis 

Nwosu, the dogged Rangers left 

RANGERS INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL CLUB (5) 

1975 African Club 

Champions Cup debacle 

•Day Mehalla Saw Wahala 

As opponents of Barcelona FC coined “No mercy for Messi”, 

so did the slogan, “Mehalla will see Wahala”, was chanted by 

fans of Rangers in 1975 when Mehalla FC of Egypt came to 

Enugu for a return match after defeating Rangers 3 – 1 in Cairo. 

Did Mehalla see wahala? Find out. 

full back. In the second leg, in 

Lagos, Rangers came from 

behind after conceding an 

early goal to defeat the 

Zambians 2 – 1 and moved to 

the semi-finals against Mehalla 

F.C. of Egypt. 

In the first leg of the semifinals, 

Rangers travelled to Cairo, 

Egypt, to confront Mehalla FC 

and the match was moved to 

the club’s home where they 

walloped Rangers 3 – 1. In that 

epoch match, only one woman 

was in the field: Mrs. Julie 

Alale. It was alleged that it was 

the presence of Madam 

Rangers 

returned to 

Enugu, 

pleaded with 

NFA to move 

the return leg 

to Enugu 

where they 

roasted 

Mehalla 3 – 0, 

and qualified 

for the finals 

Rangers that helped Rangers to 

score a goal. “The Mehalla FC 

Supporters were said to be fetish 

and had banned women from 

coming to the match. However, 

they could not stop Madam 

Rangers from entry into the field 

and that spoilt their charm” was 

the submission of Rangers 

Supporters Club member, the 

late Mr. Robinson Okpara, 

known as “Jagua nana”. 

The truth, however, is that 

the Rangers officials, prior to 

the match, had virtually no 

knowledge about Mehalla 

FC. In that country, 

especially in that 

environment, women 

hardly mix up with men in 

public gathering. 

Secondly, Rangers greatest 

goalkeeper, Emma Okala, 

had developed some eye 

problem on the eve of the 

match. Ogidi Ibeabuchi was 

also said to have been slightly 

indisposed. The match ended 

in the tragic 3 – 1 whipping of 

Rangers. Whatever, Rangers 

lost the match 3-1 in Mehalla. 

Rangers returned to Enugu, 

pleaded with NFA to move the 

return leg to Enugu where they 

roasted Mehalla 3 – 0, and 

qualified for the finals. 

Madam Rangers: Madam 

Rangers is Rangers and Rangers 

is Madam Rangers 

Mrs. Julie Alale stands alone 

as the first nationally 

recognized female supporter of a 

major Nigerian football club. She 

deserves special mention in the 

Mrs. Julie Alale 

( Madam Rangers ) 

history of Nigeria’s football. 

Mrs. Alale was flamboyant and 

notable everywhere she went 

with the club….That Mrs. Alale 

would be identified with the 

club was not by happenstance. 

The club’s history, closely 

associated with the Nigerian 

Civil War, mirrors Mrs. Alale’s 

involvement with Rangers. 

She was the wife of Mr. Philip 

Alale, a trade unionist who was 

commissioned as a 

major in the Biafran Army 

before he was indicted for treason 

and executed. Mrs. Alale was then 

detained for a good part of the 

war…but her spirit endured. It 

was not surprising then that she 

was the only lady among the 

various persons who met to 

establish the club at the end of 

the war on January 29, 1970. She 

had endured in her personal 

challenges and the Rangers club 

represented that spirit of 

endurance. 

Mrs. Alale was to serve as the 

club’s Welfare Officer. She 

travelled with the club all over 

Africa. Some of these trips 

were made to difficult 

places but she was always 

easily recognizable as 

“Madam Rangers” 

with her usual hat to 

match her outfit…. 

The most 

unforgettable of 

Mrs. Alale’s travels 

was to Cairo 

against Mehala in 

1975. Women, at 

that time, were 

scarcely seen in 

public places without 

covering their face 

with the hijab, let 

alone in a stadium. 

The Egyptians would 

have none of Mrs. 

Alale’s intent to be at the 

stadium for the game. 

