Binder1 june 22,2014 by Newtelegraphonline

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Sanctity of Truth Sunday, June 22, 2014 VOL. 1 NO. 124

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EKITI GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

Fayose leads as APC kicks lSSS, Civil Defence invade Fayemi aide’s home lMilitary justifies arrests of APC chieftains lGovernor reports Obanikoro, Adesiyan to IG lPolicemen deport journalists Adesina Wahab and Wale Elegbede ADO-EKITI

igh turnout of voters marked yesterday’s governorship elec-

tion in Ekiti State, as early results indicated that the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, was leading his main opponents - Governor Kayode Fayemi (All Progressives Congress) and

We must know that accreditation and voting are just initial steps and we can say so far so good. We, however, hope that the entire exercise will be free, fair and credible GOV. KAYODE FAYEMI (APC)

Fayemi casting his vote at Ogilolo Ward, Isan-Ekiti... yesterday.

Opeyemi Bamidele (Labour Party). Results from various polling units across the state showed that Fayose was in a comfortable lead in many parts of the state. At Ward 9, unit 008, Ade-

bayo in Ado-Ekiti, a long queue of voters waiting for accreditation was observed as early as 7am. A similar situation played out in Iworoko as voters came out in droves for accreditation. However, at Isan-Ekiti,

I have campaigned enough. I did all that was necessary in this election. I know my people love me and they want to see me return as governor, but I will leave my fate to God AYODELE FAYOSE (PDP)

Fayose voting at Ogilolo Ward, Isan-Ekiti... yesterday.

Fayemi’s hometown, some Independent National Electoral Commission officials asked for adequate security cover before they could move to their polling units. According to INEC supervisor at St. Martins Colla-

tion Centre, the issue made the electoral officials to arrive their units behind the scheduled time. From the state capital, Ado-Ekiti, to places like CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

For now, I am okay with the situation. The accreditation of voters was peaceful, the turnout encouraging and I hope the situation will continue like this and make the whole process credible in the long run OPEYEMI BAMIDELE (LP)

Bamidele at Eyelori Compound Polling Unit 003, Ward B, Iyin-Ekiti…yesterday. PHOTOS: GODWIN IREKHE

APGA chairmanship: Maxi Okwu heads to Supreme Court

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

News

Fayose leads as APC protests arrests CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Afao, Ire, Isan, Iyin, Oye, Ilupeju and Ifaki among others, permanent and temporary INEC staff arrived polling units with accreditation and voting materials as early as 6am. This was possible because INEC dispatched its staff to their various units late Friday. At Unit Eight Ward Nine, Ado-Ekiti, the Presiding Officer, Ojo Oluwasola Rachel, said she and her colleagues got to the unit at about 6.30am. At Ogilolo Polling Unit 009 Isan/Ilafon Ward 11, Fayemi, who is the All Progressives Congress candidate, was accredited alongside his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, few minutes to midday. The governor later returned to vote at about 1.01 p.m. Commenting on the exercise, Fayemi said accreditation and voting were done peacefully in most parts of the state according to reports he had got so far. “We must know that accreditation and voting are just initial steps and we can say so far so good. We, however, hope that the entire exercise will be free, fair and credible. “The reported presence of people like the Minister of State, Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro; the Police Affairs Minister, Jelili Adesiyan; and Chris Uba in Ekiti gives room for suspicion. “I don’t know what they are doing in Ekiti and they are roaming about. I have reported the matter to the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff that appropriate steps be taken. “We also learnt of the arrest of some APC leaders and the siege laid to the house of our leader in EgbeEkiti, Gboyin Local Government Area. I will be able to comment more on the matter when I get full details,” he said. Fayose, who was accredited and voted at Afao-Ekiti, lauded the performance of INEC and security agents in

the accreditation of voters. He said he would accept the outcome of the election “whichever way it goes.” Fayose, who cast his vote in his ward (Unit 001 AfaoEkiti in Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state) at about 2:10p.m, told newsmen that he would leave the outcome of the governorship election to God. “I have campaigned enough. I did all that was necessary in this election. I know my people love me and they want to see me return as governor, but I will leave my fate to God,” Fayose said. He, however, said he was very disturbed at the alleged level of violence and inducement in some polling units, saying that that was alien to Nigeria’s democracy. He described the ugly development as “unfortunate,” saying he wished that that would not be transferred to the 2015 elections. After voting at Eyelori Compound Unit 003 IyinEkiti Ward Four, Bamidele expressed satisfaction with the process. “For now, I am okay with the situation. The accreditation of voters was peaceful, the turnout encouraging and I hope the situation will continue like this and make the whole process credible in the long run. “There has not been any reported case of our people being harassed or intimidated. I am hoping that we will get to the end of the exercise still feeling satisfied with the process,” he said. Bamidele, who is representing Ekiti Central 1 Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, urged all stakeholders to adhere to the rules governing democracy. Commenting on the accreditation and turnout of voters, the State Chairman of Labour Party, Hon. Akin Omole, who was accredited and voted at Ward One Unit 003 in Oye-Ekiti, Oye Local Government lauded the preparation by INEC and security agencies.

