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SATURDAY No. 461

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Police To Restore Tambuwal’s Security Detail

Struggle For Better Kaduna Begins Now – el-Rufai

analysis paGe 68

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FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

Nwobodo’s Son’s Corpse Missing, Burial Postponed paGe 66

06.12.14

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pdp senatorial tickets

Govs Uduaghan, Chime Forced Out By Power Play Party moves Adamawa primaries to Abuja Primaries may not hold in Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Ogun, Oyo

Chibok Diary DAY 236

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South African children cheer and pose beside the Nelson Mandela statue at the Union Buildings in Pretoria yesterday.

South Africans are spending the day in rememberance of the antiapartheid hero who passed away on December 5, 2013. Photo by AFP

Soyinka, Odinkalu Welcome expansion Of BBOg Focus

> Page 2

chibok diary 236 DAY

Leadership weeKeNd Saturday, December 6, 2014 CHibok tweets @giftedhandsjo #BringBackOurGirls they deserve comfort #BringBackOurGirls they are our wives, sisters, in-laws and family nenation#prayforNIGERIA.

@Umar2k Day214.Keep The Hope Alive, Don’t Relent Keep Demanding Until They Are Back And Alive @AishaYesufu Your voice alone can be done that makes it happen. Do something even if alone.

@goodereseh Every1 of us ll be celebrating this Xmas N new year wit our family.Wat abt d missin girls fam? Who ll they celebrate wit? @SharonDAgostino 7 months! We cannot forget over 200 girls in Nigeria who are depending on us to keep the world aware of their captivity.

@goodereseh A nation where 200+ girls are still missing isn’t safe at all. The govt should guarantee your safety vote wise now.

@goodereseh GEJ Nigeria will sincerely vote for you if you bring back the missing girls.

@tilevbare @EkyShirley It’s been 214 days. Its almost Christmas. Lord, please ease the anguish of those parents and let the powers that be.

COMPILED BY agBO augustInE

Members of #BringBackOurGirls during one of their village square meetings at the Unity Fountain, Abuja.

PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

Soyinka, Odinkalu Welcome Expansion Of BBOG Focus

By EjikE EjikE, Abuja

In line with #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group consideration for expansion of focus to include other recent happenings in the country which have greatly affected the demand for the rescue of the abducted Chibok girls; prominent Nigerians including a nobel haureate, Prof Wole Soyinka and the chairman, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Professor, Chidi OdinKalu have expressed interest to support the group.

In working draft document obtained by LEADERSHIP, the group noted that “As a result of the changing environment, declining state of security and an identified need for a shift in the single-issue mandate of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, we were charged with the responsibility of building an expansion strategy.

“In doing so, the group has identified a 5- step process, which included identification of desired future outcomes, general description of the current realities,

identification of the gap between current realities and desired outcomes, including an assessment of current trajectory, its shortcomings, the hindrances to achieving desired outcomes, and potential solutions to bridging that gap, Identification and matching of coalition partners and engagements with coalition partners, iteration and road mapping, including milestones, timelines and a final decision on the new name/hashtag,” part of the statement read.

The document also noted that to arrive at a general description of current realities, recent events were analysed and root causes considered; further listed events to include: the abduction of the Chibok girls; the massacre of innocent school children in Buni yadi and Potiskum; the rise of violence and general insecurity across the nation; the continued loss of Nigeria’s territorial space and displacement of individuals; the communication gap between the leadership and the led,

occasioned by the litany of lies and the resultant breakdown in trust among others.

As part of the plan also, the group is proposing that these events have led to a conclusion that the aim of the new movement will be “to build a network based on trust and mutual respect that would establish a viable social contract and improved access to good governance, transparency, accountability, inclusivity and participation, towards achieving a more unified and prosperous Nigeria” The BBOG has been advocating for the rescue of the remaining 219 school girls abducted by the Boko Haram sect in Government secondary school Chibok on April, 14 for seven months now, and with the incessant attack and increased activities of the sect, which are gradually overshadowing the efforts to rescue the girls, there became need for expansion of the demand of the group.

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our stand Saturday, December 6, 2014

Insurgency, The Shame Of The Political Class

W

ith the way things are going, diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States of America may soon be hurt. Before Nigeria’s alleged withdrawal of its soldiers from US-facilitated military training, the federal government had expressed regret that America’s pledge to help in the fight against insurgency had become mere rhetoric, especially as the USA refused to sell to it weapons that would have made all the difference in the ongoing war against terror in the country. Nigeria also accused the US of blocking its move to source arms from other countries such as Israel. For its part, the US has consistently made its reservations known regarding perceived human rights abuses by the Nigerian military.

To overcome this challenge in the face of the Boko Haram sect’s onslaught, the federal government resorted to black market deals that led to the embarrassing South Africa incident. Now, the director general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri, is claiming that Nigeria has not withdrawn from the military training.

Whatever the situation, it is our

view that the federal government has for too long subjected Nigerians to a bumpy ride, as far as its execution of the war on insurgency is concerned. The government – and that includes the executive and legislative arms, as well as the military – ought to hide its face in shame.

President Goodluck Jonathan has displayed a total lack of statecraft in his decision-making processes thus far. The legislature, some members of which are even accused of aiding and abetting the insurgency, talk about it with nauseating detachment. And while Nigerians continue to look to the military for reasons to believe that the institution is capable of guaranteeing their safety, the

Ag. Editor Catherine Agbo Deputy Editor Kazeem Akintunde Editorial Board Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman Christian Ochiama, Deputy Chairman Standards ’Lara Olugbemi, Assistant Director

pervading feeling of despondency has reached a point where they are resorting to self-help.

Our argument remains that only Nigeria and Nigerians can find ways to end the insurgency.

Any help from elsewhere will remain what it is – assistance that the party offering it reserves the right to withdraw without apology. The politicians have not shown the seriousness required in the management of the war to encourage outsiders to lend a hand.

The killing and the abduction of the nation’s children are apparently not enough to make them see the need to stop politicising a matter that is threatening to dismember the country. All they appear to be concerned about are the upcoming elections and who gets what position. Some eminent Nigerians are beginning to express their concern about this irresponsible disposition of the political class in the face of looming disaster.

In our opinion, the attempt by certain elements to derive political gain from the insurgency in the northeast smacks of selfishness and insensitivity unprecedented in the annals of the Nigerian nation, and we insist that no other country should be made to share in it. The political class has failed in this instance and must admit it.

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah

Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Divisional Directors Iyobosa Uwugiaren Salisu Alhassan Bichi General Managers Aminu Abubakar Sule Abdulmumin Balogun Zipporah D. Tanko

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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!

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Saturday, December 6, 2014

Saturday, December 6, 2014

NEWS 5

6 NEWS

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Insecurity: Politician/VIPs Who May Not Vote In 2015

By Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri; MOHAMMED ISMAIL, Yola; HUSSAINI JIRGI, DAMATURU

With the war on terror still raging in the northeast region, specifically in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, there is possibility that some prominent politicians will not be able to vote, at least not in their wards or constituencies.

For now, despite repeated assertions by the federal government that it was on top of the situation and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) assuring that it is bent on holding elections in those troubled states, the scenario looks bleak.

To put the situation in context, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lamented the high number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the northeastern states of Adamawa, Yobe and Borno, which according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) stands at 740,000.

However, as the 2015 general elections approaches, there are fears that many Nigerians, especially those living in the volatile northeast where Boko Haram is wreaking havoc, may be disenfranchised.

Borno As at press time, not less than 12 major local government areas of Borno State are under siege

by Boko Haram terrorists, leading to the displacement of members of the communities to various camps in the state capital, Maiduguri.

This development has given rise to concerns that many in the affected states may not participate in the forthcoming 2015 elections if the situation does not improve before then.

In Bama local government area of Borno State, some of the top public and political figures include Alhaji Kyari Sandabe, a former secretary to Borno State government and one of the old permanent secretaries in northern Nigeria; House of Representatives member, Abdurrahman Terrab, who represents Bama Federal Constituency; Alhaji Alamin Kamselem, son of former inspector general of police, Alhaji Kamselem and former commissioner for Information during the

time of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff; Senator Muhammed Abba Aji, a former senator who represented Borno Central from 2003-2007, as well as former adviser on politics to President Goodluck Jonathan; Alhaji Abba Asheik, a former chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE); Alhaji Modu Gusube, a chieftain of the defunct NPN and one of the elders in Bama; Alhjai Ibrahim Bulama, a former commissioner and popular grassroots politician in the state; Hon. Babagana Tijjani Banki, a former House of Reps member representing Bama Federal Constituency who served between 2003 and 2011 and lastly, Alhaji Umar Kumshe, a former House of Reps member during the 2nd republic and the 2011 governorship candidate of Kowa Party in Borno State.

In Konduga local government which is also under the control of the Boko Haram, big names like Senator Kaka Mallam Yale, a grassroots politician, who served as commissioner before he was elected senator between 2007 and 2011. He served recently as the interim caretaker chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Professor Abba Tijjani, a professor of mathematics who in 2011 was appointed by Governor Kashim Shettima as chairman and commissioner of the Primary Education Board and Hon Ali Bukar Dalori, the present chairman of APC in Borno State, who was until recently the member representing Konduga at the House of Assembly, before he was nominated party chairman.

