Man commits suicide after being tortured over N1,000 theft

A 32-year-old man, Mr. Simon Mbam, of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has committed suicide after he was tortured by some villagers for allegedly stealing N1,000 from a shop in the market.

1000 naira notesThe victim, who jumped into a pond in the area last weekend, found himself in the mess when he left his house in the evening of the fateful day to buy drinks with his friends.

While late Simon and his friends were busy sipping their drinks, the owner of the shop raised an alarm over a missing N1,000 in his carton of drinks, but no customer admitted to haven taken the money.

The alarm raised by the shop owner attracted villagers who stormed the scene and gave the suspects till the following day to return the money or face the consequences.

It was learned that the said missing money was found at the door step of the shop, but when the villagers who were determined to get to the root of the matter gathered, the owner of the shop insisted on knowing the person behind the act.

Vanguard further gathered that the suspect, who later confessed to the crime, was allegedly beaten by the irate villagers until he started bleeding and losing consciousness.

They demanded that he should be treated like a thief, even as he was fined two goats, two crates of beer and N5,000, which were immediately provided by the suspect’s mother (names withheld).

It was gathered that the village head rejected what the suspect’s mother brought, insisting that an additional N5,000 should be provided so that the matter would be completely resolved without involving the police.

This second demand by the villagers made the suspect, who felt humiliated by the entire process, escape from his captors and jumped into Aku Pond, which was not far from the market square.

All efforts to rescue him on time proved abortive as he drowned before his body was retrieved by the villagers.

Meanwhile, four persons including the village head, had been arrested by the police after the mother of the victim reported the matter.

NFF Folk Tale: Amodu Out As Stephen Keshi Returns As Super Eagles Head Coach

Sacked coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi has returned to the team ahead of next month’s Nations Cup qualifiers.

Toyin Ibitoye, the media officer of the Super Eagles, made the announcement on Thursday morning via Twitter.

The move was reportedly orchestrated by President Goodluck Jonathan, who doesn’t want the nation to get banned by FIFA.

President Jonathan is also said to have asked the faction of Chris Giwa to withdraw its case from court.

Keshi was relieved of his job on October 16, a day after the Super Eagles defeated Sudan 3-1 in Abuja, by the Amaju Pinnick-led board of the NFF who re-called former coach Shaibu Amodu in an interim capacity.

The African champions had struggled to win just one in four qualifying matches and fans had begun to call for the coach’s sack.

Nigeria Records First Lesbian Wedding

We were made to understand that the ‘groom’ who is believed to always behave like a man is a pretty, fair skinned, well built actress from the Southern part of the country.

Further investigation by source that preferred anonymity revealed that the actress has been a lesbian all her life. “Oh, she didn’t just start now. She’s been into the act for like almost all her life.

From secondary to university, we all knew her to be one. The only shocking thing is this one they said she just wedded a follow lesbian. And you won’t believe this: She is a married woman o! But Lesbi has obviously entered her blood. Only God knows whether her husband still touches her. These small-small girls who are her partners practically live in her house.

She tells her husband that they are her colleagues, who have accommodation problem. But it is a big fat lie. The man, maybe, would have protested or even kicked them out since. But being that he is currently out of job and now depends on her to do practically everything, there’s almost nothing he could do”.

The unlawful wedding took place at the pool side of a popular hotel in Ogudu, Lagos. And in attendance were said to be other known lesbians like Sola, Rita, Elizabeth, Bunmi, Victoria and Sandra.

Speaking on the significance of the wedding, a source told correspondent, that all other lesbians will henceforth steer clear of the ‘couple’. “You know that lesbians are usually very jealous. So, with this wedding, the other members of their club will now leave them alone. Although they could still tango with whoever they fancy, among their other members. But certainly not these two. Like fidelity is preached and expected in marriage, that is also what is expected here. No more ‘cutting shows’ outside. No more sleeping with multiple partners. Both of them must stick to themselves and no one else”.

We also learnt that an elderly member of the group, also married and who resides in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, united them in ‘Holy Matrimony’ and thereafter massive fun commenced with foods and drinks in excess.

The bride, lest we forget, is young, very pretty and also fair-complexioned.

Viewers what are your opinions on this abominable act, should this couple be wished well or thrown to jail?

APC will fix Nigeria, say Tambuwal, Oyegun, Buhari, others

National Chairman of All Progressive Congress, APC, Mr. John Oyegun yesterday re-echoed the determination of the party to relaunch Nigeria onto the path speedy development and greatness.

This was even as the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, former Head of State and presidential aspirant, Gen. Mohammdu Buhari, Governor Rabiu Kwamkwaso of Kano State amongst others said that APC was a party to beat in forthcoming 2015 General elections.

The APC chieftains spoke at the extra-ordinary non elective national convention of the party held at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

The convention which attracted APC stalwarts from across the country was particularly held to amend some sections of the party’s constitution to conform with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

About 10 sections of the constitution were affected.

Essentially, Article 31.3 was entirely deleted from the constitution to allow new entrants to the party to subject themselves to the nomination process subject to the waiver provision.

The implication of this was that aspirants defecting to APC from other political parties would not be constitutionally encumbered by virtue of their short stay before aspiring to contest election on the party’s platform.

Welcoming the delegates, national chairman of the party, Mr. John Oyegun said that APC owed it as a duty to right the wrong of the past apparently caused by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and restore the country back to greatness.

“Let me say unequivocally that these are very trying times for our country. The times become even more challenging as the 2015 elections approach. Therefore, we all owe it a duty to our country, a duty to ourselves and a duty to the generations of Nigerians yet unborn to put our country first, and put it back on the path of development and the path of greatness.

“Let me encapsulate what I have said in a quote by Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States: ”This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in, unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.”

“But how can we make our dear country, Nigeria, a good place for all of us to live in when a few desperate politicians are exploiting all the nation’s fault lines? Today, our people are more divided along ethnic and religious lines than at any other time in her history. Just because they want to win elections at all cost, they have pitched Christians against Muslims, Southerners against Northerners, and one ethnic group against the other.”

Oyegun also accused the PDP of using religion to divide the peoples of Nigeria.

“In particular, the use of religion to divide our people portends great danger. No nation has ever developed using religion as a divisive or campaign tool. And ours will not be different. The problems we face, be it insecurity, corruption, poverty, lack of infrastructure or economic growth without development, will not be solved by a religionist but by patriotic and competent leadership.

“What our long-suffering people want to know is who will provide them with security, improved welfare, uninterrupted power supply, jobs, modern health care, world class education and modern infrastructure, just to name a few.

