Doctors begin nationwide strike today

The Nigerian Medical Association, on Monday in Abuja, declared an indefinite nationwide strike which has been scheduled to commence today (Tuesday). The President of the NMA, Dr. Kayode Obembe, during a press briefing on the failure of the Federal Government to address their demands and imperative of the strike, said there was no going back. The NMA had sent 24-point demands to the government, including the discontinuation of recognition of non-medical doctors as Directors and Consultant title to any other health worker other than medical doctors. The demands also include the appointment of a Surgeon-General of the Federation, payment of clinical duty and hazard allowances and withdrawal of the Central Bank of Nigeria circular on medical laboratory equipment. “The NMA is taking this painful route because our silence and gentle approach to these contending issues have been taken for granted. We have to take this action in order to save the health care delivery system from anarchy that is palpably imminent. We hereby appeal to all Nigerians for their understanding and to press on the government to meet with our demands”, he stated. Obembe stated that the failure of the government to address NMA’s demands has left the association with no other option than “to call all its members to down tool in order to press home their demands.” Obembe said there was no way non-doctors could be allowed to function as Consultants, given that they do not oversee patients in the hospital. He said, “A consultant is the owner of the patient; many health workers now go about acquiring Ph.D so that they can be called Doctors. The title should be restricted to only a medical doctor.” According to him, last week’s interim injunction by the National Industrial Court has no link with the NMA as it was merely an issue between Medical and Dental Consultants Association and the government. “Every doctor is a member of the NMA; other affiliates are allowed to operate also. We sought legal advice on the court injunction, our legal opinion is that the court order did not mention any reference to the NMA and since it did not mention NMA, we don’t want to dwell on it.”

Eagles get $3.8m ahead of France game

Super Eagles training boycott on Thursday has paid off for the players as the Federal Government immediately sent down $3,850, 000m (three million, eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars) to the players in Brazil. The Minister of Sports Dr. Tamuno Danagogo, is expected to arrive in Brasilia just in time before Nigeria face France in a second round game. Reporters confirmed from a sports ministry official that President Goodluck Jonathan approved the payment after speaking with Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi and team captain Joseph Yobo via the telephone late on Thursday. He said that Danagogo was already confirmed to arrive in Brazil aboard a Sunday flight from Lagos. He said, “I am aware that he already has received all the necessary papers to carry such amount of cash and the protocol team is set to receive him at the airport on Sunday. The players will receive the money on arrival or first thing on Monday before the match.” Our correspondent also learnt that the money is $250,000 above what the Nigeria Football Federation had calculated and agreed with the players. The NFF had said they would pay them as soon as FIFA paid them. The money is usually paid to countries four months after the World Cup. The Eagles had met with the NFF in their US camp, pressing for the money. It was learnt that goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide and Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi have been at the forefront of the fight for the cash the players called appearance fees. It was the same players that led the strike on Thursday which forced the entire team to miss the training session on Thursday and Friday morning at their base in Campinas. The Senate President David Mark had mediated when he visited Brazil and had assured the players he would raise the matter with President Jonathan. But team captain, Joseph Yobo, insisted the players got the money before the opening game against Iran. SUNDAY PUNCH confirmed that the Federal Government took the decision to bring the money to Brazil without the knowledge of the NFF. The scene iN Brazil is playing out like that of France ’98, where the Eagles held nearly an all night meeting with the Federation on advance payment before theIR second round match against Denmark, which they eventually lost by 4-1. j

Ekiti defeat: APC governors woo workers, students

The defeat of the incumbent Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, by the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has caused fears and jitters in most states governed by the All Progressives Congress, SUNDAY PUNCH investigations have revealed. The governorship election, held in Ekiti State on Saturday, June 21, saw Fayose polling a total of 203,090 votes to emerge the winner of the contest while Fayemi of the APC and another major contestant, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, of the Labour Party, polled a total of 120,433 and18,135 votes, respectively. Our correspondents sampled the mood in the APC states of Osun, Rivers, Borno, Lagos and Oyo. They also checked the pulse in Ogun, Kwara and Edo states.  OYO In Oyo State, the ruling party, the APC, our correspondent gathered, had stepped up its efforts to retain the state in 2015, following the victory of the PDP in Ekiti State penultimate Saturday. Investigations by SUNDAY PUNCH showed that the party leaders had met to discuss the modalities that would sustain their hold on power come 2015. A source said efforts were being made to reconcile aggrieved party members. “Fayose won because he was close to the people when he was in government. Oyo APC leaders are fashioning strategies that will bring Governor Abiola Ajimobi closer to the grass roots. “Ekiti election is a wake-up call to the party. Senator Femi Lanlehin has gone to the Accord Party and Senator Ade Adeseun is on his way to the PDP; it says a lot about the internal crisis in the party. And with the Ekiti results, those who are moving towards the exit door are moving fast now. They want to leave before the next election,” the source said. After the Ekiti election, a serving commissioner in the state (name withheld) expressed concern over the ability of the APC to hold on to power on his Facebook page. He wrote, “A responsible government must at all times connect with the people.” One of those who responded to the post said Ekiti election was a big lesson for Oyo State. Another respondent said it could be too late for the APC and that the masses would react in 2015. The Chairman of the APC in Oyo State, Akin Oke, told one of our correspondents that the party would investigate what happened in Ekiti before taking a decision on the immediate future. “There will be investigation into what happened in Ekiti. The party will not fold its hands and watch. It is unfortunate that Governor Kayode Fayemi did not reflect on the events leading to his loss before accepting defeat. Is he so bad that he could not even win in his ward? There are fundamental questions to be asked,” he said. Ajimobi’s Special Adviser on Media, Festus Adedayo, told our correspondent that the Ekiti election was an eye-opener. “What the Ekiti election has done for us is to open our eyes to the newest intrigues in electioneering and party politics. We have collated all the events leading to the election, studied them and we are wiser,” Adedayo said.  Osun Sources close to the APC in Osun State told one of our correspondents that shortly after the Ekiti election results were announced, the astounded leaders of the party in the state held a meeting and decided to pacify workers and other groups in the state. One of the measures, it was learnt, was the payment of the May salaries of workers, aimed at boosting their confidence in the administration. The governor confirmed this at a rally held in Ikirun on Tuesday, where he said workers had started receiving salary payment alerts.” Also, members of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, popularly known as O’YES, who had not be paid for some months, it was learnt, had started receiving their salary arrears. All these payments, a chieftain of the party said, were aimed at pacifying some categories of people who might have been aggrieved. The loss of the APC in Ekiti State has also forced the ruling party to commence aggressive campaigns in rural communities. It was also observed that public taps, which had been dry for months in some areas like Odi Olowo Street in Osogbo, the state capital, had started running. Reacting to the outcome of the Ekiti election, Aregbesola had said, “What they did in Ekiti is not possible here in Osun. Osun is different and they know it. In 2011, all Yoruba states voted for PDP presidential candidate, but Osun people voted for Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (the Action Congress of Nigeria candidate). We are different in Osun. Don’t let them scare you.”  Edo In Edo State, where the APC currently holds sway, sources close to some of the party officials told SUNDAY PUNCH that the loss of Ekiti State by the APC to the PDP shook the party. “What happened in Ekiti was amazing. We did not expect the PDP to have such a landslide in all the local governments because our candidate had a good scorecard, when it comes to good governance. “For instance, the provision of good roads, quality education and other amenities shows the readiness of a man to give the people of Ekiti the true dividends of democracy,” the source said. Another party faithful, who simply gave his name as Mike, said, “I think my party might have soft-pedalled at some point. But it is a big eye-opener for Edo State in 2016. We will tighten all loose ends. We will not take chances at all because there is no room for the PDP here,” he said. In a telephone interview with SUNDAY PUNCH, the state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Godwin Erhahon, however, described the Ekiti showdown as a display of Fayemi’s patriotic approach to governance which President Jonathan should emulate. He said, “I think Jonathan should learn from the patriotism and democratic spirit of the Ekiti Governor (Kayode Fayemi), who accepted defeat even when there were reasons for him to protest.” The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, in an interview with one of our correspondents, attributed the APC loss in Ekiti State to tactical error, stressing that the APC had gone to the drawing board to analyse the situation towards learning some lessons and preventing them from occurring again.  Ogun In Ogun State, the defeat has started to affect the governance style of the state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. One of our correspondents gathered that the governor has launched a ‘welfarist agenda,’ aimed at paying more attention to the people’s welfare. Amosun revealed this on Tuesday at the Arcade Ground of the Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta while handing over severance cheques to former political appointees, who served between 2007 and 2011. It was observed that the civil servants were paid their monthly salaries on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, as against the practice of making such payments between 10th and 15th of the other month. The governor had also taken a step further by holding a stakeholders meeting with the civil servants at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta on Wednesday. Many of the civil servants were aggrieved because they felt they were not getting a fair treatment from the current administration. In addition, the governor has scheduled meetings with different groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress. When contacted for official reaction on the defeat of Fayemi, the factional state Publicity Secretary of the APC loyal to Amosun, Mr. Sola Lawal, said the party had nothing to say. He said, “We have no comment.”  Kwara In Kwara State, investigations by SUNDAY PUNCH revealed that the APC, in an apparent move to guard against a recurrence of the party’s defeat in Ekiti, had taken strategic decisions on youth empowerment programmes, grassroots mobilisation and empowerment of artisans, traders, commercial drivers and commercial cyclists. It was also gathered that the party had evolved strategies to woo more students in the state, especially eligible voters into its fold. A source also informed our correspondent that elected public officials of the party had been asked to redouble their empowerment and mass mobilisation drives. The sources described the defeat of Fayemi was a big shock. It was gathered that the party had decided to field only popular candidates and that the party leaders had started having meetings with defected party members with a view to wooing them back to the APC. The APC in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Sulyman Buhari, said the Kwara State election results would not be “rigged, manipulated and announced in PDP’s favour from Abuja.” He also said the party would field only popular candidates in all its elections, adding that every member of the APC was sad that the party lost a state. He said, “We are making efforts to appease some of the APC members that defected to the PDP. Many of those that left are already coming back. I held meetings with two groups few hours ago.”  Lagos The outcome of the Ekiti State governorship election also caused panic among leaders of the APC in Lagos State as the party has held meetings where the implications of the election have been discussed. According to a leader of the party in Lagos, who pleaded anonymity, there have been meetings at different levels in the party where the party’s strategy towards retaining the state in 2015, in spite of threats by the PDP, were discussed. Apparently, one of such was the closed door meeting Governor Babatunde Fashola had with the vice-chairmen of the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas at the State House, Marina, on Thursday. Fashola’s comment on the Ekiti election after the meeting was an indication that APC’s chance in Lagos governorship election in February, 2015, must have been a reasonable item of discussion at the meeting. While fielding questions from journalists, Fashola was quoted as saying, “The lessons that are supposedly coming out of Ekiti are frightening lessons for me. Lesson about whether the people of Ekiti are really saying that this is all about money and rice. It must be a very dangerous message to simply suggest that once you give people money, then this is the way it will happen.” A member of the APC, Mr. Gbenga Fakoya, confirmed that the outcome of the Ekiti election underscored the need to make adjustments to the party’s strategy for campaigns. “Before now, we could go to bed and take it for granted that the South-West belonged to the APC; but the Ekiti election has shown us that we can no longer take anything for granted. More work needs to be done. There is no more room for assumption, we need to face reality.” He said after the Ekiti loss, APC leaders had gone back to the drawing board and part of what had been decided was to establish proper internal democracy.  Rivers No doubt, the APC defeat in Ekiti has not only stunned the Rivers APC, it   has made the party to adopt quick measures against similar defeat. A source, who is a strong member of the state APC, told SUNDAY PUNCH that what happened in Ekiti was worrisome and that the outcome of the election meant more works would be done by the APC in the Rivers. The source, who preferred not to be mentioned, explained that despite Fayemi’s good performance, he lost the election because he was not on the ground. “What happened in Ekiti was worrisome to us. But we learnt that Fayemi was not on ground in terms of being close to the voters. Even with the good works he did in the area of people-oriented projects, they said he was not on ground,” the source said. He said the governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, would strategise to put measures in place to ensure APC’s victory in forthcoming elections in the state. Amaechi’s Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, attributed the failure of the APC to win in Ekiti State to overconfidence, saying that there was also the lack of relationship between Fayemi and the voting population. He said, “The circumstances in Ekiti and Rivers are not the same. There are very peculiar circumstances. What played out in Ekiti was an issue of overconfidence. “Overconfidence was at the fore, based on performance, and there was no relationship with the voting population. Of course, you know that Nigeria is not yet attuned to the politics of development. People are eager for what will go into their stomach; the issue of stomach infrastructure was not addressed.”