In Gwoza local government, top amongst the politicians that would likely be disenfranchised are: Senator Muhammed Ali Ndume, the controversial member of the National Assembly who is still very popular amongst his people after serving twice as House of Reps member before he was elected senator in 2011; Senator Abubakar Mahdi formerly represented Southern Borno senatorial district from 1999- 2003; Senator Muhammed Hambagda is another former senator from Gwoza who served twice between 2003 and 2007. He became controversially popular in 2007 when he championed the third term agenda of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Gamboru-Ngala local government is another council area overran by Boko Haram. Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, the immediate former governor of the state and one of the most powerful political figures in Borno hails from the area.

Damboa is one of the first local government areas of Borno State that fell to Boko Haram. Till date, over 15, 000 persons from that local government area, which is about 85km away from Maiduguri, are still under the Boko Haram stranglehold. Personalities that may not be able to cast their votes in their electoral units in Damboa include the minister of state for power, Barrister Muhammed Wakil, who came into the limelight when he was House of Reps majority leader at the House of Reps from 1999-2003.

The former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Engineer Muhammed Abba Gana, also hails from Damboa and may not be able to cast his vote in his agrarian home town, as well as Hon Ayamu Lawan Gwasha, the longest serving Borno lawmaker who hails from Damboa.

Mafa local government, which is about 40 kilometers away from Maiduguri also has its residents besieged by Boko Haram, and House of Reps members, Mahmud Lawan, who was known as a popular grassroots politician that shot himself from local government chairmanship to House of Reps in 2011, and Alhaji Muhammed Elyakub, may not be able to cast their votes in their home towns should the Boko Haram occupation persist.

In Askira-Uba local government, which was recently sacked

by Boko Haram, politicians like Hon Ishaku Shara, who was at the House of Reps between 2003 and 2007; Hon Abdullahi Askira, a former House of Assembly member now chairman of Borno State House of Assembly Service Commission; Mala Gadzama, a senatorial aspirant and Ambassador Obed Gadzama, the immediate former Nigerian top envoy in Spain, may not have the chance to vote come 2015.

In Abadam local government, which is now deserted as residents have fled to Niger Republic after Boko Haram attacked, among other big names, Hon Goni Ali Modu, the impeached speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, may not have the

chance to vote come 2015.

Mobbar local government also came under the shadow of Boko Haram, forcing residents to flee.

In Mobbar, politicians like Alhaji Gambo Lawan, one time chairman of Warri Refinery; Alhaji Muhammed Goni, the state’s first executive governor who ruled between 1979 and 1983 and later contested for the same position in 2011; Hon Abubakar Kyari, the present chief of staff to Governor Kashim Shettima, who was in the House of Reps between 1999 and 2003, and now contesting for the senate seat for northern Borno; powerful woman politician, Hajiya Fati Kakenna Monguno, who had once contested the senatorial seat for northern Borno in 2003, served as commissioner in the last Police Service Commission and now the woman leader of APC in the state and lastly, Alhaji Lawan Kareto, a former national treasurer of the PDP, all may not be able to vote in their constituency come 2015 .

Kukawa local government area which is also under siege by Boko Haram, has personalities like Senator Maina Maaji Lawan, a former governor of Borno state, and now three time senator representing northern Borno senatorial district and Senator Sanusi Daggash, both of whom may not be able to cast there votes.

Adamawa The scenario in Adamawa State is not so different. As the insurgency continues to rock Adamawa State, leading to the annexation of territories many senior government officials and politicians are also not likely to vote in the 2015 general elections.

Top politicians and government officials from the northern part of Adamawa State bedeviled by insurgency, will be unable to vote if the situation persists. The situation compelled the PDP to move voting in the affected areas to Yola during the just concluded state House of Assembly primaries.

Currently, the two local governments of Madagali and Michika are under the control of Boko Haram insurgents, while the conduct of elections in Mubi North, Mubi South and Maiha local governments, recently recaptured by the combined team of soldiers and local hunters, is still a subject for conjecture.

The major casualty will be the

incumbent governor, Bala James Ngillari, whose local government, Madagali, has been in the hands of insurgents for months.

Similarly, the immediate acting governor of the state, who is the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, may be disenfranchised from voting if the situation doesn’t improve.

Retired General Muhammad Buba Marwa, who participated in the botched October 11 PDP primaries; former governor of Adamawa State, who is a minister in President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet, Mr Boni Haruna; and another former governor of the state, Sale Michika may all also not vote in their local government, Michika, which has also been under insurgent control for months.

The immediate chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adamawa State chapter, who is gunning for the senatorial ticket of Adamawa northern zone, Madam Binta Masi Garba, may also be affected due to the siege on Michika local government by Boko Haram that lasted many months.

Also affected is a member of the House of Representatives representing Michika/Madagali, Titsi Ganama whose constituency has been gutted by Boko Haram insurgency.

Another prominent politician from Adamawa North who may not vote in the 2015 general elections is the former adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters, Barr. Ahmed A Gulak, who hails from Madagali local government area.

Yobe Former Yobe State governor and serving senator, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, from Goneri in Gujba local government area of the state, where Boko Haram has a grip, stated: “There is a widespread fear among many residents, including politicians like me. So I don’t think I would visit my people unless peace is returned,” Bukar said in a recent interview.

Another politician from Gujba local government area of the state, who is the national secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mai Mallam Buni-Yadi, is also one of those who may be affected by the insurgency, come 2015.

Govs Uduaghan, Chime Forced Out By Power Play ➔ FROM PAGE 5

tions, the national working committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has invited all major stakeholders in Borno and Yobe states to a crucial meeting at the national secretariat in Abuja on Saturday, December 6, 2014.

“While stakeholders from Bor-

no State are to meet with the NWC at 12 noon, those from Yobe will meet with the party leadership at 2pm on the same day.”

The party leadership also announced that the Anambra National Assembly primaries earlier scheduled for today has been postponed. However, it did not

announce a new date for the postponed primaries.

Primaries may not hold in Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Ogun, Oyo While the primaries into the National Assembly are expected to hold in 32 states, it may not hold in Taraba, Yobe, Ogun, Oyo

and Borno.

The party leadership was locked in the meeting yesterday evening as they tried to resolve and fix dates for the states before the national convention billed for December 10 and 11.

A reliable source told LEADERSHIP Weekend that the NWC met to sort out the grey areas

in order to ensure that they fix dates and find a solution to the issues affecting the states.

The source said, “The party leadership has to resolve the issues in the states so that a new date can be fixed for primaries in those states preferably before the December 10 and 11 national convention of our party.”

news across the states 7

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Minister Wants Arewa, Northern Elite To Join Forces With Security Agencies To End Insurgency Special adviser to the president on Ethics and Values, Dr Sarah Jibril, has challenged the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to join forces with northern elite, security agencies and other paramilitary formations in enlightening the locals on the implications of continued insurgency in the northeast, saying that insecurity could culminate in unemployment, slow progress and more problems within the next five to ten years if not checkmated.

She stated this in Abuja yesterday during the public presentation of a book titled, ‘President’s Diary: Nigeria’s Ethical Revolution’, published by Initiative for Advancement of Ethical Standard (INADES) in collaboration with the office of the special adviser to the president on Ethics and Values.

The 410- page book written by different experts on different topics and compiled by INADES, chronicles the activities of the past administrations and efforts of President Jonathan in sustaining ethics and values as part of his transformation agenda Jibril, who described the National Assembly fracas as show of gross ignorance and neglect of the constitution, decried as unfortunate, the weak culture of constitutionalism practised in Nigeria.

By Chika Okeke, Abuja

Bauchi APC Primaries: Ex-police Minister Alleges Rigging, Heads For Court

Former minister of police affairs, Dr Ibrahim Yakubu Lame, has yesterday rejected results of the Wednesday governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), even as he threatened to go to court should the party fail to call for a rerun.

Lame, who emerged first runner up in the said election, was defeated by his arch rival, Barrister Abubakar Muhammad, who floored him with a margin of 120 votes.

Addressing a press conference in Bauchi yesterday, the former minister who prided himself as one of the founding fathers of APC in the state, said his defeat was crafted by party officials who, amongst other anomalies, used fake ballot papers and over voting.

“Before we went into the said primaries, all stakeholders sat and agreed on modalities of conducting the primaries, and some of the issues agreed on include delegates from Bauchi local government upon whom there was a court ruling and then the issue of over-voting,” said Lame.

“But when we came for the primaries some of the delegates who are our supporters were denied accreditation; these delegates are from Kubi East ward of Ganjuwa local government.

By Kareem Haruna, Bauchi

Nigerian Troops Finally Rid Mubi Of Terrorists, Seek Civilian Cooperation

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

Nigerian troops have completed the operation to clear Mubi, Adamawa State, of terrorists who had renamed the town ‘Madina’ and carrying out attacks from there and its environs.

A mop up operation is nevertheless ongoing to apprehend and deal with those who might be lurking around neighbouring communities.

