13042019 - KILLING FIELDS OF NORTH WEST:They killed my husband, our three children in my presence – Zamfara survivor

More documents

Recommendations

Info

44—Vanguard, SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 By Jacob Ajom THE signs are omi nous. The Nigerian football family is agitated. Chairman, Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu is ill. And the sickness is serious. There is no gain saying the fact that the former Nigeria captain and 1980 AF- CON winner requires unqualified medical attention. Chukwu’s illness has been widely reported. Nigerians expressed outrage, consternation and frustration after images of the former coach of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu were published in the local media. Unfortunately, a section of the media sparked off a controversy that shouldn’t have been, a controversy that has politicised Chukwu’s sickness. And family sources said “that was part of the reasons Chukwu did not want his sickness to be made public”. But Chukwu’s case is not a hopeless one as words of support have come from almost every part of the world. Positive reactions have come from north, south, east and west, even from abroad, pledging support for the ailing footballer. Right now, the former national team captain is still in an Enugu hospital where he is receiving treatment. Contrary to reports that tend to insinuate that the Enugu State government had neglected or abandoned the veteran coach to his fate, a family source has told this reporter that the government of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi had stood firm behind the coach and has contributed to settling his initial medical bills. However, there was a twist to the whole saga when renowned America-based philanthropist and a patron of an association of Ex-Enugu Rangers players based in the US, Benson Ejindu learned of Chukwu’s ailment. Our source said Ejindu directed that Chukwu be moved to another hospital, where he still is to date. Furthermore, he has also offered that the former Nigeria international be flown abroad for ‘proper medical treatment.’ But Chukwu’s employers, the Enugu State government thinks differently. “Chukwu can be adequately treated here without having to go abroad,” an Enugu state government official was quoted as saying. However, many Nigerians, particularly, Chukwu’’s former colleagues in the national team and Rangers are not on the same page with the state government. Even his family are of the opinion that their breadwinner be flown abroad for medical attention. “This would enhance his recovery and see him back to his feet sooner than later,” a member of the family said. Another concerned fan of Chukwu quipped, “we know that many big men when they fall sick they fly abroad, Even the former Chief Press Secretary to Enugu State government, Late Felix Abugwu was flown to India, where he died, unfortunately,” adding, “even our President goes abroad for medical check up. How different CHUKWU: The whole truth! Benson Ejindu and late Christian Madu on his sick bed Chukwu Benson Ejindu with Ex-Rangers Players is Chukwu’s case?” Former Team Manager of defunct Vasco Da Gama Football Club of Enugu, Diewait Ikpechukwu said he would welcome the idea of taking Chukwu abroad, even as he acknowledged the effort of Enugu State Governor. “I want to say here that at the moment Chukwu is in very safe hands, in a very good hospital. Chukwu is a legend who brought glory and honour to Enugu state, Nigeria and Africa as a whole. The state government has been very involved in his treatment and, I must tell you that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is a great fan of Chukwu who will not let anything bad happen to him.” Continuing, Ikpechukwu who is also a member of the Abia State Football Association recalled, “for all I know, Christian Chukwu is the technical consultant to Rangers International of Enugu, so both the state government and the management of Rangers Football Club have shown a lot of commitment since he fell sick. Whoever says otherwise is not being fair to those concerned.” He cleared the air on the intentions of US based Benson Ejindu, Patron of Association of ex-Rangers players in the diaspora. Said Ikpechukwu, “Ejindu has never said Chukwu had been abandoned by the Enugu State government. Ejindu is a Rangers fan and has always identified with anything that concerns the club. Indeed, if you see Ejindu looking sad and you want him to be happy, just mention Rangers. He is that fanatical about Rangers.” Continuing, Ikpechukwu said, “I do not know who is trying to bring disaffection between the governor and Ejindu because they have no problem between them.” Former Chairman of Enugu State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Dan Ikpechukwu now based in Atlanta, USA said this of Ejindu: “I have known Benson Ejindu as one whose interest and passion for sports especially Rangers International Football Club of Enugu transcends personal showing off. As a former athlete during his high school days in CIC Enugu, Ejindu became the building block and foundation upon which former Rangers players residing in the United States formed an association which cares for former Rangers players facing various life challenges. Some of the former Rangers players in the continental United States of America who are working with Ejindu to ensure that former Rangers players are not forgotten include, skipper Ik Ofoje, Donald Igwebuike, Sam Onyeaka and Totty Okoro Totty. Ejindu has doled out his personal finances to sponsor the gathering of these ex-Rangers players in various cities like Baltimore, Atlanta and Houston and even gone further in inviting players from other clubs like IICC to be part of these events. He became the patron of the ex- Rangers club and has been responsible for traveling expenses of former Rangers players in Nigeria to the US for these events. He donated towards medical expenses for late Christian Madu when he was sick and has done same for Emmanuel Okala and now Christian Chukwu. Ejindu will always joke with me and say, “Dan you know as an original Enugu boy and former athlete with CIC, Rangers will always remain a symbol of unity for Igbos and the greatest club on earth and so, any