Speaking in the same vein, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ayo Arise, who voted at Imogan Ilemio Unit Four Ward One in Oye-Ekiti, expressed confidence in INEC and the security agencies. Meanwhile, security agents in the early hours of Saturday stormed the home of the Director General of the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Bimbo Daramola, in Ire-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The team comprising soldiers, operatives of the Department of State Security, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and mobile policemen, reportedly arrived the home of the Daramolas at about 1.45am. The Fayemi aide’s father, Chief Francis Adebayo Daramola (87), said he was asleep when a friend of the family, Ms. Sola Salako, who was in the house, came banging on his door. “She said I should open the door for her, that some armed men were asking after my son. I opened the door and was confronted with a man pointing a gun at me. “He asked me about the whereabouts of Bimbo and I replied that I only saw

him late Friday night. The people were a combination of security men and the way they behaved was Gestapolike. “They ransacked the whole house, saying they were looking for arms. The way they behaved was bad and animalistic, to say the least,” he said. Corroborating the senior Daramola, Salako said she was blindfolded and ordered to lie on the floor with a gun pointed at her head. “Many members of the household were bruised and I have never seen anything like that in my life,” she said. Daramola, who is a member of the House of Representatives, decried the development, saying it was meant to cow him. His statement, however, put to rest insinuations that he was arrested. On the conduct of the election, Daramola, who voted at Ileku Voting Unit Ebilare Ward Two in Ire-Ekiti, said he was satisfied with the exercise. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Police Command, Mr. Victor Babayemi, said he had no comment. According to him, the Commissioner of Police

OSOGBO

he Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, yesterday debunked the allegation that he was in Ekiti State during the governorship election. Adesiyan said it was not true that he and Minister of state for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, were in Ekiti State to supervise the rigging of the election. He was reacting to an allegation by Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode

fayemi, that both ministers were in Ekiti on the day of the poll. Fayemi, who spoke after casting his vote, said he had reported the matter to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar. He said, “Here I am in Osogbo, addressing you while Obanikoro as I speak with you now is in Lagos. “Why are they calling a dog a bad name? If they don’t accuse me today, they will blast President Goodluck Jonathan. If

The four journalists had travelled from Osun State to Ekiti State to cover the governorship election when they were abducted and dumped at the boundary between both states. The senior police officer said the journalists had no business being in Ekiti State, without expatiating on the strange claim. The journalists, who were arrested at Ifaki Ekiti, Ido Osi Local Government Area, are Jadesola Ajibola of Inspiration FM; and three others from Osun State Broadcasting Corporation - Oyetunji Ojo, Akin Ogunsola and Aremu Awolola. An observer, Mr. Manshop Garba, from the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, an arm of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the conduct of the election at the accreditation level was commendable. Another observer, Mr. Idowu Sowunmi, who spoke to our correspondent, deplored the poor presence of policemen in most of the polling centres outside AdoEkiti, the state capital. He said, “Where on earth are the thousands of policemen said to have been deployed in Ekiti to provide security during the election?”

L-R: Former Head of State, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari; ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, at the wedding of Wamakko’s son in Sokoto…yesterday

I wasn’t in Ekiti during gov election –Police Affairs minister Adeolu Adeyemo

would react to all allegations raised by all parties concerning security at the appropriate time. The Public Relations Officer, 32 Artillery Brigade, Captain Ademola Adegoke, denied the army’s involvement in the invasion of Daramola’s house. In a statement, he said, “A number of people were arrested based on their involvement in criminal activities. No particular person(s), group or political parties were targeted. Arrests were made based on the electoral laws as the constitutional duty of the Nigerian Army is to protect the people and properties. “The arrests become necessary where a very important person violates the electoral law by moving around with a large number of thugs in order to cause chaos. The procedure is that there should be no movement after 6pm a day to election. And nobody should be seen as being above the law.” It was also an ugly day for some journalists accredited to cover the election as they were abducted at gunpoint by a detachment of 50 mobile policemen led by Mopol Commander G.B. Seleke and deported from the state.

they don’t do that, they will call Obanikoro a bad name. “I was in Ekiti on Tuesday and Thursday to see that the security was adequate. I also assure people in the country that their lives and property will be protected in the forthcoming elections in the country.” Adesiyan, who noted that the police deployed in Ekiti State did not harass any politician, stated that only APC thugs who intended to cause chaos in the state were arrested

by security agents. He said, “I am not a Minister of Police Affairs for the PDP alone, but a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am duty bound to ensure that the lives of all the people of this country are protected. “President Goodluck Jonathan is an apostle of one man one vote and elections in the country will henceforth be devoid of manipulations with the measures put in place by the Federal Government.”