“Now, the only reason the PDP has resorted to dangerous, divisive politics is because they have nothing to showcase to Nigerians to convince them to return the PDP to power at the centre come next year”, he said.

He noted that corruption was at its peak in the country.

“In the area of corruption, Nigeria has never had it so bad! Organized stealing of our crude oil has become a thriving business, and corruption has never been so institutionalized. Where do we start?

“There is also impunity, unprecedented impunity, which has in turn fuelled unparalleled lawlessness. Now, they simply deploy security personnel to lock up the courts just to prevent justice from being served. They organize to beat up judges just to have their way. Litigants and lawyers are fair game in their misplaced strategy to pervert the course of justice.

“To them, the doctrine of the separation of powers is a mere fancy. They don’t give a damn. In their perverted reasoning, might is right! Their violation of this doctrine flies in the face of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This undemocratic encroachment and erosion portend great danger for our nation and constitute a threat to our democracy. But they don’t really give a damn.”

Also speaking, General Buhari expressed optimism that APC would record landslide victory at the polls in 2015.

Kano state governor, Kwankwaso, while speaking concurred with the remarks earlier made by the party’s national chairman.

The Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal who marked his first APC public outing after formally defecting to the party from the ruling PDP also described APC as a party for progressives.

His words: “I hereby rededicate myself to the task of building and growing our Party, and helping our party achieve its mission of lifting Nigeria to glorious heights and restoring hope to the citizens of our great country. In this regard, I hereby call on all other like minded Nigerians to join this movement to deliver on the promise of a new Nigeria.

“The APC is the party where the progressive ideals of good governance to which I subscribe are wholeheartedly embraced and applied for the betterment of Nigeria.

“I have embraced the APC platform as a veritable instrument for genuine change and enduring national development. We must constantly remind ourselves that Nigerians yearn for true change and APC represents the hope for this change, and a promise of a brighter tomorrow.

“The work may appear tedious and the road ahead may appear long and hard, but our party is amply endowed with all the key ingredients of success. We need unity and solidarity in our ranks in order to face the challenges ahead.

“In the weeks ahead, we will engage party men and women and Nigerians on the future direction of our nation and means of rescuing her from the malaise of youth unemployment, insecurity, institutionalized corruption, poverty, socio-economic decline and infrastructural decay.”

Amended Articles

Some of the amended articles as read and explained by the party’s Legal Adviser included the following:

*Article 20 which introduced a new 3rd paragraph to provide essentially a platform on which nomination process goes through indirect system.

*Article 15(a) which makes all officers of the party accountable to the chairman at the levels.

*Article 9.5 was essentially to extend the scope of what will lead to cessation of membership and acceptance of appointment from opposition government and the membership of opposition government. For this to happen, approval must be gotten from the national office.

*Article 13.2b was to reduce the tenure of the members of Board of Trustees. Presently, it is fixed 5 years tenure but now reviewed to 4 years tenure to be consistent with the electoral Acts.

*Article 9.4 modified the process for the recognition of electoral offices of the party.

*Article12.5 focused on the number of people that will constitute the national caucus of the party as well as the Board of Trustees of the party.

*Article 31.3 was entirely deleted to allow new entrants to the party to be able to subject themselves to the nomination process subject to the waiver provision.

*Article 13.4 introduced a new paragraph which is XV, empowering the national executive council to set up the relevant caretaker committee and also determine the tenure of such caretaker committee.

The articles which were eventually subjected to vote by the party’s national organizing secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso after a motion was moved by Senator Lawal Shuibu from Zamfara state and seconded by Hon. A bike Dabire form Lagos State received overwhelming endorsement by the 5287 delegates that made it to the venue.

Dangote to support Liberia, Sierra Leone in fight against Ebola

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has promised to assist Liberia and Sierra Leone in their fight against the scourge of Ebola virus ravaging the West African countries.

Dangote, according to BBC News report, called Presidents of the two countries and assured them of the determination of Dangote foundation to assist their countries.

'I spoke to the two Presidents today. First to the President of  Sierra-Leone and Liberia, sympathising with them on what has actually been going on in their countries and also to inform them that that they didn't hear from me all these while because I didn't want to call them without any form of support. .. In fact, what the two presidents told me they needed the most are well trained people who know exactly how to handle Ebola and luckily for us, we have 590 volunteers in the country who are well trained and ready to go to these countries as volunteers to assist them in training.'

Dangote said, though Nigeria has been certified free of Ebola, the country will not rest on its oars until the virus is permanently contained in the region. 'I think we have escaped the worst but we have to be very vigilant so that we don't become complacent, we are not going to really relax about it until our sister countries, Sierra Leone and Liberia are totally free of Ebola', he stressed.

Besides assisting the government financially, he said Dangote Foundation also bought 12 infrared machines to be fixed at all the airports aside other efforts in winning the war against Ebola.

He urged other wealthy Africans to be part of the struggle to free the region of Ebola.

Dangote said: 'Everybody should put hands on deck because we should not fold our arms and wait for the western world to come and take us out of our problems.  We have been saying that we don't want them to be giving us handouts… if we are busy making money here, when there are issues, we shouldn't run away from the issues, we should try to take part of our profits and ensure that we resolve the issues.'

Meanwhile, a statement issued by Liberia's' Executive Mansion, revealed that Dangote Foundation, would work closely with the Liberian Government to determine what assistance can be provided ranging from medical personnel other professional healthcare workers. The statement revealed that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf thanked the billionaire for his promised assistance and praised him for reaching out to the government and people of Liberia.

Liberia is among the countries worst hit by Ebola virus, along with Sierra Leone and Guinea. The country accounts for more than half of all the official Ebola deaths, estimated at more than 2,400.

Dangote Foundation and Wellcome Trust recently entered into a £40m investment in African research partnership with the Dangote Foundation, an African-based international philanthropic organisation, for Ebola research.

Dangote said: 'We are pleased to partner with a leading research organisation like the Wellcome Trust in tackling the deadly Ebola virus. The current Ebola crisis underlines the importance for institutions like ours to get involved in supporting medical research.'

The emergency Ebola initiative, which includes contributions from partner funders, will support research that can swiftly begin to investigate new approaches to treating, preventing and containing the disease, during the current epidemic in West Africa. It will also support research into the ethical challenges of testing experimental medicines during epidemics. Agency report

Pornography finds home at motor parks

There is no dull moment at Obalende Motor Park. Almost every time of the day, there is a beehive of activities at the park.