She was harassed and 

threatened but she 

insisted, and with the 

support of the Nigerian 

delegates, Madam 

Rangers stood shoulder 

high as the only lady 

among thousands of fans who 

packed the Cairo Stadium to 

watch Rangers confront 

Mehalla. It was a triumph of 

spirit and commitment. It was a 

spirit that saw her through the 

death of her husband, Philip, the 

detentions in Biafra, and then the 

challenge of the cultural police 

in Cairo. It was the spirit of Julie 

‘Madam Rangers’ Alale! 

To be continued... 

Edwin Eze and Emma Okocha 

(2017) Rangers International 

Football Club: History of a People. 

Gomslam International Limited: 

Enugu.

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 15, 2017 

Giroud hints at 

Arsenal exit 

Heavily linked to Everton, West Ham, and Olympique 

Marseille, French international striker Olivier Giroud 

(30), likely to leave Arsenal after five seasons in a 

row. While in Sydney with Gunners, Giroud talked to media 

about his own future: 

"Leaving is an option, to be honest with you. I'm here in 

pre-season, I wanted to travel. Some people asked me if 

I am going to travel or not and, of course, I am an Arsenal 

player, and for the moment I am here. So I just 

want to prepare well for the season and we will see •Giroud 

later. 

It is true that I really enjoyed my five years with 

Arsenal. I'm still an Arsenal player for the moment, 

so I try to be professional. No matter 

what happens, I did my job on the pitch. 

It's been five years that I've been here. It 

could be my sixth one. I had an amazing 

welcome from the fans, and from the 

club, and it has been five amazing years 

for me. 

I won't forget it, no matter what happens. 

We will see about my future but 

I am still an Arsenal player for the moment. 

'It's always nice for the club to get 

several strik- ers with different 

qualities and it is always nice for competition 

and it helps you to step up every time. I 

really enjoyed all my time at the Arsenal, and I scored 

a few nice goals, but always like to speak about the team, 

the team 

spirit and the team work". 

•Mangala 

Arsenal make 

record £123m bid 

for Mpabbe 

ARSENAL have reportedly 

lodged a world-record 

£123million bid for Kylian 

Mbappe. 

Arsene Wenger has now made 

a second monster offer for 

Monaco’s teenage sensation. 

And the Gunners could yet land 

Mbappe ahead of Real Madrid – 

with the European champions not 

willing to accommodate him in place 

of one of their vaunted ‘BBC’ trio. 

Arsene Wenger is said to have held a 

three-hour meeting with Mbappe in an 

attempt to convince him that The 

Emirates is the best place for his 

development. 

Wenger has spoken openly of 

his admiration for Mbappe, who 

is also wanted by PSG, Liverpool. 

France Football claim the 

Monaco star is a top target for the 

2 Ligue 1 giants want 

Mangala 

Gunners, even though they’ve already signed compatriot 

Alexandre Lacazette. 

It’s said that Mbappe and Wenger met on June 14 after 

France and England’s international friendly in Paris. 

Back at Manchester City, after hav 

ing spent last season playing on 

loan for Valencia, French international 

centre-back Eliaquim Mangala (26), according 

to France Football, has been 

targeted by both Paris Saint- 

Germain and Olympique 

Lyon. Spanish club decided 

not to buy him back for 

the 18 million euros release 

clause set on 

him. Former Porto 

and Standard Liège 

player is currently on 

a deal with Premier 

League giants until 

June 2019. 

•Nbappe 

•Venus 

•Federer 

Federer to face Cilic in Wimbledon final 

ROGER Federer is one win 

from a historic eighth 

Wimbledon title after beating 

Czech 11th seed Tomas 

Berdych in straight sets in the 

semi-final. 

The Swiss, 35, won 7-6 (7-4) 

7-6 (7-4) 6-4 to reach his 11th 

Aubameyang: 

AC Milan ready 

to rival Chelsea 

AC MILAN are prepared to make 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the 

highest paid player in Serie A. 

The Borussia Dortmund ace looks braced 

to leave the Bundesliga this summer with 

the club prepared to cash in if they receive 

£65million for him. 

Chelsea have been in talks for the 

Gabon hitman but it appears AC 

Milan are ready to flex their financial 

muscle to pile further misery on 

Antonio Conte’s transfer window. 