Rangers player will also remain an idol to me.” When it comes to Rangers, Ejindu’s philanthropic gestures know no bound. Here in the US, we call him the Most Valuable Player, MVP not because he is still active in sports but for his big heart in supporting Rangers and Rangers players especially those of them who played during the years of little or no remuneration and recognition for club and national assignments”. In the same vein, two-time chairman of Enugu State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and a former correspondent of Vanguard in old Anambra state, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu who has known Christian Chukwu since 1983 said, instead of villifying Benson Ejindu, the man should be commended for his patriotism and undying love for Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and former players of the club, particularly, those who played for the club when there was no money in football. “Whoever trie to malign him in any form would be unacceptable to me. I know what he has been doing for former Rangers players who played in the early days. Remember, Rangers was like a movement that engender the reintegration of the Igbos into Nigeria after the civil war. Having known that these people suffered for the country without anything to show, he has been assisting them in numerous ways. Once, he invited them to the US where they underwent comprehensive medical check-up before their return. He has been consistent in his passion and love for the club and all that concerns it,” the veteran journalist said. Chukwu’s teammate and his assistant in the 1980 AFCON-winning squad, Segun Odegbami said very little, but was consistent with the fact that Enugu State had not abandoned his ailing former colleague. “The situation is not the way it has been portrayed.. I am in touch with the family. I think what the commissioner said is enough to clear all doubts about the commitment of the state government.” In his own reaction, former national teammate of Christian Chukwu, Adokiye Amiesimaka said, “it is unfortunate that some people took to crying wolf on social media and suspiciously appealed for a specific amount even when they admitted not knowing what the ailment was. Happily, Enugu State Government has reportedly refuted social media reports and given the assurance that it is alive to its responsibility and doing the needful. I wish my dear skippo a speedy recovery.” The man at the centre of the storm, Christian Chukwu spoke from his hospital bed. “My sickness should not elicit any form of controversy,” he said, pointing out that he will ever remain indebted to both the Enugu State government and his benefactor, Benson Ejindu “who have shown great commitment toward his sickness". Ejundu with Emmanuel Okala, Chukwu and other Ex-Rangers players
Vanguard, SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019—45 UEFA Champions League trophy tour: Uyo agog as Okocha, Puyol clash World Cup in “Unmissable Match” competitions f o r The Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo will be agog on Tuesday, April 16 when master dribbler, Austin Jay Jay Okocha clashes with ace defender, Carles Puyol in the “Unmissable Match”. Round 32 of the 2018/ 19 Serie A season could see Juventus clinch their eighth consecutive Scudetto, with the ‘Old Lady’ in action in the first match this afternoon. All the action from Italy’s top flight will be aired on Dstv. Juve heads to the Stadio Paolo Mazza to face SPAL at 2:00 pm WAT and need only avoid defeat to secure top spot and yet another Serie A title. It will be a deserved triumph for The Super Eagles were last night grouped alongside Guinea, Madagascar and Burundi in group B of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations draw conducted in Egypt. Hosts Egypt will face DR Congo, Uganda and Zimbabwe in Group A at Okocha will be leading an array of stars in the ‘Shine Shine Bobo’ squad, depicting the Star Lager Beer who will attempt to break “The Wall”-inspired team, tagged The Chairman Team led by Puyol, a former AFCON 2019: Eagles in easy group ...Draw Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa expressed happiness over the draw,saying Nigeria can qualify from the group. He however insisted that the team must work hard to ensure qualification because the Super Eagles have a young team as “most of the players will be FC Barcelona central defender. Puyol was a three-time winner of the UEFA Champions League trophy with FC Barcelona in 2006, 2009 and 2011, while Okocha on the other hand featured in three straight Serie A: Juve look good to clinch Scudetto Ronaldo Massimiliano Allegri’s men and the earliest (with six games to spare) any side has won the title in a the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Defending champions Cameroon are in Group F with Ghana, Benin and Guinea-Bissau. The tournament will take place from 21 June to 19 July, meaning Europebased players will not miss club games. It is the biggest Afcon yet, with 24 teams, and the first to be held in Europe’s summer rather than January or February. The draw was held next to the pyramids in Egypt. Ahmed Musa: We are ready for any team attending the tournament for the first time.” He cautioned, “although the group looks weak, some of the teams are very good too. We have not been to AFCON for two editions. With hard work we will do well because we are ready for any team.” 20-team Serie A season. With Napoli’s hopes of catching Juve effectively over after their 1-1 draw at home to Genoa, their focus must turn to ensure they remain in the second spot ahead of Internazionale (who are seven points adrift). The Neapolitans are away to Chievo at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi, while the Nerazzurri take on Frosinone at the Stadio Benito Stirpe. Chelsea promise Liverpool Blues The meeting of Liverpool and Chelsea is set to be the key fixture of the coming weekend’s round of Premier League action, with the Blues looking to put a spanner into the works of the Reds’ title bid. DStv will be your home for all the action from England’s top flight. Liverpool went back to the top of the table – taking full advantage of Manchester City’s participation in the FA Cup this past weekend – with a 