Voices from rickety loud speakers mounted on commercial buses alternate between lewd music and frenetic calls for passengers. But the first gains go to roving petty traders who hawk chilled soft drinks and other edibles they sell to commuters.

Near the bus terminus are more established ‘ad hoc’ activities. This sub-sector is replete with cobblers, ‘vulcanisers’, food and compact disc vendors and others who contribute, in no small measure, to the economy of the park. They make less fuss about their wares yet they command the attention of passengers and commuters.

Last Friday was no exception. By noon, two young men dealing in compact disc sales had set up wares and were already attending to customers. With the rippling muscles and six packs of boxers on the jackets of some of the discs, the setting seemed normal at first. But a closer look revealed differently. Nude women and men posing in different erotic postures were on the jackets of many of the compact discs. It was obvious that the majority of his products displayed so openly are pornographic.

Our correspondent who had watched the men from inside a commercial vehicle alighted to get a copy. Sitting by the side of the stall was an old man printing tickets to people who seemed oblivious to the ‘wares’ displayed beside them. While some passengers streaming into the terminus stared openly, others abruptly averted their gaze, refusing to make further eye contact with the materials.

Pointing to one of the CD, the journalist haggled with him over the cost and   probed him on the appropriateness of his business. The products cost a token N150 each.

“Make u dey hide dis thing nah. If task force catch u, na wahala be that’, she started.

“Which task force? Na before bi dat o. Once you settle, you are okay,’ he said.

“Dem dey collect money? Dis country don spoil’’

“Before nko? Dem no get their price?

Later, our correspondent made a detour out of the terminus to the other side, where she met one of the unit officials of the National Union of Road Transport Union. Behind her, business activities continued, not missing a beat. Efforts to speak with the chairman of the unit were not successful as it was learnt that he and other key officials had gone to Onikan Stadium for the declaration of a governorship aspirant, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode.

However, findings by our correspondent showed that sales of pornographic materials are a norm in many motor parks in the state. From the popular Okokomaiko park, Agege motor park to those in Iyana-ipaja and some others, sales and display of pornographic materials unfold with varying degrees. While some hide the materials, others care less, flaunting erotic pictures on posters.

While the state’s new traffic law does not overtly address issues of pornographic and decency in motor parks, a human rights lawyer, Mr. Fred Agbaje, told our correspondent that Governor Babtunde Fashola in 2010 signed an executive order proscribing the sales, broadcast and display of pornographic materials in open places, including motor parks. In addition, he pointed to sections 149 and 150 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State which prohibits the publication of obscene matters and performance of obscene plays.

“The government has provided the law to regulate such morally offensive activities in our parks and bus stops, it is now left for the police to ensure that violators are arrested and prosecuted before the appropriate courts.

“But if the police choose to look the other way, you can’t blame Fashola. You can’t blame the chief judge. But the environmental taskforce who are busy arresting people who indiscriminately cross the road at Ojota should also keep the society free of this morally-provocative business. If we don’t care about our own moral as adults, shouldn’t we care about the moral upbringing of our children? This is why the government must not stop at merely criminalising such things at parks, it should go further and see to it that the laws are implemented and offenders punished,’’ he said.

According to the Faculty Director, Soar and Heritage, Mr. Sola Adeyiga, location still plays a role in the viability of any business venture. He said this business tenet was understood by many players no matter the legal status of their trade.

Adeyiga added that the primary business of bus terminuses make them attractive to petty traders who may not be able to pay exorbitant fees for lock-up shops in the metropolis. He however, noted that this was not an excuse for government agencies to allow illegality.

Efforts by our correspondent to reach the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, on Monday were not successful as he neither picked his calls nor responded to a text message sent to him.

However, in a telephone interview on Monday, the Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Lagos State chapter, Dr. Matthew Oloko, said he was not aware of such activity at motor parks.

“I don’t know anything about sales of pornographic materials at the parks. This is the first time I will hear such a thing and it has not been reported by any of our unit chairmen,” he said.

Amaechi shows strength

IT was the seventh anniversary of Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s extraordinary inauguration as governor of River State last Saturday. The opportunity turned out to be an opportunity for the governor to make a bold statement on the political morphology of the state.

The 40,000 seating capacity stadium in Port-Harcourt, the state capital was fully occupied forcing many late comers to the celebration to make do on the playing pitch.

It was an opportunity for several stakeholders to give assessment of the Amaechi administration and among them were Non-Indigenes who speaking through a representative, just identified as Obinna praised Amaechi for integrating non-indigenes into the politics of the state.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Dan Amacheree who has 25 of the 32 members of the House on his side equally affirmed the determination of the House not to be cowed by money or might into fighting the governor.

“Governor Amaechi has brought change and transformation to Rivers state. He has made been made the face if transparency in Rivers state. We want to assure you that the 25 members of the house are behind you and we pledge our commitment to you because no form of opposition, intimidation or bribery will deter us from supporting you.

Opposition and intimidation

We will make sure we change Nigeria and Rivers state. They even bribed some of us with oil blocs but we resisted it. Go home and spread the message that we do not exist on billboards.”

Rivers will vote the APC way — Reps members

Members of the House of Representatives caucus from the state were not left out. Chairman, House Committee in the Downstream sector, Mr Dakuku Peterside, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues said: “We have taken note that you are a man of principle, character and integrity and you have shown that you can stand up for Rivers state. We also want to assure you that the people of Rivers state will vote APC all the way from the president down to the councilors.”

Change is coming to Nigeria—Sen Abe

Also, the Senators from the state predicted victory for the party ahead of next year’s polls just as they appealed to Rivers people to vote out PDP at the centre.

Senator Magnus Abe, who led seven other senators on solidarity said “from the National Assembly, we have seven senators present here, we are celebrating the seventh year anniversary of the governor and seven represents victory. Our message for Nigerians is that they should get ready with their voters card because by February 2015, there will be change in Nigeria”.

A thief ‘ll not govern Rivers——Amaechi

When it was time for governor Amaechi to deliver his speech, he went spiritual as he led the people into a spiritual realm of singing and dancing to God the victory he got at the apex court seven years ago.

Amaechi, who interrupted his speech with repeated jubilation, was in high spirit at the rally. He, however, took a swipe at one of his arch opponents, who was aspiring to govern the state.

Amaechi said “one of them campaigning for governorship was the contractor that was supposed to do the roads. He collected N3 billion and left, now he wants to become governor, a thief will not become governor. I challenge them from Rivers State to Abuja, to an integrity test. I have worked with them, I have their records, their records are in the office of the governor. So go and rest.”