Aubameyang spent his youth career at the 

San Siro but was forced to spend time on loan 

at four different clubs before eventually making 

his name at Saint-Etienne. 

But when the striker bumped into AC Milan’s 

CEO Adriano Galliani during the Champions 

League last season, he reportedly told the 

Dortmund striker: “I know that you cannot come back 

right now but if one day you choose to return, you will be 

welcomed back.” 

Aubameyang replied: “With pleasure.” 

And now with AC Milan under mega-money ownership, they 

can afford the £65m price-tag and the striker’s high wages. 

Real Madrid were thought to be the player’s favoured move 

but Zinedine Zidane’s side have cooled their interest. 

•Aubameyang 

Wimbledon 2017: Venus, 

Muguruza in final 

showdown 

All these years later, Wim 

bledon still brings out the 

best in Venus Williams. 

With her latest display of 

gutsy serving and big hitting, 

Williams beat Johanna Konta 

6-4, 6-2 on Thursday to reach 

her ninth title match at the All 

England Club and first since 

2009. 

At 37, Williams is the oldest 

Wimbledon finalist since Martina 

Navratilova was the 1994 

runner-up at that age. 

Williams also stopped Konta's 

bid to become the first 

woman from Britain in 40 years 

to win the country's Grand 

Slam tournament. 

"I couldn't have asked for 

more, but I'll ask for a little 

more. One more win would be 

amazing," Williams said. "It 

won't be a given, but I'm going 

to give it my all." 

She will be seeking her sixth 

Wimbledon final, having last 

won the title back in 2012. 

He will face Croatia’s Marin 

Cilic after the seventh seed beat 

American 24th seed Sam 

Querrey 6-7 (6-8) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 

7-5 on Centre Court. 

Cilic, 28, is into his second 

major final after winning the 

2014 US Open. 

“It’s unbelievable,” said Cilic, 

the second Croat to reach the 

men’s final after Goran 

Ivanisevic won in 2001. 

“The way this tournament has 

unfolded I’ve been playing 

really great tennis.” 

Wimbledon championship and 

eighth Grand Slam singles trophy 

overall. Her most recent 

came in 2008, when she defeated 

her younger sister, Serena, 

for the title at the All England 

Club. A year later, she lost the 

final to Serena. 

On Saturday, the 10th-seeded 

American will participate in 

her second Grand Slam final 

of the season, and 16th of her 

career, this time against 14thseeded 

Garbine Muguruza of 

Spain. 

"She knows how to play, especially 

Wimbledon finals," 

Muguruza, the 2015 Wimbledon 

runner-up and 2016 

French Open champion, said 

about Williams. "It's going to 

be, like, a historic final again." 

Muguruza overwhelmed 

87th-ranked Magdalena Rybarikova 

of Slovakia 6-1, 6-1 in 

the earlier semifinal.

Chairman of Nigeria Football Federation, Chris Green 

Thursday claimed the widely reported threat by Super 

Eagles coach Gernot Rohr was strange to the football 

house. He also spoke on the ailing Super Eagles 

goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme and more. 

Chris Green spoke with Tony Bekederemo of Brila fm radio in 

the programme Sport circle 

Excerpts: 

Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme was 

just diagnosed of acute 

Leukaemia, what is the NFF 

doing to get a replacement for 

him? 

It’s quite unfortunate as the 

news that broke, actually broke 

our hearts. We are in pensive 

mood because for Carl to be 

diagnosed with Leukaemia its 

quite a difficult time for both the 

young man and the Nigeria 

Football Federation. We only 

wish and pray that he pulls 

through. 

By the grace of God we are 

going to support him all the way 

to every step to his recovery 

and we have also given him to 

the hands of God because He 

is the greatest healer. There is 

nothing that is impossible in the 

hands of God. 

We are sure he is going to pull 

through because Carl is a 

strong man, he is a fighter and 

I know that he is going to pull 

through by God’s grace. We are 

going to follow him all the way, 

give him all the support until 

he recovers fully from the 

ailment. 

