Leadership news

No. 454

N300

19.10.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

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Leadership Newspapers

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Boko Haram Ignores Ceasefire, Kills Dozens In Adamawa, Borno

whyy Jonathan, pDp nwC shunned tAn rally

woman Drowns 4-year-old, Abducts teen’s Brother

News, PAGe 5

News, PAGe 7

News, PAGe 15

Chibok Diary DAY 188

Chibok Community Chairman expresses Doubt About Ceasefire Agreement > Page 2

My Head Of State Story – Gowon 5

Plus most challenging moment

Dad’s best kept secrets – children >see pullout on pages 9, 10, 11, 62, 63 & 64 2015 APC Northern stakeholders Hold Crucial Meeting In Kaduna Presidential, governorship aspirants in attendance

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

Ahead of the 2015 general elections, the northern stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday held a strategic meeting where the 2015 general elections dominated the discussions. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

L-R: President, Guardians of the Nation International, Mr Linus Okorie; Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye; former head of state, Gen Yakubu Gowon (rtd), and his wife Victoria, during mentorship session with Nigerian youths in commemoration of the 80th birthday of General Gowon in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

2

Sunday, October 19, 2014

chibok diary 188 DAY

Chibok twEEts #BringBackOurGirls @Heidi_Lehmann Finally? Will ceasefire really mean kidnapped girls will be released? Still holding my breath until its reality #BringBackOurGirls @ForHarriet Boko Haram to release kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls.

Finally. Do you think #BringBackOurGirls had an influence? @NNSonofaKing So it looks like they might finally #BringBackOurGirls!!

Boko Haram ceasefire apparently agreed?

Fingers crossed @RepWilson No matter how many days go by, we will not rest until all of our girls are home. #BringBackOurGirls @girleffect Very welcome news: the kidnapped girls of #Chibok are expected to be released following ceasefire @eggheader Those who stood stoically in claims that NO GIRL was abducted are now the first to announce release of the girls! #BringBackOurGirls @MJPlitnick We've turned our backs. No oil there: Remember BringBackOurGirls?

This Is What Has Happened In the 5 Months Since COMPILED BY MICHAEL OCHE

Members of the #BringBackourGirls (BBoG) group, during their meeting at the Unity fountain in abuja, photo by Adefemi Adwuyi

Chibok NIGERIA PIPELINE AND Community STORAGE DEPOTS Chairman Expresses Doubt About Ceasefire

INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

PIPELINES PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROVIDING THE NEEDED FUEL FOR POWER GENERATION, HEATING SUPPLY AND TRANSPORTATION. NIGERIA HAS FIVE OPERATIONAL ZONES (PORT HARCOURT, WARRI, MOSIMI, KADUNA AND GOMBE OPERATIONAL ZONES) FOR PIPELINE AND STORAGE DEPOTS Operational Area Product Loss(in MT) In The Last Decade

BY Chika Mefor and ejike ejike, Abuja

The chairman of Chibok community in Abuja, Tsambido Hosea-Abana has expressed doubts over the cease-fire agreement between Boko Haram sect and the federal government as the sect members continue to kill and abduct in Zuru and Lassa villages of Borno state.

The chairman who, spoke at the daily sit-out in Abuja yesterday, noted that due to the frequent lies and deceits from the government, it is hard to believe that there is a cease-fire.

He also noted that people from his home in Borno have been calling him to complain that the sect members have been killing and abducting more people in Zuru and Lassa villages.

However, some members of the BBOG group expressed hope that there may be elements of truths in the news as some information from the north has it that it is some splinter groups that are currently trying to go against the ceasefire agreement.

The BBOG group, however, noted that it would be unfortunate if the news about the cease-fire and the return of Chibok girls turns out to be for cheap political points.

It further urged the government to use this opportunity, when the hopes of the world have grown high with the news of cease fire, to ensure that the remaining 219 girls are released safely.

3,035.62MT

KADUNA

63.27MT

The quantity of petroleum products, valued at N191.8bn lost by five operational zones in the last one decade

Valued at N4.9bn

MOSIMI

1,295.54MT

GOMBE

Valued at N86.9bn

30.21MT

WARRI

P/HARCOURT

Valued at N20.8bn

Valued at N77.7bn

344.91MT

Valued at N1.5bn

1,301.69MT

The loss in the operational zones can be attributed to the following:

Rupture

Vandalism

Fire

10 Years Summary Of Pipeline Vandalism/Rupture 8,000 6,000

Pipeline vandalism Pipeline rupture

Research findings also show that pipeline failure was caused by:

MT

4,000

42%

2,000

P/H MOSIMI WARRI KADUNA GOMBE

18%

24%

10%

Mechanicaly Corrosion Third-party Operational -induced Activities Error

6% Natural Hazards

3

our stand Sunday, October 19, 2014

INEC As ‘Commander-in-Chief’

R

ecently, the House of Representatives, in an amendment to Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act No. 6, 2011, approved the retention of the exclusive right of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deploy troops to election venues. The debate about the use of soldiers to keep the peace during elections became strident after the violence that visited the 2011 elections and subsequent elections in Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Anambra and Osun states. There were allegations by opposition politicians that the federal government, under the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was using its position to deploy soldiers as an intimidating force against other parties.

The use of the military, from all indications, is an admission of the inability of the police force to perform its statutory role of maintaining peace on such occasions. We must all accept that soldiers, by their training, are not sufficiently equipped to perform such civil roles. At the various times they were used to quell disturbances arising from electoral disputes, bloodshed was the result and the president, who is constitu-

tionally empowered to deploy troops, was accused of excessive use of force.

Now the lawmakers are insisting that this constitutional power must be retained by an unelected authority, against the provision of Section 218 of the constitution, which clearly states that “By the provision of Section 218(3), the president may, by directions in writing and subject to such conditions as he may think fit, delegate to any member of the Armed Forces of the federation, his powers relating to the operational use of the Armed Forces of the federation and not to any other party other than those specified in the Constitution.”

Ag. Editor Auwal Sa’id Mu’azu Deputy Editor Kazeem Akintunde Editorial Board Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman Christian Ochiama, Deputy Chairman Standards Aniebo Nwamu, Director ’Lara Olugbemi, Assistant Director

The constitution explains further the president’s powers relating to the operational use of the Armed Forces by INEC. It notes that by Section 218(2) of the constitution, the members of the Armed Forces that the president can delegate such powers to are the service chiefs and not any other institution, even if it is INEC. The House of Representatives, with this amendment, is telling the president that he is either not the commander-in-chief or that the Nigerian military now has two commanders-in-chief, in which case, whose orders will the soldiers obey? The military in a democracy is always ready to take orders from elected officers of state and not those unelected, regardless of the provisions of an Electoral Act. This, in our view, is to be expected, because the constitution is still the supreme law of the land, which they swore to protect.

We point this out, because it is clearly stated in that supreme law, that any other law that is inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution is to the extent of that inconsistency null and void. It is our hope that the lawmakers are not unwittingly violating the constitution that makes them relevant.

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah Chairman Hajiya Ireti Kingibe Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Divisional Directors Iyobosa Uwugiaren Ademola Oladosu Salisu Alhassan Bichi General Managers Aminu Abubakar Sule Abdulmumin Balogun Zipporah D. Tanko Joy Adekanye

Leadership Holdings

Managing Director Abraham Nda-Isaiah Executive Director Nnamdi Samuel New York Office Mohammed Bello Shehu London Office Dr Bello Salihu Johannesburg Office Abiodun Oguntuase

LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital.

We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend to be assessed.

We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being: For God and country!

4 news ACROSS THE STATE

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Ebola: NMA Asks Govt To Establish Community-based Surveillance Units

By WINIFRED OGBEBEO AND VICTOR OKEKE, Abuja

The Nigerian Mediacal Association (NMA) has asked the federal government to establish what it called Community Ebola Surveillance Units, saying that this is not the time to relapse in the fight as Ebola remains a global disease.

The NMA President, Dr Kayode Obembe, stated this yesterday at a press conference in Abuja to flag-off this year’s physicians

week in Nigeria.

He said, “Community-Based Ebola Surveillance Units should be established. Ebola is no longer a local but a global disease that must be eliminated from the terrestrial habitat”.

He used the opportunity to commend government’s effort at containing the virus.

Obembe said that for alertness in community-based surveillance, illnesses with onset of fever and anyone of bleeding, diarrhoea, bleeding when urinat-

ing, and such like, once identified, should be reported to the surveillance team or the closest health centre.

The association also recommended the establishment of, at least, one isolation unit in each senatorial district or state of the federation.

“For proper function of these isolation units, ambulance transfer services must be provided to convey probable and suspected cases to these units for evaluation and treatment.

“Ambulance staff must be trained and equipped to reduce the risk of patients staff cross-infection while states should provide information on help lines and sources of information on the disease,” the statement said.

The NMA also want the communities to provide cremation sites while the state provides resources and instruction for safe disposal of bodies and other bio hazardous materials.

It would be recalled that the World Medical Association

(WMA) had, earlier last week, at its session in Durban, South Africa called on national and local governments to increase public communication about basic infection control practices.

The WMA strongly urged all countries, especially those not yet affected by Ebola, to educate health care providers about current case definition in addition to strengthening infection control methodologies and contact tracing in order to prevent transmission within their countries.

PDP Has Credible Governorship Candidates – Group Replies Amaechi The Niger Delta Renaissance Organisation has reacted to a statement credited to Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State alleging that the Peoples Democratic Party PDP lacks credible governorship candidates in the state. The governor was alleged to have made the statement during an Inspection tour of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex in Greater Port Harcourt recently.

The group said the statement credited to Governor Amaechi is highly misleading and malicious.

In a press statement signed by its National Secretary Barr. Kingsley Eze Frank, the group said the party boasts of an array of men and women of proven track of integrity and distinction in private business and public service. The group cited Chief Barr. Dumo Lulu Briggs a governorship aspirant in the PDP is a credible personality and said it will be preposterous for Governor Amaechi to tell Nigerians that a political party with Lulu Briggs as an aspirant lacks credible candidates.

By Anthony Ada-Abrahim, Abuja

Police Nab 2 Suspected Armed Robbers, Recover Arms Lagos State police command has arrested two suspected armed robbers who were operating with their gang at Okokomaiko area of Lagos State.

LEADERSHIP Sunday check revealed that the gang was operating and dispossessing innocent people of their cash and other valuables when police received distress call and rounded up two of the robbers while others managed to escape.

Many were said to have scampered on their feet for safety during the robbery operation. Policemen attached to Okokomaiko division were said to have recovered one locally made double barrel gun, weed suspected to be indian hemp and one motorcycle with registration number KRD 863 QC.

By Matthew Dike, Lagos

Dr Jaafaru Sa’ad, Galadiman Ruwan Zazzau (middle), in the company of palace guards during the Hawan Sallah Durbar on Eid-el-Kabir day in Zaria recently.

Ekiti: Fayose Dissolves 35 Council Caretaker Committees

by ALO ABIOLA, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose has ordered the dissolution of all the caretaker committees of the 16 local government areas and the recently created 19 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

The governor, who announced this in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Idowu Adelusi, directed all the councils’ caretaker chair-

men to immediately hand-over to the director of administration of their respective councils.

The 16 constitutionally recognised councils in the state have been under the control of caretaker chairmen since October 16, 2010 when the former governor, Kayode Fayemi came on board while the 19 LCDAs were inaugurated shortly after the June 21 governorship election.

It would be recalled that Fayemi-led administration was

restrained from conducting council election in the state by an Ado-Ekiti High Court on February 4, 2011, following a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state that some of the members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) were card carrying members of the then ruling party, the All Progressive Congress, APC in the state.

ACPN Says PDP Government Has Failed Nigerians

By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja

The Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) has faulted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led

by President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 presidential election saying that the government has failed Nigerians.

The national chairman of ACPN, Engr Olu Okunrinboye, who made this known to journalists yesterday after a meeting with national and states executive members at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, said that the government has destroyed the middle class which formed the largest population in Nigeria.

According to Okunrinboye, the PDP government said that security is a collective responsibility of Nigerians, but the middle class does not have access to good medical and educational facilities for their families, saying that Nigeria is presently facing a high rate of unemployment and incarceration, and low rates in all the states of the federation.

“In 2011, our president, Goodluck Jonathan pledged to reduce the numbers of overseas medical treatment by 50 percent because there are no modern medical facilities in the country. Has that changed in 2014? How many of

your children, who graduated since this government came to power, have gained meaningful employment?

“There are handicapped men and women, young and old with disabilities struggling for survival in our cities, begging for alms and some of them had suffered for the survival of our country, yet the government turns its back against them as if they are not part of our enlarged families.

“Our government boast of democracy which is based on promises that can never be kept because the proponents do not understand how democracy works”, he said.

FG, Boko Haram Ceasefire: APC Warns Against Deceit The Northern Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said while it welcomed any effort to resolve the conflict between the Boko Haram sect and the federal government towards a ceasefire, it advises against attempts to deceive Nigerians and create a false sense of security for political ends.

This formed part of a fourpoint resolution contained in a communiqué signed and issued by the deputy chairman of APC (North), Senator Lawal Shuaibu at the end of the stakeholders interactive meeting which held in Kaduna yesterday.

According to the communiqué: “The incoming APC government, in 2015, will make security of life and property of all citizens, respect for the rule of law and good governance, its top most priority.

“To provide a level playing field to all those who aspire to contest for public office on the platform of the party through its internal democratic processes”, it said.

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

NEWS 5

Sunday, October 19, 2014

LIVING TO BE 100

One health tip daily Breastfeed Give your child this lifelong gift and breastfeed for as long as possible – at least one year, according to the WHO. In addition to providing the perfect food and the full complement of essential fatty acids for your child, it also protects against allergies and helps improve vision and IQ. Resist the suggestions of experts to add supplemental feeds unless something is clearly wrong. The baby is usually getting enough if allowed to feed on demand.

2015: APC Northern Stakeholders Hold Strategy Meeting ➔ FROM COVER

The meeting was also to strategise and take necessary resolutions that will help the party in the forthcoming general elections.

The presidential aspirants, including Leadership founder Sam Nda-Isaiah, former vice president Atiku Abubakar, former head of state General Muhammadu Buhari, and Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were in attendance.

Former head of state and presidential aspirant General Buhari, in his speech at the meeting before it continued behind closed-door, averred that if Nigerians allow the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to continue to rule this country for the next four years, it will send the country down the drain He also said Nigerians are tired of incompetent leadership and urged the electorate to be alert in all ramification to ensure that there are free, fair and credible elections that would usher in credible leaders at all levels of governance.

General Buhari described 2015 as another year of extreme concern to Nigerians, urging participants at the meeting not to allow their members to be disenfranchised before or during the elections.

He also emphasised the need for the party to be united and make a difference in the general elections.