He also took time to fault the anti- graft fight saying “the problem we have is that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is no longer working, corruption is at its industrial peak. Thieves are thieves because we now have an industry called corruption”.

My victory is divine

While he appreciated God for his Supreme Court victory, he said “the day I was told that the President and his people were trying to remove me as governor, I called for prayer session in Government House and I said to them, ‘God told me that I would finish my tenure’. When we finished praying, I said the fight has started and believe me, this fight will continue but we are going nowhere.”

“There was a case in the Supreme Court and everybody was worried but I told you we would win it, that the God I worship told me we would win it. I thank God for keeping us and I want to tell them, we are going nowhere. There is a punishment for people who betray others, God is very clear about thieves and those who betray others. After stealing government money, you betray people because you want to become governor, they will get nowhere.

Before I became governor, I went to God for more than 10 months. They have the president, the army and the police but they do not have God.

They can go to Jerusalem 50 times, God has decided what will happen in Nigeria in 2015. Take it for free, there will be change in Nigeria”, he said.

He also commended the Senate President, Senator David Mark and the leadership,of the Senate for wading into the planned hijack of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

According to him, “in thanking members if the Senate, let me also thank the President of the Senate because when they tried to hijack the house, the a Senate President and all the members of the Senate, rose up to the task and stood by us. Rivers people stood by me as governor and are still standing by me, I have no choice but to deliver on my service. I have to deliver on my promise because that is the task I have.”

Achievements

In seven years. I have built 20 classroom blocks and 500 of them are ready. We have built over 140 health centres, we employed over 13000 teachers, we have employed over 400 doctors and we have created farms so that our children can go there to seek employment. The federal government does not care for you, they want you to die of water borne diseases, punish them with your votes.”

He lampooned the presidency for failing to embark on developmental projects in Rivers State. He said “punish PDP with your votes. They said the reason the President is not performing in Rivers State is because he is quarrelling with the governor of Rivers State that is what they said. It is more of lack of performance. What is the quarrel? When the president spoke in Benin, he spoke in a stadium that was less than 20000, when TAN held their rally in Port-Harcourt, it was held in a 15000 capacity stadium.”

Commenting on his move from the PDP to the APC. Amaechi said “We had to leave the PDP because they were against a Rivers people and we moved to the APC. APC is the solution, it will protect our interest, we must vote out the PDP. He (Jonathan) is not my brother, my brother is the one who delivers on the service for me. So, if the president says he is our brother, let him call one project he has done for Rivers state”.

Solidarity messages

Solidarity messages were received from the party’s presidential aspirants who were present at the occasion who used the occasion to sell themselves. Those present were Leadership publisher Sam Nda-Isaiah, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwanso.

For APC national chairman, Odigie-Oyegun, the outpouring of affection for Amaechi that day was enough to rubbish the claim made by the President at the Benin PDP rally that the PDP was in full control of Rivers. “The entire leadership of APC has come, we have seen and we are convinced that Amaechi controls the crowd in Rivers state.”

Gunmen kill expatriate, abduct another in Ogun

Tragedy struck last weekend in Sagamu as gunmen, alleged to be kidnappers, reportedly shot dead a man suspected to be a German construction worker and abducted his colleague, while on their way to Ogbere in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Vanguard reliably gathered that the incident occurred when the two foreigners, believed to be workers with the German construction company, Julius Berger, were on their way to their quarry site.

It was further gathered that the expatriates were going to the site without their security escorts.

A source said the driver of the vehicle the Germans were travelling in was trying to make a U-turn when they were stopped by the abductors who opened fire on their car.

Confirming the incident, the  Deputy Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the police were on the trail of the abductors.

Oyeyemi, however, said the identity of the expatriates could not be ascertained at press time.

He said: “The hoodlums ambushed the expatriates on the way to their quarry site. As soon as they saw their vehicle coming, they opened fire on them.

“One of the expatriates was hit and his colleague abducted. The one that was hit by the bullet was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.”

A spokeswoman for Julius Berger said: “One expatriate, a sub-contractor to Julius Berger, was shot and is dead. The other expatriate, a staff of Julius Berger, has been abducted.”

“Julius Berger is currently working in close cooperation with the Nigerian authorities to make certain the safe and prompt release of the person abducted.”

PASTOR CHRIS’ DAUGHTER REJECTS HIM, SUPPORTS MUMS ON DIVORCE

A decision is set to be announced on the divorce suit filed by Anita Oyakhilome against her husband Rev. Chris Oyakhilome, the President of Christ Embassy church.

Funny enough, the couple’s first daughter Sharon Oyakhilome has decided to take sides, supporting her mum against her father, Pastor Chris. She took to Twitter to post a cryptic message which seemingly appears to support her mother’s divorce decision.

Her tweets appear to be similar to the case Rev. Anita Oyakhilome cited in the divorce papers where she stated that her husband had been away for the most part of their marriage.

In Defence of Anita Oyakhilome the FRustrated Wife:

Anita Oyakhilome, the frustrated wife of Nigeria’s most flamboyant preacher, Chris Oyakhilome has obviously passed through 15 years of adulterous endurance and what she needs is our prayers and protective respect and defense of her choices to forget all the anti-rhapsody of heartbreak she endured all these years. Fifteen (15) years of being abandoned by a preacher husband is not an easy way of lifefor a preacher’s wife. Fifteen (15) years of hearing that some mini skirted daughters of Jezebel have taken over your possession is not a joke. Fifteen years of a husband not staying with the wife for up to a week on a stretch,while spending time with some double breasted figure eight(ed) daughters of eve is not an easy thing to swallow. 15 years of being used as a showcase to make church members believe in Rhapsodies of Blissful Union, while dying in silence,is not a palatable experience for any woman.

Fifteen years of being called Mama, Mummy, and other glorified names of Senior Pastor’swife while some domestic harems sneer at the same Mummy behind is not a sweet experience. For goodness sake, this woman never probably had a good kiss in fifteen years and yet she is being accused of carnality for crying out loud.She was continually being led into temptation of seeking for s*xual satisfaction from outside for fifteen years and she managed to escape the traps of sin.

Fifteen years when their two lovely daughters would wake up and ask their mother why Dad had not cared to visit, and she would have to release a lie to stave off the frequent probing questions. Above all, fifteen years when Anita had to fake that all is well with their marriage, while she is actually dying emotionally. Every person she complained to among the pastoral cadre sided with the man, and she was left alone to bear her cross.