Members of the terrorists group were dislodged after coordinated air and land operations in the area. additional troops are being deployed to other areas in the northeast axis in similar coordinated air and land operations to rid the communities of terrorists’.

LEADERSHIP Weekend further gather that a top military officer stated that terrorists looking for escape routes may wreak havoc on soft targets in neighbouring com-

munities that are not affected in the military operation.

He said: “In their attempt to escape the intensity of the military officers, desperate terrorists have resorted to attacking soft targets in neighbouring communities.

The officer acknowledged improved understanding of the communities on the military operation, but sought more support from the civilian population in identifying and exposing members of the tar-

ro group.

“The people must be courageous and brave enough in identifying the terrorists that are mostly known to the locals to enable the military curtail the excesses of the insurgents.

“We are working assiduously to also tackle the activities of moles, some very young, who spy for terrorists and invite them for invasion of communities. We need the cooperation of the residents,” he concluded.

short news Kaduna: Guber Aspirant Tasks Contenders On Healthy Rivalry

L-R: Chief executive director, Tony Elumelu Empowerment Programme (TEEP), Wiebe Boer; director, TEEP, Parminder Vir, and founder of TEEP, Tony Elumelu, during Tony Elumelu Foundation world press conference held in Lagos. PHOTO: BENEDICT UWALAKA.

Lagos: 11 APC Aspirants Fault Ambode’s Victory

By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos

Eleven governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State have kicked against the emergence of Akinwunmi Ambode as the governorship candidate of the party.

Already, a petition outlining the irregularities that took place before and during the election has been sent to the national office of the party, while the 11 aspirants have resolved to provide a joint forum in their bid to prevent Ambode from been the next governor.

One of the aspirants, Mr Tokunbo Wahab expressed his displeasure over the manner

in which the governorship primaries, which took place at Onikan Stadium was conducted, describing the whole exercise as a sham .

He said “The primary election and the process that goes with it were shrouded in secrecy and had unprecedented bare-faced irregularities.”

According to the aspirant, if APC, a party in the forefront of the change movement could subject itself to a shoddy, suspicious preparation, what then is the moral justification for blaming INEC for bungling the voter registration and PVC distribution in Lagos State?

He stated emphatically that from vari-

ous consultative meetings in the last few weeks, his position and that of the other 10 aspirants have been consistent, stating that the provision of adequate notice should have been given to all aspirants prior to the primaries as provided by party and INEC constitutions and that the delegates’ list should have been made available to all, well before time.

“My agent did not receive the so called list until early hours of this morning (yesterday). As at today, even as the charade referred to as primaries was going on, it was not clear if we were using the 20 LGAs or 5/ GA and LCDAs.

Fayose Demands Obasanjo’s Suspension Over Anti-party Activities

BY ALO ABIOLA, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose has accused ex-former President Olusegun Obasanjo of engaging in anti-party activities, describing the Thursday visit of five Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors to the former Nigerian leader as unwarranted and unnecessary.

The governor, who spoke through his special assistant on information and new media, Mr Lere Olayinka, yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, called for Obasanjo’s suspension from the party.

He said, “A man who has refused to respect the office of the president of Nigeria that he once occupied does not also deserve respect from anyone. Nobody should be treated as being bigger than

the party. PDP as a party must stop condoning indiscipline. Somebody who does not appreciate others deserves no respect.

No amount of mudslinging from him will stop President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection,” Urging the party to set up a panel to probe Obasanjo’s anti-party activities, the governor said visiting Obasanjo to plead with him to rescind his decision not to participate in the party’s activities was capable of encouraging other members of the party to openly disrespect the office of president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Nigeria.

Describing Obasanjo as one of the major problems of Nigeria, Fayose said the former president’s open castigation of

President Goodluck Jonathan was unbecoming of someone who led the country for 11 years and wasted billions of naira in his attempt to perpetuate himself in office beyond the constitutionally recognised two-term.

Fayose, who accused Obasanjo of backing a member of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) for the position of vice president, added: “Obasanjo is a man who can never be pleased. His principle of life is; if it is not his way, it must not be another person’s way. Even if Jonathan gives Obasanjo his blood today, he (Obasanjo) cannot change because he is already neck deep in the APC agenda, with his eyes on the vice presidential ticket of the party.”

Ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial primaries of Kaduna State, an aspirant, Alhaji Samaila Yakawada, has cautioned his fellow contenders to play politics devoid of a do-or-die mentality.

Speaking in Abuja, Yakawada said Kaduna State is bigger than all the contenders put together and as such they should, “let rivalry be healthy and our individual aspiration be people-driven in an atmosphere of decorum, fairness and peace.”

He said that he considered the coming primaries as an opportunity for the will of the people to prevail through the action they take. “It is also an opportunity for us to peacefully assert our preference in who steers the affairs of our state in the coming years.”

While re-affirming his commitment and desire in ensuring the socio-economic transformation of kaduna State when given the opportunity, the former secretary to the state government said with the experience he has garnered over time, the delegates shouldn’t sway in rallying round him.

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Saturday, December 6, 2014

Saturday, December 6, 2014

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Saturday, December 6, 2014

Happy Birthday to the first female president of OPEC

@

54 MRS. DIEZANI

ALISON-MADUEKE

Hon. Minister of Petroleum & President of OPEC

I Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Olejeme heartily rejoice and felicitate with our resourceful minister of petroleum and the first female president of the Organisation of Petroluem Exporting Countries (OPEC) Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, as you add another year today.

You have distinguished yourself as a woman of firsts in all enviable aspects of life.

Your untiring efforts aimed at transforming the petroleum sector is a source of joy and inspiration to many of us.

May you continue to soar as your light continues to shine.

Happy Birthday!

Signed:

DR. (MRS.) NGOZI OLEJEME Delta State PDP Governorship Aspirant

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Saturday, December 6, 2014

Abattoirs: Where Epidemic Is Bred?

The conversion of livestock into meat at the abattoir stage can be encountered with various health and environmental hazards but fortunately, such hazards can be contained if an abattoir functions properly and produces meat according to the stringent and environmental practices or modules of operation.

Those standards are what LEADERSHIP Weekend sought when it visited the Karu Abattoir in the FCT and the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Lagos state. ZION ZADOK and GEORGE OKOJIE write.

A butcher handling meat on the bare floor at the Makurdi Modern Market Abattoir, Benue State

A

The slaughter hall is washed with disinfectant on a daily basis so that it is clean for the next day’s slaughter

battoirs are supposed to be public health outfits that cater for the supply of meat to the public.

No doubt the growing livestock production in response to the increasing meat demand is always affected by environmental pressures and problems. Most of these problems are unavoidable and difficult to address.

Abattoirs in the FCT may not have met up to the world standard in terms of having a mechanised abattoir that has all the equipment in place but standard practices are adhered to within the limits of what they have or are provided with. The most important factor in all these checks and balances is making sure the meat that gets to the consumer is clean and not a risk to human lives.

Entering from the rear gate of Karu Abattoir, you would see the cattle shed and the meat market stalls before the wall that separates the slaughter hall from the meat

market and the disposal area where condemned carcasses are burnt.

Considering the state of its use and the number of cows slaughtered on a daily basis, the environment too was not smelling too offensive which shows that a little effort has been put in place to ensure sanity is maintained within the abattoir environment. From what LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered, the slaughter hall is washed with disinfectant on a daily basis so that it is clean for the next day’s slaughter. Already at the time of getting this report, cleaning activities were taking place in the slaughter hall.

FCT has three major abattoirsKaru, Kubwa and Gwagwalada/ Abaji Abattoirs.

Speaking with the Chairman of the Association of Butchers at the Karu Abattoir, Mr Ahmed Abdulkarim also known as Magaji Carter, on the modules of operation and how livestock is converted to meat for consumption, he said the butchers

union works hand in hand with the veterinary department of Agric and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) of the FCT who built the Abattoir and also send on a daily basis veterinary Doctors who vet the hygiene and worthiness of the meat produced there before it gets to the market.

In his words, "no meat leaves the Abattoir without being checked by the vets and if the meat or carcass is not worthy of the market because of a disease that was detected, then it is burnt into ashes.

Abdulkarim decried that as users of these facilities, they have been crying for the provision of certain amenities that will make their work easier, but that they still need help in terms of repairing the bad roads leading into the abattoir that can be muddy and very messy during the rainy season. Although they are faced with these difficulties, they have gone out of their way as a union and constructed temporary stalls with concrete floors for the

sale of the meat produced at the abattoir, with the approval of the ARDS. He said because of DFID, the butchers do not blow air into a goat orally as a preparation process, because they have been provided with a machine that will do that for them and he thanked the veterinary doctors for bringing in DFID as, through their partnership, the association of butchers have become better organised.

He said sanitation and security that was handled by the government before is now a local arrangement and the vigilante that checked vehicles at the gate before they come into the abattoir are all on his pay roll.