Homosexuality has become rampant in Nollywood— Bishop, Nollywood actor

B ishop Odinaka Duruzor is a Nollywood actor, producer and businessman who has been in the industry long enough to know the pros and cons of the industry. As regards Nollywood, he has seen it all and believes there are things that stink and shouldn’t be, like homosexuality. In this interview with First Person, Bishop takes us through the industry, his own career and the little secrets of the make-believe world. For how long have you been acting? I joined the industry in the late 90s. Actually, I have a platform, Divine Touch Productions, where I work as a production manager. I also act for other productions and even produce my own films. You have produced your own movie? Yes, we are still working on it. What has been your experience in Nollywood? Acting is not something you do just for money, it has to be something you’re passionate about. My friends used to tell me to act, that I would be good at it. But when I started acting, after a while I started working behind the camera as a production manager and that has held me back from acting much. I’m actually a comedian, but most of the movies I’ve done so far are basically epic movies. Can you name some of them? I Go Chop Your Dollar, Dry My Tears, Eagle’s Bride, The Bride and many others. Which is fulfilling, being a cast or crew member? I enjoy both, but I like acting. Have you encountered any challenge in the movie industry? Not really. Though when I joined the industry, I thought I would have an easy ride. I’m not really making waves because I work behind the camera for my brother who is a producer. When you go for auditions, sometimes you make it and sometimes you don’t. I believe that any course you choose to take in life has it’s own challenges. How did you join the industry? One day, I ran into some people shooting a movie around the place I used to live and there was a particular part they needed someone to fill and I volunteered to do it. I was told what to do and they were impressed, so I was given a higher role instead. The director gave me his office address and that was how I started. Can you remember how much you were paid for that role? I wasn’t paid a dime for that particular one. But the first payment I ever received for a role was N15,000, ten years ago. Why did you choose acting? The truth is, whenever I’m with my friends, all they keep telling me is to go and act. And I kept looking for the opportunity to do so, till I got it. Those days, I used to think that actors and actresses have a particular place, a village where they all live, I didn’t know that they live on their own like every day people. The movie industry is a fun place to be, acting gives you joy. Which top actors have you worked with? Geneveive Nnaji, Chinedu Ikedieze, Osita Iheme, Late John Okafor, Ashley Nwosu, Ini Edo, and others. Are you now focusing more on working behind the camera? I’m focusing more on working on my own movie. We’ve shot the movie though the editor is still working on it. What has kept you going all these years? It’s the joy and fun that comes with it. It’s not even the money. I just enjoy acting. Is there anything you don’t really like about Nollywood? Homosexuality and lesbianism has become very rampant in Nollywood. It is not even hidden. They come to woo you without hiding it. Have you had an experience in that regard? Yes, a guy told me he liked me and all that. An actor? Yes, he’s now a producer. How did you handle it? He came to me, told me he liked me, my physique and all that. After a while, he said he wanted to see the size of my manhood. I said “For what!” (Laughs). I thought he was joking, but subsequently, when we hang out or go for shooting, he would try to touch me in a romantic way. I realised that he was serious. When I asked him what he wanted, he said he wanted to have sex with me. He promised me heaven and earth but I refused. That was how it ended. Most actresses complain about being sexually harassed, what’s your opinion on that? It’s not true. If I like you and talk to you, if you agree, fine; if you don’t, I let you be. If you want a favour from me and you give yourself to me, I won’t reject it. It’s a normal thing and it takes the consent of both parties. It’s just that in the past, some fraudulent guys who are not even in the industry used to take advantage of aspiring actresses. They’ll just get an ancient script, show it to them, and tell them to have sex with them for roles in non-existent films. About the movie you’re working on, when is it going to be released? It was shot last month and it will be released this year. It’s a comedy flick featuring Bishop Umoh and other top actors and it’s titled Julius and Caesar.