I warned some pastor friends with Christ Embassy early 2013 that they had better settle this marriage rift between Oga and his wife before it destroys the church. The same pastors have called me to express regret that a national embarrassment has ensued. This woman has been called Jezebel by some pastors and members of the church. Some claimed she was disrespectful while others claimed she was always bitter of recent.They have tried to castigate her before members of the church who came in private to ask for the way out. She was described as unreasonable and insubordinate.

Her husband, according to news reports has even followed to cast her in bad light. According to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, “Bitterness is prolonged and accumulate danger. My wife is always angry and bitter,” Going further he told his members to “Be careful of the friends you keep. My wife keeps friends who bring out the worst in her and help her see the worst in people, instead of keeping friends that will help her vision, especially as the wife of a global pastor like me.” Please, which preacher woman who has been abandoned for fifteen years will not be bitter and angry? Was Anita expected to clap and dance while some hot legs are parading around the White House?

This pastor’s wife was also disclaimed by her husband who told his congregants in reaction to the divorce saga that Anita is not necessarily a Woman of God.According to Pastor Oyakhilome “Don’t act like those people. If you are married to a man of God, it doesn’t make you automatically mature. You can make mistakes; you can do something that is wrong. But some people expect the wife of a minister to definitely be at the level of that minister and so they may be looked upon and the expectation may be like that, but it’s a positional thing”.He clarified his theory by saying that “If a man of God is married, it doesn’t automatically mean that the wife of a man of God is therefore a woman of God.

“That’s not the way it is in the Bible.” Pastor Chris also added that “That’s why you don’t really find the wives of men of God mentioned in the Bible. How many of them? Who was Peter’s wife, did you ever know her name? You never find that out. Who was John’s wife? Did you ever read the name? What about all theother Apostles? How many of their names are written in the Bible. You never find their names.”

Anita Oyakhilome actually proved that she has fear of God in the manner she worded her divorce plea. She opted to use the word “inappropriate relationship with female staff members” instead of out rightly accusing her husband of adultery.According to the statement, “the wife has discussed with the husband his appropriate relationship with some of his female staff members. She has explained that this has given her cause for concern. The husband has minimised her worries and taken no step to alleviate her grievances.”

Anita Oyakhilome could have said that her husband abandoned her and ran into the arms of sister A or B, or gospel singer C or D and left her roasting and murmuring in the house. Anita could have said that her husband is a hypocrite who says a thing and means another, but she veiled her grievances of years of abandonment by saying in the divorce file that “The wife feels that she has been used to portray and enhance the husband’s image as a family man when the reality is that there is no existing relationship between them. She feels that she has been present for official functions simply for his convenience.

On occasions she has been copied into his travel itinerary which has been given to him by his staff on a need to know basis”. “The wife has tried to discuss her concernswith the husband. He claims that she is carnal and he is insensitive to her feelings and her needs.”

Thus Anita had acted with much restraint in order to preserve the integrity of Christ Embassy and the work of evangelism, and all she got for her discretion was hate messages all many sections of church members who wanted her to sacrifice her marriage to keep them in a rhapsody of deceit.

This woman, according to the testimony of many British residents who attend their church, is one person who is always willing to give gifts to the needy. She is ever ready to counsel people and does not breed class. She is a patient listener who laboriously introduced many things in the church for which the glory goes to her husband. Londoners believe that she is not that demon theywant to portray her as. Those who know her closely have attested to an affectionate good naturedness and stickler for details.

Whatsoeverthing some misguided church members want to think, Anita had lived a lie formany years. Anita was said to have became born again at believers Loveworldcampus fellowship at Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, while Chris was thepastor. She had probably paid her dues as a Christian and knows what it is todeceive the congregation. She cannot deceive herself and the church anymorethus she opted for divorce. Divorce, according to scripture is unbiblical, but between deceiving a congregation that already knows the truth but pretends otherwise and staying in unfulfilled marriage, which is better. It is a matter between her and her conscience.

Last year, a Nigerian personality blogger by name Ese Walter was lured by her Senior Pastor in Abuja into a cozy hotel bed space in London and after two weeks of adultery, the man cleaned up, returned to Nigeria and told his congregation to shout some Hallelujah. The sin partner was arrested by the Holy Spirit and she sought a meeting with the COZA Chief to resolve the burden of guilt. She was continually shunned and described as agent of satan even by other senior pastors in the church until she turned the internet into the confessional. Ese Walter freed her conscience and probably escaped eternal damnation but the entire Christendom took the brunt of the exposure.

Anita has chosen to free herself from a life of deceit and lies. The truth had set her free. However, I still counsel her that if the misbehaving preacher husband demonstrates a verifiable change of heart, she should consider him back and so that somebody can shout some more Hallelujah. Fifteen years of adulterous endurance in the midst of charismatic rhapsody is not easy and Anita Oyakhilome sure needs all the defense and understanding she can get- Let somebody shout a better Hallelujah!”

Power Outages: Help on the way, FG tells Nigerians

Following the significant decline in power supply witnessed across the country in the last couple of days and the untold hardship it has brought upon Nigerians, the Federal Government, yesterday, said, “Nigerians should take heart, help is on the way.”

Speaking at the Worldstage National Electricity Power Conference, in Lagos, Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, said the Federal Government is aware of the challenges confronting the sector and is working assiduously to address the problems.

This is coming on the heels of a worsening power situation, with power supply dropping to as low as 2,000 mega watts in the last couple of days. This has led to rationing of electricity as a number of households in the country are grappling with about six hours of electricity daily.

Nebo, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Investment, Finance and Human Resources, Mr. Olajuwon Olaleye, said the Federal Government is aware that the power sector is the hub of development, and it is ensuring that all hands are on deck to bring progress to the sector.

Explaining why the Transitional Electricity Market has not kicked off, Nebo stated that the Federal Government is currently putting finishing touches to ensure that the power companies are seen to be operating in an effective manner.

He further stated that they are at the second stream of the shadow trading phase, which is designed to mirror and test run all the segments of the power sector, making sure that everything is in place before the kickoff of the TEM.

He maintained that the transmission section of the power sector needs a total investment of $7.7 billion over the next couple of years for the maintenance of the transmission grid, while the distribution and generation sections needs an investment of $5 billion annually to drive growth in the power sector, making possible for the country to attain all the targets for the sector.

The investment is important, because as the generating capacity of the country is being upgraded in the next couple of months, the wheeling capacity of the transmission facility also needs to be upgraded to be able to deliver power to every nooks and crannies of the country.

