29122018 - Shehu Shagari dies at 93

2—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018 — 3

4 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
2023 Presidency: Osinbajo playing to
the gallery — Adebanjo, Okupe
*South-East has no reason to re-elect Buhari – Agbakoba
*PDP yet to make a categorical statement on 2023 – Okorie
By Clifford Ndujihe &
Olayinka Ajayi
YORUBA leader and
elder statesman,
Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and Dr
Doyin Okupe, former senior
special assistant on
Public Affairs to former President
Olusegun Obasanjo,
have picked holes in Vice
President Yemi Osinbajo’s
wooing of the South-West
with the presidency in 2023,
if President Muhammadu
Buhari is re-elected, next
year.
The Secretary to the Government
of the Federation,
SGF, Boss Mustapha, while
representing President
Muhammadu Buhari in
Owerri, Imo State at the
flag-off campaign of Senator
Hope Uzodimma, Imo
APC governorship candidate,
made a similar promise
to the South-East, if they
back Buhari to win a re-election.
While Adebanjo said Professor
Osinbajo was playing
to the gallery, Okupe
said Osinbajo’s position
was a big error.
They spoke as human
rights lawyer, Dr Olisa Agbakoba,
SAN, and National
Chairman of the United
Progressives Party, UPP,
Chief Chekwas Okorie, disagreed
over who the South-
East zone should vote for
in 2019. Agbakoba said the
APC does not deserve
South-East votes because it
has not done much for the
zone, a position Okorie vehemently
disagreed with.
Osinbajo playing to the
gallery – Adebanjo
According to Adebanjo,
who is also an elder of the
Afenifere, ‘’Osinbajo does
not mean’’ what he said.
His words: “I do not understand
the kind of politics
the ruling party is playing.
How can the All Progressive
Congress promise
two people the same thing
at the same time? They are
not truthful. Who should
both regions believe on this
empty promise? The Vice
president or Secretary to the
Government? It is obvious
they are not serious and the
vice President is just playing
to the gallery. All they
want is just our votes in
2019. Nigerians should
vote massively against Buhari.
I am not saying it because
I am a Yoruba man, I
am for the good of Nigeria.’’
OKUPE: 2019 is a national
referendum, is the
country better now than it
was in 2015?
In like manner, Dr. Okupe
described the Vice
President’s promise as ‘unfortunate
and parochial.
From left: Alero Atsimene, Deputy Advert Manager, Vanguard newspapers,
Mr. Adebayo Ogunjimi of Heritage Homes for Abandoned & Orphaned
Children, Mrs. Funmi Ajumobi, Kids Editor, Vanguard, Mrs. Elizabeth Ikugwu,
of Heritage Homes and Mr. Bayo Adelaja of Advert Department, Vanguard
Newspapers, when Vanguard presented gifts to the Heritage Homes
for Abandoned & Orphaned Children for End of 2018 celebration in Anthony
Village, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez
“It is very unfortunate and
a great error the Vice President
won’t recover from in a
long time. People are groaning
and complaining and
what they are after is just
power-grabbing. That is not
how we are going to build
this country. What the Vice
president implies is, no matter
how bad this administration
is, we should just endure
it until it gets to the
Yoruba in 2023, if we vote
massively for Buhari. It has
never been for a Yoruba man
to have a mentality of what
Uzodimma commended for role in creating
LGA’s for Imo in 1996
FOR playing a gallant
role that helped in the
creation of Local Governments
for Imo State in 1996, the APC
governorship candidate for
Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma,
was Thursday commended
as a man who has always
had the interest of Imo people
at heart.
The commendation was
made at a town hall meeting
in Nwangele L.G.A by Dr.
Ukeje Nwokeforo, a former
Federal Commissioner for
transition during the regime
of Gen. Sani Abacha.
Nwokeforo who was also
a member of the National
Constitutional Conference of
the Abacha era said that, but
for the prompt and courageous
intervention of Sen.
Hope Uzodimma, Orlu Zone
would not have had the additional
three Local Governments
they had in 1996 when
new local governments were
created in the country.
do I get in it. It’s parochial
and selfish. 2019 is a national
referendum. Is the country
better now than it was in
2015? Will the nation move
forward? Will the parochialism
cease? Are we going to
have a direction? If the answer
is no, there is no need
to retain this administration.
It should not be partisan, it
is about national patriotic
desire. That is if we really
want to move forward as a
nation or want to remain
stagnant or go backward. It
is beyond PDP and APC affair,
it’s a national concern.”
According to the Owerri
based medical practitioner,
“when the going got so
tough, Nwangele LGA was
to be dropped from the list
of new L.G.A’s to be created
for Imo State, but I contacted
Hope Uzodimma and he
flew in from Lagos to Abuja
and took our case to the presidency
and Nwangele was
added to the list of L.G.A.’s
created for Imo State in 1996"
He explained that the information
was necessary so
as to let Imo People know
that as far back as over
20years ago, Sen. Hope
Uzodimma has always been
fighting for the interest of the
people of Imo State. “So I
believe him when he says
he will fight for the interest
of Imo People because fighting
for Imo people is in his
DNA”
“I don’t know how many
people who are running for
South-East has no reason
to vote Buhari – Agbakoba
Also speaking, Dr. Agbakoba
said Osinbajo is making
efforts to deliver his zone
to his party, which in turn
favours him, adding that it
is for the South-West people
to decide what they want.
For the South-East, he
said the PDP candidate,
Atiku Abubakar promised to
do a term and hand over to
the South-East, which he described
as a political statement.
Imo Governorship today can
claim that 22years ago they
fought for the interest of Imo
State. Orlu people owe the
three New Local Government;
namely Njaba,
Nwangele and Oru East, to
Sen. Hope Uzodimma and
even if it is for that reason
alone, they should give him
bulk votes in 2019" Dr.
Nwoaforo declared.
Responding, the APC
governorship candidate
Sen. Uzodimma, thanked
Nwangele People for their
assurance of their solid support
for him and promised
to do more for Orlu and Imo
People.
Earlier in his address the
Chairman of the Uzodimma
governorship campaign
Council in Nwangele, Hon.
Amaechi Nwaoha, assured
that the voters in Nwangele
have already made up their
minds to vote for him and
President Buhari in 2019.
Why police operatives are deployed
to Melaye’s house — Force Hqtrs
By Joseph Erunke
THE Force Headqarters has explained that the
police operatives deployed to Senator Dino Melaye’s
Abuja home yesterday,were to effect his arrest to
face charges of attempted culpable homicide.
Melaye, according to the police, in company of his
armed thugs shot a police officer, one Sgt Danjuma
Saliu, attached to 37 Police Mobile Force (PMF) while
on duty at a stop and search point along Aiyetoro Gbede,
Mopa Road in Kogi State.
The Force Headqarters,in a statement by its spokesman,
Jimoh Moshood,said Melaye was being wanted
for the offence which it explained was committed by
him and his “armed thugs in Kogi State on the 19th
July, 2018.
The statement read thus:”The operatives currently in
the residence of Senator Dino Melaye are to effect his
arrest to answer to the case of attempted culpable homicide
on the shooting of a Police Officer, Sgt Danjuma
Saliu, attached to 37 Police Mobile Force (PMF) while
on duty at a stop and search point along Aiyetoro Gbede,
Mopa Road in Kogi State.
“The above offence was committed by Senator Dino
Melaye and his armed thugs in Kogi State on the 19th
July, 2018 when they shot and wounded a police officer,
Sgt Danjuma Saliu, attached to 37 Police Mobile
Force (PMF) while on duty at a stop and search point
along Aiyetoro Gbede, Mopa Road in Kogi State. The
Police Officer is yet to recover from the gunshot injury
he sustained during the attack and still under intensive
medical care.
Sango, Shaka Zulu, Nefertiti,
Others Resurrect at MTN
Foundation’s ‘Legend The Musical’
By Linda Orajekwe
AFTER its successful debut in October 2018, the MTN
Foundation sponsored Legends: Kings and Kingdom,
the Musical came back on stage for the second time
on the 22nd -26th of December 2018. Five iconic African
gods; Nigeria’s Sango, Shaka, King of the Zulus in modern
South Africa, Yaa Asantewaa of the Ashanti in modern
Ghana, Queen Amina of Zazzau from northern Nigeria
and Egypt’s Queen Nefertiti are called upon to come to
save the earth that has been attacked by an evil force called
The Shadow.
Produced by MTN Foundation/MUSON alumnus Ayodeji
Ajayi the play was inspired by the need for Africans
to tell our stories of greatness and accept the beauty that
lies within our culture. The result was a colourful and
musical insight into the lives of these legendary African
heroes and how their characters were explored is the producers’
way of making these great gods/legends relatable
to ordinary humans.
Speaking to the producer, Ayodeji Ajayi, on his ability to
execute a show like this in Nigeria and the challenges
faced, he stated that “The MTN Foundation is playing a
major role in making sure arts and culture productions
come alive, including providing enough funding to help
us deal with the issue of infrastructure, PR, marketing
and so on and this is why producers like me are excited
and grateful to have a brand like MTN on board who is
willing to sponsor a show that ran on stage for five days”
APC Youth leaders kick against
composition of Presidential
Campaign C’ttee
By Omeiza Ajayi
A
forum of Zonal and State Youth Leaders of the
ruling All Progressives Congress APC has kicked
against the list of Presidential Campaign Council released
by the presidency on Friday, describing it as
discriminatory.
The forum in its preliminary reaction said in spite of
the sacrifices of its longsuffering members for the
successes of the party, the APC-led administration has
continued to denigrate its youth wing.
The statement signed by the North-central youth
leader of the party, Comrade Terver Aginde, on behalf
of all the zonal and state youth leaders, threatened to
mobilize APC youths to fight what he described as
injustice against the youth wing of the ruling party.
“We the zonal youths and states youth leaders of the
All Progressive Congress (APC), after carefully studying
the presidential campaign committee list, we are saying
that the list has no interest of the youth wing of the
party at heart and we will not accept anything short of
totally been in charge of the Youth Directorate from the
National, Zonal and State levels of the party.
“We have made sacrifices and shown commitment to
the party and we deserve a good deal. We are ready to
mobilize ourselves to fight against this injustice and
exclusiveness if nothing is done quickly.
“We constitute the highest percentage of the voting
strength, if all the zonal women leaders will be included
in the campaign team, we see no reason why the
youth leaders should not be included”, he added.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018 — 5
Buhari flags off campaign in Uyo, says “we’ve defeated Boko
Haram, met all our campaign promises"
By Harris-Okon Emmanuel
& Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo
FOR the umpteenth time, Pres
ident Muhammadu Buhari
has affirmed that the dreaded
Boko Haram insurgents have been
defeated in the North East region
of the country.
Buhari made the statement at
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while flagging
of 2019 presidential campaign
of All Progressive Congress
(APC).
The President, who was flanked
by the party’s stalwarts, maintained
that the insurgents have
been dislodged from Borno and
Kebbi States which were their
major strongholds before he came
into power.
He said “I am standing here to
express my gratitude and appreciation
to the party for organizing
this get-together to start the campaign
against next year. If you
could recall in 2015 when we traveled
the length and breadth of this
country and we based our campaign
on three fundamental issues,
-security, economy and fighting
corruption. I want those who
want to challenge us at any level,,
at any constituency to doubt our
contributions towards our undertakings.
“First, insecurity in the North
East has been really defeated in
the sense that when we came we
met Boko haram in about 17 local
governments in Borno and Yobe
states. They are not physically
holding any local government
now. They resorted to indoctrinating
our young ones especially girls.
They braced them up in explosives
and instructed them to expose
themselves in churches, in
Mosques, market places and motor
parks but I assure you that
we are going to clear them off in
our county.”
The President said that Nigerians
would always be informed on
the progress being made to recover
stolen funds and that ‘’Nigerians
wont regret voting us into office”.
He noted that his administration
has delivered on his promises in
2015 hinged on security, economy
and fighting corruption and
urged the electorate to give him
another term in office to consolidate
on his achievements.
National leader of the party, Asiwaju
Bola Tinubu took a swipe at
former Vice President, Atiku
Abubakar, describing his comment
on the 2019 budget as ‘’shallow
and full of contradictions”.
He reiterated that it was only the
APC government that would give
hope to the Nigerian people and
called on the electorate to re-elect
him and other candidates of the
party across the country.
He said: “To bring that hope,
strong determination, we are building
on a new foundation and that
foundation is for you, the youths,
the elderly, and tomorrow’s children.
Fight for your future, rise and
fight corruption. Fight the 16years
that gave you 16years of darkness.
If only the PDP would have concentrated
on one thing only, electricity,
without which there can be
no industrialization, without which
there can be no development, it
would have been better. They said
they want to come back. We are
not bringing you back. No backward
move in Nigeria, no backward
move in Akwa Ibom.
“ We will work with you to build
a Nigeria that you can rely on ,a
Nigeria that is not corrupt. Corruption
is the greatest enemy, and
the cancer of development in this
country. We will continue to fight
it, renew the hope of Nigerians and
build a greater nation”
National Chairman, Adam
Oshomhole, accused the People’s
Democratic Party of engaging in
mudslinging instead of campaigning
on issues, blaming the PDP
for putting in economic quagmire.
‘’PDP has already put Nigeria
on notice that Atiku will sell
NNPC. And South-South will not
support a government that will
privatize our resources”, he said.
National Vice Chairman, South-
South, Ntufam Hilliard Etta ,
prayed that Buhari should defeat
Atiku, stating that Buhari has revolutionized
the Agriculture sector
and also reeled out other achievements
such as the school feeding
programme, construction of the
second Niger Bridge, roads, railways
and the increase of Police salary.
‘’He is doing so much . First they
wanted our lion dead , he did not
die , he became stronger. Then they
coined a story that our lion is a Jubril
from Sudan ,but their enterprise
failed”, he said.
Also speaking, Director General,
Buhari Campaign Organisation,
Rotimi Ameachi said, “ I
am sure that Nigerians have not
heard me for a very long time
and the reason you have not
heard me is that you don’t talk
when you are busy. We have
been relatively busy in the past
four years.
“About this time four years ago
we were running round the
country begging Nigerians to
change the leadership of the
country. We promised just three
things. We promised to improve
the economy, to enhance security,
and we promised to fight corruption.
Anybody who said we
promised that fuel prize will fall
must be a magician. We are not
voodoo economists. It was very
clear what was wrong. We got in
and saw the challenges; we never
knew that they had stolen all
the money.
“ And when we got in we
were mindful of the promises that
we made. We commenced that
action, believing that Nigerians
will know that changes don’t
come easily. Nigerians know
that before we came to power as
governor of Rivers state I could
not sleep in Kano, because Kano
, Abuja were attacked. Since we
have been in government till now
attack had been in Borno, not outside
Borno. So have we made
any improvement in security? The
answer is yes.
“When we came, things were
extremely bad. The factors that we
met in terms of economy led to
economic recession. We didn’t
have a choice but to fight that economic
recession. World Bank said
that we will not come out of the
recession till after three years, we
came out of recession after ten
months. We promised to fight corruption,
are we fighting corruption,
the answer is yes.
For his part, Senator Godswill
How Badeh’s killers were arrested
By Ifeanyi Okoli
DETAILS emerged yester
day on how operatives of
the Inspector General of Police
Special Intelligence Response
Team IRT, trailed and
arrested two confirmed suspects
who took part in the
gruesome murder of former
Chief of Defense Staff, Vice Air
Marshal, Alex Badeh (RTD)
who they attacked penultimate
Tuesday on his way home from
his farm on the Kaduna-Keffi
Expressway, Nasarawa State.
The suspects had confessed
that they attacked the ex-CDS
convoy because they had preknowledge
that he was in possession
of an undisclosed
amount of money which he
had intended to use in purchasing
a second farmland not
far from the one he had. The
suspects had revealed that
one of their gang members
who was part of the middlemen
negotiating for land gave
them the tip-off, implying that
the General was returning to
Abuja with the said money as
the owner of the land had refused
to accept cash after their
negations fearing he could be
robbed since he had no armed
protection.
The suspects also revealed
in their confessions that the
ex-CDS’s Nigeria Air Force
escorts who were in a vehicle
behind his Toyota Tundra
truck, didn’t stage a fight back
The crowd at Buhari's campaign flag off yesterday in Uyo
at the time they attacked his
convoy. The suspects said
the escorts reversed their vehicle
and pulled out of the
scene, adding that they found
the injured General gasping
for breath when they approached
his vehicle to collect
the money, as well as to kidnap
his farm manager, Eng.
Joseph.
Meanwhile, police sources
revealed that prior to the order
of Inspector General of
Police, Ibrahim Idris, to his
operatives at the IRT, Special
Tactical Squad, STS and the
Nasarawa State Police Command
to fish out killers of
the ex-CDS and rescue his
kidnapped farm manager, operatives
of the IRT, led by Deputy
Commissioner of Police,
Abba Kyari, had been on the
trail of members of the gang
who have been terrorizing
businessmen, mostly cattle
owners and as well as robbing
and kidnapping motorists on
the Kaduna- keffi Expressway.
It was gathered that
two weeks before the ex-CDS
was killed, a team of IRT operatives
had a shootout with
members of the gang at a spot
where they mounted a roadblock,
on the Kaduna-Keffi
expressway, using military
uniforms waiting to kidnap or
rob their-would-be victims.
Saturday Vanguard gathered
yesterday that after the ex-
CDS was attacked and killed,
news went into town that the
same Fulani bandits who have
been terrorizing the state were
responsible for the attack.
Some Fulani businessmen
Akpabio commended the President
for choosing the state to flag
off the campaign and gave the
assurance that the party would
sweep the zone, noting that ‘’this
election is all about integrity”.
‘’It is all about integrity versus
others. He has integrity to run. We
are going to run this election on
the basis of development. . They
should hand over”, he said.
The high point of the rally was
the presentation of the party flags
to the four governorship candidate
of the South-South, namely,
Obong Nsima Ekere, Akwa Ibom
state; Senator John Eno, Cross
River, Chief Great Ogboru, Delta
and Arc. Tony Cole, Rivers State.
who were in contact with the
IRT quickly gave them a tipoff
and the operatives had no
reason to look elsewhere for
their targets.
ALLEGED ASSAULT: Who is saying the
truth, Davido or Kiss Daniel’s Manager?
By Rotimi Agbana
POP star, Davido has been en
meshed in another controversy
as he was alleged to have assaulted
singer, Kizz Daniel’s manager,
Oluwatumininu Lawrence,
for accidentally bumping into him
at the Green Room (Artistes’ waiting
room), during the ‘City of David
Concert.’ The concert held
Thursday night at the Oceans View
Ground, Eko Hotel, Lagos.
However, the ‘Wonder Woman’
crooner has said that he was not
guilty of the allegation.
Responding to a fan who inquired
to know the true story, Davido
said he didn’t slap Kizz
Daniel’s manager, he, however
apologized for the sake of peace.
“Nope, ok Kizz Daniel manager
I apologize for doing nothing”,
he said.
It’s now Davido’s word against
that of Kizz Daniel’s manager,
Oluwatumininu Lawrence, because
according to him, he was
not even sure it was Davido who
slapped him. But he was sure
Davido was the closest person to
him, so there is the possibility he
was the culprit.
“I was talking to Asa (Davido’s
Davido
manager) because we’ve been
waiting for like two hours to perform
and we actually had other engagements
that we cancelled just
to come and show Davido love
based on the fact that we have a
popping song together ‘One Ticket’
and he’s also showed us love
too. So I was talking to Asa like
when are we going on stage and
his countenance wasn’t really welcoming
so I was trying to inform
Kizz when I noticed someone
pushing me from behind. I looked
back and saw it was Davido. But
his guys were asking wo I was.
When told them I was Kizz
Daniel’s manager they poured a
drink on my face and slapped me.
People around were saying it was
David himself but I can’t verify. It
doesn’t make any sense though,
because we were there just to show
love” he recounted in a telephone
conversation with Linda Ikeji.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
7 PDP members, 3 others killed in ghastly auto crash,
Party cancels senatorial campaign flag off in Benue
By Peter Duru,
Makurdi
THE Peoples Demo
cratic Party, PDP, zonal
campaign flag off in the
Benue south senatorial
district was Friday put off
following the death of seven
members of the party
and three others in a
ghastly motor accident in
Ojinebe 1, Otukpo-Oweto
Road, Otukpo local government
area of the state.
The accident involved
three vehicles including
the Toyota Hiace bus conveying
the deceased PDP
members from Oju to
Obagaji, venue of the rally,
the crash also left five
others with varying degrees
of injuries.
Saturday Vanguard
gathered from an eyewitness
that the ill fated vehicles
ran into each other
while on top speed when
a driver of one of the
crashed vehicles tried to
avoid crushing a commercial
motorbike operator
who skidded off his lane.
“It was in a bid to avoid
the Okada rider that one
of the drivers ran into the
vehicle conveying the
PDP members and a Toyota
Sienna bus conveying
some persons to a burial
ceremony,” the eyewitness
said
Speaking at Obagaji ven-
ue of the rally, on the decision
of the party to cancel
the zonal campaign, Benue
state chairman of the PDP,
Sir. John Ngbede who expressed
shock at the unfortunate
incident said the party
cancelled the rally in honour
of the victims.
Also speaking, the PDP
senatorial candidate for Benue
south district and former
Interior Minister, Comrade
Abba Moro who held back
tears as he spoke said he
was rattled by the unfortunate
incident.
Moro disclosed that Governor
Ortom had directed
that some of survivors be
moved to specialist hospitals
adding “in the wisdom
of our leaders, including the
former Senate President,
David Mark and the Governor
we have been advised
to put off this gathering in
honour of our departed supporters.”
Meanwhile, Governor
Ortom who visited the victims
in the hospital at Adoka
in company of Senator-
Mark and his Deputy Governor,
Benson Abounu described
the incident as painful
and unfortunate, saying
it was a huge loss to the
entire PDP family in the
state. He also directed the
immediate evacuation of the
survivors to Benue State
University Teaching Hospital
Makurdi for further treatment,
stressing that cases
that required further referrals
outside the state would
be handled accordingly.
2019: Hoodlum attacks AD guber candidate in Oyo
By Ola Ajayi, Ibadan
IT appears that vio
lence which had characterized
Oyo State politics
may have resurfaced again
as an unidentified man attacked
the gubernatorial
candidate of the Alliance
for Democracy in the state,
Mr Ayodele Hakeem Alao
in his car.
The attacker smashed
the glass of the door at
owner’s corner but before
he could get to the politician,
he had alighted from
the car and ran inside the
party office.
Speaking on the attack,
the Director General of the
campaign organization for
the AD candidate, Mr
Ademola Adeniji who said
everybody was running for
cover when the hoodlum
attacked.
Adeniji said, “You know
we are in a critical time. It
is very unfortunate that we
found ourselves in this
mess again. We thought
thuggery and hooliganism
had become a thing of the
past in the state, but this
kind of thing happened.”
“On my way to office, I
saw the glass of the vehicle
of my boss was
smashed. As soon as he
was coming into the premises,
a man rushed inside
and smashed the
glass of the car. But, before
Scene of the accident
he could get to the gubernatorial
candidate, he had
escaped and rushed into the
office.”
“We don’t know the intention
of the attacker. The hooliganism
we were not praying
for has returned to the
state. The issue is a source
of concern”.
“We have asked our security
department to take over.”
When asked if any political
party candidate had
made overture to him, he
said it was a normal thing
in politics but there was no
quarrel between him and
any other.”
“Everybody tried to invite
him and he didn’t quarrel
with anyone. Even, the other
faction in the party came
here this morning and we
discussed.”
On the chances his party
has in the 2019 election, he
said, people were fed up
with the Peoples Democratic
Party and All Progressives
Congress and that AD, the
party that still cherishes ideologies
of the late sage,
Chief Obafemi Awolowo,
late Chief Bola Ige, the
former Attorney General
and Minister of Justice, late
Lamidi Adesina, former
governor of Oyo State, is the
only alternative.
Future of children in Northeast at risk — UNICEF
By Luminous
Jannamike, Abuja
UNITED Nations
Children’s Fund,
UNICEF, has raised the
alarm that the future of
children living in states
affected by Boko Haram
insurgency in the
Northeast region are at
risk as the terrorists
continue to commit
grave violations against
them and governments
at various levels fail to
hold perpetrators accountable.
UNICEF Nigeria’s
Communication Specialist,
Eva Hinds, stated
this on Friday in a
press release made
available to journalists
in Abuja.
According to Hinds,
armed bandits including
Boko Haram factions,
continue to target
girls, who are raped,
forced to become wives
of fighters or used as
‘human bombs’.
She recalled that In
February 2018, the insurgents
abducted 110
girls and one boy from
a technical college in
Dapchi, Yobe State.
While most of the children
have since been
released, five girls died
and one is still being
held captive as a slave.
While quoting Manuel
Fontaine, UNICEF
Director of Emergency
Programmes, Hinds
said: “Much more need
to be done to prevent
wars, and to end the
many disastrous armed
conflicts devastating
lives of children.
“Yet even as wars continue,
we must never
accept attacks against
children. We must hold
warring parties to their
obligation to protect
children. Otherwise, it
is children, their families
and their communities
who will continue
to suffer the devastating
consequences,
for now, and for years
to come.”
She called on individuals
and governments
with influence over parties
to conflict to use
that influence to protect
children.
“UNICEF calls on all
warring parties to abide
by their obligations under
international law to
immediately end violations
against children
and the targeting of civilian
infrastructure,
including schools, hospitals
and water infrastructure,”
she added.
Two Rev Frs. regain freedom
after 4 days in kidnappers’
den in Anambra
By Vincent Ujumadu
TWO Reverend Fathers attached to St. Theresa’s
Parish, Umueze Anam in Anambra West local government
area of Anambra State, who were kidnapped
on the Christmas Eve on their way to an official function
in Onitsha, regained their freedom yesterday after
four days in the kidnappers’ den.
The victims, Rev Fr Peter Nwachukwu, the parish
priest of St Theresa’s Parish, Umueze-Anam and Rev
Fr Cajetan Apeh, the assistant parish priest, had since
reunited with their families, according to a statement
by the Anambra State police command.
Police patrol team attached to Otuocha Division had
earlier recovered a light grey Toyota Corolla Car with
registration number FST 689 FL belonging to one of the
Reverend Fathers, which was abandoned by the kidnappers
at Nneyi- Umueri road.
For four days the whereabouts of the clergy men were
unknown, resulting in an anxiety in many parts of the
state, especially as the incidence of kidnapping had
reduced in the state for some years.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr.
Mohammed Haruna said yesterday that Police special
teams comprising the Federal Special Anti Robbery
Squad, FSARS, Police Mobile Force, PMF, and Counter
Terrorism Special Anti Cult unit, in conjunction with
other security agencies and the Anambra State Vigilante
group, had mounted an intensive search, which led
to their rescue.
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq
remains Kwara APC’s guber
candidate —Lai Mohammed
By Demola Akinyemi
THE Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji
Lai Mohammed, has said Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq
remains the valid candidate of the APC in Kwara
State, dismissing the rumour that his election in the party’s
primaries has been quashed by a Kwara court. The
Minister, who is the leader of the APC in Kwara, confirmed
this to newsmen in Ilorin on Friday after meeting with
the state executives of the party to assess the level of
preparations for the 2019 elections.
He urged Kwarans to discountenance the rumour
making the rounds that the recent judgement of an Ilorin
High Court invalidated the candidacy of Alhaji
Abdulrazaq. According to him,”I read the court judgement
and there is nowhere in the judgement that spoke
about our candidate not being the valid candidate. Of
course we have already appealed the judgement for other
reasons but as of today our candidate, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq,
remains the authentic candidate of the party
and that is the situation today with INEC”.
He described the rumour as the handiwork of the
dissolved party executives, who are working extra time
to spread falsehood. “The ‘Shaku-Shaku’ faction of the
APC in Kwara State will try everything and we hear they
are saying everywhere that INEC has disqualified
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. No! It’s absolutely false. There
is only one candidate of the APC and that candidate is
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and as we speak today he is
in Uyo with Mr. President to launch the presidential campaign
of the party,” the Minister said.
He also dismissed the allegation that he deliberately
sponsored the live coverage of the annual meeting of the
Ilorin Emirate Descendants Union on the Nigerian
Television Authority (NTA) in order to embarrass the Emir.
Alhaji Mohammed distanced himself from the allegation,
saying he was not even aware that the event would
hold. He blamed the PDP in Kwara State for the rumour,
noting that the party (PDP) had been circulating false
stories about him in recent times in order to pitch him
against the Ilorin Emirate.
2019: Olawepo Hashim vows
to heal wound of Biafra
It was jubilation galore in Enugu,South Eastern Nigeria
on Friday when the People’s Trust (PT) presidential candidate
in the forthcoming 2019 election,Mr.Gbenga
Olawepo Hashim assured South Easterners that he would
bring in measures that will heal the pains felt by South
easterners and make Nigeria truly united.
He also promised to create an additional state in the
Southeast if Nigerians elect him as their president in
February 2019. Hashim,who was in Enugu where he met
with various groups in preparation of his nationwide
campaign,told the people that Nigeria was not what many
had envisaged but his presidency would surely bring unity
and harmony among the various divides.Hashim also consulted
with stakeholders and community leaders in the
South East geo-political zone.
According to him,there was the need for equity in the
Nigerian federation. He observed that only the South East
has five states, out of the six geopolitical zones in the country,
when others have at least six states.

2019: Buhari names Dangote,
Otedola in campaign think-tank
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA — AFRICA’s
richest man, Aliko
Dangote and Oil Magnate,
Femi Otedola have been
named as members of the
advisory committee for the
re-election of President Muhammadu
Buhari in 2019.
Special Adviser to the President
on Media and Publicity,
Chief Femi Adesina, in
a statement in Abuja, yesterday,
said President Buhari
will chair the All Progressives
Congress, APC,
Presidential Council for his
re-election.
According to the statement,
former Lagos State
Governor and national
leader of the APC, Asiwaju
Bola Tinubu will serve as
co-chair, while Minister of
Transportation, Rotimi
Amaechi has been re-appointed
as the Director-
General.
Aside Dangote and Otedola,
other members of the
advisory committee to the
president are Vice President
Yemi Osinbajo who is also
one of the vice chairmen of
the campaign council. Others
include Asiwaju Bola
Ahmed Tinubu; Senate
leader, Ahmed Lawan;
House of Representatives
leader, Femi Gbajabiamila
and APC National Chairman,
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
The APC chairman also
serves as one of the deputy
chairmen of the campaign
council. For zonal representation,
Senator George
Akume is vice chairman,
North while former Senate
President, Ken Nnamani is
*Chairs own campaign council
*President Buhari (middle) receives in audience Former Governor of Ogun State
Aremo Olusegun Osoba (right) and Ogun State APC gubernatorial candidate, Mr.
Dapo Abiodun [left] in State House yesterday.
the vice chairman, South.
Senator Olorunnimbe
Mamora is named as the
deputy director general, operations;
Arch. Waziri Bulama,
deputy director general,
coordination; while Adamu
Adamu and Dele Alake
will serve as secretaries.
DIRECTORATES
Director, Buhari Support
Groups - Dr. Mahmoud
Mohammed
Director, Strategic Communications
- Festus Keyamo,
SAN
Deputy Director- Abike Dabiri-
Erewa
Director, Contact & Mobilization
- Hadiza Bala Usman
Deputy Director South -Victor
Eboigre
Deputy Director North-
...Name them in economic team, not campaign
team, Atiku tells Buhari, PDP flays him
By Dirisu Yakubu
ABUJA — Presidential
candidate of the Peoples
Democratic Party, PDP,
in the 2019 election, Alhaji
Atiku Abubakar, and the
PDP, yesterday, questioned
the motive for the inclusion
of two billionaire businessmen,
Aliko Dangote and
Femi Otedola in the All Progressives
Congress, APC,
Presidential Campaign
Council. They described the
move as an act of desperation
on the part of the president
and the APC.
Atiku spoke through one
of the PDP Presidential
Campaign image makers,
Kassim Afegbua. Atiku said
as businessmen, the President
ought to have included
the duo in his economic
management team to avail
him their wealth of knowledge
on how to create jobs,
adding that listing them as
campaign members shows
that President Buhari is out
to blackmail the successful
entrepreneurs. He said:
“These people are businessmen,
not politicians. These
are the kind of people Nigerians
expect to see in the
economic management
team because of what they
have done for this country.
“He (Buhari) is simply out
to blackmail them because
by the time they fund his
campaign, he will turn
around and call them cor-
Senator Bashir Nalado
Director, Election Planning
& Monitoring - Babatunde
Raji Fashola, SAN
Deputy Director I- Baba
Kura Abba Jato
Deputy Director II-Chief
Emani Ayiri
Director, Logistics – Dr. Pius
Odubu
Deputy Director- Senator
Umanah Umanah
Deputy Director II- Nasiru
Danu
Director, Policy Research &
Strategy- Prof Abdulrahman
Oba
Deputy Director- Prof. A.K.
Usman
Director, Youth Mobilization-
Hon. Tony Nwoye assisted
by the APC Youth
Leader sadiq
Deputy Director North-
rupt businessmen. “Nigerians
can now see for themselves
what we have been
talking about all this while
and we call on them to vote
out this grossly incompetent
administration, whose stock
in trade is blackmail of perceived
enemies.”
A statement signed by
Senior Special Assistant to
the President on Media and
Publicity, Femi Adesina had
the billionaires listed as
members of a Special Advisory
Committee to Mr. President.
Speaking in like
manner, the PDP campaign,
added that the inclusion of
serving ministers, heads of
ministries, parastatals in
Buhari’s Campaign Council,
was to serve as conduit
pipes to divert public funds
to fund Buhari’s reelection
campaigns. The PDP Presidential
Campaign Organization,
PPCO, also accused
the Presidency and the APC
of secretly drawing over
N478 million from the coffers
of the Niger Delta Development
Commission,
NDDC, to rent a crowd and
offset bills in President Muhammadu
Buhari’s, re-election
campaign rally in Uyo,
Akwa-Ibom State.
In a statement issued yesterday
by Kola Ologbondiyan,
Director, Media and
Publicity of PPCO, the party
said it was aware of the
protests by some eminent
Nigerians, including foremost
businessmen (Aliko
Dangote and Femi Otedola)
who were named as
members of the APC Campaign
Council without their
consent, in a desperate bid
to showcase an impression
that they are supporting Mr.
President’s re-election bid.
“The N478 million
NDDC fund which was originally
budgeted for development
projects in the Niger
Delta was diverted to
renting and transportation
of crowd from other parts
of the country to the rally to
create an impression of
popularity for President Buhari
in the region.
“Further information at
our party’s disposal, shows
that the said N478 million
is part of the wholesome
sum of N1.2 billion allegedly
siphoned in tranches
from the NDDC treasury by
the cabal at the Presidency
and APC leaders, who have
been stealing money from
various government agencies
to finance President Buhari’s
campaign.
“Our party also has it on
good authority that this ignoble
scheme of siphoning
NDDC development fund to
finance his campaign was
the main reason President
Buhari foisted an unpopular
leadership at the management
of the NDDC despite
the protests by critical
stakeholders in all the
states of the Niger Delta."
Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed
Deputy Director South -
Jasper Azuatalam
Director, Admin- Onari
Brown
Deputy Director I- Chris
Hassan
Deputy Director II- Abubakar
Magaji Gasau
Director, Women Mobilization-
Woman Leader
Salamatu Baiwa
Deputy Director North –
Binta Mu’azu
Deputy Director South -
Adejoke Orelope Adefulire
Director Security – Gen. A. .
Dambazzau
Deputy Directors - Brigadier
General Gambo and
Mr. U. Ukoma
Director Legal – Emeka
Ngige, SAN
Deputy Director- Prof. Maman
Lawan Yusufari
Director Field Opertaions-
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu
Director Finance- Wale
Edun
Deputy Director, Alhaji Adamu
Fadan
SPECIAL ADVISORY
COMMITTEE TO MR.
PRESIDENT
1. Vice President, Prof.
Yemi Osinbajo.
2. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed
Tinubu
3. Senator Ahmed Lawan
(Senate Leader)
4. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila(
Leader of the House )
5. APC Party National
Chairman Comrade Adams
Oshiomole
6. Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
7. Mr. Femi Otedola
COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Chief Bisi Akande
2. Chief John Oyegun
3. Senator Ita Enang
4. All APC serving Senators
5. All APC serving and
former Governors
6. All APC Members of the
House of Representatives
7. All members of the National
Working Committee
of the APC
8. All Zonal Women Leaders
STATE COORDINATORS
1. Governors are to serve as
State Coordinators in their
respective states
2. Gubernatorial Candidates
in non- APC States will
serve as State Coordinators
in their respective states.
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018 — 7
Buhari endorses Abiodun as
Ogun APC guber candidate
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari,yesterday, met be
hind closed-doors with the former governor of Ogun
State, and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC,
Chief Segun Osoba and the governorship candidate of the
state in the 2019 election, Dapo Abiodun at the presidential
villa, Abuja. Speaking with the State House correspondents
after the meeting, Chief Osoba said that the President
endorsed the candidature of Abiodun and other party contestants
in the forthcoming elections.
Osoba further stated that President Buhari raised
Abiodun’s hand and assured him and the APC of his support
towards success in the Ogun governorship election.
He said, “Mr. President has confirmed that his candidate
in Ogun State is Prince Dapo Abiodun and that he has no
other candidate. His party in Ogun State is APC, he has no
other party in Nigeria other than APC.
“He assured us that he will personally come to Ogun
state to formally present Prince Dapo Abiodun as his candidate
and he assured that he is clearing the air of any
ambiguity whatsoever of any name dropping; any blackmail;
any misinformation that anybody maybe peddling
that all elections throughout Nigeria, not just Ogun state,
people must vote for APC and no other party. “That is the
message that the President gave to us this morning. I also
seized the opportunity to present my autobiography which
I’m going to launch if the President gives me a date because
in this book I reminded him of the letter he wrote to
me on June 12, 1984 when he appointed me as Managing
Director of the Daily Times.
“So, I presented the book to him. In the book I showed
the judgment in 2003 when he won the election in Ogun
state even when he was not the president. So we assured
him that if he can defeat an incumbent president in 2003 in
Ogun state, a judgment was given where they said the election
in Ogun state was fraudulent and was nullified by the
tribunal, so if he can win in 2003 by defeating an incumbent
president he would win in 2019, by the grace of God.”
Recall that Governor Ibikunle Amosun had on Monday
visited the President to present a letter formally adopting
Buhari as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples
Movement (APM). The governor was accompanied by the
national chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle.
But in his remarks, the APC governorship candidate,
Abiodun, said he was elated by the President’s personal
endorsement, saying that all those in other political parties
campaigning with Buhari’s name and pictures should
desist forthwith. Abiodun, who was selected by the APC
against the wish of the state governor, Ibukunle Amosun,
declared that he and the APC were sure of coasting to victory
in the 2019 poll. He said, “Let me thank Mr President
for clearing the air as our leader has said and reaffirming
that he is the APC Presidential candidate and I, Prince Dapo
Abiodun, I’m the APC gubernatorial candidate and I am
his candidate and this (APC) is his party, he has no other
candidate in Ogun state except me. “I think that affirmation
could not have come at a better time when there are a
lot of ambiguities, when people have attempted to spread
falsehood and all manner of misinformation.
“So, I am very elated and very reassured that our president
has stood by the party and has stood by me and I
believe this matter will finally be put to rest and all those
that are trying to gain by using the president’s picture on
their posters and on their vehicles would finally begin to
remove it because it’s actually illegal for you to be putting
the presidential candidate of another party on the face of
the poster of another party. It’s an attempt to confuse and
misinform the public. I believe after today that it will be
put to rest, everybody will know that in Ogun state the only
party to vote for is APC from Presidential election to gubernatorial,
to senatorial to House of Representatives and to
House of Assembly will be APC all the way.”
Rid Kwara of criminals, minister
charges police
By Emmanuel Elebeke
THE Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai
Mohammed, has called on the Nigeria Police Force
to redouble its effort towards ridding Kwara State of criminals
and miscreants. According to a statement from the
ministry, the Minister who made the call at the commissioning
of an ultra-modern Mobile Police Barracks built
by the Offa Community in Kwara State on Thursday said
recent events had shown that hoodlums and miscreants
were still very active in the state.
He said, “With what Offa people have done today, they
have given you (the police) the necessary support to rid not
just Offa but also the entire Kwara State of hoodlums, cultists,
armed robbers and all undesirables.
“This is a call to duty and I want to call on the police in
Kwara State to redouble their effort in ensuring that Kwara
State is safe for all,” he said, adding that “this was necessary
to create a secure and peaceful atmosphere for development
to thrive in the state. Those who witnessed what
happened a few days ago in the state will agree with me
that cultists, hoodlums, hooligans and brigands are still
very active in Kwara State”.
Alhaji Mohammed said it had become expedient for the
police to act now and secure the environment, especially in
the run-up to the 2019 general elections.
“You must please ensure that every citizen of this state is
free to cast his vote and that his vote will not only be counted
but his vote will count, and the only way you can assure us
of this is by ensuring that you rid the state of all criminal
elements before elections,” he said. The Minister
commended the Offa community for providing a befitting
barracks for the Mobile Police Force in the town, in view of
the series of robberies in the area, especially the April 5,
2018 attack that left 33 people dead.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
Navy warns politicians against
dragging personnel into politics
By Jimitota Onoyume
CHIEF of Naval
Staff, CNS, Vice
Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas
has warned politicians
against dragging naval
personnel into politics.
Fielding questions from
journalists yesterday after
commissioning the
Remodelled headquarters,
Nigerian Naval
Ship(NNS Delta), Warri,
Delta state, the CNS,
who was represented by
the Flag Officer Commanding
Central Naval
command,FOC, Rear
Admiral,Suleiman Garba
said the Navy will not
hesitate to arrest any politician
who drags any
personnel into politics.
He therefore charged
Naval personnel and ratings
to be
apolitical,adding that as
military men they should
restrict themselves to
their constitutional responsibilities.
“Personnel should be
apolitical, military men
must not be involved in
any kind of politicking.
When called upon we will
give sufficient security to
the Independent National
Electoral
Commission,INEC on the
waterways to enable them
deliver election materials.”,
he said.
He also said the Navy
has increased maritime
patrol to reduce oil theft
and related crime to the
lowest ebb.
“In the last few months
we have reactivated our
operations. We have
maintained 100 percent
presence at sea. We have
permanent presence in
our maritime domain. We
have not left any room for
crude oil thieves. They
say “control is patrol and
patrol is control. So we
will ensure our consistent
patrol to enable the control
of the maritime domain”,
he said.
He said the Remodelled
headquarters of the
NNS,Delta commissioned
was in line with
the CNS’s vision to ensure
officers and men
have conducive atmosphere
to operate.
Some of the places commissioned
were the parade
ground,
reception,Senior rate
among others.
2019 Outlook: High debt service obligations,
major constraints to economy—LCCI
By Naomi Uzor
THE Lagos Chamber
of Commerce and Industry,
LCCI, yesterday
said the Nigerian economy
remained fragile with the
high dependence on oil
sector for revenue and foreign
exchange earnings. It
said that, although oil revenues
increased with recovering
oil prices in 2018, the
impact on the economy was
subdued by the huge foreign
exchange commitments
to petroleum product
importations while the inherent
subsidy and the
high debt service obligations
were also major constraints
to the growth of the
economy.
In a statement by the Director
General of LCCI, Mr.
Muda Yusuf, he said with
the limited progress in the
ongoing effort to diversify
government revenue sources,
the performance of the
oil and gas sector would
remain a critical factor that
would shape the outlook for
the economy in 2019.
According to estimates by
Capital Economics analysts,
every $10-per-barrel
fall in oil prices will cause a
3-5 per cent decline of GDP
in most of the Gulf economies,
and a slowdown of
1.5-2 per cent of GDP in
Russia and Nigeria on an
annualized basis. The
outlook will therefore depend
to a large extent on
developments in the oil and
The newly elected Executives of St Gregory’s College Old Boys Association (SG-
COBA) recently paid a courtesy call on the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His
Grace, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins. Standing from L-R - Francis Medessou
(Treasurer), Omolara Thomas (Ex-Officio), Francis Kudayah (Vice President), His
Grace Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins (Proprietor), Hon. Justice Adeniyi
Adetokunbo Ademola - (President), Ken Oboh (Ex-Officio), Moses Nwanze (Publicity
Secretary) and Bernie Grant (General Secretary).
gas sector and the political
will to undertake far reaching
reforms, beginning with
the oil and gas sector.
He explained that “given
the challenging economic
conditions, key policy reforms
would be imperative
to support and sustain macroeconomic
stability. These
include, among others, a
foreign exchange management
framework that reflects
the market fundamentals,
the acceleration of
the economic diversification
agenda, normalization
of Lagos ports environment,
the oil and gas sector
reform, especially the
petroleum industry bill; reduction
in the cost of governance
at all levels; improvements
in the domestic
revenue (particularly independent
revenue) to reduce
volatilities of government
revenues, among others”.
On the issue of export,
he said exporters suffered
huge losses as a result of
the Apapa gridlock.
Gov. Ugwuanyi has always remembered our
people, says Senator Nnamani
THE former President of
the Senate, Senator
Ken Nnamani has described
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
of Enugu State as not only a
true friend of his community,
Amechi Uwani, Enugu
South Local Government
Area, but also “one of us”
who has always supported
his people in so many ways.
Senator Nnamani spoke
during the inauguration of
the rebuilt Amechi Uwani
Town Union Centre, which
was completed with the N5
million first tranche of N10
million earmarked by Gov.
Ugwuanyi’s administration
for every community in the
state to execute priority development
project of their
choice.
The elder statesman, who
thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for
finding time to identify with
them despite his tight
schedule this festive season,
declared: “We remember
those who remember us”.
Senator Nnamani added
that “a good product markets
itself” and disclosed
that “when the time comes,
I will say where our people
belong”.
He commended the community
for utilizing the state
government’s grant to complete
the project, pointing
out that “everybody is happy
across the state” because
of the existing peace and
good governance.
Earlier, the Traditional
Ruler of Amechi Uwani community,
who was represented
by the Onowu, Chief
Michael Okenwa while
breaking the Kolanut acknowledged
the good
works of the governor in the
state and prayed for his victory
at the forthcoming general
election.
In his welcome address,
the President-General of the
Town Union, Deacon Okoye
Ogbodo, welcomed Gov.
Ugwuanyi to the community
to celebrate with them.
Deacon Ogbodo noted that
they set aside 28th of every
year as a special day “to celebrate
Amechi Uwani community,
exchange gifts and
reassess what God has done
for us”, stating that “the governor
has always been our
guest”.
He explained that the
community used N4 million
of the N5 million released
by the state government
under its “one community
one project” programme to
complete the town union
centre , revealing the balance
of N1 million was dedicated
for another priority
project.
Also present at the event
were the chairman of the
council, Hon. Sunday
Ugwu, the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) candidate
for Enugu North/South Federal
Constituency, Hon. Ofor
Chukwuegbo and member
representing Enugu South
Constituency, Hon. Obinna
Okenwa, among others.
APC factions must not burn
down Enugu—Enugu youth group
A
youth group in Enugu state, Youth Coalition for Peace
and Good Governance, has frowned at the series of
internal strife in the Enugu State Chapter of the All Progressives
Congress (APC), since Senator Ayogu Eze joined
the party. In a statement signed by Hon. Ikechukwu Ibeh
and Engr. Jude Onyema, Coordinator and Secretary respectively,
the group said “as an advocacy group for the promotion
of peace and good governance in Enugu State, we are
concerned about the ugly shape of this internal fracas between
Deacon Okey Ogbodo faction, which has Barr George
Tagbo Ogara as its governorship candidate, and Barr Ben
Nwoye faction that is backing Senator Eze as its candidate.
“We are also perturbed by the inherent consequences of
these utterances on the existing peace in Enugu State vis-àvis
the forthcoming general election in 2019. It is on record
that the crises between the two factions of the APC degenerated
the moment Sen. Eze joined the party for the sole purpose
of clinching its governorship ticket obviously to pursue
his personal interest.
“We recall with consternation the deadly and shameful fracas
that ensued between the two factions at the Akanu Ibiam
International Airport, Enugu, the very first day Sen. Eze
returned to the state after over three years on self-exile.
Shortly before the show of shame at the airport, the two
factions had displayed a similar act at the APC Secretariat in
Enugu, which would have endangered the peace of the
state if not for the swift intervention of the security agencies.
“Our group, just like the overwhelming majority of the
people of Enugu State, were equally worried that this disgraceful
act of the APC factions was also heavily felt during
the state party congress to elect its governorship candidate,
which was marred by intense violence and is currently under
litigation with regards to the authentic governorship
candidate of the party.
“A few days ago, there was renewed apprehension in
Enugu, over the recent attack on Barr. Ogara’s governorship
campaign headquarters, which led to the destruction
of two buses with both factions accusing each other of being
responsible for the heinous act.
“Today, there was news that the party’s campaign vehicle
branded with Sen. Eze’s picture was burnt in Enugu. Although
the Enugu State Police Command, through the Public
Relations Officer, CSP Ebere Amarizu had alleged that it
was a fire outbreak incident, the truth remains that the APC
in Enugu State should not disrupt the peace the good people
of Enugu State have been enjoying. The two factions
should embrace reconciliation and desist from overheating
the polity for selfish reasons.
Insecurity: FG should stop insurgents
from passing through borders — SSANU
*Calls for release of Leah Sharibu
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
SENIOR Staff Association of Nigerian Universities,
SSANU, has called on the Federal Government to
ensure more commitments with neighbouring countries
under the Lake Chad Basin Commission to ensure that
insurgents and arms are not allowed to pass through the
borders.
The non teaching staff in the universities have also
lamented that despite the huge sum allocated by government
to fight insurgency, there has not been commensurate
result as people were being killed by the Boko
Haram Islamic sect.
SSANU in a communiqué after its 35th Quarterly National
Executive Council, NEC, meeting at Enugu State
University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu,
appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that the
Dapchi Christian girl, Leah Sharibu who has been in the
captivity of the Boko Haram sect and other people abducted
by the insurgents are released.
A new Nigeria coming — Fela
Durotoye, ANN presidential candidate
By Lamidi Bamidele
THE Presidential Candidate of Alliance for New Nige
rian, ANN, Mr Fela Durotoye has expressed the hope
that a new Nigeria will soon emerge that will give everyone
hope, peace and joy. In his Christmas and new year message
to Nigerians, Mr Durotoye said, “I know that many
people are going through some tough times while some
people are blessed to be blessings to others. But whatever
the situation is, I want Nigerians to understand that there is
hope in new Nigeria that is coming where everyone will
have hope, peace and joy
He argued that the current situation in Nigeria is still
redeemable if the right leadership is put in place that will
put the interest of the nation above selfish interest adding
that what has been lacking in Nigeria is good leadership.
According to him, “if the right leaders get there through the
right channel, they will command the right followership
among the populace and the people will be ready to follow
the example of the leadership”.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018 — 9