Speaking in the same vein, Borno State governor Kashim Shettima called on the north to, irrespective of their religion

Buhari

and ethnicity, summon courage and come together to salvage the country, as Nigerians go into another round of elections next year.

He said that the north has the numerical strength to make or mar the future of this country.

According to the governor, the north has been the least in all indices of economic development, let alone now that insurgency is ravaging some parts of the region, saying that, “We are now the poorest of the earth.

Poverty has no religion, it has no ethnicity, and therefore, we must reach out to other parts of the country, so that by 2015, other Nigerians can join forces with us to salvage the country.

“We must not fight over political offices within the party.

We must not allow our aspirations as individuals to jeopardise our collective resolve to salvage the country. We have the number and we are in the position to make or mar the future ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

My Head Of State Story – Gowon

By Reuben Buhari, Abuja

Former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, has revealed how 46 hours after his arrival in Nigeria in 1966 from a course in the United Kingdom, providence and insistence by junior military officers led to him reluctantly becoming the head of state at the age of 32 years old.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP Sunday ahead of his 80th birthday today, Gowon said he didn’t even want to be the head of state, but the love for his country and the confidence that his fellow officers had in him, influenced him to change his mind. He added that the decision became one of the biggest challenges in his life.

“I never had any question of being a head of state, but as it happened, I am a soldier, I love my country, and I want to do whatever I can in my profession for the country. I was out of the country and when I came back in early January from abroad and arrived home in Nigeria, within 46 hours of my arrival, there was unfortunately a coup, and all my colleagues from the same school, from the same area, were killed. I was the only one of that particular group that is alive today,” the general said.

Speaking further on how he became head of state, Gowon said, “If you remember, there was about 48 hours when nobody was head of state and the permanent secretaries wanted somebody to be head of state from whom they could receive orders to carry out their duties.”

He said it was then the young military officers decided that they wanted him to become the head of state. “It was the young officers that more or less put me there. But it was approved by senior officers,” he said.

Introspectively looking at

the 30-month civil war of 1967, Gowon said it remains another big challenge he faced to ensure Nigeria remained united.

According to him, they did their best then to stop the riots in the north and return the country to normalcy, peace and progress, but the civil war became unavoidable when the independence of Biafra was declared by Ojukwu.

In addition, General Gowon said he initially wanted to use only police action to restore order in the east. “You can be sure that the civil war was a result of the declaration of independence by Ojukwu. If there was no declaration, or him saying they had broken up from the country, honestly, there would not be civil war. There would probably have been only police action to restore law and order, and that was what I tried to do before the civil war.

“There would have been police action, so that we can bring back the break-away into the fold. But when it went beyond that, with the invasion of the Mid-West and that they wanted to come to Lagos and probable divide the rest of the country from the central government, it was at that stage that I changed and said it should be full military action.”

Speaking further on some of the greatest challenges he had to face as Nigeria’s head of state, Gowon revealed that he never really wanted to be Nigeria’s leader when he was called upon to become one.

“I didn’t want to be head of state, I just wanted to be left with the Army so that I could restore the discipline, the loyalty, the love of the country that we had before. The younger officers said no, they didn’t want anybody else to give them leadership but me, because they knew the sort of officer I was as the adjutant in one of the battalions and later Adjutant-

Gowon

General of the Nigerian Army, who was in charge of their wellbeing.

“They respected me so much and out of that, they said I would be the one. So, that was how I became the head of state, not that I wanted it, but since the junior officers would not accept any other senior officer from any part of the country except me,” he said, adding that he agreed to their demand because he has been trained to face any situation and deal with it.

According to him, the civil war was not a total war against a total enemy, but against only those who were against the unity of Nigeria. He further explained that, that was why the civil war was fought in such a way to ensure minimal damage and hurt.

The end of the civil war, according to the former head of state with a PhD in Political Science, was one of his happiest day, and the fact that the end of the civil war didn’t see the emergence of guerrilla warfare.

Read more on pages 9, 10, 11, 62, 63 & 64

Boko Haram Ignores Ceasefire, Kills Dozens In Adamawa, Borno Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri, And MOHAMMED ISMAIL, Yola

Despite the declaration by the federal government that a ceasefire agreement was reached with members of the Boko Haram sect, various communities in Borno and Adamawa states came under attacks as the insurgents reportedly slain about 40 persons, including the uncle of the immediate past speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Goni Ali Modu, while they also attacked Sina village in Michika local govern-

ment area of Adamawa State.

On Friday, the terror group attacked the town of Shaffa in Hawul local government area of Borno State, where they killed eight locals and injured several others, even as hundreds of others were said to have fled their homes.

The gunmen returned back to the town to engage some members of the Civilian-JTF who went to pick the corpses of slain persons for burial in a fight. A bloody gunfight was reported to have ensued, while many might have been killed, includ-

ing a member of the Boko Haram sect.

A top security official in Maiduguri confirmed the incident to LEADERSHIP Sunday, but declined to give details on the possible casualty figure in the Saturday attack.

According to a resident of Abadam, Aminu Abdullahi, “Dozens of gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect have taken over Abadam. They have been in Abadam since Thursday, but finally ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

6 NEWS

Sunday, October 19, 2014

2015: APC Northern Stakeholders Hold Crucial Meeting In Kaduna ➔ FROM PAGE 5

of the generation yet unborn in this country.

“The north is in shambles.

Citizens have become refugees in their country. There is need to produce the next president from the north. But this is not without challenges, requiring vigilance and courage.

There is need to bury our differences and become united to confront the challenges ahead.

If we can summon courage to come together, irrespective of our religious and ethnic differences, we are poised to forming the next government, come 2015,” he stated.

Meanwhile, northern sociocultural group, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), in its goodwill message delivered by

Barrister Solomon Dalung on behalf of the chairman Ibrahim Coomassie, urged northerners not to allow themselves to be divided by the artificial differences created by politicians to divide the north.

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who spoke for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), said the north has paid huge price for the failure of democracy in Nigeria. He therefore said 2015 should be seen as a turning point for the people of the north.

“We look forward to any party that will deliver good governance, let us find the best person to lead the north‎ and Nigeria in 2015.

“Do not allow your personal interest‎ to override general interest. Nigeria is too important

to be sacrificed on the platform of personal interest,” he said.

NEF also called on the APC stakeholders to engage in discussions that will see to it that all the northern presidential aspirants are engaged in dialogues aimed at reaching a consensus with least friction.

Governors of Borno and Zamfara states, Kashim Shettima and Abdulhazeez Yari, respectively and that of Yobe State, Ibrahim Gaidam, were also in attendance.

Earlier in his welcome address, the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Lawal Shuaibu, who is the convener of the meeting, said it was important for the party to learn from the lessons of history and ensure that it gets stronger, more focussed and committed

to democratic ideals.

At the end of the meeting, a communiqué issued and signed by the convener said the meeting welcomed any effort to resolve the conflict between the Boko Haram sect and the federal government towards a ceasefire, while advising against attempts to deceive Nigerians and create a false sense of security for political ends.

According to the communiqué, “The incoming APC government in 2015 will make security of lives and property of all citizens, respect for the rule of law, and good governance, its topmost priority, to provide a level playing field to all those who aspire to contest for public office on the platform of the party through its internal democratic processes; work closely

Atiku

and diligently with all members of the party across the country to ensure the ousting of the corrupt, disastrous and clueless Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in the 2015 general elections.”

Boko Haram Ignores Ceasefire, Kills Dozens In Adamawa, Borno ➔ FROM PAGE 5

hoisted their flags on Friday after killing many prominent people and forcing others to cross over to Niger.”

Abdullahi added that “at least, 30 people have been killed in Abadam alone, but I don’t know the actual number of people killed in nearby localities. A traditional ruler, Ba Mallam Wasak, 75, an uncle of the immediate past speaker of Borno State House of Assembly Goni Ali Modu, was among those killed. As I am talking to you, both my father and mother are still trapped in Abadam and only God will save them. Many people, especially the old, are still in Abadam because they could not flee.”

Abadam is a border community, located about 200km north of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. It is one of the border communities that are literally

cut off from the rest of the state by desert sand dunes. It takes four-wheel-drive vehicles to get to Abadam anytime of the year.

Similarly, some trapped but lucky escapees, who are residents of Bama local government area of Borno State where the Boko Haram sect has seized for about two months now, have reported cases of serial killings of helpless residents by the terrorists.

A 50-year-old woman, Fatima Bulama, who managed to escape to Maiduguri on foot last Monday said, “Things are getting worst in Bama; they are killing people selectively every day. Some days before I managed to escape, they gathered all the younger women and divided them into three groups according to their age grade, and then, they took them away. We never knew what would become of them, but I know it would be something terrible.”

In Adamawa, a community leader of Michika, Dr Caleb Filli, who confirmed the latest development to newsmen in Yola, said the insurgents have burnt down houses in the village, forcing residents to flee.

“The gunmen in their hundreds thronged the village in the afternoon, shooting indiscriminately and burning houses,” he said.

Filli called on the federal government to ensure that the ceasefire included the withdrawal of Boko Haram fighters from the areas they already occupied, saying the ceasefire would not be meaningful unless it paved way for residents to return to their homes.

Another resident of Michika, who does not want his name in print, disclosed that about 11 surrounding villages of Michika have been completely pulverized by the insurgents, just as many trapped villagers, main-

ly the elderly, were feared killed during the attacks.

He said the razed villages include Garta, Kamale, Kuburshosho, Vi, Dlaka, Ghenjawa, Kwabapale, Villagwe, Yambale, Dirgimi and Moda, adding that the insurgents have completely destroyed the said villages while hundreds of trapped residents are feared killed.

“All these villages are completely burnt down by the insurgents as soldiers are not entering them nor providing security for the villagers,” he said.

The source added that before now, they were communicating with the trapped residents, adding that as time went on, communication became impossible as they were no more reaching the trapped victims.

The resident disclosed that before the insurgents launched the latest attack on the villages, he and some relatives of trapped villagers were commu-

Badeh

nicating through phone calls, but for sometime now, all efforts to communicate with the trapped residents have proven difficult, lending credence to the news that almost all the trapped residents have been wiped out by the insurgents.

Jonathan, Jang Hail Gowon At 80

By George Agba, Abuja, ACHOR ABIMAJE, Jos

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday extolled the virtues of former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, saying he is a worthy, steadfast and iconic feature of Nigerian history.

Also, Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State described him as a courageous man, full of patriotism and love for his country.

In a letter he wrote to Gowon, congratulating him on his 80th birthday, the President noted that the country will always owe the former head of state a huge debt of gratitude for successfully managing and guiding Nigeria through an unfortunate civ-

il war out of which it emerged as an even stronger and more united nation.

Presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, in a statement he issued, said President Jonathan, while wishing Gowon happy 80th birthday celebrations, prayed God to continue to bless, guide and protect him.

Abati quoted Jonathan thus: “As you deservedly celebrate this noteworthy anniversary on Sunday, October 19, 2014, I join your family, friends, protégés and well-wishers in celebrating you and thanking Almighty God for the unique and richly fulfilled life He has blessed you with these past 80 years.

“Over the years, you have

continued to use your exalted position to engender bridges of love and harmony across the country; availing successive governments of your wise counsel, and demonstrating your unwavering faith and willingness to partner with us in our quest to bequeath to our collective posterity, a nation of which we can all be proud. Nigeria owes you a huge debt of gratitude.”

Also, the Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang, in a press statement signed and issued

by Mr James Mannok, director of press in government house Jos, said Gen Gowon is a man of courage and patriotism with true love for his country.

The statement reads in part,

“He stands tall amongst his peers in the history of this nation, a global statesman indeed.”

According to Jang, Gen Gowon is a gentle officer with a passionate heart for God, driven to serve humanity in peace and love, noting that he symbolises one Nigeria working relentlessly yesterday, today and tomorrow for the unity of our dear nation.

Governor Jang further stressed, “We celebrate an ever-smiling and available vessel of the Almighty, full of wisdom at 80 years. We on the Plateau wish our distinguished son many more years of strength for the service of our fatherland.”

Jonathan

news ACROSS THE STATE 7

Sunday, October 19, 2014

2015: Political Parties Form Alliance To Wrestle PDP Nine political parties in Nigeria have agreed to form an electoral alliance to contest, support and further the interest of their common candidates for the 2015 presidential, gubernatorial and legislative elections and all other elections.

The new alliance which goes by the name of Credible Alternative Alliance (CAA), in announcing their new step, stated that they plan to constitute a united front in a progressive and patriotic manner, in order to wrestle powers from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The national coordinator of the group, Dr Damian Ogbonna unfolded the names of the parties involved in the alliance as Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Fresh Democratic Party (FDP), Nigeria Advance Party (NAP) and Peoples Salvation Party (PSP).

According to Ogbonna, others are Change Advocacy Party (CAP), United National Party for Development (UNPD), Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) and Action Party of Nigeria (APN).

By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja

PTFP Boss Resigns, Joins Rivers Governorship Race Chairman Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP), Engr Beks Dagogo-Jack, has officially declared his intention to join the race for the governorship of Rivers State under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Briefing the press yesterday on his intention, he admitted that no challenge designed to take people to the next level is risk-free and expressed determination to deal with the risks as they come.

While speaking on the political situation in Rivers State, he said that the state is not a jungle and its citizens are not animals therefore, people that want to rule should not behave as if they live in the jungle.

“I am resigning my position as the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power effective October 19, 2014. I did so after wider consultations with my principals and with those I have relationship with.

This was done in good faith because I will be presenting myself as one of the aspirants for the office of governor of Rivers State on the platform of the PDP for the 2015 elections.”

“I sympathise with the circumstances that brought us to that location where we are today. The truth of the matter is that the people we are striving to serve when I win an election are not animals. The place that we want to rule is not a jungle. So, why are the people trying to rule behaving like they are in the jungle?”

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

Chief David Sabo Kente (middle) at his public declaration of intention to run for the 2015 governorship position of Taraba State at the Trade Fair Complex, Jalingo, yesterday.

PHOTO BY David-

Why Jonathan, PDP NWC Shunned TAN Rally

LAPO Forum Tasks Govt On Good Governance, Poverty Reduction

...Most PDP Govs Absent Too

Stakeholders in the Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) have urged states and federal governments to focus their development on poverty reduction through wealth creation stating that poverty reduction cannot be achieved without income growth.

The stakeholders made the plea in a communiqué after the 21st annual development forum organized

by LAPO in Abuja recently with the theme: “Governance, Poverty and Peace Building in Nigeria”.

The communiqué said peace building in today’s Nigeria is central to governance and poverty reduction, as poverty is most likely to escalate with increasing conflicts, adding that institutional weaknesses, poverty and corruption in Nigeria should be tackled with all sense of seriousness and commitment to pave the way for good governance, prosperity and rapid development.