As regards replacement for Carl 

Ikeme, it is the responsibility of 

the coach Gernot Rohr to put his 

acts together to ge a suitable 

replacement for Carl Ikeme. 

Coaches applying for various 

teams: 

The technical committee sat last 

week and soon the technical 

committee would soon shortlist 

the suitable candidates and a 

day will be fixed for interviews 

for them. It will take a 

maximum of 15 days. 

Rivers United and Nigerian 

teams on the continent 

It’s not very good at all It is not 

something one should be happy 

about. Even Rivers United who 

got to the group stage of the 

Confederation Cup it’s the 

second tier of club competitions 

in the continent. I think we 

don’t deserve this. Nigeria is a 

Ikeme 

big nation. We have enough 

teams that I feel should be able 

to hold their own in the 

CNS U-14 boys and U-17 girls 

tourney kicks off July 29 

THE 16th edition of the 

Chief of the Naval Staff U- 

14 Boys and 8th edition of Naval 

Officers Wives Association 

(NOWA) U-17 Girls soccer 

tournament will hold from July 

29– August 5, 2017 in Owerri, 

the Imo State Capital. 

According to a statement by 

the Youth Sports Federation of 

Nigeria, YSFON and signed by 

its Secretary General, Patrick 

Okpavuerhe, each state is 

expected to come with a team 

of 20 players whose ages must 

be 14 years for boys and 17 for 

girls as at August 31, 2017. 

The statement noted that the 

body weights for the boys 

should be 51kg with a 


Ikeme broke our hearts—Green 

•Says it’s Rohr’s duty to get his replacement 

continent of Africa. We had only 

Rivers United in the CAF 

Confederation League and they 

didn’t make it to the final stages 

that means in the semi finals 

and the final there will be no 

Nigerian team. 

But again, a lot might be 

responsible for this and I know 

that as managers of the game, 

we are working to ensure that it 

does not occur again. 

When is Gernot Rohr expected 

to drop his programme for the 

Cameroon games? 

And when will the committee 

meet to review the plan? 

Rohr has already given us his 

programme and we in the 

technical committee have been 

working round the clock to 

making sure that things are 

done properly. Ours is to make 

policies and the technical 

department is to give technical 

advice where necessary. Here 

again we are doing our little bit 

to ensure that Nigeria does well 

at that level because it is very 

dear to us; it very important to 

us and very important to 

Nigerians. That Nigeria should 

not be at the World Cup (God 

forbid) it will be a sad story to 

tell. It will also reflect in 

everything we do. We want to 

assure that we will leave no 

stone unturned to making sure 

that Nigeria gets to the World 

Cup. There is a lot to gain when 

we qualify for the World Cup. 

It is a very serious business and 

we are approaching it with all 

the seriousness it deserves. 

From a technical point of view, 

having seen what Cameroon 

did at the FIFA Confederations 

Cup, would that have any effect 

on the complexion of the plan 

for the Uyo match? 

No two matches are the same. 

The best thing for us to do is to 

prepare very well on our own. It 

is not thinking about what others 

play. Ours is to make sure we 

prepare very well, pray for luck 

and then go there and play. 

What is your summary of 

Nigerian players in this transfer 

season. Some have moved 

while some are still in the 

process of moving? 

They had a quiet vacation which 

they deserve. Having toiled the 

entire season. Most of them are 

back to their clubs most have 

settled. Ours is to pray they have 

a fantastic pre-season so that 

when their season begins they 

will be playing very well which 

will also give us the benefit and 

advantage of having very fit 

players that are in very good 

form that will prosecute the 

remaining qualifying matches. 

Rohr is on holidays in 

Germany. There are signals – 

call it rumour if you like – that 

he has threatened to resign. 

It is not for me to debunk. You 

said there are signals that he 

threatened to resign. It is he that 

can answer this question, it is 

not for me to debunk 

They are citing interference. 

I have just told you that it is not 

in my position all I know is that 

Form the day Rohr was 

recommended to the Nigeria 

Football Federation, the 

technical committee has been in 

the doldrums, for almost 11 

months now so I don’t know 

where the stories are coming 

from. 

I don’t think such reports will 

augur well for Nigerian football. 