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, , 2018
2018 has been tough, rough
for us —Nigerian families
•Express their fears and expectations in 2019
By Anayo Okoli, Umuahia; Vincent
Ujumadu, Awka; Samuel Oyadongha,
Yenagoa; Dayo Johnson, Akure; Umar Yusuf,
Yola; Bala Ajiya, Yobe; Gabriel Enogholase,
Benin; By Egufe Yafugborhi & Davies
Iheamnachor, Rivers; Marie-Therese
Nanlong, Jos; Peter Duru, Makurdi; Ola
Ajayi, Ibadan; Chidi Nkwopara, Owerri;
Rotimi Ojomoyela, Ekiti
The year 2018 has been a very
challenging one for most Nigerians as
virtually no one was immuned from
the economic malaise that befell the nation. It
was lamentation from every quarter in the
country.
Saturday Vanguard spoke with Nigerians
across the country on their assessment of the
outgoing year and their expectations for the
incoming year. Some of the respondents prayed
never to go into the new year with what they
went through in 2018. Others were pessimistic
that things will be better in 2019 especially
with the present crop of politicians in the
country.
ABIA
Mrs Catherine Onuoha, petty trader: The
outgoing year has been a very hard one for us.
The survival of my family of four children and
the husband, a daily paid labourer was
miraculous. There were days when the
family was unable to have a meal. I hope
2019 will be a better year because “if we
go through this type of suffering next year,
thousands of Nigerians will die.
Mr. Dike Uche Isaiah, a civil servant:
Life in 2018 was simply hell. The
workers, traders and businessmen are
going through a lot. Those of us who are
civil servants were owed several months
of salary arrears and if we are not paid
the traders would not sell. So it has a
multiplier effect. It will be suicidal to go
with 2018 ugly experience into 2019.
Miss Chinemrem Glory, student:
This year presented a harrowing
experience for students in Nigeria. Except
for students from rich homes, those from
poor and average homes are going
through much stress. Some of the
students would go hungry for two days
because their parents, especially the civil
servants who are owed by the state
government, could not meet up in paying
their school fees let alone giving them
upkeep allowance. The cost of living in
the country is also high bu we hope that
next year will be better for students and
Nigeria as a whole.
ANAMBRA
Mrs Grace Obidinma, school principal: I
have fears that 2019 will be very tough for
Nigerians because the politicians will try to
channel most of the funds towards winning
election by all means, thereby making things
difficult for the common man. The fact that
elections will take place barely one month
after resumption of schools is already causing
fears especially as many state governments are
not paying salaries as at when due.
Mr Ignatius Nwadikwa: I expect harder
times in 2019 since the budget is no longer
implemented in such a way that it could help
alleviate the suffering of the masses. Unless
the class distinction is bridged, the people will
continue to complain about the gap between
the lifestyle of politicians and the rest of the
people.
Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor,
Catholic Bishop of Awka: Unless the leaders
show good example by discouraging anything
that might lead to electoral malpractice, the
stability of the country might be in doubt next
year.
BAYELSA
The survival of
my family of four
children and the
husband, a daily
paid labourer
was miraculous.
There were days
when the family
was unable to
have a meal
Iniuro Wills, President,
Ijaw Professionals
Association (IPA
Homeland chapter): The
lot of Nigerians in 2019 and
beyond will depend largely
on the electoral choices we
make in the 2019 general
elections. The current
situation is extremely bleak.
It will remain so or grow
worse unless the electorate
vote in qualitative leaders at
all levels who can convert
our age-long potentials to
actual economic prosperity
and social harmony
through systematic and
sustained strategies. There’s
no other art beyond that to
forecast the way our polity
and economy will go.
Eric Omare, President,
Ijaw Youth Council: It is
true that the past 12 months
just like the past three and
half year have been very
challenging for Nigerians
and Nigeria. I do not see
things to be better for
Nigeria with the present status quo. I think
that whether things would get better in respect
of the massive killings, kidnapping, economic
hardship and other challenges to a large extent
would be determined by the outcome of the
2019 general elections. If the present national
leadership retains power, I do not think that
things would get better but if there is change of
leadership, may be, there would be a new
beginining and things may get better. However,
generally my expectation is for whoever is in
charge of the national leadership to tackle the
issue of security all over the country especially
the northern part and the current economic
hardship seriously. We must not play politics
with the present insecurity and economic
hardship.
Charles Tambou, veteran journalist: 2018
was a year Nigerians saw pain and blood. With
the elections at hand and the hardening of
heart by do or die politicians, Nigerians should
be ready for more pains, except the elections
bring about a new government.The new
regime may bring some window dressing to
cool the nerves of Nigerians. The fact remains
that if a new government takes over power, it
will amount to old wine in new bottle, except
drastic and practical steps are taken to
overhaul the entire system.
Amaebi Clarkson, minority rights activist:
Security has been most challenging in the
country this year and I do not see it getting
better in 2019 being an election year. I
reasonabllly think there will be more security
breaches next year. The only panacea to the
impending doom will be a change of
government and probably the restructuring of
the country as being convassed by concerned
Nigerians.
ONDO
Bosun Adedeji: The last 12 months have
been hell on earth for Nigerians, nothing had
worked in the country. Our leaders are only
interested in getting to power and amass wealth
for themselves and their family members. Since
next year is an election year we want a total
overhaul of the political system. Let there be
another change but this time positive change.
Our economy is in comatose, there is insecurity
everywhere, living standard has dropped
abysmally. Let us try another leader and if he
also misbehaves we can change him. No stable
electricity, poor road network, no jobs,
minimum wage cannot last a week not to talk
of a month. Is it corruption that they are fighting
that will bring food on the table of the common
man. Let us have a positive change in all sectors
of the economy.
Ahmed Oladehinde: The economy under
this administration has collapsed. There is fear
across the country because of insecurity. Job
loss had caused young people to go into various
crimes, infrastructures had collapsed. We need
a leader who has foresight and ready to work.
Enough of this selective fight on corruption. Is
that all that a government needs to do for four
years?.Let us have a government that works
not a vindictive government that still behaves
like an opposition party even while at the helm
of affairs. All this government does is a blame
game. We need a positive change, a government
that will make things work, revamp the
economy, halt all these killings and
criminalities across the country and make
Nigeria a safe place for us and investors.
Bolanle Owadasa: This government is
trying except that some cabals have hijacked
governance. Corruption has reduced and
Nigerians are more careful with public funds.
The economy is improving but the area I think
our leaders need to work more is the insecurity
in some areas especially in the North. They
also need experts to have a critical look at the
economy. The power sector needs
improvement, the roads should be attended
to, jobs should be provided for our graduates
and living standards of Nigerians should
improve.
Balaji Akindeko: Nigeria is not working.
Our leaders have failed us. There is no sector
of the economy that’s working. Al we hear is
the fight against corruption. Other critical
sectors have been abandoned. The common
man cannot even eat two square meals a day,
salaries are not paid, no jobs, our graduates
have taken to crimes to survive, no good roads,
hospital bills have made the people to patronise
quacks and they are dying daily. We need a
total turn around in all sectors. We need a new
leader that is younger and more vibrant.
Enough of all these old retired politicians, they
are spent bullets, they have nothing again to
offer. Our economy needs to be worked on,
employment opportunities should be provided
for our youths, our roads and hospitals should
be fixed. We need a change in governance.
ADAMAWA
Ibrahim Bappa Wiziri, former Chaiman,
Congress for Progressive Change, CPC: I
am optimistic that better days lie ahead in the
New Year for Nigerians because of the
economic blueprint put in place in the next
budget proposal before the National Assembly.
To achieve the desired transformation, peace
is the pre requisite for any meaningful
development, and for Nigeria to archive the
desired developmental stride we should learn
to live in peace with one anther irrespective of
Continues on pages 11

Fears and expectations in 2019
Continues from page 10
our political, religious, ethnic or other divides.
Hajiya Fatimah Ornah, Former Acting
Secretary, PDP: We should expect better
change for Nigeria if the right persons are voted
into power. The right persons are in all the
political parties and I urge Nigerians to vote
for the right candidates devoid of partisan of
party affiliations .
Mr Abdul Alikali, Artisan: The change
Nigerians need now can not be realized from
the present crop of politicians in the country
because politics has been taken as a do or die
affair and the only quickest way of making
money. The National Assemlby and other
legislative houses should be run on part time
basis to make them non attractive.
EDO
Francis Onoiribholo, Journalist: Next year
is an election year and I expect all stakeholders,
that is, the electorate, security agents, religious
institutions, etc to play their roles in the conduct
of the election. I expect them to vote for
candidate(s) that have the capacity and
capability of moving the country toward and
with this, the country will once again enjoy
peace and progress.
Miss Doreen Benjamin, unemployed
graduate: The Federal and state governments
failed woefully in the provision of the basic
necessities of life to the people in the outgoing
year. All we saw were promises that were never
fulfilled. The year 2019 is an election year and
the budget of that year had just been submitted
to the National Assembly. My expectation for
next year is for Nigerians to vote out this
incompetent government for one that will
provide jobs for us among others.
Miss Rachel Ogiemwonyi, business
woman: I see the year 2019 as a year of
success and patronages for businessmen and
women. As an election year, my prayer is that
Nigerians should vote for a President that will
make life meaningful for them. I also appeal
to all Nigerians to play their respective roles
in ensuring that the election is successful and
peaceful because I do not see crisis during the
election.
Mrs Imelda Osayande (Vice - Chairman
Edo NUJ): Our prayer is that the year 2019
should be better than the outgoing year in all
ramifications especially in the provisions of
the essentials of life and a reduction in the prices
of food stuff. I want to see a year where the
workers will be paid a living wage, a wage
that can take them home. I also pray for a
successful election and I enjoin the political
class to co-ordinate themselves very well and
abstain from thuggery and anything that will
derail the election.
YOBE
Bitrus Yohanna, business man: We thank
God for the peace we have been enjoying in
Damaturu in the last three years but we want
the government to look into the price of food
items that is too expensive in the market .
Hajiya Bilkisu Adamu: We want the
Federal Government to improve the living
condition of most Nigerians who cannot afford
three square meals per day and control the
price of commodities in the market in the next
year. Everybody is talking about peace and
security but they have forgotten that all these
will be achieved when a poor man can afford
to feed himself and save his family from hunger.
Salisu Ibrahim, a civil servant: The
government should fulfil the agreement
reached with labour by implementing the
30,000 naira minimum wage next year in order
to cushion the effect of hike in price of food
stuff.
RIVERS
Azubuike Ogechi, Student: My
expectations were not met in 2018. The Federal
Executive didn’t do well in education. As a
student of the University of Port Harcourt, I
have been at home for the past four months
over strike by lecturers. I expect government
and its agencies to carry out the right
engagements with stakeholders at ensuring
free, fair and peaceful elections. Government
must avoid rigging. We are insulting ourselves
by allowing vote buying, rigging or violence.
Greg Mohammed, Cab operator: In 2018,
the government didn’t meet my expectation
because the high confidence we reposed in
President Mohammadu Buhari was met with
high disappointment for majority of the people.
People still say he remains a man of integrity
and credibility. People are not happy because
hardly has anything changed for the common
man under this government. In 2019, I expect
any government of the day to improve the
living condition of the common man. Right
now, that is not happening. The government of
the day is improving lives on paper while the
ordinary man is suffering.
Styvn Obodoekwe, Human rights activist:
I never expected anything good from the
federal government because I knew ab initio
that Buhari and his team have nothing good
to offer. Rather than focusing on governance,
the federal government was more interested
in pursuing opposition and indulged in blame
game while the economy continued to
deteriorate, bringing untold hardships on the
masses. As we move into 2019, our expectation
is for government to listen to the cries of the
suffering masses.
Charity Emeriewen, Manicurist: I expect
the government to end Boko Haram and
herdsmen menace. I want safer Nigeria. I also
expect free and fair election to usher in a
government that will improve the life of the
comman man.
PLATEAU
Ezekiel Ntiem: Every reasonable person
would want things to be better in 2019, my
hope is not in any political party or leader but
in God. Those standing for elections next year
should deliver on the promises they are making
to avoid the wrath of God. Politicians should
be truthful and honest in dealing with the
people.
Thomas Mandong: With the level of
change witnessed in 2018, it will be worse if
the current crop of leaders are allowed to
return to power. We welcome this change in
2014 and voted for them in 2015 but personally,
I really regret voting these people so I have
decided to vote them out.
Abdulsalam Inusa: Things were not really
rosy in 2018 but it will definitely be better in
2019 because the foundation for a better
Nigeria is taking shape. Gradually, the change
we want will be here, all we need is patience.
This government is trying to correct the many
wrongs in the system, they need our support
and encouragement, once this government
returns to power, things will turn around for
the better.
Daniel Auta: A better Nigeria will continue
to be an illusion until our leaders stop the pull
me down syndrome and offer maximum
support to whoever is in power irrespective of
tribe or religion. If we have access to
uninterrupted power supply, small businesses
will grow and Nigerians in diaspora will bring
their wealth of experience and grow the
economy but as it is, I can not see that coming
any time soon.
Margaret Dodo: I expect a better year but
it will only be possible if Nigerians will see
themselves first as Nigerians before seeing
themselves from diverse tribes and do away
with trivial divisive issues such as religion and
sectionalism and join hands with whoever
emerges as our leader so that this country can
move forward.
BENUE
Uche Nnorom, Journalist: My expectation
politically is that the coming election should
be credible, free and fair. In the area of security
government should do more by being
pragmatic and not resort to propaganda.
Funds meant for the purchase of arms to fight
insurgency in the country should be judiciously
applied. I want to see a robust economy with a
growth in the GDP. Nigeria is currently ranked
one of the poorest economies of the world, we
want to see government making decisive
policies that will check the drift in our economy
so that the ordinary man would have every
reason to smile.
Ter Ajanto, artisan: For me, my number
one expectation is that we must have a credible
election next year. I strongly believe that if we
have the right people in positions of authority
it will be the beginning of good things to come
to the country. I also expect that government
will avail security agencies better funding to
ensure proper security of our country, because
it is key to our country moving forward and
making progress.
Osom Desmond, student: 2018 was not a
good one for majority of Nigerians because of
the economic crunch. Many could not meet
their needs. Government should do more to
tackle the economic challenges facing the
country because the ordinary man is suffering.
As a student I want to see the federal
government resolve its differences with ASUU
as soon as possible because students cannot
continue to remain at home indefinitely in a
country that is so blessed by God and we all
know the implication of leaving students at
home.
Andy Andera, student:
My expectation is that
government should
provide social ameneties.
Security should be given
more attention. We have
challenges of herdsmen
killings especially in
Benue state. We have a
law in the state that
prohibits open grazing
but herdsmen do not want
to obey the law. We want
to see the Federal
Government coming out
to declare support for the
law and security agencies
should enforce the law so
as to put an end to the
farmer/herders crisis to
enable our people engage
in their farming activities
and improve their
livelihood.
Adole Paul, student:
As a nation we have not
done very well in the last
few years especially in the
area of empowerment of
our youths. Government
must make it a top
priority to empower our
youths to get them
engaged in meaningful
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, , 2018—11
ventures. Attention should be given to issues of
sports because it is another way growing an
economy. Apart from growing the economy, it
also keeps our youths busy and prevent them
from getting into anti social vices.
2018 was not a
good one for
majority of
Nigerians
because of the
economic
crunch. Many
could not meet
their needs
OYO
Dr. Olapade Agoro, National Chairman/
former Presidential Candidate, National
Action Council ( NAC), With the nation
wallowing in endemic corruption, insecurity
of lives and property, Boko Haram insurgency,
deadly Fulani herdsmen attacks which have
left about 2,000 people dead, our leaders
should take proactive steps to curtail these. I
also want factories that are working under
capacity utilization and power generation
producing at abysmal low level as well as
mounting debts to foreign creditors should be
improved in 2019. Government should equally
fix most federal roads that are due for repairs
and reduce unemployment and our hospitals
to be well equipped.
Elder Taiye Ayorinde, traditional ruler:
Government should ensure there is tremendous
improvement in economy, bring killings in the
country to an end and slash the salaries of
members of the National Assembly. If the take
home pay of the legislators is reduced
considerably, there will be no need to embark
on any strike because the country can afford
the minimum wage being demanded by the
Nigerian workers. Also, suspects who were
caught with arms and ammunition should be
prosecuted, and Fulani herdsmen must be
treated as terrorists.
Toye Adebesin, student: Supply of
electricity leaves much to be desired, the
government should increase power generation
as well as improve on infrastructure like road
and easy transportation system to ease traffic
gridlock on the highways.
Miss Praise Oluwafunmilayo Ajayi:
Irregularity in payment of salaries should not
be treated with kid gloves as it happened in
most states in 2018. Also, killings and
kidnappings should be reduced so as to make
Nigerians more secured.
IMO
Mazi Damian Nze: The business
environment in Imo State, in the passing year,
was anything but good. 2018 can pass as the
most unfavourable year for citizens, since the
return of democratic engineering in Nigeria.
Virtually all the sectors of the economy has
remained comatose in the past four years. Our
schools, hospitals, roads, public service and
the local government administration, are in
very bad shape. What is most worrisome in
our circumstance is that government officials
tell blatant lies to justify their ineptitude.
Mr. Joe Chikere: Some government
properties have, through the instrumentality
of the present state administration, been
converted to private use. In 2019, all
government property either stolen,
appropriated for personal use or
misappropriated, should be fully recovered
from those concerned. The citizens are looking
forward to having functional health, education
and civil service operations.
Our dead local government councils should
be revived. Pensioners, who gave their youthful
years to the state, should be catered for.
EKITI
Deji Ogundaunsi, student: The security
approach in 2018 was bad, I was a victim of
kidnap and the economic policy was even
worse. In 2019, we hope to see a turn around in
the economy of the country. We expect to get
food stuff at cheaper prices while the land
borders that were closed should be reopened.
Akin Akomolafe, Contractor: The
economic policy of the present government
has not been impressive. People who are
knowledgeable about the economy are not part
of the decision making, and
it is affecting Nigerians.
Though, security is a global
problem but more needs to
be done on the part of the
government. We also expect
a change of attitude from the
government because the
expectations of Nigerians
are high”.
Ogunrinde Blessing,
unemployed graduate:
2018 has been tough and
rough for most families in
the country, especially where
the husband and wife are
civil servants. Salaries were
not paid as at when due, most
of our leaders are more
interested in enriching
themselves and the welfare
of the citizenry does not
make any sense to them. My
expectation in 2019 is
simple, the Federal
government should complete
all on going projects in the
transportation sector, roads
and rail, complete and
commission all the power
projects, give more loans to
small scale industries and
revive the textile and paper
industries, which will create
more jobs”

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
EKWEREMADU:
What we need
to explain to our
Northern brothers
•Why we need state police
•Mood of the nation will favour Igbo Presidency in 2023
Deputy Senate President Ike
Ekweremade was guest at
Channels Television recently.
Excerpts:
Recently, there have been two major issues
that concern you. One was the recent attack
on your residence, which was reported to
the police. What is the situation with that?
The matter is still under investigation. I
am not going to dwell much on it. It’s just an
unfortunate incident for my wife, my son, and
myself. I want to thank
well-wishers, colleagues,
and friends that showed
concern since the incident
happened. My concern
was, if it happened to me,
I wonder what the
situation with other
Nigerians would be. We
need to ensure that
everybody is well
protected. That is the
responsibility of
government- to ensure
that lives and property of
citizens are well protected.
I am happy a lot has been
said about this matter and
I do hope the police will
get to the root of it.
The second issue is
related to a court case
that has to do with assets
declaration. What is the
situation with that?
The case is still in court,
but just to update you, the
Court of Appeal said that
the Presidential Panel for
When President Musa
Yar’Adua died,
Goodluck Jonathan
concluded his tenure
and ran for one more
term. He contested
again in 2015, but the
mood of the nation
then was that the next
President would also
come from the North
the Recovery of Public Property has no power
to fight anybody, as that is the responsibility
of the Code of Conduct tribunal. That is
from the legal angle.
In terms of reality and fact, I have nothing
to worry about because, what the law expects
from me to declare all my assets to the Code
of Conduct Bureau, I did exactly that. So, a
panel suing me for refusing to declare assets
to it, a panel trying to exercise the power it
doesn’t have, is a non-issue. It is just a smear
campaign. As far as I am concerned, I have
nothing to worry about. My
hands are clean and recent
ruling of the Court of Appeal
on similar matter shows I am
right to refuse to breach the
constitution.
Talking of the role of the
South East in national
matters, you are the most
senior South-Easterner in the
Nigeria political structure.
There have been calculations
about the South East
producing the next president
in 2023. Is it just politics,
agenda or there is a bigger
and broader plan?
Let me clarify this: no one
part of Nigeria can decide to
take the presidency and
succeed in taking it. What has
happened over the years is that,
the presidency of the country
is dependent on the mood of
the nation. In 1999, the mood
of the nation was for a
Southern President from the
Western part of Nigeria. That
was how Chief Olusegun
Obasanjo became the President. In 2007 again
when he was leaving office, the Peoples
Democratic Party had zoned it’s presidency to
the North, which was the mood of the nation
at the time.
When President Musa Yar’Adua died,
Goodluck Jonathan concluded his tenure and
ran for one more term. He contested again in
2015, but the mood of the nation then was
that the next President would also come from
the North. So, it wasn’t just about Jonathan
or President Muhammadu Buhari. It was the
mood of the nation. My projection in 2023 is
that the mood of the nation would favour a
President of Igbo extraction.
Your party has nominated a running mate
of the presidential candidate in this cycle
from the South East, and Alhaji Atiku
Abubakar has said he would serve only one
term. That seems to fit in very neatly into the
2023 projections. Is that really what is going
on?
Well, we have to do all we can to maintain
the unity of this country. Everyone would have
to make a sacrifice to ensure that happens.
Buhari is concluding a four-year term by 2019.
If he wins, he can only do one more term of
four years, hence the expectation that the next
President will come from the South. If Atiku
wins, he understands clearly that the next
president, will come from the South East. So,
it makes political sense for him to commit to
one term. Everyone is beginning to see
the need and wisdom in ensuring that every
part of Nigeria is accommodated at the highest
office of the nation.
Let me bring you to your area of expertise,
which is the legislature, where you have
been Deputy Senate President for almost
12 years, which in itself is some kind of
unusual record. How do you think the
legislature has faired?
The legislature all over the world is usually
misunderstood. People don’t give them the
respect they deserve in terms of what they have
done to ensure national progress. Well, for us
in Nigeria, I would say we have done well.
Given the fact that the parliament has suffered
a lot of setbacks and many distortions,
especially by military interventions.
We have done well in spite of those setbacks.
Most of the laws that have provided legislative
architecture for our country were done in the
last sixteen years. Talking about the fight
against corruption, it’s on record that the
EFCC Act, the ICPC Act, Code of
Conducts Bureau Act, Nigerian
communication Commission, which provided
the boom in the telecommunications industry,
amendment of a whole number of
legislations etc, were all passed in the last
sixteen years.
But I think the most important thing we have
done is the ability to restructure our
constitution to be able to provide good
governance for our people. We have done a
lot in that regard since 2008 and even more
recently.
Elsewhere the legislature develops with
people having the opportunity to be there,
grow in the system, learn the system, become
experts at various aspects of the law and
they become almost like authority
themselves because they have been there
so long. In America, you have a senator who
has been in the seat for 25, 30 years. Here in
Nigeria, there is this high turnover just as
the Representative or senator is getting used
to the office and election circle comes around,
he or she doesn’t return to the seat.
Has that impacted the performance of the
legislature lately?
Answer: Definitely, we have recorded high
turnover of parliamentarians both at the state
and national levels. For me it is a major
setback because over the four-year term, a lot
of money is spent training these
parliamentarians, exposing them to the best
seminars and workshops. You learn from your
colleagues. After four years, they are gone and
then a new set comes in and you start all over
to train them. By the time they have learnt
anything, they are gone.
The reason is that we have this attitude of
turn-by-turn. Some people would say “Oh we
have agreed you would just do one term, you
come back so another person has to go”.
That is not helping our situation at all
because the idea of allowing people to stay
long in the parliament is to have institutional
memories. When you have someone who has
has been in the National Assembly for twenty
years, for instance, what that means is that
you have seen two to three president’s and if
anything happens in the act you can say let us
call this person and ask him how was this
handled in the past and he can provide
institutional memory. You know, he would
have attended so many parliamentary
organisation meetings all over the world. Of
course, he would have made some friends
across the globe as well. So, that if there is
anything that has to do with diplomacy in
respect of the country, somebody can offer
Continues on page 13

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—13
Why we need state Police
Continues from page 12
some advice and can say I have a friend in this
country, I have a friend in this organisation I
can speak to. That is why people are left in
parliaments for so many years.
There are no term limits for legislature
the way there are in other arms of
government?
Yes. Definitely, that’s the thing. I think maybe
in Mexico that’s where you have a term limit
for parliamentarians. But even at that, it is a
single term of six years but after another tenure
of six years, you can come back to do another
six years. It is unlike the executives in Mexico,
which you do just six-year single term and you
go. So, each country tries to encourage this
idea of keeping the parliamentarians as much
as possible in order to maintain institutional
memory.
Let me bring you back to constitutional
amendment you were talking about a bit
earlier.
For quite a while, you have sat on that
because as Deputy Senate President you
chair the joint committee on constitutional
reform and you have done that over the last
circles. How have you gone about it because
constitution amendment process is very
tedious.
What has been your experience? In the
process of implementing amended sections,
have there been specific gaps you noticed
you didn’t fill?
I think the one that probably comes to
mind now is the issue of timeframe within
which we conclude election petitions.
In 2010 we figured that it took so much time
to conclude election petitions. There were
instances where matters go to election
tribunal and by the time you conclude that
matter, the time for the office has expired.
For instance, I had an experience when I
came into the Senate in 2003. I had a
colleague from River State. He had an election
matter that started in 1999. So, the matter
went to the Tribunal. The matter was still on
by the time we met them in the Senate 2003
and he had then been re-elected and then the
court now came to the conclusion that he was
not validly elected in the first one. Meanwhile,
he had concluded the tenure and was reelected.
So, we now said okay, we have to do
something about it. We now amended section
285 of the Constitution to place time limit
within which election petitions must be
concluded. You have to file your petition within
21 days from the conduct of the election. So,
in 180 days the petition would have been
concluded. If there is any appeal arising
therefrom, the Court of Appeal must deal with
that within a period of 60 days and then, if you
go to a Supreme Court, another 60 days.
We thought we had captured the whole
essence. It didn’t occur to us that there was
another matter, which is the
pre-election issue. What we
amended was the issue of
election petitions. Now the
issue of primaries still
lingered in the courts for
years; some of them that
started in 2015 are still there
at the Supreme Court.
We now decided in the last
exercise to amend section
285 further to now include
pre-election matters and I
will use this opportunity to
explain a bit of it so that
Nigerians can understand
because most people do not
know about it.
Let me also say that out of
15 of such amendments sent
to the president, the President
has signed five and
incidentally, the issue of preelection
matters is one of
those the President has
signed.
The implication,
therefore, is that matters that
took place prior to the
election it self- things that
have to do with primaries,
the issue of who won the
primary election, the issue
of whether INEC had
followed the rules, whether
the Electoral Acts or any
Acts of the National
Assembly has been breached
- have to be concluded
within a definite period.
So, what we have
provided that any such
complaints must be filed in court not less than
14 days after it occurred. So if you go after 14
days, the court will not entertain the matter
any longer. And once it is filed, if there is any
issue that is technical- like jurisdiction and all
that - the court will not touch it. They will have
to wait until after the matter is concluded so
they can be taken together with the whole
aspects of the matter and even at that, that
matter must be concluded within 180 days,
just like the election petitions. If there is any
appeal arising there too, it has to be dealt with
within 60 days. So, that now has put to a halt
this issue of pre-election matters going on
forever and I guess that this will also help the
system.
Its seems that even almost 20 years into
this democracy, there is still not much clarity
about the role of the executive in the budget
process and the role of the legislature, which
is what leads to friction. Friction then
produces delay and then everybody starts
to blame everybody else and then at the end,
the country suffers. Now, you have been
around this budget circle for many times,
what exactly is the crux of the problem?
Well, basically all through history, it has
always been accepted that public funds belong
to the people and it can only be managed by
the representatives of the people, which in
most cases are the members of the parliament.
That is why if you look at sections 80 and 81
of the constitution, it is saying that there must
be an appropriation bill, which is like the
estimates from the executive to the National
Assembly saying this is what we want to do.
It then becomes the responsibility of the
National Assembly to take it from them and
look at it and do whatever they want to do
with it in terms of amendment, restructuring
to ensure that the monies are evenly
distributed. They say two heads are usually
better than one; we need to find out that they
did the correct thing because sometimes you
will discover that the executive will be
appropriating or budgeting for some projects
that have already been completed.
When Yar’Adua was President, he brought
budget, we decided to look at the budget of
the Ministry of Works. We set up a Committee,
which I headed, to look at the whole thing
that was budgeted for the Ministry of Works.
We discovered that some of those road projects
had since been completed and they kept on
budgeting for them from year to year. We saved
a whole lot of money, which we used to do
what we call regional projects, which were
distributed among the six geopolitical zones
and then that took care of a number of
projects. So, you can see the wisdom in
presenting the estimates to the National
Assembly for them to have a look at.
In the last amendment to the constitution,
there were some aspects of the revenue that
were of concern to us. We discovered that we
are a country that doesn’t save money. So, we
decided to amend Section 162 because under
Section 162, all
monies coming to
the federal
government must
go to one account
When Yar’Adua was
President, he brought
budget, we decided to
look at the budget of the
Ministry of Works. We set
up a Committee, which I
headed, to look at the
whole thing that was
budgeted for the Ministry
of Works. We discovered
that some of those road
projects had since been
completed and they kept
on budgeting for them
from year to year
called the
Federation
Account. But it
goes further in that
Section to say that
these moneys must
now be distributed
among the federal,
state, and local
governments and
no provision was
made for savings.
So, when the
f e d e r a l
government
wanted to do
savings, of course,
the governors went
to court saying
what is called the
excess crude
account? Now,
because of the
political nature of
it, that matter is yet
to be decided, but
the truth of the
matter is that, it is
unconstitutional.
In view of this, we
decided to amend
the constitution to
make a provision
for some sort of
savings before
distribution to the
various tiers of
government. Regrettably, even though it
passed through the National Assembly, it
passed through the State Assemblies, but the
President refused to assent to it because I think
there were some aspects of it too that the
president found a little conflicting. This is
because in that amendment, we also talked
about the issue of presenting budget at
appropriate time by setting a timeframe for
both the executive and the National Assembly.
Then under Section 82, if the budget has not
been passed in a particular year, the president
or the governor, as the case may be, can
authorize expenditure based on the estimates
of the previous year for up to six months into
the year. We said no, that is too much, let’s
limit it to three months. This will put pressure
on both the executive and the legislature to
expedite the process of the appropriation and
then there will be more responsibility in the
appropriation process. Again, that was part
of this Bill that was not assented to.
So, sometimes you meet some frustrations
in trying to push these reforms, but we are not
going to get tired of trying.
Something else that seems to create some
level of disaffection in the polity, it is done
everywhere else within the system, but when
it happens within the legislature, it tends to
generate a great deal of heat and that has to
do with the issue of people moving from one
party to another. Most recently that
happened, it created a storm. That storm was
so loud that it was about to consume even
the stability in terms of leadership of the
National Assembly particularly the Senate.
What’s the situation with that now?
Well, in case of the executive, you can move
from party A to party B, but in the case of the
legislature, you have this restriction that you
can’t move from party A to party B unless you
can show that there is a faction in the party.
But parliamentarians most times take
advantage of that provision without looking
at the proviso and then just keep moving front
and back and because the court process has
been quite slow in dealing with the matter,
most political parties are reluctant to file
actions against a member of their party that
has moved from their party to another. But it
is something we need to work around because
sometimes it is difficult to apprehend why
people had to leave, but sometimes they feel
dissatisfied with the way they are treated by
their political parties and so they have to
respond in a particular way.
I think the issue of internal democracy in
parties and the issue of making sure that
people are accommodated within the concept
of true democracy in a political party, this can
also help to assuage members of the National
Assembly and even state assemblies so that
they don’t have to get into this temptation of
moving from party A to Party B.
The other issue is this issue of trying to stop
people because you have done one term so
you need to go, so when they are not sure of
getting ticket because of that principle or
arrangement, they now migrate to another
political party where they may have
opportunity of trying. Therefore, there are so
many reasons that are responsible for this.
But I think it is something that overtime, we
will be able to come over it because even in a
place like Ghana, you can’t even talk about
moving from one political party to another.
For them, they don’t even understand that it
exists because it is not part of their political
culture.
There were other amendments, which
were brought. Some of them suffered
setbacks and difficulties because a great deal
of politics was involved and it also involved
people outside the legislature. If, for
example, you take the issue of federalism,
that suffered setback, and some people
were quite surprised because of all the hues
and cries about restructuring under various
formula. It seemed the legislature had
bought into it, but then at the critical
moment, it seemed as if quite a number of
people backed out, maybe they weren’t so
sure, maybe you can use this opportunity to
tell us what happened, until now, that
matter has not fully been explained.
Yes. You are right. In 2014, we had a
comprehensive amendment to the
constitution and what you are referring to,
which is devolution of powers from the federal
government to the states, was quite and
extensively dealt with. We moved a number of
issues such as railway, power, aviation, to
the Concurrent List. It was quite successful. It
went through the National Assembly, went to
the state, passed through the state and was
sent to the President for assent. It was at that
place we had some issues, but eventually we
went to the Supreme Court with the federal
government and the Supreme Court sent us
to go and settle. We were dealing with that
until the term of former President Jonathan
expired and we lost that opportunity. It was a
very heavy loss to the nation because we
addressed several key issues to straighten our
Continues on page 14