He said while they wait for government to implement the change they require, they will do the little in their power to make sure the abattoir is in good working condition, saying that since they feed from it, hence they must take care of it and make it functional.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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Saturday, December 6, 2014

Abattoirs: Where Epidemic Is Bred? ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 District Based Abattoirs Will Serve The FCT Better- Dr Ademoh Explaining how an inspection is carried out at the abattoir, Dr Idris Ademoh, Head Animal Health, Agric and Rural Development Secretariat said there are two components of inspection at the abattoir, which has to do with the process of preparation which must be hygienic to the point that there is no contamination, making sure that the abattoir has a good sanitary control. “The second inspection has to do with checking for infection and ensuring that the meat that is coming out from the abattoir is as healthy as possible and no form of disease is being transmitted from the meat to human beings," he said.

He said the ARDS is very involved in making sure the meat that leaves the abattoir for the market is fit for human consumption that is why they have gone through the trouble of having firsthand information about the number of animals slaughtered as well as the disease conditions that were encountered on a daily basis and at the end of the day, the carcass that is not fit for human consumption is burnt.

Another challenge the FCT administration has is that most markets in FCT have no adequate allocation of spaces for where meat is sold that is why people set up illegal spaces to sell meat as the case is in the suburbs where one can set up a table beside the road and start selling meat and people will come and buy.

He said unlike other commodities, meat is perishable and so the market structure for its distribution must be put in proper check to avoid diseases from spreading to human beings and ascertain the source of the meat sold.

He said while more abattoirs are needed, FCT veterinary professionals are trying to encourage having efficient public abattoirs and private investment in abattoirs side by side where standards are regulated effectively.

He said this will serve as an investment opportunity and a very good business that can create jobs.

Dr Ademoh proposed that the best option for abattoirs is to have district based abattoirs that is meant to satisfy a small area and generating very low level of waste, pulling not much of a population and easier to maintain. So that by the time that facility is used to the optimum, butchers are directed to use other facilities that are not fully occupied.

“If Karu Abattoir slaughters, distribution should be around Jikwoyi, Karshi, Karu, Nyanya down to AYA and not beyond that region.

So a facility around Karimo or Lugbe will look at the catchment area for that facility within the minimum or optimal requirement of what that area needs and the moment the facility is full to capacity you move to the next if not the facility will be over used and more waste is

Water oozing from the blocked gutter inside the Makurdi Modern Market Abattoir

produced, poor management and all other challenges will start coming in.

“With that we can now have an understanding with cattle marketers to ascertain that the animals that go into the abattoir are those that will be slaughtered for that day only. So that after the slaughter, that the hall will be cleaned evacuated till the next day.

It is much better than having a massive facility where a lot of cows, encapsulated by settlements and everybody is complaining that the abattoir is smelling abattoir is this or that.” He said.

Towards A Mechanised Abattoir In Lagos Being a mega city, Lagos State also has so many illegal abattoirs prompting the government to take the issue of meat consumption very seriously.

Despite efforts of the Lagos State Government in carrying out reforms in the state abattoir, the Oko-Oba Abattoir and Lairage where about 300 cows are killed daily show that a lot still needs to be done to achieve the desired results.

At a glance, one could see signs of unhealthy and unethical practices in the way cows that are distressed, bruised and when unable to walk, are slaughtered at the abattoir with vets and other task force teams on duty not minding the situation.

LEADERSHIP Weekend discovered that another area of concern in the state of the abattoir is the stench oozing from the abattoir.

Tayo Agunbiade who lives at Moke Oyelodun Street at the back of the abattoir lamented about the filth and stench from the daily activities at the abattoir.

He said, “From a distance up to Fagba junction you will perceive an odour that tells you that you are close to abattoir. When you get close you will see smoke coming from there. Every year we continue to paint our houses, and inhale very bad smells coming from the abattoir.”

“Lagos State Government must do something fast about this abattoir to save our lives. Anytime there is outbreak of epidemic here, though we do not pray for it, I am afraid the government will not be able to contain it,” he said.

The state government monitors

the operations at its abattoirs and ensures that before meat gets to the table in the market, it must have passed through a standard process.

Government did not hesitate to shut down the Oko- Oba abattoir located in Agege area of the state over unhygienic practices and noncompliance with the relevant laws governing meat slaughtering.

According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperative and Society, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, the abattoir was shut to enable the government sanitise the environment by carrying out a 'massive cleanup' and ensure cattle slaughtered in the facility are safe for consumption, adding that the abattoirs in the state must conform to standard practices.

Lawal added that the state government will not hesitate to lock up any abattoir found to be in unhygienic condition as well as noncompliance with the relevant laws governing meat slaughtering in the state.

He said, "You recall the Lagos abattoir was temporarily shut to enable the government carry out massive clean- up in the place. The facility had to be shut once in a while in order to give room for total clean up. It is a place where our cattle are slaughtered. We must make sure the place is hygienic always for the slaughtering of cattle and other activities to take place. We have to do so, because we cannot allow our abattoir to become eyesores."

In furtherance of the reforms of the red meat value chain Lagos State Abattoir and Lairage Oko Oba, Agege, has witnessed gradual transformation as a result of reforms being carried out with the involvement of various stakeholders.

This led to the administration sponsoring about 39 of the abattoir stakeholders especially the leadership to go to Kenya and Botswana to see what is happening in those countries.

On the impact of the moves by the state government, the Lagos State Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola said the operators came back from the trip asking for change and reforms .

He added that what the state government has done is to allow them to lead the reforms they themselves want.

According to him, “You would see in our abattoirs that they built now their own separation cubicles, they now put their white rain boots there, they put their lockers there, so you change into white garment so that at least the process of cleaning, killing and processing the meat is improved and the hygienic condition of what ultimately gets to your table and my table become better.

“You can now see the mechanized section in the state abattoir where machines that have been there before during Governor Otedola’s regime being put to use gradually and that is servicing what we call corporate butchers section where the UAC and all those who deal in bulk trade of beef and its accessories are being serviced.”

He explained that,” when the operators were given the exposure to international best practices in Kenya and Botswana, one of the things they realised was that by making their cattle walk so many kilometres before it is slaughtered, they are the ones actually losing because the animal is stressed and the beef is equally reduced in quality and quantity.”

Going forward he said that the State Government also intends to build a camp like a hostel so that those who come to work in the abattoir can find a place to sleep, to wash, to eat and support their business and to ultimately help them to clean up the animal market.

“As I have said, one of the things we would do very quickly is to help them fence up this place now because that is one of their requests”, he said.

Alhaji Sule Zangina, one of the official of Harmony Abattoirs Management Services Limited, who manages the abattoir said the Lagos Abattoir remained one of the best he had seen in the country.

He said, “The Lagos Abattoir is fine.

The government has been making sure that the place is clean and a new way of killing cows is introduced to the abattoir. I have seen many abattoirs in Nigeria , Niger and Chad , this one in Lagos is getting better every day.”

For Mrs. Fidelia Oyewole , a consumer who runs a restaurant in Ogba area of Lagos,” I buy my meat from this abattoir in Agege the place is very clean now. Sometimes health officers inspect animals and meat in the abattoir.

“Right now you can just buy your meat and the meat van will bring it to your house. Unlike before when the whole place would smell bad.

It is so good now; the government should not leave the abattoir to the operators to ensure meat bought and consumed from abattoir are not harmful.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Government on Agriculture and Cooperatives, Dr. Nureini Funsho maintained that, “The rule is that any cow that is to be slaughtered must be healthy. In drug administration to animals, there is an amount of pills you give to an animal before it could be slaughtered for consumption, otherwise it will do harm to the kidney of the people eating it.”

At a glance, one could see signs of unhealthy and unethical practices in the way cows that are distressed, bruised and when unable to walk, are slaughtered at the abattoir with vets and other task force teams on duty not minding the situation

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December 6, 2014

Gender Not the Only Way to Differentiate Male From Female

In trying to differentiate between a man and a woman, the first thing that comes to mind is the genitals.

Also, when a child is born, the gender is identified in seconds by looking at its posterior regions.

Indeed genital identification of one of the differences between sexes.

However, there are other factors that differentiate a female’s body from a male’s. RALIAT AHMED-YUSUF writes:

Hormones Apart from being responsible for our reproductive cycle, hormones are responsible for other factors such as behaviour and appearance. In the males, they are responsible for muscle growth, pubic and facial hair development of Adam’s apple and sweat glands. In the case of females, hormones are

responsible for fat deposits in some areas of the body such as hips, thighs and breasts. They also govern body growth and pubic hair.

Deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA) This is the hereditary material in every human and most organisms. A human being’s sex is determined by his or her DNA. Out of the 23 chromosomes that are present in humans only one has to do with gender which is the sex chromosome while the remaining 22 are autosomes which have nothing to do with gender. Sex chromosomes are not the same in males and females. In most climes, women are usually blamed for the sex of the child especially if she is unable to produce a male child, but most people are ignorant of the fact that the sex of a child is determined by the

input of the father and neither of the parents have control over it .Because the woman has XX chromosomes which she always contribute during fertilisation, the man has XY chromosomes in which he contributes either the X or the Y chromosome. This determines the sex of the baby. If a sperm with an X chromosome fertilises the egg then the baby will have XX chromosomes and be a girl, otherwise it will have XY chromosomes and be a boy.

Reproductive organs The reproductive organs make men and women not only appear different but also carry out different reproductive functions, like producing hormones, reproductive cells and babies, in the case of women.