We need to get together so that 

we can forge ahead and qualify 

for the World Cup. This is an 

unnecessary distraction. All the 

same we are working hard to 

make sure we investigate the 

source of such a story because 

Rohr himself has denied the 

story. He said he never granted 

such interview. 

USA-based Nigerian ex-internationals organise soccer clinic 

By Jacob Ajom and 

Cynthia Alo 

WORRIED about the plight 

of their former colleagues 

whose lives and times have 

been subject of serious concern 

to Nigerians, ex-Nigeria 

internationals in the United 

States of America, will on July 

29 organise a youth soccer 

training clinic for recreational 

soccer clubs and individual 

players in Lithonia, Atlanta. 

Organised under the auspices 

of Nigerian Ex-International 

Footballers Association (NE- 

IFA), the aim of the training 

clinic is to advocate better 

quality of life of former Nigerian 

internationals in Nigeria and 

around the world, who, 

following their days on the 

pitch, have not had the 

opportunities for education, 

decent jobs, or access to 

healthcare. 

According to the President of 

the Nigerian Ex-International 

maximum height of 1.58m 

while the body weight for the 

girls should be 60kg and height 

of 1.78m. All players are also 

expected to present three recent 

passport photographs for 

licenses, while screening of 

players shall take place on 

Sunday, July 30, 2017 

It further stated that each 

team will be accompanied by 

three officials, one of which 

must be a YSFON official of the 

participating state. 

The YSFON statement 

reminded teams that all states 

are expected to arrive Owerri on 

Saturday August 29, 2017 even 

as it warned that late arrivals 

will not be entertained. 

Football Association, Francis 

Moniedafe, the occasion will 

culminate in a fund raiser with 

proceeds to be channelled for 

the welfare of its needy 

members, back home. 

“Our main goal is to seek 

ways to support former 

teammates who are passing 

through hard times.” Our 

Association is made up of 

qualified members in a 

number of fields including, 

Engineering, Business, Elite 

Academy and University 

Coaching. While we have 

thrived as individuals, some of 

our teammates back home have 

not. 

“We have seen some of our 

teammates die prematurely 

and in abject poverty as they 

had no opportunities for 

education, decent jobs or 

access to health care”. 

He disclosed that the 

association made some 

donations to Sunday Eboigbe, 

late Peter Anieke, Christian 

Madu, most recently Kelechi 

Emetiole of blessed memory. 

“Another of our goal is to get 

Nigerian kids from back home 

to come to get an Education 

like we did.” The association 

boss said it has not been easy 

achieving this goal. “It has 

been an up hill task, as every 

kid in Nigeria want to go 

professional.” 

The famous saying “many are 

called but few are chosen” 

“We are having a weekend 

of fun starting Friday July 28th 

and culminating in our 

Fundraiser/Convention on July 

29th at Akwa Ibom House Old 

Cook Road in 

Atlanta,GA,”Moniedafe said, 

adding, “we are scheduled to 

pay a courtesy on the Consul 

General, Nigeria Consulate 

Atlanta, then a meet on Friday 

night at Ike’s Cafe and Grill 

Restaurant 

with Chief Segun Odegbami 

MON in attendance.” 

He noted that the event is not 

all about fun as the association 

hopes to spread the news of 

sports and education going 

together. 

Other members of the 

association include Tony Igwe, 

Totty O Totty, Godwin Odiye, 

Emeka James, Hamilton 

Green,Danian Ogunsuyi, 

Chigozie Ofor, Patrick Olalere, 

Godwin Iwelumo, Eddie 

Oyakhilome, Sam Okpodu, 

Kenneth Boardman, Thom- 

Maneul, Charles Okoye, 

Segun Adeleke, Francis Okaro 

and Charles Kanu and Michael 

Nsuk. 

Francis Moniedafe, 

President, Dr. Femi Olukanmi 

Vice President whileNathaniel 

Ogedegbe is the Secretary, 

Ex-Internationals: L-R: Paul Okoku, Francis Moniedafe, Nath 

Ogedegbe Totty and Godwin Iwelumo in a similar clinic in 

Atlanta a year ago. 

