05 july 2015 by Newtelegraphonline

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SUNDAY Sunday, JULY 5, 2015 Vol. 2 No. 451

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}41,42

Police detain four corpses for 14 years

Anthony Ezenwafor

Aloysius Osigwe

Chukwuemeka Ezeofor

THINGS FALL APART IN APC Brycee Bassey

I want a man who can make me laugh

}17 lGangup against Tinubu, S’West chapter worsens lCrack in NWC, NEC lHow olola-kasum Yoruba leaders are Buhari’s men saved Oyegun lOshiomhole, Tambuwal meet APC senators, Reps }4 greedy, over-ambitious

DSS: Marilyn Ogar, 44 others lose new ranks }5

}Buhari fires CSO

}Why I dumped Gani Adams }35

TEEN PREGNANCY

Principal impregnates 17yr-old SS 3 pupil

}Offers to marry her }9

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Contents | 05.07.15 BODY & SOUL

Service, multiple ways A life is fuller when it gives. Prof. Gregory Erhabor gives of himself as a pastor and doctor saving lives of asthmatic patients

}18

POLITICS

Lobbying for access Lobbying to gain access to Presidents and top policy makers has become an international business to engender goodwill and investment

}31

BUSINESS

Rejected

Traders shun Lagos State Government multi-billion naira ultra-modern shopping complexes at Tejuosho, Oyingbo and Ojota years

}24

FAITH

Gospel music Contemporary gospel artiste, Gbenga Adenuga, says music runs in his family

}51

SPORT

Free at last Bobby Adekanye, who has been kept in sports slavery since 2011 will play regular football in the English Premier League as from next season

}60

LIFE

Extra-judicial killings Youths of Anambra community demand release of the corpses of their four kinsman killed by police 14 years ago

}41

SUNDAY

Editorial

Engaging disengaged militants

new wave of insecurity stares the Federal Government in the face following the disengagement of erstwhile militants from duty as pipeline guards and monitors.They were contracted by the Goodluck Jonathan regime as part of the Amnesty programme initiated by late Pressident Umaru Musa Yaradua. Recently government terminated the agreement reverting the surveillance of such essential facilities to the Armed Forces and police. And following this development, many of the former millitants have joined the labour market. In a country where jobs are hard to come by, there is cause for concern. Two weeks ago, sea pirates confronted the Nigeria Navy in Calabar killing some officers.In a related development, pirates struck in Port Harcourt last week visiting mayhem on Marine policemen. In the daring attacks, the pirates gave more than they got and ended up killing the security operatives . They went beyond that. Rifles belonging to the victims were taken by the invaders and gunboats seized. This happened while there are plans to disengage more militants from government security jobs. There are fears that sea piracy could rise if the militants do not get an alternative means of survival from government. Having received a lifeline, many of them abandoned the creeks annd struggle to embrace peace! with promised opportunities. It is the constitutional role of the Armed Forces to protect our territorial integrity. We support any action that is aimed at giving the military their place of pride . However, due to recent national political and economic concerns,the same government offered amnesty to militants which included guarding some pipelines in their respective areas of influence. At a time when there is trouble with Boko Haram in the North-East, government cannot afford to create disquiet in the Niger Delta .The security implications of throwing up more unrest in the oil rich region

will be too hot to bear.While attention is concentrated up north, government does not have the capacity to open another front down south. Due to maladministration, all the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eggs, are in one basket. Oil is the mainstay of our economy. Fluctuations in the international oil market have reduced an erstwhile rich country to a beggarly nation running from one agency to the other for loan. Creating instability in the region that produces the black gold will further devastate the economy. This we cannot afford. It was tough for the Eastern and Central Naval Commands to curtail piracy even when the militants had a job doing. Now that they have no source of income, criminality will not be ruled out as an attractive alternative.Nigeria is Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest economy. If our high seas become unsafe, many ocean going vessels will look beyond our shores to do business. Government therefore, must not abandon the militants after giving them hope since the Yaradua days. They are Nigerians who are eager to earn a living. Our oil wealth should be able to offer them living space in their country.The Amnesty Programme was initiated by he Federal Government. President Buhari promised to do more for the Niger Delta region. The best way to keep trouble away is not just to cancel pipeline surveillance contracts. It also involves giving the disengaged militants something that will not simply keep them busy but something that will yield income at the end of the day.There are millions of idle young men and women who have no hope for tomorrow and do not mind creating an atmosphere of terror in return. Nigeria has enough inurgency at hand. The suicide bombers seered by Boko Haram have turned the North-East to a ghost region in terms of opportunities and investment. Rocket propelled grenade wielding militants in the Oil Rivers coast may turn our beloved country to another Somalia. Let this not come to pass. Government must avoid it.

DAILY TELEGRAPH PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 5 JULY, 2015

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

News

Things fall apart in APC as Buhari, Tinubu disagree

Donald Ojogo, Abuja

hings have fallen apart in the All progressives Congress as the cold war between President Muhammadu Buhari and the party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, deepened shortly after its National Executive Committee meeting on Friday. Sunday Telegraph gathered that Buhari, few hours to the NEC meeting, rebuffed the APC national leader’s request for the parley to endorse the letter written by the party leadership to Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara on the remaining leadership positions in the National Assembly. “The President has used and dumped our leader; the fact that the President ignored all attempts by the leader to have the letter endorsed is a slap on all of

us from the South-West,” a serving senator from one of the South-West states told our correspondent shortly after the meeting on Friday. Sunday Telegraph had sought to find out from the senator, the reason for Tinubu’s absence from the meeting. “It is clear the President has got what he wanted all along and it does appear the real personality behind him is coming out gradually. If not, he would not have encouraged this revolt by his silence and indifference while we are facing challenges as a party. “You don’t expect the man (Tinubu) to come and sit at a place where some people have seen an opportunity to rubbish him while the party and its products look the other way. The worst is the vote of confidence NEC passed on the national chairman, a man who bungled our chances to plant

party supremacy and party discipline,” he said. The situation has led to a crack in the NEC and National Working Committee, as its members are now on either with the President or Tinubu. A pro-Buhari member of the APC National Working Committee who spoke on condition of anonymity said the vote of confidence passed on the party’s national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun would rather strengthen the party than weaken it. “What has the vote of confidence got to do with what we are talking about? If some persons wanted the ouster of the national chairman out of their selfish reasons and the larger house said no and passed a vote of confidence, what is wrong in that? “Let me tell you, one man cannot decide the entire fate of the APC; we all toiled for the party; yes some joined

after it had been formed but can we say we would have gone far without those same persons that some people want to obliterate from the party? The simple answer is No. They all contributed their quota. “Can we also say the South-East and South-South should be ignored just because of the circumstances of the March 28 presidential election? The answer is also No, and this is what we are trying to avoid, that is, taking all things to one zone to the exclusion of others. “So if anyone says someone has been used and dumped, don’t believe such; may be some wanted to say stand up, sit down, run now, stop, sleep and wake to the President and he has diplomatically turned it down. “As far as some of us are concerned, one man cannot dictate to us who takes what in the party, who gets nominated as presidential candi-

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun (2nd right), his deputy, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga (2nd left), Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Ishola Adekunbi (right) and Guest Speaker, Chief Imam, University of Abuja, Prof. Taofeek AbdulAzeez (left), during the state’s Ramadan Iftar, tagged Sustaining the Gains of 2015 Elections: Muslims on Call, held at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta...yesterday.

date and vice presidential candidate respectively and still insist on controlling the parliament. It can’t be encouraged to happen; this is national politics.” A source said that at the APC’s NEC meeting, the first since the party’s victory in the March 28 presidential poll,the President’s loyalists viewed attempts to remove Oyegun as an indirect move to tarnish Buhari’s image. They also viewed it as a way of weakening the party and resolved to save him, so that the party would not disintegrate. Thus, party leaders endorsed a vote of confidence on his leadership of the party. When contacted, Oyegun urged the media to concentrate on the positive things the current government can bring to bear on Nigerians. “Why do you media people want to know all these things that are mere insinuations? Why not devote your time and energy to what the APC-led government can do for Nigerians? Please, we have no problem at all. As you can see, we are already on the verge of resolving everything, so bring anything other positive stories that will help the party and the government it has put in place,” Oyegun said. For his part, APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said all issues regarding the crisis are being handled by the governors elected on the party’s platform. “All I can say is that the governors elected on our party’s platform have the mandate of the leadership of the party to resolve all issues relating to the crisis; let us not personalise anything please. Let us allow the governors to look into all issues and come out with resolutions that will be acceptable to all,” he said. But Senior Special Assistant to the President on

Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said his boss needed no other evidence than what he said at the meeting that the party remainesd supreme. “The President has made it clear that as one who believes in the supremacy of the party. He stands with the APC leadership on their positions. What more does he have to prove?” Sunday Telegraph learnt that Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; and his Edo State counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole were mandated to meet with the party’s senators and members of the House of Representatives yesterday and submit their report last night. Curiously, conspicuously absent were Tinubu and the immediate past National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande. Both men are strong backers of Senator Ahmad Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila who both lost out in the National Assembly leadership contests. For Tinubu, no reason was given for his absence at Friday’s meeting. But while one account had it that some unnamed former governors of the party had threatened to storm the meeting if the former Lagos governor was allowed in, another hinted that Tinubu may have stayed away in protest after failing to convince Buhari to enforce the party’s letter to both Saraki and Dogara. The contention of the two that the remaining National Assembly principal offices be shared to their associates earlier favoured by the party leadership in the leadership contest is at the centre of the crisis. Senator Saraki had refused to read a letter from the national chairman pronouncing the favoured party men for the four principal offices. A similar rebuff from Speaker Dogara penultimate Thursday led to a free for all in the House.

Borno State capital. A statement by DHQ’s spokesman, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said the development followed cordon and search operations by the military. The statement reads: “A jeep full of Improvised Explosives Devices was among the weapons recovered by troops conducting Cordon and Search Operations after suicide bombing attacks on Zabamari Muna near Maiduguri. The jeep along with two Hilux vehicles being used by terrorists were destroyed in the course of pursuit and encounter with a group of terrorists trying to escape after simultaneous attacks on targets in the communities Thursday and Friday.

“A total of six suicide bombers had detonated themselves around the garage killing scores of people while some people were also wounded. A soldier also died. Military Explosives Ordinance experts backed by Police Bomb Disposal Units are continuing with vigorous search for any bombs that might have been hidden or left unexploded in the area. “Meanwhile, all other offensive operations of counterterrorist campaign against terrorists continuing in various fronts. Additional deployment of men and equipment to enhance the scope of the mission both within the country and at borders are also continuing.”

Presidency may free Boko Haram members’ wives, kids Anule Emmanuel and Emmanuel Onani, Abuja

he Presidency may soon release the noncombatant wives and children of Boko Haram members in custody, as part of likely negotiations with the group. Also on the cards is the likely release and rehabilitation of some Boko Haram ex-fighters who have shown remorse. Although the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, denied knowledge of the plan, Sunday Telegraph learnt that these concessions would be part of government’s push to whittle

down the group’s influence and finally destroy it. Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has explained gave reasons why his administration is considering a possible negotiation with the Boko Haram sect. The President said it was never a show of weakness of the nation’s Armed Forces to combat the menace. Adesina in an interview with the BBC on Friday had stated that the Federal Government was considering the option of negotiating with the sect. He told the BBC that the Buhari government was not ruling out negotiations with the sect if it would put an end to the activities of the group since the insur-

gents had attacked so many villages and killed scores of people. But Adesina in a statement yesterday to justify government’s position noted that “most wars, however furious or vicious, often end around the negotiation table.” He explained that “if Boko Haram opts for negotiation, the government will not be averse to it.” He stated, “Government will, however, not be negotiating from a position of weakness, but that of strength. The machinery put in place, and which will be set in motion soon, can only devastate and decapitate insurgency.. The approach of negotiation by government he said will be

multinational in nature. “It is multinational in nature, and relief is on the way for Nigeria and her neighbours. President Muhammadu Buhari is resolute. “He has battled and won insurgency before, he is poised to win again. It is a promise he made to Nigerians, and he is a promise keeper. “But I say again, if the insurgents want to negotiate, no decent government will be averse to such. Didn’t the Taliban and Americans also negotiate in Afghanistan?” Also yesterday, the Defence Headquarters announced that troops destroyed a jeep laden with Improvised Explosive Devices, after suicide bombers attacked Zabamari Muna, a town near Maiduguri, the

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, Sunday Telegraph

Onwuka Nzeshi

P Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday sacked his Chief Security Officer, Abdulrahman Mani, a senior operative of the Department of State Security. The Chief Security Officer to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Abdulrahman Mani, has been removed. Mani, who has been redeployed to Ebonyi State, had been working with President Buhari before his election. Presidency sources said although his rank in the DSS did not qualify him to serve as CSO, he was given accelerated promotion to feet the position. He has been replaced with Mr. Bashir Abubakar. Sunday Telegraph gathered that Abubakar, until his new appointment, was an Assistant Director in the Bayelsa State Command of the DSS. The Administrative Officer in the Presidential Villa, Widi Liman, has also been removed. His replacement was yet to be made as at the time of filing in this report. Widi is said to had served the recently sacked Director General of the DSS Ita Ekeyong as personal assistant. Presidency sources said his removal may have been as a result of his link with the former DSS boss. He was said to have been transferred to the Oyo State Command of the DSS.

News

Buhari fires CSO, AO DSS: Marilyn Ogar, 44 others lose new ranks

Meanwhile, barely four days after the appointment of Lawal Daura as the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), an uneasy calm has enveloped the agency over a circular reversing the promotions of the spokesperson for the agency, Ms. Marilyn Ogar, and about 44 other senior operatives. The operatives were elevated to new ranks in the twilight of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. The circular which was issued on Friday and signed by Toma Minti indicated that the promotions were being cancelled because they allegedly did not follow due process. The circular reads in part: “In view of the observed lapses in the promotion exercise released from 31st March, 2015 to date, the President, Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has directed its suspension forthwith. The personnel affected include those promoted, converted and upgraded within the period under review. They are, therefore, to revert to their former ranks with im-

mediate effect.” If the new order subsists, it will affect the recent promotion of Ogar, a deputy director and about 44 others. In the last promotion which was effected weeks before the exit of the last administration, 29 operatives were elevated from Grade Level 15 to 16 while 28 others were promoted from Grade Level 16 to 17. The reversal, Sunday Telegraph learnt, is being perceived in some circles as a ‘witch-hunt’ by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which had not hidden its disapproval at the operations of the DSS in the buildup to the 2015 elections. Some operatives of the agency who spoke with Sunday Telegraph on the issue argued that it would be difficult to rule out vendetta in the action of the new DG, considering the fact that promotions in the agency had always followed due process. An operative who spoke on the condition that his name must not be mentioned explained that promotions of officers were usually recommended by the DSS and sent to the National Security Adviser

who scrutinises those to be elevated and forwards same to the President for approval. According to our source, the most recent promotions followed all the necessary procedures and were duly approved by immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan before they were effected. He wondered where the new regime saw lapses or irregularities in the exercise. “The current DG is a beneficiary of a similar exercise. His predecessor (Ekpenyong Ita) promoted him to the position of a director at the twilight of his career shortly before he retired from Service. I see this suspension as a witchhunt aimed at getting at some people. The next step would be retirement of some Service personnel who are not in their good book. Already, there are rumours of planned sack of the head of Public Relations and the director of Institute for Security Studies, ISS. We are watching. I was not promoted but those promoted had met the requisite benchmark,” the operative said. Another operative who also did not want his name in print expressed doubts

President Muhammadu Buhari (l), with the Chairman, APC Katsina State, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, during a courtesy visit by the state chairmen of APC to Buhari in Abuja …yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Govt to probe political killings, others - Buhari Anule Emmanuel Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday vowed to reopen investigations into political assassinations, intimidation and kidnappings in the country and work towards providing equity and justice to all Nigerians. The President said government under his leadership would ensure the perpetrators are speedily brought to

justice. Buhari stated this yesterday when he received state chairmen of the All Progressives Congress at the Presidential Villa. He said that he remained fully committed to providing a level playing field for all Nigerians to get on with their daily lives or participate in electing their leaders, without fear of intimidation. According to him, this will strengthen the nation’s

criminal justice system to curb the reign of injustice and impunity in the country. “At every point, the law must be supreme and everyone must respect the law, if our democratic system is to survive. “Injustice cannot survive for long. Justice will ultimately prevail. We will make sure that those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring justice and equity do not rest on their

laurels. “The only way we can sustain our democracy is to ensure that the law remains supreme at all times. If the law is upheld, people will have confidence that they can vote for who they want to vote for, without intimidation or threats. People must have protection to exercise their rights freely or we could be headed for anarchy,” he said.

about the circular, insisting that Buhari may have been misled into giving such a directive without conducting a thorough investigation into any allegation of irregularities about the last promotion exercise. Buhari has last Thursday, sacked the DSS DG, Mr. Ita Ekpenyong, and appointed Mr. Lawal Musa Daura, as the new boss of the secret service. However, this appointment has provoked a public outcry as it was perceived as an act of nepotism considering that the new DSS boss hails from Daura, the same village as Buhari and was recalled from retirement whereas there are several senior officials in the service. Even before Daura’s appointment, the DSS had a running battle with the Presidency as operatives of the secret police were once

ordered to leave the Presidential Villa and hand over their traditional duty posts to the Brigade of Guards. The quit order which was issued by the Aide de Camp to the President, Lt. Col. Abubakar Lawal, was said to have had the imprimatur of the President whom, it was learnt, felt uncomfortable with the secret police grading him. But soon after the order was issued, the Special Adviser to the President, Mr Femi Adesina, explained that the DSS operatives were never chased out of the presidential villa. He however described what happened as a realignment of the security arrangement at the Presidential Villa to put members of the armed forces in the inner perimeter while leaving the DSS personnel on the outer rings of the fortress.

We won’t leave APC, says Dogara Philip Nyam Abuja

peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has described as laughable insinuations that he and some All Progressives Congress members in the House are planning to defect to the People’s Democratic Party. A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Adamu Hassan, yesterday said the Speaker made this known when he received in audience APC state party chairmen led by Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, acting chairman of the forum who is also the Kano State APC chairman in office yesterday, Dogara discountenanced the allegations, saying it was only ludicrous for some people to insinuate that he and other APC members are planning to leave the party they helped to build. “I want to discountenance this very ludicrous and laughable discussion that some of us in the House are even conniving with some people so that we can defect. Only a fool will believe that. “We have toiled day and night. We control the government at the centre, and in our states then we pack and move to a house that we deserted before. It is unthinkable and unimaginable that someone will even make such assertions,” he said. Dogara also assured that the APC would overcome the current crisis, saying,

“We have been through a lot but obviously this is expected as it is a new party. We are beginning to know ourselves. It is expected that from the beginning we will have some kind of friction but we cannot be consumed by those frictions. Like vehicles from the frictions we can gather the traction that we need to move forward and I guess that is one reason why we are here today.” On party supremacy, the Speaker said although he agreed that the party is supreme, he however, said absolute sovereignty and supremacy rest with the people. The Speaker assured the party chairmen that he and all APC members of the House are not disloyal to the party because “all of us contributed immensely to the building of the APC.” It is our duty to ensure that the party survives. And they say it is only a mad man that will use the same hands that he used in building a house to pull it down. We are not mad, we are not fools.” Dogara, warned that the APC risks losing popularity if it makes the mistake of marginalising some zones in the sharing of positions of principal officers of the National Assembly because when elections come, the party will go back to the people to seek for their support Speaking earlier, Doguwa said they were in the Speaker’s office to congratulate him. He urged him to carry every member along in the running of the affairs of the House.

SUNDAY

The Sunday Magazine SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Islamic clerics caused Jonathan’s Alhaji Tanko Yakassai has been in politics since the first republic as a member of the radical Northern Elements Progressives Union. In the runup to the last election, the elder statesman set up the Northern Elders Council and swam against the tide of the mainstream politics of the North, by supporting then President Goodluck Jonathan. In this interview at his ‘Yankaba residence in Kano, the 89 year old politician explains to IBRAHEEM MUSA why he did not campaign for Muhammadu Buhari Last week, you were asked to assess the All Peoples Congress-led federal government but you declined. You argued that one month was too early to do so. But what is your interim assessment of the administration so far? I served in government for a total of 12 years; at the state level for eight years and at the federal level for four years. And I realise that government is not something that you just come in and start unfolding things. You need to understand it. If you leave government and come back after five years, you are almost a fresh person. So, you need to study various situations. I said that, I think it’s not fair to asses a government within a period of 30 days. But I made a point, that personally, if I were the one elected to that position, at least by now, I would have appointed my Secretary to the Government, my Chief of Staff, my Principal Secretary and their supporting staff. This is because a President cannot operate on his own; he has to have those

basic and necessary staff that will assist in carrying out directives. If I have any other comment, it’s only in respect of the fact that the President has not, as yet, appointed those key officers who will definitely assist in the administration’s efforts to take off. Without them, the President can’t be writing letters himself. This was the comment that I made and I still stand by it. Some Nigerians are saying that its smacks of incompetence, given President Muhammadu Buhari’s experience as a former military head of state and having contested for the presidency on three previous elections, not to have appointed these key staff within 30 days. Do you agree? If it were me, I would have appointed these key officers either that day or the following day. But I don’t know what has made it difficult for him to appoint them. The day that you made up your mind to contest for the presidency, or the governorship or the local government chairman, you must have some people in mind that immediately you succeed, you will appoint them to help you in setting up the administration. These are the key officers. To that extent, I think he should have done that much earlier. Some people have pointed out that so far, the President has appointed only northerners to key positions in the last one month. On Thursday, he appointed his Daura kinsman as Director General of the Department of Security. What is your opinion on the appointments that the President has made so far? There is no diplomacy in the series of appointments. There is

Yakassai

Obasanjo ran two terms and when Umaru Yar’Adua came in, unfortunately he died. We insisted that although the constitution said that the president should be succeeded by his deputy, we in the north said that after completing his period, a northerner should be allowed to emerge so that we will be able to have two terms also an I-don’t-care attitude to the whole thing, which will not augur well for the future of the administration and the country. I appeal to the new administration to appear to be the government for the entire people of Nigeria in everything that they do. Did you foresee this kind of seeming tardiness? Was that why the Northern Elders Council, which you headed, supported then President Goodluck Jonathan against Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in the last election? No. But when you are supporting a candidate, there are certain things that make you to either lend your support or not to support him. I don’t know Buhari very closely, I know him from afar. But people who know him said that on two occasions when he found himself in the position of leadership; one as head of state and the other one as chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund, people who were close to him in those days, complained that he tended to allow other people to do the job for him. They said most of what happened when he was head of state was the handiwork of Brig. Tunde Idiagbon. Also, they said that most of the work that he did when he was PTF chairman was the handiwork of a consultant that he a p -

pointed from Adamawa, one Salihijo Ahmad. People said most of the ideas emanated from him and he was by and large responsible for the accomplishments of that institution. And I remember that two important members of the PTF board complained bitterly, to the extent that they had to seek audience with the former head of state and presented their complaints to him. I understand, he promised to take action and see things the way that he expected them to go. The complainants were Malam Yahaya Gusau and Group Captain Usman Jibrin (retd).. They are both late. And it was because of the failure of the then head of state to address their concerns that both of them decided to resign from the board. But I can only work on this hear-say, I have never tried to find out how true this allegation is. Former President Goodluck Jonathan was the candidate that you supported but the electorate voted for Buhari. Are you now feeling some kind of vindication? People vote for candidates for certain reasons. I supported Jonathan not because of his personality, but because of my experience on issues pertaining to succession at the centre. I realise that from 1960 to date, almost all the political crises that Nigeria has been passing through were connected to issues of succession of power at the national level. In the 1959 election, the Action Group thought that if they could mobilise support among the minorities in the north and in the east, together with the votes they expected to get from Yorubaland, they would be able to have enough members to form the federal government. And as you know, we were operating a parliamentary system of government at that time. But the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), in their own calculation, decided that since the north had more than 50% of seats in the House of Representatives, they would rather concentrate their efforts here in the north, to get the number they needed to form the government. In the event, when the election took place, the strategy adopted by the Action Group did not work. In the end, it came third in the ranges of parties that had Members of Parliament. But the strategy of NPC paid off because it came first with the highest number of Members of Parliament. I think after some calculations, some Action Group members concluded that with this kind of scenario, the prospect of their producing the Prime Minister was very difficult. And I believe that it was this calculation that enticed them into attempting to stage a coup in 1962. They were arrested, tried and convicted for what w a s then

Sunday Telegraph, SUNDAY JULY 5 2015

The Sunday Magazine

There is no diplomacy in the series of appointments. There is also an I-don’t-care attitude to the whole thing, which will not augur well for the future of the administration and the country. I appeal to the new administration to appear to be the government for the entire people of Nigeria in everything that they do

downfall –Tanko Yakassai called treasonable felony. After that, the 1964 elections came and NPC repeated their strategy and of course they employed all sorts of tactics, some of them normal and some of them abnormal. But they ended up having the highest number of members in the House of Representatives. The nation nearly went through crisis because Dr. Nnamadi Azikwe, who was the ceremonial President, initially refused to invite NPC to form a new government. So, I kept on observing that whenever we had crises in this country, it was an issue of succession of power at the centre. It was that same problem that made Gen. Murtala Muhammed to stage a coup against Gowon, even though Gowon was never accused of stealing public money or showing any ethnic or sectional bias against anybody. It didn’t take long when Dimka and his group also attempted to take over power which resulted in the assassination of Gen. Murtala Muhammed. Then, we ended up with Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo who organised an election that brought Shehu Shagari into power. After completing his first tenure, he was overthrown by fellow northerners and he was never accused of stealing public money or showing discrimination against any section of this country. So, clearly it was a struggle for power. So, this is the reason why some of us thought that the only way for us to have stability in this country was to support the issue of zoning and rotation to be sustained in the country. NPN had introduced the system in the Second Republic and it was accepted nationwide. Unfortunately, because of the coup against Shagari, the idea was not implemented. But when we went to the constitutional conference under Abacha, we adopted rotation and zoning; not only at the centre but at state and local government levels. In order to ensure that the system stabilises, we recommended the creation of six geopolitical zones. And we also recommended that whoever is elected as president, should serve just one term and his deputy should come from his zone. So in the event that he is not able to complete his term, somebody from his zone will continue and complete the term allotted to that zone. Unfortunately, when Gen. Abdulsalami came, because he was in a hurry or was advised, he dropped this idea of zoning and rotation. But when PDP came to power, it instituted it in their constitution. Obasanjo ran two terms and when Umaru Yar’Adua came in, unfortunately he died. We insisted that although the constitution said that the president should be succeeded by his deputy, we in the north said that after completing his period, a northerner should be allowed to emerge so that we will be able to have two terms. That was why some northerners were against Jonathan’s re-election because they said that he breached a gentleman’s agreement to do just one term. In spite of this, why did you insist in supporting him? I was just coming to that point when you interrupted me. What I wanted to tell you is that when Jonathan decided to run for a second term, I started the agitation against him. If you don’t know, you can go and ask. I campaigned vigorously that he should not contest. I was not a member of PDP, I have no claim to telling PDP who should contest and who should not. That was the advice given to me by a lawyer. Then somebody who is a member of PDP and applied to

Buhari

contest and when Jonathan was adopted, he went to court. I assisted that person to contest the election against Jonathan and when he did not win, I assisted him, not with money but with moral support, to pursue his case in court. When the National Assembly introduced the Doctrine of Necessity, I as a northerner and as a believer in zoning and rotation, went to court to say that there is no provision in our constitution for that Doctrine of Necessity. I pursued the case and it was concluded but the only thing was that the judge, after hearing our submissions, did not deliver his judgement. He retired. I don’t know why. What’s the name of the judge? You should go and find out. But what I’m saying is that, I was persistent in trying to ensure that this stability is maintained in this country. At which point did you switch to supporting Jonathan? Now, the court had decided in the case of Sani Aminu Dutsima, that it cannot compel PDP to implement rotation because the party put the principle in its constitution but it did not say that the rotation will be in respect of so, so and so offices. And also, it did not say from where to where the rotation should take place. To that extent, it said that it is the power of PDP to determine which offices should be affected and which zone power should be rotated to. Therefore, the court ruled that it had no powers to do that. Eventually, I realised that I had reached the limits of my efforts and I should continue my support for rotation. I believe that rotation is the only panacea for stability. That was the reason why when Jonathan completed one term, I felt that he should be supported to complete a second term. By so doing, out of the six zones, we would have claimed that two zones had completed two terms of zoning. Then the matter would have been left to the remaining zones, so that this stability will be re-established in the country and therefore, we will have peace. Mark you, Jonathan did not ask for my support. I supported him on my own on principle. Igbos have some grudges against northerners. They believe that it was northerners that fought against them during the civil war and not the Federal Government. The Yorubas also hold the annulment of June 12 election against the north, even though it was the north that gave Abiola majority of the votes. They see us as being responsible for the annulment and not the

Jonathan

military. So, we are not in good terms with two of the dominant ethnic groups in the south. Coupled with that, Prof. Ango Abdullahi’s Northern Elders Forum had shown that they were not against Jonathan per se but the South-South as a whole. And most people in the South believed it. So, wittingly or unwittingly, the north ended up being not in good terms with almost all southerners. I wanted to show that there were people who supported and opposed Jonathan in the North, contrary to the propaganda that all northerners were against him. So, in the future whenever we have the need to cooperate with the south, the north will not find it very difficult to win their support. And one day, sooner or later, we will need their support. If Jonathan had continued in office, he would have spent more than eight years in office by the end of his second term and there might have been some problems. That was why some people opposed him. Didn’t you factor this into your calculation? No, no, no. It’s a wrong interpretation. Go and read the constitution. The constitution bars you from contesting if you are elected into office two times. For you to be elected, you must be sponsored by your party. For you to be sponsored by your party you must contest in your party’s primaries. When you win, then you will contest. You can’t be said to be elected because someone died and you succeeded him. But if he had won the 2015 election, he would have been sworn in three times... (Cuts in) That is not the language of the constitution. You didn’t read it, I read it! The constitution is talking of being elected two times. If I understand your long narration correctly, you supported Jonathan because of the stability of this country and the institutionalisation of the principles of zoning. Your support had nothing to do with his performance or lack of it. Yes. How did you feel supporting someone from the South-South against someone from your own geopolitical zone and living in Kano? I don’t play politics because of tribe or religion or section. I play politics on principle. I was General Secretary of NEPU, Publicity Secretary and National Organising Secretary. I held so many offices in the party. We believed in the unity of this country. I never supported Sardauna when he was in power. We support people on the basis of principle.

Is it correct to say that you formed the Northern Elders Council as a counterpoise to the Northern Elders Forum? I will tell you what happened. We learnt that they had made representations to the Sultan, requesting for a meeting of traditional rulers; that they wanted to address them. And we felt that it was wrong. We knew that throughout when traditional rulers were holding their meetings, politicians who had some ideas to sell to them, went to them privately in their houses. If they believed in the idea, they would consult among themselves and bring it to their meeting. There was never a time when politicians asked traditional leaders to convene a meeting for them to attend. So, we decided to go to that meeting so that we can point out this fact. Senator Hamisu Musa, Dr. Mamman Shata and I went to the meeting; Hassan Adamu couldn’t come. Initially, five of us were supposed to go but only four of us went. We attended the opening, then when Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State was recognising those who were present, when he was making his speech, he called my name. That was the time that Alhaji Maitama Sule knew I was around. I saw when Maitama was protesting, saying that we were not part of the meeting, therefore we should not be allowed to sit. The emir of Bida was going back and forth between Maitama and the Sultan. Eventually, the Sultan diplomatically adjourned the meeting for 15 or 20 minutes. He said that when the meeting re-convenes, only traditional rulers and members of Northern Elders Forum will be allowed in. Which means those of us who were not members of NEF were not invited. Then we decided that since nobody mandated members of the forum to speak for the North, we should go and form our own; so that we can speak our minds if it is contrary to that of the Northern Elders Forum. If you remember, when they started, they were issuing reckless statements, that if Jonathan is elected there will be war in Nigeria and the country will be made ungovernable. You don’t do that; the constitution says that the man can contest election. When you threaten him with war and bloodshed, you are now creating a situation whereby perhaps peace and tranquillity will be disturbed. So, we felt that we should express our views so that the general public will be aware that the statement credited to NEF does not represent the totality of every northerner; there are northerners who do not agree with it. And we have achieved that. Anytime they made a statement which we felt was not in consonance with our thinking, we rejected it. And we managed to survive along that line; they survived, we survived. But it seems that they have triumphed over you since the person that they supported has become the president of Nigeria. They did not triumph over us. If you don’t know, I know. There was concerted collusion of some INEC officials, some traditional rulers, some university administrators and Islamic scholars which brought about the election results as announced. Two weeks before the election, traditional rulers met and cleverly passed on the message to district and village heads, to tell their imams in all their Friday mosques that during their sermons, they should ask the congregation not to vote for an infidel. Go round and find out; it happened.

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Polio: Emir of Kanam calls for cooperation Musa Pam Jos

he Emir of Kanam, Alhaji Muazu Babangida, has urged Nigerians to cooperate to make the nation polio free. He also called on all to rally round the Buhari administration for it to succeed. The Emir, who spoke to journalists in Jos, said the government needed the prayer and cooperation of every Nigerian to succeed in its programmes and for the country to reap the dividend of democracy. According to him, it is pathetic that a case similar to poliomyelitis was discovered in Plateau State when Nigeria is about to be declared polio free by July 29, this year. “It is so sad that we have got a case just two weeks ago, in Angwa Rogo/Angwa Rimi community which is a densely populated Muslim community at a time when the Sultan of Sokoto and myself are championing the crusade for this exercise to succeed,” he said. While discarding the belief in some quarters that the vaccine was to depopulate the Muslim community he said, “No Emir or chief would allow the administration of vaccine that is questionable on his people. It is not this life but the hereafter that we are bothered about what happens to our people. As leaders, we will want the best for them. I call on the people in Angwa Rimi / Angwa Rogo to cooperate with us to make Nigeria

polio free.” Speaking on the spate of bombing during the holy month of Ramadan, the Emir urged those involved in the ugly attacks to repent and be reunited with their communities and the nation at large. “Their actions are not Islamic as they are not in the teaching of the Prophet of Islam nor any Islamic scholar. We want to call on them to look up to God and stop these wanton destructions of lives and properties and to engage in total repentance.” He urged the government to ensure that the issue is totally brought to an end “because people have high expectations from this government and they believe that it can tackle the problem of the insurgency. We call on government to be up and doing in ensuring that it comes to an end. We do not have any country apart from Nigeria and nobody can claim any part of it. We should ensure total unity and cooperate with our leaders. The Emir commended the Muslim Ummah for agreeing to come together and start the Ramadan fast at the same time; explaining that the uniformity was the outcome of the meeting of Muslim leaders in Kaduna in which some ulammahs were selected and asked to come up with modalities to enable both the North and South to start the fasting on the same day and everyone went by their decision.

Presidency stripped INEC of its independence, says PDP •Accuses Zakari of working with APC to deploy choice RECs in Kogi, Bayelsa Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the appointment of Mrs. Amina Bala Zakari as Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has stripped the commission of its independence. PDP had, at its 403rd National Working Committee (NWC) meeting last Wednesday, called for the removal of Mrs. Zakari as acting chairman because of her alleged relationship with the presidency. The presidency has since denied this, and said her appointment followed due process. But PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, on Saturday, said it is privy to the fact that “Mrs. Zakari, who has a strong re-

lationship with President Muhammadu Buhari and a very prominent APC North-West governor, is collaborating with the ruling party to post Resident Electoral Commissioners of its choice to Kogi and Bayelsa, ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections in those states.” The party also alleged that Zakari is planning to use the period of her stay as acting chairman to tinker with electoral personnel and materials for the two states in favour of the APC. “President Buhari, in appointing Mrs. Zakari, failed to take into cognizance the moral call to detach himself from the operation of the electoral body, thereby completely eroding the independence of the commission,” it said, The party pointed out that the issue at stake is not that of Zakari’s com-

petence or performance in office but the fact of nepotism and her closeness to the President and some key APC leaders, which, according to PDP, calls into question, the independence of the electoral body under her. “We want Nigerians to know that with this appointment, INEC has been stripped of its independence and can no longer command the confidence and respect of the citizens and all other critical stakeholders in the nation’s electoral process” The statement pointed out that the Acting Chairman of INEC was once a staff of Afri-Project Consortium, a company associated with the President and that she once worked as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Social Development and later, that of Agriculture and Rural Development in the

Federal Capital Development Authority. PDP, while conceding that the President has the powers to appoint any person he deems fit as the INEC Chairman, asked, “Does moral obligation not demand that in doing so, he should take into cognizance the sensitivity of the position?” According to the statement, PDP is not against Mrs. Zakari being appointed an INEC national commissioner by the president, but rejects her being an executive chairman. The party urged Nigerians “to rise above sectional, religious, gender and partisan biases and put the independence of INEC, the credibility of the electoral process and the overall interest of the nation above every other consideration in their comments and views on the appointment.”

‘Kano didn’t ban Christians from Sunday service’ Muhammad Kabir Kano

he Kano State Government of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has denied banning Christians in the state from attending Sunday service as it’s being peddled in the Social Media. The state Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, described the story as malicious, mischievous and a calculated attempt to set Kano ablaze. Muhammad Garba said that at no time did the government of Ganduje made such statement. He stated that the false news was being peddled by faceless peoples who didn’t wish the state well. Garba explained that the state Ministry of Environment only extended the state Sanitation program

done every Saturday to Sundays for government ministries to clean their offices, clear the gutters and dispose of the waste. He expressed worry that the tale bearers went as far as alleging that all efforts made by the state’s CAN to make the government rescind its decisions proved abortive. The Commissioner stated that there was never a time any member of the CAN came forward on the story that was not even true. He urged the media to be responsible in its reportage, adding that it should concentrate on what is good for the nation. He said the effort of the government was to ensure that Kano is free from infectious diseases like Ebola and others caused by bad sanitations.

L-R: Best graduating Cadet, Emmmanuel Nwachukwu; Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Maj.-Gen. Charley Okoro and Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, at the Passing-out Parade of Cadets of the Direct Short Service Commission Course 22/2015 in Jaji, Kaduna State…Yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

PDP assures of transparent primary in Kogi Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assured Nigerians of a transparent and all-inclusive process that would guarantee a level playing ground for all members of the party in Kogi State. The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh,

also said that the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) had “very useful discussions” with Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, when he visited the party’s national secretariat last week. The statement said, “The governor threw more light on the congresses held in his state and the composition of the state local organising commit-

tee.” PDP said the NWC, at the end of the meeting, resolved to look into the issues raised and take appropriate decision on them. The party denied that the NWC kept the governor waiting for hours during his visit, and explained that Governor Wada “arrived the national secretariat some minutes ahead of the Act-

ing National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, and was with members of the National Working Committee (NWC) before the arrival of the Acting National Chairman.” PDP said it held Governor Wada in very high esteem, and described him as “a humble and brilliant administrator who has continued to discharge his duties with great candor and commitment.”

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

News

Principal impregnates 17-yr old pupil •Offers to marry her Musa Pam Jos

he Principal of Federal Government College (FGC), Jos, Mr. Mohammed Manko, who allegedly impregnated a 17 year-old SS3 female pupil, had offered to marry her. A source who pleaded anonymity alleged that Manko gave the parents of the girl 10 boxes of wrappers and other clothing materials to assure them of his readiness to get married to their daughter. However, parents of stu-

dents in the school, penultimate week, demanded the immediate removal of the Principal for what they described as sharp practices and lack of accountability. The parents made the call at the school’s gate after being locked out by the management. Investigations by our correspondent on Friday, in Jos, revealed that Manko began dating the SS3 pupil since she was in SS1 and never hid the fact. According to a reliable source, a teacher in the school, who pleaded anonymity, said when the girl

(name withheld) became pregnant, she informed her parents, who live around Ali Kazaure in Jos metropolis. The parents were reported to have confronted the principal. He was said to have accepted responsibility for the pregnancy and offered to marry her in order to ward off their anger and shame. “Luckily, Aisha is a final year student, who has finished her examinations. If not, we didn’t know how we would have handled this situation,” the source lamented. According to the source,

the randy principal usually had relationships with most of his female pupils. “In fact, we, the teachers of this college, have been so disturbed over the attitude of our principal; but this time around, his cup is full, we hope he will marry the girl and make her happy. ‘’ According to the source, the principal, in fear of the reaction of parents, prevented them from holding their PTA meeting on June 27 on the pretence that he was not in town. Shocked, the Acting Chairman, Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Mr. Habila Mutlar, described the incident as an immoral act that should be condemned.