He however condemned the recurring bloody clashes between herdsmen and farmers in several communities and the insurgency in the North-East, adding that the situation have had untoward impact on the socio-economic conditions of the citizens.

By Ejike Ejike, Abuja

By Donald Ojogo, Abuja

Against all expectations, President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, avoided the grand finale of the rally organised by the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) to galvanise support base for his reelection in 2015.

The event, which held at the Eagle Square in Abuja, was also without the presence of key party officials, especially members of the PDP National Working Committee(NWC) as well as majority of the governors elected on the platform of the party.

Curiously, more than ten of the governors were in the Federal Capital Territory as at the time of the event even as it was gathered that the governors were all invited and, indeed, given consent to the programme.

But the absence of President Jonathan, whom many thought would use the event to declare

his re-election and that of others stakeholders has been linked to what a source described as "tactical".

According to the source, who is a member of the PDP Board of Trustees(BoT), the presence of the president would have been a tactical blunder in the face of the proliferation of campaign groups seeking his come back in 2015.

"You can't expect him to attend such a rally let alone declare there; as far as we are concerned, we have to be on top of this game called politics. It would have been a tactical blunder for him to attend and give credence to a rally organised by one of the numerous bodies pushing for his return in 2015.

"We have the House to House, Goodluck Support Group, Ward to Ward, the New Nigeria Initiative and so many others.

So the expectation that Mr President would have come was misplaced in the first instance.

“I think most party officials and

the governors who were absent may have taken cognisance of this point of argument I have raised with you because quite honestly, if the president had attended, it would meant that he has chosen TAN as his platform which of course is not in our interest because the party has to take charge, he said.

The TAN Abuja rally was the concluding part of all such events aimed at mobilising support for the president ahead of the 2015 election that had started at the zonal levels. It had in attendance vice president Mohammed Namadi Sambo, the governors of Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Kaduna states as well as all federal cabinet ministers.

LEADERSHIP Sunday's efforts to get the reaction President Jonathan's political adviser, Professor Rufai Alkali were unsuccessful as he did not pick his line when contacted.

Presidential Bid: Kwankwaso Visits Christian Leaders In Lagos

BY By Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos

A presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, visited prominent Christian leaders in Lagos as part of his nationwide consultations ahead of his declaration.

Those visited on Saturday included, the prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche in his residence; dean emeritus and bishop of Lagos Anglican Communion,

Ephraim Adebola Ademowo as well as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Very Reverend Stephen.

Details of the meetings were sketchy as at the time of filing this report, but it might not be unconnected with his ongoing consultation with relevant stakeholders in the country ahead of his formal declaration scheduled for next week.

The governor reportedly met with his hosts separate-

ly but one of his aides told LEADERSHIP Sunday that the action forms part of the move to forge a broad-based consensus ahead of his formal declaration.

“His excellency met with very important Christian leaders on Friday and Saturday as part of his consultations with relevant stakeholders across the country before his formal declaration next week. This is all I can tell you for now,” said the aide who pleaded not to be mentioned.

Jonathan

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Sunday, October 19, 2014

Sunday, October 19, 2014

9

Gen Yakubu Gowon

“The trouble with military rule is that every colonel or general is soon full of ambition. The navy takes over today and the army tomorrow”

Gowon@ 80

The True Measure Of A Man – Bishop Kukah > 62 Interview Pages 10, 63 Photos Page 11 Children Page 64

10 INTERVIEW gowon @80

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Gowon

God Favoured Me Like David In The Bible – Gowon An elder-statesman, former head of state, and a true man of God, General Yakubu Gowon today clocks 80 years old, putting him in the class of the octogenarians. With series of activities performed in his honour during the preceding week to mark his birthday celebration, the retired Army general bears his mind to LEADERSHIP Sunday Editors, Auwal Sa’id Mu’azu, Olusegun Olufemi and Reuben Buhari, on his challenging moments, among other issues How do you feel attaining the age of 80?

I thank God from the depth of my heart for this grace to be 80 in good health and also full of grace of the Almighty. To have all your family around you, and to have such good friends of high and low, big and small, men and women; Nigerians would truly love you and cherish you. And just as you can be rest assured, that is how I love and cherish all Nigerians. And far as I am concern, I will start on the basis that all Nigerians are good until you prove otherwise. That is my love for my country, and I hope that is the way all of you feel.

You became head of state at a young age of 31; that is amazing. But if you look at it now, it doesn’t happen again.

What has gone wrong that young persons are no longer trusted with such opportunity you enjoyed?

If I had planned it to become head of state at 31 going to 32, if it was my deliberate plan, it might not have worked. I think it is the act of God, as God prepared David in the Bible as a shepherd boy, well away in the bush, and there were big brothers there who were men. But who did God chose to be the leader of His people? It was David. And he fought Goliath. I

think this is what happened to me. I can assure you, I have never had any question of being a head of state, but as it happened, I am a soldier, I love my country, and I want to do whatever I can in my profession for my country. I did not know what was happening, as I was out of the country, and when I came back home in early January from abroad, within 46 hours of my arrival, there was unfortunately a coup and all my colleagues from the same school, from the same area, were killed. I was the only one of that particular group that is alive today. Is it my own doing? It was not my own making, but then, the trouble that we have in the country from that time of that coup and the efforts that one had to do to try to keep the tempers cool. Then, halfway down the year, by end of July, we had again another coup. This is the danger. Once you show others that you can do it, others copy, and once they copy it, it will be executed out of the feelings for a lot of their colleagues they lost and love very dearly. So, we had the second coup, and that second coup, I can assure you, it was not the question of wanting any coup that it happened. And unfortunately, Head of State Ironsi was killed. Hon-

estly, I didn’t want to be head of state. I just wanted to be left with the Army so that I can restore the discipline, the loyalty, the love of the country that we had before. The younger officers said no, they don’t want anybody else to give them leadership but me, because they knew the sort of officer I was as the Adjutant in one of the battalions, and later Adjutant-General of the Nigerian Army, who was in charge of their wellbeing. They respected me so much, and out of that, they said I would be the one.

So, that was how I became the head of state; not that I wanted it, but since the junior officers would not accept any other senior officer from any part of the country except me. So, it is not the question of my own making.

I had that challenge and I can assure you, I was afraid of the approach. But by my training, I was trained to face any situation and deal with it; and of course, I had to accept it and prayed to get the strength, and we were able to start doing it because I didn’t do it alone: the civil servants who were there, senior permanent secretaries, et cetera, who were advising the government. So, that is why I said it was not me who did it alone, because I didn’t have all the knowledge, but there were others who helped. Later on, I brought civilians into my government, like Chief Awolowo, Enahoro, JS Tarka, Aminu Kano, and others of different political views. Just make your sug➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 63

there was unfortunately a coup and all my colleagues from the same school, from the same area, were killed. I was the only one of that particular group that is alive today

Sunday, October 19, 2014

gowon @80 PHOTOS 11

Scenes from General Yakubu Gowon’s 80th birthday lecture held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Friday. Photos: Oyedele Omokagbo

L-R: Chairman of the occasion and former head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; wife of the celebrant, Victoria Gowon, and the celebrant, General Yakubu Gowon.

L-R: Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Professor Jerry Gana; General Yakubu Gowon, and his wife, Victoria.

Former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) and the guest lecturer, Professor George Frazer.

L-R: General Yakubu Gowon, Chief Edwin Cleck, and representative of President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Nnamdi Sambo, Anyim Pius Anyim.

L-R: Senator Datti Baba Ahmed; Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

L-R: Bishop David Abioye of the Living Faith Church; General Yakubu Gowon; founder, Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, and Professor Jerry Gana.

Genaral Yakubu Gowon and some NYSC members.

General Yakubu Gowon with some members of the Ngas cultural troupe.

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Sunday, October 19, 2014

13

Sunday, October 19, 2014

BIRTHDAY

Felicitation My family and I join all well-meaning Nigerians in congratulating elder statesman and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon GCFR, on the occasion of his 80th birthday anniversary.

At 80, General Gown’s life is an example in loyalty and steadfastness in the service of our dear nation. This momentous day will forever be cherished by those concerned with the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.

General

yakuBu Gowon GCFr

We pray to Almighty God to grant him good health and more wisdom as he continues his meritorious service to humanity.

Happy BirtHday, Sir! Signed:

RT. Hon. AmInu WAzIRI TAmBuWAl CFR Mutawallen Sokoto

Speaker, House of Representatives

14

Salute to the Great

Sunday, October 19, 2014

R o T a i l i C N o C We in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) join the nation in saluting General Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, the great national conciliator, as he turns 80.

Your sacrifices for the unity and defense of the territorial integrity of our nation will be remembered and treasured forever.

Your continuing works for the peace and progress of Nigeria will continue to inspire generations of our people.

Many thanks sir!

Birthday to you sir.

General yakuBu

GoWoN GCFr Signed:

AlhAji BAlA A. MohAMMed

Kauran Bauchi Hon. Minister, Federal Capital Territory

news across the states 15

Sunday, October 19, 2014

2015: I’m In The Presidential Race To Win – Sam Nda-Isaiah

By ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

Founder, Leadership Group Limited and presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sam Nda-Isaiah, yesterday said he is in the presidential race to win and provide good leadership for Nigeria and Nigerians.

He said good governance has, so far, eluded the country and

that the country is in dire need of a leader who will meet the aspirations and yearnings of the masses, of which he is ready to provide, if elected.

The presidential hopeful stated this, while fielding questions from journalists, shortly after attending the APC northern stakeholders’ interactive meeting where issues of political and national importance were dis-

cussed.

On the possibility of arriving at a consensus, he said any consensus arrangement would be a welcome idea, but stressed that consensus should not be mistaken for stepping down for another aspirant.

“In the party, I don’t think anybody is big enough to ask anyone to step down for the other. I am in this race and I in-

tend to win or else I won’t be in the race.

“I am doing all it takes to win and that is why I am in the race.

So, the issue of stepping down is completely ruled out”, he stressed.

Meanwhile, he described the meeting and deliberations, which had in attendance all the APC presidential aspirants in attendance, as fruitful.

There Is Much To Be Done In Fixing Taraba State – Kente

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

Chief David Sabo Kente, yesterday, laid down a five- point agenda to salvage Taraba State from what he termed recklessness, indiscipline, irrationality and lack of focus that could render the state unstable, inefficient and effective.

His public declaration for the 2015 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, at the

Trade Fair Complex, Jalingo, saw a large number of traditional rulers, and members of the party who were joined by a huge crowd to witness the event.

While declaring his intention to run for the gubernatorial ticket, Kente said:” I come to you as a humble apostle of truth and dialogue to present my new vision for our dear state that will take us to our next orbit of higher development with the purpose of unifying the knots that aches and

trying the one that does not encumber, but unite.”

He rolled out policies like harnessing the states common origin, expansion of the state economy, public safety and security, infrastructural development, social services and education as the pillars of his initiative to change the fortune of the state.

Kente became the first aspirant to declare interest in the PDP’s ticket.

Kente said he sees powered

flood-light at the end of the tunnel, called on people of the state to lace their shoes saying, “Jointly, let us trek this stony road with faith and equanimity .”

Prominent among those who were present was the Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly, who is the younger brother of the guber aspirant.

The candidate of the PDP will be elected at the party primary in Jalingo on November 29, 2014.

Woman Drowns 4-year-old Girl, Abducts 7-year-old Brother Police operatives have arrested a stepmother who drowned a 4-year-old girl and abducted his brother in Lagos Island area of Lagos State.

LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that Lateef Mubo, 7, and his sister Nosifat Mubo went to buy biscuit on October 3, 2014 and on their way, they were abducted.

Their father, Moshood Mubo, who married two wives, was said to have reported the matter at Adeniji Adele police station.

The man, who lives at 305 Church Street, Lagos Island, told the police that he gave his children money to buy biscuit on that fateful date but they did not return home. The man said he and other sympathizers have combed the area but all to no avail, unknown to him, his second wife was the devil that carried out the dastardly act.

A source disclosed that the the man wailed as he told the police that his two children were missing. He said police detectives nabbed his second wife, Aminat Akanni who resides at 20, Moshalashi street, Alakara bus stop, Orile, in Lagos, as she was going out with Lateef at CMS bus stop.

BY MATTHEW DIKE, Lagos

PDP Youth Urge Sambo To Remain Neutral In Kaduna Senatorial Race Graduating students at the maiden convocation of the polytechnic of Sokoto in Sokoto yesterday. photo by nan

Boko Haram: ‘Don’t Politicise National Security Issues’

By AGBO-PAUL AUGUSTINE, Abuja

The Director-General of the People’s Democratic Institute (PDI), Dr Lanre Adebayo, has cautioned political parties, the media and non-state organisations in the country to exercise

restraint in the manner they comment on national security issues.

In a statement in Abuja, Dr Adebayo noted that foreign organisations and hostile entities always utilise such comments as a basis for taking de-

cisions that sometimes hurt Nigeria’s national interests.

Adebayo advised that political parties as well as highly placed individuals should not be in a hurry to conclude on national issues based on information in the social me-

dia, adding that such sources have never been recognised as reliable sources for objective news.

“The consequence of politicisation of national security issues may put our soldiers in bad light”, he noted.

2015: Kachia Stakeholders Drum Support For Philanthropist

By MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Kachia local government of Kaduna State have asked the people of the local government to support the emergence of a com-

munity leader and philanthropist, Hon Joseph Machu for the House of Representative ahead of the party’s primary elections.

The stakeholders posited that Hon Machu has the quality of a good representative and

can be trusted with responsibility of representing his people at the federal level.

According to the leader of the group, Dr Austine Hyuwa, one time sole administrator, Kachia local government, the Kachai/ Kagarko House of Representa-

tives slot has been zoned to the minority tribes in Kachia local government, just as he advised party leadership in the two local governments to respect the gentleman agreement in the interest of the unity and progress of the party.

A youth group within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the vice president, Namadi Sambo, not to interfere in the senatorial contest of the Southern Kaduna zone of the state.

Speaking to journalists through a statement issued in Abuja, the chairman of the Southern Kaduna PDP Awareness Forum, Comrade Habila Chechet and his secretary, Musa Kafanchan, advised the vice president to remain neutral and allow the people of the zone to elect whoever they want.

“This is because it has come to our notice that the vice president, who also hails from our state, allegedly had a meeting with members of the House of Representatives from our senatorial zone and was said to have urged them to rally behind our current senator and we hope it’s not true.

The issue of interference, the PDP youth said is a very serious issue, “Whose motive is cloaked in something that may not augur well for our party, our zone, our people’s welfare and the spirit of fairness needed for the senatorial success of the PDP”, it said.

By Ejike Ejike, Abuja

16 news across the states

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The speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has picked an Expression of Interest form to contest the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ikuforiji, who picked the form at the party’s state secretariat in Ikeja, told newsmen that he believed that the state deserved the best and that he possesses the best credentials among those jostling for the ticket of the party.