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
Continues from page 13
federalism.
So when we came back in 2015, we started
the process all over again. Because politics
came, this issue of restructuring came in, and
people became unnecessarily anxious….
You said unnecessarily, why did you say
that?
Yes, because I believe that when you are using
the word like restructuring, it becomes
complex to some people. But essential of what
it’s saying is devolution of powers, giving more
powers to the component parts of the country
so that the federal government will be slim
and the powers will now be mostly at state
level. That way, you make the federal
government less attractive. All this
competitions for the centre will not be there
again and the states will now develop at their
own pace and then have a lot to do and generate
funds and lots of responsibility as well.
I think we have not been able to explain these
benefits adequately to a number of people,
especially our brothers in the North. So, when
you talk about restructuring, for them it
becomes something to be anxious about. It is
something we need to sit down and explain to
our people that it is a win-win situation for
everybody. The federal government as presently
constituted is not in a position to carry out all
the responsibilities contained in the Exclusive
Legislative List. It is not going to happen.
Look at what is happening with the security,
for instance. As long as the security is in the
hands of the federal government alone, it will
continue to have problems because security
itself needs to be devolved at least to the state
level because each state needs to have security
that will fit into their own circumstance. Today,
we have Boko Haram in the north east. So, if
we have state police, they are going to get
people who will be trained to fight insurgency.
In the South East, for instance, we have
kidnapping. If we have state police, those police
will concentrate and learn how to deal with
the issue of kidnapping. In Lagos too, we have
different scenarios, that is why we need to
ensure that each state of the federation will
have their own police so they will be able to
decide which priority they will give in the issue
of security. If, for instance, a governor decides
to put 20 per cent of the state’s budget into
areas of security and the place is secure, it is
most likely people will move from places that
is less secure to places that are well secure to
go live in those places and also do business.
But our problem is that when we identify a
problem, instead of identifying a solution, we
tend to run away from the problem. So, what
has happened is that people are afraid that
governors will misuse it. But that is not going
to happen because other countries have the
same type of system we are prescribing for our
people. The question is “how have they been
able to deal with it to ensure that nobody abuses
it?”
Human beings are actually the same. The
Bible says that the heart of man is desperately
evil. When you say man-Black, White,
whatever you call it- they are the same. It is
the way you apply your laws, especially the
efficiency of the security agencies that will
determine how far people can obey laws. What
they have done in other countries is to set up a
system that makes it impossible for anybody
to abuse the system.
Let’s give an instance
in Nigeria. We have
state judiciary, courts
in the states, how
many persons have
complained that the
governors are using the
state judiciary to
persecute them? The
reason is that we have
an NJC (National
Judicial Institute) that
controls the judgeswhether
they are
federal or state. So, if
we are afraid that the
governors will use the
police to intimidate
their opponents, then
we now have a
National Police Service
Commission that will
be able to discipline the
people, which will
conduct police
affairs in the states and
appointment some of
the top hierarchy and
regulate what they do.
Just as it happens in the
judiciary, the
Commission will
continue in such a way
that the impartiality of
the police will also be
secured. It is part of
what I proposed in the
Bill to create state
police which I
sponsored along with
several of my
In the past, we
suggested that we put
salaries and wages on
Concurrent List so that
each state will
determine how much
they can pay but
labour had resisted it
at all material times
and may be they have
their own reasons
Mood of the nation
will favour Igbo
Presidency in 2023
colleagues. This is exactly what they did in
Brazil. They have done it in Australia, Canada
and other places they have made it impossible
to be abused, because the primary thing is to
ensure the protection of lives and property. Once
we are able to achieve that, we put measures in
place to ensure that system is not abused.
It would appear that if it was left entirely to
the National Assembly, the devolution of
powers or the strengthening of powers of the
local government would have gone through.
But many legislators have a close
relationship with their governors and it will
appear as if many of the governors don’t want
the local government to be completely free,
autonomous or independent. How does one
meander around that at the level of the
legislature?
You see, we have to decide the structure of
federalism we want. Some federal states have
two tiers, they have the state and they have
the federal government, like what they have in
America. Some would
also have a system
where the federating
units include the local
government, just like
they have in India. But
our own is tricky. You
cannot really say
whether it is a two-tier
federal system or threetier
because if you look
at Section 7 of the
constitution, it is saying
that the state will ensure
that there is a system of
government that is
democratically elected.
What you have done
simply is to say that the
local government is the
business of the state. But
when you go to Section
162 of the constitution,
which talks about
revenue sharing, it’s
saying that this revenue
will be shared amongst
the federal, state, and
local governments. So,
you’re talking about
three tiers.
This is what we
wanted to synchronize
for us to ensure what
actually we want; and
most people believe that
the better thing to do is
to allow states to decide
how many local
governments they want.
But the problem here
is that in the
constitution, some people already have
advantage in terms of more local government
and therefore more revenue. So, they won’t
listen to you because what that simply means,
therefore, is that you want to abrogate the local
government where a lot of people are already
making money. Others, therefore, are saying,
let us strengthen the local government to
remain a third tier of government across the
country. What that means, therefore is that
those who have lesser number of local
governments would be stuck and of course
creating more local governments as provided
in the constitution is also very difficult. Again,
the governors want a situation where they will
control what happens in the local government
because of the so-called State Joint Local
Government Account.
So, the last effort we made was to separate
this account so that money could go straight
to the local governments independent on the
states. It wasn’t a novel thing, anyway, because
it has happened in the past. In 1997, I was a
local government Chairman under UNCP
(United Nigeria Congress Party), I was
elected. That period, allocation for local
government came directly to the local
government. So, we benefitted from that system
and it worked. It helped us to do a lot of
development at local government level.
Therefore, we believe that we can do that again.
But because the states want the pool of
resources in which they can do other projects,
most states make sure that doesn’t happen.
So, when we finally passed this at level of
National Assembly, it went to the state! As I
speak with you, it’s still lying there in the State
Assemblies. So, we hope they will be able to
do something about it.
One of the powers that the National
Assembly, particularly the Senate, has is the
power of confirmation of nominees from the
executive for various positions. That
generated a great deal of controversy. At
some point, the VP was quoted as saying
that there are certain categories of nominees
that do not require Senate approval. The
Senate responded by quoting law as well
that it is not correct. Who is right over the
issue of power to confirm nominees according
to the law?
First of all, let us understand the history of
this issue of confirmation. We drew inspiration
regarding our 1999 constitution from
America. So, we chose to run a presidential
system of government as opposed to the
parliamentary we had done in the 1960s.
In America, they have also provisions for
confirmation of certain appointments and like
in the Nigerian constitution; it is in the domain
of the Senate. So, the American Senate
confirms certain categories of nominees. So,
we simply borrowed that from America. You
can’t even contemplate, for instance in
America, to send the name of a nominee for an
appointment and before he gets to be
confirmed, he starts the work. You can’t even
contemplate it. But it happens in Nigeria and
it is still happening.
That is what started the conflict with some
people encroaching on the powers of others.
The thing that makes democracy to survive is
what we call the separation of powers and
unless we begin to respect that doctrine of the
separation of powers, we will continue to have
problems with our democracy. We must know
the limits of one another. That is why we have
checks and balances so that we don’t have
excesses.
But if you now say you will just appoint any
person and post him to wherever, somebody
might be tempted to appoint people from one
family or from his own family and post them
to all over the parastatals and agencies of
government, or makes them ministers. But
because there is power of confirmation, then
there is this restriction so that the right thing
could be done to ensure federal character, to
ensure that the right people are brought on
board. That is why it is very necessary that this
issue of the confirmation right of the National
Assembly must be respected.
You may be in the executive today as we have
seen before and then tomorrow you might be
in the legislature. You may say you have the
latitude to do whatever you want but when you
come to the parliament, you will now be able
to see the wisdom in making sure that some
other people have another look at these
appointees to ensure that they are qualified; to
ensure that they are evenly distributed and
ensure that they are people with capacity.
That is the critical point and I don’t see
anything wrong in retaining the powers of
confirmation for the National Assembly. There
is nothing to be in a hurry about, to tell
somebody to go ahead and start a job for which
confirmation is required when he has not been
confirmed and you say he or she is acting. That
is part of the things that cause tension. The
best thing to do is to call the members of the
National Assembly and say look, this is urgent,
please do whatever you can. This is called
lobbying. It is the approach. But when you just
throw it at the National Assembly and tell the
man to go and start, what you will expect is
crisis.
These things are just human relations that
sometimes we take for granted; and that is
what is causing most of the problems.
Another subject that has caused tension
recently and I know it is coming to the
National Assembly is the issue of the
minimum wage. It has to come to the national
assembly because it has to be made into law
before anything can happen to it. In other
countries they have minimum wage and they
have designed it in such a way that it doesn’t
come up like this in debates all the time. How
do you think we could go around in resolving
this?
Well, one of the major issues around the
subject of minimum wage again has to do with
the structure of our federalism. Right now the
issue of wages is on the Exclusive List and so
only the federal government can negotiate and
decide what the minimum wage for the country
will be. That is why most times when they bring
this document to the negotiating table, they
will not surrender easily because if the federal
government has the capacity to pay, there are
states that may not have the capacity to pay
and those states can keep resisting it.
In the past, we suggested that we put
salaries and wages on Concurrent List so that
each state will determine how much they can
pay but labour had resisted it at all material
times and may be they have their own reasons.
So, that is critical.
As for me as an individual, I believe that the
minimum wage we have in Nigeria now
cannot sustain families; it is not a living wage;
it is not enough to keep a family. There is need
to increase it. Even when we are talking about
30,000 as minimum wage, I don’t believe that
is sufficient. We need to do something much
more than that. All we need to do is to cut
expenses in other areas because these monies
of course, will have to be spent; people have to
pay tax on it and it can also expand the
economy. As you can see, recently South Africa
increased her own minimum wage and this is
a country within the continent that is
competing with us in terms of the economy.
So, we must make sure that we have something
that will be able to take care of any person
working in Nigeria.
A lot of people are watching us, many of
them are apprehensive about the elections,
maybe even more than they were in 2015.
What would you say to them to look out for
that in your view will determine what exactly
is going to happen come February 2019?
INEC must continue to assure the people
that they are going to be neutral. We can never
get tired of saying it. The same thing with the
security agencies- the police, the army and the
other security agencies that are involved in
election. They must keep saying we are not
going to favour any particular party, we will
not allow ourselves to be used by any candidate
or any political party. These assurances are
also very important and as I said they can
continue saying these even if it means sounding
like broken records, they need to keep saying
this.
The international community must be on
everybody’s neck to say that they will not
accept any result that is less than transparent.
Once we have this consciousness and everybody
is committed to it, I am sure we can get it right.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—15
By Dirisu Yakubu
With less than 50 days to the
Presidential elections,
Nigerians are anxious to know
what policies and programmes the
various political parties and their
candidates will be unveiling before them
in a bid to secure their votes. Expectedly,
the parties, particularly the Peoples
Democratic Party, PDP, have been going
across the geo-political zones, selling their
blueprints for economic revival, national
security, and stable polity amongst others.
However, the All Progressives
Congress, APC is yet to roll out its
campaign activities, leading to
allegations by the PDP that the ruling
party, is planning to manipulate the
electoral exercise to pave way for the reelection
of President Muhammadu
Buhari. Will it be right to assume that the
seemingly aloofness on the part of APC
to the campaigns is a strategy? Or is the
President so sure of his chances that he
does not see the need to embark of a
nationwide campaigns rather too early?
But for Phrank Shuaibu, Special
Assistant to Atiku Abubakar on Public
Communication, the former Vice
President will continue to interface with
Nigerians on the need to vote for him in
2019. Shuiabu told our correspondent
that having run out of smart arguments,
the APC no longer have anything new to
tell the people; hence, its reluctance to
commence its campaign activities.
He said, “The truth is that we are least
worried about APC campaign plan or
delay in its take off. The clear fact is that
the APC has exhausted itself on lies and
there is nothing new to tell Nigerians.
More so, the party has a tired candidate
that cannot stand the rigours of campaign
for many reasons including health
threats. Well, there is nothing wrong for
them to run their propaganda from Aso
rock. Of course that is where they
collected N 1.7 billion from farmers.”
Reacting to allegations by the PDP that
the APC is out to rig the polls, Shuaibu
said Nigerians who have been visited with
hunger will rise up against any attempt
to corrupt the process, adding that come
2019, the will of the people will be the
ultimate decider.
“On whether the APC would rig the
election by compromising the
Independent National Electoral
Commission, INEC, well that is in the
realm of speculation because the world
is watching and the majority of Nigerians
that have been thrust into poverty and
hunger through poor leadership will resist
such. Luckily, we have a very vibrant
judiciary that has fought hard to resist
this government’s naked intimidation and
unjust humiliation of Supreme Court
judges.
I have no doubt that the A PC may
attempt to rig the elections but the lucky
fact is that those that will be assigned to
do such ignoble tasks will fail them. So,
such a plan is considered dead on arrival.
“At the PDP, we want to stay focused by
running our campaigns and educating the
electorate that Atiku remains the
best option in the present day failed
national economy.” Shuaibu
stated
Taking a slightly different
position, spokesperson of the PDP
Campaign Orgainsation, Kassim
Afegbua said the Presidency is
overwhelmed by a combination of
factors, which render the
commencement of campaign
pretty difficult today.
“President Muhammadu Buhari
is generally a weak President from
what we have seen in the last three
years. Apart from being bugged
down by health challenge, his
government has been hijacked by
some old folks. This much, his wife
spoke about a couple of weeks
ago. If we go by the allusion of
Hajia Aisha Buhari, it means there
are more than one President in the
country as we speak. You cannot
expect such a disjointed presidency
to commence campaign
especially when they have
perfected the act of rigging
elections.
“They tested it in Ondo, they
•Buhari
Is APC no campaign
show a good omen?
displayed it openly in Ekiti and
they went for the kill in Osun. A
government and party of
professional riggers would not be
fascinated by the beauty of
campaigns,” he said.
Afegbua also noted that having
failed to deliver on his
electioneering promises prior to
the 2015 election, President
Buhari would find it difficult to
come up with convincing
arguments on why Nigerians
should pitch tent with him yet
again.
He said, “What do you want
them to campaign with?
Hunger, poverty, more Internally
Displaced Persons, IDPs,
deprivations, malnutrition, job
losses, unemployment, underemployment,
incompetence,
infrastructural decay and bad
economy? What exactly do you
want them to campaign with?
“Nigerians are generally very
tolerant people. In other
democracies with this kind of
biting poverty and excruciating
hunger, people would be stoning them if
they dare step out to campaign. They have
not only destroyed the fabric of our
collective existence, they have polarized
the country in such a whimsical manner.
“They may have intention and plot to rig,
but we are keeping a close eye on their every
step. We know what they intend to do, but at
the appropriate time, we will unleash our
own strategy on them. This coming election
is going to be a referendum of Nigerians
against poverty, hunger, nepotism,
cronyism, selective amnesia, deprivations,
suffering, and malnutrition. The level of
extreme poverty has crippled the psyche of
the people. We will never allow such a slow
and sluggish man to preside over our
country any longer. Our thumbs will do the
magic in February,” he added.
Speaking exclusively with Saturday
Vanguard, Aisha Yesufu, rights activist and
co-founder of the Bring Back Our Girls
Movement, said rather than dissipating
energy on whether or not the ruling party
will commence its campaign any time soon,
Nigerians should mobilize forces and
mount pressure on President Muhammadu
Buhari to sign the Electoral Act
Amendment Bill into law.
Describing the arguments On Buhari’s no
•Oshiomhole
campaign ahead of the polls as a non-issue,
Aisha stressed the importance of focus and
determination on the part of every Nigerian
to make the 2019 elections both credible
and transparent.
“Why should we care if the President
chooses not kick-start his campaign with
elections around the corner? For all I care,
he can start campaigning a week to the
elections if he so chooses but I want
Nigerians to focus on the main issue, which
is the signing of the Electoral Act Amendment
Bill into law. If this law is signed, card reader
will be legalized and that will do our electoral
process a world of good. They can’t rig if we
have this amended law in place.
“Nigerians should prevail on their
senators on this one issue so that the issue
of two-third members needed to veto the
President will not seem a difficult task.
Our democracy must be strengthened to
make it functional for the nation and her
citizens,” she said.
Although, some of the Presidential
candidates of the various political parties have
been engaging Nigerians on the 2019 polls,
the APC is yet to roll out its time-table on its
schedule of tours across the six geopolitical
zones of the country.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
•Abdulrahman
Abdulrazaq
KWARA 2019:
Supporters of Saraki,
Abdulrasaq clash
•Bill boards of APC candidate vandalized, govt reacts
By Demola Akinyemi
ILORIN—The raging political battle
for control of Kwara state
government in 2019 elections
between the governorship candidate of the
All Progressives Congress(APC) Alhaji
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Saraki’s
political dynasty was
taken to the doorstep
of the emir of Ilorin,
Alh Ibrahim Sulu
Gambari last
Tuesday, the
Christmas day,
during the annual
fundraising
ceremony of Ilorin
E m i r a t e s
Descendants
Progressive Union
(IEDPU), when the
annual programme
was ended abruptly
following the clash
by the supporters of
the two warring
politicians.
The monarch, Alh
Ibrahim Sulu
Gambari was
hurriedly ferried
away from the riotous
scene back to the
palace when spirited
efforts of leaders of
the community to
pacify supporters of
the two political
leaders failed.
Alh Abdulrahman
Abdulrazaq was
invited to the podium
by the organisers to
announce his
donation when his
The Governor said it
was the
responsibility of all
concerned to ensure
that Kwara State
maintained its
reputation for
rancour-free
campaigns and
elections
supporters, hailing him with his “O to ge”
political slogan, meaning “Enough is
enough” were shouted down by the
overwhelming supporters of the Senate
president, Dr Bukola Saraki who
appeared to have laid the political booby
trap.
He was consequently disallowed from
speaking in the
ensued riot and his
security details had
to also quickly take
him away from the
venue.
Like a bad movie,
pandemonium
ensued and in a bid
to prevent the
political crisis from
turning bloody by
supporters of the two
political gladiators,
the annual
programme was
brought to a sad end
by the organisers.
Consequently,the
following day, no
fewer than forty big
bill boards of the
APC gubernatorial
candidate ,Alh
Abdulrahman
Abdulrazaq with his
political slogan, “O
to ge” located in
strategic locations in
Ilorin, the state
capital were
suddenly found to
have been
vandalized overnight
by unknown persons.
S a t u r d a y
Vanguard reliably
gathered that it was
the second time that
•Saraki
unknown persons would violate the
candidate’s campaign billboards and it
came hours after thugs prevented the APC
gubernatorial candidate from addressing
Emir Sulu Gambari at the Ilorin Emirates
Descendants Progressive Union, in Ilorin
on Christmas Day.
According to the APC governorship
candidate on his Twitter handle on
Wednesday:”The orchestrated attack on
me at IEDPU yesterday has continued
today but now with our billboards all over
Kwara. What they don’t know is this:
#OTOGE is not just words on a billboard,
it’s now ingrained in the hearts of every
Kwaran, and No one can take it from our
hearts”.
On Tuesday, he tweeted: “The premeditated
disruption that was unleashed
at the Emir’s Palace during today’s
IEDPU shows how desperate the
establishment is. Tell them, it’s already
late. They can only stop me from speaking
today, but they can’t silence the people’s
voice”. #Otoge, the campaign buzzword
of the candidate, means ‘Enough is
Enough’.
He said he was poised to topple the
Saraki political dynasty in the state. Last
week, two billboards erected by the APC
and Abdulrazak were destroyed in Offa
by suspected thugs. But days after, the
billboards were re-erected by the Kwara
South Concern Group, an affiliate of APC
in the district, with the support of a large
number of people.
The two billboards had the pictures of
the alleged Offa robbery masterminds,
with the word’ Otoge’, which the Governor
Abdulfatah Ahmed of the ruling PDP, once
described as ‘inciting’.
The party’s adopted slogan had been a
subject of friction between it and the ruling
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the
state with the government asking the state
controlled signage agency to outlaw its
usage.
The erection of the billboards at their
various locations was witnessed by a large
number of party members and leaders in
the area, including the APC Kwara South
Senatorial Candidate, Arch. Lola Ashiru.
Ashiru, while condemning the vandalism,
described the action of the perpetrators
as ‘undemocratic.’
But in a swift reaction Governor
Abdulfatah Ahmed condemned the
Vandalisation of political campaign
billboards by unknown persons saying
that it was the responsibility of the
regulatory bodies to remove, and not
destroy advertising billboards.
Governor Ahmed, in a statement issued
by his Senior Special Assistant on Media
and Communication, Dr Muyideen
Akorede, on the development denounced
the action and warned political parties,
their candidates and supporters to desist
from such actions in the interest of peace
and harmonious coexistence that Kwara
State was renowned for.
Alhaji Ahmed urged political parties
and their candidates to campaign for
votes in the forthcoming general elections
on the basis of their ideas and plans for
the electorate rather than deploying
force, violent rhetoric or otherwise taking
the law into their hands.
The Governor said only the Advertising
Practitioners Council of Nigeria(APCON)
and the Kwara State Signage and
Advertising Agency (KWASAA) were
authorized by law to either approve or
remove outdoor advertising for noncompliance
with existing regulations.
He therefore stressed that the Police and
other law enforcement agencies in the
state have been advised to arrest and
prosecute anyone either violating the law
on outdoor advertising or illegally
destroying billboards.
Alhaji Ahmed reiterated his call on the
people of Kwara State to exercise their
franchise freely without fear or favour in
the 2019 elections and desist from any
actions capable of creating crises,
violence or otherwise disrupting the polls.
The Governor said it was the
responsibility of all concerned to ensure
that Kwara State maintained its
reputation for rancour-free campaigns
and elections.
Similarly the Kwara state police
command in its bid to halt the trend has
threatened to arrest any one found to be
involved in the act and also warned
parents and guardians to caution their
wards.
According to a statement issued by the
command’s PRO, DSP Ajayi
Okasanmi,”The Command has noted
with dismay, the attitude of miscreants,
in spite of the admonition and plea for
peaceful co-existence among political
parties and assurances freely expressed
by politicians in several fora with the
police command.
“Some unscrupulous elements, persons
or group of individuals had thrown these
warnings in the winds by destroying bill
boards, banners and posters of candidates
displayed around Ilorin metropolis, this
is unacceptable.”
The statement noted that,”the
command has set in motion machineries
to identify and apprehend the
perpetrators of this dastardly acts to face
the full wrath of the law.”
“Parents/guardians are advised to call
their children/wards to order and warn
them against being used by politicians.”
“Consequently, Area Commanders,
Divisional Police Officers, officers and
men of the Command have been given
the marching order to go all out to arrest
any body covertly or overtly connected to
this unlawful act, as the full weight of the
law will be made to fall heavily on
anybody arrested for destroying Bill
boards, banners, posters of opposing
political party candidates”, the statement
concluded.
Meantime,in his bid to further reach out
to the people of the state, ahead of the
forthcoming elections, the APC
governorship candidate, Alh
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq was in Lafiagi
and Patigi in Kwara northern parts of the
state during the week to distribute life
jackets to the residents whose major
means of transportation was by canoe.
Recall that some residents were widely
reportedly to have died recently in the two
communities when their canoes capsized.
While donating the life jackets to the
beneficiaries in two separate ceremonies
Alh Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq said the
real essence of the life jackets was that it
would keep the user afloat, and prevent
him or her from untimely death
peradventure the boat capsizes.
He said,”No life is more sacred than
another, I consider one life as important
as mine, so in view of this I have brought
these life jackets in order to save more
lives. My strong appeal however is that
you should endeavor to always put it on
any time you want to enter your canoe. It
saves one from drowning, and keep you
afloat just in case the boat capsizes”

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018 — 17
By BENJAMIN NJOKU
By BENJAMIN NJOKU
The Nigerian entertainment industry
experienced its share of highs, lows and
tragedy in 2018. The death of music
legend, Ras Kimono and his wife,
Efemena Okedi, which shocked the industry.
There were also controversies, feuds and the
premiere of groundbreaking movies which
defined the outgoing year. But beyond all that,
one event got people talking throughout the year.
And it was Linda Ikeji's debacle.
The billionaire blogger became a hot topic on
social media after she officially announced that
she was expecting a baby. The story started
trending since May, after her sister, Laura Ikeji
broke the news of Linda's pregnancy on her
Instagram page. "See who's gonna be a mummy.
Congrats Lin @officiallindaikeji" wrote Laura
Ikeji on her Instagram post.
Linda who bought a Bentley Mulsanne to
celebrate her son’s arrival also confirmed the
good news, when she posted about her
pregnancy on her blog, setting the social media
on fire. The story dominated the social media
space as well as made headlines in the national
dailies for the greater part of the year. The news
was equally received with mixed-reactions with
many condemning the media entrepreneur for
expecting a baby out of wedlock.
Meanwhile, recall that in March, the 37-yearold
celebrity blogger announced her
engagement to an unknown man. Report had it
that she reunited with an ex-boyfriend who just
returned to the country after being away for a
while. The rumour, however, was not far from the
truth, as no soon it went viral on social media
than the celebrity blogger was romantically
linked to a man that later became the father of
her baby. But Linda loves being in the spotlight,
as it's good for business of writing about people
and their lifestyles. Throughout the period of her
pregnancy, Linda was always in the news,
celebrating her unborn baby, and keeping the
identity of the daddy secret.
She had in the past reportedly slammed women
who had babies out of wedlock, and it was like a
pay back time for the celebrity blogger as she got
her fair share of backlash. Particularly, many took
on her for not practicing what she preached,
ending up as a babymama as well. Like one eating
his vomit, the CEO of Linda Ikeji blog and TV,
became a butt of jokes, for many, especially,
controversial journalist, Kemi Olunloyo who
mocked the new mom endlessly during pregnancy
and after her delivery. Also, some social media users
reminded her of what she said about Anna Banner,
after Ikeji denied shaming single mothers. And
another user added, “Linda bullied and crucified
single moms. It’s because I am a single mum as
well, so I couldn’t forget all she said about us then.”
Reacting to the claims on Twitter, Linda said
“someone started this and others followed. I’ve
never done that. If I have someone would have
brought out the quote by now. I’m not insensitive.”
She added: “I preached celibacy to young girls
because I feel that’s the right way to live until you meet
someone very special that you love and who loves you and
wants to be in a committed relationship with you. Passing
body around and having multiple partners is not the way
and I stand by it.”
“And I’ve lived by it. But then I turned 36 and I knew there
was nothing else I wanted more than to be a mum and wife
and celibacy wasn’t going to get me that! I even did a video
talking about how much I wanted these two things and God
has finally answered my prayers. Beyond blessed.”
Linda's trending story continued in September after the
birth of her little Jayce, in far away Atlanta, Georgia in the
United States. The blogger broke the good news herself on
her @officiallindaikeji Instagram account and the media
feasted on it. She wrote: “Oh dear Lord, I am a mum. Baby J
is here! . He was born today,September 17. This is so surreal
. Thank you guys so much for the love through this journey
and thanks for all the well wishes. Love you guys! However,
what made Linda's story different was the fallout between
the billionaire blogger and the father of her baby.
Before letting the cat out of the bag, speculations were
rife that one Sholaye Jeremi was responsible for Linda's
*Continues on page 18

18—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
By BENAJMIN NJOKU
Linda Ikeji’s
strengths and
weaknesses of 2018
*Continued from page 17
pregnancy. But until recently,
the billionaire blogger who has
kept everyone on the edge,
patiently waiting to know who
the father of Jayce might be,
finally broke her silence when
she penned a lengthy message
about who the father of her child
is, how she met him, dumped
her and all that. It was a
bombshell and tongues have not
stopped wagging till this
moment. While Linda's outburst
was still generating reactions
from all quarters, friends of her
baby daddy, Sholaye Jeremi
fired back at her,accusing her of
weaving an incoherent story of
how she met Sholaye.
According to them, “What
Jeremi and Linda had was just
a fling – a typical case of boy
meets girl, just that in this case,
there was a very desperate party.
Jeremi was just out to have fun
and there was not supposed to
be any commitment or
emotional attachment. But
Linda had her plans from the
moment she set eyes on
him.When Linda came up with
the pregnancy tale and stormed
his house crying and begging,
Jeremi had to be diplomatic
about it because he didn’t want
to create a scene.”
Residents of Richmond
Gate Estate, in
highbrow Lekki area of
Lagos, built by leading lifestyle
connoisseur, Haven Homes
held their Estate Christmas
party recently and it was a
moment of bonding for the
people.
The annual event was
organized by the estate’s
residents to promote
friendship among residents.
The chairman of the Residents
Association, MrAfolabiOke
explained that in an estate
where many residents are top
celebrities and VIPs who have
excelled in renowned
industries, it was important to
create a night of music, jokes
and entertainment to crown
the year. The grand event was
Meanwhile in the midst of her
predicament, Linda risked
being dragged to court for
mistakenly identifying the
Online Editor of Punch, Mr.
John Abayomi as the owner of
Instablog9ja, in one of the
articles published on her blog
titled, “Meet the owner of
Instablog9ja – John
Abayomi”on November 15,
2018. The story went viral on the
internet, and the controversial
blogger was forced to apologize
to Mr. Abayomi for any
inconvenience her mistake
would have caused him.
Nonetheless, as a popular
blogger, Linda has stepped on
too many toes, and one would
not be surprised the rate at
which people were mocking
her. It became so obvious that
her critics were busy celebrating
her woes, rather than
sympathizing with her. Linda
surely has learnt her lesson in a
hard way. But as she confessed,
“My mistake was I should have
walked away when the
relationship became a
waste…lol… but then again,
Jayce wouldn’t be here today if
I had. So really, there’s nothing
that I have preached that I
didn’t practice. So you guys
should stop trolling me over this
abeg!”
2face, Tiwa Savage, AY, others bond with
neighbours at Haven Homes Xmas party
anchored by MC Pencil and
performances were led by
celebrity co residents like
2face, comedian cum film
maker, AY, Dr Sid, Tiwa
Savage, Banky W among
others.
Tiwa Savage had thrilled her
neighbours’ kids at the
children’s party held earlier in
the day.
Speaking at the event,
Managing Director Haven
Homes, Tayo Sonuga,
disclosed that the company’
goal is to create a luxurious,
peaceful and safe environment
where celebs, VIPs,
expatriates and other
influential members of the
society can live peacefully and
cohabit peaceably with their
neighbors. That’s what we
*(l-r)Tayo Sonuga, CEO, Haven Homes Ltd, AY, Banky W, Ufuoma Ilesanmi,
GM and husband, Seyi Ilesanmi, Annie Idibia, Afolabi Bankole,
Chairman, Estate Residents' Association, Dr. Sid at the Xmas party.
*Linda Ikeji
have currently at Richmond Gate
Estate. He also added that, ‘our
estates are designed to give
comfort that is devoid of status
but is also very affordable by all
who desire the serene
atmosphere all round’. Sonuga
further revealed that Haven
Homes was the developer that
pioneered the spectacular
contemporary designs that have
now dotted the capital’s
landscape. AY, who recently
moved into his second home he
bought within Richmond Gate
Estate noted that his heart knows
no bounds seating and chatting
with his neighbours in an
environment that is homely
without rattling and bustling
after working hard all day. He
enjoined more Nigerians to come
join the train as they are building
an inclusive environment that
will impact individual and
contribute to economic and social
development. 2Face, aka 2Baba
was also present with his lovely
wife, Annie. 2Face couldn’t find
words to describe his peace and
joy for having found such a
tranquil and friendly estate to live
with his family. Banky W
confirmed he has joined the
growing list of celebrities finding
haven at Richmond Gate Estate
and he also used the occasion to
enjoin the residents of the need
to come out and vote with their
consciences at the forthcoming
general elections in 2019.
Day Onitsha shut
down for Radio
Sapientia 7th
anniversary concert
Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of the South
East literally shut down last Sunday during the
cultural concert to mark the 7th anniversary of
Radio Sapeintia, 95.3fm, Onitsha
Radio Sapientia which commenced broadcast on the
8th of December 2011, is unarguably the hottest radio
station east of the Niger with a coverage strength of
about 18 states including some parts of South –South
and the North even as its web broadcasting streams
live globally.
Previously, the radio station had always celebrated her
anniversary annually, but this year’s edition held at the
expansive capacity Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Awka Road
Onitsha was extraordinarily special, as it came with
pomp and pageantry. That Sunday, Onitsha paused
and breathed Sapientia. Many fans said they have never
seen a crowd like that all their lives. Teddy Suh, an
elderly fan who spoke while commending Fr. Aloy Ossy
Orakwe-led management of the radio station said the
crowd he saw was only close to the crowd witnessed
when Pope John Paul the second visited Onitsha back
in 1998.
Activities began at midday with a funfair and by 2:30pm,
the grand cultural fiesta kicked off. An opening prayer
was said by the Archbishop of Onitsha and the
Metropolitan of the Onits ha Ecclesiastical Province,
His Grace, Most Reverend Valerian Okeke. From that
moment, it was non-stop fun with electrifying
performances by various Cultural troupes from
Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Delta and Akwa-
Ibom states. The audience was left spell bound as group
after group thrilled the screaming fans with thrilling
theatrical and musical performances.
In addition to the cultural troupes, there were also
performances by the legendary Theresa Onuorah of
Egedege fame, Fanzy Papaya and the Highlife Maestro
and Governor of PMAN in Anambra State, Ikem
Mazelli. When Theresa hit the stage with her famous
Egedege dance troupe it was quite graceful and
colourful, with glorious choreography spiced with sounds
of gongs, and other African instruments. Their
performance was a combination of songs, dance, and
colourful traditional constume. Even though the
Egedege was made popular about the 1980s, both the
young and old were thrilled. Even in her 70s, Theresa
Onuorah was as energetic as she was decades ago.
Then there was the performance of the young and
talented Fanzy Papaya. Hitting the stage with two female
dancers, he got the audience singing and dancing
ecstatically. Ikem Mazelli and his band crowned it all
up with another electrifying performance.
*Cultural display at the event

Juliet Ebirim
08137897935
juliet.ebirim@gmail.com
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—19
Top society weddings
that rocked 2018
People closely follow the private lives of celebrities, especially news
about their weddings. Such events attract increased attention and
allow fans immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a romantic fairy tale.
Here, we sum up the top Nigerian society weddings of the year;
•Fatima Dangote and Jamil Abubakar
•Sharon Oyakhilome and Philip Frimpong
By Juliet Ebirim
Fatima Dangote and
Jamil Abubakar
When Africa’s richest man
gives out one of his
daughters, you can expect
it to be nothing short of
spectacular. Their wedding shut down
Kano, Abuja and the grand finale in
Lagos had people raving about it for a
while. Her husband, Jamil Abubakar, is
the son of former Inspector General of
Police, Mohammed Abubakar. The
events included but was not limited to a
Kamu, a reception, dinner and mother’s
night. The wedding was attended
by the most affluent people within and
outside the county including Bill Gates
among others.
Damilola Osinbajo and
Oluseun Bakare
Another wedding witnessed this year
is that of the Vice President’s daughter,
Damilola Osinbajo and Oluseun
Bakare, the son of socialite, Bola
Shagaya. The series of events began
with the traditional wedding which put
Aso Rock at a standstill, a church
service followed immediately with a
reception that same day. Many important
persons flooded the nation’s capital
from all over the country to attend one
of the country’s most high-profile
weddings. The wedding was a private
one with only invited guests in attendance.
Fatima Ganduje and
Abolaji Ajimobi
One of the most prominent weddings
of this year is definitely the union of the
daughter of the Kano state governor,
Fatima Ganduje and son of Oyo state
governor, Abolaji Ajimobi. The wedding
saw the union of two tribes from the
northern and the southern parts of the
country. Numerous ceremonies were
held in Kano from a henna party,
‘Kamu,’ a dinner, ‘Yininbiki’ and
Durbar in the city of Kano followed by a
wedding reception in Ibadan. Dignitaries
from all over the country made their
way to Kano to celebrate with the two
families including President Muhammadu
Buhari, Dr. Bukola Saraki,
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Yakubu Dogara,
among others.
•Chidiogo Akunyili
and Andrew Parr
•Damilola Osinbajo and Oluseun Bakare
Xerona Duke and Derin
Phillips
Down south, former governor of Cross
River state, Donald Duke hosted a
wedding for his daughter Xerona Duke
who got married to Derin Phillips, also
known as DJ Caise, son of former Lagos
state commissioner, Olateju Phillips. After
their engagement in October last year,
the couple got hitched with a traditional
wedding that took place in Calabar. The
two exchanged wedding vows at the
Olive Tree Parish, Redeemed Christian
Church of God (RCCG) Lagos.
Halimat Oluwatosin
Saraki and Adeniyi
Olukoya
Senate president and former governor of
Kwara State, Bukola Saraki also gave his
daughter out in marriage with events
taking place both in Lagos and Abuja. The
Sarakis went all out in ensuring their first
daughter’s wedding was one that had the
town talking and it was indeed a wedding
to behold. The crème de la crème of
Nigeria’s society thronged out for the
couple with the likes of former President
Olusegun Obasanjo, Aliko Dangote, Vice
President Yemi Osinbajo and a host of
•Olutoyin-Halima-Saraki and Adeniyi
•Fatima Ganduje and Abolaji Ajimobi
others who graced the event.
Carissa Sharon Oyakhilome
and Philip Frimpong
Carissa Sharon Oyakhilome (CSO),
the first of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s
two daughters, was joined to her beau
Philip Frimpong traditionally on the 4th
of October, 2018. The beautiful white
wedding ceremony was attended by
guests from all over the world who came
to honour the Oyakhilomes. True to
tradition, the bride was walked down the
aisle by her father, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome,
looking radiant in an off-shoulder,
•Xerona Duke and
Derin Philip
white tulle ballgown.
She paired the
stunning dress with
a cathedral length
veil. She was
accompanied by her
sister Charlyn.
International televangelist
Pastor
Benny Hinn wedded
the couple. Recall
that the bride’s
mother was noticeably
absent at the
wedding. This
actually can be
linked to the fact that
the parents of the
bride Chris and
Anita Oyakhilome
are sour divorcees.
So, to honor her
mum, Sharon had a
second wedding
reception in the UK
and this time, her
dad Pastor Oyakhilome
was absent.
Chidiogo Akunyili and
Andrew Parr
After a civil ceremony in Canada in
February, Dora Akunyili’s daughter,
Chidiogo and her Canadian beau,
Andrew Parr brought the rest of their
wedding party to Nigeria for a colourful
turn-up in Anambra state. The lovers
had both their traditional and church
wedding ceremonies on June 2, 2018 in
Agulu, Anambra State, with friends and
family members of former NAFDAC boss
and minister of Information and Communications
joining in the colourful,
emotional ceremonies.