Depending on the DNA of a baby, their

reproductive organs begin to develop accordingly. In males, these include the penis, testicles, scrotum, urethra and prostate, while in the in females these include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, vulva and clitoris.

Apart from the factors explained above there are other characteristics that are responsible for other subtle differences between men and women.

Men tend to be taller for example, while women have rounder faces. Men have leaner body shapes with contoured chests while women have more curves, at their chests and their hips. Men also have heavier skulls, larger bodies and a wider bone structure, with larger hands and feet than women.

Other differences include: abilities, behaviour and social tendencies that set a male and a female apart physically.

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth Chewing ice is a seemingly harmless, unconscious habit but can cause permanent damage to our teeth with small cracks. These cracks can grow larger over time and ultimately cause a tooth to fracture. Opt for chilled water or drinks without ice to resist the urge.

Tongue Piercings Tongue piercings are a trend that can come at a hefty price in terms of cost to your health. Highly discouraged

by dentists, tongue piercings can cause teeth to chip or break requiring dental work. They can also rub against the gums and cause permanent gum recession, which can lead to sensitivity and even tooth loss. Mouth jewellery also encourages more bacteria build up in the mouth creating an overall unhealthy situation.

Grinding Teeth Grinding or clenching teeth is called “bruxism” and affects an estimated

30 to 40 million people in the U.S. It usually happens at night, it can be an inherited trait from a parent, and it is often associated with stress in one’s life. It puts pressure on teeth, jaw muscles, and the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ) and can cause pain. Wearing a custommade mouth guard at night may help prevent damage and reduce pressure on teeth and surrounding structures.

Other methods such as biofeedback

and relaxation techniques might help.

Opening Stuff With Your Teeth Teeth are meant for eating, speaking properly, and smiling. Anything else can be unhealthy and this most certainly includes using them as tools.

Despite the convenience, opening potato chip bags, bobby pins, or even bottle caps with teeth can cause teeth to chip or fracture. Reach for the proper tools for such tasks to save your teeth from unnecessary damage.

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Saturday, December 6, 2014

Saturday, December 6, 2014

15

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Saturday, December 6, 2014

IT’S TIME FOR

BIG IDEAS CHANGE

SAM NDA-ISAIAH

for PRESIDENT

2015

Share your own Big Ideas through the following channels

www.facebook.com/sam4nigeria

@sam4nigeria

@samndaisaiah

# It’sTimeForBigIdeas

close up 17

Saturday, December 6, 2014

I’m Just That Boy From Obalende – Jimmy Jatt

His name is iconic in the Nigerian music industry and beyond. For two decades and a half, DJ Jimmy Jatt has been doing his thing through thick and thin without looking back; mentoring other Djs and leading the change in his genre. SAMUEL ABULUDE caught up with the ace disc jockey recently, and Jimmy Amu (real name) shared his success secret, relevance in the industry and the journey so far. grow bigger. In the conference I attended in Japan recently, I met artistes, musicians, songwriters and music producers who appreciated our (Nigerian) songs and some of them are not performing artistes.

They are okay with releasing their songs and making a lot of money from it. In Nigeria, one of the reasons you see artistes perform in the living room of the rich is because there are no other means of earning a living other than performing. Nigerian artistes need to make much money as well, aside live performances. This is part of the growth we want- piracy being dealt with and laws that protect intellectual property.

What have you been up to?

I have been busy promoting my album, The Industry. I also just got back from Japan where I went for a music workshop. It was a revealing trip; our music is appreciated even in the orient. My annual DJ jam, Jimmy’s Jump-off was the bomb. It’s usually the official Naija entertainment industry party. It held last Sunday and featured the likes of Dj Exclusive, Dj Spinhall, Dj Neptune, Dj Sose, Dj Nana, Dj Humility, Dj Tee and a host of other artistes. JumpOff is a musical platform that parades DJs and artistes making waves in Nigeria.

So, it has been a busy year; celebrating my 25th anniversary on stage, releasing my 2nd album titled The Industry. I also launched my book, Avant Garde, to commemorate my silver jubilee. So, this year has been it for me and December will be busier.

COSON is paying royalties to artistes, isn’t it?

I don’t know how COSON came up with the yardstick for paying artistes. A musician releases a song that is not popular and he gets paid more than another artiste that has a hit song all year long. It is cumbersome and I don’t get it. Is our government really fighting piracy? I’m not sure because I am yet to see a pirate caught and jailed.

Our laws are not strong enough to combat this evil and it is government’s responsibility to do that, not Jimmy Jatt’s.

How has promoting your album been?

It has been great. The album is a collaborative effort featuring 23 artistes and 66 songs.

It was not difficult considering the fact that I have been around in the industry and I know these artistes so getting them to record the songs was not a big deal; just getting their schedules and fitting them in. Some of the songs were recorded long ago. So, The Industry reflects my staying power and relevance in the industry, which I’m passionate about. Disc jockeying is my passion.

Is E Toh Be part of the 66 songs?

Yeah, the video is trending now.

I hope to shoot one more video from The Industry album- my lifelong project.

How was it for you starting out as a Dj?

I know what rocks a party.

I know what not to do while reeling out songs.

This comes with much experience

My brother, it is by dint of hard work that I have been able to make a name from it and of course, God’s grace. I’m a typical Obalende boy and learnt this trade within the area. Though I wanted to be a lawyer, my passion for music got the better of me. I learnt the skill through hardship and never depended on my brothers or family members, even till now. We were not many disc jockeying back then in the 80s, though I had superiors and learnt from them. I loved this job and believed in myself, doing it

So how do you intend to protect your new album from the pirates?

Jimmy Jatt

at parties all over Lagos. I watched musicians grow and young Djs as well. I thank God for my family who supported me because it is a tough terrain in this industry.

So how much does it cost to hire Jimmy Jatt now?

(Smiles)I am not cheap oh, but worth it. Jimmy Jatt brings a lot to his performance. I do what other Djs don’t do. Being familiar with songs of the 70s, 80s, 90s and the current ones, I know what rocks a party. I know what not to do while reeling out songs. This comes with much experience.

What is the future of DJing in Nigeria?

The future is bright and unimag-

inable, just like the music and entertainment industry. Now we have Djs from rich backgroundschildren of wealthy people wanting to be Djs and being supported by their parents. It was not like that before.

Going forward, a lot of changes are needed today. There needs to be more appreciation for the trade.

I mean corporate bodies and big party organisers consider hiring Djs as the last choice when planning an event and we are the least paid despite the fact that we make the parties worthwhile.

Djs abroad own private jets because it is big business. It has gone beyond just performing at shows.

The entertainment industry, of which Djs are a subset, needs to

I can only hope and pray that they don’t pirate it. I pray to God that our works aren’t pirated. I don’t have other means since the agency, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) have enough on their hands.

So who is Jimmy Jatt?

Jimmy Jatt is a humble, passionate, down-to-earth family man. I’m just that boy that grew up from Obalende.

So what are the things people don’t know about Jimmy Jatt?

There is nothing people don’t know about me that is not in the public space. My book, Avant Garde is also out for people to read.

We mean things that we don’t know but your wife knows?

You want me to tell you the size of my John Thomas? Only Nike knows that (general laughter). I’ll ask for her permission then.

18 e-FEATURE

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Tiwa Savage And Desmond Elliot: Gorgeous Crooner And Thespian-Cum-Politician This week’s dynamic duo is sexy Eminado crooner, Tiwa Savage and veteran actor turned politician, Desmond Elliot.

ADERIBIGBE TOLULOPE writes

In 2011, she became the first African female to be endorsed by Pepsi

TIWA SAVAGE Born Tiwatope SavageBalogun on the 5th of February 1980, the talented singer who hails from Isale Eko, Lagos, attended University of Kent, where she read Business Administration.

She went on to study music at Berklee College of Music.

The singer-songwriter,and actress is currently singed to Marvin Records (former Mo Hits Records) and Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

She co-wrote the track Collard Greens & Cornbread on Fantasia Barrino's Grammynominated album Back to Me. At the age of 16, Tiwa did backup vocals for George Michael and lent vocals to other musicians such as Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Blu Cantrell, Emma Bunton, Kelly Clarkson, Andrea Bocelli, and Ms. Dynamite, etc.

The dark and sexy artiste has also performed on stage with Sting, 50 Cent, The Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, Robbie Williams and Destiny's Child.

She was a 24 finalist on the United Kingdom edition of X-Factor in 2006. In 2011, she became the first African female to be endorsed by Pepsi. Tiwa has signed other endorsement deals with MTN and Maggi. This year, she sealed an endorsement with Forte Oil. She ventured into the Nigerian music industry fully in 2010. Her music cuts across several genres including Afro pop and R&B. In 2013, Tiwa married her heartthrob cum manager, Tunji Balogun, also known as Tee Billz, at a fairy-tale like wedding at Armani Hotel, Dubai with just few friends and family in attendance.

She was also featured in the DSTV Africa Rising Campaign alongside Mi Casa, Sarkodie, Lola Rae, Diamond and Davido. Her Wanted video drew criticism across the social media, mostly due to the racy leotard she wore in the video.