Read how in Abuja, Boko Haram attacks and the elusive $470 million CCTV cameras

From the 2010 Independence Day car bombing at the Eagles Square to the daring attack on Police Headquarters in 2011, down to the strike on the United Nations building, not forgetting the deadly ThisDay Newspapers’ building attack in 2012, the Nyanya bomb explosion and, of course, Wednesday’s devastating  attacks on Emab Plaza in Abuja, acts of terrorism appear to have permeated  the polity, leaving everyone and every place completely vulnerable. Read the accounts of the blasts and the seemingly defeated efforts to install Close Circuit Television (CCTV), cameras in the major cities of the country. He was more concerned with reeling out the casualty figures. Deadline was fast beckoning in various media houses and a horde of  journalists at the scene had been placed on tenterhooks as they anxiously waited for official statement of the casualty rate from the authorities to authenticate their stories. Behind him were cars, vehicles and other items  which had been reduced to debris. The targeted plaza mainly escaped the attack but not before  having some part torched. Just then, he mounted the culvert in the middle of the road, backing the scene of the deadly bomb blast which smelt like hell to disclose the much awaited information. Accompanied by Mr. Bala Mohammed, the Minister of  the Federal Capital Territory( FCT), he read: “The casualty figure for now is 21 persons and 17 persons injured. If there is any change later on, we will gladly inform you. There are also 17 vehicles that were burnt in the incident. It is also heart warming to note that an arrest has been made and the security agencies will be following up with that arrest.” With the information, Mr. Frank Mba, the Nigeria Police public relations officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police, felt his job at that point had been done. But he was seemingly oblivious of one thing more: that Emab and Banex Plazas where the dastardly act occurred on Wednesday evening were just two out of the plethora of shopping malls that liter Abuja, meaning that other could be vulnerable if left insecure. It was not until a  journalist put the question of police preparedness to secure other shopping malls across the city that Mba  said that surveillance would be extended to all plazas and other public places in Abuja to forestall a similar misfortune. Well, that is precisely what the public was expecting to hear and Mba had done his job. Done, the FCT Minister, Mohammed, took the stage. ”Our  security protocol that is being established is to make sure that some minimal security infrastructures are provided in all our public areas. In fact, it is showing from here that they are being enforced but there are certain incidences that may not be avoided and they are so unfortunate,” he stated. To Nigerians who have been following the trend of events, the statement of the two government officials were palatable but not new. In any case, they remained cosmetic in the light of many promises that had trailed similar attacks in the past. Almost, always, government and, indeed, the entire security apparatus assure Nigerians of adequate protection of their lives and property especially in the event of any crisis. Yet, little or no effort is made to realize that. At least, this is the conviction the ordinary Nigerians have. In effect, the bombs keep going off every now and then and,, in most cases, there had been no narrowed traces of the perpetrators. Yet again, the principal responsibility of government is to ensure the welfare and security of life property of the citizenry. At each occurrence, attention would be shifted for a while. There would a cordon off marked with police crime tapes. Heavy police/military presence would be seen. There would be suspension of business activities and vehicular movements, some times, as if the attacker would stage a come back to the scene. In any case, they had done so before even with an increased surveillance: Remember the second Nyanya bomb explosion on May 1, 2014. Yes, when these attacks come fresh, debates of intensified security surveillance would gain acceleration, attempting to reach a crescendo. But that is the sermonisation. Only at the time. When calm eventually returns, life continues until another bomber strikes. That is Nigeria. But in any fairest sense, Mba and Mohammed were not alone in the reassurance sermon. Since last week’s bombing, an avalanche of glowing condemnations, tributes, reassurances and reiterations have been recorded. From Mba to Mohammed down to Marilyn Ogar, the spokesperson of the Department of State Security Service (DSS), the reassurances go on. The National Assembly, religious bodies, the EU, UN, foreign missions domiciled in Nigeria and in fact most known private and public institutions have condemned the attack. Of course, who would not. Life was involved. Meanwhile, the chief of all the reassurance at the time of filing this report emanated from Vice President Namadi Sambo who inspected the scene on Thursday. Leaving an impression of usual rhetorics, he:”This cowardly and unjust act will be defeated-evil can never be sustained, Insha Allah. This administration and Mr. President will not leave any stone unturned until we defeat these terrorists. Terrorism cannot survive in Nigeria or in any part of this world.” Retrospectively, the Wednesday attack on Emab Plaza at the high brow area of Wuse 11, Abuja jerks a push into a chronology of bomb explosions that had rocked Abuja in the last  four years and unfulfilled tales of promises by government to halt them. More annoying is the fact that the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) camera project, billed for installation in Abuja and Lagos, which was started by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s regime and inherited by the present administration, is yet to see the light of day after a large chunk of $470m had been sunk into it. In fact, the completion time was supposed to be July, 2011 but, as at the last time Sunday Vanguard checked, nothing substantial was heard. *Chronology of Abuja bombings, deaths, non-fatal injuries, condemnations and unrealized promises of prevention. The 2010 Independence Day bomb attack Bomb attacks were apparently alien to the residents of Abuja until October 1, 2010 Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration. That year’s ceremony was very unique. It was the country’s golden Jubilee and so, the event was loud at the Eagles square, the venue of the event with most dignitaries of the world in attendance. More so, President Goodluck Jonathan had just taken over the mantle of governance a few months before. While the crowd milled at the venue, a car bomb exploded some meters away, killing 12 persons with the record of 17 non-fatal injuries. Later, it was heard that the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, led by Mr. Henry Okah was behind the attack. But even though President Jonathan was quick to controversially exonerate MEND whose leader was eventually found guilty and sentenced in South Africa, there were however promises to checkmate and nib the act in the bud. Force Headquarters bomb attack Nigerians were still waiting for government to fulfill its promise when another bomb attack was meted out to the Police Headquarters in Abuja on June 16, 2011. This time suicide bombing. The explosion claimed 6 lives. Sunni Islamist group of Boko Haram later claimed responsibility. Yet again, the government made more promises to stamp out terrorists. Abuja UN building bombing Perhaps, one dastardly bomb attack that got the government and, indeed, the world most rattled was the one  supposedly the most secure United Nations building in Abuja, on Friday, August 26, 2011. This came barely two months after the Police Headquarters was attacked. Twenty-one deaths were recorded in the UN building strike while 73 non-fatal injuries occurred. Hear the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri: “This is not an attack on Nigeria but on the global community. An attack on the world.” Similarly, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, described the attack as an ‘assault on those who devote themselves to helping others”. In a statement by presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, President Jonathan sent his condolences to Mr. Ban Ki-moon and all those who lost loved ones in the bomb blast. “President Jonathan reaffirms the Federal Government’s total commitment to vigorously combat the incursion of all forms of terrorism into Nigeria, and wishes to reassure all Nigerians and the international community that his Administration will spare no effort to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said. Suspected perpetrators were members of Boko Haram. Government said it was on top of the situation. ThisDay Newspapers attack Hardly had the year 2012 left its first quarter than a bomb ripped through ThisDay newspapers bureau in Abuja. Six persons died while several others were injured. According to ThisDay’s Editorial Board Chairman, Olusegun Adeniyi, “The suicide bomber came in a jeep and security guards opened the gate for him. The guy drove in through the gate and rammed into the building and exploded. Two of our security men died, and obviously the suicide bomber died too.” Boko Haram claimed responsibility just as government reiterated its promise to curb the situation. Nyanya 1 and 2 bomb blasts Indeed, it appeared that the Federal Government did something very unusual that in the whole of 2013, no known terror attacks were recorded in Abuja. But on April 14, 2014, bombers resurfaced at Nyanya, a suburb of the FCT. At the peak period on that Monday morning, they planted a bomb at the popular El-Rufai bus terminal. Over 90 persons were killed while non-fatal injuries figure was put at 200 persons. On the heels of the incident, Jonathan increased surveillance at the place. The president’s spokesman said: “The president was saddened by loss of lives in Nyanya bombing. President Jonathan has ordered heightened security in Abuja following Nyanya bombing. President Jonathan extends his heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. President Jonathan directs the medical services to do their very best to save the lives of those injured in Nyanya bombing,” But the defilement of the security surveillance came again on May 1, 2014, when another coordinated bomb explosion ripped through the same area, killing 12 and leaving 30 injured. Analysts said it was meant to stop the hosting of the World Economic Forum(WEFA) which eventually held between May 7 and 9. Emab Plaza hit Since the last Nyanya blasts, there has been, understandably, an increase in the security systems. It would be recalled that a security alert recently prompted the temporary closure of the major markets in Abuja. But the Wednesday, June 25, 2014 attack on Emab shopping malls where 21 lives were lost and 17 persons seriously wounded has once again put residents on their toes. Resumed talks on CCTV Apart from the attacks at Nyanya, on the outskirts of Abuja, others attacks occurred at various places within the heart of the FCT. This has resurrected concerns about the state of the CCTV cameras in the FCT. Being the seat of power and one of the fastest growing capital cities in the world, not a few Nigerians had expected some security sophistication that would resist terror attacks and also reduce criminalities. But in words and deed, such is between the Boko Haram sect and the Nigerian military. He told Sunday Vanguard that Nigeria must shun politics and tackle the insurgents head on. ”It is really very unfortuate and my heart goes out to all those who have lost their lives during the incident. Of course, this raises a lot of questions about the nature of our security system and apparatus not only in Abuja but in all urban areas and the reality that is dawning on us that the security threat we are facing is becoming real. People like us who are from the north east specifically from Borno State; my constituency is one of the worst hit, it has almost become business as usual. People are trying to live with it and then you can only imagine when you find yourself in a very helpless situation. But as some who has been fully involved in this, the reality is that a lot security infrastructure that need to be put in place is now real that we don’t have it. Let’s wake up to the truth. Forget about the politics. Let’s take ourselves the truth and do what is required now. And it is not now, I am sorry, it may be too late. So, the fact of the matter that today is that security in this time and age is all about intelligence gathering and of course the ability to prevent it. And when you look at these kinds of attacks, they are attacks that can only be avoided by prevention. Once, they have occurred, there is nothing you can do about it. ”I understand CCTV cameras were installed in all the nooks and crannies of Abuja at a point. We saw physical things but it now calls to question whether they were working or not. And I think at a point in time, the issue was raised on the floor of the house that they actually considered not to be working and there was the issue about whether it was not completed. So, I think there is a reason now. You see, this is the issue. When things happen where you are, Nigerians tend to only think about the environment they live and that is all. We should think about all Nigerians. If this thing is happening right in the heart of Abuja, what happens in other places. So, the fact of the matter is that we have to rise up to the realities on the ground. When you declare a state of emergency, it is expected that you abandon everything other thing and concentrate on that matter which you have declared emergency on. There is every need for that. Forget about everything and get the security right. In any case, that is the fundamental principle of government. I may not say here that the government has failed but the truth of the matter is that we have not done the needful.” Bottomline Investigations by Sunday Vanguard in the wake of  the Wednesday’s attack revealed a downward curve in the confidence Abuja residents, nay Nigerians have in the security systems of the country, at least at the moment. There is apprehension in the air with no one knowing when and where the next explosives would be detonated. Analysts agree that though government is not taking any rest in the fight against insurgency in the country, it may not have done enough to protect the citizenry. One of its failures is the non-completion of the CCTV, four years counting. May be, if it is completed, there would be less trips to bomb blast scenes, cemeteries and hospitals just the same way observation of one minute-silence in the honour of the departed, the condemnations, dirges and tributes will cease from pouring in.