“When I confronted him, he denied it. He agreed there was a relationship but no pregnancy,” Mutlar said. When contacted, Manko confirmed having an affair with the girl but that there was no pregnancy at all, but added, “I have told the parents my intention to marry her.” An official from the ministry of Education, Jos zonal office, Mrs. Comfort Ado’fiki, expressed shock over the incident, which she described as ``demeaning and shameful.’’ Most of the parents who spoke with our correspondent while protesting at the gate of the college, in Jos, said they were invited to a PTA meeting with management scheduled for Saturday June 27, 2015, but they met the school gate under lock. One of them, Comrade Sunday Akinfolahin said, “We got notices that there will be a PTA meeting today, only for parents to travelled from all over the country and got to the school to see the school gate locked. At the gate, we saw a notice

informing us that the meeting has been postponed by management. “Yes, it is normal to postpone any meeting due to unforeseen circumstances, but this is the ninth (9) time the school management is postponing our meeting, and this shows it has something to hide.” Another parent, Mr. Lawrence Chukwuemeka said, “From the action of the school management, it has became clear to us that the management is dodging accountability, because there are rumours here and there that the principal has mismanaged the school funds. Why is the principal giving flimsy excuse to shift every meeting. The principal should be removed. The last time the PTA of this school held meeting was almost two years ago. Why are they afraid of the parents?” he asked. When contacted on phone, Manko said, “The meeting has to be postponed because the Ministry of Education will not be available to participate in the meeting.”

Anenih’s key associate dumps PDP

Cajetan Mmuta Benin

P L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Plateau Council, Mr. Yakubu Taddy; Assistant Education Secretary, Catholic Archdiocese of Jos, Mrs. Rose Agur; Principal, St. Louis College, Rev. Sister Ikeremary Miaphen and Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, during the graduation and prize-giving day of the college Jos…Yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Return staff schools to Varsities’ payroll, sack Okojie, SSANU says

Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

he Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) yesterday made clear its stand on the plan to remove workers at the University Staff Primary Schools from the payrolls of universities. It also called for the immediate removal of the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie. In a detailed presentation, the National President of the Union, Comrade Samson Ugwuoke, maintained that the decision, which was conveyed through a recent committee recommendation, violated the agreement reached by the union and the Federal Government in 2009. Ugwuoke declared that SSANU would defend the sanctity of every part of the

2009 agreement with everything at its disposal including protests and other forms of industrial action. SSANU is of the opinion that children of University workers should be allowed same privilege of attending schools funded from the national treasury as children of military, police and others. The union charged managers of universities not to shore up mismanaged resources from teachers of staff school but should rather focus on transparent and more prudent management of their resources. A statement signed by the National President reads in part: “Rather than cutting cost and corners by removing staff of the University Staff Schools from the payroll, focus should shift to cutting of wastages, excess, extravagance and ostentatious spending prevalent in

government activities”. The union called on President Muhammadu Buhari to be wary of some personnel at the National Universities Commission (NUC) with vested interest who have made themselves willing tools in the hands of some known ‘public enemies’. SSANU called for a thorough investigation of one Ebenezer Fayemi of the Federal Ministry of Education and Chief R.O. Egbule of National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for

their alleged complicity in the looming crisis. SSANU however insisted that any agreement entered into through the instrumentality of collective bargaining could not be repudiated by any directive or circular from any government agency. “This is evident in International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and other labour laws in Nigeria. Even a presidential fiat cannot undo an agreement signed with the union,” Ugwuoke stressed.

eoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) political fortune in Esan land, Central Senatorial District, Edo State was further depleted on Saturday as former PDP governorship aspirant and educationist, Mr. Kenneth Imasuagbon, formally dumped the opposition fold and returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. Imasuagbon, a popular politician, lawyer and an associate of former PDP BoT chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, was a founding member and one of the major financiers of the then Action Congress, which later metamorphosed into ACN and is now the APC. He joined the PDP under which platform he contested the party’s governorship primaries in 2012. The renowned rice merchant had earlier declared his resolve to dump the PDP to rejoin the APC. Imasuagbon was received formally into the APC fold by the leader of the party

in the council and brother to the late First lady of Edo State, Mr. Victor Eboigbe, and the chairman of the APC in the council, Bar. Chris Aghughu. Eboigbe said, “I was surprised that Imasuagbon left the house he built for others to inhabit. But we thank God that he is back to the house he built. He joined even before the elections and he worked for the party. So we call on elders of Ewohimi to pray for him so that he will not lose track again.” Shortly after receiving him in his ward, the party leaders proceeded to the council headquarters, Ubiaja, where Imasuagbon was also received amid fanfare by some members of the state House of Assembly including the Speaker, Victor Edoror. Speaking at the occasion, Imasuagbon expressed gratitude to elders and people of Ewohimi for the warm reception they gave to him and appealed to the people of Esan to continue to support the administration of Governor Oshiomhole.

Umahi removes LG Auditor-Gen, others over N1.8bn Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

bonyi State Governor, Chief Dave Umahi, has sacked the Auditor-General of local government areas of the state, Dr. Ambrose

Edeh, Heads of Personnel Management (HPMs) and treasurers of the councils for their alleged involvement in the embezzlement of N1.8bn in the local government system in the last six months.

The state House of Assembly had accused the caretaker committee chairmen of the local government areas of financial misappropriation amounting to over N1bn and indicted the Heads of Personnel Man-

agement and Treasurers of the local government areas. Twelve out of the 13 caretaker committee chairmen resigned their appointment last week following their probe by the state House of Assembly.

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

OPINION

What is Nigeria turning into? TS on Sunday

tunsul2@gmail.com 08050498544 (sms only)

’m not the type to be moved easily by reports of serious injury or even death of a loved one. I hardly show my emotions even when I’m seriously touched by the loss. Maybe, I became ‘hardened’ after the death of my favourite cousin in a car crash in the UK, some 25 odd years ago. On the day I heard the news, I actually broke down and shed tears, pained that I will not be seeing him, ever again. Perhaps, overcoming that anguish I silently vowed never to allow anything touch me that hard again – maybe, coming to the conclusion that no matter all the tears and soul searching I went through, asking why such a thing happened to a person like him, it never undid the incident and brought my cousin back to life. I don’t know. But what I do know is that since that incident, I have never publically shown any emotions, no matter what sad incidents or news I may have received. I must confess, though, that the closest I have come to breaking down after the death of my cousin was when I heard the news that former Sports Minister Air Commodore Tony Ikazoboh had been assassinated in his house on Victoria Island! I was quite close to the one-time Transport Minister, who confessed to me that one of the saddest days in his life was when former Military President, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, unilaterally retired

him along with other military ministers while announcing the decision after an Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) meeting in 1992 without informing them. Ikazoboh told me, then, that if he had been given the option of remaining in the cabinet or returning to the barracks, he would have voluntarily given up his ministerial job to concentrate on his military career. I’m sure that the late former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) boss, who inadvertently kick-started the exodus of Nigerian players to Europe when he suspended Stephen Keshi and some other players from the Super Eagles for failing to report to camp on time in 1985, would have wanted to retired as a full general in the Air Force, not the one-star the forced-retirement imposed on him! However, earlier in the week I was again thrust on the verge of emotional trauma when I read the report filed from our correspondent in Ondo of what the suspects caught in connection with the murder of Prof Albert Ilemlbade, the former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), gave as their reason for carrying out the dastardly act. As I read the report, I could not fathom how low human life in this country has fallen; so low for two human beings to be able to take the life of a 79-year-old man, a man old enough to be their father just because they wanted to steal his car! Please let me refresh memories with what one of them had to say about their despicable act. “When I got there, ... his herbalist that said if he wanted to steal the car, they should kill the man. He told me that the herbalist said he should bring the sand of the house so that there would not be any

True, the country is still battling the scourge of armed robbery, like what happened recently in Ikorodu when two banks were attacked; but when domestic helps turn killers, it is another thing entirely; something akin to sleeping with a cobra under the pillow. Of course, this is not the first time such is happening. We can vividly remember the retired Ogun State Chief Magistrate, Olufunmilayo Timehin, 65, who was also murdered by her 25-year-old ‘security’ man last year. However, such headlines do not make pleasant reading anytime they break and only show how thoroughly depraved our society has become. And how cheap human life has become. Truly, I’m at a loss as to where to apportion blame. The attitude of some of us to making quick wealth must have compelled to us commit the most heinous of atrocities. Maybe, parents are not doing enough to properly tutor their children so that they do not become monsters in the future. Or government and its organs are not doing enough to ensure proper punishment is meted out to those that commit crimes (in whatever form) to deter others; or even the society itself is inadvertently condoling ‘get rich at all means’ by failing to ostracise people with ill-gotten wealth. Whatever the case, something just has to be done to stem the tide of mindless killings by people desperate to get rich by all means. My heart goes out to the family of Professor Ilemlbade and I pray that God should give them the fortitude to bear their loss. One can only hope and pray that something is done to nip this scourge in the bud as soon as possible.

As Jega honorably bows out Aisha Abdulrasheed Mande-Rogo

inally, Prof. Attahiru Jega has bowed out of office as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. He handed over to Mohammed Wali, a national commissioner of the INEC from Sokoto State, whose five-year tenure will also expire on August 11, 2015. When Professor Attahiru Jega was first appointed as the chairman of INEC on June 30, 2010, the decision was lauded by political analysts and other Nigerians alike. The five year sojourn as the nation’s electoral umpire was expected to a tedious one. And of course, it was even more tedious than anyone imagined. The major challenge in Nigeria’s electoral system over the years has been the that of malpractices and electoral fraud marring virtually every election conducted in the country. The 2011 general elections was the first litmus test faced by the professor of political science turned electoral umpire. I must say that was a very critical period in the life and career of professor Jega as the outcome of the elections, especially the presidential polls did not go down well in some parts of the country. This resulted in post election violence, which led to loss of lives and properties. Prof Attahiru

Jega himself endured a lot of criticisms and even threats during that trying period. Although the elections were actually marred by irregularities in certain areas, the allegations of massive and widespread riggings were nonetheless exaggerated. The 2015 elections presented another opportunity for the former Bayero University Kano don to further and eternally prove his integrity. Jega did not disappoint. Even as he bows out INEC, the commission and Nigerians as a whole will always revere him for the initiation of Card Reader to checkmate electoral malpractice. As a matter of fact, the card reader minimized

It is pertinent to say, the use of permanent voter’s card (PVC) and card readers didn’t come on a platter of gold as the INEC Chairman endured a lot of bashings and attacks in his bid to instil sanity to the electoral system

electoral fraud to the barest minimum that for the first time, Nigerians were confident that their votes will count and it indeed counted. The use of permanent Voters Card in the Nigerian electoral system has thus come to stay after the massive success it recorded during the 2015 general elections. It is pertinent to say, the use of permanent voter’s card (PVC) and card readers didn’t come on a platter of gold as the INEC Chairman endured a lot of bashings and attacks in his bid to instil sanity to the electoral system. I can remember vividly how protests were staged in some parts of the country before the elections calling for the resignation of the INEC boss for insisting on the use of card readers. Some political parties also insisted that Jega should revert to the use of temporary voters’ card instead of the PVCs whose collection rate was low as at that time. In all this state of turmoil, Professor Jega stood firm and resilient, insisting on what he believed will ensure credible elections. Even when the elections were postponed, Professor Jega still shouldered large chunk of the blame. Some went as far as accusing him sabotage but man courageously and steadfastly stuck to his conviction. While grappling with

the difficulties of the election postponement, another rumour emerged that our amiable electoral umpire will be going on three months compulsory terminal leave that will culminate in the termination of his tenure. Thus, a new chairman will be appointed to oversee the most anticipated elections in the history of the country. There was uproar with regard to this ‘news’ but the tranquil professor was quick to quash any fear in the minds of Nigerians by assuring citizens that he was not proceeding on any compulsory leave at that critical period. The rest as they say, is history, as Professor Attahiru Jega not only conducted credible elections but he conducted an elections acceptable to most. Jega’s performance and honourable exit did not come as a surprise to many. He had been an activist who rose to the post of national president of Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU. He led ASUU to several battles against the military and he emerged as a principled and credible leader. Thus, the successful 2015 general elections came as fitting icing on the cake of Jega’s credible record of service to the nation and humanity. •Aisha Abdulrasheed Mande-Rogo Mass Communication Department, Bayero University, Kano

Sunday Mail JULY 5, 2015

You have a right to be heard! Send your letters and photographs to sundayletters@newtelegraphonline.com. Letters should not be more than 150 words and must have the name and address of the sender. Government failed in its duty Dear Editor, All we talk about is corruption at the federal level, but we all fail to see that which has eaten deep into our various communities. It is believed that the roads either belong to the federal or state government, so they should be responsible for the maintenance. Since they have failed in their duty, it has given the so called ‘agbero’ the opportunity to collect fees from commercial transporters with no known account. Editor, this money is not just collected once, but thrice in a day. You can imagine the total amount they generate in a month. The worst part of it is that it is the passengers that are paying the money as drivers tend to increase the transportation fare each time they are disturbed. Please, I want the concerned body to look into this. Taiwo Omotayo Zaynab Ogun State.

Still on ‘Bring Back Our Girls’

Dear Editor, I have said it before and I will keep saying it to those who care to listen. Madam Oby Ezekwesili and her ‘red shirted cohorts ‘ lack basic integrity. I said this some time back and I got attacks from people that have refused to look, I told them to be patient, time will tell. Today, the Hilton hotel has been vacated, there is a lot less noise made about our Chibok girls. It is clear now that it was a ploy to shatter the government of Jonathan and make him unsellable. Now that this aim has been achieved, we can no longer see our human right fighters, except those ones struggling for a ministerial slot as the others are being made commissioners. Somewhere in the course of justice, they will account for their eternal sin. Posterity will judge us all. Kamo Sende Abuja

On Lagos and its owner(s) Dear Editor, Who says Lagos belongs to the Yorubas? Let’s take a statistics of rightful occupants of the area called Lagos and allot percentages to know who owns majority. This is not even the issue, any Nigerian is free to purchase land or landed property anywhere in the spirit of true federalism! That’s the drive and a future way of mending this century-long, deep-seated mistrust ravaging and decimating our collective dream as a nation. Please editor, assist in sinking this into the brain of those trying to bring division that we are all one Nigeria. Chidi Gabriel, Lagos

Kogi State is beyond the governor

Dear Editor, I want us all to be rational in our thinking and ideology, going by the attitude of the politicians in our generation. Whenever election is around the corner is the exact time the electorates will often enjoy the dividends of democracy. The Kogi State governorship election is very close, and the sitting governor is anticipating a second term. Of what interest could it be for Captain Idris Ichalla Wada to hijack workers’ salaries at the point when he needs them most? The issue of nonpayment of salaries is not peculiar to Kogi state; the recent visit of the 36 state governors to President Muhammadu Buhari seeking for bailout is evidence for us to be constructive in the way we cast aspersions on the government. Editor, even if President George Washington or Roosevelt should be resurrected and come up with “The new deal” to handle Kogi State at this point in time, it won’t work. The environment is not friendly for foreign investors to invest in large scale going by the security status and epileptic power supply in the country. Let’s call a spade its real name. Captain Idris Ichalla Wada’s predecessor didn’t help matters despite his shortcomings which are synonymous with every government. In as much as I don’t support oppression, intimidation and inhumane attitude, Kogi State’s present situation is beyond the governor. Thank you all and have a nice day! Ojone Omata, Lokoja.

Eyesore: A failed portion of Martins Street, Mushin in Lagos

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Buhari needs his cabinet now

Boyfriend disappears, a baby appears

Dear Editor, Buhari has to cool down and listen to his advisers. One thing I have noticed is that he is still adamant. It is better he keeps quiet and does less talking. Some of his statements are better in a private meeting without the media present, not to say everything in a press parley with statehouse correspondents and governors meeting. I can list some instances that make me believe he needs to calm down and learn the act of governance in a democratic setting. He still doesn’t get it. Look at Obasanjo, he shuttles the whole world, hosting one think-tank or another. But Buhari was either in Daura or Kaduna and that complacency is showing now. Saying age can limit him, calling West Germany and now telling the whole world that Nigeria’s treasury is virtually empty. Besides, the day he was sworn in, he came in and sat down, it was Obasanjo that allegedly urged him to go round like Osinbajo did and greet members of the international community and heads of government that were guests for the function. Don’t blame the media for anything; nothing was blown out of proportion in their reporting. Like when he said military checkpoints should be dismantled when Boko Haram cells were still active. He wants police and DSS to take care of internal security, good, but have you funded and equipped the police? How many police stations across the country can boast of turning on generators at night, talk less of owning a computer or digital camera? You want police to tackle terrorists that nearly blew it away in Kaduna? The earlier Buhari gets his cabinet ready, the better for him. If not, expect more goofs. Blessing Dajili Kogi State.

Dear Editor, Ladies have you ever heard this statement, “if you love me then let me sleep with you”? Beware of such relationships. Some guys will even go as far as telling you that if you can’t sleep with him, he will go and sleep with someone else or dump you. My dear ladies, note that your body is not a temperature that has to be tested for true love. Once they are done with you, they will find another target because premarital sex is like a bank account, once someone withdraws, they start losing some interest. In some cases, premarital sex is like magic, your boyfriend disappears and a baby appears. Hear me my sisters on this, your dignity cannot be traded for anything and it has to be kept sacred for the right time and the right person. If you had made the mistakes, you can make corrections and do the right thing. Simply because it has happened doesn’t mean that it has to keep happening. It is better to be dumped and walk away with your dignity and respect. True love waits. Samson Godia, Jos.

This isn’t the Buhari we know Dear Editor, Buhari should know that some of his comments alone will harm the economy. That remark of “I met an empty treasury” is all over the world. Do you know the effect it will have on investors coming into the country? They will hold on, there will be more pressure on the Naira and the economy will slip further. That statement will cause more harm for him and Nigeria than good. Buhari thinks he is still campaigning and maybe painting Jonathan black isn’t a bad idea. He should understand that he is now the president and all these excuses have to stop. This isn’t the Buhari we used to know; he is talking too much rather than acting. Abdul Musa, Kaduna.

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Moments

L-R: Executive Director, Unmissable Incentives Limited, Kayode Idowu; member of the Award Panel, Mitchel Obi; Director-General, National Sports Commission, Al-Hassan Yakmut , member of the Award Panel, Chief Mrs. Falilat Ogunkoya and the Award Panel Chairman for the Nigerian Sports Award, Ikeddy Isiguzo during a courtesy visit to the National Sports Commission in Abuja recently

L-R: Father of the groom, Mr. Timothy Ogunyemi; bride’s mother, Mrs. Bola Odanye; the newly wedded couple, Dotun and Ladunni; groom’s mother, Mrs. Ogunyemi and bride’s father, Chief Tunde Odanye during the couple’s wedding at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Anglican Church Cathedral, Ikeja recently

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Next Media Ltd, Mr. Dada Ajai-Ikhile ; Principal, Grace High School ,Mr Ronald Cilliers, graduand, Olohireme Ajai-Ikhile and mother. Mrs. Elsie Ajai-Ikhile at the school’s 17th aledictory/graduation ceremony in Lagos…on Thursday

L-R: Head of Communications, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Very Rev. Taiwo Ogunfile; Presbyter of Agege Church, Very Rev. S. B. Adeyemi; Methodist Archbishop of Okigwe , His Grace, Most Rev. Nelson Eke; Bishop of Lagos North Diocese, Rt. Rev. Olu Akinola and Men Fellowship Coordinator of Archdiocese of Lagos, Very Rev. M. A. Adetutu, at the dedication of Eke’s grandson in Agege, Lagos...recently

L-R: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Lasun Suleiman; Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Head, National Assembly Commission, Dr. Adamu Fika, during the Commission’s visit to the Speaker in Abuja…on Thursday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

L-R: Deputy Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service, Plateau Command, Mr Jeremiah Binjin; newly promoted Immigration Officer, Mr. Mustapha Razao and Comptroller, Mr Raymond Akra-Jaja , during the decoration of the newly promoted officers in Jos …on Thursday

L-R: President, Assemblies of God Church, Agege Men’s Fellowship, Bro. Adebanjo Elumaro; Lagos District Superintendent, Assemblies of God Church, Rev. Joseph Okafor; Women President, Rev. Helen Okafor, Minister in Charge, Assemblies of God Church, Agege, Rev. Victory Essien; Women Co-coordinator, Mrs. Peace Essien and Royal Ranger Patron, Bro. Ale Joseph at the dedication of Triumphant worship centre, Agege, Lagos...recently

Borno State’s Lagos Liasion Officer, Mrs. Racheal Balami (middle) receiving relief materials for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State from members of Oasis Association and Vitafoam Nigeria Plc in Lagos …on Thursday

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 5 JULY, 2015

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Features

Why people are hostile to Vitiligo sufferers –Maduewesi

Maduewesi with teachers of the school

Pamela Eboh

T Awka

o some people, especially in Africa, Vitiligo is a disgusting, contagious disease. They believe that those living with it should be avoided. To others, it is a curse from the unknown or one’s foundation. But, to an Nnewi-born Ogo Maduewesi, it is simply a non-contagious skin disease that can happen to anybody, no matter the age, status or sex. Though it is a rare disease not well known to people in Africa, Vitiligo is a skin disorder which comes with white patches either on a spot, on the hair or different parts of the body. This happens when the melanin (cells) that determine the colour of the skin are destroyed. It is also a non-preventive and asymptomatic skin disease without any known cure. At a one-day sensitisation programme at her alma-mata, Nigeria Science and Technical College, Nnewi, Anambra State (formerly known as National Secondary School, Nnewi), Miss Ogo Maduewesi who has been with Vitiligo for 10 years said the skin disease which in simple terms is an auto immune disorder comes in three major patterns of focal pattern, one side pattern and the most common, patch pattern. Narrating her ordeal, she said, “I didn’t know anything about Vitiligo until I woke up on the morning of June, 25, 2005 and saw a big white patch on one side of my mouth, face, ear, hair and hand. I was scared and worried at first because I couldn’t understand what it was until I went to the hospital. “It was hard living with it because people laughed at me when I walked past them. They mocked me while some laughed me to scorn. Students would even say to my hearing that it was in the process of trying to bleach that I damaged my skin.” She said that her turnaround came when her pastor said in a church service, “No matter how you are, be happy because you are special in God’s eyes. There is no better you than you. “That word hit me and from there I braced up to face the challenge. I summoned courage and started looking for ways to reach out to other people with such a challenge to team up with them as a way of support and encouragement. I said to myself, you can still be who you want to be despite Vitiligo.” Maduewesi, who is currently running a

Maduewesi with teachers of the school

No matter how you are, be happy because you are special in God’s eyes. There is no better you than you

non- governmental organisation to create awareness of the skin disorder, has also taken the drive to other states in the SouthEast as well as other African countries like South Africa and Kenya. While interacting with the students of her alma-mata, she urged them not to run away from people with Vitiligo. She described it as a non-contagious skin discoloration that can happen to anybody, whether black or white. “I started by asking the students what they think the patch on my face is. I got different answers. While some said it was from a fire, others blamed acid and hot water. But I said it is none of it. It is called Vitiligo. “Vitiligo is a rare skin disease and I’m here to tell you not to discriminate against those with the disease because it can happen to you, your parents or those close to you. “Don’t discriminate or run away from those who have it because it is not infectious,” she said. Though the disease has no known cure, she advised those with it to take Vitamin B with folic acid which is the main vitamin they lack. She, however, noted that she observed relief in her case with some of the white patches disappearing from her hand and some parts of her face after she started massively consuming fruits and vegetables, both blended and raw. The vegetables include fruit pumpkin, bitter leaf and spinach. Maduewesi, who is the Executive Director of a Non-Governmental Organization, Vitiligo Support and Awareness Foundation, further decried the attitude of some of the people living with the skin disease. She said that some sufferes in Nnewi were supposed to join her in the crusade but because of shame and rejection by the society, none of them came out. She added, “That attitude is quite discour-

Maduewesi with a student displaying what he learnt on Vitligo

aging because the only way the society can accept you is by coming out and being who are, despite Vitiligo challenge. We may not have scratched the surface yet in this crusade but am not deterred, I will continue to speak out for the affected until we have a voice and every victim is

confident in his or her own skin.” According to her, her parents don’t believe she was a victim of circumstance but rather believed it was a spell cast on her by someone. But, she added, “Sometimes God uses the odd things to lift one to a great height.”

SUNDAY

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Skirts for every girl 22&43

Bed, Work & Life

Ancestral wrath? 20

Body Soul SUNDAY, JULY 05, 2015

Mentoring young people gives me joy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Prof. Gregory Erhabor

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

eart h y m m o fr Straight

leading two staircasesrds away e th of ot fo the ya suit stood at tion, who sat Seraphim’ in r. They faced the congrega the two men were trained rse ng ri u hd up to the alta as obvious that e not keeping ails in a churc g security det e front pew and they were from the holy section. It wtely, these ‘Mai guards’ were well known in ld ie w ngu ing’ th ing in th ortuna And it once saw cipals were sitt rs, but ‘protect side a church? ai guards’. Unf vice. Their prine on them from the back. In allenge. I wondered ‘M eye on the church membe ring his feel, when assuwhile he keeping an ey a state that had security ch breach. Would those an of God! ld ou w ’ od G man protect them w the ‘man of wasn’t even in if there was a little securityity-filled church? I wondered ho at God would guard and him physically. I imagpac ppen ca ha a h. ld rt in u be ns co e t id gu th ct ha r w w ide and prote congregation eir shepherd late using thei toting chaps a chap contemp worshippers gave the gun idental discharge’ is not a had two ‘suited’ men to gu thought of the fact that thor even them, on s at ?) intruder orshippers ined what the congregati I noticed th ‘in a country’ where ‘acc the faces of w om imaginary( t Who wouldn’ nce? I saw the distaste on guards’. The seats closest needed to shield himself fr God to them. ‘it was once strange occureistance away from the ‘Mai not believe in the guard- his flock, while preachinga man dressed in a tattered obviously self sitting some d unoccupied. If a man does e His sanctuary, why go reminds me of coerce me into buying anaire’. Grinning se ca is H d e si to them wer the Most High, even in rew furtive glances at the black’ suit, who tried to ow to become a million of the book!” ing powers of atched as worshippers th trating on the sermon of published book, titled, ‘Hced proudly, “I’m the authore, and asked, noun earanc to church? I w vious they were not concen ear to ear, he antaking in his hungry app om fr ob a t as u w B , It rs. ing? over guns. e church buildrs, seeking I looked him ought I had water in my eas book is very rich. I did t either. th hi the day. I didn’ ey mount sentry outside th I ve T . lie ?” ok be on bo e d er ar is w “P ill Gates, Aliko ed th Why didn’t th d, what if the ‘Mai guards’od? Anyway, those guns ted, “I author to this subject. You know B...many of these ea p re e H G ke in as research ren Buffet powers of little voice ere. very intensive the protective uckerberg, War to come undertraction. Yeah, they really wil I watched a ‘new age’ Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Z were a big disten about that incident unte his church, do his thing billionaires?” ad this book,” I had forgot eded to be guarded insid igeria’s big men of God. . ealthy if you re w ed e d d m no ca I be N ne ey of n how th pastor, who Now, this pastor is one h a Nigerian pas “You will learudly. t himself lunc e nuances of uld separate the th g in rv ro on television. p se e e cash to go geleave the streets. ob m tl co lit ld By u to m yo hi , he on ve ti oys’ ex tor in ac him. I ga job and e men. The ‘b I felt pity for so advised him to go get a ve. Our dear preacher boys from th ergy prancing around ha al ’t I . on ay d d aah (The r the t you pend much en ing their pharynx as fo eally, you can’t give wha God Almighty), Jehovah-Rrovide) to ss R p dai (Lord Lord will the altar, stre to the microphone in vah Jireh (The n’t sell El Shad Seraphim’ they scream inake believers of their caord my Shepherd) and Jeho eds canal ‘Cherubim and ne L their bid to m believers if he the first half e prospective d protect him! th in is listeners. d us through e pray that le on s ti an ha es d ar qu od G gu in s, onised to s mercies. W The pastor ished reader ‘men’. He serm My most cher cond half. Thank God for hi league of the particular attention to se e of 2015 to th to guide and protect us. coolly, paying He continues ay! . to cooed in phonetics r to Juliet as p e bl Happy Sund na As the fashio , two ‘Cherubim and ne the micropho

Contents 05.07.2015 COVER Those days, we used to believe that before you propose to a lady, you would have prayed

FASHION If you get to a fashion rut, ever, the best way to overcome it is to don a beautiful skirt

T h e Te a m Juliet Bumah (Editor) Wole Adepoju (Snr. Correspondent)

} 22&43

Vanessa Okwara (Correspondent)

} 18-19

BEAUTY A sultry makeup look doesn’t have to be dramatic; it can be subtle, simple and still make a bold sexy statement

} 21

Biwom Iklaki (Correspondent) Abiola Alaba Peters

MY PASSION I still very much enjoy teaching Spanish and of course, playing my violin

Ugochukwu Nnakwe (Graphics) Edwin Usoboh (Graphics) +234 (0) 811 675 9770, +234 (0) 701 110 1014 julietbumah@gmail.com chibumah@yahoo.com

} 17

GLAM DUDES Wearing a T-shirt with a logo is a strong statement of affiliation with a particular brand

Associates

BED, WORK & LIFE Are you tired of marrying your mother? Go back to her. As for me, I’m through with you. I’m on my way to the hospital to abort the pregnancy

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Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Body&Soul

I want a humorous man -Brycee Bassey

Brycee Bassey is a young, vibrant Nigerian-American actress who moved back to Nigeria to pursue a career in Nollywood. In this interview with VANESSA OKWARA, she recounts her experiences and lists her aspirations as well as the kind of man that interests her What was growing up like? Growing up was fun! My sisters and brother were always playing together outside, indoors, all over the place. I was always climbing trees, riding my bike, forcing my sisters to participate in all my plays (laugh). Can we know your educational background. Did you study acting professionally? I did study acting professionally, but didn’t get a degree in it. I got a degree in Spanish instead. When did it dawn on you that you were going to be an actress? That was when I starred in my first play at the age of four. I knew from that day that’s exactly what I wanted to do. Did you act professionally while in America? I did theatre, but I didn’t do film. You grew up in America, with Hollywood close to you. Why didn’t you think of a career there? Why come to a growing industry like Nollywood? The keyword here is growing. It’s a growing industry, with many opportunities for one to implement many ideas, help build, establish, and mould into something. Hollywood is something I still very much have my eyes set on as well, but I am a Nigerian too, and I want to contribute as much as I can here, and link the two. You speak French, Portuguese and Spanish fluently. How do you think that will help your career in Nollywood? Wait, wait (laughs) before someone comes up to me and bust out some mad French and Portuguese. I study French and Portuguese still, but first got a degree in Spanish, which I speak fluently and I teach privately. I actually have a romantic comedy that I’ve written and the character is an Afro-Latina, so I get a chance to speak Spanish, as well as another character in the film. Obviously, I’ll have to teach him how to speak it for the film. I’ve been working closely with some prospective film jobs in the surrounding French speaking countries, so it’ll definitely come in handy. You play the violin very well. Did you do it on a professional level while in America? Yes, I’ve been playing for 18 years. I was in an orchestra for about seven years and in a quartet. Have you got the opportunity to perform as a violinist here in Nigeria? Yes! I first performed alongside Wole Oni and the Jazz Band in December. I was accompanying OUCH CEO, Uche Nnaji, who has a great voice, and Amaka Chief Rocka. It was great. I played in a feature film titled ‘Better Than the Beginning’ due for release this year or next as well. It’s something I do privately in general. Before you finally decided to move back to Nigeria, what were the things you were involved in? I was involved in politics on a city level,

and I worked in the corporate world. Growing up in America, and being used to the kind of movies they make there with all the equipment and professionalism, what was your first reaction on your first day on a Nollywood set? First day on a Nollywood set that I visited was hectic. It wasn’t that well organised. Some people were just learning lines right there. Then, there were issues with sound because of generators interfering, It was a bit of a circus. But that’s definitely not all. I have been on not so great sets, and amazing ones, professional ones. All in all, it has got much better in the two years that I’ve been here. Aside your family, what was your friends’ reaction when you told them you were relocating to Nigeria? They asked me, ‘Why?’ I told them don’t worry, they’ll soon see why. You didn’t grow up in Nigeria. How did you manage to move into Nollywood circle so fast and how did you land your first job? I networked with people involved in the industry before I came over. Unfortunately, most of those contacts totally fell through. So while I was here, I basically started from scratch all over again. It wasn’t easy, but with ambition, drive and determination from within and from those who believed more in me than I did in myself, things started moving. God had my back. Critically looking at Nollywood, do you think it has evolved to compete with Bollywood and Hollywood? It’s definitely getting there, but we still have a long way to go. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but with some of the filmmakers that have been popping up now that are fresh, determined, professional, well trained and educated, we will get there faster than we think. Aside acting, what other areas do you have interest in? I still very much enjoy teaching Spanish and of course, playing my violin. I write. I just finished writing my first independent film. Other than that, I have interest in a lot of social and environmental issues that I have since begun to work on various platforms. What was your experience working alongside big names in Nollywood in the movie ‘Better than the Beginning’?

It was amazing. For my first major film to play the lead alongside veteran actors like Bimbo Manuel, Ronnie Dikko, Akintola Lewis, Tony Akposheri and the emerging talents such as Seun Akindele, Yvonne Jegede, was simply amazing. Tell us the kind of things you have been involved in since you moved back to Nigeria. I have been involved with lots of things: Scoring films, teaching Spanish, teaching children at camps, volunteering, developing social and environmental change platforms. I’m into other businesses as well. I’m an all round business woman. What kind of man interests you? A man that can genuinely make me laugh. Someone who is very free, fun yet focused. Since moving back to Nigeria, have you been involved in a serious relationship? No, I haven’t. Having grown up in America and watched lots of Hollywood movies with explicit sex scenes, would you perform such roles if asked to do so in a Nollywood movie? It all depends on the script really and how the scene is being shot. There are a lot of tricks you can do with a camera. Remember, it’s fake! We still take some things way too seriously in Nigeria. But then again, there are limits. In your opinion, who do you think is the sexiest male Nollywood actor? No comment. There are a couple of guys, but no comment! Who are the female actors you admire the most? Angelina Jolie, Viola Davis, Ronnie Dikko, Helen Paul, Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, amongst many others. Tell us your beauty and fitness routine. If I did, we would be here all day (laughs). Just kidding! But in a nutshell, I workout 3-4 times a week, do yoga, juice and eat as clean as possible. Describe your style. My style is just Brycee, if that makes any sense. I don’t have a particular type of style. I dabble into everything. What is your passion? My passion is doing what I love to do, and getting paid for it! Nothing beats getting paid for doing a job you have always wanted to do. Would you pose nude if the pay is right? If a body double is used to give off the impression that I’m nude, yes. Other than that, no. Have you been harassed sexually for a role in a movie? No, Never. What is your favourite fashion item? I love skirts! Favourite designer both national and international. My best International designer is Oscar de La Renta and national is Risqué by Malvika Kapoor What is your life philosophy? There’s always something to complain about, but as you’re complaining, start finding a solution. Life is too short. Describe Brycee Bassey in three words. Social, interesting, bold.

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Mentoring young people gives The dreams of becoming a medical doctor with the sole aim of putting smiles on peoples’ faces had been the driving force of Prof. Gregory Erhabor’s life over the past 40 years. With resolute commitment and focus laced with unwavering consistency, he is the founder and Project Coordinator, Asthma and Chest Care Foundation; distinguished Consultant Chest Physician; Immediate past President of Nigerian Thoracic Society; a prolific writer; Professor of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State and the founder and senior pastor of the Sanctuary of Hope Church. He speaks to CHIJIOKE IREMEKA on his life, family, career, and management of asthmatic patients How did you begin your journey to where you are today? Well, I was born in Port Harcourt in the fifties to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Erhabor from Oredo in Benin City. I hail from a family of nine children - four males and five females. Though the second son, I’m the third child of my parents. My father is a retired civil servant and my mother is a diligent business woman and entrepreneur. My dad is a very strong disciplinarian and never spared the rod to ensure his children were not spoilt. Then as children, we weren’t happy about it but now, we realise the essence of what he did for us. We appreciate him today for his efforts at making us better persons. We enjoyed life, lived together as one family and when misunderstandings arose, my father settled it. We weren’t very rich, but we were comfortable. My father always emphasised the importance of education. He encouraged us to do our best in getting a proper education. That inspired a healthy competition for the best among us. We lived in Port Harcourt till the outbreak of the Civil War, which forced us to relocate to Edo State. From there, I went to Lagos to continue my primary school education and later went to Edo College, Benin City, for my secondary school education. I proceeded to the University of Ibadan for my first degree in medicine. Subsequent professional studies/training were in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile- Ife and Bristol Royal Infirmary in United Kingdom, where I trained in respiratory medicine as a British Thoracic Fellow for two years. There are other interesting areas of specialisation in medicine, why thoracic/ chest medicine? It might interest you to know that people are dying of Asthma. Many asthmatics do not even realise on time that they have asthma, whereas those who claim to be aware are not properly treated. Majority are poorly diagnosed and when treated, do not bother to monitor their asthma. Unfortunately, most deaths from asthma were due to late presentation, under-diagnosis and inadequate management. Also, there is increasing pollution in the country and many have taken to smoking, thus worsening their asthma and other chest diseases like chronic obstructive lung disease, occupational lung diseases. Moreover, a disease like tuberculosis is one of the leading infectious diseases in the world and Nigeria is one of the high burden countries. It’s rather unfortunate that a number of politicians, men of God, commissioners and big men in this country have died of Asthma, lung cancer and other chest diseases, yet only a few are aware that these diseases can be prevented and properly managed. That is why Asthma and Chest Care Foundation (ACCF) was established to provide patient care, education, pursue research, train health professionals and offer philanthropic programmes for patients with asthma in order to ensure that no life is lost as a result of asthma or other chest conditions again in Nigeria.

In the past, asthma is seen as a disability but today, with proper treatment and preventive measures, asthma can be controlled. I resorted to educating asthmatic patients and those with other chest conditions, like tuberculosis, lung cancer and pneumonia among others. I embarked on advocacy and organising training for medical doctors so as to ensure that those with chest and lungsrelated diseases have what it takes to live a healthy life. We partner with other organisations, NGOs and other institutions to help achieve these goals. They include; American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, Breathe Easy Foundation, UK, etc. How can we connect or be part of ACCF? You can partner with us by supporting a project, endowing a fund, providing free drugs or equipment and in several other ways. You can also become a member and join us to plan programmes and events. Severe attacks are common causes of death from Asthma. As a chest medicine expert, how could this be recognised and prevented? As you said, severe attacks are common causes of death from Asthma and one of the major problems is that asthmatic patients are unable to recognise the seriousness of these attacks. However, a number of pointers could help in determining whether or not, an attack is severe. If these pointers are well understood and monitored by asthmatic patients, a drastic decrease in mortality rates would be recorded. They need to watch out, for an increased frequency in night attacks, that is, waking up more than once at night because of wheeze, cough or difficulty in breathing. Again, asthma attack is in view with an increasing limitation in day-to-day activities such as, climbing stairs, cooking and other household chores, is noticed. Another pointer is increased dependence on bronchodilators – drugs that opens the airways. For instance, using inhaler, between four and six times a day is a sign of a severe attack. Other things to watch out for are fever, infections o f

the throat, sinuses and lungs; all of which may trigger a severe attack. Deterioration of peak flow reading and bluish appearance of the tongue, lips and finger tips are also to be observed. Can acute asthma be controlled? Yes, acute asthma can be controlled. Asthmatic patients can be properly diagnosed and, i f

they have a working relationship with a health professional, who is competent in managing asthma with the right medications, there will be significant improvement and they will gain control over their asthma. When in your profession as a medical doctor is your trying moment(s)? Well, I wouldn’t say I have had trying moments in that regards but I have found out that when I work with different people, there is this inevitable variance in values. As a physician, I try to do my work the best way possible to achieve patient’s satisfaction. You have to be competent and compassionate but not everybody shares this value. What is your highpoint in this profession? My highpoint is to see myself treat and improve the quality of life of as many people as possible. I came into the medical profession because I wanted to help people. Now, that I’m in the profession, my work as a doctor and through the platform of ACCF is to give treatment, free educa-

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Body&Soul

me joy – Prof. Gregory Erhabor tion and training in various capacities; whether post-graduates, under graduates within and outside the country. I’m happy that I have been able to train and mentor many young people. That is my greatest joy. Now, talking about your ministry, how did you become a pastor, even as a practicing physician? I was born a Catholic, but I didn’t have a personal relationship with God. Then, religion to me wasn’t personal. But at age 11, I heard someone preach about ‘knowing Jesus’ as one’s personal Saviour. So, I accepted Him and that was when my real Christian walk started. Three or four years later, I was filled with the Holy Spirit and ever since, there has been this continuous relationship with God. Much later, I got committed to teaching and preaching the Word of God, having realised the call of God upon me as a teacher, both locally and internationally. Where did the name ‘Hope Auditorium’ come from? The name, Hope Auditorium, came from my experience many years ago. At that time, we were searching for a place of worship as a church. Someone took us to a dilapidated building and I wondered whether a church could be established in such a building because there were all kinds of nasty inscription on the walls. It was like a tunnel. I was already discouraged but then, I heard a voice within saying, ‘Out of the broken pieces of your past, God will build an edifice of Hope.’ God was telling me that hope is built on broken pieces and shattered plans and if we keep holding on, He will make something great out of our lives. That gave the Church the name, Sanctuary of Hope Church. How do you cope with your profession, ministry and family life? I would always say that the centre of my life is passion and love for God. I don’t divide my life into compartments. I see my life as one complete whole at any time and desire to serve and love God more. So, if the same passion and desires permeate into other areas of life, just like loving of God with all your heart, you will be able to cope. Anybody, who uses his strengths in service and commitment to God, will always cope. I have written a number of books on ways to balance work and life. I commit every day into the hands of God. I go to bed early so that I can wake early. In most cases, I’m in bed by 10 and get up between four or five in the morning. Once awake, I observe my morning devotion, then, join the family devotion before I set out for the day’s activities. I have always said that I do not balance my life systematically, I balance it sequentially. At every point in time, I try to catch up with areas of my life that needs attention. On most days, I also operate a ‘To-Do’ and ‘Stop-To-Do’ list and I focus on three key achievements for each day. What are your hobbies? My greatest hobby is reading. I read other books apart from medicine. As a medical student, I read other Christian and secular books, as many as five to seven books in a month. By the time I graduated, I had read about a thousand books. That widened my horizon and also helped me to reach out to people in diverse disciplines and in all spheres of human endeavour. I like singing and dancing in the church. I do travel a lot, sometimes for recreation. I like visiting unique places.