In the past months, divorce

Desmond Elliot

rumours have dogged the artiste and her former manager turned husband, Teebillz. On Twitter, Tee Billz referred to Tiwa as a ‘Shareful Giver’, raising eyebrows.

She released a new single, My Darlin on October 8 amidst the break up rumours.

Many have analysed the lyrics and video storyline, calling it an attempt to put all the speculations about her marriage to rest.

2014 Songs/Videos Love in Yellow Durobucci featuring Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, Reekado Banks, Dija & Korede Bello Wanted Girlie o remix with Patoranking My Darling Awards MOBO Awards: Female Artist of the Year & Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year Channel O Music Video Awards: Most Gifted Female African Muzik Magazine Awards: Best Female West Africa City People Entertainment Awards: Musician of the Year (Female) MTV Africa Music Awards 2014: Best Female Pending or Nominated: The Headies: Hip Hop World

Tiwa Savage

Revelation of the Year, Artiste of the Year, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Best R&B/Pop Album, Best Collabo, Best Reggae/ Dancehall Single (Pending).

Channel O Music Video Awards: Most Gifted Video of the Year (Nominated), Nigeria Entertainment Awards: Best Album of the Year (Nominated), World Music Awards: World’s Best Song, World’s Best Video, World’s Best Female Live Act, World’s Best Entertainer of the Year (Nominated), BET Awards: Best International Act: Africa (Nominated) and several others.

Performances MTV Africa Music Awards on June 7 DESMOND ELLIOT Desmond Oluwashola Elliot, popularly known as Desmond Elliot, is an actor, director, producer and politician. He was born February 4th, 1974 and hails from Olowogbowo, Lagos State. He’s early education was in Jos at Air Force Primary School and St.John’s College. He studied Economics at Lagos State University, graduating in 2003.

He ventured into acting

by playing roles in soap operas such as Everyday People and he has featured in over 200 movies including Holding Hope(2013), When Love Happens (2014), Guilty Pleasures (2008), Behind Closed Doors (2005) and Magic Love (2003), amongst many others.

He declared his interest in politics in September, on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

He is vying for a senatorial seat in the Lagos House of Assembly and he emerged the winner of the primaries under Surulere 1 constituency.

There have been controversies surrounding his heritage. It has been alleged that he is not an indigene of Lagos State.

The Nollywood actor was given honorary admission by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to study Law. He was also a beneficiary of President Jonathan’s Project ACT Initiative.

Awards: Best of Nollywood: Director of the Year (October 16) Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards: Best Supporting Actor In A Drama (March 8) Africa Movie Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

scoop 19

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Solomon Nda–Isaiah Entertainment Ricochet

08116759802

nda_is@yahoo.co.uk

Born To Win

T

oday is the first Saturday in the month of December, which is the last month of the year. This is the period when many look back to assess their year. Have I failed? Have I triumphed?

Have I just stood still as the tide of the world washed over me? These are just a few of the many questions people ask themselves as each year winds down.

Failure is a term that can either break one’s spirit or inspire one to greatness. I thought about this topic to inspire and encourage my esteemed readers worldwide.

No matter how your year has been, I want you to have this slogan at the back of your head: “I was born to win”. So you didn’t get that promotion you were hoping for? Still, you are born to win. That girl said no to your proposal? You are born to win. So, you still can’t afford that car? You are born to win.

The fact that you have been unable to achieve or attain one goal or the other from the beginning of this year till date does not mean it's too late or impossible. Every good thing or good news comes in just a day and that day might just be tomorrow.

Winning is not a gift; hard work, commitment, determination, diligence, meekness and courage are some of the attributes that you need in order to increase your winning odds. Also, you must never give up hope; hopelessness is your worst enemy. Make optimism your armour always.

Today's column is to usher you into the month of December and give you hope that will bring you joy and gladness.

Here are some tips that will encourage you to believe in yourself and make you see that you are born to win.

• Always try hard, work hard, put in extra effort.

When your efforts seem not to yield anything, don't condemn yourself, encourage yourself always.

• Each of us came with our Talents, Purpose and Calling. What you do with them is the summary of your life here on earth.

• No matter how scared you are of what lies ahead, don't ever stop, go back

or look back.

Encourage yourself with positive words.

• It's nice to be important but more important to be nice.

• Don't always wait for what the world has to offer you; to do more for the world than the world does for you - that is success.

• I don't know the keys to success, but one key to failure is to try to please everyone. Pleasing people is not compulsory, learn to please yourself • Take it or leave it, failure is part of the ingredients you need for success; have you ever heard of a success story without failure being part of it’s history?

• Always stay on the road to success; even when you derail, go back and stay there. Even when your progress is slow, just continue the journey, you'll get there!

• Losing makes you appreciate winning. Those bad relationships will make you appreciate the good one. Love hard. Don't let the ones that didn't appreciate you cause you to lose your passion for love.

No matter what, I repeat, no matter what, just keep on keeping on and as a born winner you will surely get there. Patience and humility will always make you a winner.

Let me share this joke with you all: A man got this message from his neighbour: “Sir, I am so sorry but I have this confession to make. I have been sharing your wife with you behind your back, day and night. I feel I should let you know because I feel so guilty. I promise never to do it again.” The man angrily shot his wife dead!!. Few minutes later, he received another text message from the same neighbour stating: “I am so sorry about the wrong spelling. I meant to write WIFI, not WIFE.” Moral: DO NOT BE HASTY!! Always make sure you take time to get all the necessary, factual, correct and real information before you act in anger, hurt or pain....

Have a pleasant weekend and may your December be full of delightful surprises.

Cheerio!

Why My Mystery Man Will Remain A Secret–Tonto Dikeh

By Maryam Laushi, Abuja

Tonto Dikeh is one of the most famous people in Nollywood and she has recently branched out into the music industry after being signed to D’banj’s record label along with 2Kriss. She is known for her beauty, outspoken and wild personality.

For a while, there have been rumours about a mystery man in her life but no one is sure who exactly it is because she calls him Mr. X. She doesn’t address him by his real name and has never posted a picture of him. Recently, she re-

Tonto

vealed why she is working so hard

to keep his identity a secret and the relationship a private one.

“I have had a friend sleep with and even baby mama’ed my man’s child, so please excuse me while I protect my happiness and still be myself.”

She has recently been working on the Tonto Dikeh Foundation as a way of giving back to the society. The charity foundation focuses on fighting against gender based violence. She visits schools and small communities to educate them about their rights and how to speak up when they are being abused.

Nkem Ikeh Blasts Haters

By Maryam Laushi, Abuja

Nigerian film actress and model, Nkem Ikeh is fed up with the deluge of online attacks she has been receiving lately. She recently released a long essay addressing the slander and negative words directed at her. Here are some quotes from what she posted online: “People hide under anonymous and abuse me on blogs, even the so called fake friends.”

“Any friend that turned enemy was never a friend so keep calling my friends and looking for people that will join you to

Nkem Ikeh

hate me.”

“Instead of you to concentrate on your miserable life, you are

(looking) for who to join you and hate Nkemamaka Ikeh.”

“Deal with whatever is bothering you about me.”

From these quotes, it appears as if she knows who it might be and they were probably friends before. She followed up with some more posts on her Instagram page saying: “If you prayed for my downfall you should get a refund.”

“Never waste your time trying to explain who you are… to people who are committed to misunderstanding you.”

John Dumelo Is On The Go

By Maryam Laushi, Abuja

John Dumelo has been travelling around the world a lot recently. In a short space of time he was spotted in Ottawa in Canada, Washington DC in the US, and Hamburg in Germany, before finally stopping at London for the premiere of his film Love Or

John Dumelo

Something Like That and also to deliver to a friend a hoody from his JMelo clothing line, which he has been advertising lately.

A number of stars have been seen wearing his JMelo hoodie.

Some of these stars include Yvonne Nelson and Majid Michael. His fans received him very well and there was a good turnout at the movie’s premiere.

Princess Halliday Shoots New Season Of Princess Halliday Show

By SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH, Abuja

Fresh from hosting Miss Commonwealth UK, CEO and host of Princess Halliday Show (PHS), Princess Halliday has commenced the recording of the new season of the internationally acclaimed TV programme, The Princess Halliday Show.

Princess, as she’s fondly called, produces, finances and hosts the programme which shows on Sky channel 182 in UK, Africa Magic, 48 countries in the world and now syndicated nationally on the Silverbird Nigeria platform.

The Princess Halliday Show is an Empower Africa initiative that showcases people who have demonstrated positivity against all the odds. These are individuals whom through tenacity and determination have accomplished

Princess

something great or have been a catalyst for others to follow.

The show’s host, Princess Halliday, a straight-talking, empathic lady with a warm sense of humour, has the ability to immediately put her guests at ease. In her company they talk freely, sometimes about difficult experiences they have encountered.

Guests on the show have included political figures, business leaders, global players, popular stars and ordinary people who have done something extraordinary. For Princess Halliday, the heart and soul of the show are the ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Through the provision of a platform for her guests to tell their stories, Princess Halliday inspires and educates the world. The show has proven to be a treasure trove of wisdom, inspiration and lifeaffirming stories.

The show’s mantra: ‘Real People, Real Stories and Real Situations’ ensures that The Princess Halliday Show is and always will be inspirational, motivational, educational and entertaining.