Also speaking, Mr. Aderemi Bello, President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, bemoaned the epileptic power situation in the country, saying that, “the sector is critical to Nigeria’s economic development and all hands should be on deck to ensure it is fixed.”

He further stated that there are concerns that the successor companies did not conduct due diligence before buying into the power companies, in addition to the funding challenges confronting the companies.

According to him, the Nigerian financial system cannot support the funding structure of the power sector due to the long term gestation period for the power projects, high interest rates and legacy debts.

He further expressed concern that the top management of the successor companies has little experience on how the sector is run, while there is no proper framework to ensure a meaningful level of local content.

He disclosed that investors in the power sector are grappling with a lot of challenges beyond their control, noting however, that efforts should be made to tackle the challenges, as this will ensure that the sector is fixed and also make the country competitive.

Boko Haram frees abducted women, girls rumoured married off to insurgents

The Boko Haram insurgents, who reportedly abducted about 50 women and girls from two border villages between Adamawa and Borno states have freed the women among their captives.

This was disclosed in an interview by villagers, who spoke on the issue with newsmen on the telephone from their hide-outs.

They however, said that the exact number of those released could not be ascertained, but that no fewer than 45 girls were still being detained.

According to the villagers, the women and girls were abducted from Waga Mangoro which was between Gwoza in Borno and Madagali in Adamawa states.

Relatives of some of the abducted women who were later released by the insurgents also, told newsmen in Yola that some of the girls have been turned to cooks while others were married off immediately to some of the insurgents.

A relative to the one of the women who spoke on the condition of anonymity said; ”Initially, the insurgents captured 80 girls and women whom they later loaded into their vans and zoomed off into the bushes.

Later in the night, the insurgents separated the elderly women from the girls and released the women, who are now languishing in the forest because they could not relocate the towns because they were razed down by the insurgents.

“We are confused that hours after the so called cease fire agreement between the Federal Government and Boko Haram insurgents, our girls are still being abducted by the insurgents.

“We are at a loss about government’s insincerity on the whole issue and we urge them to rescue our daughters without further delay as we are ready to die searching for our missing ones.”

2015: I will run – Jonathan

Less than 24 hours after an ultimatum from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to him and others to purchase nomination forms within seven days, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday swiftly moved to formalise his re-election process with the constitution of a declaration committee.

The declaration, Vanguard learnt Thursday has been tentatively scheduled for between the 7th and 15th November, 2014.

A highly placed presidency source disclosed yesterday that the president would also pick the nomination form before the expiration of the one week deadline given by the PDP to all aspirants to various offices.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter said the declaration committee, which is to be headed by erstwhile national chairman of the PDP, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed is composed of representatives of governors, the National Assembly and other political stakeholders. The committee is to choose a convenient date for the president to make a formal declaration.

Before the decision was arrived at, the president met with some prominent members of the party in and outside of government in the Presidential Villa yesterday where he told them that following his adoption by the governors of the PDP, the National Working Committee and the Board of Trustees of the party, he has accepted to heed their call to contest in the 2015 election.

Among those at the meeting Vanguard learnt were the national chairman of the PDP, Adamu Muazu, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the party, Chief Tony Anenih, the president of the Senate, Senator David Mark and other close aides of the president.

“President Jonathan met with key party members where he thanked them for giving him the opportunity of first refusal. He thanked them for adopting him as the candidate of the party and formally informed them that he has accepted to run and would be purchasing the nomination form before the expiration of the one week deadline given by the PDP for all its aspirants to pick nomination forms within one week,” the source said.

According to the official, in order to ensure a smooth formal declaration ceremony, the president has constituted a committee that would prepare the logistics for his formal declaration which will be between the 7th and 15th of November.

Similarly, it was gathered that the president has also constituted a fund raising committee for the campaign proper, which is headed by former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana.

Other members of the fund raising committee have, however, not been named yet.

Members of the Declaration Committee include: Dr. Bello Halliru Mohammed  (Chairman) from Kebbi, Sen. Ken Namani (Deputy Chairman), Enugu, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim (Secretary), Ebonyi, Prof. Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali (member), Gombe, Julius Imagwe – SSA – Youth (member), Edo, Dr. Baraka Sani (SSA -NSAP) – Kano, (member).

Governors representing the six geographical zones include; Liyel Imoke, Cross River (South South), Theodore Orji, Abia (South East), Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo (South West), Dr. Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu Niger (North Central), Ibrahim Shema, Katsina (North West) and Ibrahim Dankwambo, Gombe (North East).

Representatives of the National Assembly are Sen. Hosea Agboola , (Oyo), Sen. Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Rep. Bitrus Kaze (Plateau) and Rep. Salmas Badru (Ogun).

Members representing the Federal Executive Council include; Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Dieziani Allison-Madueke  (Bayelsa), Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan (Osun), Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina (Adamawa), Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Sen. Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).

Representatives of the PDP in the committee include: Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus  (Rivers), Chairman, PDP Benue State, Chief Emmanuel Agbo, (Benue) National Women Leader,  Kema Chikwe (Imo) and North West Zonal Chairman, Amb. Ibrahim Kazaure (Jigawa).

Other members are Sen. Stella Omu (Delta), Sen. Walid Jibirn (BOT Secretary, (Nasarawa), Ibrahim Bunu (Borno), Rev. Jolly Nyame (Taraba), Sen. Aniette Okon (Akwa Ibom), Peter Obi (Anambra), Mrs. Remi Adiuku Bakare (Lagos), and Gen. A. B. Mamman (PDP National Youth Leader) – FCT.

Others appointed to the committee at the discretion of the president were Barr. Halima Alfa (Kogi), Nigeria Ambassador to Netherland, Dr. (Mrs.) Nimota Nihinlola Akanbi (Kwara), FCT ALGON Chairman, Hon. Micah Yohanna Jiba  (FCT) and Hon. Sam Ikon (Akwa Ibom).

Candidates decry slow pace in JAMB registration

Some potential candidates for the 2014/2015 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination in Kaduna State, on Friday decried the slow process in registering for the examination.

The candidates, who expressed their feeling in separate interviews in Kaduna, said that they spent more than six hours to get registered.

At JAMB centres office in Kaduna candidates were seen on long queues to be registered.

A candidate, Sunday Dodo, who said he was on queue as early as 7a.m, attributed the delay to few centers.

He advised the board to allow for more centres to ease the current hardship facing the candidates.

Miss Rejoice Bulus described the exercise as “stressful’’ and urged JAMB to find ways of making the process easier.

She also suggested to JAMB to allow cyber cafes to also conduct the registration.