What is your favourite meal? I don’t have a favourite meal. How will you describe your lifestyle? I’m simple, focused and serene in all I do. Sporting activities? I play table tennis and I’m a very good football fan. I occasionally play football. Where did you meet your wife? I met my wife in school. Then she was a nursing student and I was studying medicine. We met at the Christian fellowship. How did you propose to her? Those days, we used to believe that before you propose to a lady, you would have prayed. So, I prayed about it and when I was convinced that this is the woman I will marry, I walked up to her and told her that I wanted to marry her. On her part, she went to pray about it and when she felt the same way, we got engaged and married. Did you propose with a Bible or a ring? No, I didn’t give her a ring because we had a long courtship before we got mar-

ried. We waited for the traditional engagement before I gave her a ring. It took a long time because the parents didn’t consent to it at first but we sailed through. Why? We weren’t from the same state and cultural background. I’m from Edo State and she is from Ekiti State. Our parents were of different faith too. So, we had many things to contend with. But after many years of resistance, the families agreed and we got married. How did you manage the crisis? First of all, we had our convictions; both of us were in love with each other and ready to go. But then, we needed our parents’ blessings, so we kept on praying until we broke through. Patience was key to our success. But if we were of different voices, the victory would have been a mirage. ‘Surprise’ is one thing women cherish, have you ever prepared a ‘surprise’ meal for your wife? That’s one weakness I have. I seldom cook but cooking is one of my wife’s greatest strengths.

With your busy schedules, do you find time to go out with her regularly? Yes, we go out but because of our busy schedules, we don’t go out often, while in Nigeria. Whenever we travel out of the country, we spend more time together. Which was the most memorable outing you ever had with her? I think the greatest and most memorable of all was during our ‘honeymoon’ in Jos. We had a good time without fear of anything. Marriage and children? I’m married to Ayodele and the union is blessed with three children –three males. Two of them will graduate this year. What type of perfumes, shoes, jewelries and ties do you wear? I don’t have a particular one. I’m not a perfume freak. I just use anything that will not create an embarrassment. I’m not a fashion freak. I go for shoes that will allow me move about freely. Shoes that give me comfort because I do a lot of walking, teaching and speaking. So, I wear a shoe that I’m comfortable in. My wife and I are very simple people as far as jewelry is concerned. I go for ties that match my shirt. Most times, I go for red or wine-colored ties that readily go with white shirts. I don’t go to the extreme in getting expensive shirts and ties; however I consider durability in my clothing. What is the multi-dimensional nature of your ministry? I host a television broadcast, ‘Hope for the Nation’, which reaches about 10 million people every week. We run two services in the church on Sundays apart from the mid-week services and we do a life-streaming of our messages every Sunday. I’m active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Podcast and other networks. I am a regular speaker trans-locally and internationally on leadership and other aspects of the Christian life. I have also written a couple of books in medicine and on the Christian faith. What is your next major event? We are organising an International Leadership Conference (ILCON 2015) which will attract national and international speakers, which is scheduled to hold from 22nd to 26th July, 2015 at the Sanctuary of Hope Church, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. What is your philosophy in life? Passion about God and the things of God; pursuing purpose on a background of sound principles; communicating divine truth with an accent of love and bringing hope to my generation; and pursuing excellence in all that pertains to life and godliness. What are the things that you can’t miss going out with? Every time I go out, I can’t but go with these things -my paper and pen, mobile phone and Bible. Of these, if you must drop two, which must you insist on going out with? My life is not extra-large. I will like to leave with my conscience and the presence of God. That, to me, is the greatest companion. Even if I don’t have a Bible, I have His word written in my heart. If I don’t have a physical pen, I have a lively memory (my mind) and even if I don’t have a phone, I can always talk to God. In other words, I ensure that I go out with the presence of God.

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

with

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

julietbumah@gmail.com

Ancestral wrath?

am dials Kim’s phone number and it’s either switched off or out of network area. He jumps out of the bed, dashes outside and combs the whole compound and neighborhood. Kim is nowhere to be found. He dials her phone number countless times and on each occasion, he gets the same response. He walks, dejected, back to his compound. His mind in a turmoil, he goes to his mother ’s room. Mama is awake and praying. He waits impatiently until she finishes. As she sees him, she raises quizzical eyes. She is obviously surprised to see him in her room this early in the morning. Then, she notices that her son is agitated. “My son, what is the problem? Hope you slept well? How is your wife, my daughter?” she asked. “Good morning mama. There’s a big problem. I woke up this morning and couldn’t find Kim, she’s gone, even her bag too,” Sam replied, his voice cracking. “Gone? What do you mean by that? Go check her in the restroom. She could be easing herself. I’m going to see your uncles. I want us to discuss your marriage plans,” mama said. “Mama, I said that Kim has left. She took her bags and clothes with her. Her phone is switched off. I can’t reach her,” he said. Mama stares at him. He could see that she’s trying to assimilate his words. “You mean she ran away?” Mama asked. “Yes mama, she ran away. She ran away because you were antagonistic to her. She ran away because you didn’t accept her. She ran away with my baby, after threatening that she would abort the pregnancy,” Sam said sorrowfully. His mother stares at him, her face inscrutable. “She threatened to do what? Abort my grandchild? May God banish that thought from her mind. She will do no such thing. My God will not allow her. Where’s she?” Mama said, looking Sam in the eyes. He sighs and said, “Mama, if I know where my pregnant wife is, I won’t report her missing to you. I tried to keep awake all night. I know that Kim can take some stubborn decisions. I noticed she didn’t want to talk about that issue last night, I tried keeping awake so I could talk to her immediately she woke up. But my body obviously needed rest and so, sleep sneaked in and carried me away. Now she’s gone with no trace of her whereabouts.” Mama picks her scarf and Bible from the bed. “I’m going to church to tell my father in heaven about it. She must come back. Your wife will

not abort that pregnancy,” mama said. Without a word, Sam walks out of the room. He picks his car key and drives out, in search of Kim. ******* Kim rues over her action. Should she have left like she did? Sam has been so good to her. She wouldn’t mind spending her life with him but his mother is almost an ogre. She definitely will be breathing down their necks. She doubts if it’s possible for her to avoid mama as Sam is so close to his mother. A small voice whispers to her that she’s treading the wrong path on this issue but she shoos it away with the shake of her head. She prays that more passengers will come and fill up the bus quickly so they can leave. Six hours later, she is in her house in Lagos. She switches on her phone and messages tumble in in quick succession. Sam is worried. Of course, she expects him to. She dials her doctor and tells him what she wants done. The doctor tells her that he won’t be a party to that, after explaining the risks involved. “Kim, as your doctor and friend, I’ll advise you to nurse that pregnancy to term and have your baby,” the doctor told her firmly.

She calls a friend who recommends another doctor to her. She’s been rejecting Sam’s calls since she switched on her phone. He calls again and she decides to pick it. “Hello. Why are you harassing me with calls? Are you tired of marrying your mother? Go back to her. As for me, I’m through with you. I’m on my way to the hospital to abort the pregnancy. Let your mother pick a village girl as a wife for you. As for me, I’m out of your life,” she said. “Kim, it’s me you’re getting married to and not my mother. I love you, will always do. I’ve built my life around us. You just want to destroy me in your anger. Moreover, mama has repented. She has accepted you as her daughter in-law. That was what I wanted to tell you last night but you wouldn’t allow me. Look Kim, abortion is a taboo in my land. Any lady who tries to abort the child of my kinsman never comes out of it alive. Please don’t do it,” Sam pleaded. That seems to infuriate Kim. She ends the call, picks her bag and goes out. In the cab to the hospital, she mulls over what Sam said and fear tugs at her heart. Yet, she continues on her journey. It takes her more than half an hour to get a cab. The cabbie

drives two poles and the car jerks to a stop. She gets down and flags down another cab. By the time she gets to the hospital, the doctor is already leaving. “Are you sure you want to abort this?” The doctor asked and she nods. “At your age, you shouldn’t be considering an abortion. Where’s the father of your unborn baby?” He asked again. “He doesn’t want the pregnancy,” Kim lied. “Well, if you insist on it, you pay the cashier and come back tomorrow at 8am,” the doctor told her. Kim pays for the procedure and leaves for home. At an interception, the cab she’s travelling in rams into a car coming from the opposite direction. The impact throws Kim to the front seat. The sound of shattering glass and metal against metal deafens her. A scream escapes her throat as she remembers Sam’s last words to her on the phone. Everything turns black for her. ***** OMG! How bad is the accident? Did she make it? Let’s find out on Sunday. •Send your observations to: julietbumah@gmail.com

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Body&Soul

Sultry glam makeup I

Vanessa Okwara f you’re looking for an awesome date or night look, then the sultry will be your best choice. They’re perfect for complementing your evening looks or if you just want to add a little bit of glamour to your day. A sultry makeup look doesn’t have to be dramatic; it can be subtle, simple and still make a bold sexy statement. All you need to do is to pay extra attention to the eyes to achieve that wow effect. To make this look pop, here are some tips: Winged Liner One of the most effective sultry makeup tips is to work the winged eye liner. Even the slightest wing can add a ton of drama. Line the eyes first with a pencil liner to create a sort of guideline. Then, grab a liquid or gel liner and apply to your lash line in one smooth motion, flicking up at the outer corners of your eyes. Smoky Eye There’s no doubt that smoky eye makeup is the height of sultriness. However, it can be difficult to achieve, depending on your skill. They key is to layer your eye shadow on gradually to create depth and drama. Red Lipstick You can’t go past a classic red lip. It’s glamorous and sexy and will definitely add some drama to your look. To make your red lipstick last, line and fill in your lips with a lip pencil first and then apply your lipstick over the top. Filled In Brows

Frame your sultry makeup look by paying attention to your brows. A well groomed brow will complement and frame both dramatic and minimal makeup looks. Brush your brows to create a bold arch and then fill them in with a matching coloured pencil or powder. Plump Lashes No sultry eye makeup look is complete without a lashing of mascara. Go for mascara that will lengthen and plump up your lashes. Avoid applying multiple coats of mascara, as this can lead to lashes sticking together and clumping. If you really want to play up your lashes, try applying individual lashes towards the outer corners of your eyes. Metallic Lids If dark, smoky eyes aren’t your thing, then you can always take the metallic angle. Bronze and gold eye shadows are great for creating a warm, sultry look. Blend them in with brown shimmery shadows to add some extra dimension and warmth. Flawless Finish We all can’t be blessed with clear skin but a bit of makeup can help create a flawless finish. Avoid heavy matte foundations. Finish with a flush of colour to the cheeks for a natural makeup look that’ll work all year round. Bronzer Create a sultry, sun kissed look by dabbling on some bronzer here and there. Apply bronzer with a big powder brush to create a more subtle, natural looking finish.

Body&Soul

here is a fun and flirty girl in every lady. If you get to a fashion rut, ever, the best way to overcome it is to don a beautiful skirt that suits your body type and brings out all your assets while hiding any perceived flaws. With the right top, which, could be a body hugger or a classic white shirt, you are very

Biwom Iklaki

There is something infinitely sexy about a well suited skirt that can never be over looked. It brings to the fore the fact that you are a woman and unapologetic about it. The choice accessories give an extra pizazz to the look. For the office, you need to be more careful about how you bring this look together. Tulle and pleated skirts are generally fun and should be toned down a notch by pairing a neutral colour with a body shirt or formal blouse. Go with the tried and tested pencil skirt when

in doubt. However, those with more spunk can make it work. The accessories too come to play at the skirt party. You need to pay attention to your bag, shoes and jewellery. Wear more muted jewellery pieces for office while you can save the loud and statement ones for more informal places. There are no hard and fast rules though. Your personality speaks more when it comes to styling than any fashion rule.

Skirts for every girl

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

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SundayBusiness SUNDAY

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

News

Why traders shun Lagos mega markets

p.24

Brands

NIPR discusses CSR’s prospects, challenges p.28

Interview

RMAFC can’t enforce fiscal discipline on states– Mbam p.25

Market&Mall Slot opens 50th shop p.30

Paul Ogbuokiri Head, Business paulogbuokiri@newtelegraph online.com

Missing $2.1bn ECA: Experts call for forensic probe T

Paul Ogbuokiri he drama over missing money in the Excess Crude Account continues. But experts say the government should institute a forensic audit of the ECA, with a view of verifying what accrued to it and how it was spent. The National Economic Council had after its meeting in Abuja on Tuesday named a committee of four governors to look into the ECA as well as the activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. They are the governors of Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Zamfara and Edo states - Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; Emmanuel Udom; Yari Abulaziz’ and Adams Oshiomhole respectively. The experts said allegations, counter allegation and denials will ensure that the audit unravels the truth about the handling of the ECA. They said the committee of four governors mandated to probe the veracity of the allegation may not get to the root of the matters as the state chief executives would be busy with duties in their states. Professor of Economics and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Ndubisi Nwokoma, told Sunday Telegraph that it is unconstitutional for any level of government to spend from the Federation Account or the ECA without the permission of the other tiers of government, “So, the allegation is weighty but there are no facts and verifiable data to support it. There is a need for a forensic enquiry. It should be instituted as against what was set up. You need an expert enquiry before we can start commenting,” he told Sunday Telegraph in an interview. An economist and Managing Director of CMC Group, Eniola Olagbe, said though he doubts the ability of the four governors to unravel the truth of the matter, he suggested that they should get to work immediately and call for the books so that they could be able to report back to Nigerians what is the exact situation instead of the ongoing seeming politically motivated debates. “You will not go far to get the facts. Let them get to work so that the country can move forward. What is needed now is work not debates on television and radio and newspapers,” Olegba said. CEO Delta Energy, Ronke Onadeko, urged government to expand the probe by bringing in experts to take a holistic look at Nigeria’s oil and gas business. “This will enable government to

Okonjo-Iweala

Oshiomhole

determine what the country is actually earning from the sale of oil. A through probe is necessary to need rather that the ongoing media exchanges between the governors and the former minister of finance,” she stated. A former director of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Chris Nemedia, said government should separate political debate from serious economic issues. He said that any anomalies noticed in the ECA data should be investigated. He told Sunday Telegraph on the telephone that a forensic probe is necessary and a short time frame should be given to them, so that the country can move forward. “No tier of government has the right to spend from that fund without the permission of the two others; so truth must be made manifest,” he said According to John Mackie, head of Johannesburg-based Stanlib Asset Management’s Pan African Investment portfolios, what the Nigerian economy needs at this point in time is serious work not unnecessary exchange of accusations. He said if an infractions have actually been noticed, the right thing to do is investigate them. “But the question is whether the four governors have the capacity and time to go into such a serious venture,” he told Bloomberg. He urged the government to settle down to work as the euphoria over the successful change of government is waning and investors are now interested in what the govern-

He said that any anomalies noticed in the ECA data should be investigated ment will do about the economy. Earlier this week, former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, denied the allegations leveled against her by Oshiomhole and el-Rufai that she spent $2.1 billion from the ECA without authorisation. Oshiomhole said that what the former finance minister was referring to in her defence was her own administrative arrangement. “This $2 billion is the last sum. In her last report, she said we had $4.1 billion. She said so orally but it was captured in the minutes; only (for her) to come at the last minute to say oh ‘X’ is left. If they were augmenting, it means that even if there was a drop in price, they would take from the ECA to make up the difference. “If they were doing that, you wouldn’t have the kind of situation we are in today where revenue drops by about 45 per cent. I think, with all due respect to Okonjo-Iweala, she knows how to play around, (I don’t want to say, lie) with statistics. I have made this point that she kept open only part of the pages and not the entire book. “The logic of transparency is that every minister must publish in full what is accruing to the Federation

Account, month to month, and what is distributed to whom. What she has been publishing is what went to the Federal Government, each state government and local governments. “But she has never published simultaneously what accrued during the period, out of which this said sum was distributed so that you can get the net, what was distributed from all that was collected and see what is left in the excess crude. Now you can see her changing the goal post. “Okonjo-Iweala was a member of the National Economic Council. I was a member. I had asked her and I am on record as asking her, don’t give us verbal reports on matters of the Federation Account. Give us a written report,” he said on Channels Television. But the former finance minister in a reply said no unauthorised expenditure from the ECA was made under her watch. “Decisions on such expenditure were discussed at meetings of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) attended by finance commissioners from the 36 states. ,,,But Nigerians know that collective revenues, allocations and expenditures of the three tiers of government are the concern of the monthly FAAC meetings. “It is important to acknowledge the efforts of governors who are working hard to overcome the current revenue challenges facing their states without resorting to character assassination and the blame game,” she explained.

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Business/ News

Why traders shun Lagos mega markets

Tejuosho Market

he surroundings of the popular Tejuosho market remain ever busy as it has ever been; before the main market complex was consumed by an inferno burnt the market on December 18, 2007. All the streets surrounding the market including the Railway line were a beehive of activities on Wednesday when Sunday Telegraph visited the market, notable for cheap but trendy used clothes. One can also find vendors of food and other consumables as well as money changers in the area. Curiously, however, these activities have remained around the Tejuosho market, but not inside the new complex 10 months after the state government delivered the multi-billion naira, worldclass and ultra-modern market it built in partnership with the private sector. The state of the art facility inaugurated by the former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on August 26, 2014 was a reconstructed old Tejuosho market. It is now a sprawling five-storeybuilding, comprising of no fewer than 4000 business units, 800-vehicle parking lot, a police post and a fire station. It also has such facilities like waste disposal system, elevators, ramps, water supply system and a mini-power plant, amongst other facilities. According to the Sales & Marketing Manager,Tejuosho Property and Development Company Limited, Ms. Comfort Oluwadairo, one year’s rent for different sizes of shops in the market ranges from N65,625 to N1,575,000; three-year’s rent is from N577,500 to N3,465,000; while shops for a five0-year rent are from N500,000 to N5,000,000. She said the firm has a flexible payment plan, rental options as well as a mortgage facility for interested tenants.

The multi-billion naira Tejuosho ultra-modern market complex has remained largely unoccupied by traders 10 months after it was inaugurated by the immediate past governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola. PAUL OGBUOKIRI and STANLY IHEDIGBO report that some other mega markets are in the same category You cannot just go to Dubai, UK or wherever in the white man’s country and bring their method wholesomely like that, without restructuring it to fit into our own situation here

It also stated that the purchase price of a shop space goes for N600,000 per square meter: type a -10.8 m² N6, 966,000.00, type a2 -21.6 m² N13, 932,000.00, type b -18.0 m² N11, 610,000.00, type c -39.6 m² N25, 545,000.00. The restaurant space is selling at N700,000/ m²: type c1-39.6 m² N29, 799,000.00,type c2 -79.2 m² N59, 598,000.00 and type a12- 129.6 m² N97, 524,000.00 According to Mr. Chinedu Duru, a trader of about 30 years standing in Oyingbo market, the Oyingbo ultra-modern plaza was commissioned about three months ago by Fashola. It was still under lock and key when Sunday Telegraph visited the place on Wednesday. He said they are not yet fully subscribed because government did not put into consideration the type of things which attract people to those markets. “You cannot just go to Dubai, UK or

wherever and copy their methods fully like that, without restructuring them to fit into our own situation here. The items sold at Tejuosho, Oyingbo and Ojota markets are mainly food items and other consumables. Those are the things that people expect to buy when they go to those markets. It is also the same when you want to go to Mile 12 market. When people are going to such markets, they intend to buy fresh tomatoes, fresh vegetables, tubers of yam, smoked fish palm oil etc. “Whether you are talking in terms of handling of the goods normally sold in such markets or the rates they are giving out the shops, those items I listed do not require the type of facilities you have at Tejuosho, Oyingbo and Ojota. So for government to make those magnificent edifices be financially rewarding to investors, it has to develop smaller shops around the big shopping complexes, so that the traders who are now outside would come in and occupy them as well as to attract customers to the markets. “In the alternative, it could carve out smaller and cheaper shops for those consumables. It is when the buyers start coming that they will see that other things are sold around there. Then, they will start to budget for those other things,” he added. He stressed that the food stuff markets do not need to have marble floors or beautiful walls. Rather, the people would like

any place where they can get affordable items, he stated. According to him, vegetables are brought from farms in Ikorodu to Oyingbo market. Palm oil comes from the South-East. He noted that such items can’t be sold in such glamorous malls. “Government did not consider these things when it was building the complexes and these as the people who are supposed to take over the shops in these markets,” he said. He said what government built as shopping complexes suits only Western standards for finished goods, and are not for Nigerians, who mainly buy and consume unprocessed foods. He advised government to adjust the structures to accommodate items that appeal to Nigerians. He added that an average trader in the old Oyingbo, Tejuosho or Ojota markets does not have time to stay under a fan or conditioner while doing his or her business in the market. “If government really wants the small scale traders to benefit from the modern shops, they should build small ones for the traders. “You can see that the shopping complexes in those three markets are just there like museums because the people cannot affordable them. These small scale traders are the ones that draw buyers to the marCONTINUED ON PAGE 30

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Was it the president or the National Assembly that gave the commission the power to fix their wages? The commission derives its powers and constitutional functions from paragraph 32 of part I of the third schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Accordingly, it has been vested with the powers and responsibilities to monitor the accruals into and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account. It is our responsibility to review from time the Revenue Allocation Formula and the principles in operation to ensure conformity with changing realities. Any revenue formula which has been accepted by an Act of the National Assembly shall remain in force for a period of not less than five years from the date of commencement of the Act. We advise the Federal, State and Local Governments on fiscal efficiency and methods by which their revenue is to be increased. We determine the remuneration appropriate to political office holders, including the President, Vice-President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Legislators and the holders of the offices mentioned in section 84 and 124 of the Constitution. Also, we discharge such other functions as are conferred on the commission by the Constitution or any Act of the National Assembly. You recently visited the Senate president. Was it to solicit the support of the National Assembly in view of the alleged abnormalities in the system, because some of the revenue generating agencies of government are said to be spending money without appropriation? What does the constitution say on any revenue accruing to the government? My visit to the National Assembly was because it is a key institution in the system of government and I need to strengthen the commission. I can tell you that all the information the legislature needed concerning our operation is available. As a commission, we need to be in charge and be properly funded. Some issues have arisen concerning transparency and accountability in government, we are still advocating for it. So, we need to be fully independent because we are properly established and if we are independent, a lot of complaints will not be there. We have listed our challenges, how the commission can be run more effectively and we will have a more transparent system where leakages will be completely minimised. Are you worried that the cost of running government in this country is rather on the high side? This includes the uncountable number of aides down the line which keep on multiplying the bureaucracy. Don’t you think that these and others are part of high cost of governance in Nigeria? I think the issue here is about abuse because the law allowed some level of officers to have those aides. For instance there is a level of officers that their aides come from the system; not that you go to your village and bring your brothers. It is part of their entitlement provided by the law but the increased number is the problem. In the last administration, some governors had up to 2000 personal aides. What is your view on it? We cannot control that because you are talking about what is happening in the states. The reason is because the law that established the commission didn’t empower us to monitor how the state governments use their own consolidated revenue. But what I can advise is that every government or public officer should cut down cost. It is an advice and it is part of the challenge in the commission. And we don’t have power to go and enforce it in the states. So which level of government does the

Business/ Interview

RMAFC can’t enforce fiscal discipline on states– Mbam The Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Mr. Elias Mbam, in this interview monitored by STANLEY IHEDIGBO, demands independence for the commission. He also spoke on sundry issues. Excerpts

Mbam

commission have power to determine the salaries and allowances of its public officers? Once the commission determines the wage package of the National Assembly, it will be final because it is not subject to any legislation. That is what the law says. As we are reviewing the entitlements of the federal legislators, once we determine the allowances, it becomes their package and is not subject to any legislative interpretation. And before the commission finally determines these entitlements it goes through a whole lot of processes. The process is through consultation. How does the commission come about all the allowances listed in your report for the federal lawmakers, like accommodation is 45 per cent to 200 per cent of their basic salaries, furniture allowance 300 per cent of their basic salaries, motor vehicles allowance 400 per cent of their annual basic salaries and vehicle maintenance allowance 30 per cent of their basic salaries and others? First and foremost, these allowances listed are not peculiar to only the National Assembly. Secondly, these allowances were part of the amendment of the Act of 2008. It did not come about today. It went through a process and in doing that, the external reserves and inflationary trend were looked at. The capacity to pay and the ability were equally considered and

worked out. We are however going to review the allowances and part of our consideration will be the input from the Nigerian public on their concerns about some of the areas. So, we are reviewing it to reflect the economic realities of today. We are putting everything into consideration before coming up with figures. I am sure the general public had the chance of making input when the last package was being considered. Again, the problem is that when you invite people to come and make input, they don’t come. At the end of the exercise, the same people will start complaining. In 2008, the commission made the proposal, and the budget of National Assembly went up at that time from N50 billion to N60 billion. Was it in 2008 you gave them the proposal on all these allowance that the National Assembly’s budget went up to N150 billion? Some of the issues you are raising, I cannot confirm or doubt them because the National Assembly is in a position to give some answers to your questions. In the budget reports, it is clear that the National Assembly’s allowances are increasing while those of other agencies are decreasing. How come it is like that, looking at the role of your commission? We should know the number of per-

sonnel in the National Assembly which includes the personnel and overhead costs as well as their projects and retirees. Please you should as well find out from them when you meet the National Assembly people, why their budget is high because I cannot be able to tell you all of that. The Federation Account is very thin and we need to cut the lifestyle of government. Where will the commission start from? I believe you have read in the newspapers that the commission has started the role of reviewing the salaries and allowances of elected officers in the country. We have started; when we are through, the report will be made public.

We are however going to review the allowances and part of our consideration will be the inputs from the Nigerian public on their concern on some of the areas

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Bears remain on the prowl

eturns on the Nigerian Equities market for the week was largely influenced by negative investors’ bias, as the NSEASI declined by 0.96% to peg the index level at 32,538.34. Market breadth (0.92x) tilted in favour of the decliners, with 33 stocks advancing against 36 stocks that declined. Also, volume and value of transactions declined by 11.79% and 33.46% in that order. LIVESTOCK led the pack of advancers, with a gain of 11.16%, to settle its price at NGN2.39 for the week. The ticker was trailed by PORTPAINT, CCNN, UPL, and 7UP which recorded respective gains of 10.11%, 9.52%, 7.49%, and 6.09%. On the flip side, EVANSMED was the highest decliner for the week, paring by 20.45% to close at NGN1.05. Other top laggards were COSTAIN, NEIMETH, CHAMPION, and CUTIX which declined by 14.77%, 14.69%, 9.89%, and 9.09% correspondingly. In the week, Oando Plc. announced the divestment of part of its downstream businesses to the tune of 60% of its economic rights. The move, they noted is with the view of focusing on their upstream and midstream services, while giving the leeway to pay down on their loans. Also, the pressure on the local currency in the parallel market continues to build, as the dollar traded as high as NGN230/USD at the parallel market. In our opinion, the present activities in the equities market are due to a lack of investor confidence, as economic happenings continue to send undesirable signals. However, heading into the coming week, we expect discerning investors to take advantage of fairly low priced stocks. In this report, we review events in the economy, laying emphasis on performance of different segments of the financial markets, while presenting our expectations for the week ahead. Fixed Income Brief: Liquidity level trims money market rates Money market rates in the week nose-dived, as the financial system was awash with liquidity. Further contributing to the existing liquidity was the maturity of Open Market Operation (OMO) bills worth NGN260.30bn, which hit the system on Thursday. On the back of this, OMO auction sales of over NGN106bn was conducted in the week in other to mop some of the liquidity. Average change on NIBOR for the week was -1.28% to peg at 12.99%, while the OBB and OVN rates settled at 4.25% (-2.75%) and 4.50% (-3.25%) respectively. We expect rates to remain low going into the coming week, as the system’s liquidity level subsists. The Treasury bills market was generally bearish in the week, however, bullish bias on the shorter tenor bills in the week resulted in yields paring by 0.08% on the average. Respective yields on the instruments settled at 10.33% (-2.07%), 11.97% (-0.67%), 13.59% (+0.59%), 13.61% (+0.53%), 14.14% (+0.79%), and 14.42% (+0.37%) for the 1M, 2M, 3M, 6M, 9M, and 12M T-Bills in that order. Similar sentiments as on short term T-bills, also played out on the Treasury bonds instruments, with our Meri-Bond index which measures the change in market price declining by 100bps in the week, to hold its level at 774.33. We opine the present lull in the market might remain through the coming weeks, with pockets of bargain hunting creeping in, as investors trade cautiously while awaiting the decisions of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting by the 21st of this month on key policy varaibles. Much in line with our expectations, pressure on the Naira in the week caused a marked depreciation of the currency to NGN230/USD at the parallel market. However, the currency was fairly resilient at the interbank, depreciating by 44bps to close the week at a mid-price at NGN198.53/ USD. The pressure at the parallel currency market is not expected to subside in the short term, as the bulk of importers of consumables amongst other items, have to source forex from that segment of the FX market. Agric sector: LIVESTOCK bounces back from 2-week bearish run The pessimism that engulfed the equities market failed to permeate the agric sector, as the MERIAGRI index increased by 4.59% Week-to-Date, to peg the Year-to-Date return at 30.66%. Three stocks recorded price appreciations, while no stock declined for the week. LIVESTOCK reversed the price depreciation

…Naira hits NGN230/USD at the parallel market

recorded in the previous week, as it led the advancers with an 11.66% price appreciation to close at NGN2.39. PRESCO followed suit with a 4.48% gain to close at NGN35.00, while OKOMUOIL also increased by 1.15%. ELLAHLAKES and FTNCOCOA both traded flat. We believe that the sanguine mood might be abated in the coming week, as we envisage that investors may engage in profit-taking activities given the lofty performance of the agro-allied stocks. Banking Sector: Demand remains tempered Demand for banking stocks remained weak during the week, as the sector’s breadth pegged at 0.33x, signifying three gainers and nine losers. Consequently, the sector return, as measured by our MERI-BANK index, ended with WoW returns of -1.03%. The gainers for the week were STERLNBANK, ZENITHBANK and FBNH, which ended the week with gains of 1.52%, 0.57% and 0.38% respectively. Top losers, however, were STANBIC, ACCESS, FIDELITYBK, SKYEBANK and UBA with respective losses of 7.65%, 7.11%, 5.71%, 5.00% and 4.90%. FCMB, DIAMONDBNK and UBN traded flat. We do not envisage a considerable improvement in pricing in the short term, especially as investors anticipate the release of Q2:2015 results. These results, in our opinion, will generally be dragged by the restrictions on FX trading, given the contribution of this line item to banks’ Q4:2014 and Q1:2015 results. Also, we anticipate that some banks’ numbers will also be negatively affected by the harmonization of CRR, dependent on their exposures to private and public sector deposits. Overall, we are not optimistic about the prospects of the sector during this period, and advise investors with short-term horizons to be very cautious. Consumer Goods: Tepid start to the Quarter The Consumer goods sector recorded a WtD loss of 2.39%, as measured by our Meri-Consumer Goods index, with most Breweries sub-sector counters closing the week down. CHAMPION recorded the highest loss in value within the sector, declining by 9.89%. Also closing the week with lower values were CADBURY (-0.28%), DANGFLOUR (-6.22%), DANGSUGAR (-3.77%), FLOURMILL (-1.47%), NESTLE (-4.02%), VITAFOAM (-1.42%), PZ (-0.19%), UNILEVER (-4.40%), AGLEVENT (-4.76%), GUINNESS

(-0.98%), NB (-2.71%). 7UP, UACN, HONYFLOUR, NACON, VITAFOAM, VONO and INTBREW were the only gainers for the week, recording WoW gains of 6.09%, 5.90%, 1.16%, 1.27%, 2.13%, 4.39% and 2.58%. 7UP released its 2015FY result during the week, which showed that the company recorded 5.86% and 10.74% YoY growths in revenue and earningsafter-tax. Also, the company declared a dividend of NGN2.75/share, with a register closure date of 10th July, 2015. We anticipate pockets of gains in the coming week, as investors’ take position ahead of financial releases. We also opine that long term investor should take advantage of counters currently trading below their fundamental worths ahead of the anticipated market resurgence. Healthcare Sector: MERI-HLTH index returns 9.63% YtD The sector index closed at par with the previous week, with Year to Date return pegged at 9.63%. Sector breadth pegged at 1.50x, skewed in favour of advancers, with three stocks appreciating in price against two stocks that shed points. All other counters traded flat. NEIMETH reversed the previous week’s gains, after paring by 14.69%, to peg its share price at NGN1.22. Also on the underperformers’ list was EVANSMED, which recorded price depreciation of 20.45% to close at NGN1.05. On the converse, MAYBAKER topped the gainers’ chart to upturn prior week’s negative return, after appreciating by 5.63% to close at NGN1.50. FIDSON also reversed previous week’s decline, after advancing by 4.72 % (NGN3.33) WoW. PHARMADEKO featured on the gainers’ chart with 0.45% price appreciation in the week. The sector has not towed any particular direction in weeks, as investors take position once the prices are lower and sell off as the stocks accumulate gains. We expect this oscillating mood to persist barring any sector specific news to dictate more lasting direction for stocks. We however, advise investors to trade cautiously while taking advantage of stocks trading below their fundamentally justified prices. Insurance sector: Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc. in the spotlight The bearish sentiment towards insurance stocks was sustained during the week, even as 3 stocks

recorded minor WoW price appreciations while 3 stocks waned significantly in value. Measuring the sector performance by the NSEINS10 index showed a WoW loss of 2.27%, which pressured the year to date return to -5.24%. NEM led the week’s gainers, as it appreciated by 5.71% to close at NGN0.74 (vs. NGN0.70 in the previous week). CONTINSURE and LINKASSURE joined the counter on the gainers’ path, with respective gains of 3.09% and 2.00%. On the flip side, MANSARD, AIICO and CUSTODYINS suffered weak outings, with the counters declining by 8.78%, 2.06% and 1.23% respectively. All other counters traded flat during the week. Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc. released the most impressive 2014 financial scorecard in the Industry. GPW grew by 90.16% Year-on-Year (YoY) to NGN15.45bn from NGN8.13bn in 2013, while Profit after Tax (PAT) surged significantly by 637.59% YoY to NGN4.10bn, from NGN556mn in 2013. The performance was largely driven by growth in revenue and investment income, amidst a significant YoY decline of 36.52% in the combined ratio from 132.85%. Considering the weak investment appetite towards insurance stocks, amidst the absence of positive news inflows, we anticipate the bearish mood will be sustained in the coming week. Industrial goods: DANGCEM sheds gains from early week rally The industrial goods sector ended the week positive (0.12%) after a turbulent trading week for DANGCEM. Two stocks apiece recorded gains and losses during the week ended. PORTPAINT topped the gainers’ chart with a 10.11% growth in share value. CCNN emerged as the only other outperformer, gaining 9.52% WoW to drive its share price to NGN11.50. DANGCEM closed the week flat at NGN170, despite gaining on the first two days of trading. CUTIX and ASHAKACEM were the only sector underperformers, with respective WoW returns of -9.09% and -0.44%. Although the sector returns remain volatile owing to incessant profit-taking activities, we urge investors with long investment horizons to continue to hold and take positions in fundamentally justified and attractively priced stocks. Oil & Gas Sector: Oando Plc. to hold 49% voting rights in downstream business Investors sustained positive sentiments on the sector stocks from the prior week, with the sector returning +2.68% as measured by the NSEOILG5 index. Four (4) stocks appreciated in value, while one (1) stock recorded a price decline. Other stocks traded flat. FO, SEPLAT, OANDO, and ETERNA were the gainers for the week, advancing 4.40%, 3.25%, 2.21%, and 1.66% in that order, while MOBIL was the lone decliner in the pack, and paring by 5.57% to close at NGN150.00. In the week, OANDO Plc. announced the divestment of a portion of its downstream businesses to HV Investments II B.V., a joint venture owned by a fund advised by Helios Investment Partners and the Vitol Group. The agreement which is subject to receipt of relevant regulatory approvals will leave Oando Plc. with 40% economic rights and 49% voting rights. Proceeds from the deal (c.USD276mn) are to be used largely in deleveraging the group, which had total borrowings of about NGN351.72bn, as at Q3:2014. We preach cautious trading by investors heading into the week, as we expect some level of bargain hunting and profit taking to ensue. Services Sector: Morose mood abates The services sector bounced back after weeks of decline despite the lacklustre performance in the equities market, with the MERISER index increasing by 2.41% Week-to-Date, to peg the Yearto-Date return at -5.56%. Four (4) stocks recorded price appreciations, while two (2) stocks declined in value to peg sectoral breadth at 2.00x. UPL topped the outperformers’ chart, after its share price increased by 7.46% to close at NGN6.03. Other counters that featured on the gainers’ list were TRANSEXPR and ACADEMY that advanced 5.51% and 4.40% to close at NGN1.34 and NGN0.95 in that order. Leading the decliners’ were IKEJAHOTEL (-3.95%), and REDSTAREX (-1.04%), while other counters traded flat. We believe that the resurgence witnessed this week may be short-lived, as we anticipate some level of profit-taking by discerning investors.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Ten points to greatness (10) Success Nuggets

helps us, in our success journey. All the points we have considered so far are very essential to greatness. However, greatness ultimately comes from God. Before you ask why I said so, let me tell you that the most intelVictor Okwudiri ligent or most privileged people are 08037674300 (SMS only) not necessarily the most successful in life. Even motivatinal speakers are So far, we have considered the fol- not necessarily the most successful in life. There are successful people who lowing nine points: • You are not too small to make an have never read any motivational book, and there are motivational impact; speakers who are nothing to write • You are not too old to make an home about. Little wonder, Solomon, impact; who was the wisest (and, arguably, • The future is now; the richest) man of his time, said: •Stardom does not make stars; “I returned, and saw under the sun, STARS make it to stardom; that the race is not to the swift, nor • Great things often start small; the battle to the strong, neither yet •Your self-worth is more imporbread to the wise, nor yet riches to tant than your networth. men of understanding, nor yet favour • Your background is no excuse to men of skill; but time and chance for your back to be on the happeneth to them all.” ground; Am I negating the points dicussed • It is better to prepare for an opso far in this series? No! I am saying portunity you will never have than to have one you were never that there is something called ‘The God factor’. prepared for; Have you noticed that America, •Make your life count for humanwhich is arguably the most successful ity. nation in the world, has as its motto, Now, the tenth point. “In God we trust”? I do not think it • Make your life count for God. Notwithstanding the fact that this is a coincidence. As a matter of fact, it was Abraham Lincoln, a former platform is not one for discussing religion, certain basic truths cannot President of America, who made the following comment, which has bebe avoided, irrespective of one’s come the world’s standard definition religious inclinations. In fact, I of democracy: believe that the very word ‘ATHE“... that this nation under GOD shall ISM’ is suggestive of the fact that there is GOD. The only thing is that experience a new birth of freedom, and the government of the people, by the atheist does not believe in the the people, for the people, shall not said GOD. cease.” (Emphasis mine). I must confess that the dynamics Friend, you cannot go full length of the universe gives me the convicin the journey of greatness all alone. tion that there is a superior being (God), who can help us, and, indeed You need God, and you need to live

by his standards. There is a void in man, which only God can fill, and, until you give God that place in your life, you may never feel the fulfilment that comes with greatness. This is because, greatness, in the first place, is more about how God sees you than how society sees you. Little wonder Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) tweeted the other day, “I have sat @ dinner in the homes of some of the richest people in the world & felt the void they carry within despite “overflowing wealth”.” (15th April, 2015, 08:56am). Freind, there is more to life than possessions and physical achievements. There is more to life than present ‘physical realities’. I commited the grammatical blunder called ‘tautology’ by saying ‘physical realities’, but I did that on purpose - to make a point that spiritual things are also ‘real’. Someone said, “I am an arrow shot by God from eternity into time and I will return safely to the other side of eternity.” (Not quoted verbatim). Little wonder when someone dies, often, what is seen written on the ‘obituary’ poster is ‘transition’. That suggests that life is a journey; a pilgrimage of sorts. As such, the best we can do is to make the most of our lives to please our creator (God). It does not all end here; there is a life after. So, I ask you, after your pilgrimage on earth, will God say to you “WELL DONE” or “well, are you done?” You will succeed. Reference: Ecclesiastes 9:11 (The Holy Bible - King James Version) Please follow me on Twitter @ VictorOkwudiri

Immutable rules of life The Big Picture

to new areas, cities and towns you’ve never been before. Trying out meals you have never eaten before, doing business with those that aren’t of your tribe, language or culture. It makes life very interesting. You end up being a Julian Atufunwa better person. 08032810713 (SMS only) b. Reading Newspapers: Newspapers can help in learning. There is a ife has rules. When we study the variety of information that can help you lead a more meaningful life. Interestinglives of men and women in the past, we discover that there were ly, they are available in printed papers and online. The newspapers help us certain things and certain ways they make accurate use of tenses, thereby lived their lives that resulted in their successes and great achievements which improving our communication skills. c. Reading books: The importance lasted through generations. Everyone of reading books can never be overthat desires a happy, fulfilled and sucemphasised. Readers are leaders. Most cessful life can cue into these rules and successful men and women of the replicate success as they did. past were readers. I came across the We would like to take a look at some story of Michael Faraday, the man that of these rules, discovered Electromagnetic induc1. Never Stop Learning: Learning is a big part of what makes our lives in- tion, the principle behind the electric transformer and generator which led teresting and it’s the habit of successful to the invention of electricity. And his men and women of the past. Learning story was has a connection with our earning abil“I was born into a low-income family ity. Learning keeps us looking younger on the 22nd September, 1791 in south always. Sometimes, I wonder why we grew up learning only to give up learn- London. I worked as an apprentice to a bookseller in my teenage years. It was ing immediately we are through with college. We fail to realise how important during this period that I read many books that made me develop interest it is to continue. Learning should never in science. I read so many books on difend with the four corners of the class ferent fields of life but I noticed science room. inclined textbooks made more meaning These are some of the ways to learn. to me.” a. Travelling: Going places has a He was a reader and learner till way of broadening our minds. It opens us up to new tastes, styles and cultures, his death. These days, phones, iPad, iPod, IOS etc. have made it impossible languages and many ways of life. Travelling doesn’t mean going the same for youths to read and spell words place you’ve always been. I mean going correctly. It’s said that “if you are not

learning, you are standing still and are moving backwards intellectually.” d. Acquire new skills: It is fun learning a new skill or hobby like learning to play musical instruments, cycling, gardening, learning some crafts, meeting some new people, volunteering to work with health workers for your community. Also, there are free online courses one can learn from, and it won’t be a bad idea going back to school for a degree; not for the certificate but letting the system pass through you. Learning renews us and keeps us relevant as we grow older. 2. Never appear too perfect: This phrase was got from the 48 Laws of Power. Great achievers of our time and past times were men of great talents, gifts and intelligence. But they found a way to still appear approachable like anybody else. The reason being that as you make headway in life, you will likely arouse envy, especially from those in your inner circle. This rule states that you should never appear faultless. Try to attack yourself first so that people will feel no need to attack you. Do not excessively promote your wisdom, skills and abilities. It may make people feel threatened and then fight back. It can be lonely up there, the more reason to be humble. Do not despise those you left behind. People say, “You know your friends in hard times.” It is also true that you know who your true friends are when you become very successful. Some will keep a distance from you, not because of what you did or didn’t do, but out of sheer envy. But be sure you are not boastful.