INCREDIBLE: Woman gives birth after 14 years pregnancy!

Saturday June 7, 2014, will remain the happiest day in the life of Mercy James. Reason? That was the day she miraculously gave birth to a baby girl after 14 years of being pregnant. The baby was promptly and aptly christined Miracle. And why not? If the mother had delivered at the expected time the child would have been a teenager by now and possibly in secondary school at the JSS 3 level. Mercy, a single parent, said of her ordeal during the 14 years she was pregnant but could not give birth: “When I first took in, I knew that I was pregnant with signs and test that confirmed that I was. Four months later, I went to hospital for another test, the result showed that I wasn’t pregnant, but had fibroid. Subsequently, I began to experience bleeding, at least once a day. Sometimes, my tummy would protrude in the semblance of pregnancy. I went to different hospitals, and I kept on receiving the same result that nothing was wrong with me. But deep down inside , I knew that all was not well with me. Churches and native doctors “So I was taken aback when a midwife told me I was pregnant. But considering the test which showed I had fibroid, I was angry with the midwife for giving me what I felt was a false prophecy of hope. Thereafter, I started going from one church to another and from one native doctor to the other. The results that I got from them all remained the same. I became more feeble and confused that I prayed for death to come. “I went again to the midwife two years after and complained to her about the pains that I was going through, she told me again that it was not fibroid but pregnancy; she advised me to be more prayerful so that God will deliver me from the hands of the devil. I kept on praying and at the same time asking myself that if truly I’m pregnant, why is it that the baby was not kicking? “I bought many concoctions that they said could cure fibroid and drank them. I even drank 12 bottles of a local cleanser but to no avail. This went on for years. Then God took pity on me and decided to wipe my tears. On the day I gave birth to my baby girl, I initially thought that worms were trying to come out of my body not knowing that it was a baby. This was what I told the midwife when we came to her. But after examining me she told me to push. I ignored her. I became unconscious for about 15 minutes and when I regained consciousness, I heard the cry of a baby. I was surprised and confused seeing my baby. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Hmm,I thank God for my life and that of my baby Miracle. I named her Miracle because she is truly a miraculous child”. Miraculous child The midwife at the Celestial Church of Christ, Kadoso Parish, Ajegunle where Mercy gave birth confirmed the development, especially the role she played. The woman who simply gave her name as Mrs Ajetima informed thus: “She was pregnant for 14 years and was unable to give birth during this period. Then on Saturday around 6:30am I saw two persons carrying her to this place. When she came inside, I laid her down and asked one of my daughters to examine her, after the examination, I found out that it was a baby that was about coming out and not worms. I asked her to push and she refused. My daughter gave her a hard slap on her laps since she refused to push. Behold a baby with placenta came out! I started shouting, calling on people to come and see for themselves that Mercy was truly pregnant, because if not, people will start to say that that Celestial woman has given Mercy a baby. Within a twinkle of an eye, the whole place was filled with people. God is wonderful”. Also affirming the happy development, Mercy’s closest friend, Odunayo Odeyemi had this to say: “I have known mercy for over nine years now. I met her with the pregnancy . In fact, she did not know that she was pregnant. I followed her to many places but her problems kept on increasing. Merely looking at Mercy then before she gave birth, you will notice that she wasn’t okay. I kept advising her to have faith in God because I had experienced the same thing. I was pregnant for three years and three months and God delivered me. “Mercy came to me on that fateful day around 4am begging me to give her a pain reliever, that she was having pains all over her body. I dressed up and took her to a man that sells drugs. After taking the drug, on our way home, she started having serious pains. I called her brother and we both took her to the midwife. Hours later, she gave birth to a bouncing baby girl. We all were surprised because we never expected such a miracle to happen. She had a complete baby.” Robert Davidson, one of Mercy’s friends, said that he concluded after seeing Mercy with a protruded tummy for three years that she had fibroid. So, “it came to me as a shock to learn that she delivered a bouncing baby girl.” For Chidimma Ibe, a neighbour: “She always complained to me that she had stomach pains all these period. She told me that she had fibroid and sometime, she will complain of different things. She was totally confused as to what her condition was. I’m very much surprised and happy she gave birth to a complete baby girl. It was truly a miracle. God was on her side. God is wonderful because all the concoctions she took were enough to kill the baby.” On the father of Baby Miracle, Mercy informed that they got separated on account of the ordeal that attended her pregnancy. “Friday is the name of my baby’s father. Actually, we are not married. He just proposed to me and I became pregnant for him. He knew about the pregnancy. He always gave me money for tests and scans but he got tired and left me after waiting for me for over a year without seeing any sign of a baby. I have no option than to go my own way,” she informed.

more! - jesus.net/GodsLoveOsaze sparkles, crackles ribs in Obahiagbon style

Super Eagles rave of the moment, Osaze Odemwingie has returned to his tweeting best. This time, he is causing laughter and bringing joy to many instead of his initial arrows that were fired and caught him in the web of missing the World Cup. In tweeting yesterday, Osaze went the way of his Edo-born brother and politician Festus Obahiagbon. Commenting on events at the on-going World Cup where his goal against Bosnia has brightened the way for Eagles progression in the tournament, Osaze wrote; ‘’ “The draw against Iran was the foreset origo that caused some crinkum crankum to be directed at us that was caught in the Bermuda Triangle.” Another one reads: “The state of OGaM ogam was rejected by the eagles with a higi haga style to avoid a calamitous end that brings odoriferous Saga.” On the Eagles’ journey to Porto Alegre, he wrote: “We are about to fly to Porto Alegre to prepare 4 the game vs Argentina. Hope the flight time will not be longer than a period of Ayonai .” Many foreign Journalists were left wondering on which planet he was writing from. Only few of us from Nigeria know where he was coming from. Laughter!