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
ROTIMI AGBANA
07054964685
Email: rotimiagbana@gmail.com
BY ROTIMI AGBANA
For every music industry,
there is always a trend.
This is probably why
it is practically impossible
for any musician to reign
forever, but only
maintain relevance
through the continual
release of hit songs and
music videos that
align with the trends
in vogue.
As 2018 finally comes
to an end Showtime
takes a cursory look
at how emerging
music acts almost took over
the music scene with the
introduction of a new wave of
music, videos, street slangs and
dance steps which have since
gone viral, putting even the
musical big shots on their toes.
Below is Showtime’s list of
emerging music acts who
dominated, ruled the Nigerian
music scene with hit songs,
musical collaborations, and viral
dance steps in 2018.
Teniola
Some say she may be taking after
her elder sister, Niniola Apata,
but Showtime can tell you with
authority that with the current
pace at which Teniola Apata,
popularly known as Teni The
Entertainer is going, she may
even outshine Niniola who has
been in the music game years
before she debuted. Though the
talented singer is touted to lack
the looks but is equipped with
talent. She crawled her way to
limelight with her Instagram
freestyle, ‘Fargin’. Ever since, she
has continued to climb the
industry ladder with hit songs
such as ‘Wait’, ‘Askamaya’, Case’,
‘Fake Jersey’, ‘Shake Am’, ‘Pray’,
‘Pareke’, ‘Amen’, ‘Lagos’, and the
latest, ‘Uyo Meyo’, which
released on her birthday last
week.
Zlatan Ibile
Indigenous rapper, Omoniyi
Temidayo, aka Zlatan Ibile, has
been around, but because it
requires a lot to have a club
banger, the prominence he
currently enjoys cannot be
compared to that of his earlier
years in the industry. His selftitled
debut single, ‘Zlatan’,
released in 2017 earned him
reasonable attention but with his
hit song, ‘Jogor’, featuring Lil
Kesh and Naira Marley, his
impressive verse on Chinko
Ekun’s ‘Able God’, featuring Lil
Kesh, introducing a new wave of
dance which he called ‘Zanku
Legwork’, a dance step which has
since gone viral even more than
the ‘Shaku Shaku’ dance, and
other hit songs cum impressive
collaborations with Davido,
Oritsefemi, Reminisce and a
couple of A’List artistes, he rose
above the ranks, ruling the music
wave like an A’list singer. When
Zlatan’s relationship with young
singer, Segun Wire, fell apart after
the budding singer’s
acquaintances physically
assaulted him, it was like a
propellant for him as he even
gained more prominence on the
music scene, earning him more
social media followership,
YouTube views, radio and TV
airplay. He is sure one of
Showtime’s emerging music acts
to look out for in 2019.
Peruzzi
Signing on to Davido’s DMW
Perruzi
Emerging music
acts who thrilled
Nigerian music
scene in 2018
record label was a good starter for
Tobechukwu Victor Okoh, better
known as Peruzzi but featuring on
2baba’s hit song ‘Amaka’, was the
icing on the cake as he rose from
nowhere to become a name to
reckon with on the music scene.
After jointly dishing out songs
such as ‘Mind’, ‘Aje’, ‘Twisted’,
‘Aza’, with his DMW music crew,
and his collaboration with 2Baba,
he became Nigeria’s most sought
after artiste for musical
collaboration. He jumped on Ice
Prince’s ‘Yawa’ after 2Baba’s
‘Amaka’ and thereafter it was an
avalanche of musical
collaborations. With his sonorous
voice, he dishes out impressive
verses on any song he jumps on,
be it a personal single or
collaboration. His own singles,
‘For your Pocket’, ‘Mata’, and
‘Tatashe’ currently top music
charts locally and internationally
Terri
Music pundits have argued that
being signed to a big record label
is not an assurance that an artiste
will rise to fame or make hit
songs, but such has been the case
with Terri Ryn, who got signed to
Wizkid’s Starboy record label in
February 2018. Ever since signing
the contract, Terri proved to critics
whose mouths wagged after his
signing that Wizkid may outshine
him, that the music scene is big
enough to accommodate every
talented artiste. With his Debut
single, ‘Bia’, he gained reasonable
prominence, with massive radio
and TV airplay, after which he
released his second single, ‘Shuu’,
a song which has since enjoyed
massive reviews as well as show
bookings locally and
internationally.
Victor AD
The name, Victor AD is currently
Picazo
Chinko Ekun
synonymous to controversy, but
that doesn’t seem to be stopping
the burgeoning musical talent
who took the music scene by storm
only months ago when he
delivered mind-blowing verses
on Erigga’s hit tune, ‘Motivation’.
Like he had it all planned out in
his head, he wasted no time in
releasing his debut hit, ‘Wetin We
Gain’, while the ovation was still
high. Born Victor Adere, the Delta
State born singer who once
explained to Showtime how he
went through the hard knocks of
life before finding a footing after
relocating to Lagos to pursue his
music career, became musical rave
of the moment after the song went
viral. Shortly after his ‘Wetin we
gain’ song became a hit, in what
seemed like a publicity stunt,
news went viral on social media
that the song encouraged ritual
killings and internet fraud, but
publicity stunt or not, it turned out
favorably for the singer who has
Signing on to Davido’s
DMW record label was
a good starter for
Tobechukwu Victor
Okoh, better known as
Peruzzi but featuring
on 2baba’s hit song
‘Amaka’, was the icing
on the cake as he rose
from nowhere to
become a name to
reckon with on the
music scene
Victor AD
since
become
one of
t h e
most
sought
after
artiste in
t h e
country.
Chinko
Ekun
W h e n
Oladipo
Olamide
Emmanuel,
aka Chinko
Ekun parted
ways with
Olamide’s
YBNL record
label after
accusing Olamide
of being partial
and sentimental by focusing
more on promoting Lil Kesh,
there were speculations that his
music career would experience a
massive nosedive because he was
yet to build his career to a point
where he could stand alone.
Showtime can tell you for free that
since his exit from YBNL; more or
less nothing has been heard from
him musically. Though he had
songs like ‘Bodija’, ‘Eruku De’,
‘Alejo Oran’, ‘Yaso’, ‘Emi Na Re’,
and ‘Ekun’ to his credit, his music
career suffered a downturn until
he staged a comeback with his
viral song, ‘Able God’, featuring
rap artiste, Zlatan Ibile and Lil
Kesh. In less than a week, the song
became a hit as it became the
perfect song for the new ‘Zanku
Legwork’ dance introduced by
Zlatan Ibile. Since the release of
the song, Chinko Ekun has
dominated the music scene
unstoppably as he has now
become one of the most sought
Teniola
after new
acts, as
against
big shots like
Wizkid, Davido,
others. The
‘Zanku’ dance is
clearly in a league
of its own. With the
way, it juxtaposes
leg movements with
the hand swings, the
dance intensifies
every time your feet
touch the ground
creating a more
energetic and riveting
reaction. It is a high
energy dance for the
learners but lighthearted
for the
skilled. And
because ‘Able God’
is still the only
song which
seems to be the
perfect match for
the ‘Zanku’
dance which is
currently
ruling the
waves, the
song has
Zlatan since been
topping
m u s i c
charts on
radio and
T V
stations
around the
country.
Picazo Rhap
No disputes, Olamide’s signing
of young rapper, Omogbolahan
Sodiq Ilabode, better known by
his stage name, Picazo Rhap, to
YBNL label sparked off so much
excitement in the activities of the
label. The talented rapper whose
freestyle video of Chinko Ekun’s
‘Able God’, went viral on social
media attracting Olamide’s
attention which led to his contract
with YBNL, alongside his friend
Yomi Blaze on October 14th.
However, contrary to arguments,
Picazo did not get to this point by
chance because his Instagram
pages are littered with videos of
freestyles and covers that have
helped him hone his singing skill
and also earning him massive
social media following. Though
he gained prominence by doing
impressive freestyles and covers
of hit songs, he ruled the music
waves in 2018 with his own songs,
‘Macaroni’, ‘Olomi Lomare’, and
‘Abeg’, featuring Bitbender.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—21
By AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215
onikoyi68@gmail.com
Life Continental
beer tours east
with Flavour,
Phyno,
others
Life
Lager
beer’s yuletide
festivities
party began in
Ekwulobia,
Anambra state
in what was
tagged “Bridge
of Progress”
Headlining the
Ekwulobia
(Anambra) edition
of the party
was Life Beer
ambassador,
Phyno who
thrilled the audience
with his signature
indigenous rap
verses.
Also performing on
the night were the
likes of Obiligbo
Brothers, Hi-life Fest
King 2018, Dons
Ifeanyi, and Indigenous
upcoming acts.
The party train hit
Owerri on Friday, December
28th with Flavour with
Flavour hold the reins as
the headline act.
Portfolio Manager, Mainstream
Brands, Nigerian
Breweries Plc, Omotunde
Adenusi, spoke of the reasoning
behind the parties, “We
at Life Beer have had a very
strong connection with our
consumers in Anambra,
Owerri and other parts of
Eastern Nigeria. We wanted
to celebrate the year’s end
with our ever loyal consumers and also
give them a taste of the things to expect
from Life Beer in the new year.”
Since its emergence in the local market,
Life Continental Beer has taken
pride in being firmly rooted in the culture
and tradition of the Igbo people.
After the party in Owerri, Life will also
be sponsoring the Flavour of Africa concert
as the beer brand seeks to end the
year in style.
Burna Boy unites
Davido, Wizkid
on night of bliss
at ‘Burna Live’
It was a night of absolute glamor and glee as Burna Boy
gave multitude of fans a musical experience never to
be soon forgotten at his concert entitled ‘Burna Live’,
which held on Wednesday, December 26 at EKO Convention
Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Several ace musical artists rocked the stage along with
Oluwaburna, with most fervently expressing their love for
the afro-fusion artist after each performance, including
indigenous wordsmith Zlatan, whom Burna declared his
personal favourite, veterans D’banj and Tuface, who performed
their collaborative effort ‘Baba Nla’ alongside Larry
Gaga, Wande Coal; who performed their 2013 collaborative
piece ‘Amorawa’ before the award-winning vocalist
went on to perform his other hits, Duncan Mighty and several
more.
Perhaps one of the most exhilarating performances of the
night came when DMW’s Mayorkun ascended the stage,
with Davido and his signees Peruzzi and Dremo emerging
shortly after – a performance that caught the audience
by surprise, but Burna wasn’t done, he had more surprises
in store for his beloved fans.
As the show progressed with more Burna performances,
the singer brought out Star Boy Wizkid on stage; further
sending fans into an uncontrolled frenzy as the two superstars
shared the stage.
Singers Timaya and Patoranking also raised the boisterousness
of the night several notches higher after they paid
Burna Boy a surprise visit on stage; with both artists thanking
his fans for coming out to support the singer on his big
night.
All in all, Burna Boy didn’t let his fans down – he gave
them a spectacular concert that would go on to become one
of the most momentous musical gatherings in the history
of Nigerian music as we know it.
“33” Export rewards
33 friends
with Boxing Day
gifts
Nigeria’s No 1 Friendship
Beer, “33” Export on
Wednesday, the 26th of December,
rewarded 33 lucky friends
with Boxing Day gifts.
This initiative was borne out of
the desire to remind its consumers
on the reason for the season
and the true essence of Boxing
Day.
The beer brand took to its
Facebook page to announce the
competition on Christmas Eve,
Facebook users were asked to
simply nominate a special friend
they would like to gift a Boxing
Day surprise.
The selected 33 winners were
so delighted, taking to social
media to share their excitement,
whilst thanking the beer brand
for making the festive season
extra special and rewarding.
One of the lucky winners who
preferred to remain anonymous
spoke of his excitement.
“I felt really special. Knowing
that my friend nominated me to
get a Boxing Day gift makes me
feel really proud and thankful.
“33” Export has really put a
smile on my face this season.”
“33” Export is a quality lager
beer brewed to the highest
standards for a crisp and refreshing
taste. The Code of
Friendship.
Star Lager beer kicks off f ‘One Lagos
Fiesta’ with iconic ‘Aro Meta’ statue
The 2018 edition of the annual One
Lagos Fiesta in conjunction with
Star Lager, officially kicked off on
Monday 24th December, 2018 at five
designated locations in Lagos State.
The eight day, non-stop, celebration
and star-studded fiesta is set to usher
in the new year as consumers get to
witness amazing concerts from
Wizkid, Davido, Pasuma, Olamide,
Sunny Ade, Mr Real, Slimcase, Mr
P, Teni and a host of others.
As sponsors of One Lagos Fiesta, Star
lager will be celebrating the iconic
Lagos heritage just as the brand did
in 2017 with the massive 58-foot tall
Aro Meta Statue built out of over
3,000 Star crates.
The One Lagos Fiesta will feature
support from Star Lager in five locations
- Agege stadium Agege, Bar
Beach, Epe, Ikorodu, Badagry and
Victoria Island, culminating in a
grand finale at Eko Atlantic City and
the national premium beer brand will
provide refreshments for consumers
as they partake in exciting
games and experiences at the Star
Corner.
Speaking about Star’s support of
the event, the Marketing Director,
Nigerian Breweries Plc,
Emmanuel Oriakhi, declared,
“Star Lager is committed to providing
the best entertainment offering
to consumers as we continue
our support of One Lagos Fiesta.
We take pride in this partnership
and our goal is to continually upgrade
experiences for our consumers
as we promise bigger and better
experiences in the future”.
With a long history of supporting
the consumers’ passion, Star continues
to create premium experiences
as it is doing this December
with Wizkid VIP Experience,
Olamide Live In Concert, Burna
Live, Uli Music Festival and Warri
Again.

22— SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
By Adetutu Adesoji
08157255559 (sms only)
adetutu.adesoji@gmail.com
Linda Ikeji
Toyin
Abraham
Reekado
Banks
Top celebrity social
Still reviewing some of the
unforgettable events of 2018,
this edition of Celebrity Diary
will be looking at some top
celebrity social media fallouts
of the year.
Bovi
I Go dye
Iyabo Ojo
Nkechi
Blessing
Cossy vs Iyabo Ojo vs Daniella Okeke
Busty actress, Cossy Ojiakor revealed
her disdain for fellow actresses,
Iyabo Ojo, Daniella Okeke and
Apostle Suleman of Omega Fire
Ministries via her Instagram page on Easter
day. Iyabo Ojo and Daniella Okeke had
earlier been accused of warming the beds of
popular pastors and Cossy seemed to be in
the know as she posted cryptic messages that
had the two ladies and pastor Suleman on
the line. Cossy took to her page to disclose
some of the people she disliked the most and
the names of these three made the list,
suggesting that the Kondo Games actress
knows more than everyone else. While Iyabo
Ojo has remained quiet about the issue,
Danielle Okeke on the other hand is patiently
waiting the appropriate time to address the
issue .
Toyin Abraham and Mercy Aigbe
Actress, Toyin Abraham set social media
ablaze when she stormed her colleague,
Mercy Aigbe’s Instagram page to accuse the
popular actress of having a hand in her
failed marriage. The Alakada star called the
Osas Omoge Benin actress a hypocrite
among other demeaning names while Mercy
remained quiet through it all. Not long after,
Toyin revealed that her post about her friend
was a mere publicity stunt aimed at
promoting her movie, Ghost and the Tout
which was showing in the cinema at the time.
Mercy also confirmed that the alleged rift
between the celebrated thespians was the
handiwork of bloggers. Meanwhile, days after
her rant on social media, Toyin Abraham took
to Instagram to apologize to Mercy Aigbe.
According to her, it was an error of judgement
on her part and she also admitted that she
went out of line. The duo has since reconciled
as they have been spotted at events in
company of each other.
Fathia Williams and Dayo Amusa
The jolly relationship between top actresses,
Fathia Williams and Dayo Amusa can be said
to have crumbled like a pack of badly arranged
cards. The two role interpreters had a social
media banter which has prompted
insinuations that they are not on friendly
terms.
The drama started when Fathia Williams
took to Instagram to post a picture which
talked about friends who back-stab and laugh
at each other. She captioned it,”Friendship is
beautiful but when it is not getting the right
things done or moving you forward it’s time to
check things out.” Apparently Fathia’s post
didn’t sit well with Dayo Amusa who was
quick to react in the comments section,
“Practice what you preach,”she wrote. It was
also gathered that Dayo Amusa was absent at
the burial of Fathia’s mother which had other
industry players in attendance.
Cossy
Kizz Daniel and Reekado Banks
Few months ago and to the surprise of many, it was reported that
all is not well between singers, Kizz Daniel and Reekado Banks.
The feud which was said to have started as far back as 2015 became
evident when the Woju singer refused to work on a project with the
former Mavin Records artiste. Alter plate boss, Harrysong had
featured the two talented singers on his song, Selense, however,
Kizz Daniel who had recorded his verse of the song opted out of the
project when he realized that Reekado Banks was involved in it.
Kizz refused to appear in the video of the song and went as far as
requesting iTunes to take down the song with claims that it was
released without his consent. It was gathered that the quiet feud
between the two started when Reekado Banks was crowned Next
Rated artiste at the 2015 edition of the Headies Awards over Kizz
Daniel, Lil Kesh and others.
Ceec and Alex
The infamous feud between former Big Brother Naija house mates,
Ceec and Alex transcended the Big Brother house into the real
world when fans of both ladies started threatening the lives of the
rising stars. It can be recalled that the duo were each other’s least
favourite house mate while the show aired. The beef between both
ladies reached a climax when a non-fan of Ceec threatened to pour
acid on the first-runner up of the reality show. It was also reported
that Alex’s life was under threat by some people. The life threat

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—23
By Adetutu Adesoji
08157255559 (sms only)
adetutu.adesoji@gmail.com
Kizz
Daniel
Dayo
Amusa
•Fathia
Balogun
media fights of 2018
•Seyi
Edun
Kemi Olunloyo
Stella Dimoko
Korkus
Daniella Okeke
Mercy Aigbe
Alex
Ceec
Davido
hosted him (I Go Dye) on
several occasions while he was
still in office, slammed the
social crusader on Twitter.
Reacting to Bovi’s tweet, I Go
Dye fired back by calling him a
‘baby lawyer’ to the former
governor, accusing him of
selling his reputation, this
angered Bovi who then vowed
to beat I Go Dye up if he ever
comes at him again. Although
the duo are yet to get physical
with each other, we hope they
settle this ragging feud soon.
against Ceec prompted other house mates
to call for truce between the warring parties.
The reality stars have however decided to
co-exist peacefully albeit not necessarily as
friends.
Linda Ikeji and Stella Dimoko Korkus
Social media became a battle ground
when two popular bloggers, Linda Ikeji
and Stella Dimoko Korkus resorted to war
against each other on the cyber space. The
cold war started when Stella called Linda
out on Instagram for lifting an interview off
her blog site without giving her credit.
According to Stella, Linda stole an
exclusive interview from her without
acknowledging her as the original owner.
She further warned the founder of Linda
Ikeji’s blog to desist from such act else she
will take actions against her. Linda’s staff
replied via the official blog’s Instagram
page where Stella was dared to do her
worse as she has no legitimate case against
the blogger. The post from Linda’s camp
however infuriated Dimoko-Korkus who
opened more cans of worms. She took to
her Instagram page and called Linda a
‘snake’ who is hiding behind other
people to reply her. Stella also called
Linda a ‘sperm thief’ and a ‘content
thief’, threatening to leak even more
secret if Linda says anything more. No
reconciliation has been recorded on the
parts of the two women till date.
Linda Ikeji and Kemi Olunloyo
It is no longer news that there is no
love lust between popular blogger, Linda
Ikeji and controversial journalist, Kemi
Olunloyo and 2018 was no different as
they fought each other on social media
on various occasions. Linda Ikeji quickly
became Kemi’s target after she
announced that she was pregnant. The
journalist attacked the media mogul of
faking her pregnancy, claiming that she
had her son, Jayce Jereemi through
surrogacy. Linda kept mum for a while
but eventually threatened to sue madam
KOO for peddling lies about the birth of
her son.
Davido and Kemi Olunloyo
Pop sensation, Davido was not left out
of Kemi Olunloyo’s drama as they both
fought dirty on social media. It all
started when the daughter of former
governor of Oyo state taunted the singer
over his alleged failed relationship with
Chioma. She also accused the DMW
boss of fathering a third child with
another baby mama. Davido who
seemed unbothered laughed off Kemi’s
insinuations as he labelled her an old
woman in need of a man.
Bovi and I Go dye
Comedians, Bovi and I go Die got
down and dirty on social media over a
heated argument concerning former
Delta State Governor, Emmanuel
Uduaghan. I Go Dye had written an
open letter critizing the former Governor
on his senatorial ambition. While Bovi
who felt it was hypocritical of his
colleague to have written such a letter to
Emmanuel Uduaghan considering the
fact that the one-time governor had
Nkechi Blessing and Seyi
Edun
Budding actress, Nkechi
Blessing who apparently is not
friends with her colleague, Seyi
Edun has decided to wash the
latter’s dirty linen on social
media by revealing some of the
Dara actress secret dealing on
social media. The Omoge Lekki
role interpreter also maintained
that Seyi’s relationship with
Adeniyi Johnson is fake.
However, Nkechi Blessing
recently called Shai as she is
fondly called out on Instagram
for sending police officers to
arrest her for cyber bullying and
threatening to release her sex
tape. Nkechi slammed the
movie producer for her act, calls
her an idiot, a local lady adding
that Shai might be on cheap
drugs. Meanwhile, nothing has
been heard from the actress and
wife of film maker, Adeniyi
Johnson.

Late signin
disrupt 2019
24—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
electoral bil
— INEC COMMISSIONE
•Reveals that some recommendations in
•Says INEC comfortable with Card Reade
•Assures on credible, free and fair electi
By Ben Agandel
In this interview with select journalists in Abuja, INEC Nation
Okoye speaks on the various threats to the 2019 election and
Academic Staff Union of Universities is not resolved within th
•Barr. Festus Okoye
To what extent will the refusal of the
president to assent to the amended
Electoral Act affect the conduct of
the 2019 polls?
The Independent National Electoral
Commission started preparing for the
2019 elections in 2015 and based on
that, we rolled out our strategical plans
and strategic programme of action
which we have been following
assiduously to make sure that we
deliver credible elections to the
Nigerian people. And we have
improved over the years in terms of our
procedures. Based on some of the
challenges of the card reader in 2015,
the smart card reader has been
upgraded. It is now faster in reading
biometric data and in the governorship
elections we have so far conducted in
Edo, Osun, Ekiti states, the inability of
the card reader to perform effectively
has reduced to less than one per cent.
We are comfortable with the card
reader and we have also improved on
logistics and delivery of materials to
the polling units. Some of the
recommendations in the amended
Electoral bill that has not been signed
actually came from the INEC and some
of the recommendations were based on
our observations on how we can
improve the electoral process. We
anticipated some of these issues in the
electoral bill and that is why we have a
Plan A and a Plan B. The Plan A is based
on the existing law because the INEC
work is based on the existing law. We
will execute the Plan B if the President
signs the Bill and what it means is that
we will be able to carry out electronic
transmission of results.
For the Osun, Ekiti and some other
standalone elections, we piloted
electronic transmission of results but
we can fully roll it for the general
elections if there is a law backing
it. If the Bill is signed, we have the
capacity to transmit the results realtime.
Late signing of the Bill
cannot disrupt preparations for the
elections. There are few issues in
the amended Electoral bill that
have even been overtaken by events.
For instance, in terms of party
primary elections, part of the
amendment is that before a political
party conducts primary elections, it
has to advertise the venue and the
We have our
tracking
mechanism for
campaign spending
and we have
sensitised the
law enforcement
agencies
concerning their
duties

g of
ll l will not
elections
R, FESTUS OKOYE
the bill came from INEC
r machines
ons
al Commissioner in charge of the south east, Barr. Festus
warns of a constitutional crisis if the on going strike by the
ree weeks
time in two national newspapers, at least
10 days before the primary elections. That
clause has been overtaken by events
because the primaries have already taken
place. There is also the issue of limit to
campaign spending. That one is already
in the law. We have our tracking
mechanism for campaign spending and
we have sensitised the law enforcement
agencies concerning their duties. For the
card reader, the law gives us the right to
deploy the card reader for purposes of
accreditation, identification and
verification. The card reader we have now
can transmit results. So, if the law is
signed, we can transmit results.There is
nothing in the Electoral Amendment Bill
that we cannot take care of between now
and the elections. So, it does not matter
whether the Bill is signed or not as we are
prepared for any eventuality.
What is the latest on Zamfara
concerning whether the APC there will
field candidates or not for the polls?
The latest on Zamfara is that we did not
receive any lists of candidates from that
state in respect of the APC. We did inform
them that we would no longer collect any
lists from them because the INEC had
earlier informed them that they did not
conduct party primary elections as
envisaged by Section 87 of the Electoral
Act. Since they did not conduct the
primaries, that means they have nothing
to submit to the INEC. But there are two
or three matters pending in the courts and
if at the end of the day, a properly
constituted court of competent
jurisdiction mandates the INEC to collect
a list from the APC, definitely we will obey.
But for now, we insist that there were no
party primary elections in Zamfara State.
The issue of non-partisanship of the
INEC has continued to dominate
discourse. How can the commission
assure Nigerians the commission will
remain impartial?
The only assurance we can give to the
Nigerian people is the assurance that we
are doing our work professionally and
transparently and we are going to deliver
the elections based on the mandate given
to the INEC. There is nothing that we have
done that we have not disclosed to the
Nigerian people concerning our
preparation. When we did not accept the
APC list from Zamfara, the APC accused
us of working for the PDP. When we take
actions that are not favorable to the PDP,
they accuse us of working for the APC.
But the truth of the matter is that we work
for the Nigerian people and we are
looking at our constitutional mandate
and legal mandate and that is where we
are going to remain. The INEC is a huge
institution and the 2019 elections will be
the biggest logistic exercise to be
undertaken in the history of this country.
We are ready. We are transparent, we are
not aligned to any political parties and
we are not partisan.
But the truth of the matter is that an
election is a multi-stakeholders venture.
All the critical stakeholders in the
electoral process must work symbiotically
in order to deliver credible elections. If
the INEC is ready to deploy and the
environment is not conducive for
deployment then we cannot deploy. For
instance, you know that as at today, the
Nigerian military are engaged in internal
security operations in almost two thirds
of the states of the federation. So, despite
the fact that we are ready and prepared,
there is the possibility that we may not
deploy men and materials to some local
governments in the country, on account
of insecurity, unless the critical
institutions that have been mandated to
maintain law and order give an assurance
I assure you that if
the political parties
play by the rules of
the game and the
security agencies
remain professional,
we will conduct the
best elections ever
in Nigeria and that is
our assurance to the
Nigerian people
that our materials and personnel will be
safe. So, the security agencies are a key
institution in the delivery of credible
elections. The political parties are also
a key institution in the delivery of credible
elections. If the INEC is working to deliver
credible elections and the political parties
work to undermine the delivery of credible
elections, then there is going to be a
problem. If we assemble young people,
members of the NYSC and we want to
deploy them but political parties go and
hire thugs, give them machetes, arms and
ammunition and they create an
atmosphere of confusion and fear then
there is no way we can deploy them.
So, our assurances to the Nigerian
people is that we are ready to conduct
credible elections but the Nigerian people
must also pay attention to the activities
of the political parties and call them to
order and insist they play by rules of the
game. I assure you that if the political
parties play by the rules of the game and
the security agencies remain professional,
we will conduct the best elections ever in
Nigeria and that is our assurance to the
Nigerian people.
You recently raised the alarm over
threat to the polls by the lingering strike
by the Academic Staff Union Of
Universities, (ASUU). How
fundamental is the threat and why can’t
INEC hire from the millions of
unemployed graduates roaming the
streets?
Election is a very sensitive venture. In
the past we tried all sorts of models but
they did not guarantee the kind of
neutrality that INEC wants from its adhoc
staff. So, what we do is to tie the harvesting
of adhoc staff to institutions and to places
where we can hold the individuals
responsible. For instance, the majority of
our collation officers and returning
officer are lecturers in various tertiary
institutions in the country. A Professor of
Mathematics from the ABU, for example,
who is a collation officer, is tied to an
institution. So, if he misbehaves, we can
easily locate him and if there is election
petition in relation to collation of results
we can easily trace him to give evidence
in court. Youth corps members are
attached to institutions. We can locate any
corps member who is assigned to be a
presiding officer. Students are tied to
institutions and we can trace them.
Unemployed graduates are unemployed.
If there is a challenge, we will have
difficulty locating them and if they
misbehave we may not be in a position to
locate them. If there is an election petition,
we cannot locate them. It is problematic to
harvest unemployed graduates and use
them for such a sensitive assignment.
Now, the challenge is that the INEC has
slightly over 16,000 workers and we have
almost 120,000 polling units in Nigeria and
with this particular election, we may create
additional 30,000 voting points, bringing
the total to 150,000. For each polling unit
we are going to deploy at least four ad hoc
staff and then all the registration areas in
Nigeria will also have at least a collation
officer. All the local governments will have
collation officers and we are going to have
supervising presiding officer for each ward
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—25
or registration area. So, it is a huge
challenge in terms of logistics and students
of federal tertiary institutions are the ones
we identified to supplement the efforts of
members of the NYSC to satisfy our
advocacy staff needs. we envisage that
assistant presiding officers 1-3 to be
students of tertiary institutions. So, it is a
huge challenge and we need students on
campus. If students are not on campus
before the 2019 elections or at least a month
before the elections, we are going to have a
very huge challenge and what that means
is that we are going to draw up a Plan C on
where to get ad hoc staff to fill the gap and
we cannot be following them from house to
house in trying to get them to work. It will
create a huge confusion but we are confident
that the persons negotiating on behalf of
the Federal Government and members of
ASUU are reasonable people to understand
the quantum of money government is
spending for the elections. We hope they also
understand that if we do not conduct this
election within the window provided by the
Constitution, we will have a constitutional
crisis. I think they understand this. All well
meaning Nigerians should nudge the two
parties to a negotiated settlement so that
our students will go back to school so that
the elections can hold as scheduled. The
issue is that, the Constitution has already
fixed the elections to hold within a specified
period. The elections must hold whatever
the challenges may be. If the issue is not
resolved within the next couple of weeks,
the INEC will go into crisis management
situation and see in what ways it can handle
the matter posed by this category of people
not being in school.
Perhaps INEC may consider recruiting
teachers from secondary schools across
the country as replacement for students
of tertiary institutions?
When we get to that bridge we will see
how to cross it because it is a decision that
the INEC as an institution has to take. The
Plan C may involve a certain level of
juggling in terms of the institutions involved.
You know we have state owned tertiary
institutions but we do not draw ad hoc staff
from them and also secondary school
teachers but if we get into a crisis mode, the
Commission may re-engineer its processes
to make sure that the elections go on without
any hitches.
How do you track campaign funds of
political parties and politicians?
The Constitution has provided for a limit
for campaign spending but you know that
Nigeria is a cash economy. Some people
carry their money through unorthodox
means and other means that you cannot
trace. Sometimes they spend money
through proxies who place advertisements
for candidates and you cannot attribute that
to the candidate. Solidarity groups place
advertisements and organize rallies,
among other activities. So, it is very difficult
to track campaign funding and financing.
But we have a monitoring group in INEC
and they have certain processes and
procedures through which they keep tabs
on Campaign financing but I assure you
that it is very difficult.
How are you going to tackle Vote
buying?
The INEC does not buy or sell votes, it is
the politicians who buy the votes. the media
should direct the question to the political
parties and the politicians. The media
should ask them, when they are going to
stop vote buying and they are the ones
complaining. They are the one corrupting
the voters. They should tell us when they
are going to stop vote buying so that we
can sanitize the process. But the
Commission has actually designed a
method of dealing with the issue and part
of it is that no voter should access the
voting cubicle with a smart phone or with
any devices that can take photographs
and we are going to enforce that
vigorously. We have also configured the
ballot papers in such a way that the
presiding officer will the ballot paper
before handing it over to the voter. If the
ballot paper is prefolded, when the voter
casts his his vote, he has to also prefold
the ballot paper. The third thing we have
done is that we are training the presiding
officers on proper location of the voting
cubicle to ensure secrecy of the vote. We
have also had meetings with the DSS and
other security agencies, asking them to
do their job discreetly to prevent vote
buying, at least within the vicinity of the
polling unit.

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
08116759759
World’s most identical twins want to marry their SHARED
boyfriend: ‘We come as a package'
Anna and Lucy De Cinque, 33,
have been dating Ben Byrne
for six years in a three-way
relationship.
The twins now want to take things
to the next level, but cannot due to
laws surrounding polygamy.
Lucy and Anna have now gone on
TV appealing for the law to be
changed in their native Australia.
The duo – from Perth – are known
of their glamorous looks as they attempt
to look 100% indistinguishable.
With more than 27,000 followers
on Instagram, they regularly
share snaps showing off their mirrored
appearance.
Speaking at the same time on Australia
TV's Hughesy, We Have a
Problem, the sisters said: "Okay, so
we share a partner Ben.
“We would like marry him one day
but the law in Australia says we can't,
so what do we do?”
They shared the clip on their own
Instagram page with the caption:
"We share a unique problem.
"WE WANT TO MARRY THE
SAME MAN.”
Anna and Lucy found the law in
Australia prevents them both marrying
the mechanic.
Polygamy, having more than one
wife, is banned under the Marriage
Act 1961.
The twins claim they have always
wanted to marry the same man.
"We were upfront that we came as
a package, and he insisted that was
fine with him,” Anna previously said.
Lucy said: "Being a non-identical
twin himself, he said that he understood
our bond.”
“We were still nervous, though.
“We knew some guys might think
it was kinky to date twins and see us
as a trophy, so we had to feel sure
that Ben genuinely liked both of us
before we agreed to meet him.”
Ben lived a 40-minute drive away
from the inseparable sisters, until he
moved in with them and their mum
in 2017.
Lucy added: "Ben treats us completely
equally. If he kisses Anna, he
kisses me right after, and holds both
our hands when we’re out.
“We all sleep together, but it’s not
like a threesome as we don’t get involved
with each other.
"Some people say it’s disgusting,
but it works for us.”
House of horrors
RAT'S GROSS
STOMACH-churning snaps
reveal inside an Indian
market where rat meat is
more popular than chicken or
pork.
Freshly-caught rodents are at
the top of the menu in
Kumarikata in the north-eastern
state of Assam. Shoppers flock
to the village’s market to snap
up hundreds of the creatures
caught in nearby fields.
Rat numbers have boomed in
the state, where they are a pest,
feasting on farmers’ crops. But
locals have now discovered they
can sell the meat from any they
manage to trap after demand skyrocketed,
Arab News reports. Dozens
of the dead creatures are seen
piled high in images that will
horrify readers with a phobia.
Some of the carcasses have been
boiled, gutted and skinned, while
others appear to have been
pulled fresh from farmers’ traps.
Kumarikata locals keen on the
delicacy then take them home
and cook them in a spicy gravy.
The ready-roasted kind is also
popular. Two pounds of rat meat
now sells for about 200 rupees
(£2.25) – the same as for chicken
and pork. And the trade has now
become an important source of
income for poor agricultural
workers.
In the tea-picking off season, the
Adivasi tribal people go to rice
paddies to trap rats for the market.
The rodents are hunted at
night during the harvesting season
with traps made from bamboo.
The traps are placed at the entrance
of the rat-holes in the
evening and the rodents are
caught as they come out to scavenge.
The vendors have to work
at night to make sure other
predators do not get to the dead
rats first. Some of the rats weigh
more than two pounds each and
the market traders say they get
between 20 and 40 pounds every
night.
ASICKO has been jailed for 25 years for locking his wife in a sex
dungeon while allegedly charging his brothers £4 to rape her.
The abused wife was subjected to years of horrific sex attacks and
was even forced to eat semen sandwiches, a court heard.
The vile sexual assaults took place in the small village of Parszczyce, in
northern Poland between 2006 and 2010.
During that time, the husband - named only as Mariusz Sz - kept his wife
locked in a cellar for more than two years.
She was brutally beaten, starved and repeatedly raped by her husband
and allegedly by his two brothers and a friend.
At an earlier hearing judge Marta Urbanska emphasised the victim
"was imprisoned in a cold, dark cellar."
She said the wife had to endure horrific "physiological needs under
undignified conditions".
The judge said: "She was starved, forced to eat meals with her bound
handsin a kneeling position.
"Meals were prepared in a manner that denied her dignity."
She added the woman was forced to eat bread mixed with the semen of
the accused.
The husband's two brothers
and their friend have now
been charged with raping the
victim.
They face a minimum of
three years and a maximum
of 15 years in prison if found
guilty.
All three have pleaded not
guilty and their trial is ongoing.
It's reported the husband
had "rented" his wife out for
£4 putting a bag over her
head and letting paying men
rape her.
It is not known how many men
raped the victim in total and police
are still investigating.
The victim eventually managed
to escape the cellar and
call her mother as she was fearful
for the safety of her two
daughters.
Local media state she reported
the case to the police but she was
dismissed hree times before an investigation
was eventually
opened.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—27
Magrellos opens in
Moloney, , Lagos
Magrellos Foods, one of Nigeria’s fastest
growing Quick Service Restaurants (QSR),
recently opened a new branch at Moloney
St., Lagos Island. Magrellos also reopened its
rebranded Surulere Branch to delight its client
during the festive season.
Akesan Day celebration
in Iperu Remo
The royal father of Iperu Remo, Oba
Adeleke Adelekan Iwodu, the Alaperu of
Iperu, his chiefs and subjects filed out in
pomp and pageantry to celebrate the 2018
Akesan Day. Photos by Kehinde Shonola
Safi i Boys’ end-of-theyear
party
Classy, elegant, stylish, these are just a few words
that describe the Safi Boys Club end-of-year party
which held on the 8th of December 2018. The
event saw the attendance of several Safi Boys Club
members, family members and specially invited
guests, at the palatial residence of Mrs. Phina
Scerri, the venue of the 2018 end of year party.
L-R: Rev. Olubode Kayode; Mr. Francis Ewherido,
MD, Titan Insurance Brokers; Mrs. Margaret
Ohwofa, MD, Magrellos Foods; Chief Simeon
Ohwofa, Chairman, Magrellos Foods and Rev.
Olufemi Ogunro of St. Anglican Church, Ogudu
GRA.
His Royal Highness, Oba Adeleke Adelekan
Iwodu, the Alaperu of Iperu with his chiefs and
subjects.
L - R: Chief Rex Eju, Chief Hudson Orhoro, Mr.
Chamberlain Akarue, (Chairman of the Safi
Boys Club) Elder Morris Ogodo, Mr Netaye
Iroro Clarke, Mr. Temi Jemide
Proud parents of Mrs. Ohwofa, Retired Police Commissioner,
Sir Johnson and Rebecca Ighomereho
.
L-R: Ladi Adebutu with Dr. Dapo Abiodun.
L - R: Prince Kenneth Ekwejunor Etchie, Mr
Ologitere Moore, Chief Faith Gbagi
L-R: Chief (Mrs.) Ajayi, Chief (Mrs.) Adeline
Balogun, Chief (Mrs.) O. O. Adegbite, Chief
Ohwofa, Mrs. Ohwofa, Princess Adaeze Osasa and
Mrs. Molara Adeoye .
Slot’s boss unveils book
The CEO of Slot Systems, Mr Nnamdi
Ezeigbo recently unveiled a book titled “
Entrepreneurship the Slot way; Succeeding
in a Tough Business Environment in Lagos in
Lagos. Here is a picture from the event.
Cross section of the De- Jebusites in a group picture.
Courtesy visit
Members of Atiku/Ayade Trans generational
movement ATM visited Govenor Ben Ayade
of cross River State at the state House
Calabar recently
L - R: Mr. Lucky Braimah, Chief Monday
Igbuya, Mr Edirin Fregene
Appointment
Engineer Udengs Eradiri, former Chairman of the
Ijaw Youth Council was amongst others swornin
as commissioners in Bayelsa State recently.
L-R :Mr Nnamdi Ezeigbo, author of the Book/CEO
Slot Systems Ltd;Pastor Anslem Madubuko,G.O
Revival Assembly Church;Mrs Nkechi Ezeigbo
and Dr Leo stan Ekeh,Group Chairman Zinox
Technologies.
Governor Ayade in handshake with DG ATM captain
Hart Modey while Hon Bar. Dornclaimz
Enamhe, SSA to Gov Ayade on youths and Brands
looks on.
Engr. Udengs Eradiri, former Chairman of the
Ijaw Youth Council being congratulated by His
excellency Gov Seriake Dickson at government
house Bayelsa.