SundayBusiness

Konga to train children in computer programming

nline mall, Konga.com, has kick-started its 3rd year anniversary celebrations with the announcement that it will partner Audax Solutions to train the next generation of computer programmers at the Audax Code School. Beneficiaries of the Konga grant for ages 9 – 16 will be selected by Audax from public schools, orphanages and non-governmental organisations.

Audax Code School is an initiative of Audax Solutions which provides in-depth introduction to computer programming skills based on the fundamentals of web and mobile apps development. With the programme, the children will be provided an in-depth introduction to computer programming skills based on the fundamentals of web and mobile apps development. Konga’s Head of PR, Olatomiwa Akande, who spoke in a statement, noted that the initiative is in line with the company’s vision “to utilise internet and mobile technologies to create a pan African platform that enables trade and commerce for millions of sellers and buyers.” Konga’s third year anniversary celebration tagged ‘#KongaBIG3’ is billed to hold all through the month of July. Akande, who unveiled some highlights of the company’s operations in Nigeria since it was founded by Sim Shagaya in July 2012, said, “Konga started by selling beauty, personal and baby care products to online shoppers in Lagos. The company grew quickly with the rapid expansion of product categories and geographic reach. Today Konga delivers products to every state in Nigeria and now has a massive array of over 200,000 products listed for sale on its site.” Akande added, “Konga truly has revolutionised the e-commerce industry in Nigeria with quality products at great prices, innovative offerings and unparalleled services to our customers across the country. Our multiple award winning company is growing rapidly with over 700 employees, offices in Lagos, South Africa and China; warehouses and distribution centers all over Nigeria. The expansion continues with a move to a bigger warehouse facility scheduled this July. This, will enable us cater more efficiently to the demands of our customers.” Recently, Konga launched the ‘Self-Fulfill’ delivery model, allowing merchants on the site to deliver items purchased to a customer directly, thus facilitating a faster and easier delivery system. In order to quell the challenges associated with payment on delivery, Konga’s team developed a safe and secure payment platform, tagged KongaPay – which is scheduled for release to the public in the third quarter of 2015.

CSR: Chevron injects N2.65bn into education Stanley Ihedigbo s part of its corporate social responsibility to its host country, Chevron Nigeria has invested over N2.65 billion in the national scholarship programme.

No fewer than 54,375 Nigerian students have benefitted from the scheme. Speaking at the Nigeria South Africa Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast meeting, in Lagos, the General Manager, Government Policy and Public Affairs, Mr. Deji Haastrup, said Nigerian students have benefitted immensely from his company’s education support to the development of the nation. He added that almost 9,617 undergraduates are currently on the Agbami, a Chevron & Deep Water CoVentures scholarship programme, in 2013 to 2014/15 academic sessions. Under this, 1,166 Agbami scholars graduated with first and second class upper degrees. Haastrup said Chevron Nigeria has other types of special scholarship programmes, such as one for the visually impaired and physically challenged worth over $1.4 million. According to him, Chevron has also sponsored learning centres initiative in collaboration with an international firm called the Discovery Alliance, through which over 15,000 students have access to educational materials and television channels in under-resourced schools. He said the programme has successfully been implemented in Lagos and Delta states, adding that this has brought about an increase in school enrolment by over 50 per cent over three years.

SUNDAY

BRANDS SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

DELE ALAO

agos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the umbrella body of professional Public Relations practitioners chartered to regulate and direct its development and the practice, is set to discuss Corporate Social Responsibility: Prospects & Challenges in a Growing Economy, as part of its 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM). The lecture, which is scheduled to hold at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos, later in the month, will feature the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa, as Special Guest of Honour. Ken Egbas, Managing Director, Tru Contact, a renowned CSR monitoring organisation and assessor; and Calixthus Okoruwa, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, XLR8 Limited, a leading Public Relations Consultancy in Nigeria, are the distinguished Discussants. Chief Keith Richards is the Keynote Speaker. Speaking at the preAGM/PR Week media briefing sponsored by Chain Reactions Nigeria, Chairman of the chapter, Joseph Okonmah, said: “The theme was inspired by the desire to focus the klieg lights on the impact of CSR on national development; to inspire more

NIPR discusses CSR’s prospects, challenges corporate organisations to embrace sustainable development; stimulate more investment in CSR projects; and educate government to champion the cause of sustainable CSR in Nigeria through appropriate legislation.” Commenting on the sponsorship, the Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Nigeria, Mr. Israel Opayemi, said his company was motivated by the theme of the 26th AGM/PR Week. “In recent time, corporate social responsibility has become a subject of debate among stakeholders in the Nigeria corporate environment. As a result, any company that is worth its salt would want to support initiatives that are aimed to institutionalise the practice. We are very proud to be associated with the theme of the AGM/PR Week of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR. As a company, our guiding philosophy has always been the belief that companies which derive benefits and maximise profits from communities should respond to the needs of host communi-

ties through strategic philanthropy, environmental protection, and community development,’’ he said. The annual lecture, part of activities to mark the 26th AGM/Public Relations Week by the chapter, has evolved into a strategic and resourceful event and is now recognised as a very important forum in Nigeria due to its focus on pertinent national and corporate issues such as corporate governance,

leadership, resource management, national reputation and good governance, among others. The activities of the 26th AGM/PR Week will climax with a special Gala Awards Dinner, a Black Tie evening. The event was inspired by the desire to recognise and reward corporate organisations and individuals for their ground-breaking investment in CSR projects and to encourage more investment in the practice.

The Dinner will hold at the Grand Ballroom, The Civic Centre, in Victoria Island, Lagos on July 24, 2015. Highlight of the Black Tie event includes the presentation of Eagle Awards to some corporate bodies whose extraordinary acts of giving, sharing and loving has made a demonstrable difference in host communities or in the lives of specific persons. The 26th AGM/Public Relations Week, a week-

long, high-calibre event, serves the public relations community, communications professionals and other stakeholders in interesting and impactful ways. It will begin with a special inter-religious prayer for the Institute and the nation followed by Bassey Koma Memorial Novelty Match between the Chapter and Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) on Saturday July 18, 2015.

Mantrac kicks off power system campaign

n order to achieve optimal power solution, Mantrac Nigeria has flagged off Power System Campaign for its consumers with the aim of providing cutting-edge power solutions that come with convenient acquisition plan. At the campaign flag off, Managing Director, Mr. Edmund Martin-Lawson, said: “Nigeria was one of the fastest growing markets in the world. As a result of the business needs, it is important for every business to have back up supply for power. The need for constant power supply for large, small and medium scale businesses as well as home consumption is on the increase. “The result is that there is a growing competition from players in the industry, the competition is stiff across all segments of the market from the little sets popularly referred to in local parlance as ‘I better-pass-my-neighbor’

to the very industrial sets suitable for IPPs. To this end, Mantrac is offering the opportunity for easy and convenient acquisition of CAT generators through the Caterpillar Financial (CATFIN) scheme. CATFIN, officially launched in 2013 in Nigeria, in collaboration with Stanbic IBTC, is a financing solution that assists customers acquire Caterpillar products. Caterpillar products are very reliable and durable.” Also, General Manager, Power Systems, Ibrahim El Bassiouny, said that Mantrac Nigeria, for which providing Power solutions, is one of its core areas, was looking to assist businesses in general to keep their services running so that they in turn could satisfy their customers. “So we are reaching out to restaurants, hotel owners, schools/education institutions, even places of worship as they also need electricity supply.

L-R: General Managing Director, Chams Plc, Mr. Williams Femi; Chief Executive Officer, E-payment Providers Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Onajite Regha; Team Lead, Standard and Compliance, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Temidayo Omoniyi and Chairman, Consumer Rights Awareness Advancement and Advocacy Initiative, Mr. Moses Igbrude, during a One –day stakeholders’ forum on Identity Management in Nigeria; The Bedrock of a Cashless Economy, at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Alausa, Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

MediaReach explains partnership with Google

ndependent media specialist, MediaReach OMD, has given an insight into its partnership agreement with Google Global Services Nigeria Limited on brand marketing. The agreement, which was consummated recently at an event christened, ‘Google Day,’ at the MediaReach office in Lagos, would see both companies collaborate on survival strategies for different brands in the face of stiff competition not only in Nigeria but across the world. MediaReach said that the effort would also result in building more digital capabilities, both within the

agency and within the marketing team of clients, while focusing on new products demonstration like Google cards, Google Now, Cromecast, etc. The agency also explained that the partnership would take the relationship between the two companies to the next level on various Google products and shall leverage, for instance, on Youtube beyond advertising and creating content from the consumer context. It will equally stimulate brand-connect in the area of Hygiene, Hub and Hero content which consumers would like to see coming from the brand. In addition, the agreement will strength-

en the role of Digital as the line between Offline and Online is blurring because of the ease at which consumers now travel within the physical and virtual world. The objective of this effort, the agency stated, was to strengthen the collaboration between the companies and harvest maximum benefits to their clients. The Country Manager, Google, Juliet Chiazor, said it was imperative for any organisation that would survive to develop a strategic marketing campaign that can stand out in the competitive market. She noted that customers were faced with a minimum

of 2,000 marketing messages streamed on different communication platforms every day. Chiazor therefore said for any player to excel, its communication must be appropriate and target the right audience. She declared that television viewership was slowly declining as audiences were shifting online. Specifically, she stated that there was an increase of 60 per cent of online video streaming that customers were faced with. “Brand building elements still entail awareness and emotional engagement just as the case with traditional marketing platforms,” she said.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

SundayBusiness/Brands

GOtv woos subscribers

Otv is giving new subscribers an elongated viewing experience in its latest consumer promotion termed, ‘GOtv Double Double.’ Every new subscriber who buys a complete GOtv set (decoder and antenna) and pays a one-month subscription to GOtv Plus will be rewarded with two months extra viewing. The subscription must, however, be made at the point of decoder purchase or within 48 hours after. This means that at the expiration of the first subscription to the GOtv Plus bouquet, the subscriber will for another two months have access to 42 of its international and local channels at no additional cost. Public Relations Manager, GOtv. Efe Obiomah, said: “As a trusted digital migration partner, the GOtv

Double Double promo not only allows consumers to access digital television at a price everyone can afford but it also gives them the best possible option for joining the digital television revolution. TV lovers who take advantage of this double deal will be welcomed into a world of unforgettable viewing experiences with our exciting line-up in July. “The GOtv Double Double promo is open to all GOtv subscribers in the newly launched towns namely; Epe, Ijebu-Ode, Uromi, Auchi, and all television lovers across Nigeria seeking to join in the digital television revolution. GOtv currently covers the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with presence in 24 states including; Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Edo, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and Benue.”

Mouka targets more customers with new outlets

ouka Limited has expanded its retail footprint with the opening of two new Mouka Lifestyle Stores and a depot in Abuja to meet the demand for Mouka products by its customers. The Acting Managing Director, Mouka Limited, Mr. Femi Fapohunda, said that the two new stores and the depot were opened as a strategic business move to bring Mouka products closer to its esteemed customers not only those living within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, but also customers in the neighbouring states of Niger and Nassarawa. “With increasing population and growing demand

for Mouka foam in Abuja and the neigbouring states, it became imperative for us to open these two new lifestyle stores and depot to cater for the yearnings of our esteemed customers,’’ he said. He added that the Mouka brand was synonymous with quality, offering value, standard and aesthetic appeal and comfort that inspires sleep for users. He added that Mouka was the first foam company to offer a quality warranty on its mattresses and poly-urethane products. Also, the Chief Financial Officer, Mouka Limited, Dr. Mrs. Azuka Onya, said that the new Mouka Lifestyle Stores were strategically located in the dif-

ferent axis of the Federal Capital Territory to meet the need of families moving to Abuja and new families starting up. Onya added that the Mouka range of household products available at the stores offered a unique combination of quality and affordability to the target customers especially residence of Abuja and the neighbouring states. The Marketing Manager, Mouka Limited, Mr. Olusegun Ajala, said that with the addition of the two new lifestyle stores and depot in Abuja, Mouka remains the leading foam brand in Nigeria thereby bringing its products right to consumers’ doorsteps. Ajala described the

Mouka Lifestyle store as a one-stop bedding solution outlet where customers can shop for all household-bedding needs including the quality range of Mouka mattresses, duvets, bedsheets, pillows and other lifestyle range. “With production facilities in Lagos, Benin and Kaduna, Mouka Limited is a leading Nigerian manufacturer of polyurethanebased products. A highly successful commercial enterprise with a pan-Nigeria supply chain, the company now has a strong share of the household and industrial foam market in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region,” the marketing manager said.

Microsoft Lumia, Konga partner to reward customers

icrosoft Lumia and Konga.com have teamed up to reward customers who purchase the Lumia 540 Dual SIM or the Lumia 640 XL Dual SIM or any Lumia from Konga.com. The Vice President, Marketing, Konga, Gabriel Gab-Umoden, said: “The partnership with Microsoft Lumia builds on our successful FoundOnKonga campaign, whilst rewarding our customers who have unique stories on their Lumia purchases on Konga.com. In partnership with our ambassadors, we will pick five most compelling stories and reward them with an all-expense paid experience to London, England.” Also, Campaign & Activations Lead, West Africa

for Microsoft Mobile Devices & Services, Mayor Esiaba, said: “We are very proud of our Lumia smartphones and how it continues to empower Nigerians, while connecting Nigerians to our suite of productivity services and a rich smartphone experience at amazing price points. This partnership with our friends at Konga is our little way of re-enforcing our mission to empower our consumers, ensuring they get the opportunity to be inspired during the course of their visit to what is an amazing city.” According to Microsoft Lumia & Konga.com, this competition is open to consumers who make purchase from June 26th to August 31st, 2015.

ADVAN trains members on new skills Deborah Olayode

he Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has organised a peerto-peer learning seminar in a move aimed at enhancing the knowledge scope of members on modern trends of digitalisation and its effect on marketing. The seminar held in Lagos recently with the theme, ‘The Changing Role of Marketing in a Digital Economy,’ witnessed a large turnout of stakeholders ranging from advertisers, marketers and business executives. Participants at the seminar deliberated and brainstormed on various issues

surrounding the advancement of technology and growth of digitalisation in Nigeria and its implication on marketing. Declaring the seminar open, former President of ADVAN, now Commercial Director, Grand Oak Limited, Fatai Odeshile, said the forum was one of the ways put together by the association in raising the bar in the industry. “In ADVAN, one of the commitments that we give ourselves is how we can raise the standard of living in our way because if you have a learned and educated society, half of your problems is solved.

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos State Chapter, Mr Joseph Okonmah; Chairman 26th AGM Planning Committee, Olusegun McMedal; Acting Registrar NIPR, Mr. Joseph Yemi Adeniran and Secretary, Lagos, Thelma Okoh, at the pre-AGM/ Public Relation Week press briefing of the Institute in Lagos ... yesterday.

Samsung goes after enterprise market with mobility campaign

amsung Electronics has made a big push into the enterprise market with a new campaign, “Ready for the Next Big Thing,” which features its new Galaxy S6 Edge mobile device and related services. The campaign, including print and online, was created by 72andSunny in Los Angeles, New York, which also handles Samsung’s consumer advertising. The budget was undisclosed. Chief Marketing Officer of the company, Ed Abrams, said: “Historically, we really have not done a great deal of enterprise marketing, we did more targeted advertising. This is one of the first times from a mobile perspective we have had a distinct campaign for business and not simply used

our consumer advertising. We have grown our product portfolio and our partner base, as well as our ability to deliver services. We are ready to go out and talk aggressively to the market about what we can do to help businesses of all sizes succeed. “We have a very broad set of competitors that include technology product manufactures, services companies and solution providers. We are really looking to effectively differentiate ourselves against all of those competitors by showing how we can serve the totality of what businesses need.” He declined to name specific competitors, but in the enterprise smartphone market, Samsung competes primarily with Apple and BlackBerry.

BlackBerry has been making its own concerted push into the enterprise market. Few months ago, it launched a campaign called “Work Wide,” which portrayed BlackBerry as a serious business tool, offering security, mobility and connectivity. Samsung’s campaign highlights the new Galaxy S6 Edge smartphone and four key components: security, employee productivity, multi-tasking and the physical appearance of the device. “We want to visually demonstrate that life is better through the Galaxy S6,” Abrams said. The ads highlight different Samsung solutions, such as security and productivity tools, and show workplace scenes with the smartphone

serving as a window into the scene. For example, one ad shows an office building at night with dark windows, with a Galaxy S6 superimposed on the image, lighting up the office and showing employees at work on different tasks. The headline reads, “Power your enterprise through our most powerful processor.” Another ad shows a production line with an employee packing up crates and checking inventory supplies on his smartphone to demonstrate the Galaxy’s multi-tasking capabilities. Samsung’s mobile portfolio now includes smartphones, mobile device management and solutions for security, employee productivity and workflow management.

SUNDAY

Markets&Mall SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

New Tejuosho Market and Oyingbo Markets not yet occupied by traders CONTINUED FR O M PAGE 24

kets for the big traders in the big complexes. So, the small traders should be considered when such shopping complexes are being built,” he said. But the Iyaloja General of Lagos Mainland, Alhaja Basira Balogun, though was not keen in talking to journalists said Oyingbo market would soon return to reckoning with the completion and commissioning of the new shopping complex. She said the only challenge is the cost of the shops, but noted that traders would have to pool their resources together to rent or buy the shops. She praised the government for completing the projects many years after the groundbreaking for the construction was done by the late Chief Moshood Abiola. The Chairman of Opopo/Onyabiya Traders Association, a branch of Tejuosho Market, Mr. Utomi Dike, said traders are not in a hurry to move into the market because the state government reneged on an agreement in respect of the reconstruction of the market. He said the state government promised that whenever the reconstruction of the market is completed, the traders that lost their goods in the 2007 fire that destroyed would be considered. “But on completion of the facility the price tag on the shops became completely out the reach of the traders. “What we are hearing is rates ranging from N5 million to N7 million. Even for rent we were asked to pay not less than N1.5 million,” Dike said.. Dike said they are not happy hawking their wares around the railway tracks, but cannot afford the price of the shops. Ms. Omolara Adeojo, a trader in the market, said she would never forget the Tejuosho market inferno of December 2007, because she lost goods worth over N3 million. Omolara, who is a seller of curtains, said the past administration did not fulfill its promise to assist them to recover from the incident. She said she is willing to move

You can see as the shopping complexes in those three markets are just there like museums because the people cannot afford the luxury complex

into the new complex, but the price is too high for her. According to her, they were told that they would pay N9000 every month apart from acquiring the shop. The charge will serve as service fees for security, lighting and cleaning of the complex. Mr. Ishola Olaito, who was a cold room operator in the old Tejuosho market, said he now hawks meat beside the railway line.

Slot opens 50th shop

Stanley Ihedigbo s part of efforts to bring its services closer to the people, leading phone dealer, Slot Nigeria, has opened its 50th phone shop in the Ikotun area of Lagos State. Speaking at the official opening of the shop, the Managing Director, Nnamdi Ezeigbo, said the Ikotun Market office is in line with the company’s plan to take products and services to the people in every part of Nigeria. He said that as a company, they are concerned about creating value for their customers through bring-

ing the right services to the people. “Before now we had 49 retails shops and this Ikotun branch is making it number 50th and over the years we have been increasing in size also in market share. “We are bringing excellent customer services and quality devices to Ikotun market. What that means is that we are bringing GSM Village to Ikotun,” he said. Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Igando/ Ikotun Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Hon. Wale Azeez, commended the company for opening its 50th

shop in his council, saying that will not bring quality service to the community and create some jobs for the youths. He thanked the company for choosing to site the company in his locality, urging them to attract further investment to the area. He described Ikotun as a peaceful environment where investors can invest their money and feel safe any day. He assured the firm of the security of their office and staff. Also, the Onikotun of Ikotun, Oba Azeez Asiwaju, expressed joy that a big phone company’s presence in his domain would usher in development to the area.

Clothing market hit by falling naira

lothing materials traders at the Mandilas market in Lagos Island have lamented the falling value of the naira, saying their business is the worst hit. The say the bad situation is worsened by the instability in the exchange rate as they can no longer

set price tags on their wares. Many of these traders import their items from Europe. Recounting their ordeal, majority of them said some of their goods are still abroad as the previous prices they purchased those goods have increased by over 10 per cent.

One of the traders, Mr. Chinedun Abba, who deals in imported clothing, said he is waiting for a while to see if the exchange rate will fall before he brings in more wares because he is having difficulty breaking even on his last shipment.

SUNDAY

Politics SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2015

The Sunday Interview

Igbokwe: Judiciary in causing confusion in the polity p.32, 33

Interview

Yoruba’s boundary with the North should be redrawn, says Olola-Kasum p.35 APC can’t appoint leaders for the House, says Rep p.37 Buhari

‘Akpabio transformed Akwa Ibom’ p.38

Lobbying for access to Presidents In view of the recent issue about lobbying to see Presidents, ANULE EMMANUEL argues that gaining access to top policy makers is an international practice to engender goodwill and business development

T Biyi Adegoroye Assistant Editor biyi.fire@yahoo.com © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Jonathan

he office of the Nigerian President commands enormous powers. Every occupant of the nation’s Oval Office has great and enviable influence. Prominent Nigerians, including top politicians, state governors, visiting Heads of State, diplomats, business moguls, Christian and Muslim leaders, expatriates and technocrats as well as lobbyists throng the place on a daily basis to seek audience with the President. They do not just come to meet with the President for the fun of it, but most often with vested interests. Available records indicate that when activities are at its best in the presidency, about 800 to 1000 people visit weekly. For a few, they have business proposals to sale and

want presidential endorsement. Others are interested in getting federal presence in their locations such as the state governors, which could only be pushed through recommendations from the President inform of projects. There are also interfaces to expand diplomatic ties. As provided under Section 5(1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution, the executive powers of the federation are vested in the President who may exercise them directly or indirectly through his vice and ministers of the government of the federation or through other officers in the public service of the federation. These powers are by virtue of clause (b) of the same section extended to the execution and maintenance of the Constitution of Nigeria and all the valid laws made by the National Assembly. In other words, presidential powers constitute the vast array of domestic and foreign responsibilities ascribable to the office of the president which are also expressed as “executive duties.” In some contexts, these responsibilities are also expressed as constitutionally delegated duties just to emphasis the stewardship nature of presidential powers. Typically, the President is seen as a problem solver both officially and private for citizens, friends and associates in huge process of nation building. With all these combined, virtually every level of persons, especially the highly placed includ-

ing political stalwarts and the bourgeois class strive to have close contact and access to the President for favours. At any opportunity, they would seek to get the President’s audience and attention. But like the seats of government housing the presidential office in other countries, such as the White House in the United States, the Aso Rock Presidential Villa is a highly secured environment, heavily protected with limited access to visitors. Only accredited persons with official pass and those on appointment are allowed entrant into the villa. Many people, however, do not understand that seeking audience with the President is strictly on scheduled basis. To ensure that the President is accessible and is able to focus at the same time on the intense work required to develop the country, there is usually restriction to the number of guests he receives on daily basis both Nigerians and foreign visitors. In Aso Rock, having known the President on a personal level is never an excuse for unfettered access to the number one citizen. Key officers in the presidency carry out specific responsibilities to arrange and receive both private and official visitors of the President. First on this team is the Chief of Staff who controls access to the Oval Office and to the President and manages communications as well as information flow. As obtained in other CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2015 S

The Sunday

Igbokwe: Judiciary in causi Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe is a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and ranking member of the House of Representatives. He represents Ahiazu/ Ezinihite/Mbaise Federal Constituency of Imo State. He spoke with CHUKWU DAVID on a number of topical issues of national interest including the current crisis in the National Assembly

The political crisis in the National Assembly over leadership positions is yet to be totally resolved. Although the matter is now largely tackled in the Senate, the House of Representatives is still boiling. What is your perception of this development? Well, this is democracy; you agree to disagree, and you agree to also agree. You can also disagree to agree but what is important at the end of the day is coming together on the same table to reason together and move the parliament and the society in the interest of the people. The fight you said took place in the House of Representatives was an internal issue between the All Progressives Congress members and their party. Ordinarily, one would expect such internal issues to be sorted out within the party. But it was let into the floor of the House. And basically, the problem was on the distribution of principal offices within the geo-political zones. It was only at the middle of the event that a lot of people especially we from the PDP came to realize the major cause of the fracas, which is that some people were trying to resist the recommendations or nominations made by the party for those occupying certain party positions. It only shows the inability of the APC to put its house in order. I can say that the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party at the National Assembly was rancorfree in the past years because all the positions were zoned in the party. Members from those zones had met in conjunction with the members of the National Working Committee of our party and had unanimously engaged in the process that produced one candidate for these positions; and that was why you could not hear a dissenting voice out there in the public. What I will say is that it is now a challenge for the APC but the beauty of it, which also shows the maturity of everybody involved, was that at the end of the day everybody was able to come together and seek a way of resolving the matter by allowing the sitting of the House to go on. We therefore adjourned till July 21. So, it was not as if the House absolutely adjourned. It was actually a challenge, especially as it is coming at the beginning of the life of the Eighth Assembly. But I want to see it as a way of making the Eighth Assembly to come out stronger and to get more bonding because what played out

there was an outburst of grievance. But by the time channels are opened through which people can ventilate their grievances and anger, I think we would make a better House.

How do you react to the emergence of Dogara in the House and Bukola Saraki in the Senate, contrary to the will of their party? Well, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the beauty of democracy. People feel that they should have their destiny But the crisis in the APC in the House has also stopped the PDP from announcing its in their own hands, for them to choose their leaders in the House. leaders. And for a lot of political scholars, Well, the announcement of PDP leaders this is bringing a new side into politicking in will only be done by the Speaker, and not Nigeria, especially with reference to politithe PDP members. We will only convey cal style and strategies. You can see that it our resolutions and nominations to him is evolving. We are moving from the regime but the responsibility falls on him to an- of total supremacy of the party to a regime nounce the nominations made by us. So, it of inclusive party management and deciwas practically impossible for the Speaker sion making process. And people who are to go ahead and conduct any business of there to carry the flag of the party in what the House. We were ready with the list they say and what they do in parliament are of our nominated leaders but he was not also seeking that they be allowed to make ready because of the problem within the Ikedife some input so that they can be a blend so APC in the House. that whatever decision is coming out is a hyAbdullahi

brid of party position and also the drivers of those decisions or policies of what the party is going to make. So, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see anything bad about it rather, one had expected a more harmonious position by the party and its members especially in the APC. And I wish they would be able to manage the crisis in good time before it permeates deeper into the fabrics of their party. To me, whoever might have emerged is a member of the APC and for me as a PDP member, what I am interested in is for the Senate to have a President and for the House to have a Speaker. The Senate President is the Senate President of every member of the Senate, irrespective of the party affiliation and the same thing for the Speaker of the House of Representatives. I believe that sometimes you leave things to providence, and if you see how everything had happened, you will believe that power

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Interview

sing confusion in the polity bly that will be focused; that will be able to churn out bills and motions that meet the yearnings of Nigerians; that will be able to support in building the society, in improving our economy, our educational system, medical system; making service delivery to be more effective and to be able to reach the ordinary people. So I will be proud to be identified with such and that is why I will wish that this House should go on being crisis free, so that we will be able to get to our desired destination of really serving the people.

comes from God, that it is destined that it should happen this way. And if we all agree that we are trying to develop our democracy and encourage people to come to the arena with the spirit of sportsmanship, it is only expected at the end of a contest, especially that of the House of Representatives which was very transparent that we should give the winner the necessary support. Those who did not get the positions should know that that is not the end, and embrace the leadership and give them the cooperation to succeed as a House. So, my commitment to the leadership of the House is to the fact of being a member of the House. I am proud to have been a member of the Seventh House, and a lot has been said about the way and manner the House conducted itself in the last Assembly. So, I will also be proud to be part of the House of the Eighth Assem-

Many analysts are saying that what is happening in the National Assembly is a war towards eliminating godfatherism from Nigerian politics. Do you think it is a good thing to destroy godfather syndrome from our politics? Well, what is actually happening on the issue of godfatherism is that people are becoming more politically conscious; people are coming to know their rights, people are coming to be more exposed to current happenings in democratic societies. And this is your fundamental right to your own opinion, not to be forced to imbibe any decision or policy. It also sends a message to those who believe they would want to control within and outside the workings of an institution. People are getting more knowledgeable of their rights and privileges and also, being more protective of their rights and more desirous for their voice to be heard and be part of any process. However, it is also good that you have people who are out there to guide you, but to the extent that it goes beyond guiding the person on the right part to take to now dictating for the person even when those issues are wrong, then there should be a differentiation between imposition of ideas. If ideas are good, it is important that you sell it to the person to be able to imbibe and accept. But where ideas are only selfish or only for your own good and not for the general good and you want to impose it, that is where it becomes an issue. However, with the emergence of the leadership in the Seventh Assembly and now also in the Eighth Assembly, I think it has become an eye opener for leaders of political parties to start realising that party comes out with policies but the implementers of these policies have to be drawn into the picture at the early stage of formulation of these policies so that they can be part of it; so that they will be prepared to tow the part that has been decided on. Outside this, what this only shows is that the implementers of the policies were not taken into picture at the formation stage of the policies and now being forced to accept policies they were not ab initio part of the process of the formulation. So, I think it is going to strengthen our democracy; it is also going to make political parties to be more careful in selecting their candidates. They must now be looking at how to fashion a way of detecting those party members that we deemed to uphold the principles, tenets, mission and vision of their party; those who are determined to abide by the ideals, objectives and principles of the party, and those who will be easily guided and not controlled on the path of the expectations of their party. And going by this scenario, the only way you can scale through is by performance such that it becomes difficult and inevitable for the leadership of the party not to choose or select for reelection. So, the only way to counter any confrontation is to do your job and put in a good performance, where your people will continuously wish and yearn for

The Supreme Court has given several judgments that negate the principle of candidate substitution. In that of Charles Soludo in Anambra, the Supreme Court said no, it’s the exclusive right of the party you to continue to return. Because the way it is now, power has returned to the people; the people now decides who goes to represent them. No political party will want to lose a good candidate. So, I urge politicians including myself to take it as a responsibility to put in our best to make our constituents to be happy; to be proud of us and to have good grounds to reelect us. Internal democracy appears to be a mirage in the political parties in Nigeria. What is the solution to this problem? I think the parliament has tried in the last the last electoral amendment to instill discipline in the conduct of internal business of political parties in trying to strengthen internal democracy in parties. In Sections 31 of the Electoral Act, where it says that no person will emerge as a candidate of a party except he passes through primaries, and only the winner with the highest number of votes will be the candidate. But along the line, even after the enactment of that law, the judiciary has come to create certain confusion, and the regime that was there before the amendment of that Act was that of party supremacy. The party has the exclusive right in choosing its candidate. But we gradually moved away from there in 2010 with the amendment of the Act, to now state that it is compulsory that you must pass through a process, which is the primaries. And you could see, the court came to the aid of Nigerians and our democracy then and confirmed that through the Supreme Court judgment in Rotimi Amaechi Vs INEC and PDP, where the Supreme said there is no way somebody who did not participate in the primaries can become the candidate of a political party. As it were then, if Amaechi was not qualified, what stopped PDP from choosing the person that came second or third rather than going outside for somebody who was not within the ring to now become the candidate? But after that, the Supreme Court has given several judgments that tend to negate that principle. You will see in that of Charles Soludo in Anambra, the Supreme Court said no, it is the exclusive right of the party. Look at the case of Independence Ogunewe and Senator Chris Anyanwu, the same thing took place; look at the case of Timipriye Sylva and Seriake Dickson, the same thing, and so many others. Therefore, the judiciary is going back to the old regime. Therefore, this is only laying a foundation for the destruction of internal democracy in political parties, and it appears that it doesn’t matter anymore if primaries are conducted, if things are done appropriately, whether a defined and transparent process is in place for candidates to emerge because at the end of the day, the names will be changed or substituted. However, in the last two days, the judiciary has come again; they want to be sending a message from another angle as if it has come to uphold the position of the Electoral Act.

But my worry is that it is a judgment of the High Court which is inferior to that of the Supreme Court. In all, I think the major work is on the judiciary. For the parliament, we have done what we ought to do by amending the Act to try to enhance internal democracy in the political parties. But we will make a plea to the judiciary to make it very definite so as to instill discipline in the leadership of the party, to make sure that there is a transparent process of producing candidates. We are throwing the gate open for floods of substitutions of candidates and miracle names happening here and there. There are indications that the Eighth House will be turbulent. Are you worried by the situation? I am worried that if no solution is proffered to this problem in the earliest possible time, it may degenerate into a very serious internal crisis. But I am optimistic. It is about give and take. This group is saying this are our nominees and the other group is saying we want it this way; these are our nominees so to say. But if we should approach it with a sense of commitment to provide the needed service to the people and the earlier we are able to put ourselves together and get the parliament set for work, the better for all of us, then there will be need for negotiation if you ask me. You can’t have everything and you can’t lose everything. I think there should be a middle course; and I am very optimistic, I expect the two groups to engage themselves and they should see the need to sacrifice where possible to accommodate each other so that, at least, we would have a situation of no victor, no vanquished. When this is done, I am optimistic that the Eighth Assembly will come out very stronger and very united. In the last administration, the opposition party then, the APC was accused of engaging in antagonism against the PDP-led government. What kind of opposition do you want the PDP to provide in this dispensation? Well, it is clear, PDP has come out with a position that we are not coming out to be antagonistic; rather we are only coming out to put the ruling party on check and make them be on their toes and be alive to their responsibility to Nigerians. And in doing so, in as much as we try to identify the errors and defects in their policies and programmes, we will also be very happy and quick to give them alternative advice and options that could be taken to provide the needed services to the people because what is important at the end of the day is the well being of Nigerians. Our prayer is that they will be able to give listening ears to the contributions, advice and proposals from other people outside their party, not necessarily from the PDP. You also have those who are non-partisan and who have the interest of the country at heart. So, we will make them to understand the lapses in their policies by giving them the alternatives, that would be more cost effective, more productive and that would have served the people better for them to see the difference. So we are going to keep them on their toes, we are going to make them to be alive to their responsibility, we are not going to take failure as an excuse because over the last 16 years, they have been on the sidelines. They observed the mistakes or shortcomings of the PDP government, if at all. So, we expect them to be very prepared to serve Nigerians; and we will charge them to stay and honour their electoral promises to Nigerians. We are running into two months now and Nigerians are still expecting to see some signs because we have not seen any sign from a government that says it has come to deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

‘Buhari should be thorough in anti-corruption war’ Dominic Adewole

F Asaba

ormer Special Adviser on Inter-Party Relations to former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Hon. Taju Sumonu Isichei has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to be thorough in the pursuit of his anti-corruption war in order to save the country from total collapse. Isichei, who contested the 2007-2011 governorship race on the platform of the Progressives Peoples Alliance, but lost to Uduaghan, commended Buhari’s vow to recover all the nation’s stolen money, also advised him to be ready to step on toes in the process. In an interview in Asaba, he urged Buhari to be careful about his language in fighting corruption “because the kind of corruption he fought in 1983 after he overthrew the government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari is not the same in Nigeria of today.” He said the President should wage war on corruption with his two eyes open because many people who are close to him will be crushed in the process. “He should be ready to step on toes and offend his friends. Corruption today has gone scientific in Nigeria. Corruption has gone beyond the physical, it has now become digital. Corruption has taken a different dimension from what the President thinks. Corruption is no longer the way it was during the military era. If he wants to fight corruption, he should fight corruption in a more civilised way so as not to run his government aground. He should bear in mind that the Nigeria that we are talking about is not the kind of Nigeria he ruled with dictatorship some years ago. “ “What I am saying in essence is that, Mr. President should not make the fight a selective and witch-hunt. And that is why his government should not be seen, granting pardon to family and friends, who have been found guilty of such charges. If the President makes the mistake of appointing corrupt ones into his cabinet, then he is finished. “That is why he is expected to consult well, investigate to know the antecedents of those he has in mind and sieve out those that have the tendency to be corrupt or have the re-

Isichei

cords. He should also watch out about the positions he is going to give out. He should have a slim cabinet if he truly wants to save the economy from total collapse. He should not give positions out for compensation On creation of state, Isichei called on Buhari to implement the reports of the National Conference especially as it affects state creation. “Of course, the President should implement it. You can see how I was furious when you asked that question. The President should know that creation of states brings development. “When you have your own state with its state capital, more employment opportunities would be generated. You will have your television and radio stations, universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, general hospitals and airport among others. Don’t

forget, all these institutions that I have mentioned now create employment. Instead of all of us clustering in a particular place for a particular advantage, creation of state will reduce the current struggle for relevance among ethnic nationalities. “For example, Bayelsa, Jigawa and Ekiti states are able to take care of themselves to certain extent. All we are saying in Delta State is ‘let there be Anioma State.’ Mr. President should go ahead to implement the report. He should not allow the millions expended on such project go down the drains. To the best of my knowledge, APC participated fully in the confab. The party initially had its reservations, which I don’t blame them for because that is how it is supposed to be, but when the swag eventually settled, and they came to terms with the

whole arrangement, they participated…The confab report should be important to the President because that was the first time Nigerians spoke in unity by coming together and agreeing without rancour on how they want their country to be governed. He said power generation that has caused inflation and crippled the economy for decades in Nigeria should be one of the President’s topmost priorities. “Although, former President Goodluck Jonathan tried his best, yet his best was not good enough for Nigerians. That privatisation of PHCN to the present day quacks should be reviewed. He should investigate those, who bought the unbounded PHCN to see whether they are qualified and have the capacity for it. “What we see happening in that sector today in this country calls for revolution. That people sit down in their offices and money flow in for services not rendered, calls for probe. For example, this Benin Electricity Distribution Company that is in charge of Delta, Edo and Ondo states should be investigated for better performance,” he said. In the area of security, he said government should provide security for the people and also various businesses in Nigeria. “The business environment is very harsh. If government can create enabling environment, like steady power supply, businesses will thrive and activities of hoodlums will reduce. If there is power supply, different artisans will spring up. Welders will work, barbers need power supply to cut hair, the hair dressers, tailors and bakers need light too. He said stable power supply will reduce the concentration of people looking for white-collar jobs. “Government should make a conducive environment for Nigerian to bring out their creativity. If there is power supply, many things will fall into place. The issue of insecurity will reduce with less policing. When people are engaged and gainfully employed, insecurity will reduce because it is an idle person that is thinking of organising a crime. But when everybody have something doing, nobody will be thinking of robbery, kidnapping, raping and engaging in other nefarious activities. The cells and prison yards will be decongested.