How we ‘ll beat Argentina – Keshi

Stephen Keshi has one thing to tell Nigerians:“Always be patient. Don’t write off any team in a tournament until that tournament is over.” Keshi was referring to the super performance of the team on Saturday night here. He did not sound boastful but he was extremely excited that the boys lifted their game and earned a deserved victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The 1-0 victory has placed Nigeria’s one leg in the second round. Nigeria’s coach Stephen Keshi gives a press conference at the Baixada Arena in Curitiba on June 15, 2014, on the eve of their Group F 2014 FIFA World Cup football match against Iran. AFP PHOTO “It was tough against Iran but Nigerians didn’t know how difficult they were until they saw Argentina struggling with them. We knew what we did wrongly and worked on them before the match against Bosnia,” Keshi continued in an exclusive chat Saturday. “I’m proud of the boys. They did well. But we all need to do more. We play Argentina tomorrow and we will give it our all. Argentina are world class. They are good and they have many good players. We will rely on our team work. Team work will see us through.” The Super Eagles coach knows that individual game would not lead Nigeria anywhere going by the stars in most of the teams here. Many Nigerian players were not making the first team of their clubs before the World Cup. And to put them to shape, he needed time. But the camping period was less than two weeks and that worked against his plans. “The time for preparation was short. We couldn’t do all the things we wanted to do. But we are gradually getting it right and, hopefully, we will get better in our team work and get positive results”. The emphasis on team work probably led to the benching of Victor Moses whose individual play had become a minus to the team. Moses would likely learn from the performance against Bosnia and change his game. Keshi is not ruling any player out but strongly maintains that team tactics should prevail. Osaze Odewengie played well in the eyes of many against Iran. Keshi did not dispute that. But he did not quite position himself in a particular way that could see him latch on rebounds, especially the drop nodding from Shola Ameobi. Each time the ball dropped, there was nobody to follow up. And that angered Keshi. But Osaze quickly understood and made up against Bosnia and Keshi is very happy with him and the entire team. Osaze’s goal earned Nigeria the sweet victory against Bosnia. “Everything is about team work. I think that we will play well against Argentina. We hope to qualify and move on. I plead with Nigerians to always be patient. The way they wrote us off after the match against Iran was disturbing. Let’s hope we get it right again on Wednesday.

Fraudster withdraws N1.9m through ATM

In apparent reflection of the rising incidence of electronic payment fraud, a fraudster withdrew N1.9 million from  the bank account of a customer through ATM in one week. This was disclosed by  Tam Tamunokonbia, Head, Consumer Protection Council, Lagos Office.  Speaking at the maiden summit of Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN) in Lagos last week, he said that ATM fraud is one of the commonest complaints received by the Council  from bank customers. He said in addition to this are: Illegal bank charges as against the minimum re-discount rate; Non-disclosure of terms and conditions by Banks and financial service providers; Mobile Payment Systems – online trading and Improper cheque verification. Citing example of these complaints, he said, “A lady’s N1.9 million withdrawn in one week without alert – case in Enugu High Court. A Company was charged in excess of N1, 984,662.40, another in excess of N592, 681 .61, and  another in excess of N552,597.01.” He said the general responses of banks to complaints against ATM fraud are:  “Customer compromised PIN numbers. Camera footage could not be generated.We are investigating and will get back.” On complaints of excess bank charges,he said banks’ responses are: The customer signed an agreement; The customer was given the form;  It is an error etc.” Consequently,Tamunokonbia advised that: “Banks should respect the customer’s rights to disclosure; Banks should provide written terms and conditions in simple language and legible words; Charges and fees should be made known to customers before opening their accounts – no hidden charges;  change in terms and conditions should be adequately disclosed to customers – prior notice; Statement of Accounts to be provided to customers at regular intervals; applicable interest rates, how it is calculated and when to apply the rates should be made known to consumers; terms and conditions to be in line with prevailing laws; avoid Council’s summons and prosecution – Section 12, 18 and 21 of the CPC Act, CAP C25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

Ayo Fayose wins Ekiti elections

Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been elected Governor of Ekiti state. The Returning Officer for the 2014 governorship elections and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Oye- Ekiti, Professor Isaac Azuzu announced the results of the governorship elections in Ekiti State declaring the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Mr Ayodele Fayose, who was governor of Ekiti State from 29 May 2003 to 16 October 2006, winner of the contest. Mr Fayose scored a total of 203090 to defeat other candidates who participated in the exercise. The Returning Officer, before announcing the results, called on party agents of the various political parties that participated in the elections to sign for the results sheet which indicates that they agree to the process and the election result. Professor Azuzu said ” I wish to announce that Dr Tope Aluko of the PDP and Mr Dele of the National Conscience Party, NCP, have signed the result sheet”. In the breakdown of the final result, Professor Azuzu said “‎we have come to the grand finale of this exercise. Accord-268, AA–146, AA–146, APC-120433, AD–843, CPP-967, LP 18125‎, KOWA –222, CPP–967, PDP-20309‎0, MPPP- 137, NCP–322, PDC–921, PPA–1050, SDP–65, UDP-67 In the meantime, the APC leadership, last night, issued a statement, rejecting the outcome of the election.

How I predicted Keefe’s death — Ara

The Nigerian female talking drummer, Ara has many other gifts aside drumming with which she is known worldwide. But none of them includes the gift of clairvoyance or seeing into the future as the beautiful drummer revealed recently. Ara, who is a friend to Late Kefee has disclosed on a Best of Nollywood’s chat forum that she had a dream concerning Kefee’s  death and that she called the late singer to pray hard to avert it. In her words: “I want to use this forum to appeal to my colleagues in the music industry. Less than two years ago, I had a dream about Keffee and immediately called her and narrated it to her, I also appealed to her not to make a joke of it….the rest is history. Early this year, I had a dream and contacted Efe of NOW music as he’s the only one I could call and told him to please organise a forum for all musicians to assemble and pray against death amongst us (please confirm from Efe). It’s sad we had to lose my girlfriend, sister and colleague…so sad. When a revelation comes like that, it means there is a way out. Once again, we need to come together as a body under one roof to rebuke and pray about this revelation I had early this year. Yes, we all have different sources of prayer but this is a prayer we all must observe together. I beg you all. I didn’t want to speak out but I have no choice than to”.

Our plans — Fayemi, Bamidele, Fayose speak

WITH the June 21, governorship elections in Ekiti State finally here, the three frontline candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Labour Party, LP, have traversed the state in an attempt to sell their plans for Ekiti people. Kayode Fayemi Dr Kayode Fayemi’s manifesto for his second term is tagged “Roadmap to Rapid Economic Growth and Development” otherwise known as the Ekiti Agenda. The agenda, according to him, is made up of policy thrusts of his administration from 2014 to 2018 and beyond. He was quick to stress that having kept faith with Ekiti values, the people of the state have kept faith with him. He expressed optimism that Ekiti is moving forward under his administration with the future of the state already assured. Opeyemi Bamidele For the Labour Party Governorship candidate, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, his manifesto marks a turning point in the history of the state. Bamidele pledged to engender unprecedented economic growth and development in all facets if elected governor of the state. He promised to improve on the lives of the people through Integrated and Commercial Agriculture, robust Infrastructure that would provide jobs for over 400,000 unemployed youths, regular water supply, low cost housing units, Human capital Development and other pivotal areas of the economy. His words: “I call this manifesto a blueprint for Ekiti Growth and Development because I know that this is a contract with Ekiti people and we will do our best to wipe away poverty and raise the bar of governance to the admiration of all”. Ayo Fayose Mr. Ayodele Fayose has dubbed his mission as a journey to rescue Ekiti people from poverty. He believes in welfarism of the masses. Among other things, his vision is to help the Ekiti State University College of Medicine get an accreditation, an all inclusive government, deepen-democracy and also, to improve welfare of teachers if voted into office. Hear him, “When I come back, I will give you jobs and do local content. I left N10.4bn but they have sold all these properties. They have taken away our wealth all in the name of being progressives. They are only retrogressing.”

D-i-v-i-d-e-d! 3 camps tear Eagles a-p-a-r-t

Whenthe Super Eagles step out against Bosnia-Herzegovina tomorrow in a make or mar encounter which would determine their stay in the Brazil 2014 World Cup, they may not be united Sports Vanguard can reveal authoritatively that a deep-rooted animosity in the camp has finally torn the team into three camps with each camp commanding their own loyalists. On one side of the camp are players who are loyal to skipper Joseph Yobo and who want him to make a record appearance for the Eagles after hitting 98 caps while the second group are loyalists to one of the assistant coaches of the team who has been described as very influential in the camp. This group consists of players he was said to have influenced their selection. They are alleged to be very bitter with Emmanuel Emenike who is the point-man of the Eagles. They alleged that Emenike has become swollen-headed, proud and arrogant and therefore have vowed to cut him to size by not giving him passes. This could be attributed to the colourless outing of Emenike who before now was the engine room of the Eagles and contributed immensely to their winning of the African Cup of Nations in South Africa. The case of Osaze Odemwingie is a pathetic one. I learnt that Osaze is lonely in the midst of the camps as he is left alone to sulk Coach Stephen Keshi recent attack on him by saying that he did not play to instructions in the game against Iran. On the contrary, however, it was Osaze who breathed life into the attack of the Eagles in that colourless goalless encounter. A very dependable source in the camp described the situation as worrisome that such divisions exist in a team that everybody is looking forward to playing as a unit to beat Bosnia. Though Coach Stephen Keshi could not be reached for comments, I gathered that he had been indifferent to the goings-on in camp. Nigeria have now failed to win any of their last nine matches, extending the longest winless run by any team taking part in this tournament.