Empower Africa Initiative is a charity organisation aimed at showcasing positivity to the world.

20 BLITZ

Saturday, December 6, 2014

PMAN Live Band Competition I’m In Love With Holds December 11 Music – Zinariya

By AntHony ADA ABrAHAM, Abuja

Come 11th December, the much talked about Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, (PMAN) live band competition tagged "The Hunt" will take centre stage.

The Hunt, put together by PMAN's Abuja chapter, is set to bring out the best in the participating artistes drawn from within and around the FCT, who would be given a platform to showcase their ability to perform with a life band, as opposed to just handing their CDs to DJs at functions.

According to PMAN governor, Collins Adeyemi,

Adeyemi

the initiative was borne out of the need to orientate young artistes who crave for success in the music industry, on what it takes to be on stage.

"It's going to be big; we invite everyone to come and witness the best of the best. We have some Abuja based live band gurus who would be the judges of the day, including Terseer Jackson, Baba 2010, Julietta, VC Perez, Mekoyo and King Faj," he said.

There are major players in the entertainment industry and the private sector who would be on hand to glam up the day. Also, tons of cash prizes and gifts are expected to be won.

HEAD GONE Hits Cinemas December 12

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

The comedy film, Head Gone, produced by Dare Fasasi, popularly known as Baba Dee, will hit cinemas across the country next Friday, December 12, 2014.

Head Gone is a Naija Ninja production which arguably is Nigeria's, nay Africa's biggest star-studded movie. The much publicised comedy features the likes of Basorge Tariah Jnr, Alibaba, 2Face Idibia, Zack Orji,Wale Ojo, Yomi Obileye, Eniola Badmus and Baba Dee. Baba Dee, a musician and actor who features in the Super Story drama series, said Head Gone is a movie that’ll send audiences into rapturous laughter. Premiered on November 22, the comedy shows our most revered entertainers in another light.

Head Gone showcases the antics of BasketMouth, Saka, Ik

2Face

Baba Dee

Osakioduwa, Akpororo, Peter Fatomilola, Sunday Omobolanle, Segub Adefila, Gbenga Windapo

and Sound Sultan, in a major production, which is Baba Dee’s directorial debut.

AgEncy rEport

As Kannywood continues to enjoy the contributions of various talents in the movie and music industry, Fatima Mahmood, popularly known as Mammy Zinariya, is a singer who has carved a niche for herself in Kannywood with her modern take on Hausa traditional music.

According to her, even before she started singing in 2012, she believed that she was going to bring in something new to the industry with her style of music.

“I write my songs myself,” she said.

She, however, noted that she is inspired by Kannywood song writer and singer, Umar Shareef.

“Umar Shareef is my idol.

He sings what I want to hear and I have really learnt from him even though he is a male singer,” she said.

“His musical style and approach to song will always make the listener want some more from him and that is how my songs are,” she added.

One of her hits is the soundtrack of the movie, Soyayya.

When asked if she would consider acting someday, Mammy said she would rather stick to singing.

“Many people want me to be an actress as well as a singer but

Zinariya

honestly, I am so comfortable with singing and I think I am making a very good living out of it. I bought my own car and went on Hajj, all with singing,” she enthused.

Appreciating her parents for their support, mammy said, “My parents were very understanding. As you know, some parents, especially here in the north, would not allow their children to act or sing; mine are the opposite. They support me and always advise me to be humble in my work.”

Mammy said she wishes to perform with Shareef and Murja Baba, her favourite Kannywood singers.

At 25 and already making waves, Mammy said she is just beginning and would surely be the toast of Kannywood soon.

Modeling Has Always Been My Passion–Valentina

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

Xmas Carol: Mama Fasoyin Invades DayStar Church

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

As soon as the yuletide season approaches, her songs and her name pop up. Mama Fasoyin is the name behind the song, Odun Nlo Sopin.

Odun Nlo Sopin is the song that gets everybody in a yuletide mood because of its rich and evergreen message that has inspired generations in a prayer of hope.

Mama Fasoyin, now addressed as Sisi Oluwasoyin, (because she doesn’t like being called “Mama” even though she’s in her mid 70s) is involved in a new Christmas project. The great-grandmother would be at the center of a music concert on Sunday December 14 tagged the “Mama Fasoyin Leads

Sam Adeyemi

Cultural Christmas Carol” at the prestigious auditorium of DayStar

Christian Centre, Oregun, Ikeja.

The Daystar choir presentation annually aired on television, is one of the most watched and attended events in December.

One of the highlights of the event is Pastor Sam Adeyemi's usually touching sermon.

“Come December 14, Mama Fasoyin will be in her element, leading a mass choir of the DayStar Musical/Cultural Troupe in an African medley. Songs from four of her albums, including that of the hit song, Odun Nlo Sopin, which was Mama Fasoyin and Good Women Choir album, will be delivered in a most uniquely unconventional way, “says Mr Oluwasoyin, Mama’s son who doubles as her manager.

Modeling is not an all-comers affair, but for Valentina Adams, she was born to rule the runway.

The final year statistics student of the University of Calabar has had modeling aspirations since childhood.

Valentina, who has been on major runways within and outside the country, stated that for her, modeling and fashion are innate and she would never want to quit the profession.

Though she is also a gifted professional dancer, the model believes that her true passion is cat walking on runways.

"I have been on the runway for lots of modeling agencies like Unique Strategy Asset, House Of Roomy, Sunset At Dawn and several others.

"When I was younger, I believed

Valentina

that I could excel on the runway and that has been my focus; and I intend to take this as far as I can,” she said.

Valentina Adams also intends to start a fashion school where young and talented girls would be nurtured to become whatever they aspire to.

21

Saturday, December 6, 2014

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weekend politics Saturday, December 6, 2014

Weekend Politics Editor: Chibuzo ukaibe

Why APC Must Deliver Transparent Presidential Primaries– Fayemi Former governor of Ekiti State and chairman of the National Convention Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Kayode Fayemi, in this interview stated that the party cannot afford to have questionable presidential primaries, slated for December 10. He says the repercussion would be devastating not just for the party, but for democracy and Nigerians who have placed so much hope in the APC as the party that would bring the change Nigeria needs. He spoke with Chibuzo Ukaibe.

Why did APC settle for Lagos State as venue for its national convention?

be critical to the success of our convention.

We originally wanted to hold our national convention in Abuja because naturally, it is the place to hold an event of that nature and that is where we have always held national party conventions.

We had chosen a date to hold the party convention in Abuja but due to some exigencies, we had to change that date. It so happened that the new date we choose coincides with the date the PDP also chose for their national convention.

The Eagle Square that we wanted to use had been booked for the day, but it was not just because of that.

As you know, anywhere our president is going to appear, given the security situation, three or more days before the event, the venue is taken over by the security agencies.

We then looked at other options and felt that only Lagos successfully met all the factors that are considered to

What factors are you referring to?

Comprehensive security measures full coverage by the media and capacity to accommodate 10,000 delegates for instance. There is no other city that can do that outside Abuja and Lagos.

Benin was also a very high ranking choice but it did not succeed on that point because with the accommodation there, Benin would not meet up with the needs of our delegates, aspirants and other leaders that would be present.

So, those were the grounds on which Lagos qualified to be the choice of the venue for our convention.

Have the fears expressed by some aspirants that the choice of Lagos would give undue advantage to some others been allayed?

I wouldn’t know about that as I have not heard from any

Fayemi

The commitment is not just about defection; we are less concerned about defection.

We are more concerned about post convention acrimony

aspirant about the undue advantage issue. Indeed some aspirants wrote to us wanting the convention committee to stick to Abuja, but since everything we are doing is transparent and all aspirants have representatives in the committee and were part of all the discussions that transpired before we arrived at Lagos, we were able to convince them.

I then chose to meet with all the presidential aspirants because I felt it was important for me to explain to them as chairman of the convention

committee why we arrived at Lagos and they could see that the choice of Lagos was not an arbitrary decision or an accidental choice.

Was it the decision of the committee or the party for all the presidential aspirants to go into some kind of commitment not to defect in case they lose?

The commitment is not just about defection; we are less concerned about defection.

We are more concerned about post convention acrimony

23

This Week On Backlash The quest to purchase weapons to combat insurgency has been on for a while. The Nigerian government has cried out that it needs more firepower to effectively engage the insurgents but its major source of arms, the United States has refused to sell weapons to Nigeria citing Nigeria’s inability to use and maintain the cobra helicopter. But Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, has described the reasons as not strong enough to deny the country the required weapons to prosecute the raging war.

Pg... 23

Pg... 24

weekend politics 23

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Backlash

Why We Won’t Sell Cobra Helicopters To Nigeria – US

T

the US refused to sell the helicopters to Nigeria due to concerns about the ability of the military to use and maintain them.

he United States has maintained its refusal to sell cobra helicopters to Nigeria, noting that the federal government is free to buy fighter jets from any other country.

The spokeswoman of the state department, Jen Psaki said, “Nigeria has purchased helicopters that originated in countries other than the US and nothing in our decision prevents Nigeria from obtaining weapons and equipment from other sources.”