“I believe very much in the future of the state and I know that the best is what the people deserve,” he said.

Appraising his tenure as the speaker, he said he had discharged his duties professionally and creditably and that he had begun a transition to the executive arm as he picked his form.

“It is the same best we are taking to the governor’s office so that the residents will have the globally accepted government,” he said adding that he harbours no misgivings over his chances saying it

was not his first time of contesting an election.

“To contest is not an issue and to go round the membership of the party; they know who is the best among the aspirants in the APC”, he said just as he stated that doesn’t rule out the possibility of a consensus candidate emerging from the aspirants.

“You talk of consensus candidate, it is all part of the game; there can be consensus candidate and we will not be the first, even President Goodluck Jonathan is the consensus candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party. So, there is nothing wrong in having a consensus candidate,” he said.

On his travails during the money laundering trial brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ikuforiji said he believed that leadership comes with trials and tribulations.

“If the EFCC wants to appeal the case or whatever, it is the business of EFCC; it is not my business,’’ he said.

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Lagos Speaker, Ikuforiji Picks APC Governorship Nomination Form

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The permanent secretary, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr Clement Illoh, has commended the outgoing minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu, for his achievements in the labour sector during his time as minster.

Iloh stated this when the former minister handed over to him in Abuja. He noted that the successes of the minister in empowering the labour force and development of the sector were numerous, adding that these included landmarks recorded under the ministry’s component of Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), especially in the areas of Community Services, Women and Youths Empowerment (CSWYE) Project and the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Project.

According to him, under the charge of the minister, the CSWYE and TVET Projects of SURE-P employed over 150,000 Nigerian youths while more than 10,000

youths benefitted from its vocational skills acquisition projects, among others.

The permanent secretary also indicated that the minister facilitated the development of a document on checking Ebola disease in work places, adding that following the intervention of the minister, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) had suspended its indefinite strike.

In his remarks, Wogu, who resigned his ministerial appointment as minister of Labour and Productivity to pursue his gubernatorial ambition implored the management and staff of the ministry and its parastatals to continue to support the implementation of the labour -friendly transformation agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration.

The minister dedicated his achievements in the ministry to God and the workforce of the ministry, with appreciation to the president for the opportunity given him to serve the nation with integrity and patriotism.

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By Michael Oche, Abuja

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The Director General of the National Youths Service Corps, (NYSC) Brig General Johnson Oluwumi says the 2014 NYSC presidential award nominees will be announced before the end of the year.

The DG, who revealed this while speaking to the NYSC presidential honours award committee in Abuja yesterday, noted that some hitches and gaps between the scheme and the Ministry of Youths Development had been responsible for not giving the award in 2012 and 2013; but with the coming in of Boni Haruna as the minister, there was more assurance and approval for the award to hold.

The DG also noted that the vision of the award created in 1974, was to recognise and promote excellence in

service among corps members so that they can distinguish themselves in the course of the service year.

While speaking to the committee on the job ahead, the DG noted: "I wish to implore you to approach the task with commitment, diligence and high level of responsibility. This is the only way the committee can come out with decisions that will bring the very best out of the several nominees presented for selection."

While responding, the chairman of the committee, Dr Ihenetu Kelvin commended the NYSC for commitment and dedication to the unity of Nigeria through deployment, monitoring, mentoring and moulding of the corps members and pledged to work diligently to come up with a result that would gladden the hearts of all.

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2014 NYSC Presidential Awards To Hold Soon – DG

Sunday, October 19, 2014

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N300 Only On Sale Nationwide Nigeria’s ‘Mega ChurChes’: a hiddeN Pillar Of afriCa’s TOP eCONOMy When a guesthouse belonging to one of Nigeria’s leading Christian pastors collapsed last month, killing 115 persons, mostly South African pilgrims, attention focussed on the multimillion dollar ‘megachurches’ that formed a huge, untaxed sector of African top economy … Only in GOVERNMENT.

uNsTable POwer suPPly: Nigeria’s MONey guzzliNg MONsTer It is a known fact that the provision of stable and uninterrupted power supply is key for accelerated economic and industrial development of any country. Electricity is needed for economic growth, improving the quality of life and increasing opportunities for development … Only in GOVERNMENT.

hOw $17M deal led TO saCk Of afreN Oil CeO Nigeria focused oil explorer Afren Plc UK said it has fired its chief executive and chief operating officer for “gross misconduct” after an independent review alleged that they had received more than $17 million in unauthorised payments from a partner firm.

ObaMa bOasTs: i kissed ebOla Nurses iN aTlaNTa hOsPiTal President Barack Obama boasted that he kissed nurses at the Atlanta hospital where Ebola patients were being treated. He made clear that he is not afraid of Ebola, saying Wednesday, ‘’I shook hands with, hugged and kissed, not the doctors but a couple of the nurses.

IT’S A BUMPER EDITION!

17

sunday interview Sunday, October 19, 2014

2015: PDP May Lose Rivers Except ... Douglas

Chief Alabo Graham Douglas is a former minister and Board of Trustees member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with STANLEY NKWOCHA, he talks about his relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi. He opens up on the crisis in the PDP and warns on why inequality may cause his party a lot in 2015 You have chosen to be silent on the happenings in Rivers State. Why is this so?

For over one year, I have resisted granting any press interview as I elected to critically observe the various scenario of events at the federal level as well as my state of origin, Rivers State, as they develop. I was very vibrant and committed actively in the 2010/ 2011 campaign efforts.

But as you would note, age is catching up with me and at 75, I can no longer be criss-crossing the country. That apart, I observed a new set of gladiators parading the political scenes, with a stock in trade of intrigues, manipulations, conspiracies and telling destructive lies against persons to procure favour.

When I also observed that people at the echelon of the illustrious class are susceptible to accepting and making conclusions of malicious stories, I decided discretionarily to preserve my honour and pedigree. I am a strong believer that any leadership that judge third parties through the perception and lips of such characters is likely to fail. Suffice to say that I have remained to be a consistent, undeviating and loyal member of my party which I helped to found in the nation and especially Rivers State.

It is extensively believed that there is a kind of family misunderstanding between you and the First Family, that is President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife. Is that a fact?

There is no iota of truth in the widely disseminated impression that there is misunderstanding between myself and the First Family; I believe it is a speculative and mischievous propaganda stuff. The president is of the Ijaw extraction as myself and with the zeal and enthusiasm with which I have always promoted the Ijaw cause, I do not see how I could ever have any form of misunderstanding between an illustrious Ijaw son like myself and another who is currently the president of the country.

At the inception of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I was one of those

who contested for the office of the President of the country. I contested with former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. I did not win but in recognition of my unrelenting hard work for the party, especially in South-South geopolitical region, Obasanjo appointed me as one of the early ministers of the PDP administration. Throughout the period and up till the moment President Jonathan assumed office, we had impeccable relationship. I still maintained this posture; except the president holds a contrary view, he is my brother and nothing can separate us.

But the belief is that the Soku oil well dispute separated you...

I would not like to discuss anything with regards to the Soku oil wells and the boundary adjustment of the conceptualised annexation of Kalabari oil producing communities to Bayelsa State. So many stories are being peddled but as an Ijaw elder, it is my duty always to ensure that the situation is contained at all times, amicably with brotherly love. The communities involved have settled as Kalabari communities for over 200 years. And the boundaries separating the two states (Bayelsa and Rivers) have existed for decades, throughout the periods when both Ijaw and non-Ijaw administrators governed the old Rivers State. For it therefore to attract the dimension of conflict between the two sister states is unfortunate but I believe it will be eventually resolved for unity and our great love for each other.

Could it be true that you took sides against the president by supporting Governor Rotimi Amaechi in their political fued?

The import of this question I would regard as a figment of hallucinatory imaginations. At my age and political maturity, more so, having played a fatherly role to both the president and the governor, I could never have taken sides. My responsibility is to ensure that if there was any feud whatsoever, it will be my job to foster reconciliation and restoration of brotherly love

Douglas

between them. The president is the paterfamilias of the nation and in this peculiar circumstance, the father of the South-South states and their governors.

The relationship between the governor of Rivers State immediately after the 2011 elections was impeccable and without blemish. Disappointedly, most politicians become either bystanders or indulge themselves in fuelling any little crack in relationships. Such circumstances are used to disseminate fabricated lies and unimaginable stories.

Some begin to create division between the parties and go as far as brandishing anyone who cultivates any form of relationship or contact with the less advantageous member of the conflict as an enemy. And, with no intervention of elders, the situation degenerates to a point of no return. I made unlimited overtures by personal contact and writing, as well as utilising established political institutions like the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) and other well-meaning agencies. It is indeed a large pity that we find ourselves in the current quagmire which, by the grace of God, shall come to pass amicably.

As an elder, both within the state and at the national level, what is your view on the current political situation in Riv-

ers State?

The current political situation in Rivers State is very sensitive and volatile from the point of view that malice, hatred and vicious rivalry has been brought in by the political class in order to arrest power and control of the polity. To be able to have equity, fair play and justice, the political class must bring God-fearing conscience into the power matrix.

In 1999, when PDP was established in Rivers State, the party structure and control was primarily in the hands of people of the Riverine Ijaw extraction.

We took cognisance of the fact that during the military era and thereafter during the brief civilian dispensation, persons of Riverine Ijaw group had ruled the old Rivers State. We unanimously decided for power to shift to the Upland group. Considering the prevailing circumstances at the time, to give the Upland group a sense of belonging and togetherness, Dr Peter Odili was accordingly favoured on the platform of PDP to govern the state. It was implicitly agreed that we were to practise a turn-by-turn power sharing mechanism between the three main component ethnic nationalities of the Ikwerres and other groups of common affinity, the Riverine Ijaw and the Ogo➔  CONTINUEd ON PAGE 18

The current political situation in Rivers State is very sensitive and volatile from the point of view that malice, hatred and vicious rivalry has been brought in by the political class in order to arrest power and control of the polity.

18 SUNDAY Interview

Sunday, October 19, 2014 Leadership SUNDAY

2015: PDP May Lose Rivers Except ... Douglas 17

it is my fervent and strong solicitation that PDP must not field another Ikwerre aspirant but someone from the Riverine Ijaw or Ogoni groups.

ni and neighbouring Mainland communities.

It was unambiguously agreed that at the expiration of the tenure of Dr Peter Odili, power would shift to the Riverine Ijaw group and at the expiration of the rulership of a Riverine Ijaw governor, it would move to the Ogoni group. Unfortunately, that was not to be as the era was characterised by confusion, ethnic conflicts and beginning of militancy. There was severe financial recklessness, infrastructural decay and phantom projects that were never achieved. Two prominent illustrious sons-Messrs Marshal Harry, the first PDP Chairman of Rivers State and another founding member, Aminasoari Dikibo were brutally assassinated without the regime making any effort to track down their assassins.

That era left with no significant landmark except that instead of handing over to a Riverine Ijaw aspirant, a unilateral decision was made by the then Governor Odili to hand over to Honourable Rotimi Amaechi of the Ikwerre extraction. All in all ,the Upland group, primarily of the Ikwerre extraction, have now governed Rivers State for 16 years, at the expiration of the tenure of Governor Amaechi in May, 2015.

The emergence of Chief Nyesom Wike a Minister of State for Education and his desire to contest the governorship in 2015 does not augur well for peace and harmony in the state. It is unacceptable to the generality of the Rivers people, especially the Riverine Ijaw group, Ogoni group and large members of the Ikwerre group. If Nyesom Wike is granted by the leadership PDP to emerge as governor of Rivers State, it will mean that for 24 years, the people of Rivers Mainland would have ruled the state at the expense and great marginalisation of the other major ethnic nationalities. Such a situation arising will not be tolerated and may have some unsavoury repercussions, which no one for the time being can predicate.

It is therefore in the best interest of the people and the state and for the sake of God-fearing conscience, equity and justice to ensure that power shifts to the other groups that have never been given the opportunity to govern the state, largely for the purpose of peace, harmony and survival of the state.

As a founding member of the PDP BoT, what are you doing to consolidate on the party’s gains in the 2011 elections?

From the evolutionary trend and antecedents since 1999 in Rivers State, PDP has been the dominant, unbeatable and acceptable political family in Rivers State. The performance of PDP in 2011 in Rivers State was phenomenal, producing the highest result in the country. Politics, we know, is a concentric circle of intrigues, manipulations, obscure self-interest, phantom lies and all manner of societal lies and evils, which accordingly destroyed the very fabrics that united the PDP family in Rivers State.

The imbroglio that arose gave rise to the current disharmony, suspicion and conflict among the PDP family, resulting in

a group moving away under the leadership of the state governor to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Much as the state remains a PDP state, with the Riverine Ijaw group absolutely supportive of their son, the president’s election for a second term shall be without rancour or problem. But that of the election of the governor could tear the state apart. This is why it is my fervent and strong solicitation that PDP must not field another Ikwerre aspirant but someone from the Riverine Ijaw or Ogoni groups. There is the common propaganda disseminated that without the Ikwerre vote, no governor can emerge in the next dispensation. This is absolutely incorrect, because in the 1999 elections, whereas the Ikwerres, Ogonis and few other groups did not vote for Odili who had just one ward, the combined undivided and consolidated votes of the Riverine communities led to the emergence of Odili as the governor of Rivers State.

Perhaps, I would summarise that, if by carelessness or inattention to the realities, we take for granted the PDP support and neglect the concealed strategies of the opposition, we may have some dents in our family. This is why, we have in the past few months galvanised the party elders and leaders in the state to speak with one voice and accord and select a governorship aspirant. God being our help, we shall succeed.

What is your opinion on the recent reconciliatory and re-integration meeting of the PDP in Abuja?

From the innocent and unsuspecting perceptual view point, the intention of the party hierarchy may seem plausible and commendable. I personally presented myself and briefed the reconciliation committee where I find men and women of honour and character. I am confident that they would provide an unbiased, non-sentimental and God-fearing report that will consolidate their already acceptable credibility. I do believe that the committee will have the moral assessment of one of the Rivers State governorship aspirants, Nyesom Wike, his chief promoter, Dr Peter Odili and some masked party officials who are making it a do-or-die matter concerning the emergence of Wike without ever appraising its positive and negative repercussions on the state.

In a system where a serving minister would single-handedly spend large sums of money to organise party structure, provide party paraphernalia and pay monthly expenditure without anyone asking questions, or where someone will govern a state and was investigated by a law enforcing and financial regulation body, with proven financial recklessness, would ask a court of competent jurisdiction to grant him perpetual injunction not to be probed and yet, because of selfish and myopic motives, such characters will be honoured graciously with national honours with pump and pageantry, is a paradox.

Enough is enough; and I can assure you that never and never again shall the Riverine Ijaw and Ogoni group be marginalised and deprived. I also believe in Mr President’s assiduity, morality and

Douglas

God-fearing disposition to provide the judgement of Solomon, subsequently.