I can’t be with any girl but Kim – Kanye

Rapper, Kanye West has revealed his love for his wife, Kim Kardashian saying he  can’t be with any girl but Kim. Speaking during a discussion at the Cannes Lions International Festival of creativity 2014 in France, Tuesday, Kanye said, “I can’t be with any girl but Kim that’s the girl I look at her pictures the most, I get turned on the most.’ The 37-year-old rapper also spoke about how he can only work with ‘No. 1′ people in his life,  including Jay-Z, Kim and Louis Vuitton. “I can’t work with anyone but Jay Z, because he’s No.1. I can’t be with any girl but Kim, because that’s the girl whose pictures I look at the most and get turned on by. I’m not going to represent any company but Louis Vuitton, because that’s No. 1,” he  said.

'My new album will win more awards than I've ever won'- Faze Reveals!

Faze may have been off the scene for a while but he tells Vanguard he is working on an album which would win more awards than ever before..... I’ve been recording my new album which will be out any time soon. I have some collaborations with some of my friends in the industry and you can expect the normal Faze treats. You know I don’t just release albums. I take my time and make sure what I release does not fall short of the standard I have set for myself. I   can’t really specify, but I’m sure this new album is going to win more awards than I have ever won. It is loaded with good hits that are sure to take the music scene by storm. Just watch out for it

My players aren’t scared of any team –Keshi

Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi, has great confidence the Super Eagles can qualify for the second round of Brazil 2014 World Cup, saying his players are not scared of any team. The African champions were drawn into Group F alongside South American giants Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran. The Eagles open their World Cup campaign against Iran in Curitiba on Monday and Keshi insists his side are ready for the Princes of Persia. Speaking in an interview with Team Nigeria, Keshi said the team would also focus on other matches. The former Nigeria captain said, “There would have been no reason to take part in the qualifying series if we didn’t believe we would make it to the final, and there would have been no reason to prepare so hard for the tournament if we knew we were only coming to Brazil to make up the number. “I have a group of players who believe in themselves. They want to go as far as they can in Brazil, and the formula we will employ is to look at what is immediately in front of us and focus and plan on how to tackle it.” The 52 –year old, who played in the 1994 World Cup in the United States, said the Eagles would not underestimate the Iranians, saying they would not repeat the mistakes they made in the 1998 World Cup in France, where the players underrated Denmark in their Round of 16 clash. Keshi said, “The situation was unfortunate. That is why you must always focus on your immediate challenge. We definitely lost to inexperience in 1994. Here in Brazil, we have a mixture of youth and experience. We are ready to fly.”

Panic as police uncover bombs in Winners Chapel

THERE was widespread panic in Owerri, capital of Imo State, on Sunday as security operatives discovered bombs planted in the premises of a branch of Bishop David Oyedepo’s Living Faith World Bible Church, a.k.a. Winners Chapel. The discovery forced the church to shift its Sunday worship from its location along Port Harcourt Road to Heroes’ Square, near Concord Hotel. Governor Rochas Okorocha said it would have been disastrous if the bombs had not been deactivated before they went off. “The bombs had the capacity to go within 500 meters range and would have been a disaster if they had exploded as the church where it was planted is located at a densely populated area of the state,” the governor said, according to a statement by his Special Senior Assistant in charge of the media, Jane Amucha. Two Improvised Explosive Devices were said to have been planted at the entrance of the church overnight and timed to explode at 8.00am on Sunday, when worship service would have gone underway. The Winners Chapel is a popular Pentecostal church that draws large membership. Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Mr. Abdulmajid Ali, confirmed the development and said six suspects had been arrested in connection with the plot to bomb the church. The CP said his men in the bomb disposal unit of the command had deactivated the bombs, while investigations had commenced into the matter. The CP warned hoteliers and operators of public places to be vigilant and watch out for strange movements and people around their premises. The PUNCH learnt on Sunday that the IEDs were discovered by the security men engaged by the church. The security guards were said to have noticed suspicious movements by some strange persons in the area on Saturday night. On discovering the devices, the guards promptly reported to the leadership of the church. The pastor consequently called in the police. The Imo police spokesman, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, also confirmed to one our correspondents the discovery of the bombs in Winners Chapel and the arrest of the six suspects. Enwerem however did not give further details about the arrested suspects. He said, “Some church security personnel sighted a suspicious object between 11.30 and 12am and called the attention of the police to the object. “The Bomb Disposal Unit was quickly drafted to the area and they discovered two IEDS planted at the entrance of the church. “With the discovery, the bomb experts detonated it deliberately. It didn’t go off on its own. There were two of them. “It is true that six people have been arrested, the arrest was a normal routine exercise by the police around the area. It was part of the police effort to get to the actual perpetrators, it is to get information.” Following the tension caused in the Owerri metropolis on Sunday, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha addressed journalists in the Government House, assuring the people of their safety. Okorocha called on the people of the state to be calm and go about their normal business as everything was under control. The governor noted that the daily prayers offered in the state were not in vain and thanked God for saving the lives of his people. He also commended the security outfits in the state for being alert to their duties. The governor, who assured Imo people that the situation was under control, noted that Imo was not known for such ugly incidence and therefore appealed to all Imo indigenes and other Nigerians resident in the state to be more security conscious and alert the police about any suspected objects, vehicles or persons around their vicinity. He however assured that the state had applied necessary measures to stop further occurrence of the ugly situation. The governor said there would be an emergency security meeting at the International Convention Centre, Owerri, where further security briefing would be made available to all residents of the state. The governor’s assurances notwithstanding, a resident living near the church, Mrs. Charity Nze, said she had been living in fear after she saw a group of security operatives removing explosives from the church. Mrs. Nze told our correspondent that she could not risk being killed by explosives because she was staying close to a church. “I am afraid and considering moving to another place. I need to protect my children and will not allow all of us to be killed by any bomb explosion,” she said. But a member of the church, Deacon Alloy Ohia, said though the church relocated to the Heroes’ Square in Owerri for its first service as a result of the security challenge, the second service was held in the church. Ohia explained that the church would not be discouraged by the recent development, adding that the discovery of explosives within the church premises was a victory for members of the church “Our spirit has been angered, but we are not afraid. The first service was held at Heroes’ Square because of security challenges, but we were back in the church for our second service,” Ohia said.

Brazilian fans mob Mikel, Osaze, Moses

JOHN Mikel Obi, Osaze Odemwingie and Victor Moses are the three Super Eagles players that Brazilians here have shown more love and demand autographs from. The three, incidentally, play their club football in England’s Premier League – Chelsea, Stoke and Liverpool respectively. But baby-faced Mikel stands out as the crowd roars into Mikel, Mikel, Mikel from the moment he steps out of the hotel to the team’s bus and onto the pitch where kids dare security personnel in a marathon race to either embrace him, clean his boot or kiss him. He reciprocates their love by clapping. Mikel who is playing in his first World Cup spoke to Sports Editor, Tony Ubani on expectations ‘’It is my first World Cup and I am ready just like other players are ready, too. The World Cup remains the highest height of every footballer’s ambition. I am happy to be playing here but more importantly is that we have a dream of playing for each other. We want to make something out of the World Cup. It is not about individuals. It is about a team. And I am a member of the team Mikel: It is good to know that many expect me to lead. In this team, the coach determines what we do and we do it according to his instructions. People might not notice the roles of players but the coach knows and we do things collectively to ensure that we come out victorious. Mikel: There is love and unity in the team. We are like a family. All the players are ready to give their best. And with these will-power, I think that we will do well because of this determination. Mikel: Promises? I promise good outing by the team. You are aware that all teams are well prepared for the World Cup. So, no one underestimates any team. You need to work hard first and also rely on goodluck. We’ve been working hard and deserve to do well.