28—Vanguard, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2018
In the wake of the Elizabeth Ochanya
saga (the late 14 year old secondary
school girl who was consistently
abused for over five years by her uncle
and his son), many emotions stirred
amongst the populace. Almost everyone
had a thing or two to say about the Ogbuja
family and indeed, the perpetrators of the
hideous crime they ganged up to commit.
I was one of those who wept and cursed
the day Mr. Victor Ogbuja was born.
Not because the thrust of the story was
new but the twist to it was most bizarre. A
father and son team of sexual abusers was
something many of us had not heard about
until then. Don’t get me wrong, I have
heard about a son sleeping with his father’s
wife and I have also heard about a father
having a sexual relationship with his son’s
wife. What I had not heard about was a
man and his son, engaged in a threesome.
And with a child. Like a badly written scene
from a horror movie.
Discussing the development with a group
of women then, it threw up some other
angles to abuse and incest which we do
not appear concerned about nor looking
into for possible creation of awareness and
solution. Many were of the opinion that
while all we read about incestuous
relationships in Newspapers today is
that between fathers and daughters, a
whole lot more is happening between
siblings, cousins and other relatives.
Enough is not being said about these other
incestuous relationships thus allowing
more victims fall prey. Many either go
unreported by the victims or undetected
by elders in the family. Those that are
eventually discovered are hushed into
silence for the protection of the family
name.
In one of the many stories narrated at the
meeting, One woman told of how many
years back, grapevine had it that one of
her neighbour’s children had allegedly
had an incestuous relationship which
resulted in a pregnancy. According to
her, the family led a rather excluded and
detached life style. It was in the early days
of the Pentecostal movement. Most of
those who turned born again in then often
perceived themselves different and better
than others, so they tend to turn up their
noses at the ‘sinners’, segregating
themselves. This family was one of them.
They kept to themselves most of the time.
The children were kept under lock , just
going to school and church and never
allowed to interact with other children or
rather, ‘sinners’. Perhaps, so that the
children would not be corrupted. A
family driver would pick them after school
to drop them at home, then leave for
madam’s office and then, oga’s before they
all reunite with the family late at night.
Between 5pm and 7pm a lesson teacher
comes to engage the siblings and is usually
long gone before their parents’ arrival.
She was sure the guy came highly
recommended simply because he was a
brethren.
One day, the couple were shocked to
discover that their young daughter was
pregnant. Further enquires revealed
that her brother was the culprit. They found
out that the children had been at it for a
long time while they never suspected such
could be happening under their holy roof.
Stories always have a way of leaking into
wrong or right hands and then make the
rounds. The ‘sinners’ that had been
successfully shut out got a glimpse of what
was going on behind the doors of the
righteous. Of course the pregnancy was
swiftly terminated and the boy sent to a
boarding school to as a breather of sort.
But the damage had already been done.
It reminded me of a conversation I once
listened at Abule Egba market where I’d
gone to buy some food stuff. I am a
friend at the vegetable stalls of most
markets I visit. If you have a penchant for
Amala, Ewedu and Gbegiri such as I do,
you’ll soon become a friend of the ‘house’,
and be able to join in the conversation or
asked to give an opinion on issues of
discourse on your visits. If you want to
save yourself time and energy of picking
the leaves too, you can have it done for a
token, meaning you will either wait while
its being done or you come back after
completing your shopping. So, I
discovered that they were discussing incest
and its prevalence in the society. And so
Yetunde Arebi
Incest: A great
family secret
I became born
again and realised
that I was deeply
engaged in an evil
act and I eventually
had to tell her it
was over
one of the young ladies blurted out that
she had a family secret to share on the
topic. It involved her elder brother and
sister and the first grandchild of the family.
My eyes almost popped out of their
sockets, thinking it was a bit farfetched.
But she went on to reveal how it happened.
According to her, the family of seven lived
in one room. While their parents shared
the bed, the children slept on the floor after
clearing what passed for the sitting room
during the day. One day, it was discovered
that the eldest girl was pregnant and on
interrogation named her brother as being
responsible. He denied vehemently and
was believed by their parents. The
young girl had to stop schooling. She was
in Primary six. The child looks very
much like them and bears the family name
since no one ever stepped forward to claim
it despite her parents refusal to accept it
was her brother’s child. The lady however
revealed that she saw her
brother and sister engaged in
the act one night when she
woke. She said she did not
know what they were up to at
the time as she was still very
little. But when the issue of
pregnancy came up, thing
became clearer to her. A few
years after the incident, the
lady said she summoned up
courage and revealed what
she thought she saw that
night to their mother. She was
swiftly rebuked for making
up stories and warned never
to say such a thing to anyone
ever again. No one, especially
her mother, believed her.
If these two stories happened
many years ago, Austin’s is not
too long gone. The young
banker who now volunteers
at the Teenagers department
of his church recently shared
an unnerving story of his
sexual relationship with a
cousin which almost ruined
his life. “I had an affair with
my cousin. It sexual
experience began when I was
in Primary school. One of our
landlord’s daughters lured
me into a relationship with
her. I was almost 10 years old
then. The affair stopped
when we moved out of their
house. We were never caught,
so I cannot say if anyone
knew about it. She was older
than me anyways and was the
one that imitated almost all
our meetings. By the time
I finished Secondary school,
I had learnt more about sex
through one pornography
book I came across by
chance. And though I did not
have any girlfriend at the
time because I was rather shy,
I already knew what to do if
the opportunity came to
Twitter: @yetundearebi
yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk
08054700825
handle a beautiful girl.
As luck would have it, I have this very
beautiful cousin who lived abroad but
always came home for the holidays. The
whole thing started while we were
watching a programme on the Television
one night. She was wearing a transparent
dress and the two of us were laying down
on the rug behind the sofa which provided
coverage from anyone that might look our
way. I don’t know where I managed to get
the boldness from, but something told me
to try. So I started fondling her breasts. To
my surprise, she did not say anything, so I
continued. Then she got up and went to
her room which I took as a sign that she
was interested. I followed her to her room
and we started all the dirty game.
Unfortunately, her holiday was over and
she was returning to England the next day.
She made me promise to stay with them
when I come over for my holiday.
I could not believe my luck and so I
convinced my parents to send me over
even before my younger siblings were
ready. I had just finished my WAEC and
was awaiting admission for the University,
so they had no problems sending me
ahead. When I got to England, we quickly
took off where we stopped. We became so
close that people who did not know we
were cousins always mistook us for a
couple. I fell in love with her and was
blindfolded by my desires to propose
marriage to her, believing that she was
the best for me and it was possible to marry
my cousin. And since we shared the same
room and bed and my aunt, her mother
thought nothing was wrong about, I guess
we were convinced that nothing could
happen. We would have fun throughout
the night sometimes. But things came to
an end when I received a call from my
brother in Nigeria that I had been offered
admission to a university in Nigeria.
The day I was to leave was a sad day. After
my return, we would contact each other
on the phone every day. It affected me
so much that I could not stay on the
campus. I rented a room so I could have
all the privacy I needed and to prepare for
when she would visit Nigeria. She would
call me every day, speaking lovely, sexy
words into my ears and how she missed
me and wanted to be with me. She had
also resumed college too and the affair
continued as we both shuttled between
Nigeria and England at every opportunity.
It was as if indeed, we would end up
marrying each other. But one day, a friend
managed to persuade me to accompany
him to a special church event. There, it
was as if the message was specially written
for me. I got arrested by the holy spirit
and gave my life to Christ. I became born
again and realised that I was deeply
engaged in an evil act and I eventually
had to tell her it was over.
It was not easy from then on between us.
She began threatening me that she would
tell the family what we had been doing.
She even threatened to tell them that I
had raped her while she was on holiday in
our house and subsequently forced her
into an affair with me. Later, she told me
that she had gotten pregnant for me at
some point and had to abort the baby
because she did not want to put me into
trouble. She said she would not allow me
to dump her after messing her up. But you
know that when you have God on your
side, nothing can shake you. I informed
her that I cannot deny doing all that we
did together, but that at the time, I did not
realise that it was a sin in the eyes of God
and an abomination in the eyes of man.
And even wickedness on the part of the
boy as Joseph said in Genesis Ch 39: 9.
Eventually, I had to confide in an older
cousin who is also a Christian. I was
convinced in my spirit that he would
understand. With his help, I confessed to
my parents who then called her mother
and the matter was resolved as best as they
could.
Unfortunately, it has damaged the
relationship between my father and her
mother who are first cousins but were so
close many always thought they were
siblings. We both do not talk despite the
fact that I have tried to make peace with
her many times. She also does not visit
Nigeria again”.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, , 2018 — 29
bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk
Who says money can’t buy love?
’ OUGAR’ is a sophisticated word introduced to the
Cdating scene a few years back. A cougar, aka Puma,
aka American mountain lion is a fierce-looking animal
who stalks its prey relentlessly. When it eventually overpowers
the prey, the cougar tears it to pieces, devours it
ferociously and licks its lips with satisfaction at the end
of the ‘feast.’ The cougar has now replaced those we
once knew as ‘senior girls’ in the society. Women with a
lot of money and power, but with little patience to start
running after men in their age bracket only to find
such men to be bitter disappointments in the bedroom.
The cougar knows the type of men she wants—not so
old. Young enough to stand to attention at the push of a
button.
To the ‘Cougar’s prey, the sky is the limit to the doors
that might be opened to him—cars from his cougar’s
garage at his disposal, lots of money to burn, and lots of
business opportunities thrown his way. All he has to do
was to ask ‘how far?’ when his cougar says, ‘jump’! As
long as a boy-toy knows his place and doesn’t get
complacent enough to start eyeing some of his cougar’s
friends with the hope of rendering same services with
maybe better returns, he’s on solid grounds.
Nkiru, now close to 50 married very young. According
to her, “I was a quiet 19-year-old virgin when my parents
gave me out in marriage to a rich village chief almost 20
years my senior. He was kind and dependable but I was
shy and inexperienced, unable to relax and enjoy sex. I
just assumed great sex was a
media myth, that orgasms were
as unobtainable as the moon.
The arrival of the children
turned me off sex even more
and my husband didn’t protest.
He obviously had a below
average libido or was looking
elsewhere for gratification.
“By the time he died 16 years
into our marriage, I’d known
enough about his business to
run things for myself. He died
of cancer and had warned his
greedy relatives to leave me
alone after he’d gone. Not only
that, he’d transferred all his
liquid cash into my account
and given me the title deeds to
all the property he had. As
soon as he died and my
traditional mourning period
was over, I sold off everything,
so my husband’s family
wouldn’t lay their hands on
them, and came to Lagos to
find a business of my own.
“My first taste of meaningful
sex came when one of my
suppliers started teasing me
with saucy innuendos. I was
thrilled. He was married, tall,
dark and handsome with
mischievous eyes. That suited
me to the ground. I had my four
children and money; I wasn’t
on the look-out for another
husband. The day we finally
got together was like a magic.
Like the magazines advised,
I’d worn sexy underwear and
spiced up my bedroom. We
were nicely tipsy when we
tumbled into bed. It was the
first time I reached an orgasm.
At last, I understood that sex
could be mind-blowing. And I
wanted more.
“I made sure he didn’t regret
our liaison. I bought a lot of my
raw materials from him,
gave him money towards the
price of a second hand car and
bought him designer clothes
whenever we travelled. It
went on for a few years until
his wife found out and had the
nerve to charge into my office
calling me all sorts of
derogatory names. I was
furious and threw her out of
my office. I might be bunking
her husband, but I was sure
a lot of the freebies I threw
his way went a long way into
giving his wife and children
a cushy life.
‘Telling him I didn’t want
any scandal, I cut him off and
bought myself a vibrator
which kept me man-free for a
while. Two years later, I met
Joshua who was single and
ready to mingle as they say!
Once in a
while, I caught
glimpse of
jealousy in his
eyes and I
quickly called
him to order
His youth made him eager to
please and he was really
energetic. ‘I love older women’,
he said cheekily and he was
better than any of the vibrators
I’d used. In the bedroom he
actually, made me ecstatic. He
was matured enough not to talk
about my private life and I gave
him all the freedom he wanted.
All I wanted was amazing sexpassion
without
responsibilities. And we were
both free to sleep with other
people, so I kept my options
open.
“Once in a while, I caught
glimpse of jealousy in his
eyes and I quickly called him
to order. When he eventually
told me he was getting
married, I gave him my
blessings but told him we
were over. After that
experience with an irate wife,
I didn’t relish the idea of a
‘wife’ young enough to be my
daughter shouting insults at
me because I slept with her
husband.
“I’ve since met another man
also young and virile. Like
Can you handle being famous?
Being a celebrity is so easy! You too can
be a celebrity! We all want to be seated at the
best tables in restaurants and walk on red carpet,
but would we really enjoy a posse of paparazzi
snapping at our heels? Celebrities pay a price for
being on the public stage. But if you want it, you
can have the glamour without paparazzi following
your every move. All right, you may not even make
the list, but this isn’t about fame. This is about
making people feel that the lights have suddenly
brightened just because you’ve entered the room.
Here’s how to be on the A-list in your own world
by people who have actually tried and succeeded.
Make work your stage: Whether you’re briefing
your team on a new project or selling clothes in a
shop, you need to give your job the same kind of
oomph the celebs give theirs. Wherever you work,
that is your stage, perform on it well and you’ll
steal the show,
Make a name for yourself: Celebs are more than
what they do. They are names. Editors know that
names in headlines attract attention. Decide what
name you’re going to have. Imagine it on an
invitation to a first night, or on the list of employees
put up for promotion. What name do you want to
see there - the nickname everyone knows you by
or your fool moniker? What would we think of
Hilary Clinton if she’d called herself Hills? And
would Catherine Zeta Jones be such a name if
she’d styled herself Katie Jones? When you’ve
picked your name, use it whenever you can.
Answer the phone with it and sign it on everything
you can.
Get your name about: Getting your name known
is easy if you’re prepared on what you read - write
a letter to the editor. Or write an article and see
me, he enjoys slow, sensuous
sex. And I’m having the time
of my life. It’s difficult to
believe that when I was
younger, I thought orgasms
were mythical, yet now, at my
age, I’m having incredible sex
and growing older has never
been such fun! I’m looking
forward to hitting the ‘great
five-o! Who knows what
spritely hip-wriggling stud I
would spend that day with!
Thank goodness all my
children are abroad. My
eldest son came to stay for a
while and saw my new catch.
He grimaced when I
confessed we were lovers.
‘Just be careful mum’, he
warned, ‘we don’t want any
scandal!’
“I told him to grow up. Even
in Britain where he stays,
cougars abound and it
wouldn’t hurt him to
experiment with one or two
before he settles down! I then
discovered that a lot of my
friends are into this cougar
thing and some have even
slept with each other’s lovers
without any ill-feelings. I
didn’t intend to take things
that far and I insist on safe
sex. I want excitement. I don’t
intend to be reckless in my
quest for meaningful sex! I
want to be around long
enough to see how far this
adventure would take me!”
your name on the byline. Give talks. Set up
special interest groups and make sure your
name is on the publicity. Be the spokesperson
for the group you’re involved with. The more
you get your name about, the more people will
claim to know you. Friends you haven’t spoken
to in ages will ring to say they saw your picture
in the paper when you were handing out prizes
at your eldest’s school.
Conference speakers will seek you out during
the break to discuss the question you asked in
more details. Soon, you won’t be the one
glancing around a room wondering who to talk
to. People will want to talk to you. You’ll begin
to feel like a celeb.
Keep something back: Now that your name is
getting known by a wider audience, you can’t
afford to slip back into being just one of the gang.
By all means, go for a drink after work, but don’t
stay too long. People will gradually come to
understand that they have to share you with
others. Don’t automatically accept all invitations.
You’re now on a very busy schedule and have
lots of demands on your time from lots of people.
Whoever gets you will need to feel that they’re
lucky to have you, they’ll treat you as the star
guest.
Don’t let it go your head: No one likes a big
head and the best loved celebrities are those
whose generosity of spirit wins our hearts. True
stars have a radiance. When you talk to people,
give them your undivided attention. Don’t look
around for someone more important to talk to.
For two minutes or so, you can make the person
you’re with feel special, and after you’ve gone,
they’ll feel a warm glow for having been in your
presence.

30— SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
KOGI CENTRAL 2019:
Barr Natasha
Akpoti, the dark
horse in the race
As Nigerians eagerly turned into the
formal commencement of campaigns for
the various elective offices up for contest
in the 2019 general elections, there have been
diverse opinions as to how the political
pendulum would swing and the voting pattern
across the geo-political zones. Beyond the much
anticipated presidential contest which would see
the opposition parties challenging the
incumbent President Muhammadu
Buhari, in Kogi State, the major focus is
the shape, form and intellectual content
of the next National Assembly.
It is important to state that the future of
our budding democracy will ultimately
be dependent on a vibrant and
knowledge driven legislative
governance architecture.
By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja
ONE of the most interesting
Senatorial Districts in
Nigeria is Kogi Central.The
district holds the State
governor, Yahaya Bello with five local
government areas (Okene, Okehi,
Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/magongo). It
accounts for close to 20% of the State’s
registered voting population, and
predominantly Ebira speaking people
aside Ogori/Mangogo council area
which incidentally, remained the
smallest LGA in the state with just two
communities of Ogori and Magongo.
Any individual that must be elected
to the senate from the zone must be
capable of building pro-development
consensus amongst colleagues in
Parliament with a view to
constructively engaging the Executive
so as to make laws for the prosperity,
peace and good governance of the
nation, especially his or her primary
constituency. Most importantly, the
representative must understand the
complexities and intricacies of
contemporary legislative craft
especially as it relates to rule-making,
appropriation and oversight of
executive actions. Though, there are
about five persons currently seeking
the mandate of the people to represent
Kogi Central in the Red Chambers
come 2019. One of them is Barrister
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti, the
Candidate of the Social Democratic
Party, (SDP).
Political pundits who had initially
narrowed the race in the zone between
the APC candidate, Yakubu Ocheni
and PDP candidate, Senator Ahmed
Ogembe have begun to recant
following the recent development in
the area. Natasha, though the only
woman in the contest is best regarded
as the third force in the race and a
dark horse. The buzz around Natasha
seems to be rising as a possible
Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti
replacement for the incumbent
Ahmed Ogembe amongst the duo of
Natasha and Ocheni.
If Natasha wins, it won’t be a
surprise. Ebira people have history of
rejecting an incumbent and sidelining
a ruling party to vote for a third force.
Since 2015 till date,
Natasha Akpoti has been
the fore advocate for the
resuscitation of the
Ajaokuta Steel Company
with a plea asking that FG
immediately terminate
arbitration with ISPLAT/
GSHL and appoint TPE to
complete Ajaokuta Steel
Company Limited
In 1979 NASS election, Ebira rejected
the incumbent candidate of National
Party of Nigeria, NPN; sidelined the
ruling Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN
candidate to vote for the candidate of
Great Nigeria Peoples Party, GNPP.
Analyst said such is in the horizon for
the 2019 election.
Since 2015 till date, Natasha
Akpoti has been the fore advocate for
the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel
Company with a plea asking that FG
immediately terminate arbitration with
ISPLAT/GSHL and appoint TPE to
complete Ajaokuta Steel Company
limited.
Natasha’s advocacy was termed as
“disruptive” and she over time became
known as a patriotic nationalistic rebel
nicknamed the “Queen of Steel” due
to the aggressive and resilient manner
in which she tackled the then Minister
of Solid Minerals, Hon. Kayode
Fayemi and bulldozed her expose on
the long hidden corruption and
conspiracies. Natasha spoke against
the reconcession of National Iron Ore
Mining Company (NIOMCO) to
Global Steel Holdings Limited (GSHL)
because of their roles in the
vandalization and running-down of
NIOMCO, Ajaokuta Steel complex
and Delta Steel which caused the
termination of their erstwhile
concession by late president Umar
Yar’Adua. Furthermore, Natasha
speaks for a Government to
Government engagement of Ajaokuta’s
Original Builders TyazhPromExport
(TPE) a subsidiary of Rostec to serve
as technical partners to the project and
she stood strongly against the
privatization of Ajaokuta steel complex
because in her words she believes that
“Every government has business in
doing business especially in major
sectors which affects the national
security with regards to job creation
and defining foreign trade policies. It’s
wrong for a government to rely on
privatization as an escape route for its
inefficiencies. If the problem is the civil
service, then there should be an
overhaul because there are many
smart and hardworking Nigerians both
at home and in diaspora who can
understudy the technology for a short
period of years under TPE’s tutelage
and operate henceforth as a solely
Nigerian owned public enterprise.”
The struggle of course came with
heavy blows with smear campaigns to
discredit her advocacy as one
sponsored to sabotage President
Buhari’s government. Natasha refuted:
“I never received a penny from no one;
neither did I settle for promises in kind
to malign everyone connected to the
Ajaokuta’s conspiracy. All I did was
out of sheer patriotism and love for my
country Nigeria. I exist today as a
direct product of the relationship
between the Soviet Union and Nigeria
sake of the big industrialization
dream both nations shared. It breaks
my heart when I watch the steel mill
deteriorate by the year and its
direct correlation, the collapse of
Nigeria’s economy due to its
inability to diversify from the oil
sector. Rather than being torn
apart by the neocolonialist
cabals, I expect to be
appreciated”.
Natasha’s lone voice of 2015
turned into a movement of
millions of Nigerian supporters
within and in diaspora who
connected to her advocacy. It climaxed
on the 1st of March 2018 when she
made an expository presentation of
facts before the nation on the
floor of the National
Assembly’s plenary debate
on the Nigeria’s steel
sector. Shortly after
Natasha’s shocking
revelation and call
for action; the
National Assembly
took urgent steps to:
Amend the
privatization bill by
expunging Ajaokuta
steel from the
concession list,
create a $1b lifeline funding for the
revival of Ajaokuta steel company,
commence drafting a set of laws to
protect the development of the
Nigerian steel sector.
Born in 1979 by an Ukrainian mother
to a Nigerian father, late Dr. Akpoti of
today Okehi council area, Natasha is a
product of the relationship between
Nigeria and USSR’s vision to position
Nigeria as an industrialized nation
through Ajaokuta Steel company,
Natasha holds a Certificate in Law, MBA
and Social Entrepreneurship including
numerous credentials obtained from
local and international institutions.
She was the first Ebira Woman and
indeed first Nigerian and West African
to initiate the establishment of a 21-
hectares integrated Technology
Innovation and Business Growth hub
situated in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in
collaboration with Niger Delta
Development Commission, NDDC, and
Small and Medium Enterprises
Development Agency of Nigeria,
SMEDAN. The first Ebira woman to be
recognized with the African Women
Leadership Award by Mrs. Jewel Taylor,
vice president of the Federal Republic
of Liberia and the first Ebira woman to
lead a one man protest to the National
Assembly to spur a revolution on the side
of the masses against the so called
“owners of the Country” on Equity,
Justice and Fair play.
She’s also the first woman in the
modern Ebira nation and indeed first
Nigerian non-engineer to receive the
presidential award from the Nigerian
Society of Engineers on December 2017
for her efforts on Ajaokuta Steel’s
revival, the only person in Ebiraland
that took both State and Federal
governments to court over the popular
Ogaminana massacre and as things
stand, Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti
may be the First Ebira woman to be
elected as senator. What may also work
in her favour is that she is the only
female contestant.

Empathy over Politics
Not many knew there could be
a strong relationship be
tween poetry and the economy
until Nigerian Poet, Dike
Chukwumerije gave his outstanding
performance at the 23rd Nigerian
Economic Summit in Abuja last
year, with which he exposed our ethnic
hypocrisies as a nation while criticizing
other peoples about racism.
In the United States for instance, the
relationship between emotions and
governance has long been established
and exploited as one of the nation’s
strongest points. The inaugurations
of their presidents are often heralded
by great poetry or musical performances.
In politics anywhere, the man who
is able to whip up the most or the
strongest sentiments is likely to win
elections, particularly in the executive.
If a politician is able to connect to those
parts of the people’s brain which
makes them happy, sad, angry, afraid
or hopeless/hopeful, that politician has
got their heart to manipulate or use in
any way he deems fit. The same applies
in business.
The salesman who is able to connect
to the buyer’s heart or the one with
which the buyer identifies in an emotional
way is likely to sell more. Yet we
have failed to formalize the relationship,
for the most part, between emotions and
the things that matter the most to uspolitics
and the economy.
In the years leading up to the 2015
elections, Jonathan’s handlers thought
it would be a brilliant idea to include
Nollywood in the presidential campaign
and it might have worked, had it been
based on the correct premise. Rather, the
Actors’ Guild was granted hundreds of
millions of naira which apparently vaporized
into thin air, even as the industry
deteriorated and yielded market
share to Africa Magic: from South Africa
with not-so-much-love.
It was therefore a great development
to have a poet open talks about money
with talks about love and unity. Fela
Durotoye, one of Nigeria’s new generation
Presidential candidates for 2019
has spoken about changing Nigeria by
inspiring its citizens, and opposition
laughed at him. Yet, there is nothing
Nigeria needs at this time more than
inspiration.
There is a joke making the rounds that
even if there are sounds of gunshots in
the market, a man of Igbo extraction
would first go and close his shop. This
might or might not be the fallout of the
now very famous words of vice-Presidential
candidate and Former Anambra
Governor Peter Obi, who had, during
the BON presidential debates, made
the analogy with a man leaving his
shop open while chasing a thief who
had stolen from him; as a metaphor for
the incumbent Federal Government’s
style of tackling corruption.
As it ought to have, the metaphor had
aroused laughter, but it had also
aroused a good amount of animosity,
arising from the ethnic extraction of the
individual who made it. We have lost a
great deal of all the things that made
us great as regions and as a country_
the value of our currency, the strength
In the United States for
instance, the relationship
between emotions and
governance has long
been established and
exploited as one of the
nation’s strongest
points. The
inaugurations of their
presidents are often
heralded by great poetry
or musical
performances.
of our universities and education standards
in general; the peace and stability
that ensured that we operated as one
sovereign country peopled by different
ethnic nationalities. The one thing we
cannot afford to lose is our sense of humour
and the ability to laugh at ourselves.
After France took home the World
Cup this year for the first time in twen-
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—31
Lagos First Lady, Governor, bid Lagos children
farewell with superlative Christmas party
ty years, celebrations erupted all over
Africa as we appropriated the Western
European country’s victory as being an
“African World Cup”. Not finding this
funny at all, French sports officials debunked
this claim, pointing out that the
12 Bleu finalists of African descent
were actually French in their totality.
We thought the joke was lost on them,
but actually, it was lost on us.
Just as Chukwumerije postulated in
his spoken word piece referenced
above, we are quick to own the international
achievements of the Igbo Phillip
Emegwali, the Hausa Jelani Aliyu
or the Yoruba Adebayo Ogunlesi, regardless
of which ethnic group we lay
claims to. Yet, when it comes to politics
we are only too quick to desecrate our
nationhood while claiming injuries on
matters we should be laughing about.
And while we claim that our incredible
diversity is a plus, we are quick to
sacrifice this universally perceived advantage
on the altar of tribal politics.
Little by little, we have developed a
general apathy which has made us
immune to the sufferings of other Nigerians
in other parts of the country:
Environmental disasters in the South
South as a fallout of oil exploitation in
the region, which has gone on for decades;
Mudslides in the South-East,
which has exacerbated the pressure on
land in the region; Boko Haram in the
North-East; Ethnic clashes in the North
Central and Ethno-religious crises in
the North-West; as well as the Apapa
Port catastrophe in Lagos. Our indifference
to what we gauged as ‘other
people’s problems’ has gradually
turned us into a crisis ridden nation
overall.
It could get worse. Once topping the
list of the happiest people on earth, we
are gradually turning ourselves into a
sad, politics-crazed lot. Most definitely,
we cannot afford to become a country
devoid of emotions.
Lagos State Governor,
Akinwunmi Ambode and his
wife, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode
on Saturday urged children to
continue to listen to the counsel of
their parents and guardians, saying
that it is by doing so
that they could
achieve their set
goals and maximise
their potentials.
They both spoke at
the Lagos House in
Alausa, Ikeja,
during the annual
Christmas party
organized by the
State Government
for children in the
State.
In his remarks,
Governor Ambode
urged the children
to continue to show
love to their parents
and families for the
opportunity given
to them to have a
good life and
prospective future.
“They are the
ones that have been able to put you
all in good condition and I urge you
to continue to show love to your
parents and make sure that the
things they teach you, you take it
seriously so that you can become
successful lawyers, doctors,
accountants, pilots and all the good
things you wish to become in life.
“My prayer for you all is that you
would all grow to be bigger and more
prosperous than
all of us. I want
to also thank the
These little ones are the
unique gift of the
Almighty given to us to
look after. Our duty
assigned by God as
guardians, is to ensure
care and welfare that will
make them grow up as
happy children,
productive and fulfilled
citizens
parents for
keeping these
children, God
would continue
to reward you,”
he said.
On her part,
Mrs. Ambode
charged the
children to be
obedient,
h u m b l e ,
respectful and to
take their
s t u d i e s
seriously at all
times if they
intend to have a
brighter and
rewarding
future.
She described
children as jewels which value cannot
be estimated, urging parents to bring
them up in the way of God and help
them realize their full potential.
Playing host to more than 3,000
children across tribe, class and
religion, she said that children were
special gifts from God given to parents
to cater for, stressing that everything
should be done to make them happy,
productive and fulfilled.
She said, “These little ones are the
unique gift of the Almighty given to
us to look after. Our duty assigned by
God as guardians, is to ensure care
and welfare that will make them grow
up as happy children, productive and
fulfilled citizens.
“No amount of investment in
children can ever be too much towards
a purposeful life for them. This annual
Christmas party is to give them a feel
of the Yuletide season and our prayer
is that the presence of God will always
be with them, to guide, protect and
lift them to productive and responsible
citizens of our country. ”
She charged the children to be
obedient, humble, respectful and to
take their studies seriously at all times.
Highlights of the party include
series of games and competition with
several prizes, cutting of cake, while
the Governor and his wife took out
time to dance with the children.

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
Events that defined
Nigeria civil
aviation in 2018
By Lawani Mikairu
The civil aviation in Nigeria witnessed
some glorious moments in 2018, just
as some events in the year under
review made some aviation stakeholders
and watchers ask when will Nigeria civil
aviation come of age.
GLORIOUS
MOMENTS
Payment of defunct
Nigeria Airways’ exworkers
The happiest
moment, according to
some stakeholders was
when the Federal
government in October
commenced the
payment of the gratuity
of the ex-workers of the
defunct Nigeria
Airways who had been
expecting their
severance benefits for
more than a decade
after the government of
Chief Olusegun
Obasanjo liquidated
the then national
carrier.
Some of the retirees
confirmed that they
started receiving
payment alerts few
days after the
completion of their
verification and data
processes that lasted
two weeks. Within a
week of commencement, all the retirees and
the next of kin of those who have passed on
were paid.
The sum of N45billion naira was
disbursed to the former workers of the
airways as the federal government promised
to pay half of their entitlement now while
the balance will be paid within the next six
months.
The exercise was originally scheduled to
end on Monday, October 22, 2018, but
because of the hiccups during the
verification and data processes, the closing
date was open. About 5,968 retirees were
beneficiaries of the exercise and everyone
who was captured and cleared by the
Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, were paid their due.
Commissioning of new airport terminals
Another high point was when President
Muhammadu Buhari officially
commissioned the new terminal of the Port
Harcourt International Airport. The
terminal was one of the four valued at
$600million dollars funded by the Chinese-
Nigeria initiative. The three other terminals
are the new terminal of the Murtal
Muhahammed International Airport,
Lagos; Nnamdi Azikiwe International
Airport, Abuja, and Mallam Aminu Kano
International Airport, Kano.
The Port Harcourt Airport commissioning
was followed by the Nnamdi Azikiwe
International Airport, Abuja, which was also
commissioned by the President on 20th
December. Speaking at the commissioning
ceremony in Port Harcourt, President
Buhari said it was part of his electoral
promises to upgrade Nigeria’s transport
infrastructure in all
geo political zones
of the country.
He said the
commissioning was
a significant
landmark for
international
travellers especially
those in the South-
The sum of N45billion
naira was disbursed to the
former workers of the
airways as the federal
government promised to
pay half of their
entitlement now while the
balance will be paid within
the next six months
South region.
According to him,
“not much was
done after these
airports were built
in the 70s and 80s
to increase
handling capacity
of the airports and
so we needed to take
decisive steps to
ensure that our
terminals meet the
m i n i m u m
international
global standards”
“In the 2017
budget, I promised
to upgrade
Nigeria’s transport
and complete a
number of projects
that will be
beneficiary to the
nation economically and these include
construction of new terminals, railways and
power projects”.
Air Peace purchase
agreement with Boeing
Another glorious moment for Nigeria
domestic airline in the year was when Air
Peace airline signed multi-million dollars
purchase agreement with aircraft
manufacturer, Boeing. The deal entails Air
Peace placing a firm order for 10 Boeing
737 Max 8 planes which will be supplied
within the shortest possible time to the
airline. This purchase makes Air Peace the
first airline in West Africa to own 10 new
737 MAX aircraft.
The purchase deal which was signed by
Mr Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace Air,
on behalf of the airline, and Mr Larry
Tolliver, Boeing Sales Director, West Africa,
on behalf of Boeing Corporation Inc. was
witnessed by the United States of America
Consul General to Nigeria, Mr John Bray.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in
Lagos, Onyema said the arrival of the 10
new aircraft will increase the airline fleet
size to 37 as it currently has 27, adding that
the airline was fully ready for international
flight operations to Europe and the United
States.
According to Onyema : “We have made
some payments to Boeing already and the
aircraft will soon arrive the country. Boeing
has given us a lot of incentives ranging from
training, spare parts and other support
worth millions of dollars to help us achieve
smooth entry into the market”.
“We are happy that in few years, Air Peace
will be adding another 5000 jobs to the
country’s aviation sector. We are not waiting
for the government to do this for us. We want
to do this by ourselves.”
On why the airline ordered 10 737 MAX
aircraft, he said that this brand of new
aircraft are more fuel efficient than the
classic that the airline currently uses, attract
lower maintenance costs and is customer
friendly.
Speaking also at the ceremony, John Bray,
United States Consul General noted that this
development will further strengthen the
relatioship between the United States and
Nigeria and assured Air Peace of the support
of his country’s government. He
commended Air Peace and its chairman for
the feat. On his part, the Sales Director of
Boeing, Mr. Larry Tolliver praised Air Peace
for the feat. The new aircraft, he assured,
would drastically cut the airline’s cost of
operations.
LOW
MOMENTS
Shutting down of terminal by workers’
unions
One of the low moments of the civil
aviation in the country was when the
aviation workers unions shut down the
operations of one of the two domestic
terminals at the Murtala Muhammed
Airport, Lagos, MMA2, operated by Bi-
Counrtney Aviation Services, BASL. The
closure of the terminal which lasted for two
days led to airlines operating from the
terminal losing millions of naira and
temporarily relocating their operations to
the General Aviation Terminal , GAT, which
is managed by the Federal Airports Authority
of Nigeria, FAAN.
The relocation of the airlines became
necessary as the siege on MMA2 by aviation
unions made it impossible for the airlines
to carry out their operations at the terminal.
The affected airlines were Dana Air , Med-
View Air , Aero Contractors, Azman Air and
Max Air.
On the second day of the siege, Bi-
Counrtney Aviation Services, BASL,
operator of MMA2, had to deploy hefty
bouncers, dogs and used the trucks of their
subsidiary, Stabilini, to block the exit and
entrance gates of the terminal to prevent
the union members from having direct
access to the gates. The dogs and bouncers
were there until the civil aviation regulator,
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA,
intervened and resolved the industrial
dispute the unions had with BASL.
The sack of 60 members
of staff by Med-View
Some stakeholders said another low point
was when Med-View Airline placed 60
members of the airline staff on redundancy
and asked them to go home until the
business fortune of the airline improves.
Explaining the reasons for the
rationalization of the effected staff, Alhaji
Isiaq Na-Allah, Executive Director, Business
Development, Med-View Airline said
“Going by the realities of the prevailing
economic situation, Med-View Airline is
currently restructuring in order to fully
maximize its operation and prepare
adequately for the challenges ahead”.
“In the course of this exercise, some staff,
about 60 in numbers, were required to step
aside as a result of downsizing with a
genuine intention to recall them as soon as
situation improves as stated in our letter to
the affected staff”.
“The decision by management on this
exercise though tough is predicated on the
need to achieve the best result with a
minimum but adequate work force. All the
Staff affected have been adequately
communicated”, he said.
The stillborn of
national carrier
The inability of the Minister of State for
Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika to keep the
promise of delivering a national airline for
the country before December, 2018 was also
regarded as a low moment for the industry.
Some stakeholders felt the national airline
would have provided jobs for the teeming
unemployed youths and pilots.
It will be recalled that on 17th July this
year, the federal government unveiled the
name and the logo of the national carrier.
This was done by the Minister of State for
Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, at
Farnborough International Air show in
London. He had said the carrier will be
private sector-led and driven. “It is a
business, not a social service. Government
will not be involved in running it or
deciding who runs it. The investors will
have full responsibility for this and the
Nigerian Government will not own more
than 5% (maximum) of the new National
Carrier. Government will not be involved
in running it or deciding who runs it,” Sirika
had said.
Before the decision to suspend the
venture, the federal government was said
to have already spent more than $400
million on the project.
However, domestic airline operators
under the aegis of Airline Operators of
Nigeria, AON, commended the Federal
government for suspending the
establishment of national carrier, the
Nigeria Air, arguing that the current state
of the economy cannot sustain the venture
while the operators argued hat what the
country needed were strong private airlines.

We dream big
in Akwa Ibom
— PROF CHRIS EKONG
Prof Chris Ekong is a professor of Economics and currently, Coordinator - University of Uyo E-
Learning Programme. He is also a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this
interview with HARRIS-OKON EMMANUEL, he talked about the chances of the party in
the forthcoming general polls and explains why he feels APC will win the governor race in the
state, maintaining that the policy thrust of Obong Nsima Ekere, the governorship flag bearer will
ensure the sustainable development of the state among other issues. Excerpts…
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—33
And the governor came and instead
of conferring with the CP, or calling
security meeting of the state, he went
to the Assembly and started talking ills
about the CP. It showed immaturity.
That is why they are now
shouting, federal might. Which
federal might are we using?
Look at the content in APC.
We have Godswill Akpabio.
We have Don Etiebet. We
have Senator John
Akpanudoedehe. We
have Umana Umana. We
have Group Captain
Sam Ewang. We have
Ita Enang. We have
Abom Tony Esu. We
have Eseme Eyiboh.
We have Barrister
Dan Abia. So, who is
there for this
governor or for this
government? The
only person that is
there is Idongesit
Nkanga. So, who
again? Who are the
people around
him?
Are you
saying
Akwa Ibom has been a PDP stronghold
state since 1999 when democracy
returned. Why do you think the electorate
may vote for APC now?
Let me start with the political history of
Akwa Ibom as it was then even in South
Eastern State of Nigeria. Akwa Ibom state
has benefited with a national government
and we are very careful being in minority
in Nigeria. This was why even with our
political history, we advocated some
movements in the 1920s because we were
afraid of the domination of the major tribes.
And in Nigeria, you have to be very careful
to stay out of government and become
opposition. We don’t have the number
and we don’t have the means. You know
in Nigeria, the
allocations are done at
the center. The
Constitution itself
makes the center to be
very strong. And what
is politics? Politics is a
game of number. So,
if the people that are
more than you are in
the central government,
it is very, very unwise
for a state like ours to
stay in opposition and
outside government.
Since 1999, we told
ourselves the actual
truth that we must
always try to be at the
central government
and not in opposition.
We produce the highest
quantum of oil, but at a
time we were not even
in the equation as an oil
producing state. Some
states in the same Niger
Delta were actually
there and were even
pressing us down. So,
we now decided that
we must be in the
central government, a
government that is not
in opposition. That is what we have
decided.
To what extent has your party enlightened
the Akwa Ibom people to want to follow
the APC because they are in power at
the centre?
A: We have done that and we are still
doing this at the grassroots.
Notwithstanding how unpopular this
government is, they control the source of
information- the radio, television. So every
day, they are shouting. And when I listen,
I see the mystery that this present
government is talking about. And it is the
same thing that they reel out in the radio
every day.
Q: Are you saying the Akwa Ibom
people have fully accepted APC?
A: APC is totally accepted by the
grassroots people in AKWA Ibom
state.
Q: What gives you that impression?
A: I live in the grassroots. I relate
with the grassroots. I go to the
villages. I talk to the people
on ground. I am not
an urban politician.
I go straight to
people on ground
and I know how they
feel. I know how
workers in this state •Ekong
feel. I know how
NULGE for
instance, in the
local government
felt when Nsima
brought his campaign manifesto, that
he is not going to
touch their money,
that he is going to
allow local
government
autonomy. I know
how civil servants
how they feel.
Akwa Ibom state
has benefited with
a national
government and
we are very careful
being in minority
in Nigeria
Q: But the
People are saying
that Obong Nsima
Ekere’s blueprint is
not implementable
given the fact that he
is running for only
one term of four
years?
A: When people
say that the blueprint
is not implementable
it’s a total lack of
understanding of
issues. Anything is
implementable.
Maybe you can say if
he starts this road, he
would not finish it. But
I want people to tell
us what they mean by
saying that Ekere’s
blueprint is not
implementable. If you
look at the manifesto,
the last agenda is good governance and
in the good governance the manifesto
states clearly the intention of the Ekere’s
government. What his government would
do. After developing the blueprint, he is
going to send it to the State House of
Assembly to pass into law. So, after his
four years the government that is coming
after him would continue to implement
the big dream of Akwa Ibom State. It is
good to dream. Akwa Ibom is a big
dreamer. Akpan Isemin started it and
Obong Victor Attah came and drew a big
plan and Akpabio came and also did
things. So, why are we going back? Going
to build on small, small things? Though
small is beautiful but big is also beautiful
and better. So, we need to go back on
this big dreams and plans. And all of
those things are simple and
implementable. So, Ekere’s plans are
simple and implementable. If you look
at the economic prosperity, he says, I am
going to put N20 billion for this to be done,
I am going to develop entrepreneurs and
this is the model I am going to use to
develop these entrepreneurs, every year.
I would put 6,000 of these people out. After
Attah’s manifesto, this is the first time, we
are going to have a manifesto and that is
why people are scared. This is how
military government used to be. They just
sleep and their wives tell them go and do
matches industry and they go. The state
cannot be run like that. You run the state
on plans. You would see how the plan
is going to be implemented.
What about funding? How would he
fund his projects?
Funding has been factored into the all
whole plan. But if this government is
complaining about paucity of funds, I
don’t know what Abia State would do? I
don’t know what a state like Osun would
do? Osun collects less than two billion
naira per month and Akwa Ibom state had
never collected anything less than fifteen
billion naira every month.
Remember in this state, when this
government took over, for two years, we
were bombarding and asking him to
release the financial position of the state.
Where is our money? They said they
were paying debt. What is the wage bill
of the state? How much are they paying
the civil servants? So, we need to know.
Pundits are of the opinion that APC is
just relying on the federal might to get
into office and not on the popularity of
the party in the state?
I don’t know what they call federal
might. If you want to see our federal
might, we have been doing things, our
rallies, convention, our meetings; you will
see Akwa Ibom people who earnestly come
out without being given money. They
come on their own to share in what is
happening and the new vision, the new
thing that is going to come. What is
federal might? I, Chris Ekong, as one
of top persons in APC do have any
Police protection even in my house.
What is federal might when the DSS
Director and Police Commissioner
report to the Governor? Except this
one that came and on the day he came
there was issue at the State House of
Assembly and he had to go there to
resolve the issue, before reporting to
the governor, and when he got there
he made sure that there was no fight.
that Akwa Ibom is now APC?
A: Akwa Ibom is an APC state and that
indication is going to be shown on
February and March, and people
would see.
Many people are already
apprehensive, saying that elections
would not be free and fair? How do you
react to this?
A: Elections would be free and fair. It
would be peaceful. But when they started
destroying billboards they didn’t see what
was coming. They do things; they don’t
look at the consequences of what they
have done. When they started tearing
Nsima Ekere’s billboards over the place,
we didn’t say anything until that report to
the Police and the Police had to do their
work. You see the Commissioner was
pictured at the Akpan Andem Market
going about with thugs to remove the
billboard somebody had paid for and they
went and removed it to put their own.
And it was captured even by the Police.
That is why they took him and questioned
him.
Who is Nsima Ekere to you? Does he
have the capacity, temperament to govern
the state once described by a University
don as an atomistic society perpetually
at war with itself?
A: First of all, Nsima Ekere is a smart
public servant. He has been in the public
service sector for a while. He is very
intelligence and has integrity and you see
Nsima more in where he is working
now in NDDC, in charge of nine states
and many of these states that he is charge
had been so turbulent, but since Nsima
came to NDDC the Niger Delta has been
peaceful.
Nsima Ekere is one person that fits that
job. He was once the deputy governor and
he was the one that stopped motorcycle
operation in Uyo, because they were using
it to steal. The day the governor travelled and
made him the acting governor, he banned
them. And that was it and today, Uyo is
peaceful because he was able to take that
action.
He went to NDDC and every time the
militants would always come with
excessive demands, he said he would not
give and stood by his principles of good
governance and re-established scholarships.
He knows what good governance is and that
is the man that is ready to take us back to
where we had wanted to be.