Miss Justina Jonathan blamed the delay partly on “jostling and pushing for position on the queue’’ by the candidates.

She, however, advised the board to engage more officials to conduct the registration to make the process faster.

Responding to the complaints, the board’s Coordinator in the state, Mr Matthew Audu, advised the candidates to calm nerves saying the registration would continue until January 2015.

He said that only 15 centres were allowed to conduct the registration across the state to protect the integrity of the process.

The coordinator recalled that the process was greatly abused during previous examinations when Internet cyber cafes were allowed to conduct the registration.

“The cyber cafes did not play according to the rules of the GAME, what they were asked to do was not what they did.

“They messed up the whole exercise and we decided to say, this time, they will not participate in the exercise.

“We decided to entrust the whole exercise to those centres that will be conducting it.

“There are few of them; that is why we are seeing this long queue,” he said.

The coordinator said that JAMB had raised the number of centres from four to 15 in the state adding that more would be opened in due course.

According to him, each of the 15 cenres has also opened several registration units.

Audu expressed the hope that Federal and State Governments would build more computer-based test centres to fast-track the process. (NAN)

I can charge up to N10 million for a collabo — Wizkid

Take it or leave it, Ayo Balogun, aka, Wizkid, is one of the household names in the Nigerian music industry. With just two albums to his credit, this talented singer and multiple brand ambassador has proven to his fans that he is born to do music. In this interview, he talks about this year’s Hennessy Artistry and other personal issues.

How would you describe the experience being on Hennessy Artistry tour 2014?

I feel really blessed to be a part of this year’s Hennessy Artistry tour, especially, because 2face is also a part of it. 2Face is a legend in the Nigeria music industry. He is like a pioneer, he paved the way for every young artiste doing it right now. So I feel really blessed doing it with him. Hennessy is a big brand and Wizkid brand too is big.

How can you describe Hennessy as a brand in Nigeria?

Hennessy is one of the biggest and most popular brands in the country and everybody drinks it. They have a very strong brand here, they have tried as much as possible to create a platform that brings artistes together, like Hennessy Artistry, which I am part of this year. This kind of platform helps bring artiste closer to theirfans. I am very happy to be associated with the brand.

When you were told that you were going to play along with 2face, how did you feel?

2face and I have actually been on the studio for about four times before the Hennessy company contacted us for the event. But the funny thing is that, we have not been able to finish a track together all this while we have been meeting in the studio. 2Face is a very busy person and I am always on the road too. This is actually the first time we are getting into the studio to finish one track. So, as you can see, it is a great thing.

Was there any conscious effort by you to build the brand Wizkid and what did it take?

Of course, building the Wizkid brand took me all my life. Because before I went into doing music, I had what I wanted to be in my head. I knew how I wanted my journey to be like. I definitely knew I wanted to build a brand, not just a name or music.

Do you worry about falling from being an A-list artiste?

Yes, I do, that is why I work tirelessly and endlessly to maintain where I am. I work every day and night to make sure that the brand is here even when I am not here. I want to live a legacy that people will follow. I am not just building Wizkid, I am also building Star Boy. I am also building a brand that can help every young artiste or producer out there. I just want to create a platform that will help them push out what they have.

What is the most challenging song that you have ever written?

I would say that when I made Jaye Jaye I did not know that people were ready to accept the song. I needed to make it very special because that song was very special to me. When I called Femi Kuti, he told me immediately that he was going to do it, I was shocked. I never thought he would accept it right away. I called him today and we recorded the song the next day. So, I think Jaye Jaye is very special to me.

How would you describe your new album and what has been the reaction of people to it ?

I would say that everybody loves the album. Every day, people discover a new song in the album. I feel really good because when I was making the album, I was conscious not to change my style too much. I know people expect me to change my style because I worked with international artistes but I am not going to change my music for anyone.

In the album, one of your tracks was a highlife kind of music, how were you able to do that considering your kind of music?

Like I said, I work endlessly everyday to build the Wizkid brand to make sure that the brand does not die and I do not make music for now. A lot of people think today’s artistes make music for only party and all but I really do not make such music. I try as much as possible to pass a message across. Like in one of my songs, Joy, I was talking about my life and I was also giving advice to everyone out there to learn from my life. The same thing with Jaye Jaye and Ojuelegba. Songs like that are good. I am not just an average musician, I am very confident in the kind of music that I make. I know it will go global.

Why did you choose Ojuelegba for Show your money when you have Ojuelegba as one of the tracks in the album?

In Show your money I went to Shita, Surulere, Lagos, Small London to shoot the video because it is the area I grew up. I just want to take the music to where I grew up. You know there are several areas in Surulere. In the track Ojuelegba, I will be going to Ojuelegba to shoot the video. There are so many parts of Surulere that I have not even started talking about. All the streets that I used to walk and perform. Because I used to perform in all the carnival in those days at Surulere free of charge. I paid my dues, there are so many stories to be told. And by God’s grace if I am here long enough, I am ready to tell all those stories through my music.

Is there any plan for a collabo with your former label mate, Skales?

Yes there is. He was actually in my house a couple of weeks ago and he brought a single for us to work on. So, definitely, I will always work with Skales.

What about the track Mummy mi, are you going to shoot the video as well?

Yes of course, I am going to shoot the video with my mum. I am taking her on a trip.

What is going on between you and Samklef, is Wizkid an arrogant person?

I do not know what they are talking about. When people say that you are terrible, the fact is you can actually go and ask those people what exactly did this guy do that made him terrible. I used to make music with Samklef and everyone knows that for the four years that I made music with Samklef, I always say, “Samklef noni” . So, I am really just being me, I am trying to be a good person. Everybody cannot like you and everybody cannot hate you as well. I didn’t change. The only thing that changed about me is that, I just added some accessories that’s all. I did not grow tall, I’m still the same height. Just good cloths and accessories are the things that changed about me.

How much do you charge for a collabo?

I do not charge people I love for a collabo but when somebody is on my neck, I can charge like N10 million for it

Man Defiles 13-Year Old Boy In Ondo State

A man, Ilesanmi Omojuyigbe, 35, has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old boy, Babatunde Adebayo, at Iju area of Ondo State.

Vanguard gathered that the victim was lured to the suspect’s room on the pretext that he wanted to buy frozen fish from the boy.

The victim, on entering the room, was said to have been held down and his trouser forcefully torn before the suspect defiled him.

His mouth was said to have been covered by the suspect so that his cries and shout would not attract neighbours to his house.