Nigerian World Cup fans stay home over Boko Haram fears

Danlami Ma’azu stood among a crowd jostling to secure a satellite TV decoder in the Nigerian city of Kano so he could watch the World Cup in the safety of his home — far from the threat of Boko Haram attacks. The Brazil tournament should normally spell weeks of revelry in football-mad Nigeria as crowds gather in giant, often open-air venues to cheer on their heroes. But in the commercial capital of northern Nigeria, hundreds of residents have thronged the local branch of satellite provider DSTV in the past week either to buy the technology or renew their subscriptions. “I’m not comfortable going to any viewing centre due to the Boko Haram threats,” Ma’azu told AFP Thursday, after spending three hours waiting in line. His fears are well-founded: the heavily armed Islamist militant group has previously targeted football fans in its deadly five-year insurgency across northern Nigeria. Just this week, officials in northeast Adamawa state announced the closure of all football viewing centres because of the threat of attack. The ban came a week after 40 people were killed in an explosion at a football pitch, shortly after a match in the town of Mubi, in Adamawa state, which was blamed on Boko Haram. In volatile Plateau state — where three people died in the state capital Jos in a blast targeting crowds watching the European Champions League final — police also ordered all viewing centres to close “because of prevailing security challenges.” “During the World Cup, the tendency is for more people, especially the youth, to be out at odd hours. The closure is to reduce the risk of attacks,” government spokesman Pam Ayuba told AFP on Friday. In April, suspected Boko Haram gunmen also stormed a packed venue in Potiskum, in northeast Yobe state, shooting dead two people as they watched Champions League quarter-final matches. Kano itself has not been spared from violence, including at popular locations for watching football in the heart of the city. - A boon for TV providers - In several videos Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has condemned football and music as part of a Western plot to distract Muslims from their religion and called on viewing centres to close. Kano’s police have recently held talks with officials from the viewing centres operators’ union to discuss security measures to prevent future attacks — notably during the World Cup. “We are taking into account the security situation with regard to football viewing centres,” Kano police spokesman Magaji Majia told AFP. “We have also put our patrol teams on high alert and assigned our intelligence operatives to keep eyes on viewing centres during matches.” Despite the reassurances, fans hoping to catch Nigeria’s “Super Eagles” and the world’s other top teams in action were taking no chances, boosting trade for satellite television vendors. “Business has been really good in the past week,” one DSTV agent said outside the office as private security guards and police intelligence operatives looked on. “Our sales have jumped over 400 percent,” said the agent, who declined to give his name as he was not authorised to speak to the media. DSTV declined to comment. - Crowds stay away - Crowds were thin at many Kano viewing centres on Thursday as Brazil beat Croatia 3-1 in the World Cup opener. “We had low patronage last night, with turnout 35 percent lower than usual because many people are afraid coming to watch football due to security fears,” said operator Safiyanu Nasiru. “This is an indication that we are in for a bad business season.” Even those who were brave enough to go to the viewing centres were jittery. “I watched the match in an open-air garden with trepidation because of fear of possible attack,” said one fan, Abdulkadir Ammani. “I chose the open-air garden on purpose so that I could easily escape in the event of attack but I still didn’t enjoy the match.” Back at the shop, Jamilu Ahmad was renewing his subscription after more than a year. In football, it is often said the game is more important than life or death but he said watching on the big screen was not worth the risk. “Life has no duplicate,” the civil servant said. “Once you are dead, you are dead and I can’t risk my life going to a viewing centre to watch the matches. That’s why I’m here.”

Nollywood has become boring –Jim Iyke

Star actor, Jim Iyke, speaks with JAYNE AUGOYE about his recent adventures Getting Jim Iyke Esumogba for an interview has been a long chase. In-between movie sets abroad and running his foundation and some other business ventures, the actor has been busy. The University of Jos graduate opens up on things close to his heart. Few know he was born in Gabon Libreville but not a few have dubbed him ‘Nollywood bad boy’. But love or hate him, he continues to stay afloat amidst several controversies. While he admits that the controversies that usually trail him, were simply a creation of his public relations managers at the time, did pay off initially, it eventually spiralled out of control. “I’ve heard that I deem myself something of a puppeteer and that I orchestrate these media maelstroms to maintain relevance and news. I wish I was that creative! The other side of the debate – the more discerning would argue – I’m a victim of PR machinery gone wrong. Perhaps my handlers in the earlier stages of my career saw a need to create an unfathomable media being that was as audacious as the characters I played in films. “It caught on. Caused quite a stir, then quickly spiralled out of control. There were days when I wondered if I could have done something about it; like a campaign to state I was a different person. But then, the media loved it too much. It sold millions of movies. It sold papers. It also sold my privacy and peace of mind. I struggled for years to understand what it was doing to my psyche, my relationships, my family, my spirituality, “he reveals. On why he has been somewhat out-of-touch with Nollywood of late, he says he is simply seeking for new challenges. He says of Nollywood, “Nothing was challenging anymore. It was too easy and too perpetual. It was too boring and too predictable. I had no room to pursue or hone other skill sets I had. I didn’t have time for extra curriculums like hobbies, family, and friends, personal and social advancements. Something had to give! After all, I was the guy that made 38 films in a year,” he boasts. With his reality TV Show, Jim Iyke Unscripted, which is set to run for the third season, he declares, “It is the biggest celebrity reality show on the continent with over 10 million viewers. We did 12 countries in season one, another 10 in two. It’s the story of a man’s journey through his eyes and his words .If for nothing, to whom It may concern, I would have gained perspective and hopefully a better understanding of the idiosyncrasy that rules my day.” While Nollywood is said to be a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP, Iyke says the feat is not translating to progress in the long run. “Ours, if it isn’t oil and politics, then it isn’t attainable. They tie up funds in bogus and outlandish conditions and make bold and futuristic propaganda-driven statements as to how it is accessible to every practitioner that simply has to ask for the taking. “The sad part is that the practitioners do not even recognise the most basic of their fundamental rights. How can you ask, when you don’t understand what you’re asking for? The ones that do understand and     fight to the helm of affairs are busy fighting each other and developing schemes to enrich their shallow pockets.” And so will he ever consider vying for the presidency of the Actors Guild of Nigeria? “I’ve had occasion where they tried to drag me into this unpredictable territory. I assure you categorically Nollywood politics holds no iota of interest for me.” A conversation with the dark-skinned actor is incomplete without referring to his lover, Ghanaian actress, Nadia Buari, whom he refers to as Skittles. Asked about the current status of the affair, he waxes philosophical, saying, “She (Nadia) is a solid down-to-earth woman. I’m a man that translates variables in ways many people find incomprehensible. We have embraced who we are and learnt to create our own world and expectations. We have ups and downs like every other couple. “We have our strength and weakness as well. At the end of the day, rumours of break ups and make ups ought to abound. It really doesn’t matter. A relationship is a continuous work. Those that give up, perhaps weren’t committed enough. Those that go in for the long haul suck up and square up to the variables life throws at them. The people that judge harshly are obviously the ones that live far from their desired lives. We just live the best way we know how and leave the rest to the author and finisher of all things.” The future is already looking good as far as Iyke is concerned. Having just featured in a Hollywood film in 2013, titled There Comes Love alongside Hollywood actors, Brian White and Gracie Beauvis, the actor is diversifying into other areas of interest already including water business.

Gospel artiste, Kefee is dead

Renowned gospel singer, Kefee Don Momoh, has been confirmed dead. She reportedly passed on in the early hours of today,Friday, after being in coma for weeks in an undisclosed American hospital. She allegedly went into coma, after collapsing on a 14-hour flight on her way to Chicago for an event about a two weeks ago. Kefee’s Publicist, Adeline Adelicious Adebayo, in a statement said that she died of lungs failure this morning. A close family source revealed she was diagnosed of having pre-eclampsia – pregnancy induced high blood pressure. Also he said in contrast to all earlier rumours and stories in circulation, Kefee wasn’t 6 months pregnant and neither did she have pre-eclampsia. Also Yaw, an On Air Personality (OAP) and a close friend of her husband, Teddy Don Momoh confirmed the news on Wazobia Fm this morning, saying: “One of her our very own is dead. May her soul rest in peace.” Kefee whose music career started at age eight in her church choir, was famous for her gospel songs ‘Branama’ and ‘Kokoroko’. She won several awards including the best collaboration Headies Award in 2010. Until her death, she resided happily with her husband in the US and managed her restaurant, Branama Kitchen, in Lagos.

Fashola slashes LASU fees

The Lagos State Government has announced a reduction in the tuition of the state university. The government said it would reduce the fees by between 34 per cent and 60 per cent across the different faculties and courses. Students of the Lagos State University had staged many protests to air their grievances against the “high school fees” and had demanded its reduction. The government had set an ad hoc committee to review contributions on the issue from stakeholders, including the students. The committee submitted its report on Monday. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Chief Fatai Olukoga, on Wednesday at a briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, said after a deliberation on the recommendations of the committee, the government agreed to a downward review of the fees payable by students. He said, “Government agrees that with the subsidised tuition fees and appropriate moderation of incidental fees, a reduction ranging from 34 per cent to 60 per cent is possible across the different faculties and courses. “Government has therefore approved the reductions and, in accordance with the law setting up the university, forwarded its approval to the institution’s Governing Council for implementation. The council will issue details of what is now payable by students in each department.” Olukoga added that despite the reduction, the government would continue with its research fund, scholarship and bursary provisions and increased its spending on infrastructure and physical development of LASU. He said the government commended the students of the school for taking up the invitation to participate in the resolution of matters affecting their lives when they met with the governor. He, however, said the extension of lecturers retirement age, as demanded by LASU chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, would not be done. “Employees cannot unilaterally extend their retirement age, unless the employer cedes total control of the institution to employees, which is an impossible situation,” he added. Olukoga said one-tenure term for vice chancellors and the insistence on being promoted or appointed to unavailable positions, also canvassed by ASUU, would not be implemented for now. “It is hoped that all students and workers of the university will immediately resume their respective activities and join the government in its bid to bring LASU to a preeminent position,” he said.