Recently, PDP national chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, visited Port Harcourt where Chief Nyesom Wike and his supporters received him at the party secretariat. Other governorship aspirants were conspicuously absent. What does this portend for the party in Rivers State?

I am surprised that the PDP national chairman was in Rivers State that Monday. I saw him in Lagos and we chatted. If he was coming to Rivers State, as a senior party member and member of the BoT, at least, he should have extended some courtesies by telling me that he was coming down to my state.

Of course, I would be very willing to meet him. But these are the things we are talking about.

Three of the aspirants have also telephoned me to say that they were not invited; that they did not know anything about the visit. This further goes to complicate things. And from the information I had, in his discussion with the people at the party secretariat, Muazu gave a lot of adulation and praises to Wike who he described as having spent a colossal amount of money to do a lot of things for the party and also organised a party with a parochial unit of the total electorate in this state.

It is very unfortunate that happened, but people will misread and misunderstand the action to be ‘a seeming endorsement’ kind of thing. Knowing how things are being interpreted in the political parlance, people will still spread it to the generality of the people of Rivers State that the PDP national chairman came, largely to endorse the candidature of Wike. This will have negative repercussions on the Ogoni and the Riverine/Ijaw people of the PDP family. I feel a bit disillusioned about it and I think if the chairman was coming, he was coming as the PDP chairman

and not as the chairman of the Grassroots Democratic Initiative (GDI) faction of the party.

While the chairman was addressing party supporters at the party secretariat, he said, “Wike you are on course”.

What does this portend, given the fact that other aspirants were not there?

I will have a very liberal interpretation to it; “Wike, you are on course”. On course to destruction or on course to ascension or on course to have a seizure of the political party, with the formulation of the GDI? I think it should be very subjective and individualistic in interpretation.

Sir, three weeks ago, the PDP state executive said a member of the PDP BoT from Rivers State met with Governor Rotimi Amaechi and endorsed some aspirants. He also threatened that if that particular member does not retrace his steps, he would be sanctioned very soon. The accusation was directed at you, but could this be right?

That is absolute nonsense, complete madness. Amaechi is the governor of Rivers State, my state of origin. It will be foolhardy for anybody to think that I should severe relationship with him. President Jonathan is my younger brother and I may have played a fatherhood role to both himself and Amaechi. During the course of the problems, I moved into it with documentations. I have tried as much as possible but it is very painful that Anaechi left PDP for APC because of mismanagement. I blame our leaders: why are we elders? What are we afraid of? What do we gain in this politics? If two of your children are quarreling, you, as an elder, should be reconciliatory instead of taking sides. I have never met any of the aspirants; I have never held meeting with them. May be someone else held meetings with them and they are mistaking me for that.

19

sunday politics

Politics Editor (LEADERSHIP SUNDAY): STANLEY NKWOCHA

Sunday, October 19, 2014

2015: ... As Govs, Senators Clash Over Aspirations While attention is focused on the presidency and governorship elections ahead 2015, STANLEY NKWOCHA observes that the aspirations of some governors to become senators in 2015 is threatening the political stability of some states in no small way, especially for those in same political parties The craze to find solace at the upper chambers of the National Assembly by out-gone governors started in 2007 when no less than five governors found their way to the Senate. Amongst those who set the precedence in this direction were Senators Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa), Sani Yerima (Zamfara), and Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu), Bukar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe), Ahmed Makarki (Kaduna), George Akume (Benue). Since then, others like Bukola Saraki (Kwara), Joshua Dariye (Plateau) and Danjuma Goje (Gombe) joined their colleagues in 2011.

In 2015, well over 10 governors would be completing their second term in office and have their eyes already set on the Senatorial seats up in their domain, a development that has not augured well for incumbent members of the Upper Chambers who either wish to return or better still would love a swap with the governors – a move most of the governors frown at.

A deep look at the situation reveals that while some may have some amicable understanding with the incumbent senators and so will have smooth and easy rides to the Senate come 2015 if they eventually win, for some others it is fight to finish.

ABIA Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji, will leave the governorship of Abia State come 2015 after serving his eight year double term in the State. Orji who assumed the governorship of Abia State under the platform of the Peoples Progressive

Akpabio

Etuk

Chime

Ekweremadu

Alliance (PPA) , briefly moved over to All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) before joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Already, he has indicated his interest to contest the Senatorial seat for Abia Central, where Senator Nkechi Nwaogu holds sway.

An understanding seems to have been reached between the duo as incumbent Nwaogu who by 2015 would have spent 12 years in the Senate, has reneged in picking a nomination form for the Senate opting for the governorship instead. It is yet to be seen if the Governor who has the state’s party structure in his kitty would endorse her aspiration as another colleague of hers, Senator Abaribe Eyinnaya is known to have kicked off his governorship bid in earnest.

of political upheaval in the state and 2015 already has shown that it would not disappoint. While the governorship is already tossed up, out-going Governor Godswill Akpabio’s ambition to proceed to the Upper Chambers of the National Assembly has further ignited the political flame in the state, following the outright refusal and defiance of Senator Alloysius Etuk to be replaced as the Ikot-Ekpene senator in the Senate.

Already both leaders have not hidden their disdain for each other as they continue to use all available means to outdo each other.

Though Akpabio is the more favored since the PDP’s state party machinery is under his lock and key, pundits opine that the senatorial ticket may be the consolation price he would have to receive to let go his governorship interest as regards successor.

AKWA IBOM As resources abound in Akwa Ibom, so does the political brouhaha abound. Every electioneering year comes with its own share

BAUCHI STATE

The Raging War In Edo House Of Assembly > 21

➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

20 politics

Sunday, October 19, 2014

2015: ... As Govs, Senators Clash Over Aspirations ➔ FROM PAGE 19

In Bauchi State, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State seems to have his opponents in check and aspiration in the right footing.

His aspiration to represent Bauchi South at the National Assembly come 2015 seems a foregone conclusion as incumbent Senator Adamu Gumba in apparent submission to the Governor is not re-contesting and has not bought the nomination form. As things stand Yuguda seems to be on a solo move in this direction and perhaps only waiting to know who the APC would throw up to challenge him.

BENUE STATE Unlike Yuguda in Bauchi State, out-going Governor Gabriel Suswam is on a long walk. His aspiration to stage a comeback to the National Assembly’s Senate after being a member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2007 has flamed up interests in the state with intense power play being still on-going. Suswam is angling to displace Senator Barnabas Gemade from the Benue North East Senatorial District that Gemade occupies.

With Suswam being given the upper hand against the aspiration of incumbent Senator Barnabas Gemade as the governor holds the structure of the state which puts him at an advantage over the former national chairman of his party, it is left to be seen whether Gemade can muscle the remaining energy in him to beat Suswam to his game.

Unlike Yuguda in Bauchi State, out-going Governor Gabriel Suswam is on a long walk.

His aspiration to stage a comeback to the National Assembly’s Senate after being a member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2007 has flamed up interests in the state

DELTA Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is also good to go. Like his other colleagues, the destination point in 2015 is the Senate to represent Delta South Senatorial district. However, the very popular incumbent Senator James Manager seems poised to give Uduaghan a run for his money and has advised the governor to look elsewhere.

So heated up is the political disagreement between Manager and his governor that Uduaghan’s grace like others will be the fact that he has the party structure in his kitty – a verile and potent weapon that is easily the most determinant factor in determining candidates’ emergence.

ENUGU Of all the states of the federation where the battle in view is prevalent, no state promises to showcase the most intense and brutal power play like Enugu. Out-going governor Sullivan Chime is set to confront deputy senate president Ike Ekweremadu in what promises to be the biggest fight of the titans. At the heart of the battle is the seat for Enugu West senatorial district.

The clash between both men has taken a personal dimension with Chime saying he is ready to forfeit his aspiration if Ekweremadu rescinds his decision to contest. Chime and some PDP stakeholders have asked all elected officers who have served twice to retire so others can benefit from the ‘poverty eradication avenue’ that such public offices portend.

But in a rare show of defiance, Ekweremadu who is angling for his fourth term in office has braced the odds and said no one will stop him from contesting the elections even as he had gotten the revered controversial Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka to endorse his aspiration. Indeed, Enugu West battle will be cash for cash, strength for strength and contacts for contacts. Will Chime make good his

threat to retire Ekweremadu from the politics of Enugu State? Only time will tell.

NIGER Chief Servant Babangida Aliyu seems to have made up his mind on the choice of his successor as well as his next line of action. Already, the Chief Servant has acquired the form for the Zone B Niger Senatorial district and seems good to go.

Senator Zagbayi who won the Zone B by election following the death of Senator Idris Kuta seems to have honored the agreement that brought him to the race in the first place.

With almost no one to contest with him in the PDP’s ticket , it is now clear that the hurdle the Chief Servant will have to scale is that of the battle against the APC who are set to give the governor a run for his money.

PLATEAU Old war horse, Governor Jonah Jang has continued to play hide and seek on his choice of successor. However, at every opportunity he has not minced words in stating that he is Senate bound come 2015. Baba Jang wants to be the Plateau North senator. Luckily for Jang , he seems to have a cool headed fellow in the person of Senator Gyang Pwajok, his erstwhile chief of staff who is equally ready to leave the seat for his political godfather.

As a pointer, Pwajok has not bought his nomination form meaning he would not be contesting while Jang has. There are insinuations that Pwajok may either return to Plateau State to play a very vital role if the PDP wins the governorship election in Plateau State come 2015 or be compensated with the ministerial ticket from the state.

RIVERS At the moment, though Governor Rotimi Amaechi would tell anyone who cares to listen that he nurses no ambition at the moment, those who know the governor very well opine that he is actually interested in coming to the Senate to represent Rivers East , where unfortunately for him Senator George Sekibo of the PDP holds sway. Senator Sekibo refused to join Amaechi to the APC preferring to remain in the PDP whilst Senators Magnus Abe (Rivers South East) and Wilson Ake (Rivers West) moved with the governor to the APC. It is speculated that after the coast becomes clearer as to the choice of candidates in the presidential election by the political parties, it is then that Rotimi may finally be forced to bid for the Senate if none of the slots favors him.

SOKOTO Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko is out for the kill. This has to be the mode as he is up against a political juggernaut in the person of Senator Ahmed Mohammed Maccido for the battle to represent Sokoto Central senatorial district. While Wamakko is of the APC and is likely to get unopposed the ticket of the APC, he will have to wrestle down Maccido before he gets to the Senate in Abuja.

A Herculean task as opined by a lot of pundits, to others whoever will smile at the end of the day will have a lot to do with the tilt in the governorship and presidential elections in the state. Indeed the battle will be no mean feat for Wamakko come 2015 even as he could be said to be the clear favorite.

Suswam

Gemade

Uduaghan

Manager

Wamakko

Maccido

politics 21

Sunday, October 19, 2014

The Raging War In Edo House Of Assembly

Oshiomhole

Igbe

Oyegun

Shuaibu

The raging crisis rocking Edo State House of Assembly recently reached it’s crescendo when armed thugs allegedly loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the other hand went wild. PATRICK OCHOGA writes After it was thought that relative political peace may have returned to Edo State following the holding of separate sittings by the APC and PDP lawmakers, it however, turned out not to be so as underlined by recent happenings in the state ahead 2015 general elections and the 2016 governorship election in the state.

The DP legislators who are nine in number are led by the suspended deputy speaker, Hon Festus Ebea, have operated unhindered at the Anthony Enahoro Assembly complex under the watchful eyes of men of the Nigeria Police while their APC counterparts with a majority 15 members and led by the Speaker, Hon Uyi Igbe, sit at the old legislative chambers located within the precinct of Government House.

The Police in the wake of the crisis which has polarised the House along party lines had managed the

situation from deteriorating into a bloody clash, an effort which attracted commendation to men of the state police command from members of the public.

But Sadly, the long anticipated clash came to a head on the 6/10/14 when Razak Momoh, a PDP legislator and member representing Etsako West 1 Constituency was brutally attacked by armed thugs at his official quarters located along Ihama road in Benin City.

Razak, who was popularly referred to as ‘star black’ in his hey days in schools , the only PDP lawmaker residing at the quarters among 15 APC lawmakers was said to have scaled the fence of the Edo State Legislative Quarters in the middle of the night to avoid the attack of assailants having been ejected earlier from the quarters, shortly after the Igbe-led House declared his seat vacant, owing to

the alleged improper manner of defection from the APC to the opposition PDP. Despite the alleged ejection, Momoh, against all odds stayed put in the quarters with his family. He was quoted to have boasted that he will not be stampeded out of the legislative quarters.

Momoh, who was rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, in coma is said to be recuperating at the intensive health care unit was lucky to have survived his attackers.

Shortly after the brutal attack on Momoh, the PDP leadership in the state condemned the act, while blaming the ruling APC for the violence. The PDP leadership equally accused Philip Shaibu, Majority leader of the State House of Assembly as the one the masterminded the attack on Momoh.

Without wasting time, the Police authority in Edo effected the

arrest of Shaibu and arraigned him and three others before a Magistrate Court in Benin. The Majority Leader and three others have since been granted bail by the court presided over by Magistrate P.E. Asemota on self-recognition. They are charged for alleged assault on Momoh.

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole advised the PDP to look inwards as regards the brutal attack on Momoh, who is said to have a history of violence.

According to the Comrade Governor, “He (Momoh) is someone who has a history of violence, history of carrying guns and attacking people with guns. I have insisted and I still do that everyone who has committed crime must be prosecuted according to the law of the land.

“You will recall that during the last Local Government election, Razak Momoh was arrested by the Police with two guns; a Pistol and a double barrel gun.

As of that time, he was still a member of ACN. When he was arrested and the facts were brought to my attention, I asked the Police to ensure that he was prosecuted according to the law. He was remanded by Court in Prison for four months before he was granted bail and as we speak, that matter is pending at the High Court.

“About six months before the election, Razak was shot by his own fellow criminals and he was taken to hospital and I encouraged him to disclose those who shot him and he said he didn’t know,” Give. Oshiomhole said.

Barely, one week after the dastardly attack on Momoh, the legislative quarters was invaded by thugs as guns boomed for several hours, leaving some lawmakers with bullets injuries while cars numbering about thirty six were destroyed in the orgy of violence. pellets of bullets littered everywhere in the quarters.

Obviously, the latest attack on the legislative quarters was retaliatory as the APC lawmakers are still counting their losses. In fact one of the lawmaker who narrowly escaped a volley of bullets targeted at his apartment likened the invasion to the activities of the deadly Book Haram.