We dream big
in Akwa Ibom
— PROF CHRIS EKONG
Prof Chris Ekong is a professor of Economics and currently, Coordinator - University of Uyo E-
Learning Programme. He is also a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this
interview with HARRIS-OKON EMMANUEL, he talked about the chances of the party in
the forthcoming general polls and explains why he feels APC will win the governor race in the
state, maintaining that the policy thrust of Obong Nsima Ekere, the governorship flag bearer will
ensure the sustainable development of the state among other issues. Excerpts…
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—33
And the governor came and instead
of conferring with the CP, or calling
security meeting of the state, he went
to the Assembly and started talking ills
about the CP. It showed immaturity.
That is why they are now
shouting, federal might. Which
federal might are we using?
Look at the content in APC.
We have Godswill Akpabio.
We have Don Etiebet. We
have Senator John
Akpanudoedehe. We
have Umana Umana. We
have Group Captain
Sam Ewang. We have
Ita Enang. We have
Abom Tony Esu. We
have Eseme Eyiboh.
We have Barrister
Dan Abia. So, who is
there for this
governor or for this
government? The
only person that is
there is Idongesit
Nkanga. So, who
again? Who are the
people around
him?
Are you
saying
Akwa Ibom has been a PDP stronghold
state since 1999 when democracy
returned. Why do you think the electorate
may vote for APC now?
Let me start with the political history of
Akwa Ibom as it was then even in South
Eastern State of Nigeria. Akwa Ibom state
has benefited with a national government
and we are very careful being in minority
in Nigeria. This was why even with our
political history, we advocated some
movements in the 1920s because we were
afraid of the domination of the major tribes.
And in Nigeria, you have to be very careful
to stay out of government and become
opposition. We don’t have the number
and we don’t have the means. You know
in Nigeria, the
allocations are done at
the center. The
Constitution itself
makes the center to be
very strong. And what
is politics? Politics is a
game of number. So,
if the people that are
more than you are in
the central government,
it is very, very unwise
for a state like ours to
stay in opposition and
outside government.
Since 1999, we told
ourselves the actual
truth that we must
always try to be at the
central government
and not in opposition.
We produce the highest
quantum of oil, but at a
time we were not even
in the equation as an oil
producing state. Some
states in the same Niger
Delta were actually
there and were even
pressing us down. So,
we now decided that
we must be in the
central government, a
government that is not
in opposition. That is what we have
decided.
To what extent has your party enlightened
the Akwa Ibom people to want to follow
the APC because they are in power at
the centre?
A: We have done that and we are still
doing this at the grassroots.
Notwithstanding how unpopular this
government is, they control the source of
information- the radio, television. So every
day, they are shouting. And when I listen,
I see the mystery that this present
government is talking about. And it is the
same thing that they reel out in the radio
every day.
Q: Are you saying the Akwa Ibom
people have fully accepted APC?
A: APC is totally accepted by the
grassroots people in AKWA Ibom
state.
Q: What gives you that impression?
A: I live in the grassroots. I relate
with the grassroots. I go to the
villages. I talk to the people
on ground. I am not
an urban politician.
I go straight to
people on ground
and I know how they
feel. I know how
workers in this state •Ekong
feel. I know how
NULGE for
instance, in the
local government
felt when Nsima
brought his campaign manifesto, that
he is not going to
touch their money,
that he is going to
allow local
government
autonomy. I know
how civil servants
how they feel.
Akwa Ibom state
has benefited with
a national
government and
we are very careful
being in minority
in Nigeria
Q: But the
People are saying
that Obong Nsima
Ekere’s blueprint is
not implementable
given the fact that he
is running for only
one term of four
years?
A: When people
say that the blueprint
is not implementable
it’s a total lack of
understanding of
issues. Anything is
implementable.
Maybe you can say if
he starts this road, he
would not finish it. But
I want people to tell
us what they mean by
saying that Ekere’s
blueprint is not
implementable. If you
look at the manifesto,
the last agenda is good governance and
in the good governance the manifesto
states clearly the intention of the Ekere’s
government. What his government would
do. After developing the blueprint, he is
going to send it to the State House of
Assembly to pass into law. So, after his
four years the government that is coming
after him would continue to implement
the big dream of Akwa Ibom State. It is
good to dream. Akwa Ibom is a big
dreamer. Akpan Isemin started it and
Obong Victor Attah came and drew a big
plan and Akpabio came and also did
things. So, why are we going back? Going
to build on small, small things? Though
small is beautiful but big is also beautiful
and better. So, we need to go back on
this big dreams and plans. And all of
those things are simple and
implementable. So, Ekere’s plans are
simple and implementable. If you look
at the economic prosperity, he says, I am
going to put N20 billion for this to be done,
I am going to develop entrepreneurs and
this is the model I am going to use to
develop these entrepreneurs, every year.
I would put 6,000 of these people out. After
Attah’s manifesto, this is the first time, we
are going to have a manifesto and that is
why people are scared. This is how
military government used to be. They just
sleep and their wives tell them go and do
matches industry and they go. The state
cannot be run like that. You run the state
on plans. You would see how the plan
is going to be implemented.
What about funding? How would he
fund his projects?
Funding has been factored into the all
whole plan. But if this government is
complaining about paucity of funds, I
don’t know what Abia State would do? I
don’t know what a state like Osun would
do? Osun collects less than two billion
naira per month and Akwa Ibom state had
never collected anything less than fifteen
billion naira every month.
Remember in this state, when this
government took over, for two years, we
were bombarding and asking him to
release the financial position of the state.
Where is our money? They said they
were paying debt. What is the wage bill
of the state? How much are they paying
the civil servants? So, we need to know.
Pundits are of the opinion that APC is
just relying on the federal might to get
into office and not on the popularity of
the party in the state?
I don’t know what they call federal
might. If you want to see our federal
might, we have been doing things, our
rallies, convention, our meetings; you will
see Akwa Ibom people who earnestly come
out without being given money. They
come on their own to share in what is
happening and the new vision, the new
thing that is going to come. What is
federal might? I, Chris Ekong, as one
of top persons in APC do have any
Police protection even in my house.
What is federal might when the DSS
Director and Police Commissioner
report to the Governor? Except this
one that came and on the day he came
there was issue at the State House of
Assembly and he had to go there to
resolve the issue, before reporting to
the governor, and when he got there
he made sure that there was no fight.
that Akwa Ibom is now APC?
A: Akwa Ibom is an APC state and that
indication is going to be shown on
February and March, and people
would see.
Many people are already
apprehensive, saying that elections
would not be free and fair? How do you
react to this?
A: Elections would be free and fair. It
would be peaceful. But when they started
destroying billboards they didn’t see what
was coming. They do things; they don’t
look at the consequences of what they
have done. When they started tearing
Nsima Ekere’s billboards over the place,
we didn’t say anything until that report to
the Police and the Police had to do their
work. You see the Commissioner was
pictured at the Akpan Andem Market
going about with thugs to remove the
billboard somebody had paid for and they
went and removed it to put their own.
And it was captured even by the Police.
That is why they took him and questioned
him.
Who is Nsima Ekere to you? Does he
have the capacity, temperament to govern
the state once described by a University
don as an atomistic society perpetually
at war with itself?
A: First of all, Nsima Ekere is a smart
public servant. He has been in the public
service sector for a while. He is very
intelligence and has integrity and you see
Nsima more in where he is working
now in NDDC, in charge of nine states
and many of these states that he is charge
had been so turbulent, but since Nsima
came to NDDC the Niger Delta has been
peaceful.
Nsima Ekere is one person that fits that
job. He was once the deputy governor and
he was the one that stopped motorcycle
operation in Uyo, because they were using
it to steal. The day the governor travelled and
made him the acting governor, he banned
them. And that was it and today, Uyo is
peaceful because he was able to take that
action.
He went to NDDC and every time the
militants would always come with
excessive demands, he said he would not
give and stood by his principles of good
governance and re-established scholarships.
He knows what good governance is and that
is the man that is ready to take us back to
where we had wanted to be.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—35
2019: Akwa Ibom
raises alarm
over police antiterrorism
unit
The Akwa Ibom State government
has raised the alarm over an
alleged plan by the Nigeria
Police to send anti-terrorism unit to the
state few weeks to the 2019 elections,
saying that it was a politically motivated.
A statement from the state
Commissioner of Information, Charles
Udoh, advised the Federal Government
to send such units to the North East part
•IGP Idris
of the country where insurgency was
ravaging parts of the country. Their
statement read thus:
“It has come to the notice of Akwa
Ibom State Government that the State
Command of the Nigeria Police Force
has concluded plans to set up an Anti-
Terrorism Unit in the state. Clearly,
judging from all indices that precede
the creation of such sensitive anti-crime
unit, creating an Anti-Terrorism Unit in
Akwa Ibom at this time is suspect. The
question is, of what use is an Anti-
Terrorism Unit in one of the most
peaceful states in Nigeria?
“We are concerned that the setting up
of the Anti-Terrorism Unit is part of the
ground work and ploy of the opposition
party in the State, the All Progressives
Congress (APC), to illegally intimidate,
harass and arrest government
functionaries and the leadership of the
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the
State.
“As the 2019 general elections
approach and political tempo assumes
a crescendo pitch, a functional Anti-
Terrorism Unit in the state, will certainly
arrest and detain whosoever it wills, on
trumped up charges of acts of terrorism.
To buttress the sinister motive of the
Anti-Terrorism Unit, sources say a
•Gov Udom
former Chief Security Officer to former
Governor Godswill Akpabio, has been
redeployed to Akwa Ibom, with tactical
instructions on how to successfully
execute the unholy agenda of the APC
leadership in the state.
“While acknowledging that the Force
retains the right to create units as it
deems necessary, Akwa Ibom State
government frowns at attempts by the
Police hierarchy to portray Akwa Ibom
as a terrorist enclave in Nigeria, by its
planned establishment of an Anti-
Terrorism Unit. It is the consensus of
Nigerians that such sensitive section as
the Anti-Terrorism Unit be activated and
logistically mobilized to effectively
function in parts of Nigeria where
insurgency is rife, especially in the North-
Eastern region, where lives of innocent
Nigerians are lost on a daily basis.
“The activities of members of the Anti-
Terrorism Unit will undoubtedly cause
unwarranted tension among the peaceloving
citizens and residents of Akwa
Ibom State. This is absolutely unnecessary
at this point in time especially if you take
into account, the comments of the GoC 6
Division of the Nigerian Army; who during
a visit to the state publicly described Akwa
Ibom state as the most peaceful in the
Niger Delta region. It is also on record
that not too long ago, the Emir of Kano
led a team of investors seeking investment
opportunities to the state. The business
interest of the revered Traditional Ruler in
our state further underscores the
importance of the peace, safety and
security the current administration has
engendered. Indeed, this has been a
catalyst for the fast-paced development the
state has witnessed since the inception of
the Udom Emmanuel’s administration.
“Only recently the PDP Vice
Presidential Candidate, HE Peter Obi
remarked that The Economist has
listed Uyo as one of the fastest
growing cities in Africa. It is
also imperative to add
that; today, the most
common remark
on the lips of
every Akwa
Ibomite about
the security
situation in the
state is “ I can
now sleep with
my two eyes
closed”. How
can such a
state need an Anti-Terrorism Unit? The
plan is therefore suspect.
“On this score, Akwa Ibom State
Government requests that the State
Police Command puts on hold, the plans
to set up an Anti-Terrorism Unit in Akwa
Ibom, as the present administration will
continue its collaboration with all
security agencies in the state, including
the Nigeria Police, to ensure the safety
of lives and property at all times.
LAND DISPUTE:
Youths desert
Anambra
community,
houses destroyed
•Destroyed buildings in Anambra community
By Vincent Ujumadu
THE sleepy town of
Igbariam in Anambra
East local
government area of Anambra
State has become a ghost
community as youths of the
area have run to
neighbouring villages for
fear of mass arrests by
security operatives, who
invaded the area following
land dispute.
No fewer than 16 persons,
including an 84 year –old
man, are still being detained
in the federal capital, Abuja
following arrests by people
suspected to be members of
police special squad.
Over seven houses were
torched by suspected
hoodlums allegedly aided by
some security operatives and
among the houses torched was that of a
A visit to the
community
showed that
only elderly
women walk
freely and only
few volunteered
information
about what was
happening in
the area
permanent secretary in
Anambra State, Dr.
Edwin Emenike.
A visit to the community
showed that only elderly
women walk freely and
only few volunteered
information about what
was happening in the
area. Mrs. Agnes
Atomba, 80, whose son’s
house was among those
destroyed, said the
hoodlums, after
shattering the glass
windows in her house,
collected N200000 sent
by her son for her
upkeep.
She said: “I was sleeping
at night and suddenly I
heard some noise in the
compound. They were
shouting and asking
everybody in the house
to come out. They came into my room
and dragged me out and searched the
entire house.
“When I asked why they stormed my
compound, they said they were looking
for my son, Lambert and I told them he
was not at home. My son, who they said
they were looking for, lives in Lagos and
has not come home for a long time,.”
Another woman, Mrs. Catherine Ogini
said in addition to destroying her house,
the youths collected N30000 belonging
to her church and her women group in
the community. She also claimed that
they collected a plasma television from
her house and threatened to deal with
her if she screamed.
Mr. Nnalue Iloegbune, whose house
was also destroyed, called for
government intervention in the matter,
adding that the entire community was
living in danger. Going down memory
lane, Iloegbune, who also ran away for
fear of being arrested, said: “The land
in question was part of the Igbariam
Farm Settlement which our community
donated to government during the
Michael Okpra administration of the
old Eastern Nigeria. After the civil war,
360.085 hectares of the land, which
was part of the farm settlement, was
given back to Igbariam community.
The community decided to share it
among the seven villages and to keep
one share for capital project.
“We have been making use of the land,
but in 2014, our president -general,
Mr. Ikechukwu Orizu said we should
keep part of it for him. When we
objected and called for the survey of
the entire land for proper demarcation,
our traditional ruler, Igwe Nneli Kelly
refused and threatened to banish
Ubaru village, which was in the
forefront of the demand. “
Although the villagers claimed that the
hoodlums destroying people’s houses
were aided by security operatives, the
Police public relations officer in
Anambra State, Mr. Mohammed
Haruna, appears not to be aware of
the situation as he said he was yet to
be briefed on the matter.

36—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
Lagos – Badagry
expressway, a gateway
of pain, anguish
By Abdulrahman Kadiri
The Lagos-Badagry Expressway is
usually described as a “Gateway to
Nigeria’ because it is a major
access into the country from
neighbouring states in the West coast of
Africa.
In the last two decades, plying this all
important route, in its terrible state, had
become associated with anguish and pain
for road users, including visitors from
neighbouring countries.
It was therefore good news when Lagos
State Government in 2009 embarked on
extensive reconstruction of the road from
four lanes to 10 lanes, including Bus
Rapid Transport (BRT) lane and new mass
transit light rail line in the median.
The road expansion project, initially
meant to be completed within three years,
has, however, stretched far beyond that
date, creating more sufferings and
causing unbearable gridlocks for road
users.
Commuters and motorists told
newsmen that they experience untold
hardships daily on the road which had
become very ‘terrible and problematic.’
A motorist, Mr Lukmon Adisa, lamented
the deplorable state of the road and its
effect on vehicles.
“This road is really bad, I urge the
construction company handling the road
to expedite action, so that we, the
commuters, can have easy passage on the
road.
“I had thought that by now, construction
work, which commenced during the time
of former Gov. Babatunde Fashola, would
have been concluded by now.
“We are really suffering on this road and
I urge those involved to quicken
rehabilitation work and lessen our traffic
burden,” he said.
Another road user, Mr Peter Ogene,
commended the government for
embarking on the reconstruction work
but frowned at the slow pace.
“If construction work had continued at
the pace it commenced in 2009, it would
have been concluded by now.
“Though it is painful now, but I believe
when it is completed, “Lagosians” and
other road users will heave a sigh of
relief,” he said.
A top official of the China Civil
Engineering and Construction Company
(CCECC), contractors handling the
project, had told NAN that sectors 1 and
2 of the road, which covered between
Orile and Okokomaiko, was scheduled
for completion by 2019. But this
projection seemed a mirage, going by the
level of work that still needs to be done.
(Agege).
The fiesta will be showcasing popular
artistes with their soul lifting renditions,
aside other attractions.
Youths, community leaders,children,
traders and visitors that converged on the
Marina Waterfront in Epe , commended
the organisers of the event.
They appreciated the state government
for giving them the opportunity to see,
feel and enjoy the best of entertainment
and fun in this season.
Children of all ages were also seen
playing various games such as the
bouncing castles at the kiddies arena,
He said that the present reconstruction
and expansion of the road from
Orile Iganmu will terminate at
Afromedia, near Okokomaiko.
The CCECC official, who craved
anonymity, however, said certain
challenges had delayed the project
in the past.
“We had to stop work for three
years, between 2013 and 2016 to
allow NNPC relocate their
pipelines buried between Alakija
and Abule Ado,” he said.
He said that the third section of
the project was also experiencing
delays due to the military
cantonment in Ojo.
“Another delay we have is the
military barracks along this road,
part of the fence has to give way
for the road expansion but we
cannot do that immediately due to
the sensitive nature of their work.
“The Lagos State Government is,
however, engaging them to see the
best way we can achieve our aim
without compromising security,”
he said.
However, around May 2018,
construction work on the road
stopped abruptly, with construction
Yultide: Epe comes alive for “One Lagos Fiesta’
Epe residents were spotted
around the popular Marina
Waterfront, the venue of the
ongoing “One Lagos Fiesta” in Epe,
in different costumes and attires to
celebrate Christmas.
As early as 11a.m., adults and
youths alike were seen trooping out
in their hundreds to participate in
the unique fiesta.
The “One Lagos Fiesta” which
began on December 24, across the
five divisions of the state would end
on January1, 2019.
The divisions are: Epe, Ikorodu,
Badagry, Lagos Island and Ikeja
while traders had a swell time.
They were providing products, services
and marketing laced with fun to the
delight of enthusiastic audience.
Also, economic activities in the town
picked as scores of traders were seen
making brisk business to thousands of fun
seekers and revellers who thronged the
venue.
Mr Onanuga Samson, the Chairman,
Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development
Area, in Epe Division, lauded the state
government’s initiatives for
decentralising the event to the grassroots.
“This is a symbol of ensuring all
workers moving equipment out of the site.
This further heightened the sufferings of
commuters and other road users,
particularly, as it was a rainy season.
NAN observed that the situation on the
highway became worse following the
suspension of work by the contractor,
CCECC, thus, creating chaos among road
users.
Meanwhile, the first and second sections
of the road from Orile to Alakija had been
completed and opened to motorists.
The third section, Alakija to
Okokomaiko remained outstanding and
problematic.
Various construction activities such as
excavations and construction of drainage
stopped midway, leaving motorists with
no option than to ply any available space
to avoid getting stuck in mud.
Mr Joseph Samuel, a road user,
complained over the loss of man-hour on
the road, stressing that he spent many
hours from Lagos to Badagry.
“Work has stopped since May, and
nobody is saying anything about it, “he
said.
Another user, Donald Abiodun,
complained that the suffering on the road
was unbearable, adding, “Even when we
leave home early, we still get to work late.
“The construction company and the
Lagos State Government should resolve
their differences for work to continue,”
said Abiodun.
Mrs Toyin Adigun, a civil servant,
advised the government to reconsider its
stand on the project for the construction
company to return to work.
“My advice is that the government
should take urgent steps to ensure that
appreciable progress is recorded on the
road before the next rainy season,” she
said.
The official of construction company,
however, said that work on the road
stopped due to shortage of funds.
“The work is no longer progressing
because Lagos State Government has not
released funds for some time.
“Our presence on the road now is just
for skeletal jobs as we cannot pull out
completely. More than 80 per cent of our
workforce has been disengaged due to
failure of the government to release funds.
“This will most likely extend the job
completion time beyond 2019,” he said.
However, Mr Ade Akinsanya, the Lagos
State Commissioner for Works and
Infrastructure, insisted that the project
was on course.
He said the state government would
open the completed portions of the road
for the motorists.
“We want to open those portions for
motorists very soon to prevent
encroachments before moving to other
portions of the road,” said the
commissioner.
He added that the issue of indebtedness
to CCECC did not arise because the
process of valuation, which preceded
payment, was ongoing.
As the construction company continued
to bicker with the state government,
road users are not only patiently
expectant but praying that their years
of anguish and pains on Lagos –
Badagry road will soon be over.
It is, however, cheering to note that
the Federal Government has taken
responsibility for the reconstruction
of the Agbara – Seme section of the
road.
The Federal Executive Council on
October 24, approved the award of a
contract for the 46 kilometres stretch
of the road from Agbara-Badagry-
Seme Border, while the Lagos State
Government would continue with the
repair of the section from Eric Moore
to Okokomaiko.
It, however, remains unclear what
will happen to the 10 kilometers
stretch of road between Okokomaiko
where the ongoing reconstruction will
terminate, and Agbara, where the new
federal government project will start.
In the meantime, residents and road
users in the Badagry axis will have to
continue to endure the pain and
anguish of travelling on that all
important route while waiting for
government to do the needful,
timeously.
inclusive, purposeful and unifying festival
in the ancient town of Epe division,”
Samson said.
He also commended Gov. Akinwunmi
Ambode of Lagos State for decentralising
the annual fiesta, thereby, making it
possible for the people at the grassroots
to benefit from the fun and entertainment.
Samson acknowledged that the fiesta
was in fulfillment of the campaign
promise made by this present
administration.
The current administration during
electioneering had promised to initiate
programmes and projects that would
impact positively on the grassroots.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—37
ONCE A CHRIS ALIGBE, ALWAYS A CHRIS ALIGBE!
Tribute to a loving father
and aviation expert @ 70
Avisit to his office in Ikeja saw me flying huge money they would have made from
to London. How?
friendlies. But they played one in the
After their fairly good outing in their magnificent Wembley against England. I
first World Cup finals appearance in USA in had toured with the Eagles before the
1994, Super Eagles players turned the bride World Cup and kept a diary that I served
of many. But for the crisis in their camp they our esteemed readers.
probably would have reached the quarter or Amiable Yomi Jones was at Lufthansa
semi-final stage. Nigeria’s Fifa ranking was
5 th then and his interest in sports swayed him
, the best any African country had attained. into issuing Business Class tickets to me. I
They garnered points in Tunisia ’94 and landed toured everywhere with the Eagles to sustain
in USA as Africa’s champions. They were Vanguard’s tradition in sports coverage, a
rated the best entertaining team with Brazil, tradition established by our publisher and
the eventual winners of the Cup. Brazil well anchored by my predecessors in Chris
beat Italy in a penalty shootout in the Okojie and Ikeddy Isiguzo. Yomi Jones
final. Same Italy struggled to eliminate identified with our professionalism and
Nigeria 2-1 in the second round. Eagles coverage of sports and supported us
were running away with victory until tremendously. Lufthansa also leveraged
three minutes to the end when everything from the exposure and visibility as we
changed.
credited them as our sponsors. Our vintage
“We were three minutes away from coverage earned us more recognition and
victory, yet victory was too far away,” sponsorship. And when in November 1994
Clemens Westerhof, Nigeria’s manager the Eagles were billed to play England at
lamented. It became one of the popular the greatest football shrine called Wembley,
quotes of the World Cup. But his Eagles when the Twin Towers had not been pulled
dazzled the world and top countries down, my trip for the match was sealed the
wanted to play them in friendlies. Poor moment I walked into Chris Aligbe’s office.
management of the team denied the FA Aligbe was the Corporate Affairs
Chris Aligbe
Manager of Nigeria Airways and instantly
he approved a complimentary flight ticket
to London. Just like Yomi Jones, we spent
more time discussing the Eagles and
Nigeria and not even my mission – a
complimentary or barter ticket to London.
On three other occasions Mr Aligbe assisted
us with tickets for sports coverage. To him,
covering Nigerian teams in international
championships was somewhat a national
assignment. It was to serve Nigerians what
they should know about their sports
ambassadors.
On Tuesday, New Year day, this special
Nigerian will turn 70. While I may celebrate
him for the little I know of him those in the
aviation sector will celebrate him the more.
He is very knowledgeable in aviation
matters. He runs his consultancy outfit,
Belujane Konzult. Chris Aligbe was born
January 1, 70 years ago to Julius and Janet
Aligbe in Udumuje – Ugboko in Aniocha
North in Delta State. He was Information
Officer and later Head, Nigeria
Information Service Centre in Tanzania
when he was with External Affairs. After
serving as Press Secretary to Minister of
Information, Tony Momoh from 1987 to
1988 he joined the Democrat Newspaper
and was assistant editor and head of
Lagos operations. He joined Nigeria
Airways in 1989 and rose to office of General
Manager, Public Affairs. He retired voluntarily
in 2002. Chris Aligbe has written more than
80 articles on aviation and other matters. He
is a guru in the sector and has been a regular
contributor on aviation issues to Saturday
Vanguard. He has remained a friend and
brother. I’ll never forget the way he received
me and the interest he showed in our sports.
So, as Sports Editor he aided my coverage of
events. And as Saturday Editor he is still
helping by contributing articles to enrich my
paper. ONCE A CHRIS ALIGBE, ALWAYS A
CHRIS ALIGBE.
Yomi Jones and Lufthansa have a place in
my heart as a reporter. Chris Aligbe too
“He is a loving husband and father,” was
the simple way his wife, Stella described him
as she knelt in prayers, adoring and
thanking God for the life of her loving
husband.
This is wishing this special friend and
brother a happy birthday at 70 (he doesn’t
look it). May God continue to bless you and
your family. And may our Blessed Mother
ever Virgin Mary continue to intercede for
you and your family. Happy birthday, sir.
2023 PRESIDENCY: Osinbajo playing
to the gallery – Adebanjo, Okupe
•South-East has no reason to re-elect Buhari – Agbakoba
•PDP yet to make a categorical statement on 2023 – Okorie
By Clifford Ndujihe & Olayinka Ajayi
YORUBA leader and elder statesman,
Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and Dr Doyin
Okupe, former senior special
assistant on Public Affairs to former
President Olusegun Obasanjo, have
picked holes in Vice President Yemi
Osinbajo’s wooing of the South-West with
the presidency in 2023, if President
Muhammadu Buhari is re-elected, next
year.
The Secretary to the Government of the
Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, while
representing President Muhammadu
Buhari in Owerri, Imo State at the flagoff
campaign of Senator Hope
Uzodinma, Imo APC governorship
candidate, made a similar promise to the
South-East, if they back Buhari to win a
re-election.
While Adebanjo said Professor Osinbajo
was playing to the gallery, Okupe said
Osinbajo’s position was a big error.
They spoke as human rights lawyer, Dr
Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, and National
Chairman of the United Progressives
Party, UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie,
disagreed over who the South-East zone
should vote for in 2019. Agbakoba said
the APC does not deserve South-East votes
because it has not done much for the zone,
a position Okorie vehemently disagreed
with.
Osinbajo playing to the
gallery – Adebanjo
According Adebanjo, who is also an elder
of the Afenifere, ‘’Osinbajo does not mean’’
what he said.
His words: “I do not understand the kind
of politics the ruling party is playing. How
can the All Progressive Congress promise
two people the same thing at the same
time? They are not truthful. Who should
both regions believe on this empty
•Chief Ayo Adebanjo
promise? The Vice president or Secretary
to the Government? It is obvious they are
not serious and the vice President is just
playing to the gallery. All they want is just
our votes in 2019. Nigerians should vote
massively against Buhari. I am not saying
it because I am a Yoruba man, I am for
the good of Nigeria.’’
OKUPE: 2019 is a
national referendum, is
the country better now
than it was in 2015?
In like manner, Dr. Okupe described the
Vice President’s promise as ‘unfortunate
and parochial.
“It is very unfortunate and a great error
the Vice President won’t recover from in
a long time. People are groaning and
complaining and what they are after is
just power-grabbing. That is not how we
•Doyin Okupe
are going to build this country. What the
Vice president implies is, no matter how
bad this administration is, we should just
endure it until it gets to the Yoruba in
2023, if we vote massively for Buhari. It
has never been for a Yoruba man to have
a mentality of what do I get in it. It’s
parochial and selfish. 2019 is a national
referendum. Is the country better now than
it was in 2015? Will the nation move
forward? Will the parochialism cease? Are
we going to have a direction? If the
answer is no, there is no need to retain
this administration. It should not be
partisan, it is about national patriotic
desire. That is if we really want to move
forward as a nation or want to remain
stagnant or go backward. It is beyond PDP
and APC affair, it’s a national concern.”
South-East has no reason
to vote Buhari – Agbakoba
Also speaking, Dr. Agbakoba said
While Adebanjo said
Professor Osinbajo
was playing to the
gallery, Okupe said
Osinbajo’s position
was a big error
Osinbajo is making efforts to deliver his
zone to his party, which in turn favours
him, adding that it is for the South-West
people to decide what they want.
For the South-East, he said the PDP
candidate, Atiku Abubakar promised to
do a term and hand over to the South-
East, which he described as a political
statement.
Nevertheless, he advised the South-East
to vote for Atiku. ‘’I advice the South-East
to vote for the PDP. What has the APC done
for the South-East? Atiku has promised
to restructure the country. PDP may not
be a better party but the vice presidency
and promise of restructuring are major
attractions,’’ he said.
PDP yet to state when
South-East will get the
presidency – Okorie
However, the UPP national chairman,
who has thrown his weight behind Buhari
said: ‘’The South-East has waited for their
turn since 1999 when the late Alex
Ekwueme was short-changed. PDP has
never made a categorical statement on
when it will be the turn of the South-East.
Atiku said the APC is deceiving the South-
East but the PDP had never made a
commitment to the South-East not to talk
of deceiving them.”

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
Very soon media houses will be
publishing their man of the year.
Before they do, let me unveil my
own man of the year. That is one of the
beauties of a one-man committee: decisions
are taken sharp-sharp. My man of the year
award for this year, unfortunately, will be
won for notoriety not virtue. And the
criteria are family and marriage-based.
Among my nominees are: the Bello, the
security man, who allegedly turned his
daughter into a sex slave in his one-room
accommodation. Sharp man, he did not
want the world to know of his evil deeds,
so he placed his daughter on
contraceptives to prevent her from getting
pregnant. But like smoke that cannot be
curtailed forever, the news found its way
to the public domain via his daughter, who
could not take it anymore.
Our second nominee, Julius Ochim, also
allegedly converted his daughter to a sex
slave. In his own case, he did not bother
with contraceptives. Inevitably, the girl got
pregnant. “Good man,” he did not abort
the pregnancy. That was how
simultaneously he became a father and
grandfather to the baby. What a feat! But
he was not done, he continued with his
escapade. Then it happened that in spite
of her excess baggage (aka a child outside
wedlock), a suitor came along to marry her.
Foolish people like us would assume that
the man would heave a sigh of relief and
see it as an escape route to stop the
abominable incest. But no, like every
jealous lover, he felt another man was
trying to take his property. He became a
stumbling block, until the daughter spilled
the rotten, smelly beans.
Our next nominee is actually a group:
all the paedophiles. They are so many, I
have to group them. Every day, there is a
news item of a man who sexually abused
a minor. It is a cocktail of fathers abusing
their own daughters, uncles abusing their
nieces and neighbours abusing their
neighbour’s children. The only common
denominator is that the enemy is always
within. Na who know man dey kill man,
as it is commonly said. Put more
appropriately, na who know pikin dey
destroy pikin.
Man of the year awar
ard
Still in the nominees list is that
coward, who killed her three
children and husband in a rage.
Instead of waiting for the law to
take its course, she committed
suicide. We also have parents and
guardians all over, who burn or
lacerate children for stealing
money or meat from the pot.
Our next nominee is Mr. Andrew
Ogbuja, the Benue State
Polytechnic lecturer, who alongside
his son, Victor, allegedly sexually
abused 13-year-old Ochanya
Ogbanje until she died of
complications resulting from
repeated assault on her underdeveloped
vagina and anus. I am
not nominating him because father
and son shared the same female.
That has always been with
humankind. Long ago, I shared a
cab with some prostitutes coming
back from “work.” In the course of
their many stories, one of them
exclaimed: hey, if you see the boy
pri*k, na hammer; e big like im
papa own! See what I mean?
I am nominating Ogbuja because
he and Victor allegedly started
abusing Ochanya from age eight
and the abuse continued for five
years, no conscience, no remorse.
His only regret was that Victor got
there before him. Ochanya, by the
way, is the niece of Ogbuja’s wife
and Victor’s cousin. In a typical
African setting, you can justifiably
call her Mr. Ogbuja’s daughter.
Our last nominee is Mr. Edet
Okon Asim, a former commissioner
in Cross River State, who was
recently exposed for allegedly
sleeping with a mother and her
daughter. Like father and son
sharing the same woman, it is not
my business, but God’s, if mother
and daughter share the same man.
But when the daughter is underaged,
it becomes the business of all
of us. Asim has allegedly been
sleeping with the girl since preteen.
Within that period, three
abortions were carried out. It was
the third abortion that went awry
and blew the lid. Now, they said
the girl’s womb is perforated and
she might not be able to get
There are too many
dead consciences and
mortgaged souls in
positions of authority
pregnant in future. When I hear
stories of people like Asim, I am no
longer surprised why Nigeria is
where it is. There are too many dead
consciences and mortgaged souls in
positions of authority.
After applying the criteria, I
narrowed the contest to Ogbuja and
Asim. Among the reasons are: Both
of them abused their victims over a
long period. They had ample time
to retrace their steps, but continued with
their evil deeds. Both cases also led to
deaths. Ogbuja and his son’s actions
led to the death of Ochanya, while three
unborn babies were killed, in the case
of Asim. I had a difficult time deciding
on whom to give the man-of-the-year
award to. In the end, Ogbuja edged
Asim to claim the man-of-the-year award
for his unbelievable cruelty and evil
deeds to a family member.
MUDI @50
A while ago, my home boy, Mudiaga
Enajemo, aka Mudi of Africa, joined the
golden club. What has endeared Mudi
to me since we became friends is his
down-to-earth disposition.
Mudi has come a long way since 25
years ago when he came to Lagos with
nothing but a dream and a
determination to conquer. He has
conquered and validated his names.
Mudiaga means “stand firm.” Mudi has
stood firm and bestrode the fashion
firmament, not only in Nigeria, but
Africa. Enajemo means “these are also
children.” Mudi is not just any child;
he is an illustrious son, who has lifted
the name of his family, Urhobo, Delta
and Nigeria. Mudi went into fashion at
a time when it was not so fashionable
and glamourous. By dint of hard work
and perseverance, he has made his
mark.
Youngsters need to learn from and
follow the footsteps of Mudi. Many
young people do not want to crawl
before walking anymore; they want to
start running from birth. They want to
get rich quickly. They do not want to go
through the grind like Mudi. I advise
the youths to follow the footsteps of
Mudi, the man when sabi.
Mudi continues to show the way by
giving back to society. Recently, I
travelled to Ughelli, Delta State, to see
the roundabout he was reconstructing
and beatifying to mark his 50 th birthday.
It was the only neat and sane
roundabout on the dual carriageway
from Otovwodo to Ekiugbo. Welcome to
the golden club, Mudi.
Compatriots, please let us
wake up from this dream.
Enough of expectations,
there is no way Nigeria can do
better than we are seeing now. As
they say in computer lingo, garbage
in, garbage out.
As we enter 2019, I want to make
it clear to the world that this fraud
called Nigeria cannot work. Those
who do not want to face reality are
part of why we are where we are
today.
I am tired of praying for Nigeria
to work. God destroyed Sodom for
the evil that engulfed the place.
Worse things are happening in this
country today and some of those
who keep the people in perpetual
bondage are given prime positions
in places of worship.
The different nationalities that
make up Nigeria were not alien to
themselves. They did a lot together
before the arrival of the Europeans.
There is so much between the Bini
and Lagos, Yoruba that you find the
white apparel common among the
royals.
Eko is indeed, a Bini word and
even Oba Akiolu does not hide his
identity as descendant from Edo.
The story of Ife and the burial place
of past Bini kings known even if it
is debatable.
Some Igbo words are also close
to what one finds in Yoruba and
Bini languages. Take Ewu for
instance, the Igbo word for goat.
In Yoruba, it is ewure. Abeokuta in
Yoruba means place of rocks. That
would be ebeokute in Igbo.
When the Igbo talk of enwe, it is
all about monkey which is eme in
Bini. Till date, before the Obi of
Isele Uku is crowned, he travels to
the Oba’s palace in Benin and
spends time there as part of an age
long ceremony.
Someone told me that just like the
Japanese use the word Nippon
Forget it , Nigeria can’t work
[Land of the Rising Sun] for their country
and Germans refer to their country as
Deutschland, the word Yoruba is alien to the
South-West. They fancy Oduduwa.
Yoruba, I understand, is a corruption of the
word ‘Yaribawa,’ which was used by Trans
Saharan traders from the savannah to
describe their partners from western side of
the of the tropics.
Why we have a big problem today and have
not found a way out is because Europeans
came to Africa and obtained territories by trick
[OBT]. Our ancestors were forced to sign
documents which they did not understand.
How did you expect King Jaja to cede
territory to people he neither invited nor
understood. And for standing up for his right,
the imperialists made the Amaigbo slave
turned merchant look like a man without
balls.
As the Europeans descended on mother
Africa, they raped the people of all vestiges
of decency. We had our palm wine and gin.
The white man brought rum that made us
rumble with guns.
Instead of facing the real enemy, the
intruder, liquor from Europe made our strong
men long for the blood of their kinsmen. They
were high and knew not what they did.
Slavery boomed and made millionaires out
of moles.
The Igbo had little regard for the colonial
masters who came from England. Our
forebears called them ‘Ndi Ngulodu.’ The
belief was that the white man was cursed to
live beyond the seas.
And because the Cochranes, Winterbottoms
and Meirs wore shoes, our people thought
they were leprous. That was how the
Igbo word for a victim of leprosy [onye
oria ocha] was shortened to give the
white man a name [onye ocha].
The Europeans who devoured
Africa were mostly rejects from their
respective countries. Lord Frederick
Lugard was a failure in India and
Afghanistan. In Nigeria, he became
a hero and joined us together in what
has remained a monumental disaster.
His wife, Flora Shaw, had enjoyed
the good things of life from Cecil
Rhodes after whom Rhodesia was
named. And she found a name for
this land. It became Nigeria, an
amalgam of over 250 nationalities.
Africa’s fate was decided in Berlin.
It was a conference on Africa but
Africans were not represented. Those
who benefitted immensely were
England and France, countries that
emerged out of conquest.
England is indeed Land of the
Angles, who plundered and
conquered the Southern part of
Britain in the 5 th century. They
continued their march to Africa
without let.
France was called Gaul in the past
before the Franks conquered the
country. It was from the Gauls that
the word Germanus [neighbours]
came. England and France were
friendly foes and they fought for
Nigerian territory in the famous race
to Nikki.
Lugard won the battle for England.
From Biafra War to Boko
Haram, what else do we need
to know that Nigeria is not one
He had no regards for the African and
he needed to prove to Buckingham Palace
that the crash programme, Sandhurst
officer, who lay in a sick bay while British
troops sacked Kandahar was not a failure
after all.
Lugard looked at the North, found little
that could boost the economy but much
that fitted into his imperial drive. The
South on the other hand offered much in
terms of fertility.
The South got enough education, the
North remained largely illiterate. Lugard
tried direct and indirect rule. That was on
paper. What he planted was divide and
rule.
The Governor General sowed the seed
of discord when his policy made sure the
North got power while the South got
education. And when the British were
leaving, they handed over power to the
North.
That is our problem today. The North,
having tasted power will not likely
relinquish it. The educated South does not
understand why power should be in the
hands of someone who is not as schooled.
Unfortunately, some Nigerians out of
greed and envy have continued to apply
this divide and rule tactics. They use
politics to pauperize and terrorize the
country. After 58 years of independence,
nothing works for the masses.
President Muhammadu Buhari cannot
do better than he has done. We are
expecting so much from him. He is a
product of the British and owes allegiance
to them. You now know why he frequents
hospitals in the United Kingdom.
From Biafra War to Boko Haram, what
else do we need to know that Nigeria is
not one.