MMM/Lagos Karate tourney throws up 

Olympic hopefuls 

T 

HE Lagos State/Mavrodi Mondial Movement (MMM) Under 18 

Karate Championship ended during the week at the Rowe Park 

Sports Complex, Yaba, Lagos with Samchi Karate Academy of Lagos 

emerging champions. 

Samchi Academy dazzled Karatekas from other states by winning 7 

gold, 5 silver and 9 bronze medals in the event which featured 16 

categories. 

The champions discovered at the event include; Jamal Akeem, gold 

in category 6 and under male, Somelo Osielo gold in category 7 to 8 

female, Odi Redah gold and silver in category 9 to 10 green belt 

male, Hene Bassey gold in category 7 to 8 green belt female, Esther 

Ndukwe gold, in category 8 to 9 orange belt female, Nwane Nnonye 

2 gold medal in category 11 - 12 orange belt female and kumite.

C 

M 

Y 

K 

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 15, 2017 

CROSS WORD PUZZLE 

ACROSS 

1) Switzerland President, Mrs. 

Doris - (8) 

5) Peruvian Capital City(4) 

7) Mexico’s Richest 

Man,Carlos_(4) 

8) Morocco n Atlas Liens” 

Defender, Issam - (6) 

11) State in Nigeria known as 

“The Heartbeat of the Nation? 

(3) 

12) Wales striker & Real Madrid 

Forward,Gareth - ( 4) 

13) Niger Tornadoes Coach, 

Abubakar - ( 4) 

15) l.G.A in Cross-River State( 

4) 

16) Rivers United General 

Manager, Chief Okey_(8) 

19) General Manager, 

Governmental Policy & Public 

Affairs, Chevron Nigeria limited, 

Mr. Deji - (8) 

22) Tottenham Hotspurs 

Midfielder, Dele - (4) 

24) Remo Stars Coach, Fatai - 

(4) 

25)Tottenham Hotspurs 

Chairman, Daniel - (4) 

27) President,World Bank 

Group, Mr. Jim Yong - (3) 

29) lvory Coast Elephants 

Right-Back,Serge - (6) 

31) LGA in Ebonyi State (4) 

32) Norwegian Capital City(4) 

33) Country in Europe (8) 

DOWN 

1) Togolese Capital City(4) 

2) Ethnic Group in Nigeria(6) 

3) Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice 

Marshall Sadique_(8) 

4) Battle(4) 

5) Former Plateau State 

Governor, Chief Solomon - (3) 

6) First Vice President,Nigerian 

Football Federation(NFF), Mr... 

Seyi - (8) 

9) Brazilian Currency (4) 

10) L.G.A in Akwa-lbom State (4) 

14) Former United Nations Under 

Secretary-General for 

Humanitarian Affairs, Baronness 

Valerie - (4) 

17) Former Lagos State Police 

Commissioner, Mr. Marvel - (8) 

18) Chief Executive Officer, 

Capital Oil Plc, Chief Patrick 

Ifeanyi - (4) 

20) Distant (4) 

21) Super Sand Eagles Striker, 

Victor - (4) 

23) Kogi State Capital (6) 

26) Greek god of Love(4) 

28) Repair(4) 

30) State in Nigeria known as 

31) “The Eastern Heartland” (3) 

SOLUTION ON PAGE 3 

Federer 

to face 

Cilic in 

Wimbledon 

final 

NPFL 

Matches for Sunday 16/07/2017 

Akwa vs Gombe 4 pm 

ABS vs Rivers Utd 4 pm 

El Kanemi vs Ab/Warriors 4 pm 

IfeanyiUbah vs Enyimba 4 pm 

Pillars vs Rangers 4 pm 

Lobi vs Remo Stars 4 pm 

MFM FC vs Wikki 4 pm 

Tornadoes vs Plateau 4 pm 

Shooting vs Katsina Utd 4 pm 

Sunshine vs Nasarawa 4 pm 

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. 

Advert Dept Hotline: 01-4544821. Abuja Advert Hotline: 09-2921024. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com 

Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X). EDITOR: ONOCHIE ANIBEZE. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

15072017 - 2019: PDP unveils plans to sack APC

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