After the indecent act, the suspect appealed to the victim and promised to buy him whatever he wanted.

The matter was later reported to the police, while the suspect was arrested.

Police image maker, Wole Ogodo, said the suspect had confessed to the crime and would soon be charged to court.

I Don’t Have A Fixed Price For Shows – Tuface

 

Unlike others who have boasted in the past that they charge, N3m, N5m and even N10m for shows and nothing less than that. Tuface while chatting with reporters from Vanguard said he has no fixed price for shows.

‘I don’t have a particular fixed fee, it depends on the kind of show and what it is all about.’

He also spoke about how he handles female fans and how he politely tells them off without making them upset;

For me it’s a case of ‘Hello, thank you very much’, I try to make them know that what they are looking for isn’t possible. I just say ‘Let me introduce you to one of my single friends’.

I Don’t Have A Fixed Price For Shows – Tuface

We sacked Keshi to save his life – NFF

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick has said that Coach Stephen Keshi was sacked to safeguard him from the wrath of enraged Nigerian fans, who were on the brink of lynching him during Wednesday’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Sudan.

Pinnick and other NFF Executive Committee members watched with awe, as fans pelted Keshi with water bottles and stones as they demanded for the head of the 2013 AFCON winner at the Abuja National Stadium, venue of the match, which Nigeria won 3-1 to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for next year’s tournament in Morocco.
Keshi

Chants of “Keshi must go:, “sack Keshi” and “we don’t want Keshi again” rented the air as fans went overdrive in their bid to get their voices heard by the NFF, who swiftly swung into action in the wee hours of yesterday by axing the former Togo and Mali coach.

And speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tamuno Danagogo yesterday, Pinnick explained the personal safety of Keshi was considered  more important than anything else.

Pinnck, it was learnt told the Minister that he was shocked with the hostile reception of the fans towards Keshi, arguing that it would be dangerous for Keshi to remain as coach in the face of such hostility.

He added that it was the first time in recent years that abuses and stones were rained down on a  Nigerian coach by fans.

“It was too much to bear. The fans were coming for him and it was going to be a security risk for us as people had ran out of patience and were prepared to break the law to achieve their aim. Keshi’s personal safety was paramount in our decision to relieve him of his duties”, Pinnick said.

WHY STEPHEN KESHI WAS SACKED AS NIGERIA COACH

The NFF did the needful by booting out the Big Boss but what can his successors learn in their quest to qualify Nigeria for the 2015 Afcon in Morocco

One of the factors that led to the sack of Keshi was his desire to exert his authority as the head coach of the Eagles without due recourse to other peoples’ opinion. It was the sole factor former coach Samson Siasia failed as boss when he considered himself to be above board and thus took decisions unilaterally without considering whose horse is gored. It was on this premise that Siasia was asked to go and that a more humane manager would be found. The one that would know how to manage the ego of his players without necessarily clashing with them

Keshi was the supposed messiah and he actually started work as such when he invited almost all the Eagles’ players in order to measure how good they were and those that would fit-in with his strategy. Nigerians praised this bold move and he even endeared himself more to those that gave him the job when he said he would raise a formidable home-based team and that these players would fight for shirts on level terms with those abroad. He later digressed and just like those before him, the foreign professionals had their ways into his heart while leaving the domestic players in the lurch.

There were also concerns in the NFF that Keshi would not listen to advice from the technical committee on who to call up and what tactics to play since he won the Afcon in South Africa. This was only going to end one way, the sack.



SACRIFICING MERIT FOR MEDIOCRITY

Another sin of Keshi was handing call ups to players that were of no relevance to the national team. Although his sticking to these players proved to be a worthy venture in some cases, but this ensured lack of competition for shirts became the order of the day. Keshi picked avoidable quarrels with some of his best legs and called up those that were not up to scratch as their replacements.

This ensured that he kept fielding Emmanuel Emenike, who last scored for Nigeria in October 2013, while ignoring more in-form strikers like Ikechukwu Uche and Obafemi Martins ahead of the World Cup. There were also questionable call ups for Shola Ameobi, Reuben Gabriel and Michael Uchebo going to the World Cup.

Super Eagles’ former player, Garba Lawal in a chat with Goal recently made this known succinctly: “Keshi has allowed sentiments to becloud his judgment and because of this he should be allowed to go. The Eagles deserve their best legs but it would be difficult for the Big Boss to offer this with the way he is handling the team presently.”



ANGRY FANS PROTEST
Public anger against Keshi reached unprecedented heights after the Eagles’ defeat in Khartoum to Sudan. Fans saw a team that lacked the zeal to win and took it out on the coaching crew that was seen as lacking in technical depth. When the team returned from Sudan, they were booed at the Abuja airport and almost attacked physically but for security agents.

There were also protests by fans at the stadium on Tuesday, with many carrying placards asking “Keshi Out”. The NFF saw this as their coup de grace to finally edge out the coach who had fallen out of favour in many circles.

DELAYED DECISION

It was obvious that the NFF was not interested in keeping Keshi on the job after the World Cup as they held off renewing his contract which expired in June. And his sack was only delayed due to the internal problems within the federation which ensured that a new board was not in place until the end of September.

It was the first big task for the new board led by Amaju Pinnick, who is publicly not a fan of Keshi’s. Hence, Thursday’s sack was long in coming. The main backers of Keshi could no longer keep him safe and he had to go.

KESHI’S RECORD WITH EAGLES

Keshi led the Eagles to the AFCON title in 2013 in South Africa and he was in charge of the team to the 2013 FIFA Confederation Cup and the 2014 FIFA World Cup both held in Brazil. He also supervised the CHAN Eagles to a bronze medal in their maiden appearance in the 2014 African Nations Championship held in South Africa. It was a competition meant for players who ply their trade in their domestic leagues. He led the CHAN Eagles to qualify for the competition also after the country had failed to pick a ticket for the past two editions.

The Big Boss also secured the Eagles’ first victory at the World Cup since France 1998 and it was during his reign that Nigeria picked a ticket to the second round of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after 16 years.

THE WAY FORWARD

The NFF has taken the best decision possible based on the prevalent situation to ask Keshi and his assistants to go while giving room to another set with different sense of approach to tinker the team for the next two matches.

Nigerians won’t forgive the present board of the NFF if the Eagles are unable to defend the trophy won last year at Morocco 2015 and all efforts must be geared towards ensuring that Nigeria defeat Congo in Brazzaville and also beat South Africa comfortably in Uyo next month to ensure that a ticket to Morocco is assured.