Igbe, the Speaker of the House has condemned the invasion, while pointing accusing fingers at the PDP, adding that “is group of assassins and thugs in their hundred were led into the legislators’ quarters by known faces. After the exit of the hoodlums, a face cap was found in the premises with the inscription ‘final push’ which is a slogan of a PDP lawmaker’s group”. Igbe also indicted th Police, claiming that “ having heard the information of the possible attack, we expected that the security in and around the premises should have been beefed up to foil the attack but nothing. Moreso, the few Police officers that were supposedly posted to the legislative quarters were absent at the time of attack”.

Oshiomhole, while reacting to the latest attack berated the Police for providing supervision for this very criminal act. “ It’s very clear that the Police command granted permission to PDP to carry out this heinous act. It’s a very dangerous thing. I am not so much worried about the violent character of the PDP; I am more worried by what seems to be the Police readiness to provide them with cover”.

Meanwhile, the Igbe-faction of the State House of Assembly has declared it has lost confidence in the Nigeria Police following the attack on the legislators’ quarters by alleged PDP sponsored thugs.

Deputy Speaker, Victor Edoror, sid the police were aware that they were going to attack the quarters but instead chose to the Police on ground instead of needing up security.

However, the PDP in Edo has urged the police high command to hold the state governor Adams Oshiomhole responsible should anything sinister happen to ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Barely, one week after the dastardly attack on Momoh, the legislative quarters was invaded by thugs as guns boomed for several hours, leaving some lawmakers with bullets injuries while cars numbering about thirty six were destroyed in the orgy of violence.

22 interview

Sunday, October 19, 2014

The Raging War In Edo House Of Assembly 21

In spite of the heightened and threatening political situation in the state ahead of the 2015 election, the Edo Police Command has warned politicians against sponsoring and masterminding violence in the State.

them over the violent attack on the legislative quarters in the state.

Chief Frank Okafi Erewele who spoke on behalf of the PDP leaders at a press conference held in Benin the state capital, exonerated them from any involvement in the mayhem at the quarters in which over 36 exotic cars and other valuable properties were destroyed by suspected hoodlums loyal to one of the major political parties.

Erewele said the ruling APC merely suffered from the mischief it planned against the state and the people which boomeranged against them following discovery that they failed to settle the thugs deployed to carry out the deadly attack as they had allegedly agreed.

It would be recalled that the state governor had accused the state Chairman of PDP, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, former Deputy governor Chief Lucky Imasuen, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and others as alleged masterminds of the mayhem.

Erewele said “it is sad and very shameful that Adams Oshiomhole has desecrated the office of governor to continuously repeat that the attack on the legislative quarters was masterminded or orchestrated by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Honourable Lucky Imasuen and Chief Dan Orbih.

“He has only succeeded in ridiculing himself by trying to make people believe that any meeting to that effect was held in Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s house or his office.

“I want to seize this opportunity to call on the law enforcement agencies that they should watch Oshiomhole in this state. If anything happens to Dan Orbih, Lucky Imasuen, Dr. Mayor. Osarobo Idehen and other leaders of the party including myself we know whom to hold responsible because he struck first

Tony Anenih

and he is the first to start complaining”, he stated.

He blamed the governor for failure to contact the relevant security agencies if he felt his allegations were true and for not providing adequate security since he had prior knowledge of the attack at the quarters even as the area is a walking distance from the state government house.

The PDP chieftain noted that “in the same vein at Ikpoba Okha recently it was Dr. Mayor according to Oshiomhole that Pastor Ize Iyamu contacted to execute imaginary killings in Edo but behold Dr. Mayor is now an appointee of Adams Oshiomhole as chairman of Consumer Protection Agency.

Just yesterday here. It is on record that Oshiomhole poured encomium on Dr. Mayor several times for efficient performances definitely not for being a hired killer. Interestingly Dr. Mayor was in Ekiti on the day the legislative quarters was

Ebea

attacked over the admission of his child”.

He tasked the APC led government to explain how it spends its monthly allocation of N400 million security vote, adding that the governor has “lamented over the destruction of properties while he jubilated over the heinous brutalization of Hon. Abdul Rasaq Momoh, a PDP legislator who is now on danger list in the hospital.

“It would have been better we were in a military government than to have Oshiomhole as governor in this state. That was what necessitated some leaders and founders of ACN, coming together to say if we wait till 20116 we might not be able to explain to our people what happened.

It was time we pulled out, now that we pulled out he has started sending people to maim and destroy lives of those who have left APC for PDP but you are only a better person when you leave PDP for APC”.

Erewele added that the opposition party was still investigating issues bothering on the attack especially the arraignment of some suspects when thorough investigation by the police into the incident has not been concluded.

In spite of the heightened and threatening political situation in the state ahead of the 2015 election, the Edo Police Command has warned politicians against sponsoring and masterminding violence in the State. The warning was contained in a statement issued in Benin by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Noble Uwoh.

The stern statement reiterated that the command would not tolerate the activities of hoodlums and miscreants, warning politicians sponsoring and masterminding the activities of thugs in the State to desist from it, as anybody caught in the act of violence would be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.

We Must Unite To Defeat Insurgency – Salifu Dr Arome Salifu is the national coordinator of PDP Professionals and Business Group, a lobbying group within the ruling People’s Democratic Party. In this interview with BODE GBADEBO, he bares his mind on some burning issues in the party, current situation of insecurity, among others.

President Jonathan was recently endorsed by the PDP as its sole candidate for the 2015 presidential

The security situation was not introduced

by Jonathan administration; it has been there before his emergence as the president and as we speak,, there are so many dimensions to the situation

election. A lot of people believe that the president does not deserve a second term office. What is the perspective of your group?

As a very responsible organisation within the PDP, we are very sensitive and careful as to how we declare support for candidates. We did not just wake overnight and declared support for Mr President, we took critical analysis of what this man has been able to do sector by sector and we have been able to look at how the welfare and the living standard of Nigerians have been improved over this period. We came to the conclusion that this man, truly in all fairness, has done credibly well in the areas of infrastructural development like the road sector, aviation, agriculture, power, education, health, and other sectors. The economy has improved significantly. Nigeria is now the biggest economy in Africa overtaking South Africa. Our per capital income has

improved; all these put together could easily make even the greatest enemy of Mr President to think twice that, indeed, in all fairness this man has tried despite the challenges of insecurity, which again is being orchestrated by the enemies of progress in this country.

Since you said the president has done well, why the rush by critical PDP organs to endorse him without subjecting him to the processes of party primaries?

The national organs of the party exist for certain specific situations and circumstances. The entire membership of the party understands the fact that party hierarchy exists to carry out certain specific responsibilities on behalf of the entire members of the party. From the level of the Board of Trustees to the level of National Executive Council to the level of National Working Committee, all these structures are meant to carry out certain responsibilities. This is not a decision of NWC; it is a decision of NEC members of

the party which is an all-encompassing organ and soul of the party.

Basically, I can assure you that the endorsement is going to be ratified by a national convention. It is not going to be sacrosanct without a national convention ratifying it but in the national convention. What it means is that the president is going to be the sole candidate that would be put forward by the party and it is going to be a vote of yes or no by the delegates.

Talking about Jonathan’s score cards, why is the government finding it difficult to surmount the current insecurity situation in the country?

The security situation in the country is rather unfortunate but permit me to say this: The security situation was not introduced by Jonathan administration; it has been there before his emergence as the president and as we speak,, there are so many dimensions to the situation.

We have the political dimension, we have the religious dimension and we

Salifu

even have the ethnic dimension but the greatest of all is the political dimension.

I want to challenge you journalists to ask yourselves why it is when a southern president emerged that we now began to have serious insurgency in the northern part of the country. Does it means that Nigerians can no longer live together as one? We shouldn’t bow to the divisive antics of the insurgents. We must stand united, we must be resolute and I can assure you that with the procurement of new arsenals by the military, they would be able to withstand the Boko Haram insurgents. It is going to be a thing of the past.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

politics interview 23

When Buhari Stormed Abuja For His Presidential Declaration If the presence of some bigwigs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the declaration of General Muhammadu Buhari is anything to go by, then Buhari has become an aspirant in the presidential primaries of the APC. BAYO OLADEJI, reports current situation of insecurity, among others.

They danced around the square with posters showing dual pictures of Buhari and their candidates, beating drums and flutes to indicate their candidates’ intentions

General Muhammadu Buhari last Wednesday in Abuja officially declared for the presidential race when he unfolded a-nine point agenda to rescue Nigeria if emerged the candidate of his party and eventually elected the president amid an unprecedented crowd at the Eagle Square, venue of the historic event.

The declaration programme was witnessed by many bigwigs of the party, such as Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State who spoke on behalf of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors; Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos State; Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State; Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomole; the Senate Minority Whip, Senator George Akume who led others like Senators Oluremi Tinubu, Babafemi Ojudu, and Gbenga Asafa; former speaker, Aminu Masari; former FCT minister, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; Mallam Sanni Soro; Senator Kanti Bello; Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; former Bayelsa State governor, Timipreye Silvia; Chief Audu Ogbeh; Engineer Babachi David Lawal, and a host of others.

As early as 9.00am, the Eagle Square had been filled to its capacity with Buhari’s supporters from all works of life and every state was fully represented.

The presence of these bigwigs and their goodwill messages have been unsettling some members of the party who are thinking probably Buhari is the party’s choice, especially the presence of the highly-influential political leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The party also has eminent Nigerians who are in the same race with General Buhari. On this list are former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the founding chairman of Leadership Group, Sam Nda-Isaiah; Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and some who are yet to declare their interest.

Security operatives had a tough time controlling the large crowd at the Eagle Square, Abuja, venue of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration of his presidential ambition for the 2015 general elections.

The crowd at the event overstretched the security operatives from the police, civil defence, Department of State Security, Federal Road Safety Corps and a host of others, especially when there was a near stampede as the supporters

Buhari

began shouting in frenzy when the general arrived at the venue.

The colourful event had some side attractions like several groups that came to campaign for their candidates for positions ranging from that of governors to senators and so on. They danced around the square with posters showing dual pictures of Buhari and their candidates, beating drums and flutes to indicate their candidates’ intentions. Different songs were rendered in various languages at the event and various cultural troupes also performed.

Among those who paid glowing tribute to General Buhari included but not limited to Audu Ogbeh who read his abridged rich profile of the aspirant, Timpreye Silvia who introduced the essence of the event and asked his kinsman President Goodluck Jonathan to get ready to pack his belongings from the State House as a new occupant would be there next year May 29. Also, Senator Olorunnmbe Mamora spoke on behalf of the elders of the party, while Senator Akume spoke on behalf of APC National Assembly Caucus.

In his address, Buhari paid tribute to Nigerians, “who are enduring all sorts of hardships and deprivations on a daily basis. Many millions are grappling with extreme poverty and barely eking out a living,” he said, noting that nearly all “are in fear of their lives or safety for themselves and their families due to insurgency by the godless movement called Boko Haram, by marauding

murderers in towns and villages, by armed robbers on the highways, and by kidnappers who have put whole communities to fright and sometimes to flight.”

He commended the efforts of the military in the counter-insurgency operations going on in the northeast.

“I would like us to place on record, our appreciation for the efforts of our Armed Forces under new leadership and police in confronting these challenges”.

Speaking further, he added that, “secondly, to thank our supporters up and down the country for their perseverance and resolve in face of an oppressive PDP government”.

The former head of state formally declared with 23 words when he said, “I humbly wish to present myself before you, before all of Nigeria, and before God, seeking to be elected as APC’s presidential candidate.”

According to him, “Having appreciated that the only way to relieve Nigerians of the PDP, the main opposition parties decided to pool their strengths into one party. We have worked very hard in the last 18 months to put up structures from the polling units to wards, local governments, states and the centre.

“We have tried to ensure all processes in our party formation to be transparent and credible. These structures will lead to free and fair polls. There is no point in holding elections if they are not free and fair.”

Buhari described alleged rigging by

the ruling party as the worst injustice in the polity. “Interference in the form of rigging which PDP government has practised since 2003 is the worst form of injustice – denying people their right to express their opinions. Whether they like it or not, injustice cannot endure.”

He noted that “since 1999, PDP has presided over our country’s decline.

Nigeria in my experience has never been so divided, so polarised by an unthinking government hell bent on ruling and stealing forever whatever befalls the country. Mr Chairman, we in APC are resolved to stop them in their tracks and rescue Nigeria from the stranglehold of PDP.” According to him, “The last 16 years of PDP government has witnessed decline in all critical sectors of life in Nigeria. There is now general insecurity in the land. Apart from Boko Haram, there is prevalence of armed robbery, kidnappings and killings, cattle rustling, market and farmland arson.”

Continuing, he said, “These outrages have taken a new and frightening dimension, disrupting economic and social life across whole communities.

The economy continues to deteriorate; while the government continues to announce fantastic growth figures, but manufacturing is down, agriculture is down, commerce is down.”

He accused the ruling party of stealing the oil money and of doctoring figures to fool the people as a cover-up.

He then rolled out what could be described as a nine-point agenda that he promised would get the country out of its woes.

“We in APC are resolve to bring change to Nigeria. We plan to do things differently. We plan to put priority on - protection of lives and property; pursuing economic policies for shared prosperity and immediate attention on youth employment; quality education for development, modernity and social mobility; agricultural productivity for taking millions out of poverty and ensuring food security; reviving industry to generate employment and ‘make things’ not just to remain hawkers of other peoples’ goods; developing solid minerals exploitation, which will substantially attract employment and revenue for government; restoring honour and integrity to public service by keeping the best and attracting the best; tackling corruption which has become blatant and widespread. (The rest of the world looks at Nigeria as the home of corruption. Nigeria is a country where stealing is not corruption); and last (but not the least or final), respecting the constitutional separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary, and respecting the rights of citizens.”

The whole of Abuja’s central district was jam-packed with crowds from near and far, due to the event, leading to traffic gridlocks for hours in the capital city.

24 interview

Sunday, October 19, 2014

I’m Going Back To Classroom – Fayemi

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi last Thursday, handed over the reign of government in the state to Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose. In this interview, Fayemi x-rays his achievements in the state as well as lessons he had learnt while at the helms of affairs in the state KAZEEM AKINTUNDE was there for LEADERSHIP Sunday There has been an influx of notable personalities to Ekiti State in the past few weeks to commission projects by your administration.

Why did you keep it till the tail end and also.

First, let me say that I did not keep anything till the end deliberately or inadvertently. It is just a co-incidence that you are seeing these galaxy of stars in Ekiti at this particular period. If you recall, we have done this since our first anniversary in office in the last three years. Every October, we commission a whole series of projects and people come here. We have had both local and international personalities visit to commission one project or the other. This year is no exception. It just so happens that for this fourth anniversary, we are commissioning a lot more projects.

Particularly, in the last two years because the projects we are commissioning now are the projects completed in the last one year.

I have always said it that in our political clime that if you have a leadership that abhors violence, promote peace, the leadership will do everything within its powers to keep the temperature down in the state but once you create the conditions for irresponsible behaviours, human beings being what we are will take a cue from the leader. We tried to avoid this and that’s why the recent World Bank report on Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria ranks Ekiti very highly.