Lt Col Sakaba died for his country.
He was killed by Boko Haram
insurgents last month. He left a wife
and a baby boy. He was the
commander of the battalion that was
overrun by Boko Haram in Metele.
That massacre at Metele sparked
more national anger than sorrow. The
military admitted, hesitantly, the
horror but claimed that the casualty
figures thrown around were the work
of mischief makers. Late Sakaba and
his soldiers were buried in the midst
of doubts, anguish and
recriminations.
The people called for an audit of the
Boko Haram war. And a rejig of the
war strategy. The president called for
support for the military. And called
on the military to decapitate what he
thought was a badly bruised Boko
Haram. The military warned mischief
makers and peddlers of fake news. And
reminded its officers and men that
cowardice is a cardinal sin. Atiku, the
leader of the opposition, talked up a
mythical strategy he would use to
end the war if elected. Then he came
down to earth with a call for a trust
fund to cater for the families of slain
soldiers. The murmurs Metele
generated quickly receded into the
background like the others before it.
Then Atiku came up one morning
with a story. He reminded us it was
Christmas. He said we should all
emulate him and spare a thought for
the military and their families. He said
he had called the widow of late Lt Col
Sakaba. She must have told him of how
she loved and missed her husband.
Yes, because he said he was touched
by her love for and devotion to her
late husband. He didn’t want us think
he was just making things up. He
showed us a video clip. He was
actually making that call.
It was all innocuous. It is good to
give comfort to widows, especially
widows of military heroes like Sakaba.
Many Nigerians may not know
that there are refineries in
Nigeria. Our four refineries have been
comatose in a quarter of a century.
Those who know that four refineries
exist in Nigeria, wonder day and night
why their national infrastructures in
Port Harcourt (1&2), Warri and
Kaduna would operate at zero level.
Where did we go wrong? General Sani
Abacha spent five years as Head of
State exporting crude oil and
importing fuel, sometimes smelling
fuel. General Abdulsalami Abubakar
ended the military adventure and
heralded the fourth Republic in 10
months exporting crude and
importing fuel. Since 1999 it has
become a relay race for fuel
importation of unequal distance
covered in the event and amounts
spent in fuel subsidy payments.
President Olusegun Obasanjo in the
democratic dispensation spent eight
years exporting crude and importing
fuel. He passed on the baton to
President Umaru Musa Yar A’dua who
had a health battle for over three
years and died. President Goodluck
Jonathan took over and imported fuel
for over five years. President
Muhammadu Buhari on a political
reincarnation is in his fourth year,
seeking reelection, exporting crude
and importing fuel. He anchors the last
leg of the relay quartet.
It is no longer news that Buhari who
built the refineries in Warri and
Kaduna in about three years could not
rehabilitate them in four years.
President Buhari jocularly alluded to
the fact that Nigerians who call him
‘Baba-Go-Slow’ should blame the
system that slowed him down as he
received FCT residents led by the
Minister, Muhammad Bello on a
Christmas visit to the Aso Rock
Presidential Villa. He also told the
Atiku Abubakar and his
Sakaba aba tale
It is conventional in many parts to
remember soldiers and their families
at Christmas. It is common for
politicians to do the right things and
call attention to them on the eve of
elections. It all seemed pretty
routine.
That was until Sakaba’s widow
erupted. Poor woman. Her wounded
So why did Atiku
communicate so
poorly such a
simple
communication?
soul must have been slashed by the
publicity stunts of a vote seeking
politician. She said Atiku never
called her. She wondered why Atiku
would tell such lies. The nation had
its mouth agape. And heads slowly
turned towards Atiku. Atiku
Buhari in ‘relay anchor’ for refineries
rehabilitation
national executive members of
NUPENG a fortnight ago that
although reforming the petroleum
industry will unlock numerous
untapped potentials for the nation,
reforms must be well thought out in
the interest of Nigeria. To him such
reforms must not be rushed as we are
still suffering from effects of many
legacy policies that were rushed
without appreciating the
consequences. The President may be
right as the May 11, 2016 removal of
fuel subsidy might not have been well
thought out. One understands the
President’s level of commitment and
patriotism to take Nigeria to the next
level but tide and time wait for no
man.
Nigeria has wasted several billions
of dollars importing fuel and paying
subsidies on imported fuel.
Rehabilitating our refineries would
free funds paid to import these fuels:
premium motor spirit, PMS or petrol;
automotive gas oil, AGO or diesel;
dual purpose kerosene, DPK made up
of household kerosene and aviation
turbine kerosene or aviation fuel, to
tackle the problem of infrastructural
deficits in Nigeria. Rehabilitation of
refineries has been a sing along for
some of us who are concerned in the
scrambled a response. It must
have been nervous.
He said when he was moved to
call Sakaba’s family he searched
frantically for the right telephone
numbers. He was given two
numbers. One for the soldier’s
wife, another for the slain
soldier’s sister. He tried the
widow’s number endlessly but
couldn’t reach her. Then he tried
the soldier’s sister and was lucky
to speak to her. When he finished
speaking with her he
communicated the call to his
fellow Nigerians.
That was where Atiku’s
coherence ended. Because
apparently, after the widow
called him a liar he tried to come
to his senses. He apologized and
retracted the tale. But he had to
give reasons for the first tale in
the first place.
So he said he must have
‘communicated poorly the
communication.’ My great
grandmother had warned us. He
said when big people wanted to
confuse people they spoke in ‘big
English.’ Here was Almighty
Atiku poorly communicating his
communications.
Many believe Atiku gambled
petroleum industry. Petroleum is
the most important commodity
nature has provided mankind with
as many as 6000 byproducts and
derivatives when a barrel of crude
oil is refined. Today, about US$1.4
billion would rehabilitate the four
refineries and possibly
debottleneck them over a period
that is realistic; to increase the
nameplate capacity above
445,000 barrels per day, bpd.
We have gone for anything and
everything China in the last 10
years without studying the
Chinese model of development for
a d a p t a t i o n .
Rapid development of the
petroleum industry since the
1950s has made China one of the
world’s major oil producers. China
became self-sufficient in gasoline
products in 1963; by 1973 the
country was able to export both
crude oil and refined petroleum
p r o d u c t s .
China launched her economic
reform in 1978. She had a shift
from a government-controlled
planned economy to a socialist
market economy. This may be in
line with what President Buhari
may have envisaged when in
October 2015, he granted financial
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—39
and failed. Atiku will call them cynics.
But here is their own tale. Atiku is a smart
politician. He wants all the votes he can
grab. The ruling government didn’t
handle Metele well. And Atiku wouldn’t
mind fishing in that pond. Atiku thought
about it and decided to call the widow.
He knew it could fetch huge political
capital. He knew the huge rewards would
only come if he spoke to the widow. But
he couldn’t reach the widow. He reached
the sister. He must have had a
conversation with her. She couldn’t have
told him about that marital devotion and
love Atiku told us. Atiku doesn’t suffer
from amnesia. So, was a part of his tale
made up? The cynics think Atiku never
believed the widow would challenge his
tale since he at least spoke to her sisterin-law.
But he should have known that
grieving military widows are a special
breed.
So when Atiku talked about ‘poor
communication of the communication’
many yawned. His own supporters
cringed. Atiku has been labouring under
a huge credibility cross tied to his
shoulders by Obasanjo and so many
things since 1999- 2007 era. So why
would a man who claims he suffers such
a credibility deficit unjustly entangle
himself with this Sakaba tale?
We must believe Atiku spoke to the late
soldier’s sister. But where did Atiku then
get all that talk about marital love and
devotion from? We must believe that
Atiku didn’t set out to deceive. He has a
good heart. And we should not believe
he gambled and lost. That should be the
sort of deception that should be found
only amongst advance fee fraudsters and
such like. And we cannot believe that
Atiku confabulates sometimes. He is still
mentally alert.
So why did Atiku communicate so
poorly such a simple communication?
Before I forget, let me communicate
season’s greetings. Merry Christmas
season everyone. And have a happy and
productive new year!
It is no longer news that Buhari who
built the refineries in Warri and Kaduna
in about three years could not
rehabilitate them in four years
autonomy to some Joint Venture (JV) oil
companies, giving the JVs control over
their budget, empowering them to source
for funds and remit taxes, royalties and
dividends to the government.
The JVs were to be turned into firms
that control their own budgets, making
them similar to the Nigeria Liquefied
Natural Gas (NLNG) model, which finds
sources for its own funding, pays taxes
and royalties and also pays dividends.
The NNPC would reduce its stake in joint
ventures to below 50 per cent from 55
per cent by selling assets to local
companies to bypass time-consuming
National Assembly approval. Sufficient
laws that would make it operate
effectively, efficiently and profitably are
now needed as the Petroleum Industry
Bill; PIB is in its fourth legislative
assembly. Our operators are still using
the 1969 petroleum emergency decree
of the civil war period. Our policy makers
have been looking at appropriate pricing
as an attraction to international
investors in our downstream petroleum
sector. But the ease of doing business and
political peculiarities are considered to
be near toxic; with no adequate legal and
regulatory frameworks. It was time we
had a Nigerian approach of syndicated
loans from local banks and funds from our
excess crude account to rehabilitate our
refineries. International financiers
would not take final investment
decisions, FID on our Brownfield
refineries unless they hold us by the
jugular.

C
M
Y
K
40—SATURDAY Vanguard, , DECEMBER 29, 2018
Ispent the entire Christmas break
in door. It wasn’t what I wanted.
But it was what I got. I started
noticing something wrong on Thursday.
My throat was itchy. I knew the sign. A
cold was coming big time. I increased
my fruit intake and added a generous
dosage of vitamin C. It had been a
frenetic week and stress had
accumulated. The horrendous traffic in
Lagos hadn’t helped either. Lagos had
been on a lockdown for two weeks with
no respite and this had added to the toll
on me. I silently pleaded with my body
to give me a few extra days so I could
fulfil some of my social obligations
during the yuletide period. One of them
was the annual President’s party for
Emeralds, a club I belong to, which was
slated for Friday. I had missed the last
two end-of-year parties and was
determined to make this one. I did. But
at a price. A distance that should have
been covered in ten minutes took two
hours in a snarling traffic. My discomfort
had increased by the time I got out of
the car. I felt there was something in my
throat and in my ear drums that wanted
to come out yet could not find an outlet.
Fortunately, the lively jokes of the club
members and the warmth of the host
helped me to ignore the ominous signs.
Anybody who knows our club
President, Admiral Mike Adelanwa
(RTD) will attest to the fact that he can
be very lively when he is in his
elements. And he was in his elements
that Friday. He boasted that as a seaman,
all drinks were available. Some members
took him up on this and asked for cognac.
Now, brandy drinking had virtually
disappeared over the years due to the
advanced age of our members. It had
been stylishly replaced by ‘softer alcohol’
like champagne and wine. In fact,
brandy— or whisky—would hardly be
missed at an Emerald function these
days. Which probably explains why
these members playfully dared our
president. He therefore rightfully asked
who it was meant for. These members
who know I don’t drink champagne,
A man’s new best friend?
pointed at me. I should have said ‘no’
given my state. But I stayed silent. A
bottle of Martell materialised and
found its way to my table. A couple of
‘elders’ joined to help do justice to it. I
knew I had made a mistake but didn’t
realise how grievous it was or much
my already fragile immunity had been
further compromised until later. When
I left the party, I tried to make amends
by going to the nearest supermarket
to get fruits. To make matters worse, I
woke up with a runny stomach the
following day which made
consumption of fruits inadvisable while
further depleting my immunity. By
evening, my head had become heavy
and my brows were aching. Nobody
needed to tell me that I wasn’t going
anywhere soon except the hospital if I
didn’t shut down immediately.
So in bed with home-made
concoctions, I turned to the only
companion that would get into bed with
me in my state without fearing an
infection. Let me say here that I am
old school when it comes to the use of
phones. I don’t tweet, don’t do
Facebook or Instagram. I don’t feel any
need whatsoever to project my private
life into public space. So my use of a
phone is largely limited to emails, text
messages, whatsapp and making
phone calls which is what it was
originally meant for. Even those uses
are perfunctory at best. But with nothing
much to do, I paid attention to
messages I would ordinarily have
glossed over and I found my company
was well and truly kept. With Christmas
in the air, messages kept tumbling in—
from the serious to the hilarious; from
news, fake or otherwise, to comedy;
from graphics to videos. Day one
Aided and abetted by our
phones, the social media
has made many of us
profoundly anti-social
turned to day two. In between, I
watched sports and listened to
mainstream news. More fluids, more
concoctions, and I was feeling a lot
stronger. Strong enough to be grateful
that my Christmas was not spent in a
hospital. Strong enough to empathise
with many who did, or worse, many
who lost loved ones on Christmas day.
Strong enough to ponder on the
inevitability of death and worry if my
life has been well spent or spent along the
will of my maker. This led to my assessing
the last two days in bed and wondering if I
could have made a better use of the time.
Yes, I was amused, entertained and socially
informed by my faithful companion. But I
couldn’t for the life of me recollect the body
of knowledge I had gained.
So on the third day, which was Boxing
Day, I turned analogue. I picked up a book
by my bedside. ‘Left To Tell’ by Immaculee
Ilibagiza is a book I had been meaning to
read for a while. It is a story on the 1994,
genocide in Rwanda and how a young lady
survived it physically and spiritually having
lost everything, including a loving and
closely knit family. I read a few chapters
and felt better enlightened. Besides, I was
on my turf and it felt good.
It is said that an average European child
would have spent a total of one year in front
of a devise by the time he is ten; either
alone or with people. That’s frightening.
But we can’t be that far behind. A young
African parent these days feels safer when
the child stays in door watching TV or
playing with his phone. What they don’t
know is that they are alienating the child
from the culture of his environment and
replacing it with the culture of his favourite
site. What they don’t know is that they are
nurturing an insecure, anti-social child.
Such a child can be easily radicalised. And
everywhere we go—at the airport, train
station, bus stop or party, in a bus, plane or
pub, the first thing people do is reach for
their phones. Nobody strikes a conversation
with a stranger anymore. Some people even
walk the streets with their ears plugged to
their phones. Some idiots will attempt to
cross a street with their eyes glues to their
phones. I met and chatted with fascinating
people during long flights in my earlier
travelling days. It doesn’t happen anymore.
As long as there is a Wi-Fi on board, we
are all fine it seems. The smart phone or
tablet has become our companion; our new
best friend. Aided and abetted by our
phones, the social media has made many
of us profoundly anti-social.
And how was your Christmas? Hope it
was more eventful than mine.
Dear Dr Goodluck Jonathan, I have
an urgent need to address you
today. Thank you for your
readiness to write about your
administration; it helps when leaders
write about the great and consequential
decisions they made while in office. Last
November you launched your book, MY
TRANSITION HOURS, which
principally explains why you willingly,
and without being prompted by anybody,
country or organisation, conceded defeat
in the 2015 election.
Yes, you conceded defeat in an election
in which you were already lagging
behind candidate General Mohammadu
Buhari of the All Progressives Congress
party. The votes you polled in areas truly
sympathetic to you had been announced.
If you had misused your powers to stop
the final results from being announced,
you would have become a criminal and
would have been treated as one.
We have the examples of what
happened to Cote d’Ivoire’s Laurent
Gbagbo and The Gambia’s Yahya
Jammeh. Today, Gbabgo is behind bars
while Jammeh is on exile. Moreover, if
the news reports were true, there was an
impressive line of past and serving
Presidents to Aso Rock, within the two
weeks preceding the day you conceded
defeat. I must confess, Your Excellency
that I do not know what they discussed
with you. But from them, you must have
heard a word or two about the need for
peace in Nigeria. Sincerely, there is no
denying the fact that some crazy fellow
in your shoes could have decided to do
the wrong thing. And he would have been
punished. You passed that test. I also pray
for Buhari to pass that same test if he is
faced with such certain defeat.
Your Excellency, it has even been said
that you were the first Nigerian to have
conceded defeat. I hope you have learnt
to disregard such sweet nonsense. Truly,
you were the first Nigerian President or
Prime Minister to lose an election!
Nobody was voted out and refused to
leave. Some may have rigged elections,
but none had been publicly announced
to have lost an election and he refused to
Question for former President
Goodluck Jonathan
vacate office.
Dear Doctor Jonathan, I have dwelt at
length on this matter because even your
supporters have made it appear that
admitting defeat, as wholesome and
exemplary as it may appear, was actually
your greatest achievement. No, it should
not be elegantly dressed up as such, for
the very fact that you were voted out of
office shows that the people who paid
you a hefty salary and gave you the
mighty powers of a Nigerian executive
(as opposed to ceremonial) President
showed how much you disappointed
them by judging you unworthy to have
a second term in Aso Rock.
Some, having surrendered to
hyperbole no doubt, have called you the
face of democracy in Africa, simply
because you conceded defeat. They forgot
that as far back as 1967, yes, 51 years
ago, Somalia’s Aden Abdullah Osman
Daar, became the first African President
to concede defeat when he lost to
Abdirashid Ali Shermarke, his former
Prime Minister. Daar accepted the loss
graciously.
Do you remember Kenneth David
Kaunda of Zambia, the first President of
Zambia, from 1964 to 1991? When
Frederick Chiluba defeated him, he
surprised the world by stepping down.
Another sitting Zambian leader, Rupiah
Bwezani Banda lost to Michael Sata and
left office. Senegal’s Abdoulaye Wade
acknowledged on February 27,2012 that
he had failed to win a majority in the
election and would have to face a runoff.
He subsequently lost the second
round of voting, held on 25 March 2012,
to the opposition candidate Macky Sall.
Wade conceded defeat and Sall
succeeded Wade as President on April
2,2012. So, dear former President
Jonathan, in 2015, you simply joined the
losers who did the right thing.
In an emotive article: “My Transition
Hours: A look at Goodluck Jonathan’s
new book,” Reno Omokri presented you
as a philosopher king; no, you are no
such thing for he placed you on a
pedestal higher than you ever climbed.
But if he or anybody wishes, I’m ready
for a lusty debate on the idea of a
Philosopher King, and show why you do
not fit that description in any way. He
even spruced you up in borrowed
plumes, writing about your “self-control
and restraint” in the above mentioned
article, though you had shown terrible
lack of those wholesome features. But I
will not dwell on such things today.
Dear, Dr Jonathan, here is the real
reason I’m addressing you today; you
have been gallantly stating what you
view as the truth. I applaud that. You may
remember a man named Diepreye
Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha. No, I do
So, dear former President
Jonathan, in 2015, you simply
joined the losers who did the
right thing
not blame you for not talking about him—
unlike a particular politician from Delta state
who has been doing his utmost best to keep
the man’s name alive, despite the flacks he
may draw there from—for it is not your fault
that dead men tell no tales. Alamieyeseigha
must have told you how he returned to
Nigeria, that the British authorities put him
on a small aircraft and flew him to Cote
d’Ivoire from where a private jet brought him
to Nigeria. You must have also read the
popular version that he returned to Nigeria
dressed as a woman.
You and I know that nobody has mentioned
the airline that flew him to Nigeria or told us
the name he used in an obviously faked
passport, or better still showed clips of the
CCTV that captured his image as he was
boarding that flight. In fact, nobody has
mentioned the airport he took off from while
fleeing to Nigeria. But let us not belabour
that point, you as President must have known
the TRUTH. In fact, a Vice-President advised
him to plead guilty and so save his life. Were
you that V. P? If so, you have a story for us.
Pointedly, my question is this: did
Alamieyeseigha lie when he said that the
Chelsea Hotel, in Abuja, did not belong to
him, as EFCC charged, but that he actually
bought it for the Bayelsa state government?
He claimed that payment for that hotel was
budgeted for, and that under him, Bayelsa
state paid half of the price while the second
half was paid during your watch as Governor.
Could this be true? I am asking this question
because it is thought-provoking that such a
hotel could have belonged to Bayelsa State
Government and you later arrived Abuja as
Vice-President, Acting-President and
President and yet Balyesa did not retrieved
the hotel bought for the state with state money.
This appears strange, very strange.
Happy New Year to you, Dr. Goodluck
Jonathan.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—41
Screenings for cervical cancer
Cancer screenings
every adult should get
Cancer, in its various forms, is
scary. Though the medical world
has come a long way in
diagnosing and treating many
forms of the disease, cancer
remains something everyone
wants to prevent — or if that’s not
possible, find early and treat
quickly.
What is desired is an early
warning system — some sort of
test that definitively reveals
cancer’s presence. In fact, there
are several tests, including
mammograms, colonoscopies,
and Pap smears, that can give that
early warning: finding cancer
before it can cause symptoms or,
worse, before it spreads and
cannot be contained, possibly
leading to death.
The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) reveal that
many adults the world over are
not getting the recommended
screening tests for breast,
colorectal, and cervical cancers.
The analysis found that women
ages 21 to 65 reported not being
up-to-date with cervical cancer
screening and are missing out on
recommended mammograms,
which can detect breast
cancer.
Too many adults are not
following clinical
recommendations for cancer
screening.
While the screening tests
for breast, colorectal, and
cervical cancers can and do
help catch many cancers
early, it’s important to know
that none of them is 100
percent reliable.
All have the possibility of
missing an existing cancer
(a “false negative”) or
detecting something that
turns out to not to be cancer
(a “false positive”).
These erroneous results
can be harmful.
A false positive result can
cause anxiety and lead to
unnecessary procedures
such as biopsies, which can
cause bleeding, infection,
and pain.
A false negative result can
cause delays in treatment,
possibly allowing cancer to
spread before it is detected.
Screening tests may also
be read or interpreted
incorrectly, or their accuracy
may be compromised by quirks
in the technology or the
machines used to conduct them.
Personal anatomical and
physiological differences (how
dense a woman’s breasts are,
for example) may also affect the
accuracy of screening test
results.
Cancer screenings you
should get
Doctors, scientists,
biostatisticians, and
epidemiologists have been
working together to determine
which cancer screening tests
have the best chances of
identifying true disease, so that
measures can be taken to treat
cancer before it spreads and
causes much harm.
If you are an adult with an
average risk for cancer (there
are no particular factors that
may make you more likely to
have cancer, such as a family
history), here are some cancer
screening tests all professional
societies agree you should
consider and discuss with your
doctor, because evidence exists
that they can save lives:
Benefits of cancer screening
tests
While cancer screening tests
don’t prevent cancer, they can
lower the number of deaths
from cancer by catching it early
so that treatment can start
early.
According to the American
Cancer Society (ACS),
colorectal cancer is one of the
leading cause of cancer-related
deaths for men and women
combined.
Breast cancer is the most
common cancer among women
and a leading cause of cancerrelated
death among
women.
Rates of cervical cancer,
a cancer that affects only
women, have decreased
dramatically in recent
decades with the
introduction of the Pap
smear. But regular tests
are required to detect
new cases
While it’s important to
be screened for breast,
colon, and cervical
cancer as recommended,
not all cancer screening
tests are worth having.
A blood test called the
prostate-specific antigen
(PSA) test is sometimes
used to screen for
prostate cancer in men.
Some physicians,
p r o f e s s i o n a l
organizations, and
individuals are in favor of
doing PSA tests. Before
you have a PSA, ask your
doctor about the pros and
cons.
Testing urine to detect
signs of bladder cancer is
helpful.
Many women are
understandably worried
about one of the
deadliest forms of cancer,
ovarian cancer. It is often
discovered late, after it
has spread to nearby
organs or beyond. Pap
smear and Visual
Inspection with Acetic
Acid (VIA) are
commodities Screening
tests that can help detect
it early. Pelvic
ultrasound and a blood
test to measure levels of
a tumor marker called
CA-125 have been
considered for early
detection of ovarian
cancer.
Cancer prevention that
works
Researchers are
constantly gaining new
insights about cancer
screening, and they
continue to look for more
reliable and precise
methods
and
technologies to detect
cancer early enough so
that it can make a
difference in people’s
lives.
Until much better
screening tests become
available, remember that
no cancer screening test
is perfect. Ask your
doctor about the potential
benefits as well as
potential harms of any
screening test, even
those that are universally
recommended.
There’s a lot you can do
to prevent cancer.
Don’t smoke, exercise
regularly, follow a
healthy diet and don’t
overeat, drink alcohol in
moderation, avoid or
limit your exposure to
environmental cancercausing
substances as
Radon, a naturallyoccurring,
radioactive
gas, and asbestos, a
group of minerals used
for many years in
construction products
and still present in many
buildings.
Noisy
churches
From Tunji Olawuni's
Facebook
Is poverty synonymous
with the present craze of
religious activities? In
neighborhoods, you hear
all sorts of noises in the
name of worships. And
these are inside
dilapidated and
corrugated iron buildings.
You see the pastors or
leaders in soaked but
weather beaten suits and
members sweating with
nothing to show aside the
main man reaping.
And you take a trip
round GRAs and exclusive
areas of the rich, you'll not
find noisy churches but
serene atmospheres. And
you wonder if they don't
believe in God. When it's
time for offering, it's same
who will contribute more
without sweat. And you
wonder what's the results
of the noises and
disturbances of the
environment? Many want
manna from heaven
without works.
Wife of one pastor,
unknowingly told a friend
that her husband floated a
church when he couldn't
get a job after his master's
degree.
Unfortunately, more
noises to be expected as
we go into Christmas and
new year with numerous
crusades for instant
miracles which may never
come.
From Larry
Arogundade's
Facebook
I passed through Abuja
International Airport
yesterday and discovered
that the newly
commissioned terminal by
PMB is not yet in use and
may not be in use for some
time. As I whispered aloud
over this, a fellow traveller
reminded me that a bus
terminal commissioned by
the President in Lagos is
yet to commence
operations months after.
This should be seen as
embarrassing to the office
of the president. The
presidency should at least
have a due diligence unit
that preinspects projects
and gives independent
report that enables
presidential handlers take
the right decision. If any
commissioning is needed
for political or campaign
proposes, which is nothing
wrong, then more efforts
should be put into speedy
completion of such.

42—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
Solar firm powers over two
million Nigerian lives, targets
30m by 2030
Stories by Moses Nosike
reenlight Planet, a global
Gleader in solar home energy
products, has delivered clean
energy access to more than two
million individuals in Nigeria. On
a mission to power, the lives of the
underserved, Greenlight Planet
began distributing its Sun King
solar home energy products in the
country in 2011. The company has
focused on rapid innovation of its
product offerings and distribution
strategy ever since.
Speaking on Greenlight Planet in
Nigeria, Global Business Leader,
Sun King EasyBuy, Mr.
DhavalRadia, said, “Over the last 7
years, we have sold more than
500,000 life-changing Sun King
solar solutions in Nigeria through
strategic distribution partnerships
and our own pay-as-you-go
distribution channel. Customers
have been quick to recognize that
an investment in Sun King products
pays for itself over time, with several
customers experiencing dramatic
improvements in household
savings, increased productivity for
their small businesses and
additional study–time for their
children.”
He added that the quality and
reliability of Sun King solar home
systems has helped the organization
build a loyal customer base over
time. “While we are humbled by the
warm acceptance of our products
so far, for us this is just the beginning
to reaching the 101 million
individuals still living without basic
access to electricity in Nigeria. To
ensure that our products are
affordable for even the most cashconstrained
households, we
launched our ‘EasyBuy’ pay-as-yougo
distribution channel in early
2017".
According to him, Sun King
products enabled with EasyBuy
(PAYG technology) now allow
potential users with limited access
to financing to pay for their Sun
King products in small instalments
over time. “With twenty-four flagship
Sun King stores across 23 active
states, and a large network of nearly
1,200 local sales agents (“Sun King
Energy Officers”), the Sun King
EasyBuy door-to-door sales channel
is accelerating Greenlight Planet’s
growth in Nigeria while also
boosting employment opportunities
within local communities”, he said.
He said that the organization’s
vision is to establish a world-class
distribution and energy financing
eco-system for the vast off-grid
populations of rural Nigeria. “With
our rigorous efforts and continued
innovation, our goal is to power 30
million lives by 2030 in Nigeria.
‘Arise and take your place as a Nigerian woman’
hief Mrs. Ijeoma Umez-Eronini
Cmni, Former Head of Service in
Imo State, Former Chairman of the
Board of the National Center for
Women Development Abuja and
also served a five year term as the
Hon Commissioner in the Federal
Civil Commission, representing Imo
and Abia States, has urged women
to be politically empowered through
focused and active participation in
politics while noting that education
is a prerequisite as it is one of the
most powerful keys that will unlock
the doors to the upliftment of
womanhood. She said the need to
see the Nigerian Woman take her
rightful place in contemporary
society compelled her to write the
book: The Nigerian Woman and the
Challenges of the 21 st Century:
Issues and Prospects.
The unveiling of the book in
Owerri attracted dignitaries from
across all sectors of the socioeconomic
and political spheres,
including HRH Igwe Nnaemeka
Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe CFR,
mni, The Obi of Onitsha; Hon.
Justice Mary Ukaego Peter Odili
JSC, CFR; Hon Emeka Ihedioha,
the Governorship flag bearer of PDP
and former Deputy Speaker of the
House of Representatives; Engr
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu,
Ahaejiagamba of Igboland; Hon
Justice Chioma Nwosu Iheme Phd;
Hon Henry Nwawuba, member
Fed House of Reps; Hon Eddy
Mbadiwe former member Federal
House; Mrs Florence Anyanwu rtd
Acting Auditor General of the
Federation; Dame Julie Onum
Nwariaku, former Hon
Commissioner Independent
Corrupt Practices Commission
(ICPC); Hon Justice B A Njemanze
rtd, Chief Judge of Imo State; Bar
Olisa Agbakoba SAN,and wife; Bar
Donald De-Nwigwe SAN and wife;
L-R: Assistant Marketing Manager, Redington Nigeria, Kolawole
Ogunwumi; Marketing Executive, Redington Nigeria, Olafisayo
Fapohunda and Sales Executive, Redington Nigeria, Olayiwola Daniel at
the unveil of iPhoneXR in Lagos
Harmattan: Health expert recommends 100% fruit juice
A health and wellness advocate,
Dr. Bisi Abiola has urged Nigerians
to embrace consumption of 100%
fruit juice in order to reduce
dehydration in this harmattan
season.
Abiola, during the December
edition of Chivita -sponsored health
and wellness dialogue, also warned
against indulging in excess sugar
consumption during the yuletide.
She advised individuals to take pure
fruit juice instead, as it is healthy
and highly nutritious.
According to the health and
fitness expert, the dustiness and
coarseness that is associated with
harmattan in most parts of the
country, calls for increased intake
of pure fruit juice as an essential
survival strategy for both adults and
children.
She noted that quite often, we talk
Bar Mrs. Frances Ikwechegh; Mr
Khaleel Bolaji mni, President of the
Alumni of the National Institute
(AANI); several Serving /Retired
Permanent Secretaries and
eminent dignitaries from across the
country.
The author regretted that
notwithstanding the potentials of
women, there remains a yawning
gap and disparity between
contributions and achievements of
men and women respectively to
economic growth, development and
other social activities. The
traditional Nigerian women is in a
class of her own among the women
across the world and had clearly
defined roles alongside those of the
men which were mutually
complementary.
The colonial experience
transcending from Western
European masters and to some
extent, Islamic cultures, influenced
and prejudiced the Nigerian women
thus creating an unnecessary divide
between their roles and
contributions and those of their
male counterparts. Colonization
brought with it discrimination,
marginalization, socio/economic
and educational inequalities. The
challenges of women in the modern
society center on politics, economy,
commerce, education, technology
among others. However the major
and highly weighted challenges
remain politics and education the
author said.
She said ‘Women must prepare to
fight to win their battle not as
gladiators but as commensurate
partners with men in the
development of the Nigeria polity.
She however noted that charity
begins at home and women must
rally round together and form a
formidable progressive block for the
actualization of the Nigeria
about celebration without
considering the fact that you can
only have fun when you are healthy.
What is your nutritional objective
as Christmas and the New Year
approaches? Of course, this is a
season of indulgence, but as a
health-conscious individual, you
must select your meals and drinks
with your overall nutritional goal
in mind. And I think pure fruit juice
is definitely the way to go.”
women’s dream of gender equity.’
In his opening remarks, HRH
Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu
Achebe CFR, mni, The Obi of
Onitsha, commended the author for
her passion in the civil service career,
having risen to the apex of her career
as the first female head of Service in
lmo State. He added that despite
the landmarks achieved in her
career, Ijeoma was first a wife and
mother to her family. He urged
women to change their attitude
towards themselves positively to the
extent that every woman becomes
the nurturer of the other women thus
creating an enabling environment
that facilitates communication,
networking and strategizing for
focused activities and eventual
destination to move Nigeria
forward for WE ARE STRONGER
TOGETHER.
Hon. Justice Mary Ukaego Peter
Odili JSC,CFR in her remarks
described the celebrant and
author as a woman of inestimable
value who exhibited career
competence, and is extremely
caring, compassionate,
committed to putting smiles on
people’s faces without seeking
reward. She recalled that the author
was instrumental to her daughter
securing a job in the Federal Civil
Service. While she was
contemplating on visiting the
author to express her appreciation,
the reverse happened. The author
visited her and her family and
offloaded culinary delicacies that
could feed a large number of people.
The Hon Justice went down
memory lane narrating the
commitment of the author as the
Executive Secretary of Imo State
Women Commission when her
husband Dr, Peter Odili was the
Governor of Rivers State and she
the First Lady. She crowned her
TVC wins Best TV Station of the Year
or its invaluable contribution towards the deepening of Nigeria’s
Fbroadcasting industry, TVC News, a member of TVC Communications,
has bagged the NBC Prize for the “Best Television Station of the Year” at the
26th Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA).
To clinch the award, TVC News beat a strong field of competitors, riding
on the back of its highly acclaimed professionalism, innovation and
customer-centricity.
At the awards ceremony, which held at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos
on Thursday, December 27, 2018, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, Chairman, Panel
of Assessors, Nigeria Media Merit Awards, noted that competition in the
category was tough. His words: “This year, we had difficulty in picking
winners in the Newspaper of the Year, Editor of the Year, Radio of the Year
and Television of the Year categories. The scores were too close for comfort.
The differences between the winners in the categories were marginal.”
The Nigeria Media Merit Award is the foremost media excellence award
and also the most prestigious annual celebration of the best in the Nigerian
media industry. The award ceremony attracted a huge audience of journalists,
media and PR practitioners from traditional and new media platforms.
The Director of News, TVC News, Stella Din-Jacob, who received the
award on behalf of TVC Communication said: “We are delighted to be
awarded the winner for the Best Television Station of the Year. Having our
hard work recognized is a big motivation to work harder and would serve as
the tonic that we need to prove to Nigerians that we are both dynamic and
innovative. Going forward, we will step up the tempo to ensure such laurels
become a second nature to us. What we did this year, we need to do better
because we are only as good as our last performance”.
She added “We must be seen to live up to our USPs, which are first,
accurate, and reliable. Our viewers should expect excellence,
professionalism, and innovation. TVC News is highly honored to have
received the award.
Batch 2 winners of GLOIN60SECONDS
competition unveiled
N
ational telecommunications company, Globacom, has released the list
of second batch of winners in its on-going GLOIN60SECONDS, a
social media talent competition.
The seven lucky winners who emerged after the second draw of the
competition include Doyinsola Hazfeezah Salau (Skit/Comedy) from Ikeja,
Lagos, Chinaza Ezeani (Skit/Comedy) from Enugu, Chinazom Ngini
(Music) from Surulere, Lagos, and Onyekachi Madubuike (Skit/Comedy)
from Abuja.
Others are Echikodili Patience Okonkwo (Music/ Rap) from Enugu, Olaide
Ayode Daniel (Skit) from Ibadan, Oyo State, and Gift Joseph (Skit/ Comedy)
from Delta State.
Globacom, in a statement, said that 14 winners have so far emerged out
of a total of 56 winners that will emerge in the competition.
Last week, the first set of lucky winners emerged and they included Precious
Nwakama (dance) and Ayo Oyindamola Daniel (dance), from Surulere,
Lagos, Nina Joy David (music) from Port Harcourt and Odey Daniel (dance)
from Calabar. Others are Damilola Joshua (rap music) from Ibadan,
Tobenna Aniegboka (skit/magic) from Enugu and Amarachi Oguh (music)
from Abuja.
The statement added that “the contestants stand to win N4.8 million in
cash prizes in the challenge which runs via social media platforms including
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for eight weeks.”
Under GLOIN60SECONDS, subscribers will upload a one-minute video
of themselves showcasing their talents on their social media accounts such
as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and hashtag it on #GLOIN60SECONDS.
The video could either be music, dance, comedy, poetry or any other creative
ability.
In addition, participants are expected to follow Glo on any of the
company’s social media pages and upload the video and register online.
Seven lucky contestants with the highest video likes will win 50,000 each
every week in the challenge which runs between December 10, 2018 and
February 3, 2019, making a total of 56 winners, while a grand prize of 1
million naira will be won by the overall winner at the grand finale. In
addition, N200,000 consolation prizes will be presented to 5 runners-up.
L-R: Chief Mrs Ijeoma Umez-Eronini mni,(the Celebrant/Author), Mrs
Florence Anyanwu; Sir Onyewuchi Asinobi; Chief Engr Dr Emmanuel
Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba of Igboland; His Excellency, Hon Emeka
Ihedioha; Hon Justice B A Njemanze and Mr Khaleel Bolaji mni.at
the book launch in Owerri.
encomiums with the resonation of
the role she played as the
coordinator of Niger Delta East
Women’s forum when her husband
contested for Presidency. These
experiences no doubt convinced her
that the celebrant clearly deserves
to be celebrated as her kind of
woman is scarce.
In her contribution, Dame Julie
Nwariaku, a rtd. Permanent
Secretary and former member
Independent Corrupt Practices
Commission (ICPC), also poured
encomiums on the author for
drawing attention to the need to
focus on strategies to align and realign
female gender issues to ensure
the steady growth of equality.
According to Dame Nwariaku,
women should be enjoined to
remain educationally proactive,
advocate and agitate for the
actualization of the healthcare
needs of the Nigerian woman and
invade the political platforms of the
various political parties not as
dancers or clappers but as active
participants in seeking elective
office and political appointments.
Engr. Chief E C Iwuanyanwu,
Ahaejiagamba of Igbo land reechoed
the sterling qualities of the
author drawing attention to her
intellectual capacities and noting
that she exhibited extreme academic
prowess in her days at the University
of Nigeria Nsukka where his late
wife Lady Eudora Iwuanyanwu and
the author were not just good friends
but both graduated in their fields of
study with BSc Hons Second Class
Upper Division which was quite rare
at that time. He also commended
the author’s husband Engr. Nze
Lawrence Umez-Eronini FNSE
FASCE, OFR who is his professional
colleague that set a BSc
Engineering First Class Honours
Degree record at UNN for standing
solidly beside the author throughout
her career as a celebrated
technocrat and respected housewife,
a very rare combination.
Many other guests made copious
positive remarks about the author
and her enviable pedigree.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018 — 43
Shehu Shagari dies at 93
Former President of Ni
geria, Alhaji Shehu
Shagari has died at the age
of 93. He died yesterday at
the National Hospital Abuja.
His grandson, Nuradeen
Mahe, told newsmen in
Sokoto that the late President
died at 6: 40 P.M and his remains
would be flown to
Sokoto for burial today according
to Islamic rites.
Mahe said Shagari was
transported to Abuja on Dec.
25 when his health worsened.
Shagari was president 1979
to 1983 and won second election
before being dethroned
by a coup d’etat that brought
in Muhammadu Buhari as
military head of state.
The former leader was born
February 25, 1925 in Shagari,
in Sokoto. After his early education,
he worked as a
teacher for a brief period before
entering politics in 1951.
In 1954, he was elected to the
Buhari, Jonathan, Saraki, Ibori others mourn
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
President Muhammadu
Buhari has expressed
great sadness at the news of the
passing of the First Executive
President of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu
Usman Aliyu Shagari. President
Buhari said, “On behalf
of my family, the government
and the people of Nigeria, it is
with immense sadness that I
received the news of the passing
away of the First Executive
President of Nigeria, Alhaji
Shehu Shagari which event
happened Friday in Abuja.”
The President in a statement by
his Special Adviser on Media
and Publicity, Chief Femi
Adesina in Abuja described the
death as the departure of a patriot
whose life of service and
humility was widely acknowledged.
President Buhari recalled
part of the birthday message he
(Buhari) sent to him last February
when he said, “we are
enthralled and regaled with
the many years of unequalled
patriotism, sacrifices and contributions
to national development.
More specifically, we celebrate
the role-modelling qualities
of integrity, diligence and
humility that have been the
hallmark of your visionary leadership.”
President Buhari said he was
however, grateful to God that
Alhaji Shagari lived to a ripe
age and led an exemplary life,
which he urged Nigerians of
all walks of life to emulate.
Shagari Was the Last of the
First and Second Republic
Titans — Saraki
President of the Senate, Dr.
Abubakar Bukola Saraki has
expressed sadness over the
death of the first elected President
of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu
Usman Aliyu Shagari who he
described as the last of the First
and Second Republic titans.
Saraki in a statement by his
Special Adviser on Media and
Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu,
in Ilorin, described the late
Shagari as a man of peace who
dedicated the greater part of
his life to the service of the fatherland.
He noted that Shagari would
be remembered for his immense
contributions to the political
and socio-economic development
of the country as
well as his peaceful disposition.
He also commiserated with
the immediate and larger family
of the deceased, the government
and people of Sokoto
State, and the entire country
over the loss of the former President
as he stated that: “let’s
be consoled by the fact that Alhaji
Shagari lived his life in
the service of God and country.”
“My family and I join the
entire nation to mourn the
passing of former President,
Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who led
our nation during the Second
Republic. He was a quintessential
public servant; having
served in seven cabinet positions
and as a legislator. He
was the first elected President
who was Chief Executive of the
country. He dedicated his best
years in the service of our nation
and its people and will be
dearly missed.
“He was a man who worked
for the unity of Nigeria and stabilized
the country during the
50 months of the Second Republic
despite the challenges
of the then new presidential
system of government operated
by the country. Since his exit
from power, he has remained
a silent beacon of strength for
the country”, the Senate President
stated. He prayed Allah
to grant the soul of the late
former President a place among
the righteous ones in Aljannah
Firdaus and his family, loved
ones and the entire country the
fortitude to bear the irreparable
loss.
We’ve lost a sage, democrat,
Says Ekweremadu
The Deputy President of the
Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu,
has expressed deep
grief over the death of the Second
Republic President, Alhaji
Shehu Shagari.
Ekweremadu described the
death as “a heavy loss to the
nation”, noting that the late politician
was a “sage, democrat,
and statesman”.
Writing on his social media
handles @iamekweremadu,
the Senator said: “I received
with a heavy heart the news of
the passing on the Second Republic
President of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji
Shehu Shagari.
“He was a democrat by nature,
orientation, and conviction.
He was a patriot per excellence,
an elder statesman,
bridge-builder, servant-leader,
and an epitome of humility,
who served the nation and humanity
most creditably. In and
out of office, Alhaji Shagari
clothed the Office of the President
with decorum and social
grace”. Senator Ekweremadu
said although the late elder
statesman lived to a ripe age
of 93, “his wealth of experience
and treasury of wisdom would
still have been most invaluable
in our quest to build the
Nigeria of our dreams”.
“I, therefore, send heartfelt
condolences to his family, the
Government and good people
federal House of Representatives.
He served seven times
in a ministerial or cabinet post
as a federal minister and federal
commissioner from 1958–
1975, before he was elected
president in 1979.
He won a disputed re-election
in 1983 that accelerated
a military coup three months
later after he was sworn in
and the economy was on a
precipitous decline.
of Sokoto State, President Muhammadu
Buhari, and the nation
over this irreparable loss.
May God grant his soul eternal
repose”, he concluded.
Shagari’s passage a sad loss
to Nigeria — Wike
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom
Ezenwo Wike has described
the passage of Alhaji
Shehu Shagari as a sad loss to
the entire country.
In a condolence message on
Friday Night, Governor Wike
commiserated with the government
and people of Sokoto State
over the death of the eminent
statesman. Governor Wike said
President died at a time the
entire nation would have benefited
from his guidance during
an important election circle.
He said that Late Former
President Shehu Shagari would
be remembered for his patriotic
contributions to the development
of the country.
Shagari was an active political
player, says Amosun
The Governor of Ogun State,
Senator Ibikunle Amosun, described
the death as the passing
of an age in the history of
Nigeria. He described the
former President as an active
political player.
Amosun, in a statement on
Friday by his Special Adviser
on Information and Strategy,
Mr. Rotimi Durojaiye, said
Shagari had left a most significant
stamp in the courageous
defence of the country. While
praying for the repose of his
soul, Amosun said Shagari
would be missed by the country
and Africa in general. “He
was a peacemaker, nationbuilder,
opinion leader, defender
of history and stood with his
people till his last breath,” Amosun
said.
Jonathan mourns Shagari,
says he was a nation builder
with a good heart
Former Nigerian President
Dr.Goodluck Jonathan has condoled
with the family of Alhaji
Shehu Shagari and the people
of Sokoto State over the demise
of the nation’s Second Republic
President, describing him as
a nation builder who cemented
a good relationship between
the North and South.
Ex-President Jonathan stated
this in a tribute to the nation’s
first executive President,
noting that Shagari was a patriot
who placed service to humanity
and fatherland above
personal interest.
In a statement by Ikechukwu
Eze, the former President’s
spokesman, Dr. Jonathan further
described Shagari as a nice
man with a clean heart who was
sincere and selfless in service.
L-R Mr Usman Halilu, younger brother to the wife of the President,
Mrs Aisha Buhari, National Coordinator, Re-elect Buhari
Movement (RBM), Comrade Goodluck Obi and Mr Emmanuel
Umohinyang during the 10th anniversary of Umohinyang Foundation
in Lagos.
He said: “Late President
Shagari was a very nice man
with a clean heart. As a President
he was humble, sincere
and selfless in service. He was
in deed a true democrat who
left no one in doubt about his
loyalty to his country, love for
peace, desire for unity and vision
for a greater Nigeria.
“Shagari was an exceptional
leader and exemplary statesman
whose modesty, commitment
to common good and
deep sense of patriotism will
continue to inspire many generations
of Nigerians. He will
be remembered as a teacher,
parliamentarian and President
whose model of service was
anchored on diligence, broadmindedness
and humility.”
Shagari was an urbane
politician — Obi
In his own reaction, the Vice
Presidential candidate of the
PDP, Mr. Peter Obi described
the death of the former President,
Alhaji Shehu Shagari as
a national loss. Further, Obi
said that Shagari’s efforts towards
the progress of Nigeria
through policies such as
“Green Revolution” should
spur younger politicians to always
work for the good and
progress of the country.
Describing Shagari as an urbane,
humble, polished and tolerant
politician, Obi called on
Nigerians to emulate his life
of service, patriotism and devotion
to ennobling values.
Obaseki mourns Shagari
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin
Obaseki has also mourned
the passing of former Nigerian
President, Alhaji Shehu
Shagari, whose death at the
National Hospital, Abuja, was
announced yesterday. Alhaji
Shagari, aged 93 years, served
as Nigeria’s President from
1979 to 1983.
A statement by the Special
Adviser, Media and Communication
Strategy, Crusoe Osagie
quoted the governor as
saying that Shagari played an
active role in the growth and
development of Nigeria, and
until his death, rendered invaluable
support to successive
administrations for the uplift of
the country.
He quoted the governor as
saying that “It is with great sadness
that I received the news
of the passing of former President,
Alhaji Shehu Shagari. As
an elder statesman, Shagari
maintained a rather quite and
simple lifestyle and was always
available to advise the nation’s
leaders. I commiserate with his
family, the government and
people of Sokoto State on his
passing and pray that God
grants them the fortitude to bear
the loss.”
The governor noted that it was
quite regrettable that Nigeria
was losing someone like the
former president at a time the
country needed his wisdom and
experience to forge ahead and
build a more united nation.
According to him, “The former
President remains a major
shaper of what Nigeria has become
today.”
The gentlemanly president has
gone Home —Ibori
In his own reaction, former
Delta State Governor, Chief
James Onanefe Ibori said that
Shagari was a gentlemanly
President who showed that
power, no matter how mighty,
could be used moderately. He
showed us that a President was
first of all a citizen just like every
other Nigerian and was only
a President to serve the cause
of the citizenry.
He said that Nigerians
should do well to learn the right
lessons that abound in the life
of Shagari. Even after leaving
office on the first day of 1994,
he maintained a dignity that
was uncommon in our shores.
He gave his advice to the nation
or the leaders when it was
necessary, always desirous of
pointing out the right way in
every matter, never forgetting
for once that as a man who was
voted into the exalted office of
the President, the nation had
become his constituency.