Why Calabar Port should be made operational

Princewill Umoh

here is no gain saying the fact that Calabar Port is very strategic to the economic development of Nigeria, particularly the North- Central, South-South and South- East regions of the country. Besides, when functional, it will increase the volume of vessel traffic and cargo throughout the port. This will also decongest Lagos ports and reduce cost of doing business for Calabarbased businessmen who incur additional costs to take delivery of their consignments in Lagos and Onne ports. It is for these reasons that on November 17, 2014, immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan flagged off the operations of Calabar Channel Management, a joint venture company between Nigeria Ports Authority and a consortium of companies led by Messrs Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited, for the dredging of the Calabar Port. Recall that previous Federal Governments had made several investments to dredge the port to ensure safe navigation, but such efforts had proved abortive with billions of naira sunk in it. Unlike previous contracts, however, it is gladdening to note that CCM is presently carrying out capital and maintenance dredging of the water channel well known for its shallow draught that has hampered bigger

vessels from coming into the port in the last decades. So far, CCM has deployed dredgers, survey vessels, buoyage tender, wreck removal cranes and other ancillary marine crafts to the water channel for its operation. For maritime watchers, it is a strong indication that robust business activities will soon take place in the ancient city of Calabar and will no doubt, change the face of the state, hitherto regarded as sleepy as well as the entire North-Central, South-South and South-Eastern states that will benefit from efficient service delivery at the port. This effort, they say, is coming at a period of renewed global interest in trade and investment in the Nigeria maritime sector. The product of the investment, according to the industry watchers, will certainly address the quest by ship owners to have more dedicated ports that will play host to larger and deep draught vessels, which is now the trend in international shipping business. Despite the landmark achievements by CCM in the dredging as alluded to by all the stakeholders, including the NPA, it is learnt that CCM has not been paid by the NPA since inception of the project. Not even the usual mobilisation fee, required in such contracts; a situation which gives room for concern. Reacting to the development, a maritime analyst in Calabar, Barrister Akpan Umoh said, “I hope the non-payment to the contrac-

tors is another attempt by the government to abandon the dredging as in the past?” Investigations reveal that poor budgetary allocation by the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority led by the former Managing Director, Mallam Habib Abdullahi is responsible for the non-payment of the contractors. It was leant that the then Abdullahi-led NPA management starved CCM of funds and preferred to allocate larger sums to the Lagos and Bonny Channels, which physical infrastructure had already been developed and may not have activities in terms of actual work to match their budgetary allocations. The action of the NPA management has raised concerns by maritime watchers who wondered why the management would allocate little funds to the Calabar Channel dredging project, which has massive infrastructural outlay which includes the on-going capital dredging campaign. A source in NPA said that non-payment of the certified invoices of CCM is deliberate and part of the grand design to frustrate the project. According to the source, a cabal in the NPA has interests in various ports across the country-the concessioned Lagos and Tin Can Island ports, Intels Onne and Port Harcourt Port and believes that if the Calabar Port is allowed to be operational, it will not be in the interest of these existing ones. The same cabal, the source added, is also

responsible for the non-operationalisation of the Lekki Deep Sea, Ibaka Deep Sea and Badagry Deep Sea Ports, which have been on the drawing board for many years. Though there seems to be a new dawn at the NPA with the recent appointment of Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero as the Managing Director, who wants to change things positively, the cabal is said to be lobbying him to toe its line in order to frustrate the operation of these ports. A maritime lawyer, Dr. Nsikak Ediom, while reacting to the attitude of the NPA to frustrate in particular the Calabar Port noted that “the NPA management does not want the dredging of the Calabar, which is very strategic to the economic growth of the country and the South-South and South-East regions in particular. With all these intrigues, however, maritime watchers are of the opinion that the Calabar Port project must not be allowed to go the way of previous contracts. They want President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene urgently so that all encumbrances and those directly and remotely frustrating the project are removed for the full realisation of the Calabar Port. They call on the President to put the issue on the front burner as he reels out his economic blue print for the country soon. •Umoh is a public affairs analyst based in Calabar.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2015

Politics

Yoruba’s boundary with the North should be redrawn, says Olola-Kasum Alhaji AbdulKareem Olola-Kasum is controversy personified. Though he is one of the founders of the Oodua Peoples Congress, he has issues with certain things about the group. BIODUN OYELEYE sat with him at an auto repair workshop in Ilorin to speak on a number of issues What is your background Sir? My name is Alhaji AbdulKareem Olola-Kasum. I am a Muslim. I was born in Ghana, did my primary and secondary school in Ghana, and then went to the famous Kwame Nkrumah Institute of Ideological Science. I left there in 1966 and served in several places. While I was in school I served in the Bureau of African Affairs, which was headed by George Padmong, a West Indian who was brought to Ghana by Nkrumah, a famous Pan-Africanist. Then during my term, Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma were guests of Nkrumah. I was taught by Nkrumah personally. He taught me party ideology, party organisation and many other things. There were Nigerians there then too. The late S.G Ikoku was a lecturer there; Bankole Akpata was in the institute, Chief Ayo Adebanjo too was there. He was seconded by Awolowo at that time to come to Ghana and he served under Nkrumah. I know him very well although he was not in the ideological institute but he was a guest of Nkrumah. They all came to meet me there because I was born in Ghana. When I came to Nigeria, I served in several capacities. Because of my training I became the governorship candidate of PRP (Peoples Redemption Party) in 1979. I along with others fought for a place in the Government House. That was with Adamu Attah and Chief Josiah Olawoyin. Before then I was for a stint a member of the Action Group. Because Awolowo liked my policies and training, he made me a member of the National Executive Council along with Olawoyin and Seth Mayekogbon. But my lecturer at the ideological institute, SG Ikoku, came and said, “Kasum you are trained as a socialist and you are one of the first graduates of our school. Awolowo is a pseudo socialist; not a complete socialist; so how would you work with him?” That time I was very young so I bought his argument hook line and sinker; that I would not be able to practise my training with Awolowo. So he said they would make me the leading light of the socialist party in Kwara and that was how I was made the governorship candidate of PRP. In other words, you agreed with SG Ikoku that Awolowo was not a complete socialist? Yes. Awolowo was a pseudo socialist. How do you mean?

He was a semi socialist; he did not believe in complete and total take over of the means of production and distribution but that the commanding heights of the economy should be controlled by government. That is pseudo socialism. But complete socialism is that every means of production and distribution should be controlled by government. The highest one is communism. But we didn’t reach communism; seeking control of production and distribution. Aminu Kano, Balarabe Musa, SG Ikoku, Chukumerije who was our Publicity Secretary in PRP, we were together. Aminu Kano was our head. Ikoku was our General Secretary. Abubakar Rimi was governor of Kano while Balarabe Musa was governor of Kaduna State. They all came to the event where I was given the PRP flag as gubernatorial candidate in Ilorin here. I contested strongly but events worked against us. But after that I have been a member of so many things in Kwara. I was a member of the Revenue Mobilisation Committee and Direct Labour Agency. I was chairman of Youth Award Scheme during the term of Alhaji Shaaba Lafiagi. Under my leadership about nine youths got gold awards and some of them went to Germany to receive leadership training. You contested as governorship candidate. Where did you get the money? The party financed me. I campaigned round the state; there was no place I didn’t touch. I didn’t have money but the party financed it at a low-key level. You are a very controversial man. Why? Maybe because I attack people who promote lies, promote what is not just. I attack people who are leaders without followership. Real leadership means there is followership but some people are leaders without followership in the sense that they are leading but people are not enjoying. They call me controversial because I criticise what is wrong. Because I oppose what is not right and all those things I have been opposing at the end of the day, it is what I say that comes to be. I was in PRP and they said I was criticising people who were wealthy. I was talking against capitalism but later on they discovered that the people were suffering because they were being deprived of their right. Instead of capitalism assisting the common man they were being deprived of their livelihood. That is African capitalism. They make wealth from other people’s suffering. When you talk against them you become

Olola-Kasum

controversial. When I talk of my father being here before Fulani people came they say I am controversial. When I talk of Ekundayo panel’s report they say I am controversial. There was a panel, the truth came out and it submitted its report but they couldn’t bring it out. (Late former Governor Mohammed) Lawal came, he saw the report but he couldn’t bring it out. That is why they say I am controversial; because I always speak the truth. Gani Fawehinmi was controversial, Tai Solarin was controversial but most of what they said is what is happening now in Nigeria. You were part of the OPC at some point but you also seem to have changed? No, I didn’t change. It was that OPC operations that time ended when people changed course in life. We were three that set up OPC - myself, Gani Adams and (Dr Frederick) Fasheun. Fasheun provided the money; Gani Adams provided the service, people like us provided the brain. We drew up a compendium of Yoruba mystics which I contributed - if somebody is sick this is what you do; if somebody is bitten by a snake this is what you do; if somebody falls from the tree this is what you do… a lot of things which guided other people. Gani Adams was going about implementing what we decided. And when he was being pursued by Mike Okiro in Lagos, I provided what you call a hideout for Gani Adams. He was here for some time. But Gani Adams later on enjoyed comfort with so many vehicles and many facilities. He started ignoring many of us. When the expansion of OPC started and we needed finance because it was no longer suffering and sacrifice. It involved facilities and faculties, I could not provide that so I was no longer much effective. People could not see me in action all the time because mobility was a problem for me. That was why people said they could not see me. But at my end I am OPC to the core, up till today. So you are still operating with Gani Adams? (Voice rising) I don’t operate with Gani Adams. How can I operate with Gani Adams? I told you we were three that started but that Gani Adams later on had facilities to expand too wide. I did not have any because I do not believe in building wealth around myself. Was it in violation of the vision that you had when you started?

Of course! When he did what he did in Lagos (during the last election) didn’t you read what I said? When he started throwing his weight behind Goodluck Jonathan; when he started looking for contracts instead of liberating the Yoruba people, I came out openly against him. I am still a Yoruba man to the core. The mission of OPC is to liberate Yorubas from slavery and suffering. Now that the man who seems to be the symbol… (Cuts in) Symbol of what? Of that group… (Cuts in again) which group? To members of the public, it is Gani Adams that is seen as the symbol of the Yoruba struggle but you now claim that he has deviated. I told you he was more active then. So what is the future of the vision of Yoruba liberation? We are continuing on our side. Me I am continuing here on the side of Ilorin. I am still here fighting it; I have not reneged, I have not changed, I have not gone to the other side. I am still what I am. So you have redefined your scope, no longer looking at the national level? I was here in Ilorin before Faseun came and said, ‘Please let’s enlarge the scope of our struggle. So we enlarged it. We prepared a compendium to guide the Yoruba people; we drew up the secrets of fighting war and all of that. In our area I didn’t stop but it is the government that is not doing it. I went to (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo at Otta Farm on our issue, he told me that if he brought it out it would split Nigeria. So you prefer that such a report should be brought out even if it will cause crisis in the country? Yes, but it won’t cause any crisis. It will rather bring peace. When people are liberated from chains it won’t bring crisis because there won’t be any agitation again. Good enough it is someone who knows you that is in power now. Are you going to table that issue before him? Of course, it is going to be one of the issues C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 6

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

‘Yoruba’s boundary with the North should be redrawn’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 5

in the long run but this is not the time. The primary issue we have now is dealing with insecurity, corruption and the economy. So what is your advice to the President on tacking insecurity? I advise the President to try very hard to make sure that there is peace in Nigeria. People are suffering. If you were in his shoes what would you do to end it? I will make sure that people don’t cheat again. But for insecurity I am not a soldier, I am not a security man. But I will try very hard to arm the military very well, feed them well, take care of them, listen to them, plan well with them and make sure that the civilian populace understands what we call protection and security and ensure that everybody lives peacefully. Since the demise of Chief Awolowo, it appears the Yoruba have yet to have a central figure they can call their leader.

What is happening? It’s because of selfishness and over ambition by people who want to assert themselves. Nobody wants to obey other people or listen to them or serve under people. Everybody wants to be a leader. That is the problem destroying the Yoruba nation. And we are too greedy and too selfish. All these things make it difficult having an acceptable leader to follow. If we believe in leadership, in others other than yourself, I believe that the work will be easy. Even nobody wants to follow order. It is selfishness. If you were to pick now, who would you pick as Yoruba leader today? No, I have not seen a leader to pick yet. I have not. I myself I am a leader in my own right. I have not seen anybody to pick and I cannot sit down in my house to pick somebody. The leadership should emerge by work, by discipline and by action. It is not easy. What is your advice to the APC on the controversy playing out at the national level now? I want all of them to believe in party su-

premacy. It is very important. Discipline and party supremacy are very important otherwise they will be acting in different directions which would bring disunity and then their campaign promises would not be fulfilled. Nobody should see himself as a party, it is all of us. The leadership we put there we must follow them; that is what we did to win the war. We won because we were united. Now that we are there, we want to serve the people we must also do the same. We must make the party to succeed. The presidency should be the focus of the party now. All of us must listen to him and obey him so that the total liberation of the people will be achieved. Late Governor Mohammed Lawal was your brother. In the last election, his son sought the governorship ticket of the PDP but you did not support him. Why? I didn’t support him because I don’t believe in the PDP ideology. How can I support him? I don’t follow people; I follow ideology, party mission and vision. I saw the APC mission as the clearer and the best, the most realistic, so how can I follow him on the platform of blood relation? I can only follow him on the plat-

form of ideology. I saw that boy; he was still young and he was following a dying party, a party that had destroyed Nigeria. How do you expect me to go there? Didn’t you caution him? I called him and told him. He sought for my help but I told him I couldn’t not help him because PDP was a dying party; a moribund party. With my intelligence and training I know when a party is dying, so how can I go there? There is controversy over the right boundary between the Yoruba and the northern part. What is your position? It is an historical controversy. Up till today; nobody can define why we are in the North. Awolowo fought against it. The reason why he was an enemy of the Sardauna was because he said part of the West was being occupied by the North. The boundary of the North and South-West which is at Budo Egba and Odo Otin is arbitrary. Nobody sat down to put it. It is not on record in history. There is no place in history where you can see that the Yoruba people and the people of the North sat down to decide their boundary. Nobody. It is an arbitrary boundary put down by Lord Lugard and Captain Bower in 1891. These two foreign soldiers sat down and arbitrarily set the boundary. What actually proves that we are from the North? That is the big question and this question started a long time ago. In 1950, the Alaafin of that time wrote a petition against their being part of the North. The issue was not settled by the government. When Awolowo came, he brought up the issue again. Our people, even when we set up the OPC, our anthem actually reflected our being part of the West. From that anthem, you see that River Niger is the natural boundary between us, not Budo Egba, not Odo Otin. All towns and tribes down there are supposed to be under the Alaafin, not under the Sultan of Sokoto. That is what we are fighting for. Let’s stop deceiving ourselves. So what is the solution? The solution is that there must be boundary demarcation; a review of the Nigerian map. That was why Awolowo was crucified. If Awolowo was a pseudo socialist, today one of the people we see as leader in Yoruba land is Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. What type of politics do you think he is playing? No, no, no, no. You see, Awolowo was a trained economist. He admired capitalism and that was why he stuck to capitalism although he was a refined capitalist and that was why we called him pseudo socialist. So I am not condemning Awolowo. That was ideologically but when I am talking of politically, Awolowo was fighting to liberate the Yoruba people in Diaspora, up till Kogi. Tinubu is educated and he has served very hard. Tinubu is a capitalist. But I am not saying Tinubu is my leader; I am not telling you this. There is nothing wrong with capitalism; it depends on how you use it. It is what is practised in Britain and things are working. Former President Jonathan set up the national conference before leaving office and some people are saying the report should be considered by the current administration. What is your position? To me it was a jamboree. They didn’t do anything serious there. Everybody went there to get money. It didn’t affect the masses so I don’t have any confidence in that conference. People used it to make

Obaze

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Politics

APC can’t appoint leaders for the House, says Rep Hon. Mark Terseer Gbillah is a member of the House of Representatives’ Ad hoc Committee on Media and represents Gwer West/Gwer East Federal Constituency of Benue State. In this interview with PHILIP NYAM, he bares his mind on the crisis rocking the House and the need for the APC to steer clear to allow lawmakers to choose their leaders Before the House adjourned for recess, it had a rancorous plenary where members exchanged blows and attempts were made to seize the mace. What was responsible for that? What happened penultimate week was obviously premeditated, because you had members who already came to the floor carrying placards with inscriptions which were not written on the floor of the House. We have a situation where against Order 8 (43), of the Standing Orders of the House, which clearly indicates the proceedings of the House -announcement by Mr. Speaker, the prayer and the approval of the Votes and Proceedings, before other issues came. At the point where the Speaker was trying to dissolve the House into an executive session, members on their own started calling for points of order. That is erroneous and totally out of line. It should be noted that it was the foundation of the problem. Before we knew it, a member and a few others ran for the mace. It means this plan was hatched and we got wind of it eventually that there was a meeting penultimate Wednesday at the instance of one of the individuals who lost the speakership election, and where this whole plot was hatched. What it portends for the APC is that it has to recognise the House as not being a oneparty institution. It is a House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Even those of us who are party men do not believe that the party should disregard the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If there is anything the party needs to discuss at the party level, it should be done at the party level. The issue of principal officers has always been settled at the zonal caucuses of the party. That is what we believe should be the case in this instance. But if you are saying it is supposed to be a caucus affair, why was it difficult for the speaker to read the letter and announce the leaders since the party had said it consulted widely before chosing the leaders? I am speaking based on the information that we have had access to. We have had cause to reach out to the cancauses and they have refuted the claim of consultation made by the party. As a member of a caucus, I can tell you that at no time was I called to a meeting of the North-Central Caucus in this regard. So, I am not surprised when I saw also that a caucus went on air to complain about the fact that they were ignored. From the zoning of these positions, I am sure you are aware that the South-East did the same and the South-South has done the same thing. The principle of Federal Character is enshrined in our constitution, and nobody is above the constitution. So, in the allocation of positions that have to do with public officers, that is the consideration that our progenitors have put

there to allow equitable distribution of these things in our country. There are six geo-political zones in the country. Why is the APC bent on leaving some out of these positions? Is it that the APC no longer recognises the principle of Federal Character? Are we supposed to skew the positions in one direction because of certain interests? There are insinuations that the speaker is personally not in support of Femi Gbajabiamila becoming leader. No, this is totally false. I am not holding brief for Mr. Speaker, but I am speaking as somebody who knows that the generality of the membership of the House wants us to uphold the principle of federal character. Every member wants representation; that is what our House Rules stand for. We should be the epitome of that representation, especially as we carry out our own business. That is the primary consideration of the leadership of the House. As you can see in the Senate, you can see that eventually, the principal officers captured that every essence of the federal character principle. That I believe is what the leadership of the House also wants to uphold. We should follow the precedent set for us by the Senate to follow. But the crisis on the floor was the refusal of the speaker to read the letter from the party leadership. Are you saying those loyal to the party were wrong to have protested? That action on their part was preemptive and not akin to those who are members of the House and who should understand the rules and procedure of the House. If they had read Order 8 (43), they would have seen that there is a provision for announcements. There are processes. The House is not the House of the APC. Mr. Speaker is the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, all party members included. His paramount priority is to represent the interests of all members.

Why did they think he was dissolving into an executive session? Did they wait to hear what the speaker had to say? Perhaps it was at that medium that he was going to raise this issue (principal officers) for discussion. Several letters are transmitted to the Speaker, does he come and reads them on the floor every day? The letter in this case was from the party to him. It is his prerogative as the Speaker to decide on whether he needs to read the letter on the floor. And not being a oneparty House, obviously he is not compelled to read that letter on the floor. It is a party affair and the party sent the letter to him to advise him on its own preferences regarding the positions of principal officers. There is no part of that letter that says he should read it to members on the floor of the House. Therefore, he was not at any time in disregard of the directive of the party. Don’t you think this protracted crisis is taking a toll on the APC? I don’t think so. Once again, let me refer to our senior colleagues in the Senate. You see that it was concluded without further problems. It has only strengthened the party because now, there has been more equity and participation. Even those who were previously aggrieved have come back to accept the leadership of the Senate and have been carried along in this new allocation of principal positions. All zones are carried along now. This is not a hard stance by the House per say, but it is a simple insistence that what is just should be done. At the risk of whosoever ox is gored, we choose to stand by the

Gbillah

truth for equity and the fear of God. This is paramount in the agenda of the Eighth Assembly. Rather than being distracted by issues that are not in consonance with the aspirations of Nigerians, we should be more concerned with executing the agenda well-crafted by the House. On the contrary, I believe there will be more harmony in the party if we stand by what we believe to be the truth. Looking at the ugly scenario that played out in the chambers, do you think Nigerians will still have confidence in the House? Let me reiterate the fact that on behalf of Mr. Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and the entire members of the House of Representatives, we would like to apologise profusely to Nigerians for the untoward and rancorous events on the floor penultimate week. It is not the intention of the House to start its affairs on this note. We would want to assure them that this situation would be resolved in a very short time. So, with what has happened what would, in your opinion, is the way forward? I want to advise my colleagues in the House to first of all ponder over the primary reason they are in the House. Is it to fight every principal officer? Is it to take side certain candidates; or is it to actualise the yearnings and the aspirations of the Nigerians who voted them into office? Is it to uphold the party’s decision or is it to uphold the constitution of this country? The first way to resolving this is to appeal to members to be conscious of what our priorities are as members of the House. The President did say that we are all on the threshold of history at this point of our democracy. My colleagues all need to be very aware of this, because we are about to set this new government on the wrong course. Unfortunately, from the party that has promised change to this country. It is important that we immediately withdraw or sheath our swords and recognise what is paramount. What is paramount is Nigeria, our citizens. If they wish to push a position that is not in consonance with the wish of the majority, then I will advise that they jettison it. They should also realise that as a country, our unity in diversity has always been based on equity. As a party, let us still go back and discuss this again. Let everybody be consulted this time as part of the way forward.

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

Ita Benedict, a journalist, CEO Media Craft ltd and former aide to Governor Godswill Akpabio, speaks with Tony Anichebe on the politics of the Eighth Senate and recent developments in Akwa Ibom State What’s your view on the continuous wrangling in the National Assembly and how will it affect the perception and performance of President Muhammadu Buhari? It is my considered opinion that what is happening at the National Assembly is good for Nigeria’s democracy. Developments from both chambers since its inauguration point to the fact that there are certain forces out there that are bent on imposing their will on the legislature. And what we have seen from the election of the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives demonstrates clearly that the 8th National Assembly is determined to assert itself and honour the time-tested tradition of legislative independence. Mind you, this goes beyond mere politics. This is about the constitutional mandate of that arm of government to exercise checks and balances, which cannot be achieved without a leadership that is popularly elected and accepted by the legislators themselves. I think APC is still basking in the euphoria of dethroning a ruling party, forgetting that forming and running a working government is an even more serious business than winning. It is easy to assume that after 16 years of democracy, we should have learnt better. But the party in power right now needs to realise that campaigns are over; they need to drop the triumphalism and embrace the realities of the times which calls for re-alignment, negotiations and even bi-partisan trade-offs if they want Nigerians to take them more seriously. With respect to the wrangling, I’m worried that in the beginning the President told Nigerians that he was willing to work with whoever emerged in the leadership process of the National Assembly. Mid-way, in congratulating Saraki and Dogara, he said he wished that the candidates of the party had emerged. But at the end, when some APC governors and the leadership of the party met with him, he implored the legislators to toe the party’s line. Mr. President does not need to be caught in the web of double speak in an attempt to pacify his party or be seen as a good party man. He should demonstrate decisiveness in whatever position he takes as a leader. If he shows great leadership, I am very sure that Nigerians will stand by him. Let us not forget that Nigerians never really voted for APC per se; the change mantra on which they rode to power sold to Nigerians on the basis of their perception of President Buhari’s tough guy stance on issues of corruption and national security. I stand to be corrected. Nigerians don’t see him as President of the APC; they see him as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That brings us to the letter from the APC to both chambers relating to the appointment of other principal officers. It seems to most Nigerians that the refusal of Saraki and Dogara to honour the party’s position is what is deepening the situation... I think the crafters of the Constitution did envisage this sort of external influence in the election of the Senate President and the Speaker, that’s why it provided for them to be elected on the floor of both chambers. What I also do know is that the Standing Order for the emergence of other principal officers of the Senate stipulates that the party with majority Senators shall produce the

‘Akpabio transformed Akwa Ibom’ majority leader. So I don’t understand what the letter from the APC seeks to achieve because what transpired on the floor that day, and those who emerged leaders are members of APC which is the majority party as stipulated by the relevant Order. So my take is that any attempt to influence the National Assembly from wherever is inimical to our democracy. Let’s talk about Akwa Ibom State. The APC in the state has challenged the governor to publicly declare his assets and the debt profile of the state, but it seems that hasn’t been done until now. Do you think that could constitute a political liability for him? What do you mean by political liability? You see, I hold a very strong view that the media has a responsibility of protecting our hard-earned democracy in the sense that it must be seen to promote truth at all times. The media must not be seen to be sentimental or taking sides. I have followed the misconceptions in a section of the media arising from that request by APC. First I must make it clear that APC’s letter is deliberately mischievous and misleading in the sense that the party cannot claim not to be aware that Governor Udom Emmanuel in line with the relevant constitutional provisions had declared his assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau before assuming office. If the APC in the state wants to play its opposition role right, the simple thing should have been to confirm from the Code of Conduct Bureau whether or not the governor had declared his assets, and where they’re not obliged with the information they could invoke the Freedom of Information Act rather than play to the gallery as they’re doing right now. On the issue of Akwa Ibom’s debt status, we must proceed from the right premise. The business of governance is big business and no serious business operates without credit lines, no matter its income level. Even the world’s leading economies operate that way. But where the problem arises is when you are unable to meet your short term or long term obligations, which leads to insolvency on the one hand or bankruptcy on the other hand. Akwa Ibom State in the last eight years of Governor Godswill Akpabio’s tenure, has witnessed tremendous growth due to huge investments in infrastructure and human capital development. There are bound to be gaps in revenue flows from the centre, especially for a state that is into a number of turn key projects simultaneously. How do you bridge the gap without credit lines? For example, if its debt profile was a burden, Akwa Ibom would be among those states owing workers’ salaries today. The way APC is going about it seems to insinuate that the state is insolvent, and nothing could be further from the truth. I can only urge him to keep his cool and look up to God. That brings us to the recent appointment of Governor Udom Emmanuel and three other governors into a four man panel to look into the issue of NNPC, Federation Account and the Excess Crude Account. How do you react to this development? I must salute Mr. President’s judgment in assembling a bipartisan team of that quality. Don’t forget that both Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Adams Oshiomole are of the APC while Governors Udom Emmanuel and Ibrahim Dankwambo are from the PDP. For Udom Emmanuel, I think it is a clear statement of confidence by the President on

Benedict

his solid credentials. The task before them is enormous, but I am sure that they have the needed courage and competence for this urgent national assignment. What’s your take on the rumour about Senator Akpabio and the EFCC which made the rounds recently in some tabloids in Akwa Ibom State? (Laughs) I do know that the EFCC has an official information organ. As a journalist, I also know that if someone is invited, investigated or prosecuted by the EFCC, the

Commission would issue a formal public statement to that effect, because they are not conducting their affairs in secrecy. So I take all that to be mere social media gossip. One thing I need you to know is that even if the former governor were to offer his life for his people, there are some who would still not appreciate it for the mere fact that he dared to be governor of Akwa Ibom State. For me, former governor Akpabio has his place in history as one leader who came in his time and left Akwa Ibom far better than he met it.

‘Yoruba’s boundary with the North should be redrawn’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 6

money. Chief MKO Abiola is yet to be immortalised in Nigeria despite what he did to bring democracy back to the nation. What do you think should be done? Abiola tried a lot to entrench democracy and suffered a lot and it was on account of that that Obasanjo was made the president to placate the Yoruba people. But the mistake they made was that they should have asked the Yoruba people to bring the man they liked. But the military men went and chose Obasanjo. I am surprised that when Obasanjo got there he never mentioned Abiola for one day. Throughout his tenure, Obasanjo was the man who did not allow Nigeria to honour Abiola. So if there is anything Nigerians must do now, it is to sit down and plan on how to immortalise Abiola because he did a lot. He was not properly treated under Obasanjo.

Buhari must sit down and make that thing possible. The tribe of the socialists in Nigeria is dying. What is your reaction? It is a pity that the people in the socialist camp are not well treated in Nigeria. People who believe in equality of lives and everything. Many are out because Nigerians believe in flamboyant lifestyles while socialism believes in a frugal way of life. Some people believe let me eat little and others have something but some others believe let me eat everything, I don’t care whether people are dying. Is that why you are not rich? Yes. Me I don’t believe in excessive wealth. It makes me see other people’s suffering. I don’t like people suffering. I want people to have access to all the basic things of life so that no one will be weeping while others are enjoying. That is why I am not rich.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2015

Politics

Lobbying for access to Presidents as big business developed countries, the occupant of this office also negotiates with members of the legislative and external political groups to implement the President’s agenda. The Chief of Staff, is in fact, the engine room as far as running of Aso Rock is concerned. Because of this, in the past, there had been allegations of former occupants receiving bribes running into millions of naira to facilitate meetings with the President. Next to the Chief of Staff in this line of duty is, especially the State House Chief of Protocol, who carries the actual planning and scheduling of meetings between the President and his numerous visitors. The difference here is that the Chief of Staff determines who must meet the President. Any guest of Mr. President including his visiting foreign leaders must be ushered in by the retinue of officers working close with the SCOP. According to diplomatic traditions observed across the globe, all diplomats posted to the country submit to the President letters of credence on arrival as a ritual. In handling all these, he also prepares for all state visits and ceremonies first approved by the Chief of Staff and President, sites for events, including overseeing erection of stands, canopies, decorations, seating arrangements and ushering by his officers. He must ensure excellent execution of state functions and provision of high quality services to ministries, government departments, agencies, official foreign dignitaries and the general public through efficient and effective organisation as well as coordination of protocol activities with trained and motivated staff. The SCOP also works closely with another important officer of the President, the Presidential Liaison Officer (PLO) in arrangement of his meetings with guests. At any given time, visitors seeking audience with the President must pass through same channel, which therefore makes access to the commander-in-chief a little more cumbersome. On the security side, there is the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and the Aide de Camp to the President both whom must also been in the picture of whoever is cleared by the array of security personnel into the presidential villa. Since the days of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the presidential villa, this protocol arrangement has remained same. In fact, some aides of the President, whose responsibility is to handle this daily routine have allegedly abused the opportunity severally, using it as a means of enriching themselves. Obviously, people do lobby these principal officers for audiences with the President, but the extent to which they bribe their way is a different matter that could possibly be investigated on its own. Wife of the current President, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari at a public gathering in the presidential villa interestingly confirmed how bribed have in the past exchange hands between desperate persons seeking to have audience with the President and the President’s aides. She revealed how several people allegedly handed over bribed in huge sums to have access to the President, the Vice President or the First Lady. She said: “I will like to inform you that in the past regime, whether it is true or false, only God knows, some people were going round and parading themselves as PAs. If you wanted to see the First Lady, you will pay $30,000, $50,000 and if you are seeing the President, you will pay all that you have gathered in your lifetime. President Buhari’s wife has vowed that such will not happen in her husband’s administration. .”This will not happen in our regime. Whoever asks you to give a single penny in the name of coming to see the President or his wife is not our staff. It is a

Obama

Angela Merkel

World leaders at G-8 meeting

lie, don’t be deceived,” she said. In Aso Rock, those privileged with coordinating and preparing access to the President, the Vice-President and their wives are powerful. They are seen as very influential people who desperate politicians and businessmen often times patronise to get access to the President. Under former President Obasanjo for instance, his Special Assistant on Special Duties and Domestic Affairs became very powerful. He was described at various points as the President’s right-hand man, and also the gatekeeper for people who, wished to talk to the President. Gaining any access to the former President was a herculean task without him. But like President Buhari’s wife has explained, it would now be a different ball game. No more bribe to see the President, Vice and their wives. One expects that as the administration settles down with the business of governance, the President’s handlers would also be able to strike a balance in applying decorum to managing his visitors in the best way possible while creating access to the commander-in-chief who has a great task before him. Beyond the local perception of the issue is

Mrs. Buhari

the fact that lobbying for connections with Presidents and top government officials is a common practice in the international arenaand for various reasons. For instance at such international fora like the United Nations General Assembly or G-8 meetings, many side events are organised to serve as platform for meeting of multilateral or bilateral nature. At such meetings, international companies and banks buy tables close to those of Presidents, ministers and other top government officials with the purpose of establishing business relations with such countries. In most case, international lobbyist groups are employed to broker such contacts- of course at a fee. “This is part of posturing and positioning such companies for big business. Many top company executives use diplomats of such countries to broker such access and consequently strike big businesses and even take group photographs with the President for publication in the media and at their offices,” a diplomat at the Foreign Affairs Ministry said. According to her, such contacts facilitate solid business appointments, engender goodwill for such companies and individu-

als and ultimately enhance business development and profitability. A Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Dr. Segun Bolarinwa, who has attended many United Nations and African Union meetings, also corroborated the position lobbying is a great tool of economic and political diplomacy. According to him, both local and international businessmen and government utilise it as an effective tool. “At the level of ECOWAS, AU, Commonwealth and the UN, it is an acceptable global practice. If the likes of Aliko Dagote or Femi Otedola want to see any President in African in order to invest in his country, he can arrange it and the benefits which include investment, addition to the country’s GDP and all the rest and such a meeting will be granted without any hindrance. “At the political front, you will recall how former Minister of Agriculture, Akinwunmi Adesina was positioned for the presidency of the African Development Bank. The then President Jonathan spoke with the Moroccan king to lobby on his behalf while President Buhari sent Atiku Abubakar to lobby President Jacob Zuma and in the end Adesina won,” he said.

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

When INEC had three chairpersons in two days INEC Diary ezekatchy@yahoo.co.uk

Onyekachi Eze

his was not the first occurrence in the Independent National Electoral Commission but its suddenness is what might have created the confusion. Within a space of less than 24 hours, INEC has had two handover ceremonies! Professor Attahiru Jega, whose tenure ended June 30, handed over to Ambassador Mohammed Wali around 9 a.m. that same day. About 7 p.m. also on June 30, Hajiya Amina Bala Zakari was named by President Mohammed Buhari as INEC acting chairperson, and in the morning of July 1, another handover ritual was performed in INEC. The situation in 2010 was a bit different. After Professor Maurice Iwu was sacked as INEC Chairman, by former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Philip Umeadi (Jnr.) assumed office on acting capacity. Unarguably, Umeadi was the most senior of the three remaining INEC national commissioners at that time but Iwu refused to hand over to him because of the disagreement between them. Umeadi acted for two weeks until Prince Solomon Soyebi’s appointment on May 11. Perhaps, the former President would have allowed seniority to prevail but for certain reasons. In the first place, the crisis of confidence between Iwu and Umeadi, which prevented the former from officially handing over to his would-be successor, was derailing activities at the election house. Though Umeadi had forcefully taken over as acting chairman, Secretary to the Commission, Alhaji Abdullahi Kaigama was still relating with the former chair-

From the

Green Chamber ternyam@gmail.com

Philip Nyam

here is a popular saying that “a man’s real character is his actions when he is faced with challenges.” This is axiomatic and indisputable because some people become stronger while others buckle under pressure. Some people are easily agitated and totally disoriented when crisis stare them in the face, while to others, it brings out the best in them. That the House of Representatives is presently embroiled in crisis is not news; that its Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara is in a tinder box over the appointment of majority principal officers is not in doubt. What is not certain, however, is the ability of the speaker to wriggle out of the cobweb of the political chicanery that has entangled the lower chamber. Before the inauguration of the National Assembly, Dogara with his colleagues of like minds came together under a common platform, the Consolidation Group. Dogara utilised the group to further his ambition to become the speaker of the House despite the zoning (or is it selection) of the position to former minority leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila by the party. The national leadership of the governing party, the APC, which Dogara is a member had in its ‘wisdom’ ceded the post of Speaker to Gbajabiamila from Lagos State and Deputy Speaker to Hon. Mohammed Monguno from Borno State. In spite of the threats and warnings from the party against challenging its decision on the choice of presiding officers, Dogara was undaunted. In fact, even after a mock

Jega

Zakari

man, and perhaps, more loyal to him than to Umeadi, who was the acting chairman. Jonathan must have reasoned that it was better to invoke his powers as President and appoint someone else acting chairman for smooth running of the commission, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman. The second reason was the combined effect of Section 8 (3) of Decree No. 17 of 1998 that established INEC, and Section 14 (1a) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. Section 8(3) of Decree 17 of 1998, states

that “during the chairman’s absence on leave, or if the chairman is otherwise not available or is unable to perform his functions, the Head of State, Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces may appoint any member of the commission to act as chairman for any specified period.” This power Jonathan exercised to appoint Prince Solomon Soyebi INEC acting chairman in 2010, and which President Buhari also exercised to name Mrs. Amina Zakari acting chairperson in 2015. Also, Section 14 (1a) of the 1999 Constitution says a person to be appointed chairman of INEC (whether substantive or acting capacity) shall be 50 years old and above. Of the three National Commissioners serving in the Commission at that time, only Prince Soyebi was over 50 years old; Philip Umeadi (Jnr.) was 46 years old at that time. But the situation in INEC last week was a different scenario. Professor Attahiru Jega

The situation was similar to what happened in 2010 after Prof. Maurice Iwu’s sack and Philip Umeadi came in

had given notice of his retirement to the presidency, in compliance with the electoral law. He was not sacked (as was the case with Iwu). Therefore, President Buhari had ample time to decide who would stand in as acting chairman pending the appointment of his successor. Unfortunately, this was not done, thereby giving the impression that the president did not trust the person Professor Jega handed over. A school of thought argued that the former INEC chairman erred by handing over to one of the national commissioners when he knew that he has no such powers. But should Jega be blamed when, besides the fact that the presidency was aware that his five-year tenure would end on June 30, the former INEC chairman indicated that he had no interest in seeking re-appointment? He said so immediately after the presidential election. If he had walked away as Iwu had done, there would have been leadership vacuum! Out of the six national commissioners remaining, four will retire between July and August, so how would such be resolved among them if Professor Jega had not decided to handover to someone? No doubt, the power to appoint an acting INEC chairman is vested in the President and Commander-in-Chief, as stated by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), but unfortunately, the handling of the whole process gave impression of indecision on the part of the President. INEC is an institution built on trust and there should be mutual trust among the management team and other staff so as to be able to deliver credible elections. The President, who is invested with the power to appoint chairman of the commission and other management staff should also exercise such powers in a manner that will inspire confidence of other critical stakeholders in the INEC activities. Such confidence and trust existed in the past five years, and it is expected that it would continue.

Acid test for Yakubu Dogara election that returned both Gbajabiamila and Monguno as speaker and deputy speaker candidates of the party respectively, the lawyer from Bauchi was indignant and subsequently emerged as speaker. The party viewed this as a mark of disloyalty and decided to take a second step by once again choosing principal officers to work with the speaker. This has become a knotty issue for Dogara to untie. The speaker’s refusal to recognize the party leaders as directed by the party led to the pandemonium that engulfed the House about two weeks ago. Unlike Senate president Bukola Saraki who made his appointments on June 25, Dogara is yet to name his men. It is even difficult to guess who Dogara intends to fill the four principal vacancies with. But his body language shows that Hon. Orker Jev from Benue State might be his choice for majority leader. Jev, a ranking member is the chairman of the ad hoc committee on rules and business and is very close to the speaker. He was the one that moved the ill-fated motion for the House to revert to committee of the whole, which plunged the chambers into chaos. After normalcy was restored on the floor, Hon. Goni Muktar Lawan in seconding a motion for the House to revert to plenary, referred to Jev as ‘’acting leader.’’ Surprisingly, the speaker could not react to Goni’s reference to Jev as acting leader thereby giving some credence to the insinuations that he intends to name the Benue lawyer as House leader against the party’s choice of his former challenger, Gbajabiamila. There is every tendency that Dogara may

Dogara

attempt to consider Jev because the North central is presently being shortchanged in the APC’s sharing formula in the House. If the speaker is to take hook and sinker the list from the party, it means the North central, which also contributed immensely to the success of President Buhari and the APC would end up with no principal position. The question now is: Will Dogara accede to the party’s directive or act the independent man that he proved to be in

the run for the election of speaker? A few days ago, President Buhari held a meeting with Gbajabiamila and his supporters at the Villa. Curiously, Dogara and his group were conspicuously absent. Although, it is learnt that the president may meet with the speaker too at a later date one wonders if Buhari would eat his words by interfering with House matters and impressed on Dogara to cow tow before the party hierarchy in the appointment of principal officers. Again, will the speaker announce principal officers with a pending litigation against his leadership by the North central House caucus of the APC, which is challenging alleged marginalisation? It is against the Standing Orders of the House to attend to matters that are in court for it will amount to subjudice should such issues be entertained on the floor of the House. Dogara is a lawyer, a very good one at that. So, will he damn the consequences and recognise the principal officers as nominated by the party or name his own team before the determination of the suit seeking to stop the party list? Either way one looks at it, this will not be a one-off decision for the Speaker. He will need to be tactical, diplomatic, suave and cautious. This is the moment the speaker must prove that he is not just a politician but also a leader and good crisis manager. How well Dogara handles this delicate political puzzle would go a long way in defining his success or otherwise as the Seventh speaker of the Eighth National Assembly of the Fourth Republic. This is indeed, his baptism of fire.