But frankly, some people are not surprised that things are already moving in the direction that they predicted as far as the character of the person coming into the office is concerned. We all must find a way of supporting the incoming government to embrace peace. All that we can do is to continue to find a way to appeal to reason and sense to ensure that the people themselves would demonstrate their resentment to violent tendencies. As for the distinguished personalities that have honoured us with their presence in Ekiti during this fourth anniversary, it has to do with an identification with a legacy of service to the people of Ekiti State. To many of them, it remains a mystery that we were able to accomplish all these things with the relatively limited resources we have in this State.

With the olive branch you extended to your incoming successor, Nigerians were expecting a smooth relationship between you two. At what point did things get bad?

One thing I always say to you is that I’m not given to playing to the gallery.

I’ll not denigrate this office. As an occupant of the office, I hold it in high

esteem. That is why I sought the position and I also hold in high esteem anyone who has either held the office or is coming into the office. And I’m not going to get into personality issues. Suffice it to say though, that the record speaks for itself.

There is no place you will find me or my Chief Press Secretary cast aspersion in the last three months on the Governor elect.Instead, what you will see are people who cast aspersions on me from his camp and then withdraw their aspersions. For me, there is even nothing wrong in pushing the frontiers of debates but push it on the basis of facts. The steps I took which many saw as unusual, I didn’t see as unusual. I’ve given you the context. I knew the machination behind what transpired in Ekiti and I knew the next phase they were about to move into. I chose to rescue our people from that because I felt it would be double jeopardy. And there is no apology for doing that.

And as you all now know, there is a regular support that has gone to the governor-elect since he won the election. There is no big deal in that. It did not happen in other transitions but I cannot claim to be civilized and exposed as much as I’m and not also borrow a leaf from other places. If you have a person win an election in America today, automatically certain structured support base comes in to effect. It is unofficial here. It is not even something that can be defended because I’ve no budget line for it. So if I choose to do that out of the contingency funds of the government, it is not because I’m afraid of anybody and it is not because I owe anybody that but for me, I wanted the transition to be smooth, however, if someone coming into office prefers brickbat to reason, then clearly we will also have to respond to that.

The party will want to hold on to these Assembly members in the face of pressure to defect from APC to PDP, what are you doing about it as the leader of the party in the state?

Well, let me go back to the first question, we have to also go into the antecedents of our party. In 2007, we won 15 seats in the state House of Assembly, PDP won 11 and then they manipulated it. We had to re-do Efon, Ekiti West II, Oke-Imesi, so it became 13/13.

And I am sure you will recall that in three and a half years that I was in court, there was no pressure that was not brought to bear on the 13 members in that House of Assembly to decamp to the PDP, not only did our members refuse to decamp, we

Fayemi

actually gained control of the House by winning over five members from the other side and through the efforts of our honourable members, we were able to change the leadership of that Assembly from Rt.Hon. Bamisile to Rt.Hon. Tunji Odeyemi.

That is the history here, so let’s be conscious of that history. I am not saying that history will automatically repeat itself. I like to think that the people have come to join the progressive camp here because they believe in the core-values of this party.

That may be a romantic view in today’s politics. But the reality is that I do not even see how it would be that easy because they also have constituencies and leaders to report back to and we must also as the leadership of the party rally round them and ensure that we keep them in constant touch with the reality of Ekiti State and Nigeria in general.

I don’t envisage that we would run into the kind of difficulties that you are talking about, but if it happens and in the event that it happens, it really doesn’t do anything fundamentally. But if you look at it, we have even gained more. We were 24 before; we are now 25 in the House. So if we assume that the lone PDP member is likely to join us, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the 25 from our side would do an Adamawa overnight and cross over to the other side.

On the second question, once brigandage and thuggery descend on any society, there is a problem. What we have seen in the courts in Ekiti is monumental travesty that really shouldn’t be supported by any right thinking person. But to think that this is actually being choreographed

and coordinated by elements within the Federal Government portends serious danger for Nigeria’s democracy and for the independence of the Judiciary. I hope the Judiciary and all of us, all right-thinking Nigerians would stand up firm to challenge what is going on because the minute you start using the Military and other security apparatus to hound Judges, the Chief Judge of this state was locked out of his own office when he attempted to go into his own court yesterday.This is not what was reported in the newspapers, you are hearing from me, that is what happened to the Chief Judge yesterday and his brother Judges.

And you have the police commissioner and other security agents who are in cahoots with those subverting the courts. I think there is no adjective to use for deprecating what is happening now, not even in the days of Military rule in this country was a court invaded and Judges beaten up.

After your tenure, are you going back to the classroom?

Oh certainly, I am a permanent student. I have already received a couple of offers both locally and internationally. I have a lot of jobs to do now. If I am going to go out at all, it will just for a short period to write and reflect on my experience in Ekiti, it would not be on a permanent basis.You know, I also have an on-going relationship with the University of Ibadan, the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies. And then, we just set up a Regional Institute for Peace and Governance in the Ekiti State University here, so either way, I am going back into the classroom, in one form or another.

Frankly, some people are not surprised that things are already moving in the direction that they predicted as far as the character of the person coming into the office is concerned

ceoConfidential #134, October 19, 2014

ESSENTIALS FOR ENTREPRENEURS

OutsOurce >26

>31 GETTING AHEAD

the weakest link >32 HOUSEKEEPING

mOst creative peOple in business >48 UPDATES

heritage bank, access bank, etisalat, Others win custOmer service awards

• Dr Bridget Obi Executive director, CFC

Obi’s selfless cOntributiOn tO sustainable develOpment

26 CEOConfidential

Sunday, October 19, 2014

in brief ESSENTIALS

10 Questions for...

FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Moses Eshiomonu CEO, Eagles Dome Nigeria Ltd

Outsource “Refuse to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful” Ric Ocasek, 1949American musician, formerly vocalist of The Cars and a producer for several other successful groups.

You may surprise yourself at the ease with which you overcome many new challenges. However, when you do recognise the need for skills you lack, outsource to find complementary expertise.

Stick to these three golden rules for best practice: 1. Look for a business partner, not just a provider.

2. Set and agree clear goals, objectives and expectations.

3. Develop a business relationship based on mutual trust.

Eventually you may be able to afford to bring the relevant function in-house and run it yourself.

Some very affordable and expert business service companies exist, so look for the right one for your business.

Call someone right now “Business is like riding a bicycle.

Either you keep moving or you fall down” Frank Lloyd Wright, 1867-1959 Architect and interior designer, termed the greatest American architect of all time by the American Institute of Architects.

Pick up the phone and call someone you respect in business or your industry to introduce yourself and your products.

Ensure that your conversation has a reason, is relevant and personalised, and you may find yourself a new client, a new member of your personal work, some fresh information on the industry you work in or someone who can pass on your details to interested contacts.

Networking has an important place in your business. Find someone in your network you haven’t yet met and ask them to lunch, so you can find out what they do, how it relates to you and how can help each other.

IF YOU’LL BE...

Robin Li Chairman/CEO, Baidu Inc Follow up your interests Li had showed a keen interest in computer right from his high school. He became keen on computer, at that point to take part in programming competitions. In 1987, at final exam, he obtained the best score of his city.

Then he went to Peking University and four years later to Buffalo for his PhD in computer science. In 1994, he interrupted it in order to get his MSc. He used the knowledge he gathered to establish his company, Baidu.

Use your upbringing to your advantage Li’s knowledge of Chinese culture and his skills in technology allowed him to offer a perfect search engine for Chinese market. Being a Chinese who had lived in China, it was as an important factor that helped him incorporate the locals into his business. He preferred to sell his services to China and he is worth $15.5bn now.

– By Olujide Olusola

TIMELESS TRUTHS Follow up on everything “Unsuccessful commanders issue orders and then return to their card games at headquarters.

They believe the simple act of issuing n order will immediately cause everything to fall into place, and the battle will go their way just because they said so. They expect everything to go exactly according to their plans. That is as unrealistic as it is stupid. A successful commander issues an order and then makes damn sure it’s not only carried out but working as planned. If things go wrong, or a situation changes, the commander will be aware of it immediately and be able to change the orders in response. Don’t just jump to conclusions and don’t just make assumptions. Follow up on everything.”

General George S. Patton

3. If you were to start your own political party, what would be the platform?

A party that will focus on social justice and equality among Nigerians.

4. Whom would you trade places with?

President Barrack Obama; the first black president of the United State of America.

5.It’s 8 p.m. and you are travelling alone on business. What do you do all night?

I’ll pray, committing the business trip to God’s hand; then sleep.

6. If you could time-travel, where would you be.

In the time where my company would be renowned worldwide, having braches both at home and abroad.

7. What have you learnt about yourself as you serve in that organisation?

I have learnt that I’m dogged, transparent and make good use of any slight opportunity.

8. What have you sacrificed for success?

Distractors, bad friends and pride.

9. What do you consider your favourite achievement?

Seeing my clients smile and nod their heads in satisfaction to a job well done.

10. What is your motto?

I am at the top and not below.

Interview by Daniel Udechukwu

group

ceoConfidential ASST. EDITOR Daniel Udechukwu CORRESPONDENT Salome Anyasodo REPORTER Olusola Olujide GRAPHICS Matthew Akhabue

1. What business do you not want to start but wish someone else would?

An indigenous construction company that will be involved in building houses, bridges, and sky scrapers.

2. Which TV or movie character would you like to go into business with?

Desmond Elliot. I like the way he interprets his roles in movies. He is simply cute, charming and presentable.

ACTING EDITOR Auwal Sa'id Mu'azu

FOUNDER Sam Nda-Isaiah CHAIRMAN Hajiya Ireti Kingibe GRP MANAGING DIRECTOR Azubuike Ishiekwene GRP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Michael Okpere, Dr. Kazeem Durodoye

A number of the articles here are sourced from diverse sources.

Feedback & enquiries ceoconfidential@leadership.ng

CEOConfidential

Sunday, October 19, 2014

27

popular with CEOs Compiled by Salome Anyasodo

The RecommendeR What are the business quotes for this week that make sense or are just humourous?

A BRief Guide Don’t know what you want to see, hear, smell taste and feel? Don’t worry we did it for you.

SEE The Maze runner

Prepaid meter

electricity transformer

The need for better electricity metering The federal government’s move recently to unbundled the entire power sector was a right step on the right direction, thus introducing the use of smarter prepaid meters that would check excesses and guarantee accountability in the industry as far as electricity consumption is concerned.

The introduction of prepaid meters in the sector much earlier helped to regulate the use of power and ascertain consumption to equate payment.

The use of prepaid meters would bring succour to Nigerian investors because

they are tamper-proof. The practice of many consumers to bypass meters and connect directly would also be a thing of the past. These meters would read even when it has been by-passed by the customer and at very low voltage thus saving energy.

It is sad to note that some prepaid meters melts during usage, and this has become a recurring event. This has been noted as part of the metering gap in the country which brings great discomfort to millions of electricity consumers nationwide.

On the other hand, the gap

provides a huge opportunity for businesses with the capacity to produce prepaid meters of global standards, which would, indeed, add value in the industry in terms of accountability. Setting up of the meter manufacturing factory in Nigeria would put a stop to unwholesome dumping of low quality metering solutions in Nigeria. The factory will also create job for the teeming Nigerians, as well as provide a veritable avenue for the injection of value to the unbundling programme of the federal government on the power sector.

People do not resist change. They resist being changed.

Peter senge, Scientist

hEar Fela Dutotoye, CEO, Gemstone Group, at Port harcourt Book Festival

Oh, you hate your job? Why didn’t you say so? There is a support group for that. It is called everybody and they meet at the bar.

Drew carey,

Comedian

Dr. Plamen Dochev, Vice President Incotex Group “we can assure nigerians that the era of crazy billing and estimated billing has come to an end.”

Dochev

BiZ LinGo

Wackaging

sir collins onyeama, Managing Director, Techno Gas and Power, “we entered the partnership to ensure that consumers in a very short period can have their meters after purchase.”

Change before you have to.

things such as, “We should be prepared to pivot off collateral from our linear development.”

Although some of the geeks - sorry, bloggers and techies - who favour this Americanism may be unaware of its origins, the usage comes from basketball, when one foot stays put while the other one swivels to point somewhere new. In practice it’s about massive miscalculations and recovering from them, whether by strategising or mere luck, afterwards arguing that you have retained your core vision.

With the theme: ‘Possibilities for Nigeria @ 100’, the festival is filled with programmes that include interactive sessions, symposia, writers’ workshop, drama performances and events for children.

The event holds on Tuesday, October 20 through 25, 2014, at the Atlantic Hall, Hotel Presidential, Port Harcout by 9am.

TaSTE Caramel, Chocolate and Candy apples

Giada starts with a blanket of sweet caramel over crisp seasonal apples, adorned with melted dark chocolate and crunchy nuts or candy for an over-the-top presentation. They are very healthy for any occasion.

Jack welch,

Businessman

FEEL 2015 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

onyeama

Confined until recently to start up jargon and the language of pop tech, the term pivot (verb or noun) has now escaped its boundaries to become one of the most overused, hence irritating bizwords around (among p-words only the approving adjective planful is more excruciating). Applying a positive spin, one commentator states that pivots happen “when a change of direction occurs but [is] grounded in previously validated learning’s”, while the social entrepreneurs at the sharp end have started saying

Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they are all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow “runners” for a shot at escape.

The action/adventure film features actors such as Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter and has a duration of 113 minutes.

A totally murdered-out Porsche 911 test mule caught testing on European roads. The GTS should arrive in showrooms toward the end of this year, following an auto-show debut.

Positioned above the $99,850 Carrera S with 400 horsepower will likely still have its 3.8-liter flat-six engine.

SMELL Corporation: An ingenious device for obtaining profit without individual responsibility. ambrose bierce,

Satirist

Brioni

The new fragrance Brioni as Eau de Toilette – developing the new composition – whose top notes offer flavours of coldpressed Sicilian lemon. A refreshing heart is created of magnolia, iris and violet. Base notes provide depth and an abundance of shades of saffron, labdanum and black liquorice.

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CEOConfidential

Sunday,October 19, 2014

The ceoConfidential interview Obi’s selfless contribution to sustainable development The former commissioner of women affairs re-counts her involvement to improve standards of living of women and children of rural and urban dwellers in Nigeria.

Interview by anYasODO salOMe

OBI IN SHORT Dr Bridget Obi is the executive director, Children of the Farmers Club (CFC), an international NGO that promotes agriculture at the grassroots, focusing on youths.

She is an HND graduate of Business Administration/Management, and holds an Honourary Doctorate Degree (Honourary Causa) in Business Administration in recognition for her diligence.