Psaki was responding to questions from journalists on the allegations by the Nigerian Ambassador to the US, Prof Adebowale Adefuye, that Washington declined to sell lethal arms to Nigeria.

Responding, Psaki said that the US refused to sell the helicopters to Nigeria due to concerns about the ability of the military to use and maintain them.

The cobra is a combat aircraft with the ability to climb at the rate of 8.2metres per second. It

is equipped with a 20mm M197 3-barrelled Gatling cannon in the A/A49E-7 turret (750 rounds ammo capacity).

Psaki said there were on-going concerns about the Nigerian military’s protection of civilians when conducting military operations, adding that these had been discussed with the Nigerian authorities.

The state department’s spokeswoman added that, “Earlier this year, we denied the transfer of some cobra attack helicopters to Nigeria due to concerns about Nigeria’s ability to use and maintain this type of helicopter in its effort against Boko Haram and on-going concerns about the Nigerian military’s protection of civilians when conducting military operations. We shared those concerns with Nigeria before this decision and subsequent to it.

“We’ll continue to look for ways to deepen our cooperation with Nigeria to help it acquire the systems and skills needed to restore peace and security. But ob-

Jen Psaki

viously, we’ve provided a great deal of assistance over the past several months.”

Psaki said Washington would not have raised concerns on human rights abuses by the Nigerian military “If we didn’t feel and others didn’t feel that they were warranted.”

She assured the Nigerian gov-

ernment that the US was ready to help Nigeria train and improve the effectiveness of its military.

Urging the federal government to investigate allegations of abuses by the military, Psaki stated that the US valued its long-standing relationship with Nigeria.

She said that Washington had been offering various forms of assistance to Nigeria, including sharing intelligence with its armed forces.

Psaki said, “Let me just lay out the facts of our assistance: Over the past six months, the United States has started sharing intelligence with Nigeria, began training a new army battalion and held numerous high-level discussions with Nigerian authorities on additional measures to best address the Boko Haram threat.

“We have also provided and approved sales of military equipment to its armed forces. These decisions are made, of course, after careful scrutiny to ensure they are in conformity with the US law.”

Why APC Must Deliver Transparent Presidential Primaries- Fayemi 22

which will not augur well for us. Let’s face it, we have a very short time to demonstrate to Nigerians the stuff we are made of. So, essentially, whoever emerges from this convention would be handed our manifesto which we also plan to unveil to Nigerians on that day. He will literarily hit the ground running from the convention ground to the campaign ground. So, if we don’t take steps to ensure that the process is credible and acceptable to all, then we will spend the first month on post convention acrimony and we don’t want that. We felt it was important that all those going into this process must also show commitment to post convention harmony and that is why the party did what it did.

Still on the undertaking, is there a mechanism that the party has put in place to punish those who may not want to abide by the outcome?

That is why we have a very huge task on our hands as the convention committee. I am reasonably convinced that we have serious minded aspirants

of Nigeria is not the only position. People want to serve and anybody contesting on our platform is a politician of extensive credible experience.

I would like to think that it is service that is propelling them. Of course they want to be president, but if the presidential candidature is not available due to the fact that they did not win the primaries, there are other ways they can serve and I believe they will all want to live up to their undertaking.

Will the committee or party be involved in the picking of a running mate for the winner of the presidential primaries?

Fayemi

and once we do our job in terms of the process being credible and seen to be transparent by all and sundry, everybody would accept the outcome.

That is our belief. But, we also have post convention conflict management mechanisms.

There must be something in it for all players. We want to win an election; the presidency

That is way beyond my pay check; I am only responsible for producing the presidential candidate of our party. That is the job of the convention committee. As per the process for the choice of the running mate, I would think that is a matter for the national chairman and leadership of the party as well as the candidate who emerges from the contest.

It is not a matter for the convention committee.

What is the budget like for the convention?

I don’t have a figure off the top of my head. I can tell you that we have almost 10,000 delegates who would have to be transported from their various states and of course we want this to be in the full glare of Nigerians so that there will be live television broadcast all through the convention. It is not cheap but democracy is not cheap. We have to ensure we do things properly and in a way that can sell us to Nigerians. For us it’s another campaign tool. If we do it well, openly and transparently, it will enhance our reputation as a government in waiting which is ready for serious business; that is what we are out to show.

But the cost is something that has to be put in perspective.

It is not outrageous but it’s relatively small compared to what we have to spend on the campaign trail. There is no way we can match those who are in control of the federal treasury.

We are more accountable, that is why I can’t recall it from the top of my head. But we are

We have to ensure we do things properly and in a way that can sell us to Nigerians.

24 weekend politics

Saturday, December 6, 2014

the lashback

Your Reasons Are Half-hearted – Soyinka We are in a situation of destroy or to be destroyed.

They asked for the weapons even for selfdefence, I think the Americans should not boast of what they have done to supply assistance to vulnerable affected households

Displeased with the position of the United States over their refusal to sell weapons to Nigeria, Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, has described the reasons proffered by the US as halfhearted.

Soyinka said the US government should stop giving excuses over its attitude towards Nigeria with regards to assisting her to prosecute the war against terrorism.

He further underscored that the country was at war, noting that it was either it destroys the sect or the sect destroys it.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos, Soyinka in his speech titled, “King Nebuchadnezzar– The Reign Of Impunity,” called on the US to stop giving excuses over its refusal to sell cobra helicopters to Nigeria, stating that they were baseless.

Soyinka, whose comments came on the heels of a recent interview with a national daily granted by former military ruler, Gen Yakubu Gowon, who also accused the United States gov-

Soyinka

ernment of not being friendly to Nigeria, stressed that the US should look beyond the arithmetic deficiencies of governance

and assist the country.

He said, “I want to appeal to the Americans to please stop laughing at us. They should stop

ridiculing this nation.

“The government of Jonathan asked for little weapons to destroy the enemies. We are in a situation of destroy or to be destroyed. They asked for the weapons even for self-defence, I think the Americans should not boast of what they have done to supply assistance to vulnerable affected households.

“All are laudable and nobody is in disagreement with them.

These are necessities. But this is not the response I expect to the situation of war. This nation is at war and is asking for certain forms of assistance.

“Please United States of America, could you please overlook the arithmetical deficiency of governance and stop giving an excuse to this government for failing to protect us? Please just say that you will not supply arms to Nigeria and leave it at that.

“Don’t say that you sent other things; that is not the issue at this critical time in Nigeria,” the Nobel laureate stated.

Why APC Must Deliver Transparent Presidential Primaries- Fayemi 22

going to present a full report at the end of this exercise that will detail a financial summary and properly edited too, how we conducted the exercise and how much we spent in organising it.

What is the template you are working on as an umpire of the primaries?

The template we are working on is that we will be able to produce a winner at the end of the day on a simple majority.

This is not a process that is based on two thirds or 25 percent of the 36 states. For this convention, it is simple majority and as stated in our party constitution, it is a secret ballot system. We would endeavour to make it as open as possible, but anyone that is not on the delegates list will not have a vote and if as a journalist, medical worker or invited guest, you are not accredited, you will not get into the venue.

Have you prepared for a situation where the aspirants get into a consensus and pick one person and is there a win-

dow within which an aspirant could step down?

The assignment I have does not include consensus consideration. That is beyond my pay check. The leadership of the party will have to deal with that. I have not being informed that any such step has been taken by any aspirant.

But in the event that it has been taken, the leadership will inform me as national chairman of the convention committee and we will factor that into the arrangements we are making.

But it has to be on time since the name of the aspirants will be on the ballot.

We have already provided some guidelines which have been published in some newspapers which you may have seen. As far as we are concerned, all aspirants that have been screened and have received their certificates of clearance are going to be on the ballot. Even if they drop out for one reason or the other, it will be difficult for us to remove them from the ballot.

What kind of security mea-

sures have you put in place?

We have a security committee within the national convention committee. However this convention may falter on two or three main things that we must guard against.

One of them is a flawless accreditation list of delegates.

We are determined to achieve a flawless delegates list agreed to by all the contestants on the basis of the convention that we have held across the 36 states. Secondly, there is a critical nature of security that the entire exercise requires and we are taking appropriate steps to ensure that all security agencies that are critical to the exercise will be involved in it.

Some extra security measures that will relate to ballot countingwill also be taken but I can’t go into all those details now.

At the end of the day when your candidate emerges, what will the party offer the losers?

Even the terminology is not acceptable to me. There will be no losers. All aspirants have come into this because

they believe Nigerians need a desperate change; that is what has informed their contest and that requirement for change will not disappear simply because they did not emerge at the end of the day.

I don’t see them not working assiduously towards removing the ruling party that by all accounts has failed Nigerians.

So the priority is for all of our aspirants and those of us that are not aspirants to fight to win the election. Of course the party leadership will take appropriate measures which I may not know in terms of post convention conflict management that i spoke of earlier. This is a no victor, no vanquished contest.

What steps are you putting in place to check monetary inducement of delegates?

I can’t speculate on what people are hearing and what people have been accused of doing or not doing. I can tell you that we are making adequate preparations for all delegates. We will be responsible for their transport and accommodation.

For this convention, it is simple majority and as stated in our party constitution, it is a secret ballot system.