Life SUNDAY

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

“T

Bizarre

Juliana Francis hey (police) killed our four brothers in cold blood. They labelled them armed robbers, yet they couldn’t show any guns recovered from our brothers. Nobody should be above the law. As if murdering them over mistaken identity wasn’t bad enough, the police have held onto our brothers’ remains for over 14 years. They denied their corpses a befitting burial. We want those corpses!” Those were the angry words of Akaraka Chinweike Ezeonara, who described himself as the President General of Ekwulobia Imeobi Obinwanne Youth Association, Anambra State. Ezeonara and other angry young men on Wednesday gathered at NOPRIN Foundation Secretariat, Kofoworola Awolowo Way, Ikeja in Lagos, fuming and chanting war songs in Igbo. They were incensed at the alleged murder of their four brothers Anthony Ezenwafor (29); Chukwuemika Ezeofor (22)’ Izuchukwu Ezeama (16); and 30-year-old Aloysius Osigwe – about 14 years ago by the police. In their songs, they expressed their anger, wondering why justice could not be carried in the alleged murder of their four brothers. Ezeonara and his kinsmen have been fighting for justice for 14 years now, but there seems to be only disappointment at the end of every tunnel. Yet, he has vowed that they would never stop asking for justice. He has now, once again, donned his armour and sharpened his spear, for another round of war. He said he was up again because he believes that the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, will look into the matter and do what is right and needful. Aside from demanding that the remains of their brothers be given to them, they are also insisting that a compensation of N4 billion be given to the families of the deceased whose lives were shattered by the demise of their beloved ones. “I’ve already started interacting with the IGP. He said I should furnish him with the facts. But I reminded him that he had the facts when he was the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), in charge of the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba,” said Ezeonara. He stated that it was during the tenure of a former IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, that he got to know that his brothers had been buried. He said: “All along, the police had been telling us that their corpses were in the morgue. When we petitioned and approached Abubakar, he told us that for proper investigations to be carried, the bodies would have to be exhumed. It was then I knew they had buried them. But they deserve a befitting burial. The police should exhume their corpses and give them to us!” Recalling how the four young men, were killed for a crime they didn’t commit in their compound on July 1, 2001 at No. 48, Olaitan Street, by Kilo Bus Stop, Surulere, Lagos State, he said, “I know that the police made a mistake, but tried to cover up. I don’t know the policemen who shot our four brothers, but I heard that the policemen who stormed into their compound were over 20. They shot these men dead. “They killed three on the spot and took Aloysius to Aguda Police Station. They shot Aloysius in the leg before dragging him to the station. When our people rushed to Aguda, they found that Aloysius had been killed and saw him in a pool of fresh blood! Eyewitnesses in the compound where these men lived in twobedroom apartment narrated this incident

Police detain suspects’ corpses for 14 years!

Anthony Ezenwafor

They were returning to their apartment when the police came. Our brothers were in their boxers. They escaped in a hurry. Police saw them still in their boxers. They shot and killed three on the spot

to us.” Fourteen years ago, the four men were sleeping when they heard someone banging on the door. The banging was coming from armed robbers and they called the name of Aloysius. The bandits were said to have robbed some residents in the area before heading for the boys-quarter apartment of the four men. The robbers allegedly tried to break into the apartment, but the iron door stopped

Chukwuemika Ezeofor

them. While the bandits were hitting the door and making frantic efforts to gain entrance, the four men fled through their apartment window and scaled the fence separating their building from the next compound. They bolted and looked for a hiding place. When they were sure that the robbers had left, they crawled out and headed back home. They were already in their compound when a team of policemen, alleged to be over 20, also entered the compound. Ezeonara narrated: “They were returning to their apartment when the police came. Our brothers were in their boxers. They escaped in a hurry. Police saw them still in their boxers. They shot and killed three on the spot. Their neighbours and eyewitnesses told us that the police shot them point blank! There was no quarrel or fighting. They took Aloysius alive after shooting him in the leg. They took him to Aguda Police Station. Aloysius was killed at the police station. One moment, our brothers were alive, the next, we saw their corpses in television, with police labelling them as armed robbers! The last time we saw their corpses was on the television. CO N T I N U ED O N PAGE 42

Aloysius Osigwe

Sunday Telegraph,, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Life

CO NT INU ED F R O M PAGE 41

Police never allowed us to see their remains till date!” He said that after killing the men, the police went to the home of the man under whom they learnt a trade, hoping to arrest him. The man, Chief Jude Okolie, was alleged by the police to be the chief sponsor of the supposed robbery gang. When they got to Okolie’s home, they scaled the fence into the compound instead of knocking on the gate. They searched everywhere but couldn’t find any gun and ammunition. Incidentally, Okolie travelled around that period. It was his wife they met at home. They told Mrs. Okolie that Aloysius before he died confessed to being an armed robber and mentioned Okolie as their sponsor. “They told Mrs. Okolie to follow them to Aguda Police Station, to see Aloysius confessing. But when she got there, it was Aloysius’ corpse, in a pool of fresh blood, that she saw,” recalled Ezeonara. “Ironically, this same Chief Okolie was never arrested! If you say someone was sponsoring armed robbers, shouldn’t you arrest the person? But Okolie was never arrested for once! Okolie died five years ago in an automobile accident. He even hired lawyers over this case before his demise. After police killed them, they took their corpses to Area C Police Command, Surulere.” He stated that July 1, 2015 made it exactly 14 years that the four men were killed. He noted that the extra judicial execution was carried out by trigger-happy policemen, then serving at Aguda Police Station under Area ‘C’ of the Lagos State Police Command. The four men were traders at Ladipo Main Market, Mushin in Lagos. “All we want is to ensure that the killers of our brothers are brought to account and the victims’ family members adequately compensated. But despite our best efforts, successive police authorities have continued to deny us the justice we so much deserve and demand,” said one of the men. Ezeonara added: “Police have not shown any evidence to impugn the character of our brothers or to substantiate their claim that our brothers were armed robbers. Mr. Mike Okiro, current chairman of the Police Service Commission was the CP in Lagos State as at the time this extrajudicial killing of the four men took place. Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo was the Area C Commander in Surulere under which Aguda Police Station is. Mr. Chilaka was the then Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in Lagos. Chilaka made a spirited defence of the killings by giving the four youths up as armed robbers even without any investigation.” Revealing efforts made in the quest for justice, Ezeonara said they engaged the services of different lawyers and later took the case to different human rights NGOs, including Civil Liberties Organisation, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) and NOPRIN who all wrote several letters, bringing the facts of the extrajudicial killings to the notice of successive IGPs since the time of Tafa Balogun as IGP. All appeals and calls on the authorities to investigate the case with a view to identifying the killers and bring them to book as well as ensuring adequate compensation for the victims’ families had not received any serious or conclusive action from police authorities. One of such letters was written by Dr. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr., dated November 10, 2009. In response to the letter, the then IGP caused a communication dated December 11, 2009 to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) ‘D’ Department Force CID, Force Headquarters, Abuja, directing him to investigate. But neither the petitioners nor their lawyer have been informed of any action taken by the DIG.

Bizarre

Police detain suspects’ corpses for 14 years!

In the light of this, Dare Adeyeye Esq., wrote another letter dated May 10, 2012 drawing the attention of the IGP to this development. He implored the IGP to use his good office to compel the police authorities to take necessary action as stated in his letter dated December 11, 2009 to the DIG. The current IGP, who was the DCP, Panti, Yaba, investigated this case whereupon Ezeonara was invited on June 24, 2010 and made statements. The IGP had also requested additional information which the CDHR furnished him through a letter dated June 16, 2015. Ezeonara explained that in their determination to attain justice in this matter, Ekwulobia Youths Association addressed a letter, dated November 22, 2012 to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minster of Justice. In response to the letter by the youth association, the AGF, through a letter dated March 12, 2013 and signed on his behalf by Ofulue L. N. Assistant Director, Federal Ministry of Justice, requested the IGP to provide the Attorney General of Lagos State with the outcome of police investigation into the killing of the four youths, for further necessary action. As at July 4, 2013, the IG had not re-

sponded to the AGF’s request. This prompted the Ekwulobia men to approach NOPRIN. The NGO once again, wrote to the IGP, urging him to respond without further delay to the request by the justice minister that his office should provide the AG Lagos with the outcome of police investigation into the extrajudicial execution of the ‘Ekwulobia 4.’ There was still no response from the IG even after NOPRIN sent a reminder. NOPRIN, in its reminder, expressed concern that four months after it wrote to the IG requesting him to respond to the AGF’s letter, no known action had been taken to ensure justice for the victims and for their indigent parents and kinsmen in Ekwulobia Youths Association. “We also recall that the current IGP, who was the DCP, Panti, Yaba, investigated this case whereupon I was invited on June 24, 2010 and made statements. The IGP had also requested additional information which the CDHR furnished him through a letter dated June 16, 2015,” said Ezeonara. The men, on June 9, 2014 filed an action in court to enforce the fundamental human rights of their murdered brothers.

Police have not shown any evidence to impugn the character of our brothers or to substantiate their claim that our brothers were armed robbers Ezeonara said: “We filed a suit before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of Igbosere High Court in Igbosere, Lagos. The suit was filed against the IGP, the AGF, the AG of Lagos State, the then Area ‘C’ Commander, Mr. Marvellous Akpoyibo, and the DPO, Aguda Police Station. “The judge after nearly one year of legal rigmarole, ruled on March 9, 2015, to our chagrin, that we could not bring the action under the fundamental human rights enforcement procedure. We believe that the judge’s ruling was yet another subterfuge to deny us justice,” said Ezeonara. “But we are not deterred. We will never give up the fight until we get justice! We will continue to fight until we take possession of the remains of our innocent brothers and give them a befitting burial in our ancestral home, and until we have secured compensation for their poor, suffering families.” Ezeonara further said: “Our hope is raised by the commitment expressed by the current IGP in his several speeches that he will tackle corruption and abuse of human rights in the Nigeria Police. We appeal to the IGP to reopen investigation into this case of the extrajudicial killing of our four brothers.” He said that he and his people were seriously concerned about the alarming spate of extrajudicial killings in Nigeria and the impunity that protects perpetrators due partly to the failure by police authorities to ensure effective investigations to bring perpetrators to account. “In the alternative, if investigation has already been concluded, the IGP should make the report of investigation available to the AG of Lagos State, as requested by the AGF, so that the perpetrators could be subjected to criminal trial for their heinous crime of murder. “We call on the IGP to demonstrate greater commitment to ending impunity for extrajudicial killings in Nigeria. He should, in keeping with international human rights standards which Nigeria subscribes to, ensure that all cases of extrajudicial killing are promptly, impartially and exhaustively investigated and perpetrators brought to trial while victims are guaranteed adequate remedy and justice.”

Ezeonara

likely to bring your sexy back.

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current obsession

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Trending:

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graphic Tees O

Vanessa Okwara

ne way to add a pop of colour or hint of uniqueness to your look is by donning a graphic Tee. Graphic T-shirts are probably one of the items you have in your wardrobe, if not the most. They can add splashes of colour and individuality to a look. Wearing a T-shirt with a logo on is a strong statement of affiliation with a particular brand; it could be your favourite football club, company or simply a slogan for a noble cause. Often, their logo is a focal point of the design. A graphic Tee is a statement within itself so pair them with neutral colours on the lower half. You can wear a Tee with graphic designs as a way to express your own individuality or to inject a sense of fun in your everyday wardrobe. There are different ways to up-

grade your style with graphic tees.

Graphic T-shirt and jeans One option is to simply pair a graphic Tshirt with a pair of jeans. You can opt to wear dark coloured jeans for a dressier look or opt for faded jeans for a more casual style. You can add a simple leather belt and some sneakers or loafers to complete the carefree look. Dress it up with a blazer and jeans. Or simply pair it with some basic shorts for that everyday look that oozes cool. Graphic Tee with jacket If you want to wear a graphic Tee as a way to bring a pop of trendiness to other outfits, you can wear the T-shirt underneath other clothing so only a small portion of the shirt is visible. Your outfit can be brightened up with a graphic T-shirt in a vibrant or bright colour underneath a sport jacket, jeans jacket or blazer. Graphic Tee with suit You can really bring a sense of edginess to suits as well, if you dare, by wearing a graphic Tee in place of a buttoned-down shirt. In fact, you can turn your boring work suit to a night outfit with a richly designed and eye catching T-shirt underneath and taking your jacket off from time to time to display your fashion sense.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Body&Soul

Before taking relationship decisions, think wisely!

ave you ever been in a tight situation and really don’t know which way to turn? Have you found yourself in a predicament that is tearing you to shreds, yet there seems to be no immediate solution in sight? Gbemi found herself in a similar case when she met Benjamin a few months ago and fell madly in love with him. Unfortunately, it was only five months to her wedding to another man when fate brought them together. You see, when she met Benjamin, she was about getting married to Kunle, her lifelong sweetheart. She and Kunle have always known they will get married right from their teenage years. They grew up in the same neighbourhood and went to the same primary and secondary schools. It was when they finished their WAEC examinations that they started their love relationship. For Gbemi, Kunle was like the brother she never had since she was an only child. As they grew older, the brother-sister relationship transformed into love and they made a commitment to get married once they finish their university education and become gainfully employed. Now they are getting married and both parents are very pleased with their decision; although this was really no news to them since it has been their desire to see their children come together in marriage. But Benjamin epitomises all her youthful fantasies about love and sex. He is also handsome, rich and knows how to make her feel like a queen. The few times she managed to go on a date with him have been the most exciting

CONNECT NG vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com times of her life. He practically takes her breath away; so much that she now considers Kunle boring compared to the way Benjamin makes her feel. She yearns to see Benjamin every day and looks forward to the few hours they spend together when she manages to sneak out. Will it be fair to go ahead with this marriage, knowing her heart now belongs to another? Gbemi’s situation is indeed a dicey and precarious one. She is at crossroads in her life where any decision she takes now may make or mar her destiny. The way your life turns out is largely dependent on the choices you make. Life presents you with all kinds of opportunities; some of them good, some bad and others come with

Making a choice which way to go is largely dependent on your background, the values you hold close to heart and the pressing desire at that particular time

a mixture of both that confuses you the more. Making a choice which way to go is largely dependent on your background, the values you hold close to heart and the pressing desire at that particular time. When it comes to matters of the heart, we always tend to think with our heart rather than with the head. Love is an overwhelming emotion. If you are not careful, it can make you do things that are not originally in your character. Take for instance, Gbemi was cheating on her fiancé by going out on dates with another man. Relationship commitments are binding and require you to keep it sacred until you officially break up. It becomes a dangerous game when you leave loopholes that will give access to cheating. In fact, there’s a thin line between flirting and cheating. It’s one thing to say you are in a serious or committed relationship with someone and yet you still flirt around. You may say it’s harmless at first, but before you know it, it graduates into a full blown affair. We must all understand that there’s no perfect man or woman. That per-

son who you may perceive as being your perfect match might end up being your worst enemy. Did you ever watch this Hollywood movie, ‘Sleeping with the enemy’ starring Julia Roberts? Everything in her life looked comfortable and rosy on the outside but on the inside she was living with an enemy that threatened her life. In the end, she planned her own escape and even changed her identity just to save herself from the monster she married. What am I trying to bring out here? The angel you know maybe far better than that knight in shining armour messing up with your heart right now. Gbemi has known her fiancé almost all her life and was in love with him half of that time. All of a sudden a stranger that looks like George Clooney walked into her life and she melts like butter before fire. She forgets that most George Clooneys of this world only make good boyfriends and hardly the marrying kind. All that glitters is not gold. Before you run off with that new-found love, be certain what you are getting yourself into. Investigate with your head and not with your heart that this is truly what you want. Be sure that it’s a choice you will not regret later in life; it is important to look before you leap. Whatever decision you think you need to make in your relationship right now, I’ll like you to please think deeply and if possible, dispassionately. Do not to take any rash decision you may live to regret later in life. Life comes full circle; try to live yours without any regrets of wrong decision-making. •Send your views to the email above!

A showcase of black sporting talents

s a black man living in North America, you may be forgiven for thinking that we are back in the segregation era of 1960s. What with the spate of killings of black youths by trigger-happy policemen, the unnecessary attack on harmless black youths at a poolside party and the unpleasant revelation that police in Toronto have used carding, or stop and search (the Nigerian police equivalent) laws to question more blacks than any other race in the city. It appears that no gains have been made by the activism of Dr. Martin Luther King (Jr) beyond the annual celebration. However, a different kind of story that actually celebrate the success stories of blacks in Canada made the news last week as the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) put up an exhibition to remind, primarily Canadians, but indeed the rest of the world that black have contributed positively to the sporting success of Canada. Tagged ‘Black Canadians in Sports’, the two-day exhibition was put up as part of the activities leading up to the 2015 Pan Am games to be held in Toronto. Featuring such great athletes as Lennox Lewis (Boxing); Brunny Surin, Donovan Bailey and Ben Johnson (Athletics), the photographic display is like a journey through time, a reminder of the struggle of previous stars in the field of sports and how their sacrifices paved the way for the present generation to excel in their chosen field without their skin colour drawing them back. And talking about present generations, the exhibition moved beyond nostalgia and also showcased current and still active sports personalities who are still making waves; you know, kind of saying the black boys

and girls are still here even though you tried killing them all. Aside from once again showcasing the close relationship between sports, culture and history, the exhibition is a positive amongst the negative stories on the black race at this time. It helps the public know that there have been positive contributions made by blacks and all it needs is a spotlight. It is also inspiring at this time as the negative stories have a way of psychologically depressing youths from a racial minority. It would appear that all they can hope for is to have the bullets and blows of a policeman planted in their skull in the near future. However, an exhibition of this nature tells them that there is a fu-

ture other than that, a future, not just in sports but in a field of their choice. All they have to do is work hard and they can hope to succeed just like the stars on display. From a human perspective too, the pictures on the wall tell different kinds of stories. From learning to know the right time to quit (Lennox Lewis) to learning that it is never too late to achieve your dreams (Charles Jones) and never compromising on your self-respect and dignity (Rocky Johnson). It is like 21 different kind of stories encased in the human body and asking you to look hard and learn from it. I hope it really accomplishes that -inspires blacks, both old and young, to look away from the

It helps the public to know that there have been positive contributions made by blacks and all it needs is a spotlight...It is also inspiring at this time as the negative stories have a way of psychologically depressing youths from a racial minority

negative stories and be proud of their accomplishment. In fact celebrate it. I hope it also sends out a message to all the policemen and security officials in the world that every black man on the street who comes to a store is not there to steal and black children have a right to play just as all the kids in the world. I long for that day in the future when racial discrimination will be a thing of the past and we will all see ourselves as the human race.

A National reading challenge

I received an e mail this week from a group called EH Associates and they are launching a National Reading Challenge. The project is hoping to have participant from all the local government areas and is targeted at children, but will also involve adults and authors interested in reading. Any activity aimed at literacy has my support and I say well done guys. This is indeed a laudable project and I hope it succeeds. However, I still think that they have packed too much activity into their ‘Project iRead’ and the coordinators may want to streamline the entire package so that they can focus on a specific one and then build on it with the others. Knowing the Nigerian cultural terrain as much as I do, it is the only way they won’t spread themselves thin and eventually not accomplish any. However, the organisation deserves credit for venturing into this murky terrain and I sincerely hope they succeed. Therefore, I say to all the prospective participants, get your books out and start reading. Bring on the national reading challenge.

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul with

Wole Adepoju 07037763410

woleadepoju@yahoo.com

About Joshua Iginla’s wonder birthday celebration I

Iginla

Happy times for Paul Adefarasin

he list of frontline men of God who are doing very well may not be complete without the mention of the extravagant and handsome founder of Adefarasin House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin. The reason is no other than the fact that he has the wherewithal to make the list. Pastor Paul may not be among clerics who speak on topical issues for reasons best known to him but this does not put a doubt to his clout and influence as a prominent man of God in this part of the world. The amount of money that went into the construction of his church’s cathedral and the rare dignitaries that came for the opening of the temple left so much impression on the society about the profile of the power dresser pastor. The thrust of the piece is the information filtering to Celeb Lounge that Pastor Paul and his entire household are in a very happy mood based on a recent happening in the family. Celeb Lounge was informed that Adefarasin, his wife, Ifeanyi, and a handful of members of the family, some days ago, jetted out to the United Kingdom where his son, Alvin Adegboyega Adefarasin, would be graduating from a university.

Emeka Ihedioha records gain

on. Emeka Ihedioha moved from being a mere politician to the level of

t was pomp and circumstance as thousands across the world joined Champions Royal Assembly in celebrating the birthday of its General Overseer, Bro. Joshua Iginla, recently. The event was held inside the ongoing 80,000 capacity auditorium labelled ‘City of Wonders’ tucked inside the Chikakore axis of Kubwa, Abuja. It was triple celebration for the clergyman, who was a year older. Aside his birthday, he dedicated and presented 33 classic books he authored all at once and also celebrated 25 years behind the pulpit. He used the occasion to unveil the multibillion naira 80,000 seater ‘City of Wonders,’ which construction commenced mid last year. Interestingly, celebrities such as Alex Osifo, Ejike Asiegbu, Tony Umez, Francis Duru, Fathia Balogun, Ireti Osayemi, Funsho Adeolu, Paul Obazele, Larry Koldsweat, Bruno Iwuoha, Blessing Patrick, Thelma Nwosu, Ngozi Orji, Ayo Emmanuel, business moguls, politicians and several others across the globe all identified with the prophet who simply loves to be

known as Bro. Joshua Iginla. While congratulating him on Champions Television founded by Bro. Iginla, they said, “He has touched our lives and lives around the world and he is a true example of humility, love and a genuine clergyman who practices what he preaches. Thus, we celebrate you.” The colourful event was spiced by the superlative performances by Onyeka Onwenu, Tope Alabi, Chris Morgan, Asu Ekiye, Solomon Lange and several other Nigerian artistes. The birthday boy, who is a true giver, also dashed out 22 cars to celebrities and other members. Tope Alabi picked a Volkswagen Passat, Ireti Osayemi got a Toyota Corolla, while Fathia Balogun and Funsho Williams each received a Toyota Camry. Larry Koldsweat went home with a Mazda, Zack Orji was given a Toyota Highlander Jeep. Speaking about the new auditorium, the amiable clergyman said, “This is surely the work of God as we owe no bank a dime nor did we borrow any money from any bank to build this City of Wonders. In

getting elected to the House of Representatives and eventually becoming the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. In the last elections, Ihedioha aspired to be the governor of his state, Imo and gave Governor Rochas Okorocha a run for his money. But the pendulum did not swing in his favour While he lost out in his governorship bid, his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, which would have been a saving grace, was also defeated at the highest level by the opposition All Progressives Congress. However, he has not lost on all fronts as he has been made a proud father by his son, Emeka Ihedioha Jr. His teenage lad was among students of the prestigious Day Waterman College, Ogun State that graduated recently. His son The former governorship aspirant, who was at the valedictory session, was made proud by his son who was named most outstanding Ihedioha student in history subject.

rich and socialites who know their onions since it was commissioned some years back. We learnt that activities at the hangout have been put on hold as major renovations are currently takOkamigbo ing place. Stylish and connected Frank says the renovations are being undertaken so that its patrons can enjoy the best when the club resumes soon. There will also be som innovations when it throws its doors open again. Frank, former man at the helm of affairs at defunct Club Papas, Victoria Island, was among six club owners who were taken on tour of Tennessee and New Orleans by makers of Jack Daniels.

Frank Okamigbo repackages

raduate of University of Lagos, Frank Okamigbo, who is the man behind popular upscale night club, The Place, at the highbrow area of Lekki, ranks among the front liners in nightclubbing trade. This is because the facts are there to tell he’s paid his dues. It’s also no doubt that The Place has remained one of the hottest fun spots for the

Sandra Okagbue under pressure

orn into the privileged family of the late Obi of Onitsha, Okagbue, Sandra Uche could not have asked for more. She definitely has had access to a good life and sound education. As if that was not enough, nature was so kind to her that she had grown into a beautiful and w e l l - s t ru c tured lady. She also became a model for top range Okagbue product, Delta soap has since

fact, it’s the architect and the engineers I am waiting for to complete the structure as the provisions are on ground. As regards the issue of who my spiritual father is, I can tell you that my appearance is not magical. I have spent 25 years behind the pulpit and my spiritual father as directed by God is Yonggi Cho.” In a chat, actress Fathia Balogun expressed surprise and shock at the gift. “I wasn’t expecting this. I was actually invited and because I have heard a lot about him as a genuine man of God, I decided to go. I only went to felicitate with him but was shocked he gave me a car. I am speechless but grateful to God for such a gift.” Veteran actor, Zack Orji, also showed his appreciation, he said he was dazzled by such a rare gift. “I never thought I could get such a rare gift. I came for his birthday last year and was happy with the ministration. Thus, I was happy when I got the invitation for this year too. The gift of a Toyota Highlander is something I wasn’t expecting. It’s like a dream,” he said. been a news item. The person behind her pregnancy was a subject of speculation because she had been rumoured to be dating ace footballer, Mikel Obi. But that has long been put to rest as it emerged that she was pregnant for popular Highlife singer, Flavor Nabania. The light skinned singer has since put another beauty queen, Anna Banner, in the family way and she’s expected to deliver anytime from now. Meanwhile, if information at our disposal is anything to go by, Sandra may be under serious pressure from her family as regards her status as a single mother. Celeb Lounge learnt that members of her family have told her that she must formalise her union with her baby daddy. They are said not to be very happy with her status, especially because of the fact that she’s from a royal family. Flavor too, it was said, has not been spared the pressure to make their daughter his legal wife.

Olulade honoured

s a young man who was interested in how the lot of his people would be improved, Hon. Segun Olulade discovered that the only way he could reach out to many was to enlist in partisan politics. Gradually, he gained recognition and that offered him the opportunity to represent Epe Constituency

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Body&Soul

Thinking

2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Olulade has not only made himself relevant in the chamber, his impressive representation of his people was a factor in getting re-elected. The traditional ruler of Orugbo Iddo community in Epe, Olofin Ajaiye of Orugbo, Oba Godfrey Adekoya Odusanya, was 20 years on the throne and it was time for celebration. In the course of the event, the traditional ruler did not fail to eulogise Olulade for his contribution to Orugbo Iddo community and the other 63 towns in Epe Constituency 2. To reward him, he was bestowed with the title of Otunba Amuludun of Orugbo land and his engineer wife, Mosunmola, was named the Yeye Otunba of Orugbo land. Expectedly, the event was no less of a carnival as people came from far and near to felicitate with the new Otunba in town. His colleagues at the assembly were not left out as they thronged the venue in droves to support and celebrate one of their own.

Dejumo Lewis in N1.7million hotel bill scandal

ne of the major actors in popular defunct television series, Village Headmaster, Dejumo Lewis, Celeb Lounge can authoritatively and exclusively reveal, is presently enmeshed in a N1.7million hotel bill scandal. The scandal, we learnt, has become a source of worry to him as it has to do with his accommodation. The talented veteran actor, it was gathered, has been putting up in the hotel owned by veteran highlife singer, Sir Victor Olaiya. For over three years, Stadium Hotel was his abode and he was a good customer of the Surulere-based hospitality venture until he could no longer meet up with the payment of his lodging bill. Meanwhile, a N1.7 million bill had accumulated. It was also gathered that the hotel management, which had been lenient with the star actor based on his records at some point, had made failed attempts to eject him. He was said to have often asked them to take him to court while he remained in the hotel. The management, it was learnt, had done everything within its power to see the actor vacate the hotel rooms in his possession and the measures taken against him included cutting off water and electricity supply to his apartment all to no avail. Meanwhile, the hotel management, it was learnt, had kept its calm because the actor allegedly said the former governor of Lagos State, Raji Fashola, was going to pick the bill but that never happened till the governor left office. The issue got to a crescendo on June 29, after the hotel management had earlier petitioned the police authority based on a dud cheque allegedly issued by the actor. This led to his arrest and detention at Ojuelegba Police Station. After some discussions at the police station, the actor’s family members, among whom is his lawyer daughter and employee of Lagos State Ministry of Justice, showed up and made his bail possible. Meanwhile, it was eventually resolved that the actor should pay the sum of N500,000 by July 7 and he will be allowed in the hotel till month end or be forcefully ejected if he fails to honour the agreement.

Nkiru, Willy Anumudu wax in love

lobe Motors boss, Williams Anumudu, and his beautiful wife, Nkiru, are factors in the business world. They also have their hands in a number of pies. This couple cannot be shoved aside when those who matter on the social scene come up for mention. They have been very visible on the

social scene for a very long time. The wife’s impressive dress sense has no doubt been one of the reasons that attention is regularly foAnumudu cused on them. Meanwhile, this couple has been a good role model to many, showing you can socialise and still hold on to marital values which revolve around love. Those who have noticed them will steadily agree love rules their union. These love birds, as guests at a party recently hosted by a politician, were the cynosure of all eyes as they openly showed affection for each other. Seating close to each other, their smiles lit up the arena. They didn’t know that there was going to be icing on the cake when Willy, spotting a black and white stripped shirt, decided to play lover boy by feeding his wife.

Ndidi Okereke takes back seat

he popular sayings that ‘change is the most constant thing in life’ and that ‘nothing stays forever ’ sure describe the current situation of a former Director General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Ndi Okereke-Onyuike. In her days at the stock exchange, she was not only visible because of the post she held in the public space, even her size made her identifiable wherever she was. This, coupled with the power she wielded, made her one to reckon with both on and off duty, but this can no longer be said of her since she quit the stock exchange. Since she was ousted by superior powers, plus-size Rivers State-born Ndi has kept a very low profile that she’s hardly seen even at social gatherings anymore. However, those who are close to her are telling whoever cares to listen that Ndi has a new thing that may launch her back into the spotlight.

Fashola expresses freedom

or immediate past number one man of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, old things have passed away and things have become new. Expectedly, many things must have changed about the way of life and the routine of this man at the centre stage, at least from what they used to be when he was the governor of the state. It is only natural that he will have fewer things to bother him and he will have a little more time to himself and his family, unlike when issues of Lagos were his priority. From what was noticed of the barristerat-law, it could be said that the former governor is now exercising his freedom the way he’s always wanted. Fashola was among the guests at Afrika Shrine at the ceremony that ushered the daughter of Yeni Kuti, Rolari, into matrimony. Unlike Fashola whom many were used to when he was in office, the brilliant politician actually doled out money to people who besieged him for ‘something’ on his way out.

Aloud

) 0807 270 9777

paulhelenproductions@yahoo.com

with Helen Paul

Before you criticise Boko Haram

’m sure that many people worst terrorists. It is not until you will be wondering why I love carry guns or kidnap people that talking about marriage. Yes, you terrorize them. If you are one I won’t deny that fact because of those benefitting from the epimarriage is a very vital institu- leptic power supply in Nigeria, tion that does not only shape our then you’re even a bigger terrorlives, but goes a long way in de- ist. You are sabotaging the powciding the development of any er sector because of your selfish community or country. You may interest, crippling the education be pondering why I said that, but and medical sectors among othit is the truth. ers and you complain about Boko The family is like the founda- Haram? My brother, you need detion of a house, if it is faulty, the liverance. structure erected on it can never Honestly, some people have stand the test of time. Without done more damage to this counthe family, there won’t be Nige- try than Boko Haram. But I know ria, and the world will not even that one day, the judgment of God exist. Come to think of it, Nigeria will descend on everybody that has a lot of problems at the mo- has corruptly made this counment, but the truth is that they try hopeless and difficult for an are simply a reflection of what average citizen. Don’t even be many families in the country are surprised if the same people in up to. question are the sponsors of Boko You can never Don’t even be have a good Haram, or if their and d e v e l- surprised if the same antics led to the emergence of the oped country dreaded terrorist when the dif- people in question group. Until they ferent families in the same are the sponsors of repent and change entity are on Boko Haram, or if from their bad sinking sand, ways, they will not morally, spiri- their antics led to know peace. tually and othIdeally, our relierwise. I know the emergence of the gious leaders are that someone expected to strike who grew up dreaded terrorist a balance here, but in a family most of them have where there is group. Until they surprisingly disgenuine love repent and change appointed me. We and moral valhave seen religious ues will not get from their bad ways, leaders who fail to into power and speak the truth beembezzle what they will not know cause of what they belongs to the get from those at the corridors of people or his peace supposed folcorruption. lowers. How do you exTerrorism, armed robbery, cult- plain why some religious leaders ism, prostitution, kidnapping, build universities with the hardgreed, fraud, bad leadership earned money of their worshipand other vices that have been pers, and the same worshippers the bane of Nigeria wouldn’t can’t afford to send their wards have been so rampant if we have to the same institution because of enough good families, I mean the ridiculously high tuition fees? families that have moral values. What do we say about religious Today, what we see are families leaders with different stories of who are just desperate to enrich divorce and marriage separathemselves at the expense of the tions? Can a leader who cannot entire country. manage his own home genuinely Everybody is lamenting about lead his congregation? How will the activities of Boko Haram as he counsel his followers who a terrorist group, but the truth have problems in their relationis that some of our leaders are ships or marriages?

Body&Soul

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Wine & Dine

Glassware and serving basics (1) Ibukunoluwa Kayode

lanning to throw a party or host few friends? Here’s a simple experiment you can try out and amaze your friends. Select a favourite bottle of white wine and another of red. Set out three or four different glasses for each person. You can pick a bowl-shaped wine glass, a small, thick-rimmed glass, a simple tumbler, and anything else that you have in your cupboard. Then have everyone take a small taste of each wine from each glass. I guess this must sounds weird, right? Well, believe it or not, even a modestly decent wine will taste different in every glass. Some will mute the flavour, some will emphasize odd scents, and some will have no scents at all. If you are fortunate, one glass will present the wine perfectly, and everyone will agree that this is how the wine is supposed to

taste. This is a wine fact that almost defies belief—until you experiment it for yourself. When you pour a great wine into a not-so-great glass, it turns into a very ordinary wine. This happens quite frequently at home, in parties and restaurants; but you may also encounter bad stemware at wineries and public tastings. When a wine is served in a glass that is too small, thick, coloured in blue or green, stained or smelling detergent, believe me, with these bad conditions, you won’t be able to discern the true flavour offered by the terrific bottle of wine. Insisting on a good glass is not snobbery; it’s common sense. If you really want to get all the flavour out of every wine you pour, whether it cost you a fortune or not, you owe it to yourself to invest in good stemware and it doesn’t have to be expensive to be good.

Yummy oven baked vegetables

Biwom Iklaki

egetables are hard for some people to swallow. Children especially find it hard to eat vegetables. Make the process interesting and adapt the flavours to the palate of your family and it would be a story of the past. Try baking these vegetables with a lovely spice mix and you are likely to have the family licking their fingers. The oven cooks food with a lot less oils and gives it a festive appeal. Try to include veggies and protein that you know that they would love.

INGREDIENTS 1 medium eggplant with skin, cubed (3/4 inch cubes) cut up eggplant first so you can salt it and let it sweat while you cut up the other vegetables. 2 tablespoons salt (for sweating the eggplant) 5 gold potatoes 4 carrots, peeled and sliced in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1-inch pieces 1 small head cauliflower separated into florets. 6 tablespoons olive oil (to toss with vegetables) 2 teaspoons salt (for roasting the vegetables) 2 cups frozen peas, defrosted 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon ground cumin ½ cup water 2 teaspoons salt PREPARATION Cut up eggplant first so you can salt it and let it sweat while you cut up the other

vegetables. Lay eggplant cubes in a single layer on paper towels. Sprinkle and toss with two tablespoons of salt and let them sweat for 15 minutes or so, while you prepare the rest of the vegetables. In a large bowl toss cubed potatoes and cut up carrots with 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt, and lay them out on a baking tray in a single layer. Put eggplant cubes in a colander and rinse off all the salt.

Pat dry, then put in the large bowl with the cauliflower. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss well and spread eggplant and cauliflower onto a sheet pan in a single layer. Roast vegetables in top and bottom shelves of preheated oven for 25-35 minutes. (Potatoes should be cooked through and lightly browned). After 15 minutes, flip veggies with a spatula and remove trays from the oven

and set aside. In a large wok, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the red pepper flakes, and cumin, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Toss in all of the roasted vegetables, the peas, ½ cup of water, and the salt. Cook, tossing everything gently to combine and heat, for 2 -3 minutes. Lower and cook for 5 minutes, stirring once or twice. Remove from heat. Serve and enjoy!

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

RazzleDazzle

Body&Soul Abiola Alaba Peters

with

08062622328

Edwin Usoboh 08028101185

Top ‘non native’ Yoruba movie stars (1)

The Nigerian movie industry has been on the rise since inception and its recent ranking as the third biggest market in the world, attests to its viability. Although many players in the industry have stamped their authority, via talents, in their respective genres, there are Nollywood actors from diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria who have excelled in their interpretation of roles in Yoruba movies. ABIOLA ALABA PETERS brings you top Yoruba movie stars who are not natives •Rachael Oniga Fair complexioned Rachael Oniga is a household name in the Nigerian movie industry. She’s one of the few crossover artistes in the industry, having featured in many English and Yoruba movies. Beyond this, the mother of three also models for television commercials. She was born on May 23, 1957 in Eku, a town in Delta State. She began her acting career in 1993, shortly after her divorce. She worked briefly at Ascoline Nigeria Limited, a Dutch consultant company, before her first movie titled Onome. Her debut Yoruba movie was Owo Blow. Over the years, she has featured in notable Nigerian films such as Sango and several of Wale Adenuga’s television series. Racheal became a grandmother when her daughter Georgia delivered a baby. •Kelvin Ikeduba Famed for his bad boy role in movies, popular Delta State-born actor, Kelvin Ikeduba, is so fluent in Yoruba language that one would mistake him for a Yoruba man, but for his name. He is the first child in a family of four (two boys and two girls) and spent virtually all his growing up years in Ebute-Metta (West), Lagos. He’s considered one of Nollywood’s most dynamic talents, not only because of his ability to interpret roles like a master, but also because he is one of the few stars in the industry that make films in both English and Yoruba. A graduate of Economics from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, his perfect mastery of Igbo, Yoruba and English languages has made him one of the most versatile actors in the Nollywood circuit, being able to fit comfortably into both Yoruba and English movies. •Mercy Aigbe Mercy Aigbe is a household name in Nollywood, especially in the Yoruba sector of the film industry. The Benin, Edo State-born mother of two has one of the sexiest shapes in the industry. The graduate of University of Lagos won the Best Actress in Yoruba at the City

People Award. Her journey to stardom started when she was in primary school. Known for her brilliance on stage, especially in the Yoruba genre of Nollywood, Mercy is one of the most sought-after actresses in Nollywood today. The Lanre Gentry’s wife graduated in 2001 and joined the movie industry fully in 2006. Acting, for her, started when she was a kid. •Toyin Aimakhu Toyin Aimakhu is one Nollywood actress who rose to the top of the movie industry, especially in the Yoruba genre. She’s from Auchi,

in Edo State. She came into the industry in 2003. The opportunity of becoming an actress came in 2004 when her uncle introduced her to Bukky Wright, a popular actress. Her status and her dress style, coupled with her career, could account for the one thousand and one admirers she has. Actress Toyin Aimakhu is the youngest child in a family of five. The actress has a National Diploma in Marketing from Iree Polytechnic, Osun State. She also studied Philosophy at the University of Ibadan. Toyin Aimakhu was nominated for Best Lead Actress in a Yoruba film (Alani Baba Labake) and for Best Supporting Actress in a Yoruba film (Ebimi ni) at the fifth Best of Nollywood Awards in 2013 On July 8, 2013, actress Toyin Aimakhu weddedh an actor, Adeniyi Johnson, at Oriental Hotel in Lagos.