Dr Obi is an advocate for women and youths empowerment for self reliance, economic empowerment and poverty reduction.

She has received international training in various fields.

She is a member of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Women Renewable Energy Network Nigeria and Climate Change Network of Nigeria among others.

We have to go to them for best results...

I am usually up quite early because by the nature of my job, it requires early runs of visiting farming communities, organising the community members into clusters for training, inspecting the progress of their farm lands, giving out of fertilisers, seedlings; following them up, doing the necessary registration and documentation, teaching them how to access loans either on individual or corporative basis, especially for dry season farming. I carryout this interactive on regular basis.

My routine involves…

We do not wait for them to come to us, we have to go to them for best results. Also, we meet with stakeholders such as ministry of agriculture, banks, and entrepreneurial agencies that we work with.

I try to live a balancedlife…

To live a balanced -life, I participate in activities within women and other social groups since my

children are all grown ups. I love to relax, most especially as age is setting in. I take holidays to see my kids. I love my sleep, I also swim and love to dance and listen to music. I love to cook too especially when my family is together.

We promote awareness for cleaner energy...

In 2000, we won an award in the African category of the Commonwealth prize out of our innovation to use young people in the community to make a living. Also, we promote renewable energy because what most people do not know is that smoke is dangerous and they still cook with open fires thus, making smoke related illness and deaths come second killer after malaria and HIV/AIDS. So we promote awareness for cleaner energy.

Focusing on women begets better livelihood…

I believe that Nigerian farmers are aging and there is the need to encourage the youth to get back to the farmland. Hence we focus on communities, women

CEOConfidential

Sunday, October 19, 2014

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OBI On Challenges

Challenges we experience are only momentary; but with focus and the right people, challenges will be surpassed and youth especially – those who have finished secondary school and have nothing doing – and those who come from farming communities. When you focus on women, the children, and the community in turn get a better livelihood.

We encourage people to cultivate wealth in their various communities....

We teach that even in agriculture they can survive, and support each other.

We are people-oriented.

Our focus is to capture the people sleeping under the bridge; to encourage them to go to farm at home and earn a better life and sleep in their own homes.

We are out to stop the drift of youth leaving the community for the older ones. If they [the youth] leave, who then makes it better. We encourage people to cultivate wealth in their various communities.

My motivation is to see a better society…

My greatest motivation is seeing people who are helpless experience a change in lifestyle; either by accessing fund from government, banks, cooperatives or good will donors to progress agriculturally. All these are made possible because someone brought the right information to them, gave them support throughout the process because most of these people are not formally literate. When they have such access, they are empowered, their families are empowered and we have a better society.

Empower others in the community...

No matter what one has

achieved personally, life is not just about oneself and family. Being a former commissioner of women affairs in Anambra State, and now empowering at the grassroots, it has taught me that life is all about selfless service.

Life is not just about your immediate family. If others in the community are ignored and underpowered, they will make the society intolerable for everyone.

So even if we all train our children abroad and ignore those in our community, the community still will not be safe or be at peace or progress. This is the reason most people go abroad and do not want to come back. So do no be selfish; give back to the society.

I believe nothing is impossible...

The need for improvement and passion to help is my God-given gift. Though it requires always sharing what you have to raise or uplift them.

Challenges we experience are only momentary; but with focus and the right people, challenges will be surpassed. I believe nothing is impossible. I am relentless and tied to my vision. As I do them, I have more open doors. Serving the society is doing God’s work, and in return you are uplifted.

Do not give up...

Do not give up.

Ignore quick money syndrome. Have a good entrepreneurial, mentorship foundation.

Learn a skill despite your formal education.

Do more than just talk.

Bridge societal gaps by creating wealth to have a better society. We may not enjoy the benefits but our children will.

CEOConfidential

Sunday, October 19, 2014

initiatives

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Lere Baale, lerebaale@gmail.com

Leadership Inspiration for Excellence – (LIFE) series

Leadership competency as the greatest driver of Africa’s development (IV) Political Scientists describe this phenomenon of the blame game as Dependency Theory, a symptom of a symbiotic relationship between the rich and the poor where the poor is dealt the weak hand, deliberately.

The late Walter Rodney, the Guyanan historian painstakingly wrote a book about that titled, “How Europe Under-Developed Africa.” This is no longer absolutely tenable.

The reality of the matter is that the major culprits of the destruction of Africa today, are Africans themselves - our corrupt leaders and their bands of sycophant, president doesno-wrong minions.

Major corruption in African officialdom continues to cause degenerative underdevelopment on the continent. African countries have become

HOW I DID IT

Anne Mulcahy, former CEO, Xerox

the personal estates of official criminal gangs whose avowed aim is not the development of their countries, but rather the siphoning off of national resources into foreign banks.

Officials in the tiny European principality of Luxembourg got frozen eight bank accounts totalling over 600 million U.S. dollars, belonging to the late super corrupt Sani Abacha of Nigeria. This is one example of how our African leaders contribute to the under-development of Africa! There are various electronic publications containing several of amounts belonging to our past and current African leaders.

Corruption Official corruption siphons off money intended for the development of Africa.

Apart from making a lot

‘The reality of the matter is that the major culprits of the destruction of Africa today are Africans themselves’ of profit on the interest on investments accruing from Africa’s stolen money, Europeans turn around and loan such money to Africa at exorbitant rates.

Thus, in nearly all-African countries today, we spend more money to pay the interest on such loans (not on the debt itself) than we do on Health and Education!

In effect, African countries are played like a football.

Whoever has the ball kicks it until it is near deflation!

It is then pumped up by some foreign loans, and the process continues.

Such has been our lot since independence. Africa suffers from chronic intermittent growth, and perpetual deflation.

Another method whereby our African leaders contribute to the underdevelopment of Africa is the pursuit of wrongheaded policies that result in rampant and continuing wars in Africa.

At this very moment, at least sixteen African countries are involved in some form of warfare or another. In this manner, African leaders spend a lot of money buying various types of armaments and ammunition from Europe, America and elsewhere.

In this manner, money intended for development projects, are spent on the project of war making.

Meanwhile, the money we spend on the arms purchases, provides jobs

and income for people in other continents.

In the early 1990s, it was hoped that corrupt policies that contributed to the under-development of Africa would stop. In fact, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, was so infatuated with this notion of a new wind of leadership blowing across Africa. He described it as the “African Renaissance”.

There was rebirth in the air. Notably, new leaders in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Rwanda, and Uganda, not to mention President Mbeki, were seen as purveyors of accountability, good governance, and mature decision-making.

CONtiNues Next week

Former CEO on why succession should not be a horse race Xerox, named Ursula Burns its CEO in 2009, marking the end of nearly drama-free succession process. That was no accident: The outgoing CEO had spent nearly a decade orchestrating a smooth transition.

In early 2007 Ursula Burns and I had dinner at a French restaurant on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It was quiet and expensive-which was uncharacteristic for us. But we needed a place where we could talk. At the time, Ursula was a senior vice president at Xerox and the leading candidate to succeed me as CEO. We were about to

announce that she was being promoted to president and would join the board of directors- a move intended to signal that the CEO job was hers to win. It seemed like a smooth transition on the surface.

But it’s fair to say that we were arguing behind the scenes, though I would prefer to call it debating.

We were having trouble draw a line between our roles for the period until she became CEO. We were playing the org-chart game, debating who would report to whom, and who’d have responsibility for what.

Ursula rightly wanted as much responsibility as possible soon as

possible so that she would be well prepared for Xerox. As president, she wanted most of the company reporting to her and that did not work for me. We never let our team see that there was a conflict between us, but there was-so we called a time-out. We asked our CFO to come to dinner and act as facilitator. We talked honestly about how to provide the best transition experience for Ursula while being sensitive to the fact that it was hard for me to step back and give up power. And we talked about how, through the process, we would put the company first.

30 CEOConfidential

Sunday, October 19 2014

situation reports Compiled by Olujide Olusola

Brand Beginnings ESPN: World leader in sports

E

SPN, Inc. is a pioneer among basic cable television networks, devoting its entire programming to a single subject: sports.

By 2002 the company’s flagship network, ESPN, reached more than 87 million households and televised all of the major professional leagues: baseball, football, hockey, and basketball. ESPN is an American-based global cable and satellite television channel that focuses on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports highlight and talk shows, and other original programming.

Debut On September 7, 1979 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, an estimated 30,000 viewers tuned in to witness the launch of ESPN. Simultaneously, ESPN debuted its first SportsCenter telecast with anchors Lee Leonard and George Grande. The first words spoken were from Leonard who informed viewers: “If you love sports...if you really love sports, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to sports heaven.” The first score Grande announced was Chris Evert’s victory over Billie Jean King at the US Open. SportsCenter lasted a half-hour, consisting mainly of videotaped highlights. Following the conclusion of the telecast, the network aired a slow-pitch softball game along with other programming, including wrestling and college soccer. SportsCenter, the channel’s flagship program, would grow in popularity throughout its history and became known for the six-note theme (colloquially referred to as “DaDaDa, DaDaDa”) that was written by John Colby, who served as ESPN’s music director, producer and composer from 1984 to 1992 (who has also served as the music director and bandleader for the ESPY Awards since the show’s inception in 1993, and has composed themes for other ESPN programs and sports telecasts including college sports, NBA and NFL broadcasts, Outside the Lines and ESPNews).

Management IDEAS

In 1993, Sporting News named Roarty the sixth most powerful figure in American sports, citing his early commitment to ESPN. International expansion In the early 1990s, ESPN established a new division, ESPN International, to take advantage of the growing satellite markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America. ESPN would also purchase a minority stake in a consortium known as NetStar Communications, which was formed to acquire the Canadian sports networks TSN and RDS from Labatt; due to rules regarding the foreign ownership of television broadcasters in Canada, Labatt could no longer own TSN after its purchase

by Interbrew. After the majority stake in the network was sold to CTV (which in turn was acquired by Bell Globemedia in 2011), TSN adopted an ESPN-styled logo, and rebranded its sports news program as SportsCentre (a Canadian English version of SportsCenter).

In 2004, ESPN entered the European market by launching a version of ESPN Classic, and then by acquiring the North American Sports Network (which was relaunched as ESPN America in February 2009). In August 2009, ESPN also launched a domestic channel for the United Kingdom and Ireland after acquiring domestic rights to 46 Barclays Premier League matches for the forthcoming season, and 23 matches each for the following three seasons. The deal replaced a previous contract with Setanta Sports GB, which was experiencing financial difficulties and bankruptcy.

Principal Operating Units ESPN; ESPN2; ESPN Classic; ESPNews; ESPN HD; ESPN Interactive; ESPN International; ESPN Original Entertainment; ESPN Outdoors; ESPN The Magazine; ESPN Radio; ESPN.com; ESPN ABC Sports Customer Marketing and Sales.

Globalisation

All right, so globalisation is not, strictly speaking, a management idea. It’s a worldwide phenomenon.

But such a phenomenon, and so worldwide, that it has forced managers to rethink their markets, their production strategies, their supply chains and their sources of competitive advantage. And if some of them believe that globalisation is a one-way street, perhaps they should rethink that too.

Like many of the idea that management has to wrestle with, globalisation is not a new one. International trade was in full swing along the Silk Road by the second century BC, and the years leading up the First

World War were the high-point of ‘internationalism’, a frenzy of cross-border trade and investment.

It’s only the fact that national economies turned I on themselves between the two world wars that make the current phase of internationalism feel like a novelty at all. So managers have had to deal with it before, though not, it’s true, on quite this scale, at this speed and with this intensity. One new ingredients, the one that has amplified all the above, is technology – a coming together of telecommunications, the computer and the Net which has made the world a smaller, smarter, speedier place.

success nuggets

What to learn from LeBron James and his bazillion dollar salary LeBron James makes what my southern grandmother used to call “sweet Jesus!” money. It’s because we pay to stand in awe of his abilities. But standing in awe of his bankroll? That’s a waste of valuable time. Here’s what is the gist. LeBron makes his money, and exponentially billions more dollars for TV networks, shoe companies and donut shops, doing what the vast majority of us tried to do and failed. If the dents in the garage door of my middle school home could talk, they would tell you I actually did spend 10,000 hours in the driveway missing layups and clanking free throws off the front, back, and underside of the rim, proving to Malcom Gladwell that not everyone can be great with herculean effort alone.

Basketball is a simple sport to understand. LeBron does what billions of us cannot. “As entrepreneurs, it is our job, our career calling, to find out what we do to make others stand in awe of us. In turn, we get paid handsomely if we do it,” LeBron James has both fans, who are his customers, and competition, the other players on the court.

Understanding you already spend a lot of time assessing the competition, let’s instead look at what customers assess when deciding if they want to become fans of your business, whether they do it consciously or not.

There are three simple degrees of measure to rating you fan base.

Cost of entry to earn a Fan: Do something customers don’t want to do. Trillions of dollars are spent by organizations outsourcing work either not in their core competency or work that is just too annoying to do. This is obviously still a good business, but when we do something our customers can just do themselves, our business relationship is in great risk- at best. The janitorial industry took a significant punch in the gut during the recession because, deep down, people know they can empty their own trash cans. When belts tighten, everyone looks for things they can do without. They might hate to do it, but when they cannot afford the luxury, those are the first to go.

Finding a Season Ticket Holder: Do something customers don’t know how to do. This is a reasonably safe place to be, but it is not without vulnerability.

These customers are for the most part loyal, but if you let them down they might just learn how

Lebron James to do the task, or more likely just find someone to do the same thing cheaper. This is the world of oil changes and airlines. The vast majority of consumers will go by price or loyalty. Anyone can learn how to change their own oil, but it’s pretty low on the priority list.

The bulk of businesses are in this category, making competition fierce. Everyone is after the billions of dollars here, making for shorter lifespans of businesses chasing said greenbacks. My CEO coach taught me the major strategic mistake most businesses make is to frame competition as about being the best--competing in the same arena. However, through that framework, no company really is or stays the best for long. It is the companies who create their own arena, or invent the playing field and play where no one else is playing win the game of strategic differentiation. Which leads to...

Earning Lifelong Fanatics: Offer something your customers simply cannot do. These industries get to set their price and will be around until someone either out innovates them or their offerings become instantly antiquated. Medicine, aerospace, there are obvious ones. To make it even more difficult to stay in this game, every industry, the aforementioned especially, is in a constant state of evolution.

Making sure to do what your customers cannot is a fulltime job.

Which is exactly why this is where you need to be as an entrepreneur.

Establish whatever you do for business as absolutely essential to your customers’ success. Make that even better by keeping them in awe of what you do. The best way to guarantee the future of any company is to stay indispensable.

The only way to do that is to nurture a fan base and keep them in awe of your abilities.

Nobody but one person can be LeBron James on the basketball court. But we absolutely must make people marvel. In truth, that’s all he really does. Learn from him. Understand his worth. And be like LeBron.