3-1 win away to Southampton in which Mohamed Salah finally broke his scoring drought. However, Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea – who are amid huge battle to finish in the top four and qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League – will offer a much sterner challenge to Jurgen Klopp’s men when the teams meet at Anfield on Sunday 14 April. In addition, ‘Pool will be playing after Manchester City, who can reclaim top spot and put the pressure on their championship rivals with a win away to Crystal Palace. Pep Guardiola’s men continued their push for an unprecedented quadruple by securing a place in the FA Cup final. This match against the Eagles will come in the middle of clashes against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League La Liga: Seville derby key for round 32 The derby game between Sevilla and Real Betis is set to be the biggest match of Round 32 in the 2018/19 La Liga season, while Barcelona will look to move within touching distance of the title. DStv will telecast all the action from Spain’s top flight. The Seville derby at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan could have a massive effect on the race for the final berth in the top four, with Sevilla coming into the match in fifth place, just one point adrift of Getafe. Manager Joaquin Caparros revealed over the weekend that he has been diagnosed with chronic Leukaemia but is determined to remain with the team, adding even more weight to their battle against Betis. Getafe, meanwhile, have a tricky game away to relegation-threatened Real Musa Nigeria i n 1994, 1998 a n d 2002. T h e “Unmissable Match” is part of the U E F A Champions League Tour and football fans will be the major beneficiaries when both brands from the stable of Nigeria Breweries line out iconic stars for the match. The match will feature 20 minutes each half, with a mixture of footballers from Akwa United Football club, selected Heineken consumers and ex-Nigerian international footballers such as Mutiu Adepoju, Daniel Amokachi, Austin Eguavoen and Uche Okechukwu playing for either either side of the Unmissable Match. quarterfinals, and Guardiola may opt to rest key men against a club which is no longer under any real threat of relegation and may therefore have less motivation to stymie the champions’ ambitions. Valladolid, while the other top four hopefuls, Valencia and Deportivo Alaves, are away to Espanyol and at home to Levante (in another fiery Derby) respectively. Another key game on the weekend is Villarreal away to Girona at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, with the Gironistes and Yellow Submarine both determined to put as much distance between themselves and the relegation zone as possible. Eaglets to watch at U-17 AFCON The U17 Africa Cup of Nations which serves as qualifiers for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil begins in Tanzania tomorrow with five-time world champions Nigeria facing the hosts, Angola and Uganda in the group stage. As part of their lead-up to the tournament, the official website of Confederation of African Football has selected three top Golden Eaglets stars to watch during the tournament in Tanzania. However, one of the best players in the Nigeria U17 squad, Samson Tijani , who was named Most Valuable Player in the zonal qualifiers in Niger, has been left out. Rohr: Super Eagles have goalkeeping problem Gernot Rohr has admitted that that the Super Eagles have a goalkeeping problem ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and plans to send a goalkeeper trainer to Europe to drill Francis Uzoho just as was the case before the World Cup in Russia. Since joining Anorthosis in the January transfer window, the Deportivo La Coruña loanee has logged 113 minutes, including the forfeited match against Apollon Limassol, meaning the country’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper is lacking game time ahead of the tournament in Egypt. ‘’There is a lot of work to do, one of them (Uzoho) is not playing so much, we have to send somebody there to work with him like we did before the World Contrary to the g e n e r a l impression that Nigeria was handed an easy group at the draw, Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has said it is not as easy as it looks. Reacting after the draw, Rohr said, “Guinea have a young side that plays so well, they can be tough. R e m e m b e r , Madagascar was the first team to qualify for AFCON so you cannot underratre such a team. And as for Burundi, they eliminated Gabon with their Aubameyang. So you can’t regard such teams as weak, insistibng, “we are in a tough group.” . He prayed that his Uzoho Cup. ‘’We also have some injured players, I want to send one assistant there and work with people like Tyronne or Ola Aina. ‘’We want everybody to be fit. I will give my demand to the NFF and write my report.’’ Chelsea loanee Ola Aina has had injury problems since the start of the season, missing five national team games against Seychelles (2), South Africa, Uganda and Egypt, while Benfica’s Tyronne Ebuehi is undergoing rehabilitation after suffering an ACL injury during pre-season. In a bid to help the two defenders return to full fitness, Rohr is planning to send a fitness coach to Italy and Portugal but has admitted he is faced with challenges because he is short-staffed. Rohr: It’s not an easy group Rohr players end the season well without injuries so that they give the tournament their best shot.
Page 1 and 2: C M Y K
Page 3 and 4: SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 13, 2019
Page 5 and 6: Defection: AGF, INEC shun suit seek
Page 7 and 8: 2019 Poll: Atiku an alien, not qual
Page 21 and 22: SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 13 , 2019
Page 23 and 24: How Burna Boy brought NYC's histori
Page 25 and 26: anmiyan mour The ceremony gave oppo
Page 35 and 36: A certain politician who sees himse
Page 37 and 38: Strip bars are sprouting everywhere
Page 39 and 40: How we kidnapped, killed American s
Page 43: By Ernest Osogbue I Questions on NL

13042019 - KILLING FIELDS OF NORTH WEST:They killed my husband, our three children in my presence – Zamfara survivor

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?