Ali Baba dreams of Nollywood

opular Nigeria stand-up comedian, Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere, aka Ali Baba, clocked 50 years last month. The legendary comedian, who celebrated his birthday by visiting an orphanage made a special guest appearance in EME’s first lady, Niyola’s Last Bus Stop video. The video which starred EME boss as the pastor, Ali Baba as groom’s father and Niyola as

bride was shot by female music video director, Kemi Adetiba. Since the release of the wedding theme song, fans of Ali Baba have taken to Instagram to commend and applaud his wonderful performance in the video, urging the Delta State-born to give Nollywood a shot. Ali Baba while appreciating his fans for their good and bad comments, said, “I appreciate all the good comments and the bad ones that I have received, as a result of my cameo appearance in Niyola’s #LastBusstop video. To those asking why don’t I go into acting, I will say, I have tried. I can’t make sacrifices at this age. All the actors whom you see on your television screens day in day out are making huge sacrifices. Because they all end up doing other things to support their acting careers. “The industry is being strangulated by piracy, lack of funding, copyright issues, distribution bottlenecks, great expectations from people, administrative flaws, quacks in droves, demand for quality, absence of capacity building structures. But they still hang in there. I guess to some, the fame and publicity helps to make up. But when it gets better I will join. Till then let me be learning from the acting greats to know how it’s done and how I can do better.” Having acquired a degree from the then Bendel State University, Ekpoma in 1990, Ali Baba relocated to Lagos where he began his professional career with corporate events, appearing on television shows with the likes of Patrick Doyle, Charly Boy and Danladi Bako. He also made cameo appearances on radio shows with Bisi Olatilo, Sani Irabor, etc. Today, the father of six is being recognised as the father of stand up comedy in Nigeria.

Mosun Filani returns to Nollywood

kiti State-born Nollywood actress, Mosun Filani-Oduoye, is known for her lead roles in Yoruba movies. The light-skinned mother of two is married to a legal practitioner cum politician, Emmanuel Oduoye. Mosunmola had for two years now not taken part in movies due to what she termed, marital leave. In an exclusive chat with RazzleDazzle, the actor cum producer, who lost her father on Father’s Day, said she’s now accepting roles for movies. She said, “I am now back and ready for work. Many thought I had left the industry. I never left. I only took a break to attend to my family, that is what many of our female actors don’t understand. Once you are married, you need to create time for your marriage, that is the time you get to know the family you are married into.” The CEO of Beauty & Brain Concept also said she’s working on her first English movie titled, ‘Different Strokes for Different Folks.’ The movie, which is set to feature mostly Yoruba actors, is a mix of Yoruba and English. On her marriage, she said, “My husband is my boss. I appreciate his humility and his fear and love for God. He has been very supportive. Of a truth, you can only record success in your endeavours when you are blessed with a stable and peaceful home. To aid my coming back to the industry, he bought me a location bus, branded in my company’s name. He has always been there for me.”

I’m still D’Banj’s manager - Sunday Are

arlier in the week, there were speculations on social media that Nigerian singer and entertainer, D’banj, had dumped his long time manager, Sunday Are, over some undisclosed issues. RazzleDazzle can now authoritatively inform fans that D’banj and Sunday Are are still in a working relationship. We contacted the prominent artiste manager on the telephone to hear his own side of the story. “Thank you very much my brother. I am not surprised. I don’t just know why some bloggers will bring up a 2010 story in 2015. I would like you to reach D’banj and hear from him. I don’t know who wrote the story and I don’t want to know. The truth is, there’s no iota of truth in it. I’m still D’banj’s manager. D’banj is still a proud artiste under List Entertainment and same goes for Wizkid. So you see, I don’t know where they got their story from,” he said. The alleged break up between the two parties would have been the second time they had to go their separate ways since the initial split in 2013. Are’s portfolio, List Entertainment, boasts of a number of A-list acts which include the late Fela, D’banj, Don Jazzy, Wizkid, Omawunmi, Lagbaja etc.

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Ella the selfish girl

nce upon a time, there was a girl named Ella. She was a very selfish girl who never loved to share. She was also very unkind about it. She would neither share her time nor possessions with anyone, even her family. She only cared about herself. If a person didn’t share anything with her, she would say the person is selfish. Days passed by and she was still the same, but one thing she didn’t know was that a certain man in the clouds was watching her. A man called Santa Clause.

“This girl is really selfish. If she doesn’t change her ways before Christmas she won’t get a present from me!” said Santa. Santa watched her, but she never changed. Soon after, Christmas Eve rolled in. Ella was expecting a gift from Santa on Christmas so she brought milk and cookies from the cupboard as fast as she could, then laid the table. By 8pm, she went to bed without even being told. Everyone was so surprised as this had never happened before. Christmas

Celebrations!!!

day finally arrived. Ella and her younger brother rushed downstairs when their mum shouted “time for presents!” Each of them searched the tree for their presents and everyone found theirs except Ella. Her brother Preston, who was kind, generous and loved to share with others, got a double dose of presents. “Where are my presents?” she asked her parents. “We don’t know,” they replied. “Why?” Ella asked. “We just don’t know”. Her parents responded again. “I just want to know why I didn’t get any presents” “Maybe it’s because you are selfish?” They replied. “Selfish!” She exclaimed. “Oh yes. Maybe if you had been a generous person who loved to share with others, Santa would have given you some presents. But alas, you have been selfish”. Her mother said. After much thought and with a lot of remorse, Ella asked tearfully, “How can I change?” “Simple! Her parents said. “Just be generous, share with others and be kind and loving”. Needless to say, from that day forward, Ella became David Ifeanyichukwu Osigbelemhe Abu is 1 kind and generous. Ever smiling David just turned one. Daddy and Mummy wish him Moral lesson a wonderful birthday! When you are selfish and unkind, What did the grape do when it got you lose ev- Why do sea-gulls fly over the sea? erything, Ans: Because if they flew over the bay stepped on? Ans: It let out a little wine! but when they would be bagels! you are genWhat did the judge say when the skunk erous and What dog keeps the best time? walked in the court room? Ans: A watch dog. kind, you Ans: Odour in the court! gain much What did the man say to the wall? more. Unaigwe Ans: One more crack like that and I’ll What did the fish say when he swam into the wall? Ekene plaster ya! Ans: Dam! Chrisland S c h o o l , Why did the tomato turn red? Why don’t skeletons fight each other? Ans: It saw the salad dressing! Opebi

Gags

Crossword puzzle

Ans: They don’t have the guts.

SUNDAY

Faith 51

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Sermon Laudato Si: Equity for nature and humanity p.55

Sermon You can’t give what you don’t have -Chidi p.54

Interview God has been good to us –Essien p.53

Music runs in my family –Gbenga Adenuga Contemporary gospel musician, Gbenga Adenuga, spoke on his music, family and life in this interview with TAI ANYANWU How did music find you? Well, the truth is that we grew up doing morning and evening devotions; and worship music was a strong part of it. My dad would talk to us through hymns and we used to love it. We also went to the farm with daddy. From the car park to the farm site was a distance so we all would sing as we walked along. Then, we developed a family unknowingly and time after time we all would sing and worship together. Many gospel music lovers consider you radical and eccentric. Is that a right perception of your person? Hmmm… radical and eccentric? Yes! But you need to know that it is all about perception. I like to deliberately ask questions. Even when things are well done, I still want to find better ways of doing them. So my radical lifestyle springs from not wanting to be ordinary. I do not think it’s a crime. I take those as a compliment though.

Music has been rewarding both directly and indirectly because it still remains the platform on which all that I have done and still doing rests

You do so many things aside from music. Why can’t you do gospel music full time? It’s a personal problem. I am really gifted. I can do all things. I am a SUPERMAN! Opportunities come and I take them. The challenge is that once they come they keep coming. Once I offer support/service to one person, others want the same service so the opportunity becomes business. It is difficult to cut off. I find myself doing many things. I need to also keep up with all these opportunities because they pay bills . Many believe your album, Awimayehun, remains the best. Which is the favourite for you? All my music has different expressions. They represent what I go through per time. So it will be difficult to have a favorite except I have a favorite encounter. Has music been rewarding? Music has been rewarding both directly and indirectly because it still remains the platform on which all that I have done and still doing rests.

Tai Anyanwu Head, religous Desk titus.anyanwu@newtelegraph online.com

Whenever you hold the microphone to sing, what do you want to see happen? Hmmm… it depends on why I am holding the microphone. If it is at a party, I want people to dance and have fun, enjoy themselves. If it is in a church, then it must be worship. It depends. But really I want God to always reach people through me. I want to pass to people joy, peace, hope and life.

Adenuga You are way different from your brother Wale Adenuga. Why are you who you are? Oh sure. From the very beginning, we are different. He came to this world before me, he has a different name. He is not as tall in height; his wife’s name is different. He

has a daughter while I have a son and a daughter… the list goes on. He has a prefix to his name I do not. He is a Pastor but I am not one. Music is about expression, the differences in our make up will reflect in our expressions hence our music. But we admire each others.

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Voxpop

Should love ‘blind’ two AS carriers into marriage? I discovered that 90% of Nigerians do not know their genotype, after involving themselves with serious relationship, at the point of marriage before they are lectured , Please let us be wise and know the is an inherited genetic disorder. Before marriage or sexual intercourse Love is not the only reason for a relationship or marriage but long life.

•JACINTA ATTAH o me I don’t advise people with AS genotype to get married because they will end up giving birth to SS children I believe it is not something that can easily be maintained. There will be too much expenses on drugs and buying of blood so as to save the lives of such children. So I t is not advisablee.

T •Mubo Akosile y advice to them is to please don’t consider getting married at all. If their love is the blind type, they shouldn’t have children, because I don’t see any reason why they would want to suffer innocent children by bringing them to the world to come and live in pain and agony.

•CARO HENRRY t is not appropriate for people to go into a relationship without knowing their blood group and genotype. This has affected so many Nigerians. My advice to those who have fallen victim of such is that they should try as much as possible to separate from each other before it is too late. This is because this may affect their unborn children and may bring misunderstanding between a couple.

I •ONYinE ACHUWANIKE don’t pray to have such an experience; but to those who find themselves in such situation should try as much as possible to separate from each other, I believe it is not an easy decision to make but jut for the sake of the future one must do so before the marriage commences. This is no matter how strong the love they share is because the problem they may likely encounter in the future will be something unbearable. For instance, giving birth to a child or children with sickle cell. I believe such a situation in a family will bring a lot of problems, most especially between the spouses. In going into a relationship, one must be able to identify his or her status before going deeper into a relationship.

• AMINAT MOHAMMED efore going into any relationship, one must be able to identify his or her genotype and blood group. If a couple didn’t do so before going into a relationship, my advice is to let go of such. It will be the best for them not to get married. But they can as well still be friends because the tendency of them giving birth to SS will inflict more problems. It only take the grace of God for such a couple to give birth to non-SS children

•Adetutu Agbabiaka Adewale

S and AS? My best advice for them is to opt out of the relationship. God will compensate them with good and lovely partners. Though is not easy but it is better.

•Pat Odigie ny one who likes to know what bring tears to the eyes and pain in the heart is should join in such a union. I know of a couple who not only got SS but three out of 4 kids are carriers.

A •MIRACLE KELVIN he most important thing we must do is to put God first in everything we do. I don’t believe in such genotype. I believe in love and whosoever I must love that has such a genotype or blood group is the one that I will love more and cherish. For those that are into such challenges, my advice to them is they can move on if they have such faith in God as far as God is in control. It is just the belief of the people. I believe in God and His works.

•Kate Ajuwa t is dangerous to go into marriage. Such a relationship should be stopped immediately they discover. The consequences can not be quantified.

I •JOSPHINE JOSEPH pending much on the child, they may lose him or her.

•O l a b isi Hamilton hink twice, as you may have a child with sickle cell and it will be painful to lose that child after he or she has grown up. Seeing that child growing up in pain is tormenting.

•Deborah Ogida My candid advice is for the couples to put a stop to their marriage, because they are making the greatest mistake of their lives and their unborn babies. There is a great risk if they refuse to desist and calling it quits lives are been involved here

Compiled by Josephine Damisa and Nzerem Amaka

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Faith

God has been good to us –Essien

Minister in charge of Assemblies of God Church, Agege, Lagos, Rev. Victory Essien, tells STANLEY IHEDIGBO about his passion for God’s work and other issues How do you feel as you dedicate your new church building? I feel fulfilled because this is a great high for my ministry. This is just the beginning. I believe God that greater things are coming. I am happy because we want to thank God that our effort being rewarded with something to show for what God is doing in our church. That this is the little the people gathered together under my leadership have been able to bring out something like this building. What is your vision for the church and your personal ministry? My vision is that I am looking at a time when every street will have a wonderful church building that people will feel happy to go in and worship God. And not only building alone but people will see the need to give their lives to Christ because He is all in our lives as human beings. Without God, people will not accomplish anything. Just like what I told you I have money and everything, but could not have satisfaction in my soul. I am looking at it that the same thing is applicable to people. We are looking forward to how we can talk to people by bringing them together, so that the vacuum in their lives will be fulfilled which is the place of God. What are the challenges in the ministry for a handsome man like you? There are so many challenges in the ministry but those challenges under God are nothing. For me, I have a deeper passion of taking the work of God higher. With the passion I expect God to do more in the area of finance so that the vision and the kind of church, the kind of worship centre we want to have will come to reality. Definitively, we have other things because the work we are doing is spiritual. Since it is spiritual, we have some spiritual challenges. But those challenges, when we bring them before God, they are nothing because God is helping us. In the midst of those challenges, we are moving ahead. Another thing is that we are looking forward to seeing people who understand your vision and work with you to be able to accomplish this vision. The highest thing to do is to gather people together. When you gather them, you see that some will be going in different directions; I’m also looking forward to a day the whole congregation will understand where we are going and follow us, and then the church will become a better place. What is God’s standard dressing in the church? It looks like Assemblies of God Church is no more concerned about how their female members dress. I think it is an individual view. This is because for one, when you look at the new people coming into the church, someone will begin to measure the standard of the church with those new people. The members who have been growing know what they stand for and are dressing very well. But for the new people, as evangelism is going on and bringing in people, you see that some people come the way they are. So, the church is not losing the glory of God in terms of dressing. As a minister, what comes to your mind when you see

the leadership tussle in your church in the page of newspapers? What people call a crisis or problem, I see it as light and darkness trying to struggle. In the midst of this we are looking unto God who is supreme. Where there is light you also spot something like wrong there. That is what you call a crisis but the church still remains unique. In the body of Christ, we know where we are going and everything works together for good. Soon, everybody will know that Assemblies of God Church is a church that does not compromise. The body of Christ is passing through challenges which include disunity, scandals and other related issues. How do you see all that as a servant of God? It is written in the word of God that in the last days, things will happen. People will be lovers of themselves than the lovers of God. They will be lovers of money and lovers of pleasure. Anytime you see this tussle, one of these things will come to play, some factors or some factions may want to go contrary to the word of God while the other factions are trying to correct it. This will bring conflict. It is last day and fulfilment of prophecies because the bible said that in the last day and when we see these things, we will know that the last day is fast approaching and we now go back to our drawing board to tell the Christians that they should be discipline, so that this last day will not take us unaware and it will help to know the kind of message we should preached and in term of self-discipline. Also they will not be carry way by the last day. What is your advice to the new government? We Nigerians must give the new leaders more time because every change comes with time. The new administration just took over and what we need to do as Christians is to support the government prayerfully. At the same time, we should be able to work in line with the current government’s policies. It is when we work in line with new government policies that we will see the change we desire. But if the policies are out and we Christians don’t work in line with them, definitive nothing will change or work because the President alone will make the change. We are the people to make the change for him as our leader.

Essien

N50m Behold He Cometh auditorium set for dedication T

Deacon and Mrs. Iyke Kanu, host

o lend credence to Christian religion worship, salvation preacher and founder of Behold He Cometh Pentecostal Church Nigeria, Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Uchechi Agwu (JP) is set to officially dedicate his Behold He Cometh Pentecostal Church 1000-seater auditorium in Ajah, Lagos State. Behold He Cometh is an Umuahia, Abia State based church that have over the years led legions to Christ in the purest form of Christianity practice, delivering thousands from the yoke and oppression of bondage of sin and stagnation, setting men free from the scourge of attacks and satanic manipulation, in the process. The

church has grown in lips and bound across the eastern states of the federation in a very short while of existence. The church is founded to sanitize the mindset and value system of Christians to appreciate the value, essence and sacredness of the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary for our sins according to the founder. Having set his agenda in motion in the eastern part of the country, the church with its salvation-laden doctrine is now all set for the South-west using Lagos as a launching pad. The all new cathedral built on one hectare parcel of land has all the trappings of

modern church with ample parking space, detached children church and other facilities for enable worship environment, There will be music ministration from notable gospel arts who are set to praise and worship God in a way He has never been praised before with their talents and voice. Some of the artistes to grace the dedication are Paul Nwokocha, Lucky Okri, Chioma Jesus and Evangelist Peace Nwabara. According to the host, Deacon Iyke Kanu, Behold He Cometh Pentecostal Church coming to Lagos is a good omen that will change the perception of Christianity and add value to the society at the large through their doctrine of salvation.

ON PAG E 5 6

Sunday Telegraph,, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Faith

Trademarks of today’s church Taming your Emotions Bishop

Lawrence Osagie 0806 325 0667 www.powerlineministriesinc.org mail:powerlineministries@mail.com

ornication, inordinate affection, lust after men and women were some of the vices that prevented a section of the Mosaic generation from entering the promise of God. They fornicated and 23,000 died in one day. That is enough caution for any serious minded believer. This great number were also among those whom God delivered from Egypt. So, there were God’s elect and chosen people, yet they did not enter the desired rest. They ended their journey on the way. If you are a man, warn yourself. If you want to serve God serve God. Verse 10, the Bible says; neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed. Listen to me, what else is the language that can be used to admonish you? The Bible says don’t murmur like they murmured and were destroyed. In other words, they murmured and did not go scot-free. So, if you do it today you will also not go scot-free. But what do we find in the church? What is ravaging the church today? Gossip, murmuring, tale-bearing, maligning. Those are

the trademarks of the church today: they are no long winning souls. They can’t even cast out demons anymore. Instead, they are using their tongues to gossip, to murmur and they want to arrive at the promised land. God will have to repent before our fathers who lost it for murmuring if we get to the promised land in this backbiting state. Sodom and Gomorrah need an apology from God if this generation makes it in this perverse state. How can you be an elder in a church and you are using the tongue God gave you to tear the church down? Everything is turned upside down by your tongue. Murmuring: They were destroyed by the destroyer. Grumbling: These people grumbled against Moses; they grumbled about the wife he took and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them alive. Why are you grumbling? Why are you complaining over a seeming delay, over a temporary period? Have you not heard that he that keepeth Israel neither sleeps nor slumbers? He said he has graven your name upon the hollows of His palm and can never forsake them that call upon His holy name. If He gave you life, be happy for He has a plan for you – a plan of a future, a hope and an expected end. Grumbling is one primary reason why people’s lives are frustrated. The Bible says a merry heart doeth well like medicine. The Bible says: “Let the weak say I am strong.” Why? Because all things are working together for your good. So stop murmuring if you desire to see the glory. Faith is to hope upon

He was strong in faith and that is why nobody can use me to learn spiritually because my faith is acidic hope and the hope that God never fails is enough to encourage your soul. The other one we read in the book of Hebrews was because of their unbelief. Unbelief is not believing God. It means doubting. In other words, you can be in the presence of the cloud, you can be in the presence of the fire, you can be in the presence of the miracle, you can gather the manna, and you can drink the water from the rock and still be unbelieving in your attitude. Where is the sign that you are working in faith? Your actions review your confidence. How can you say you believe and when it is time to act you grow cold feet? When they are looking for the David that will face Goliath, that is when everybody runs away from the church; because a need was mentioned. You just look at the Goliath and find an excuse to leave because you think they are setting up these things because of you. Where is your faith? They asked Peter, where is your faith. Unbelief will deny the grace of God. It stopped our fathers of old. They were in the presence of God, yet they were not able to enter into the promised land. Faith is a fact, but faith is also an act. When the woman with the issue of blood learnt about Jesus she believed Jesus can heal

her. She did not stop there but went looking for Jesus. When she came to the crusade ground, the crowd was out of control but she made up her mind to find a way to touch the garment of the master. Supposing she considered the crowd and the busy schedule of Jesus she would have gone home with a bundle of excuses and wasted that privilege. But she took advantage through a step of faith. And that is what is expected of us. Confess faith and take a bold step towards the actualisation of your dreams. The Bible talks about Abraham. It says he staggered not in unbelief but he was fully persuaded. When the word says ‘fully persuaded,’ it also means it can be partially persuaded. You can almost be persuaded but not persuaded. But for Abraham the Bible says he was fully persuaded. He was strong in faith and that is why nobody can use me to learn spiritually because my faith is acidic. I will put my head inside something that looks to people as if nothing is evident and they think I want to commit suicide. No, I am only doing it because of my confidence in God. It has not failed yet. God will not fail because of you; only let your faith activate your miracle. I see things turning around for your good in Jesus name. God has come to favour you. Arise and shine to the glory of God. If this message has blessed you, you can get more at the Powerline Bible Church. We invite you; worship with us Powerline Bible Church Glass House, Odolowu Bus Stop, Ijeshatedo, along Mile 2- Oshodi Expressway, Lagos.

You can’t give what you don’t have Power Arena Rev.

Chidi Anthony

0808 757 6773

et’s go straight to the book of 2Kings 4:8-13 – “8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. • And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. • Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. • And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. • And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. • And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this

care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people. I want to minister on a message I captioned, ‘Affecting the life of God’s servant.’ Let me tell you a little bit about the month of March. I received my call while awaiting trial in a prison, in Benue State. That was the first place I had an encounter with God. I know that I was called. But it is one thing is to be called and another thing is for you to know the area and the direction that the Lord God has called you to serve. Then there was no doubt that God called me but the issue then for me was the direction that God called me. I received the call of God but I did not know that I was called to be an Apostle. I never knew that God would use me to establish a church, not until the month of March. That was when God appeared to me and gave me the name of this ministry. I saw, in a vision then, a lot of people who were chained. The Lord took me to a place where many people were in chains. And the Lord said to me: “Son, these are people who are supposed to be kings.” But the enemy has enslaved them. The Lord told me that he brought me to the place so that I can liberate them and give them the crown. He showed me many crowns scattered around and said, “Those crowns you see by the sides belong to them.”

I saw, in a vision then, a lot of people who were chained. The Lord took me to a place where many people were in chains. And the Lord said to me: “Son, these are people who are supposed to be kings.” But the enemy has enslaved them

Then asked the Lord: “How?” The Lord said to me: “Ask no question for I am with you. If only you can obey me and follow my instruction, I will perfect your desire. In that dream, I made a move. Before I could come into the midst of the people in chains, I saw the chains on their hands and legs breaking. And the Lord said to me: “Take those crowns and give to every one of them; I have made you a king maker. Make these people kings in me.” That is how the name of this ministry came to be called Kings in Christ. Because the name was given to me in the month of March, and God also brought me into planet earth in the month of March, two things are about to work in your life today. By the grace that followed me from my mother’s womb, and the anointing that God bestowed upon my life, I am a man of God. Before the end of

this month, men will bless you in the name of Jesus. God gave me the name Kings in Christ in the month of March, but the ministry was established in the month of August. What you have is what you can give to other people. What you don’t have you cannot give to another. Because God has made me a celebrity, I prophesy to as many as are under the sound of my voice, if I am a man of God, in your family you will be the celebrated. In every sphere of your life you will be celebrated. And the Bible said in the book of 2Kings 4. It is a popular scripture; you and I know about the prophet Elisha. When we talk about prophets, we have the major and minor prophets. There are people that when they speak the earth will speak and swallow enemies. There are some that will talk and the heavens will hold back the rain. When some prophets talk enemies will go blind. Those are the Major Prophets in the scripture. I want to tell you good news today; you have a major prophet in your midst. Any one that is set to present himself or herself as your enemy will go blind henceforth. Come and experience the power dimension as we worship God at Kings in Christ Power Ministries International, 17 Jubilee Close, off Taiwo Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota Lagos.

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, Sunday Telegraph,

Faith

Laudato Si: Equity for nature and humanity Firm Faith:

Right Reason Most Rev.

Emmanuel A. Badejo fradebadejo@yahoo.

0803 949 4219 (SMS only)

audato Si, the encyclical of Pope Francis on ecology, really should not become a “had we listened document”. It addresses so many causes of injustice and imbalance in the world today that portions of it, relevant to reality especially in the developing world, deserve to be highlighted at every opportunity. Below are some excerpts from No 47- 52: ... When media and the digital world become omnipresent, their influence can stop people from learning how to live wisely, to think deeply and to love generously. In this context, the great sages of the past run the risk of going unheard amid the noise and distractions of an information overload. Efforts need to be made to help these media become sources of new cultural progress for humanity and not a threat to our deepest riches..... Today’s media do enable us to communicate and to share our knowledge and affections. Yet at times they also shield us from direct contact with the pain, the fears and the joys of others and the complexity of their personal experiences. For this reason, we should be concerned that, alongside the exciting possibilities offered by these media, a deep and melancholic dissatisfaction with interpersonal rela-

tions, or a harmful sense of isolation, can also arise. The human environment and the natural environment deteriorate together; we cannot adequately combat environmental degradation unless we attend to causes related to human and social degradation. In fact, the deterioration of the environment and of society affects the most vulnerable people on the planet: “Both everyday experience and scientific research show that the gravest effects of all attacks on the environment are suffered by the poorest”. For example, the depletion of fishing reserves especially hurts small fishing communities without the means to replace those resources; water pollution particularly affects the poor who cannot buy bottled water; and rises in the sea level mainly affect impoverished coastal populations who have nowhere else to go. The impact of present imbalances is also seen in the premature death of many of the poor, in conflicts sparked by the shortage of resources, and in any number of other problems which are insufficiently represented on global agendas. It needs to be said that, generally speaking, there is little in the way of clear awareness of problems which especially affect the excluded. Yet they are the majority of the planet’s population, billions of people. These days, they are mentioned in international political and economic discussions, but one often has the impression that their problems are brought up as an afterthought, a question which gets added almost out of duty or in a tangential way, if not treated merely as collateral damage. Indeed, when all is said and done, they frequently remain at the bottom of the pile....

Today’s media do enable us to communicate and to share our knowledge and affections Instead of resolving the problems of the poor and thinking of how the world can be different, some can only propose a reduction in the birth rate. At times, developing countries face forms of international pressure which make economic assistance contingent on certain policies of “reproductive health”. Yet “while it is true that an unequal distribution of the population and of available resources creates obstacles to development and a sustainable use of the environment, it must nonetheless be recognized that demographic growth is fully compatible with an integral and shared development”. To blame population growth instead of extreme and selective consumerism on the part of some, is one way of refusing to face the issues. It is an attempt to legitimize the present model of distribution, where a minority believes that it has the right to consume in a way which can never be universalized, since the planet could not even contain the waste products of such consumption. Besides, we know that approximately a third of all food produced is discarded, and “whenever food is thrown out it is as if it were stolen from the table of the poor”.... Inequity affects not only individuals but entire countries; it compels us to consider an ethics of international relations. A true “ecological debt” exists, particularly between the global north and south, connected to commercial imbalances with effects on the environment, and the

disproportionate use of natural resources by certain countries over long periods of time.... The warming caused by huge consumption on the part of some rich countries has repercussions on the poorest areas of the world, especially Africa, where a rise in temperature, together with drought, has proved devastating for farming. .... The foreign debt of poor countries has become a way of controlling them, yet this is not the case where ecological debt is concerned. In different ways, developing countries, where the most important reserves of the biosphere are found, continue to fuel the development of richer countries at the cost of their own present and future. The land of the southern poor is rich and mostly unpolluted, yet access to ownership of goods and resources for meeting vital needs is inhibited by a system of commercial relations and ownership which is structurally perverse. With such issues, Laudato Si highlights also the fundamental causes of contemporary human misery and indifference. Till date, thousands die on the high seas in deadly attempts to access Europe and get scant attention. Italy is daily fishing out hundreds of bodies from its seas. Britain and France are building up forces, not for war, but for stopping immigrants in search of livelihood reaching their countries. Other countries are building concrete fences over hundreds of miles to keep foreigners in search of work away. How effectively these measures will work and at what cost, is anybody’s guess. Perhaps a shorter and surer way out is to listen to Pope Francis and evolve a more sympathetic, inclusive approach to healing our wounded world.

Born a hero, ushered into bondage (2) Insight Rev.

Femi Akinola

www.thehebrewsng.com

01-790 3163; 0808 584 5864

ast edition, we were talking about how a born hero was ushered into a life of servitude. This week, we shall continue with the schemes the devil uses to conscript heroes into bondage.:

Demonic Prayers Numbers 22:5-6 clearly reflects what some so-called men of God do in the name of avenging their ‘clients’. I was on the mountain many years back and a sister brought the picture of another sister. She reported that the lady is too pompous and so she wanted to scatter her marriage. The first thing this evil prophet asked was, ‘So what did you bring for me?’ As young as I was then, I wondered, when men of God became ‘assassins’ who destroy people’s lives? Anybody offering men of God bread and butter to tamper with your destiny, I see them receiving divine stroke from heaven in Jesus name. Though I was young but out of holy anger and by the help of the Holy Spirit, I intercepted this demonic move and I ensured that she left the prayer mountain in shame. Anybody calling your head for evil through demonic prayer, the arrow of God will locate and scatter them in the name of Jesus. • Manipulation through the cap or

head-tie If you love to use cap/head-tie or you are fond of lending your personal effects like head-tie out to people then you are in for a shocker. Perhaps you are suffering now because your cap was stolen when you were small. I hereby command your stolen glory to be restored in the name of Jesus. How lenient are you when you notice strange moves around your children? Once the enemy succeeds in capturing what they see in them, then for them to fulfill destiny becomes ‘mission impossible’. Incision on the head I mentioned earlier that it is the head that carries everything one’s life or destiny symbolises. Another channel the devil has fashioned out to capture its victims is via incisions on the head. Any incision on your head under any name is an establishment of a satanic covenant. Have you ever considered what constitutes the black substance that is used to make the incision on you? As negligible as this may seem, it is very costly to the fulfillment of your destiny. You wake up and discern that something has gone wrong with your head, then you need to challenge your head with the fire of the Holy Ghost as a way of self-deliverance. I decree in the name of Jesus that any demonic covenant you have entered into through incision on the head, God is breaking such now by fire. • Carrying sacrifice on your head When a man under the deceit of the powers of darkness is asked to carry a sacrifice as a way of ‘securing’ deliverance, he has just surrendered

his head as a medium for satanic transport from one coven to another in the kingdom of darkness. If you are under this affliction, receive your deliverance now by fire in Jesus name. • Satanic summoning Summoning the head of a victim is an age-long satanic practice the enemy uses to kill, maim, cage and kill destinies of men. “One night, when everyone was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away.” Matt 13:25 (GNT) While you are asleep, an evil personality could summon your head inside a pot or calabash and if you are not filled with the power of the Most High, this becomes the beginning of affliction. Many have become victims of this wickedness from the pit of hell but how can they be redeemed if they are not willing to reckon with the Great Deliverer who has all powers for their salvation and deliverance? Come out of that bondage For you to come out of the oppression of the wicked requires you to get the passport of the spirit, which is Jesus Christ. Until Christ becomes the Lord and anchor of your life, you will remain a candidate of life’s crises. You must renounce all beggarly powers before God can come to your rescue. Any consultation with the powers of darkness will only compound your woes. “And so, in honor of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees.” Phi 2:10 (GNT) When the anointing is at work in

your life, it becomes difficult for your head to be bewitched or conscripted into bondage. Anoint yourself and your family members as this is a means of re-dedicating them to God. Engage the enemy or the power of darkness that wants to usher your head into bondage in warfare prayer. Until you are corrosive with your prayers, it will be difficult to disarm powers that want to usher you into bondage. Get fresh fire today to conquer your enemy and so shall it be in Jesus name. Pray these prayers aggressively Load of witchcraft attached to my head, catch fire and burn to ashes! Owners of evil load, carry your load by fire! •Any wicked prayer that is targeted against my head, return to your sender! •Any satanic prophet hired against my destiny, receive the arrow of madness! • Anybody using the help of wicked prophet to cage my star, both the person and the prophet, be exposed and disgraced! •Anywhere my personal effect is taken for evil, hammer of the Living God scatter them into desolation! • Anybody doing evil experiment with my head receive thunder and die! •I challenge my head with the fire of the Holy Ghost; I refuse to be summoned for evil! •Covens of darkness with satanic attempt on my star scatter to pieces by fire! In Jesus name

CO NTINUED O

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

US same- sex verdict and its implications Recently, the Supreme Court of the United States of America gave a controversial ruling in favour of same-sex marriage. In this pieces, the Director of Communication, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, describes the US position on gay rights as outrageous.

Osu

reedom is good, but it must have a reasonably limit. For the average man, freedom needs to be checkmated or else it may lead to disaster. This is what is playing out right now in the United States of America, the country that prides itself as upholding the freedom and integrity of humans. Against all sound moral judgement, the Supreme Court gave a very controversial ruling when it pronounced that states cannot keep same-sex couples from marrying and must recognize their unions. This is simply outrageous! Who dictates how humans should live? Humans or the Creator? What gives humans the right to go against the dictates of the creator by fashioning for himself what is right or wrong? Are we now changing the human biological disposition by given men womb to carry babies and vice versa? What is happening to our family values? For those who have been watching the unfolding drama keenly over the years, it did not really come as a surprise. For long, the powerful pro-gay agencies in governments over the world have been infiltrating the economy, and positioning themselves into positions of authority, even in the judiciary and the Church. Remember the issue of the Anglican Church in England appointing a gay bishop which led to Nigeria pulling out. For long, they have been going round the world in the name of giving grants and providing life-line for the poor and the needy while secretly projecting their hidden agenda. Is it not about time that the rest of the world wake up from slumber and see the sinister plot to

For long, the powerful progay agencies in governments over the world have been infiltrating the economy, and positioning themselves into positions of authority, even in the judiciary and the Church

turn our value systems upside down! It is no longer news that Nigeria is among many other nations that have refused to recognize same sex marriage as it is alien to our culture. During the era of Goodluck Jonathan, the US government and its agencies mounted pressures on the National Assembly to approve the ill-fated bill without success. Though our refusal came with some economic sanctions, we are still standing strong. And now that President Muhammadu Buhari appears to be the newest beautiful bride of the US, at this point, it is instructive for him to be wary of any promises made to them, especially during his visit to US later this month. I do not need to be a prophet to know that they would try to force him to reconsider their demand in the name of individual liberty and freedom. He must not shift ground.

The book of Romans 1: 26-28, clearly outlines what is currently happing in the world. · “ Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.” We are indeed living in the last days with the Anti-Christ and his cohorts walking very hard to infiltrate our lives and cause many to go astray. But we cannot just fold our hands and give up. We must defend those values we hold sacred. Let the Lawyers and the educated in our midst speak out. Let the ambassadors and politicians speak out. Let the people of all religion stand up. All Christians and other right thinking individuals not only in US but all over the world to stand up and speak with one voice condemning same sex marriage in all its ramification. We cannot afford to stand aloof and watch as some individuals dictate for us how to live in conformity to their worldly standard and fragrant defiance of the tenets of our faith. Monsignor Gabriel Osu is the Director of Communication, catholic Arcdiocese of Lagos.

Crime

Serving policeman heads robbery gang Juliana Francis

serving policeman attached to the Area ‘A’ Police Command, Lion Building, Campbell, Lagos Island has been arrested for allegedly heading a robbery gang. The suspect, Sergeant Joseph Okweke, allegedly used his uniform to carry out robberies. Okweke, who is from Ubul Uku in Delta State, said the sight of his uniform usually made people to lower their guard; making it easy for him and his suspected gang members to operate freely. The five-man gang, which specialised in attacking warehouses after tying up their security guards, was busted after its members went for an operation at Ogudu in Lagos. While two members of the gang escaped, Okweke and two others were arrested. The two have been identified as Gbenga and Orobo. The latter is a dismissed army officer who had refused to reveal why he was kicked out of the army. The men were arrested by security guards attached to a company they went to rob. The guards handed them over to Ogudu Police Station. While being interrogated, Okweke said he had been robbing with his uniform for over five years. Police detectives, however, believe it has been longer than that. Okweke was recruited into the Nigeria Police Force in 2000. He was a Mobile Policeman at Mopol 22, Ikeja, before he was

On the day they came to attack, security guards on ground were too many. The guards overpowered the gang and collected Okweke’s pump action from him. One of the guards recognised Gbenga ‘de-mobbed’ and moved to regular police. After he left Mobile Police, he was transferred to Lagos State Police Command and posted to Area ‘A’ Police Command, Lion Building. A police source said: “The gang specialised in robbing warehouses. The sergeant used to operate in his police uniform. Once he and his gang stormed a warehouse, Okweke would use his pump action gun to threaten the guards. They would tie the guards. His men would start loading their vehicles with the goods from the warehouse. A few hours after leaving the scene of the robbery, the sergeant would take the goods to Onitsha in Anambra State to sell to a buyer called Benjamin Osuozu. He used to escort the goods wearing his uniform. This would make policemen on the road not to flag him down to ask questions about the goods. We discovered that the gang also used to snatch cars, which

they sell at Onitsha.” Investigators said that Okweke and his gang once stole vehicle batteries running into millions of naira from a warehouse. They also robbed a warehouse of 120 motorbikes. The motorbikes were supposed to be sold for over N100,000 each but Okweke dashed to Onitsha and disposed of them for N60, 000 each. “Once he delivered the stolen goods, the receiver of the stolen items would pay money into Okweke’s account. He would go back to Lagos, cash the money and share with members of his gang,” said a police source. The source added: “Gbenga and Orobo are the gang members in charge of locating the warehouses that would be robbed. They used to go there as applicants, seeking for jobs in the warehouse section. They would write applications with their names and addresses. They would keep coming to the warehouse, pretending they were checking up on their applications. But they were actually trying to know the work routine of the guards and the terrain of the area. Later, they would strike!” In the last operation that led to their downfall, Orobo and Gbenga went to apply for jobs in a warehouse located at Ogudu. They went through their modus operandi of writing applications and then picked a day to strike. On the day they came to attack, security guards on ground were too many. The guards overpowered the gang and col-

lected Okweke’s pump action from him. One of the guards recognised Gbenga. The reason the security guards were many on that day is yet unknown. Two members of the gang escaped while three were arrested and handed over to the police. Okweke has been referred to Lagos Command Police Provost for orderly room trial, before he would be charged to court for armed robbery. Earlier this year, one Sgt. Ejembi Austin, also attached to Area ‘A’ Police Command, Lion Building, was arrested after robbers who were already in police custody, named him as the person who used to sell ammunition to them. Austin was arrested at the point when money and ammunition were exchanging hands between him and the armed robbers who set a trap for him, while policemen investigating the case, hid, watching. Austin was recruited into the Nigeria Police Force in 1999. He trained in Kaduna and later mobilised into Mobile Police Force (Mopol) 20 Squadron, where he worked with the Rapid Respond Squad (RRS). When he left Mopol 20, he started working at ‘Area ‘A’ Police Command,’ Lion Building, Lagos Island. Determined to escape prosecution, Austin sued the Nigeria Police Force for unlawful arrest. He was charged to court for armed robbery and remanded while his case is awaiting the Director of Public Prosecutions’ advice.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Faith

A lesson from the Rechabites Mystery ofAnxiety Bishop

John Ogbansiegbe

0803 341 6327

he word which came unto Jeremiah from the Lord in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying, “Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them, and bring them into the house of the Lord, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink. Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habaziniah, and his brethren, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites; and I brought them into the house of the Lord, unto the chambers of the son of Hanan the son of Igdaliah a manof God, which was by the chambers of the princes, which was above the chambers of the Messeiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cup, and I said unto them; drink ye for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons forever. Neither shall ye build house nor sow seed nor plant vine yard, nor

have any; but all your days, ye shall dwell in tents, that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers. Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab, the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters. Nor to build houses for us to dwell in; neither have we vineyard nor field, nor sow seed. But we have dwelt in tents and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father hath commanded us” – Jeremiah35:1-10. “Then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah saying, “Thus said the Lord of host, the God of Israel; God and tell the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, will ye not receive instruction to harking to my words? Saith the Lord. The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father’s commandment. Notwithstanding, I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking, but ye harkened not unto me” – Jeremiah 35:12-1. The above scriptural story was prompted by the fact that, there was a time that the children of Israel began to disobey God, and God was embittered. God normally spoke to them through symbols and expressed His mind symbolically to them through His prophets. God told Jeremiah to go to the

The power of the devil is limited by the power of God. Whenever the power of God comes into action, the power of the devil is jettisoned

Rechabites and observe their degree of obedience to the instructions of their grandfather, a mere man. They have remained unshakeably obedient to the instructions of their grandfather, a mere mortal, but the people of Israel who have seen my power, glory and felt my tender mercies and loving kindness, have continued to disobey me. Why did God choose the children of the Rechabites for this symbolic message? This is because they were Canaanites, the descendants of Jethro; father in-law of Moses the Midianite. How did they come to dwell there? They dwelt in Ephraim. The Ephraimites were the greatest wine drinkers in Israel. Because of this disposition, they were riotous, unorganised and lived licentiously. The Jews knew the origin and background of the Rechabites as well as their association and relationship with the Ephraimites, despised them and

treated them with contempt. Similarly, an unbeliever will obey Juju and the instruction of a witch doctor without reservation, but Christians will not obey God totally. Witch doctors and occult groups are agents of Satan. Satan can only destroy the flesh. There is a limit to what the devil can do. The power of the devil is limited by the power of God. Whenever the power of God comes into action the power of the devil is jettisoned. This was why the word of God declared, “And the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not” – John 1:5. Also in the book of Matthew 10:28, the word of God declared, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul, but rather fear him which is able to destroy both the soul and the body in hell.” If the people in the world, unbelievers and members of demonic cult groups obey cheap deities as well as the demonic rules guiding their cult fraternity, then Christian believers should be challenged to serve, obey and worship God more and better. Obedience to Satan is slavery, permanent servitude, depravity and bondage, but obedience to God is abundant life, peace, righteousness and joy in the Holy Ghost. Obedience to God means the existence of a smooth relationship and communion with God.