Excitement, as World Cup begins today

Sao Paulo—Brazil is desperate to make a powerful statement of intent in today’s World Cup opener against Croatia as they seek to relieve the suffocating pressure that has engulfed the team in the build-up to the tournament. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has the luxury of being able to field the same team that destroyed world champions, Spain 3-0 in the final of last year’s Confederations Cup, with Barcelona star Neymar the focal point of a powerful and settled line-up. The five-time champions are expected to qualify from their group without too much trouble but Barcelona defender Dani Alves admitted there was anxiety ahead of the Sao Paulo opener, as they seek to ease the jitters. “I have always said that if you don’t feel anxiety it is not worth being a professional athlete. The opening game is difficult, important,” said Alves. But Scolari, who masterminded Brazil’s last World Cup win in 2002, is likely to stick with his tried-and-tested winning formula against 18th-ranked Croatia after the same 11 edged past Serbia 1-0 in a friendly last week, courtesy of a goal from Fred. Croatia will be missing Bayern Munich’s striker, Mario Mandzukic because of a red card he picked up in a match against Iceland in November. But they also boast of Real Madrid’s Luka Modric in their line-up, who said the key to the game would be the midfield battle, admitting the task of taking on Brazil in their own backyard was daunting. “Virtually every game is decided in the midfield. In most situations, the winner is the team that has the better midfield,” said Modric. “I hope that we can show our qualities and can beat Brazil. But this will of course be very difficult.” Modric, fresh from winning the Champions League with Real Madrid, highlighted the danger of Neymar, hailed by many as the key man for Brazil. “Neymar did not have the best of season with Barcelona, but when he plays for Brazil, he is a completely different player,” said Modric. “But I believe that we will find a way to stop him.” The match will be played in the 61,600-capacity Corinthians Arena, which was delayed by accidents in which three workers were killed. Opening ceremony spectacle (Time 7.15 p.m) More than 600 dancers reportedly started rehearsing a month ago to put on a show that the world will surely be amazed at. “The Opening Ceremony is a tribute to Brazil and its treasures: Nature, people football,” said Daphne Cornez, the show’s Belgian artistic director. “The sense of excitement here is amazing and everyone is very motivated. It doesn’t matter whether they’re feeling tired or hot sometimes, or if they have to go through routines again and again; they just keep on smiling. It’s amazing.” One of the performers, a 60-year-old female dancer, Edna Sasson, who will be representing a river could barely contain her excitement. “It’s a unique event,” said Sasson. “It’s not like dancing at the local theatre or any other theatre for that matter”. Adamawa shuts viewing centres Meanwhile, back home in Nigeria, the Adamawa State Government has announced the closure of all commercial football viewing centres in the state with immediate effect. A statement issued in Yola, yesterday, and signed by the Director Press and Publications to Governor Murtala Nyako, Ahmed Sajoh indicated that the closure was based on advice by the 23rd Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Yola to that effect. “Owing to the current security challenges, the Army authorities have advised the state government to close all the commercial football viewing centres during the forthcoming World Cup Competition in Brazil”, the statement read. The measure, according to the statement has become imperative as insurgents tormenting the northern states, especially the North East Sub – region have shifted most of their attacks on commercial football viewing centres and other crowdy public places. Government, according to the statement reasoned that commercial football viewing centres will record unprecedented crowd during the world cup tournament, and the insurgents might capitalize on the crowd- pulling tournament to wreak havoc. It advised owners of such viewing centres to take the ban in good faith as it is in the interest of the public, especially the youths who constitute the larger percentage of the viewers. It will be recalled that an attack on a football viewing centre in Mubi, Adamawa State about two weeks ago, claimed the lives of over 40 persons, and left hundreds others injured. Reacting to the closure, some operators of such centres in Yola, described it as a welcome development. Aliyu Auta, owner of Uratu VIP football viewing centre opined that though the closure has to do with security which is the most important aspect of life, the economic effect to the operators also matter a lot. Auta was of the opinion that since most of them depend on the centres for their livelihood, government should provide alternative measures.

Man, 38, arrested with fresh human head in Lagos

LAGOS— Policemen attached to Orile division, Lagos have arrested a 38-year‑old man for allegedly being in possession of a fresh human head. The suspect, identified as Mustapha Bakare was arrested, Tuesday evening, around White Sands by a team of anti‑robbery policemen on patrol. Bakare was reportedly sighted with a polythene bag and was stopped for a search. Rather than comply, he reportedly took to his heels, holding firm to the polythene bag, an action that was said to have aroused suspicion. The policemen reportedly chased and apprehended him. When asked to disclose the contents of the bag, he hesitated. Confirming the arrest, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, said when the bag was eventually searched, a fresh human head was discovered. According to Braide, “The Police team that arrested the suspect was led by Inspector Bernard Oyinlade while they were conducting a stop-and-search operation near White Sands area of Orile. “The team stopped the man who resides at 63B, Church Street, Ijora Badia, while he was walking along the road with a polythene bag. They immediately called for a search but he took to his heels. He was pursued and subsequently arrested and during search, a fresh human head was found inside the bag. “The suspect is undergoing interrogation and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department, Panti, Yaba for further investigation.”

President Jonathan rescues ailing Nollywood stars

Help has finally come the way of ailing Nollywood practitioners as President Goodluck Jonathan makes funds available for their treatment abroad. Disclosing this development to HVP, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Ms. Ibinabo Fiberesima said, all arrangements have been concluded to fly the affected practitioners abroad for further treatment. She named ailing National President of the Screen Writers Guild of Nigeria (SWGN), Chike Bryan, Prince James Uche; and Romanus Uchenna Amuta, popularly known as Natty in the now rested TV drama, New Masquerade, as beneficiaries. Bryan was diagnosed with kidney-related disease about a year ago, while Prince James Uche has been battling diabetes and hypertension that had left him almost bedridden for several years now. Also, Natty who is one of the few surviving cast of the once celebrated New Masquerade has been down with disability resulting from stroke. According to AGN president, Chike Bryan would be flown to India immediately for kidney transplant. She presented cheque to him last week in the company of some of the Guild’s heads and practitioners. “Mr. President has released funds for the treatment of ailing Nollywood practitioners including Chike Bryan, Prince James Uche, Natty, and one Enugu-based actor who reportedly underwent a surgical operation,” Ibinabo disclosed. It would be recalled that last week, HVP reported how actress Franca Brown lamented the indifferent attitude displayed by Bryan’s relatives towards his health condition. Chike Bryan is a celebrated script writer and president of SWGN.

LASU fees: Students know fate today

The seven-man Executive Committee set up by Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State  to examine the possibility of a downward review of Lagos State University, LASU, new tuition fee, which has pitched the students against the government, will submit its report today The committee, headed by Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, was inaugurated last month by the governor to re-visit the issue of the tuition fee, which has led to a statewide protest by the students and supported by Joint Action Front, JAF, umbrella body for pro-labour civil society groups in the country. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba, had last Thursday, disclosed that the committee would be submitting its report soon. According to him, the state government would act after the committee submitted its report to Council. Speaking further, Ibirogba noted that the three-year-old fee regime would be reviewed based on the outcome of the Committee set up by the State Executive Council to handle the issue. Meantime, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor John Obafunwa, has debunked claim by the Students through their Student Union Government, SUG that the new fee regime introduced in 2011 has led to high rate of students’ dropout, saying; “The students who drop out did so because of reasons other than the fees.” According to the statement issued by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, Obafunwa said “when the list was checked against the records of the institution, it was discovered that some of the names on the list submitted by the students were those of non students of the institution while others were those who dropped out because they did not meet the appropriate CGP of the school.” Reacting, president of the SUG, Mr. Yusuf Nurudeen, challenged the Vice Chancellor to a public debate on the issue saying “Before our protest, we discovered 192 students have dropped out of school because they could not afford the new tuition fee. But when we started the protest, we discovered that over a 1,000 students have left the school because of the new fee.”