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
Cross River’s many
communal ‘wars’
By Emmanuel Unah
There is hardly a community in Cross
River State that could boldly say it has
not had one form of strife or violent
face-off with its neighbour over disagreement
on land issues or other mundane matters.
Resort to violence is one thing that modernity,
Christianity and education have not
extricated from the psyche of communities
in the state who are always quick to settling
scores and disagreements with one
another through machetes and guns.
Though the state is blessed with thousands
of kilometres of landmass stretching
through virgin forests, hills, mountains and
rivers which any visitor to the state would
question when such land would be developed
or put to use.
Recently there was palpable tension
between the neighbouring communities of
Uyangha and Ojor in Akamkpa Local Government
Area of Cross River State following
claims by Ojor that their Uyangha
neighbours are blocking their only access
route an allegation denied by Uyangha.
This is the aftermath of a conflict between
the two neighbouring communities on
Christmas Day in 2017 where many lives
were lost and houses razed in the ensuing
conflict between the two.
Chief Paulinus Ogar, Clan Head of Ojor
fired the first salvo when he made claims
that since the communal conflict between
them in 2017, the Uyangha community regularly
blocks the only access route that
passes though Uyangha to Ojor thereby
strangulating their sources of livelihood.
Countering, the Uyangha community said
there is nothing of the sort. The Clan Head
of Uyangha, Chief Felix Akposi said
he was shocked and confused by the allegation
from their neighbours
“Yes, we had issues with them that
generated to a full scale clash in 2017 but
that is over now. Look, we are brothers
and sisters, we have cohabited for a long
time, my grandmother is from there. I
have relatives there and we intermarry but
for them to continue to make such claims
is worrisome”.
He said the allegation may be another
ploy by their neighbours to invade Uyangha
and accordingly called on the state
government to investigate the matter and
also station security agents in the area to
*Burnt house of Jonathan's In-law, HRM Edward Osim, the Paramount Ruler
of Abi LGA, by Ebom community in Bahumono Clan, Cross River State/
Burnt vehicle in the house of the Paramount Ruler
of Abi LGA, C.R.S.
avert any clash.
The chief explained that after the conflict
many organisations have waded into the
matter to make peace which has been accepted
by Uyangha people even though
they lost five persons and many houses to
the crisis.
“Just go around and see things for yourself
; nobody has blocked or attempted to
block the road. The Village Head of Ojor
has my phone number, he has not called
me nor sent me a text message alleging
that any of my subjects has done this or
that”.
In November 2018, the palace of Chief
Edward Osim, the Paramount Ruler of Abi
local Government Area and father in-law
to former President Goodluck Jonathan and
those of other members of the Usumutong
community were razed by their Ebom
neighbours in a communal conflict. The conflict
saw three neighbouring communities,
Afafanyi, Ediba, Ebom jointly attacking
their Usumutong neighbours
The conflict which is a squabble over land
has been lingering for many years with the
Ediba and Usumutong communities engaging
each other in frequent attacks leading
to the killing of over a thousand people
and destruction of many houses and
farm products
The conflict led to the displacement of
over three thousand Usumutong people
who are taking refuge in the palace of the
Obol Lopol, the King of Ugep and their
plight is said to be pathetic.
On the tail of the Abi
conflict came a three -
day battle among four
communities in Biase
Local Government Area
of the state in the first
week of December, 2018
Which also claimed
many lives and houses.
Saturday Vanguard
gathered that the conflict
started between the
communities of Abanwan
and Orugbam
where three people were
killed when the people
of Abanwan reportedly
launched attack on their
Orugbam neighours .
The conflict then spread to the nearby
communities of Afona. Some people were
killed and others left with severe wounds.
Narrating the reason for the three days
conflict, a Legal practitioner from the area
who spoke on condition of anonymity,
said the crisis was a result of the “decision
by Orugbam people to annex some land in
other Erei communities.”
He recalled that a few months back,
“Orugbam invaded Ipene community and
destroyed houses and when the Police arrested
five of the ring leaders and put them
in cell to calm the situation, a top government
functionary in the state ordered for
their release.”
On the Ibini and Afono crisis, our source
said the crisis between Orugbam and neigbouring
communities is as a result of loyalty
to the warring communities of Orugbam
and Abanwan He said: “While Ibini
supports Abanwan, Afono is supporting
Orugbam and when there is problem between
Abanwan and Orugbam, Ibini will
take side with the former while Afono takes
side with the latter.”
At about the same time, communities in
Odukpani Local Government Area engaged
one anoher in a fierce war leading o
the destruction of their villages by communal
crisis which took place in the area last
week.
The conflict which engulfed the Obom Itiat-
Mbiabo ward led to the killing of several
persons and razing of houses in
villages in the area including Edere,
Erong, Mkpan Oruk, Mbiabo Edere, Etege
Ntem, Otong Ediong communities. Mr
Okon Asuquo a former Councilor who represented
the ward in the Odukpani Council
legislature said the conflict started
when youths from Ediong village allegedly
fell a tree in the forest belonging to
Mbiabo Edere and the Mbiabo youths confiscated
the chain saw machine used by
the Ediong youths and demanded for compensation
which was rejected and the ensuing
misunderstanding snowballed into
conflict leading to killing and destruction
of property.
“The youths of Mbiabo Edere launched
an attack on the village of Ediong and
killed many people including one of the
chiefs, Okon Eyibio Essien and destroyed
many houses and from there the conflict
spread to villages of Mkpan Oruk, Ikot
Otu, Etege Ntem , Otong Ediong and as I
speak many people are hiding in the bush
because of fear” He said the only primary
school in the area, Obomitiat Edere primary
school, health centres and markets were
set ablaze in the crisis. “With the intervention
of our Senator, we have agreed to return
to our ancestral home and live in peace
because we are brothers who have been living
peacefully for many years”.
He appealed to the Cross River State government
to assist the people with relief materials
to rebuild their homes and also provide
employment for the youths to keep
them busy and reduce poverty which is the
cause for the constant conflicts. “Government
should set up a standard security post
in our community, construct roads, rehabilitate
our medical centres and also temper
justice with mercy and provide us with relief
materials to rebuild our houses”
Senator Gershom Bassey while intervening
charged the people, both youths and
elders of the various communities to be
more tolerant and accommodating of one
other and avoid the temptation of engaging
in strife each time there is a disagreement.
The Nko-Mkpani conflict which is the
fiercest of them all erupted- in Yakkur Local
Government Area in the central senatorial
district in 2016-Sophisticated weapons
were used in the combat which lasted
for man days leading to the killing of several
people including soldiers, pastors,
women and children while educational institutions,
hospitals and residential houses
were set alight. Incidentally, this conflict
involved the community of the Chief
of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibok Ette, the Minster
for Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani
Usani on one hand and that of the former
governor of the state, Chief Clement Ebri
on the other hand..
Next on its trail came the Inyima , Onyadama
conflict in March where women,
children, the aged and the entire houses
in Inyima were set ablaze. The conflict
which has become a recurring decimal
was first fought in 2008 then 2014 and
repeated in 2016. The cause of the war according
to sources is that an Inyima man
was said to have harvested cassava in a disputed
portion of land with Onyadama community
and since the first outbreak of the
conflict many years ago, there have continued
to be bad blood and recurring skirmishes
which have kept the two erstwhile
sister communities at daggers drawn.
In Obudu where the state governor, Senator
Ben Ayade comes from, two communities,
Kutia and Okurtong are in serious faceoff
over a piece of land. The two villages
fought a bitter war in 2017 over the land in
dispute and to forestall another outbreak
of full blown skirmishes between them,
Senator Ben Ayade, the governor convened
a meeting of leaders of the two communities
in his office to sort matters out.
Soon after the Obudu ‘war’ came the Akparabong
– Bendeghe Ekim conflict which
also led to the destruction of several lives
and property from the two communities
who have lived and inter married for many
decades.
The Wanikade and Wanihem neighbours
all in Ukele, Yala Local Government Area
also took up arms against each other in
2017 and the outcome was massive destruction.
. The conflict which raged for four days
was only put to rest when soldiers from the
Brigadier Ally Batallion in Okuku near
Ogoja were drafted to the area to sop hostilities.
The police contingent that first went
in could not stop the fight because of the
high caliber weapons used in the combat.
Needless to say that during those four days
many people died, several wounded, farm
produce destroyed and houses set ablaze.
Most worrisome in all these conflicts is
the fact that some elites and educated members
of these communities actively take part
in the fights which are seen as a show of
strength and demonstration of superior
prowess when combatants come back with
fresh human heads, decapitated from the
bodies of “enemy” community members.
The elites buy weapons, army uniforms
and and sundry war items for their youths
to be used in prosecuting the war. This
makes the government seemingly helpless
in finding solutions to the conflicts. Senator
Liyel Imoke , Former governor of the
state usually sacks the chiefs of feuding
communities to serve as a deterrent warning,
yet, these fights continue.
Senator Ben Ayade is yet to take any
drastic measure against these communities
which may be the reason for the current high
rate of the conflicts

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018—45
•Rangers 2018 AITEO Cup Champions
Super Eagles qualify for
World Cup:
The Super Eagles qual
ified for the 2018 sum
mer World Cup in Russia.
At the mundial the Eagles
were grouped alongside Argentina,
Croatia and Iceland
but could not go past the group
stage as they lost two matches
and won one against Iceland.
Super Eagles jersey best in
the world:
Super Eagles jersey was rated
as the best in the world as
thousands queued around the
world to buy the iconic jersey.
Although the Eagles did not
go far in the tournament, the
jersey made waves around the
world.
Rangers win AITEO Cup
Rangers International Football
Club of Enugu broke a 32-
year cup jinx to win the AIT-
EO Cup in a dramatic fashion.
The Flying Antelopes
came from three goals down
to surprise Kano Pillars in the
final played at the Stephen
Keshi international stadium,
Asaba.
Lobi win NPFL title
The League Management
Company, organisers of the
Nigeria Professional Football
League declared Lobi Stars of
Makurdi as winners of the
2017/18 NPFL League. The
League Management Company
stated that they reached a
consensus to end the league
season after 24 games. They
were concerned about missing
the October 15 deadline set by
the Confederation of African
Football for clubs to enter for
CAF competitions.
Flying Eagles escape WAFU
B test to reach 2019 U20 Nations
Cup
Nigeria lost to Senegal in
the final of the WAFU U-20
tournament to qualify for the
CAF U-20 AFCON in Niger.
Golden Eaglets reach 2019
U17 Nations Cup
Nigeria's Golden Eaglets
also went past the hurdle of
the WAFU Zone B tournament
to qualify for the 2019 CAF U-
17 tournament in Tanzania
where they will face the hosts;
Angola and Uganda in the
group stages.
Kenya beat Nigeria's U16
Boys Copa Coca Cola championship
The inaugural edition of the
U-16 Copa Coca Cola Championship
was held in Nairobi,
Kenya and the hosts defeated
Nigeria 3-2 in the final after
a scoreless draw in regulation
time. The Nigerian
side had beaten Zimbabwe,
South Africa and Botswana
on their way to the final.
Super Sand Eagles qualify
for Paraguay 2019
Nigeria lost 6-1 to defending
champions Senegal in
the final of the CAF Soccer
Nations Cup in Egypt to
qualify for the Beach Soccer
World Cup in Paraguay next
year.
Nigeria participate in Amputee
World Cup
Nigeria's amputee football
team took part in the 2018
Amputee World Cup held in
Mexico after three failed attempts
in the past due to financial
constraints.
Goodluck Obieze captained
The ongoing 2018 edition
of the OML 58
football tournament is now in
the semi final stage.“Sixteen
teams entered the fray on
December 7 2018 and after 24
matches , 8 teams romped
into the quarterfinals and four
highly entertaining ties were
played to decide the semi
finalists.“Erema, Elele-Al-
How Super Eagles, Falcons
shaped Nigeria football in 2018
•A recap of major happenings in Nigeria football in 2018
•Lobi Stars, 2017/2018 Nigeria Champions
the Amputee Eagles.
NNL Super 8: NFF insist On
Aba Games
The NFF insisted that the
Super 8 promotion race must
hold despite discordant tunes
from some of the clubs who
had already informed their
state governments that they
had already been promoted
to the top flight.
•Supersand Eagles
Nigeria qualify for 2019
AFCON
Nigeria booked their place
at the 2019 AFCON to be
hosted by either Egypt or
South Africa June 7-30, 2019
after wins over Libya and a
draw against South Africa.
Nigeria's Reps in CAF
club competitions reduced
Due to Nigeria's
low coefficient
ranking, clubs representing
the
country in the CAF
club competitions
were reduced from
two apiece to one
in the Champions
League and Confederation
Cup but
Enyimba got to the
semifinals in the
Confederation
Cup.
Lobi and Enugu
Rangers have
been impressive
so far in both competitions.
Falcons win 9th
AWCON title in Ghana
The Super Falcons won
their 9th African Women Cup
of Nations in Ghana last
month after a 4-3 penalty
shoot–out defeat of South Africa
in the final. They also
secured a berth in the 2019
FIFA Women World Cup
holding in France.
OML 58 football tourney enters semifinals stage
imini, Akabuka and Obite
will vie for places in the semi
finals that will be decided on
the 3rd and 4th January, 2019
respectively.“Afterwards the
third place play off will be
played on the 8th January
2019 and the final match will
be played on the 10th
January.“Most participating
•Super Eagles
players and officials have
commended the standard of
organisation and officiating
at this year's
competition.“Organising officials
Engineer Okechukwu
Obara and Goodnews Mbonu,
both of Total E and P
have also heaped praises on
all participating officials,
players and even fans for the
peaceful conduct recorded at
every match venue so
far.“They also used the opportunity
to urge the people
of the OML 58 communities
to continue to sustain peace
in the area as football is a
game of friendship and
peaceful co-existence.

46— SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
•Zinedine, Silvestre and a friend in Dubai
Man Utd ambassador meets
Zidane in Dubai
Manchester United
ambassador
Mikael Silvestre
has met up with Zinedine
Zidane on holiday amid
reports linking him with the
manager's job at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was
installed as United's
caretaker coach last week
after Jose Mourinho was
sacked following a dismal
start to the Premier League
season. United are set to
make an announcement on
Mourinho's permanent
replacement at the end of the
season and Tottenham coach
Mauricio Pochettino is the
favourite.
Zidane has been repeatedly
Okowa stops new schools without sports
facility in Delta
BY EMMA AMAIZE,
Editor, South-South And
FESTUS AHON
Henceforth, Delta State
Government will not
approve any new school
in the state without sports facility.
The state governor, Senator
Ifeanyi Okowa, disclosed this
while speaking to Editors of
Vanguard Newspapers at
Government House, Asaba,
capital of the state.
Okowa, who reeled out various
programmes his administration
has put place to promote sports
in the state, said, “Outside our
various programmes to
encourage sports, we have also
given a directive that for every
new school that must be approved
now; they must have a sports
facility.”
“Before now, you just see one
building, there is no space and
linked with the United job and
is still a free agent after
guiding Real Madrid to a third
successive Champions League
triumph last season. As
speculation intensifies over
Zidane's future, the France
World Cup winner was
reunited with former Bleus
Villarreal of Spain attacker,
Samuel Chukwueze is
facing a stronger bait for
him to leave The Yellow
Submarine, as he is now said to
be attracting interest from
Leicester City and Arsenal.
Though details of interest from
they run a school there. By end
of last year, we gave that
instruction that no new school will
be opened when they cannot
provide space for sports activities.
“Actually, inter-house sports are
compulsory in all schools, both
primary and schools in the state.
When I went to school, it was
compulsory but after sometime, it
stopped in some schools,” he
President of the Nigeria
Football Federation (NFF),
Amaju Melvin Pinnick has
affirmed that the Super Falcons will
play at least eight matches in their
build-up to the 2019 FIFA Women’s
World Cup.
Pinnick acknowledged that the
Falcons have only two international
breaks before France 2019, which
would have left them with only two
build-up friendlies, but says the
NFF enrolled the team for two
competitions in order to accord
them more match opportunities
before the Mundial.
The Falcons might end up playing
up to 12 matches en route to France
2019, as the second competition the
team will feature in has group and
knock out format.
teammate Silvestre in Dubai,
where Zidane spent his
Christmas holidays.
Silvestre, who played for
United between 1999 and 2008
and is now a club ambassador,
questioned if Zidane is the
best manager of the year in a
picture of the pair of them on
his Instagram page.
Chukwueze attracts interest from
Arsenal, Leicester
Onyekuru targets AFCON 2019
Galatasaray of Turkey attacker, Henry
Onyekuru has admitted that part of his
targets for next year is to make
Nigeria’s squad to the Africa Cup of Nations.
While pointing out that he wants to
continue scoring great goals for his club in
the Turkish Super Lig, Onyekuru stressed
that he also wants to be at AFCON 2019
and help make Nigerians proud.
Onyekuru said he was delighted to hit a
brace of goals last Sunday and a good way
to end the year on a high, but says his next
target is to make Nigeria’s 2019 AFCON
team and winning the soccer
showpiece.
He confessed: “It feels good
ending the year with a brace and
most of all getting the three points
at home for the club and fans.” •Onyekuru
2019 FIFA WWC: Falcons have 8 build-up
matches – Pinnick
the English Premier League duo
is not concrete, it was gathered
that officials at Villarreal are
taking the speculation with all
seriousness and have stepped up
their efforts to tie Chukwueze
down with a fatter contract and
higher transfer clause.
Villarreal’s new coach, Luis
Garcia admitted that Chukwueze
is a jewel that has to be protected
jealously by the club.
After seeing Chukwueze hit a
wonder goal that helped
Villarreal reach the Europa
League round of 32 during his
first game in charge, Garcia
admitted he was amazed with the
youngster’s quality.
Consequently, the Chile 2015
FIFA U-17 World Cup gold
medalist is still rated high under
the new coach and Garcia
admitted that the modest Liga
club cannot afford to allow the
rave of the moment go for cheap.
The Villarreal gaffer said: “I was
told about Chukwueze. He’s got
speed, spark, he can dribble. He’s
a jewel we have to take care of.”
•Okowa presenting Nigeria Footballer of the Year Award to
Ahmed Musa
said.
The governor asserted, “Sports
is very important in the
development of our society, it
brings peace, yes, there is
entertainment, but more
importantly health need, it helps
the people to exercise their
energy in the right direction. In
addition, we are able to find
talents and develop them.
Pinnick added that the Falcons
will start their preparation as early
as January, when they go for a fournation
competition in China, then
go for the major build-up outing at
a 16-nation invitational in Cyprus.
The NFF boss stressed that they
•Super Falcons after the AWC triumph
Oboh commends Dangote, charges other
wealthy Nigerians to support Falcons
Last month in Ghana, the
Super Falcons defended
their African Women
Nations Cup title successfully
after hard-earned victories over
Cameroon in the semi final and
South Africa in the grand finale.
The Nigeria Football
Federation announced after the
tournament that business
mogul, Aliko Dangote and
owner of Bua Group, Alhaji
Rabiu have redeemed their
pledges to give the Falcons
N50m and N25m respectively.
The NFF confirmed the
presentation of the sum of N50
million to the Super Falcons by
Dangote Group, which was
immediately followed by the
presentation of the sum of N25
million to the team by BUA
Group.”
A former British and
Commonwealth boxing
champion, Peter Oboh has
commended the two leading
business concerns and has
called on other rich Nigerians
to follow their footsteps.
“I want to say a big
congratulation to the Super
Falcons for their victory in the
African women Nations Cup
and also for modelling
themselves as Africa’s best in
female football.”
He added, “I strongly believe
that such historic feats can be
repeated by the Falcons if they
are truly encouraged and
motivated by Nigerians, like
Alhaji Dangote and Alhaji
Rabiu did recently by giving
them N50million and
N25million respectively”.
Oboh said, “in sports,
although money is not the only
key to success, money, in many
ways, is a very vital and
fundamental key to achieving
success.”
Oboh went nostalgic, “I
remember in the 90s when the
late Chief MKO Abiola gave a
$100 USD for a medalist in IBB
boxing tournament, which I was
a beneficiary. I was highly lifted
by that show of generosity even
as I was the only foreign based
boxer in that tournament. I
highly appreciated the
gesture.”
Rejoice Roland wins Miss
Football Nigeria
As Prof Onimawo, Major Hamza
Al-Mustapha(rtd) bag awards
Miss Rejoice Roland
from Edo State has
emerged the 2018 Miss
Football Nigeria (Queen of
Football), Amina Adamu
from Nassarawa state won
the 1st runner-up and
crowned as Miss Fair Play,
while Miss Precious Sunday
from Edo State the 2nd
runner-up got Miss Referee.
Ten models participated in
the pageant, which was
highly contested. The
contestants were asked
questions relating to football
and current affairs. They
appeared in casual wears,
native attire and dinner
gowns.
Prominent sports
personalities were in
attendance. Some guests at
the event included Mr Fanny
Amun (Former General
Secretary, NFF), DG FRCN
represented by Mr Shina
Abimbola (Head Sports,
Radio Nigeria) and Mrs.
Preye Brigeni (Managing
Director, Agape Kitchen).
Highlight of the event was
the presentation of Pillar of
ensured the Falcons were quickly
registered for both competitions,
because they are focused on giving
the nine-time African Women Cup
of Nations champions a strong
chance of doing well at the World
Cup.
•Miss Football Nigeria,
Rejoice Roland
Soccer Ambassador Award to
Prof. Ignatius A. Onimawo
Vice Chancellor, Ambrose
Alli University, Ekpoma as
the Best VC in Youth and
Sports Development in
Nigeria Universities.
Major Hamza – Al-
Mustapha(RTD) Presidential
Candidate, People Party of
Nigeria represented by the
Vice Presidential Candidate,
Chief Robert Opara.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018 —47
Emenalo wants
Fabregas, Koscielny
at Monaco
Chelsea midfielder
Cesc Fabregas could
bid farewell to the
London club in the January
transfer window, according to
French publication Le Point.
The ex-Arsenal captain,
whose contract with the Blues
expires next summer, can
agree a pre-contract with one
of his suitors in the January
transfer window.
Monaco and AC Milan are
among the teams credited
with an interest in the experienced
Spain international.
Fabregas knows Monaco
sporting director Michael
Emenalo who approved his
transfer to Chelsea in 2014.
In the summer transfer window,
the former Nigeria international
convinced one of the
most promising players in the
ranks of Chelsea, Jonathan
Panzo to leave the Stamford
Bridge outfit for Monaco.
Emenalo, along with manager
Thierry Henry, are also eye-
ing a deal to sign current
Arsenal captain Laurent
Koscielny next month.
Klopp: Arsenal 'll be
tough opponents
Liverpool manager Jurgen
Klopp has brushed off the
suggestion that Arsenal head
coach Unai Emery is playing
'mind games' ahead of Saturday's
showdown.
The Reds are six points clear at
•Fabregas
the top of the table going into the
weekend and are yet to lose in
the Premier League this season.
Asked if he thought, Emery
was trying to pile the pressure
on Liverpool ahead of Saturday's
fixture, Klopp said: "That is not
Emery: Difference between
Arsenal, Liverpool is clear
Unai Emery admits Arsenal
face a ‘big challenge’ when
they travel to Liverpool to face the
Premier League’s greatest ever
side.
how I know Unai Emery.
"I don't think they will have the
white flag and say 'no chance'. It
will be a really tough game tomorrow
night, because they are
good.
"That is all I am interested in
and all the rest is a nice little
game, where people respond to
your questions and you make stories
of the answers.
"We are focused on ourselves
and that is all."
Liverpool drew 1-1 at Arsenal
earlier in the season in an entertaining
contest, but Klopp has
called for an improved performance
this weekend.
Asked what Liverpool needed
to do to ensure a good result, the
manager said: "Play much better
than we did at Arsenal, for example
- that would be a good idea.
"Because, especially defending
wise, we weren't as good as we
can be, or we were after that. I
think it was a period where we
didn't do too well.
The Gunners more than held
their own against Jurgen Klopp’s
men when the two clubs drew 1-
1 at the Emirates in November,
however, since then the now
league leaders have won a shiny
medal for conceding the fewest
goals after 19 Premier League
matches in the year 2018.
The Reds are also still unbeaten
in the league; a fact that has
moistened the festive loins of
Fleet Street’s finest. Faced with
such well-endowed opponents,
many men might flip out, field
the reserves and take a 15-0 beating
on the chin, but Unai is eager
to see how his chaps will fare.
“It is a very big match for us,
and for them,” he judiciously noted
in his pre-game press conference.
“They are unbeaten this season,
with a very big confidence
and big performance from their
players.
“I look at their progress over
the last year and they are maybe
in the best moment now.
“But for us it is a big challenge
and a good test to know who we
are, the difference between them
and us in the table is clear and
also I want to look at the pitch.
2018: A year of mixed fortunes for
Nigerian Athletics
danyella172003@yahoo.com
08029005850
Year 2018 is gradually winding
to a close, and it should be a
time for reflection and stock-taking
in preparation for the 2019 Athletics
season.
It was a year of mixed fortunes for
Nigeria on the international scene
in competitions like the Commonwealth
Games in Gold Coast and
the African Championships in Asaba.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria
(AFN) must be commended
for kick-starting the season on time,
beginning with the AFN Golden
League in Kaduna last December,
and then the Golden League in Port
Harcourt in January 2018, before
staging the Commonwealth Games
Trials in February.
This was necessary, considering
that the Commonwealth Games was
slated for April. Nigeria was represented
by 37 athletes in Track and
Field and finished 10th on the medals
table, securing just five medals
in the sport: two Gold, two Silver
and a Bronze medal. The tally was
two medals short of our score at
Glasgow 2014 where Nigeria finished
7th in Athletics.
Although Nigeria placed 10th on
the Athletics medals table in Gold
Coast, we finished behind four other
African countries: South Africa
(4th, 14 medals), Kenya (5th, 16
medals), Botswana (7th, 5 medals)
and Uganda (8th, 5 medals). This
demonstrates that we’ve got our
work cut out for us if we intend to
make headway in 2019.
Nigeria presented a massive team
of almost 100 athletes at the African
Championships held at the
Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba,
and finished 3rd on the medals table,
which was topped by Kenya, and
then South Africa.
Kenya snatched 11 Gold, six Silver
and two Bronze medals, while
South African followed with 11
Gold, six Silver and two Bronze
medals. Nigeria won nine Gold, five
Silver and six Bronze medals in 3rd
place.
Hosting the African Championships
was meant to be one of the
highest points of the season, but our
execution left a lot to be desired. It is
no wonder that four months after,
the times and distances posted in
Asaba are yet to be ratified by the
International Association of Athletics
Federations (IAAF) as there have
been speculations as to whether or
not the track and some of the facilities
used at the championships meet
international standards.
Ironically, the times and distances
recorded at other Continental
Championships (Asian Games, European
Championships, Oceania
Area Championships) have all been
ratified by the IAAF, casting a shadow
over our hosting of the championships.
Nevertheless, some positives were
achieved this year. First was Blessing
Okagbare’s record-breaking
feat in Texas in March. The Beijing
2008 Long Jump Silver medallist
shattered compatriot Mary Onyali’s
22-year old African Record of
22.07sec in the women’s 200m, replacing
it with a then World Lead of
•Enekwechi
22.04sec while competing at the Wes
Kittley Invitational at Abilene.
A few days later, she then stormed
to a scorching wind-aided time of
10.72sec. Okagbare also ends the
2018 season as No.3 on the world
rankings in the women’s 100m
(10.90sec) and No.2 in the women’s
200m standings. Not bad for
the Delta State athlete who had to
grapple with an injury in the course
of the season.
Athletes like Tobi Amusan and
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi certainly
deserve some accolades for their
breathtaking performances this
season. Amusan won the Commonwealth
Games title in the women’s
100m Hurdles, and added the African
Championships Gold to the
tally. She competed in a couple of
Diamond League meetings including
the final, and ends the year as
the World No.12 in the event.
She was also part of Nigeria’s
4x100m Bronze-winning team at the
Commonwealth Games, and Goldwinning
team in Asaba. Two weeks
ago, she posted a Festival Record of
13.04sec to win Gold at the 19th
National Sports Festival (NSF).
On his part, Enekwechi won Silver
in the men’s Shot put in Gold
Coast with a Personal Best of
21.14m, and improved his mark to
21.22m a month later. The US-based
athlete then smashed the Championship
Record at the African Championships,
setting a superior mark
of 21.08m to take Gold. While competing
in the Hammer throw and
Shot put events respectively at the
NSF, Enekwechi broke the records
in both events to end the season on a
high. He is ranked 13th in the world
in 2018.
As far as I am concerned, the revelation
of the year was unearthed at
the recently concluded NSF where
the biggest upset in Athletics occurred
in the women’s 400m. Teenage
sensation Nse Imaobong Uko
stunned her older and much more
experienced colleagues to win the
400m with an impressive mark of
52.36sec.
Imagine how much progress these
athletes can make ahead of the Tokyo
2020 Olympics if Nigeria invests
in their preparation; they are
surely world beaters if given the
chance. It is my hope that 2019 will
be a much better year for Nigerian
athletes and the sport in general, and
that our administrators would no
longer leave things to chance, but
put in the work that is required to
get our athletes to the highest level
possible. I wish you all a Happy
New Year in advance.

C
M
Y
K
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 29, 2018
ACROSS
1)Lagos State Zonal Coordinator, Academic
Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Olusiji
– (7)
5)Spanish Municipality (5)
8)Sierra Leone President, Maada – (3)
9)L.G.A in Bayelsa State (3)
10)Ghana “Black Stars” Midfielder,
Mohammed – (5)
11)State in Nigeria known as “The Centre of
Excellence”? (5)
12)Asian Ox (5)
15)Turkish City (5)
17)British Prime Minister, Mrs. Theresa – (3)
19)Real Madrid Coach, Santiago – (6)
20)German District (6)
22)University Lecturer (3)
24)Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Audu – (5)
27)Former Ondo State Governor, Rtd. Colonel
Lucky Mike – (5)
30)Hebrew Alphabet (5)
31)Senator representing Niger East Federal
Constituency, Senator David – (5)
32)L.G.A in Ekiti State (5)
33)Title (3)
34)Lagos State Capital (5)
35)Country in Europe (7)
CROSS WORD PUZZLE
DOWN
1)South Korean Capital City (5)
2)President, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade
Ayuba – (5)
3)L.G.A in Borno State (5)
4)Director-General, National Bio-Safety Management
Agency (NBMA), Dr. Rufus – (6)
5)Former Egyptian President, Mr. Mohammed – (5)
6)Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Chigozie – (5)
7)Egypt “Pharaohs” Coach, Javier – (7)
13)Zodiac Sign (3)
14)Senegal “Teranga Lions” Defender, Ibrahima – (5)
16)L.G.A in Katsina State (5)
17)Central (3)
18)Japanese Currency (3)
19)Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr.
Fola – (7)
21)Urinate (3)
23)Imo State Capital (6)
25)Cutting Tool (5)
26)Major Ethnic Group in Nigeria (5)
27)Botswanan Currency (5)
28)Former Barcelona Coach, Jordi – (5)
29)Harvest (5)
SOLUTION TO PUZZLE ON PAGE 47
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