Giving: The law of return the of

Oracles God

Frank Oboden Olomukoro frankolomukoro@yahoo.com

0703 362 1866

iving evokes multiplier effect no matter how little or how big. “But this I say, he which sowed sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sowed bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” The farmer that sows only few seed grains on his vast acres of land will only reap corresponding to what is sown, the large acres of land notwithstanding. That is simply why God abhors the sluggard, the lazy and the excessive sleeper because their input is almost nothing so they end up living in poverty. Poverty is a scourge. It is reaped by those who consistently fail to sow seeds of success in their vineyard. “… whatsoever he does shall prosper,” Psalm 1:3. The sluggard sows absolutely nothing so nothing to harvest. The law of return depends wholly on how much you give. “Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete with it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). The return is usually greater than what is given. What is sown is multiplied several times. This is why we must imbibe

the basic understanding why believers are encouraged to give. Giving must not be under compulsion or grudgingly done. It must proceed from a ready and willing heart. Infact, God loves those who give cheerfully and generously. These are the factors that enhance the law of return as a benefit to the giver. We believe that now, at the end of the time of grace, all things in everyone’s personal life and in the church are being brought back into their rightful order before God and that the complete restoration in all areas is indeed taking place. As it was with the first Christians who believed the pure word of God and carried the divine love for the truth in their heart, that is how it will be once again at the end among the true children of God. We belong to the Lord with everything that He has given us and are only stewards of what was entrusted unto us. Dear Brothers and Sisters, precious friends, we only have a very short time left on this earth. Let us first seek the kingdom of God, and all the other things we might have need of will be granted unto us. Let us give cheerfully and generously, not out of obligation, but simply because of gratitude to the LORD. Receivers never get enough While givers never lack; always they smile home with the showers of blessings poured from the windows of heaven filling their store houses, receivers are stranded with lack, with insufficiency, with peanuts that trickles in, that is never enough to meet their basic needs, let alone being a channel of blessing. This is

As it was with the first Christians who believed the pure word of God and carried the divine love for the truth in their heart, that is how it will be once again at the end among the true children of God primarily because they don’t possess an attitude or drive to sow into their own farm land and into the Kingdom of God. They indeed have a farm land but fail to sow their seeds and wait for a harvest. They are therefore known to be eaters of their sowing seeds - what is known in modern parlance as their capital. Therefore, there is no store house or barn where harvested crops are kept. In the scripture, God never spoke or made a statement on what you stand to benefit as a receiver. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, running over, shall men give into your bosom.” In His choice of words, God never said give and you shall receive, that will make you a receiver. He carefully used the appropriate words and terms, give and you shall be given. A giver will be given. It will take a giver to adequately give to a giver. Since a giver is not a receiver, it follows he has positioned himself to be given. As long as the flow of investment is sustained, the in flow

can never be cut off. How much can a way side beggar give to another? Nothing, because he is always in a state of lack, so he will never have enough to part with. There are many who possess the spirit of a beggar but are not found sitting by the wayside. Being by the roadside or by- way begging is an indication of perpetual lack. If the beggar breaks away from the tradition of receiving to investing or sowing then his entire life style will change. Giving attracts God’s favor, it connects you to those who will channel you to a place of abundance. Receivers has no dream, no aspiration, no vision so investment and mission is lacking. Hence no projection for expansion and growth. By these no return is expected. The law of return caught up with Nabal, being a self- centered man, for failing to give when it was utmost necessary. It cost him his life, God personally smote him dead, he also lost his wife, Abigail to David. The windows of heaven are short to a receiver. Givers abound in the scripture, the likes of Abraham, the Lord Jesus Christ, the woman of Zarephath, Mary Magdalene to name a few. All received abundantly in return for giving at a very crisis moment. Joseph may not have given money but he gave his time, his strength, and life in the services he rendered in Portifer`s Estate and prison yard. He was rewarded accordingly beyond the stretch of his imagination. We are at liberty to give without withholding and surely the natural law of return will apply

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

The Voice of Dominion by

Bishop David Oyedepo

7747546-8 (SMS only)

od’s Word is the spiritual mirror that shows us God’s picture for our lives—who we are in Christ , what we carry, what we can do and how to do them. As it is written: But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:25). It is knowing who we are, where we are from, what we are worth and what we carry from the Word that empowers us to become what we have been redeemed to be. Therefore, until we catch our real picture from God’s Word, we will be subjected to the hazards in the world. There was a story told by Kenneth E. Hagin about a lion cub that was captured and made to grow among sheep. When-

Commanding the supernatural by the power of the tongue ever they went to the stream and sighted a lion on the other side, all the sheep fled for their lives, including the lion-sheep. Invariably, it lost its lionic identity by virtue of its environment until the day it saw its reflection on the surface of the water. That day, it regained its identity and confidence. As a result, when other sheep fled at the appearance of a lion, it didn’t. This is helps us to understand that we must not allow our environment to corrupt the picture of who we really are. Who are we? • Every child of God is redeemed a citizen of heaven: By redemption, every child of God has been translated from the kingdom of the earth to the Kingdom of His own dear Son, Jesus. That means at redemption, we are translated into another Kingdom, which is situated in the heavenly places (Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 2:6). • We are redeemed as ambassadors of Christ on the earth: An ambassador is an

official, who lives in a foreign country as the senior representative of his or her own country. Any assault against him/ her is an assault against the nation he represents. Similarly, we are heavenly citizens on ambassadorial missions on the earth to reconcile the world to God. As such, we are no go areas for the things that torture others. Therefore, we must have a sense of immunity and an ambassadorial mentality to enhance our level of command of the supernatural (2 Corinthians 5:20; John 3:31; John 8:23). However, to be an ambassador of heaven, you must first be a citizen of heaven by being born again. Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today,

I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!” For further reading, please get my books: Releasing The Supernatural, Walking In The Miraculous, Commanding The Supernatural. Commanding the Supernatural by the power of the tongue! (2) Last week, we began this teaching series with the understanding that until we catch our real picture from God’s Word, we will be subjected to the hazards in the world. We also learnt that we are heavenly citizens on ambassadorial missions on the earth to reconcile the world to God. As such, what molest others cannot come near us. This week, we will further examine what redemption guarantees us: • From scriptures, we understand that we are redeemed to command supernatural breakthroughs: Everyone who is born again is a spirit being and born as a sign to his world. That is, he is born to live the supernatural (struggle-free) life, which is the natural estate of every child of God. As it is written: That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit (John 3:6-8). However, we must engage our tongues to command the supernatural. The highlighted scripture above “...And thou hearest the sound thereof....” helps us to understand that it takes “the sound” to command “the signs”. Again, we saw in scriptures how the disciples went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word they spoke (their sounds) with signs following. These help us to know that it is making appropriate sounds (the use of our tongues) that puts us in command of the signs (Mark 16:20). However, it is important to know that no matter how anointed an individual, a closed mouth hinders the flow of the supernatural. For instance, when Judas went in the company of men to arrest Jesus, the Bible records: Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground (John 18:4-6). In another account, the Bible spoke of Christ in prophecy and the price of redemption from Isaiah 53:7, saying: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. Jesus the most anointed, the living Word of God sent as a sign, was oppressed and afflicted because ‘He opened not His mouth.’ That means no matter our level of anointing, if we do not open our mouths to utter words of authority against our situations and circumstances, we stand the risk of being oppressed and afflicted. But that will not be your portion in Jesus name! Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins.

SUNDAY

Sport 59

SUNDAY, JULY 05, 2015

Wrestling

Arm Wrestling debuts at Olympic Day Run p.62

Tennis

Wimbledon: Venus vs. Serena through the years p.62

Football

Adekanye free after four years of football slavery p.60

Golf

Fresh scandal brews on Tiger Woods’ affairs p.61

FIFA Women’s World cup final •USA battle Japan for supremacy

Deputy Sports Editor Dapo Sotuminu daposotu@yahoo.com

oday’s final game in the 2015 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup between the United States and Japan is more of a rematch after the two teams outsmarted themselves in previous competitions. The USA with the likes of Wambach lost to Japan at the last edition of the World Cup in 2011, while the Americans took their own revenge at the women’s football event final at the London 2012 Olympics where they beat the Japanese to the gold medal. Now these two teams will do battle in the deciding match of a major competition for a third time in what promises to be an engrossing conclusion to the Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. The final match which has been fixed for Vancouver would kickoff 16:00 local time. At Canada 2015, USA have kept up their streak of gracing at least the semi-finals in all seven staging of the tournament and progressed to their fourth final. Indeed, the two-time winners have never finished lower than third on the world stage, a record to strike fear into the hearts of any opposition. However, one of their final defeats, in 2011, came as heavy favourites against a Japan side who were in unfamiliar

territory and had not been given much hope against high-profile figures such as Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan, Hope Solo and Christie Rampone. Once again, USA look to have a slight edge on paper. Not only do they sit ahead of Japan in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking - second compared to fourth - but they have also had an arguably more impressive run so far. The Stars and Stripes topped a tough group featuring Australia, Nigeria and Sweden before successively knocking out Colombia, China PR and fellow double-titlists Germany in convincing fashion. The Nadeshiko, on the other hand, have won every match by a single goal, scraping past four debutants (Switzerland, Cameroon, Ecuador and the Netherlands) prior to edging to victory over Australia and, in dramatic circumstances, England. Nevertheless, there should be no underestimating the Japanese, who followed up their 2011 conquest by reaching the final at London 2012 and claiming their

YEAR WINNER 2015 2011 Japan 2007 Germany 2003 Germany 1999 United States 1995 Norway 1991 United States

RUNNER-UP

3rd PLACE

United States Brazil Sweden China Germany Norway

Sweden United States United States Brazil United States Sweden

first AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2014. As one of the three American players to miss from the spot in the final shoot-out at Germany 2011, Carli Lloyd must have had many a nightmare about Japan. That said, she did go some way towards settling the scores a year later with a match-winning brace against the same opponents on the way to capturing the Olympic crown. Will her third final against the Japanese end in joy or tears? On the other hand, Yuki Nagasato was the sole Japanese penalty taker who failed to convert in 2011, but that did not stop her from lifting the trophy. Though she hit the net the following year in London, by which time she had got married and changed her name to Yuki Ogimi, that strike

was not enough to avoid the disappointment of defeat. What does fate have in store for her this time round? The statistics show that Japan have scored 33.3 per cent of their goals in the first quarter of an hour of their games in Canada and a further 33 per cent in the last 15 minutes. By contrast, the Americans have notched a third of their efforts between the 45th and 60th minutes and another third between the 60th and 75th two periods in which the Asians have drawn blanks. Japan coach, Norio Sasaki, said: “The two teams played out a wonderful match in 2011 and for the sake of women’s football, I hope it’s a similar affair in 2015 - that in itself would make me very happy. We faced them in a friendly last year, in which we felt the force of their power. We will apply the lessons we learned from that in the final.”

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sport

Adekanye free after four years of football slavery

Dapo Sotuminu fter being kept in the doldrums of football slavery for four years at the tender age of 12 years, Nigerian-born Bobby Adekanye, finally secured his freedom as a free agent from the youth team of Spanish giants, Barcelona FC. Today, the travails of Bobby are in the past as he brims with smiles with the possibility of playing first team football for English Premier League side Liverpool FC which grabbed his signature on Friday in a celebrated transfer move. Adekanye expressed his delight at the deal which he said was a dream move to the biggest league in the world. Now 16-years-old, Adekanye would join

the likes of Arsenal FC star, Theo Walcott who was engaged by the North London side at the tender age of 13 years. The Nigerian-born Dutch junior international finally breathed a sigh of relief coming from the background of a dispute between Barcelona and FIFA. Bobby Adekanye, along with five others from around the world were banned by FIFA from taking part in competitive games in 2011. Those who got the hammer in the colours of the Catalan side include Koreans Paik Seung-Ho, Lee Seung Woo and Jang Gyeolhee, Theo Chendri from France, Nigerian-Dutchman Bobby Adekanye and Cameroonian Patric Sousia. The club was found guilty of breaking laws regarding the signing of overseas minors. FIFA only sanction international youth

transfers if – the player’s parents have moved country for their own, non-related reasons; the move happens within the European Union and the player is aged 16-18; or the player’s home is less than 50km from the national border crossing. In the case of Bobby whose mother, Bukola Mosunmola and Father Ademola are based in the Netherlands, he was recruited from a renowned academy at La Masia. FIFA accused Barcelona of signing the player illegally from Ajax in 2011 when he was just 12years old. Barca afterwards sent him on a loan to PSV Eindhoven. The Nigerian-born winger, a Dutch youth international, impressed during his stay in Holland and the 1988 European champions were keen to make his move permanent. Barca’s preference was that he remained in the Netherlands until

the matter was resolved with FIFA but no conclusion had been reached. While this was on, the Dutch FA called him up to their Under-16s for the Algarve Cup back in February, where he impressed against the likes of Spain, Portugal and Germany U16s. Born in Nigeria, Adekanye moved to Holland when he was four years old to live in Amsterdam with his family. The 16-year-old who has drawn comparisons in Holland with Bayern Munich forward Arjen Robben is also being chased by the Dutch FA who wants to secure him for their country ahead of lacing up for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The skilful, left-footed Bobby is blessed with great pace and has plenty of potential.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015

Sport

Golf Weekly

Fresh scandal brews on Tiger Woods’ affairs

iger Woods’ string of women may be a wellknown footnote in his history, but one thing the sports star says he isn’t engaged in is an affair with Amanda Boyd, ex-wife of fellow pro-golfer Jason Dufner. “There is absolutely zero truth to the unfounded rumor, Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg said. “It is wholly false.” A case of a Tiger unable to change its stripes? Tiger Woods was dumped by Lindsey Vonn in May after “she caught him cheating with a fellow golfer’s ex-wife.” The woman in question, Amanda Boyd, is the former flame of Jason Dufner, winner of the 2013 PGA Championship, but whose career of late has endured the same downward spiral as the man accused of conducting a “steamy affair” with his ex. “Even though Tiger dated Lindsey for years, he had a ‘thing’ for Amanda. At first, it was just innocent flirting, but

earlier this year it became serious.” The denial comes in response to a news report, which states that Woods and Boyd have “been having a steamy affair for several months. When (his now ex-girlfriend) Lindsey Vonn found out about their affair in the early spring, she hit the roof and kicked Tiger to the curb!” Referencing divorce papers filed March 16, Boyd’s marriage of three years suffered an “irretrievable breakdown.” Boyd and Dufner ultimately separated on Feb. 17 due to “a complete incompatibility of temperament.” As it stands now, Boyd hasn’t commented on talk of an affair with Woods. Fooling around with Boyd isn’t the only thing Woods is denying. “I couldn’t deny this more vehemently. There is less than zero strand of truth to it. 100 percent false. 100 percent fabricated and zero credence. Absolutely, unequivocally untrue. They are

not even acquaintances,” he said. “It’s absolutely ridiculous.” Wood’s dismissal of the affair allegations comes after he and Vonn announced their break up in May after dating for three years. “Tiger and I have mutually decided to end our relationship. I will always cherish the memories that we’ve created together,” Vonn, wrote on Facebook. “Unfortunately, we both lead incredibly hectic lives that force us to spend a majority of our time apart,” she added. “I will always admire and respect Tiger.” Like Vonn, Woods broke news of the breakup online to fans as he confirmed Vonn’s account of the split on his official website. “Lindsey and I have mutually decided to stop dating,” Woods said. “I have great admiration, respect and love for Lindsey and I’ll always cherish our time together. She has been amazing with Sam and Charlie and my entire family.”

Tiger: ‘People thought I was crazy’

NBA star Shaquille O’Neal awful at golf

haquille O’Neal owned the basketball court when he planted his size 23s on the hardwood but it would seem the giant centre’s powers do not extend to the golf course. The four-time NBA world champion, widely regarded as one of the best players in the history of basketball, took to the tee for the Greenbrier Classic pro-am and it is clear his swing

needs some work. O’Neal’s attempts at teeing off are certainly not out of the teaching manuals but he seemed to enjoy himself and soaked up the clapping from the galleries present. O’Neal, who won three NBA titles with the LA Lakers, was known throughout his career for his poor freethrow shooting but as he pointed out on the video, ‘I hit them when I need them, baby.’ Amen to that, Shaq.

t hasn’t been a good year for Tiger Woods on the golf course, but the former world No. 1 showed glimpses of his old form in the first round of The Greenbrier Classic . Woods shot a 4-under 66 at The Old White TPC and was sitting just outside the top-10 when the first round concluded. Throughout his career, Woods has closed off the media, saying as little as possible or ignoring it all together. But during his recent struggles, Woods has been quite candid when describing the state of his game. Something he reminded everyone of after his round Thursday. “People thought I was crazy for saying I was close (to form),” Woods said on PGATour.com. “But I was close, and I hit the ball well all day (Thursday), except for a couple of loose tee shots.” With one top-20 (Masters) in six starts in 2015, Woods’ round came as a surprise. Things did get a little shaky for him on the sixth hole, his 15th, when he hit a poor drive leading to a double-bogey, which dropped him back to 1-under for the round. But Woods fought back, birdieing his last three holes. “I told Joey (LaCava) that we’ve been playing too well to end up 1-under-par,” Woods said. “So I felt like we could get a couple in the house, and ended up getting a hat-trick coming in.”

Sport / News

Van Persie ‘agrees Fenerbahce terms’

anchester United striker, Robin van Persie, is close to joining Fenerbahce after reportedly agreeing terms with the Turkish club. Van Persie’s agent reached an agreement in principle with the Super Lig side after two days of negotiations in Istanbul, according to The Guardian. United and Fenerbahce are said to be negotiating a fee still but it is reported that Van Persie has accepted personal terms on a four-year contract. The 31-year-old stated recently that he will only leave United if the move was right for his family. Van Persie’s wife is said to have had reservations over moving to Turkey but she is now said to be willing to relocate after spending the last week in Istanbul. The move would bring to an end Van Persie’s three-year stay at Old Trafford. The forward joined United from Arsenal for £24million in 2012 and the Dutchman earned the club’s Player of the Season award after scoring 28 goals which fired the Red Devils to the title during Sir Alex Ferguson’s final year in charge. Due in part to injuries, Van Persie’s contribution has waned over the last two campaigns. He scored 12 Premier League goals under David Moyes in the 201314 season before notching only 10 under Louis van Gaal.

World Archery Mediator resolves Nigeria’s conflict Dapo Sotuminu

he World Archery Mediator, Al-Yousouf Mayjoo, sent to Nigeria to resolve the conflict which saw the emergence of two national federations has expressed delight in the success of his special duties to Nigeria. Mr. Mayjoo, who is also the Vice-President Africa World Archery, expressed satisfaction at the level of resolution he achieved in just three days of his arrival in Nigeria where he met with members of the two federations. “When I was coming, my principals at World Archery said I should be ready to spend eight nights in Nigeria as conflicts in Africa takes long to resolve, but I was happy I achieved this in just three days. I am happy about that and I congratulate the Nigeria Archery Federation members who expressed the willingness to work together as one federation. They understood the fact that if the conflict continues the country would be banned and possibly expelled by the world federation. I am happy this won’t happen as Africa would be the loser.” The president of the Mauritius Archery Federation noted that for a final resolution, the Nigeria Archery Federation has been given provisional membership with the mandate to first and foremost have an acceptable Statutes/ Constitution which must be submitted to the world body on August 1.

SUNDAY JULY 5, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

hen Venus and Serena Williams clash Monday at Wimbledon it will be their 26th career meeting overall and sixth at the All England Club. Not since 2005 at the US Open have they met as early as the fourth round at a Grand Slam and it’s their first meeting in London since Serena beat Venus in the 2009 final - marking the longest span between Wimbledon battles. It will mark the first time the Williams sisters do battle outside the final here since 2000, when Venus won their first encounter in the semi-finals. Here, a rundown of their five Wimbledon battles and how they unfolded.

2000 semifinals: Venus def. Serena, 6-2, 7-6(3)

“They were both miserable.” That’s how Chris Evert described the scene after Venus’ win, their first of any true significance at a Grand Slam. Venus was still searching for her first major (she’d get it two days later against Lindsay Davenport), and Serena was still finding a middle ground for her powerful game.

2002 final: Serena def. Venus, 7-6(4), 6-3

It was their second consecutive meeting in a Grand Slam final and third in four majors, as well as the second leg of Serena’s famous “Serena Slam,” a span in which she beat Venus in four consecutive major finals between 2002 and 2003. It marked

Wimbledon: Venus vs. Serena through the years the third consecutive year a Williams sister had held up the winner’s Venus Rosewater Dish, only this was a first for Serena.

2003 final: Serena def. Venus, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2

Another year, another Williams sisters final, the fifth in six Slams played. Serena arrived at Wimbledon having lost to Justine Henin in a dramatic (and now infamous) French Open semifinal, but won through seven matches once again, the final against Venus, who played with injuries to her abdomen, hip and leg. It’s one of just 10 out of their 25 meetings that has gone three sets. Venus, left, with the championship trophy and Serena with the runner-up trophy in 2008. (Photo: Ryan Pierse, Getty Images)

“She’s going to have to learn how to suck things up.”

2009 final: Serena def. Venus 7-6(3), 6-2

It turned out Serena didn’t like not winning everything, however. After that 2008 Wimbledon final loss, Serena fell to Venus

just twice in eight matches, this final among five matches played between the sisters in 2009, the most of any year. Venus, once again, was heavily taped. Serena fell to her knees at the baseline to celebrate, and she’s won twice more at Wimbledon since: in 2010 and in 2012.

2008 final: Venus def. Serena 7-5, 6-4

Venus had proved her Grand Slam staying power at Wimbledon the year prior with her first major win in two years (beating Marion Bartoli), but this was perhaps her best and biggest win over little sister, capturing a fifth Wimbledon title and – to date – her most recent Slam.

Serena and Venus

Arm Wrestling debuts at Olympic Day Run Ekiti Utd to Dapo Sotuminu

he Nigeria Arm Wrestling Federation officially flagged off its activities in Nigeria on Saturday at the event of the Olympic Day Celebration which took place at the mainbowl of the National Stadium, Lagos. The federation headed by UKbased Engineer Samuel Jackson, two months ago had the provisional affiliation of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, which approved that the Arm Wrestling body should be included in the 2015 Olympic Day Celebration. The sport was demonstrated officially to all the over 500 participants that took part in Saturday’s Olympic Day Celebration. The highlights of the demonstration which was supervised by the Head Coach/ Technical Director of the Arm Wrestling Federation, Femi Akinsanya, was the catch them young segment for youth arm wrestlers where students male and female from Headstart Primary and High Schools, Isolo, Lagos took prominence as they demonstrated that they are the future of Nigeria Arm Wrestling. Engineer Jackson said after the successful demonstration of the sports, that, the Nigerian federation which is also affiliated to the African Arm Wrestling and the World Arm Wrestling Federations, has a lot in the kitty for Nigerian arm Wrestlers. Jackson, who is also an ex-international hockey player, noted that, the federation’s activities

will cut across all strata of the Nigerian society with youth development taking prominence, while the elite athletes would get more international exposure. He stressed that, “to start with Nigeria would compete at the 2015 World Arm Wrestling Championship scheduled for Malaysia in September. To this end, selection trials would be organized in August to pick the

country’s representatives.” As part of the event for the Olympic celebration, a 10-kilometre run/walk was used to round off the event. The race, which covered virtually all categories, ranged from a 10 km race/walk, 5km, 2km and a km, stared at the National Stadium, through Ojuelegba, Lawanson, Marsha and back to the stadium.

Action from the Nigeria Arm Wrestling Federation demonstration event at the 2015 Olympic Day Celebration held at the National Stadium, Lagos on Saturday

Ighalo: I’m too young to play in China

uper Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has turned down a bid by Chinese club, Hebei China Fortune FC, to grab his signature for the new season for a fee at a whopping £10 million. The former Granada FC star player said he won’t leave England for China as he has lot to offer in the English Premier League and that he is young for such move.

“My club informed me of interest from a Chinese team to sign me. I will not leave England for China now at my age. I still got a lot to offer here in England. I also understand that, the Chinese league is for aging soccer stars who are about to hang their boots. I am still very young and active and not thinking about retirement in the next 10 years,” he said.

appeal against NNL’s penalties T

he management of Ekiti United Football Club of Ado-Ekiti on Saturday said they will appeal against the N200,000 fine imposed on the club by the Nigeria National League Disciplinary Committee over disciplinary concerns. The committee had also ordered that they play three of their future matches in the league behind closed doors over attacks on match officials during their last league match before the break. The match was against visiting Go Round FC of Port Harcourt. The Chairman of the Club, Olayinka Adefemi, said in Ado-Ekiti that the allegations against the club were not true. He said, the letter containing the sanctions was addressed to the Ekiti State Football Association and not to the club She, however, said the secretary of the association had been contacted on steps to take in refuting the allegations. “I am not aware that the referee and his two assistants were assaulted during and after the match. The report by the Match Commissioner, to the best of my knowledge was aimed at discrediting the club and the state FA. Ekiti FA will reply the letter by the NNL Disciplinary Committee to refute the claims of insecurity within the stadium during the match,’’ she said. The chairman also added: “I have also spoken with the chairman of the FA Desmond Alabi and he has assured that the association would file an appeal.”

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, JULY 05, 2015

Interview

‘It’s wrong for Ekweremadu to benefit from APC’s victory’ A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Anambra State, Chief John Onunkwo, in this interview with BIYI ADEGOROYE examines the last elections and how the South-East was prevented from producing the Senate President What are your expectations from the recent change that swept the nation in the last elections? My expectations are quite high. Look at it from this angle. Nigeria is largely the richest country in Africa, endowed with human resources, and a great people who have shown that they can hold their own in any enterprise or field. Yet we are ranked with the poorest nations on earth. Why on earth should this be so? The reasons aren’t farfetched - it’s because of our poor leadership and poor management of resources. Things had gotten so bad that Nigerians themselves demanded change and this is the change we sought and found in the new President, Muhammadu Buhari. So our expectations are quite high and we know that the President will not disappoint Nigerians. But many are saying that President Buhari is slow and dragging his feet on several matters. What’s your take? I will rather or we, as Nigerians do not listen to such persons, there are mere detractors wanting to rush the President into taking several decisions that may not fix Nigeria’s problems totally. Now, this is a nation that was bled for 16 years. If you know what Nigerians lost as a result of the PDP’s leadership, if you wish this country well, you would understand that it will require strategic thinking and planning to get this country at full throttle. President Buhari understands these things and he is trying to set things right by understanding the real situation. In due course Nigerians will appreciate this measure. It is not a go slow or snail speed measure but what we call active inertia in management. President Buhari is like a jet plane trying to take off. He first moves at a snail speed to check/ set every parameter right before taking off and once he takes off, Nigerians will see that he will accelerate with a tremendous speed in terms positive change that we are yearning for. As a stakeholder in the APC, what would you like to see Buhari achieve in the first six months? Well, six months is short. But if that is the case, I will tell you that I will like to see President Buhari first of all assemble a starstudded team of technocrats, ministers, advisers, etc. This will first send a message to Nigerians that he means well. I want to see the technocrats; persons who will help the President develop robust policy frameworks and benchmarks that will guide our road to progress. That done, I want to see renewed vigour from this administration in the war against corruption, insecurity and sectors like works (roads rehabilitation), agriculture, oil and gas, education, and other infrastructural development getting priority. If these things are done then I am sure that Nigerians will brace up for change and it will be a pointer for the good things to come. Let’s go back to the elections; the APC didn’t do very well in the South-East despite its parading well known political figures. What transpired in that election? Well, what happened was what we call daylight rigging; the elections in the SouthEast I can tell you were not a true reflection of the will of the people. Yes they might have had sentiments for the former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, but that

Chief John Onunkwo

still could not have justified the zone not producing at least five senators from the zone. Take for example in my home state, Anambra, the PDP used the military and other security agencies to rig the polls; they deployed thugs armed to the teeth to snatch ballot boxes and beat those who challenged them. When this appeared not enough, they then manipulated the election figures, paying huge bribes to officials who shamelessly compromised their offices and then went on to announce results that were false. There were lots of subterranean, subterfuges in that Anambra election, intrigues and intricacies transpired. So it wasn’t a matter of the APC doing poorly in the South-East, it was rather the unfair manipulation of the electoral process which was shamelessly skewed to favour the PDP. Even at that, I think the party at the zone deserves commendation. If you remember that in 2011, the South-East through fraudulent votes gave President Jonathan nearly seven million votes, this time around despite their rigging could not muster up to three million votes, it shows that the party was quite instrumental to such an act, you cannot take that away. But even at that, don’t you think that the failure at the polls cost the Igbos the office of the Senate President, which we learnt had been zoned to them before the elections? Yes you can say that, and it is quite painful because we had persons like Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige and Senator Osita Izunaso. These are quality administrators, skilled legislators, who have brought pride to the South-East. Imagine what Ngige

would have done if he had been reelected to the Senate and had emerged as Senate President? I believe that if these rigging hadn’t taken place, the crisis bedeviling the party would not have occurred since it was originally zoned to the South-East, other senators would have worked in that line. It wouldn’t have been the free for all that we are seeing now. Ndigbo and the South-East did lose out. …but you have Ike Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President? It is morally wrong for Ekweremadu to be the beneficiary of APC’s victory. Now let me ask these questions, Is Ekweremadu a member of the APC? If a caucus meeting of the APC is called, can he attend? So why should he now benefit from the APC’s victory? Why should Ekweremadu’s party rig the elections and still come to benefit from a party they rigged out? Ekweremadu’s emergence is not for the South-East APC, it is for himself and PDP. Tell me, what has Ekweremadu brought to the South-East in terms of infrastructural development since his emergence as Deputy Senate President for the past eight years? The roads in the South-East are the poorest- death traps here and there. The allocation to universities in the South-East is the lowest, same for federal allocation. South-East still has five states as against six states of other geopolitical zones and so many other negative things befalling the South-East. What of the second Niger Bridge? So I get worried when people say that Ekweremadu has gotten the slot of the South-East, it cannot be possible since he is not an APC member and he has not been delivering democratic

dividends in terms of infrastructure to the South-East for the past eight years. If he has not delivered in the past eight years under PDP years of leadership, is it now he is an opposition senator that he can do the magic? These were the views of Senator Ngige, but somehow there has been a media backlash against him for such comments. Please ignore the backlash, let me tell you, Senator Ngige was justified in saying what he said about Ekweremadu’s emergence. He speaks for common sense, since he Ekweremadu cannot attend any of the APC’s caucus meetings as a PDP senator. This is someone whose party shamelessly rigged out persons like Senators Ngige and Izunaso who would have been ranking members and most qualified to lead the National Assembly. Without Ekweremadu and his cohorts who conspired to keep progressives like Ngige out, usurping the mandate of the people, the South-East would have at this point claimed its rightful slot as number three citizen of this country whereas the likes of Ekweremadu want us to believe that we are satisfied with being number five, which we have always being for the past eight years. Ekweremadu did say that the South-East has been accommodated on the scheme of things in Buhari administration, and the APC of South-East has been accommodated, this is unacceptable and unfair. Even the media backlash you are talking about is being sponsored by these conspirators themselves. They are rattled by the truth; they feel threatened because the likes of Ngige have refused to call black, white or white, black. Forget them, they are inconsequential. But they say that Ngige is speaking from frustration that he is seriously lobbying for the position of SGF, thus his comments on the matter? Well, one thing I know is that a man like Senator Ngige cannot be frustrated. Frustrated at what? This is a man that loves speaking the truth no matter whose ox is gored, even if it is his relative’s ox. Ngige is a man that believes in fair play and justice so what is frustrating him? A technocrat per excellence, an all-rounder, a former governor, a senator, a former director in civil service, what could ever frustrate him? The political and academic paraphernalia of Ngige could dizzy ones arithmetic of memory. He is so intelligent that his linguist prowess always calm frayed nerves whenever tensions are high. A man who stood in opposition despite the carrots that were jangled at him, despite the numerous offers made to him by PDP cannot be said to be frustrated. You see, sometimes when one appears to be principled and is refusing to budge, then they make all kinds of claims that he is frustrated, that is nonsensical. This is a man who refused to play ball with the so called godfathers in Anambra, who staked his life for the good of the Anambra people. So those saying he is doing this just to get the slot of SGF or a ministerial position are clowns and should be treated as such and I can assure you that these are the antics of a drowning men. I know you are referring to the comment of one Paul Anikwe. With the emergence of the APC, it is expected that the party might make inroads into the South -East, particularly in Anambra State where the governorship election is scheduled for 2017? Well, that is true and in the light of the politics we tend to play here there is every tendency that alliances will shift and new allegiances will be pledged. More so, I believe that President Buhari’s performance in the coming years will earn the APC a place in the heart of every Nigerian and so this will make the APC’s entry easier. However as they say, a day is a long time in politics, I believe that two years is quite enough time for the APC to get its acts together in Anambra and God willing, we shall move into government house come 2018.

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The political rumble in the legislative jungle of the 8th National Assembly (2)

THE ISSUE OF QUORUM – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Last week, we replayed history, the Mohammed Ali – George Foreman Zaire “rumble in the jungle”, arguably the greatest boxing event in history. The unfolding melodramatics from the National Assembly may pale this epochal event in to historical oblivion. This week, we shall continue with our constitutional, legal and political analysis of the political rumble in the legislative jungle of the 8th National Assembly, that opened up new vistas of political horse trading, and showed the very weak under belly of the APC as an inchoate party of disparate tendencies, seeking for congilment, persona and uniformity. Relax and read on as we unveil the under currents of this potentially implosive volcano of a sleeping magma. For those who argue that the elections of Saraki and Dogara were illegal, I only need to refer them to Section 50 of the 1999 Constitution. It provides that the President and Deputy President of the Senate and Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be elected by members of that House. No one has argued that the 49 PDP and 8 APC Senators and House of Representative mthat elected Saraki and Dogora were not members of both Houses. No one has contended that in accordance with the provisions of Section 54 (3) of the same constitution, any member had raised an objection that the quorum of both houses was less than one-third, such as to force an adjournment after a reasonable interval, as prescribed by the Constitution and Rules of both Houses. All that I have seen and heard are sheer sentiments and profuse display of emotionalism, without any legal or constitutional foundation. We should do better. The antagonists line of argument is easily consigned to the dustbin of intellectual history and rational interment by the clear provisions of Section 54 (1) of the same Constitution. It provides, most laconically, that, “the quorum of the Senate or the House of Representatives shall be one-third of all members of the legislative House concerned”. One-third, it says. Using the Senate as a case study here, there are 109 Senators. One of them, APC’s Ahmed Zannah, from Bauchi State, died before inauguration, leaving 108 Senators. One-third of 108 is 36. Let us even approximate the number of Senators to 109, for the purpose of argument. One-third of 109 is 36.3333 Senators. To avoid dismembering a human being with a view to achieving 36.3333, and to avoid a repetition of the infamous 1979 Shagari-Awolowo 122/3electoral brouhaha (well done, Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN, the ingenious Architect of this mathematical novelty), let us approximate one-third to be 37 Senators. The Senators that unanimously elected Saraki unopposed, were 57. They later swelled to 87 before the election of the Deputy Senate President. It therefore becomes crystal clear, even to the most trenchant s and traducers of Saraki, that being elected unopposed by a Senate that had 57 Senators in the chambers, was actually 20 Senators beyond the Constitutional requirement of 37 Senators to form a quorum. I have read Section 50 and other Sections of the 1999 Constitution, over and over again, but I have not stumbled upon any provision that stipulates how many members of a particular party (whether ruling, or opposition), must be present before a quorum is deemed formed;

The

Nigerian Project

MIKE OZEKHOME san, ofr mike.ozekhome@yahoo.com 08094777755 (sms only)

Saraki

or that party chieftains must first support aspirants before they emerge leaders of both Houses; or that Legislators should first wait for Party directives before carrying out the provisions of Section 50 of the 1999 Constitution, which give them powers (and the inalienable right), to elect their leaders. For the avoidance of doubt, proclamation of the National Assembly is a Constitutional matter covered by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. It is therefore, unthinkable for the same President who had earlier proclaimed the 8th National Assembly into existence to partisanly go for a mere party meeting, which is not a national assignment. By the provision of Section 64: “(1) The Senate and the House of Representatives shall each stand dissolved at the expiration of a period of four years commencing from the date of the first sitting of the House. (2) If the Federation is at war in which the territory of Nigeria is physically involved and

the President considers that it is not practicable to hold elections, the National Assembly may by resolution extend the period of four years mentioned in subsection (1) of this section from time to time but not beyond a period of six months at any one time. (3) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the person elected as the President shall have power to issue a proclamation for the holding of the first session of the National Assembly immediately after his being sworn in, or for its dissolution as provided in this section”. Going by the foregoing provision of the Constitution, there is no way the President could justifiably, legally and morally elevate partisan or party issues over and above national assignment he had directly carried out under Section 64 of the Constitution. APC members were indeed very lucky that PDP, which had 49 Senators present and voting, did not pull a fast one on them by putting forward one of them for election as Senate President. They would have got the plum number three position in Nigeria. Former Senate President, David Mark, had insisted he did not covet the position. If he did, he would have won hands down. The attendant uproar would have been more thunderous, having an opposition minority Senate President, with a majority ruling party Deputy! Nigeria missed an interesting piece of history. The above scenario would not have been unprecedented though, considering the fact that John Boehner, a Republican, representing Ohio’s 8th Congressional District, is today the Speaker of the US Congress, in a country where Barack Obama of the Democratic Party, is President. The Democrats control the Executive, while the Republicans control the Legislature. The beauty and colour of democracy! For us, the present bi-partisan make up of the Senate has only led to more robust commitment of both APC and PDP to larger National goals, with inbuilt party checks and balances, so as not to rock the National boat.

BUSY BODY

FACTORS THAT THREW UP SARAKI AND DOGARA EXISTENCE OF TOO MANY TENDENCIES The current challenges bedeviling the still inchoate and embryonically fragile APC can be located squarely within the orbit and matrix of its very conception, gestation and deliverance. The party is not the usual run-of-the-mill political party that sprang straight from the bowels of Section 229 of the 1999 Constitution. No. The party is an amalgam, a pot pouri, of variegated parties and individuals, that have tons of deferent political tendencies, cravings, ambitions, beliefs, idiosyncrasies and philosophy. The APC even, harbor some entrenched caucuses within its fold. The defunct ACN led by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, CPC led by Buhari, ANPP directed by Ogbonayo Onu, and a splinter group of APGA, led by Governor Rochas Okoracha of Imo State, pioneered this amourpous party. They were later joined by some very angry and frustrated PDP elements, who rebelled against the status quo that had denied them the joy of internal democracy within the then ruling PDP. This breakaway faction, otherwise called the “new PDP”, led by Abubakar Kawu Baraje, had powerful and influential Governors like Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Kwankwanso (Kano), and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara). They came in to APC with their full arsenal of structures, supporters, hangers-on, opportunists, patriots, visions, missions, deep purses, organograms, influence, reach and goals. The cake was generously iced with the poaching of maverick and former Vice President, political titan, Atiku Abubakar, described by the BBC analyst, Aliyu Tanko, as the biggest catch of them all. The stage was therefore set for ego display and supremacy test. To be or not to be, became the question. The chicken and the egg, which came first, became the puzzle. It was only a matter of time before these deep internal contradictions sign-posted by a marriage of strange bedfellows and birds of different plummages, ato manifest and boil over. It will require careful political engineering, maturity, patience, forebearance, self denial and interment of personal ambitions, before APC can settle down and match the cohesiveness and homogeneity of the PDP that managed to hold on to power for 16 years. Remember they have beaten their chest and boasted they would rule Nigeria for 60 years. The arrogance of power and internal schisms, and perhaps, “deux ex machina”, prevented this sit-tightism and imperial disposition. • Follow me on twitter @ MikeozekhomeSAN

By Aliu Eroje

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