Immortalise Arisekola-Alao, Sultan urges Oyo govt Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

ultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar on Saturday urge the Oyo State to immortalise his deputy in the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, saying that the death marked the end of an era. Abubakar made this submission when he visited the Arisekola’s residence on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo state capital. Abubakar said: “In whatever we do in life, we must

give thanks to Allah because He makes things to happen. Today, we are gathered here in this home where we have always walked in and out freely. Three weeks ago, myself, Governor Ajimobi and Aare were eating together and talking about the issues affecting the country. “We are not mourning but celebrating the life and times of Aare. People who passed through him have good things to say about the late Aare. The death of Aare is an end of an era. It is a challenge unto us to continue doing good in all all we do.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

News

APC, PDP trade words over security agents Sanctity of Truth

Monday, June 23, 2014

Yekeen Nurudeen and Onyekachi Eze

he All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party yesterday traded words over the use of security agents to intimidate party chieftains. The party in a statement in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said armed soldiers arrested the Director-General of the Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Bimbo Daramola, and the state Commissioner for Finance. Mr. Dapo Kolawole, on the eve of the poll. It said both Daramola and Kolawole were arrested in their country homes in Ire and Iloro respectively. However, it was learnt that Daramola was not arrested, as soldiers and other security agents did not find him when they invade his father’s house around 1.45a.m. “The role being played by the military in the Ekiti elec-

tion gives reason for concern, because an institution that is supposed to unite Nigerians has descended into the area of partisan politics and it is now seriously undermining democracy,’’ APC said. “Whoever the misguided soldiers in Ekiti are working for, they should know that their actions can only destroy the nation’s democracy. We therefore call on the military hierarchy to defend the integrity of the institution by calling the partisan soldiers in Ekiti to order before it is too late. The consequences of a rigged election in Ekiti will reverberate far beyond the state,” the party said. It reiterated its earlier warning that the APC would not accept the outcome of an election in which the military and other security agencies skewed the whole process in favour of a certain candidate, to the detriment of others. “The APC seeks no favour from any individual or in-

stitution for Saturday’s election. What we demand is a level playing field for all the candidates, and a conducive atmosphere for the people of Ekiti to cast their votes without harassment or intimidation,” APC said. In a separate statement, Mohammed said security agents arrested Awodolu and 22 others at Egbe-Ekiti and taken to Ikere-Ekiti, while two leaders were arrested from Ilawe while 11 others were picked up from Ado-Ekiti. It said those arrested at Ado Ward A units 1, 6, 8 and 11 include Charles Fashuba, Tolu Ajayi, Elesun, Olu Hero, Gboyega Fabuero, all of whom were pointed out to security agents by one Femi Ogunleye, a member of the PDP. The APC said security agents arrested party’s leaders at their ward and local governments, adding that they were apparently being picked up to prevent them from casting their own votes, monitoring the elec-

Agoro faults use of soldiers Temitope Ogunbanke

ormer National Chairman and two-time presidential candidate of the National Action Council, Dr. Olapade Agoro, has faulted the ‘militarisation’ of yesterday’s governorship in Ekiti State, saying that conducting the election with a large number of military personnel was the worst of democratic expectations. Agoro in a statement made available to New Telegraph on Sunday stated, “The deployment by the Federal Government of thousands of heavily armed, gun wielding military personnel, police officers, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps,

operatives of State Security Service etc and unusual movement of hundreds of thickly equipped vehicles and police helicopter ceaselessly flying over the skyline of Ekiti, for a simple election in a state controlled by a political party different from that at the centre is not only an apparent rule of force in a democracy but a reckless display of raw power, a condemnable intimidation of civility and a flagrant abuse of fundamental rights of the expected voters. “It is akin to casting votes under the barrels of guns and an unexpected evil development in a democracy. Unfortunately, some of the arms used in the reckless

show of power with arms and ammunition deployment may end up in the hands of criminals, political thugs and possible insurgents, making the end worse off than the beginning. “Unknown, however, to President Goodluck Jonathan and his ill-informed advisers is that putting loose guns in the hands of already disgruntled and improvised military personnel at a time the nation is at bloodletting and body tissues tearing war with faceless ‘Boko Haram’ insurgents that has left many thousands of families devastated and ruined, is a morally bankrupt decision – a challenge to the rule of law and an open invitation to anarchy.”

Tambuwal urges legislators to protect democracy

peaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, has advised legislators in the country to perform their oversight functions diligently to ensure stability of democracy. Tambuwal who said this in a keynote address delivered at the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria in Uyo, said the legislature had a crucial role to play in governance to ensure the survival and growth of democracy in the country. Represented by the Deputy Chief Whip of the house, Mr. Muktar Ahmed, he said “We are constantly faced with the need to defend our functions, especially when it comes to performing oversight duties as entrenched in the constitution.

“The legislature has three fundamental roles in the society - legislation, representation and oversight. While there are those who wish that we forget the last role altogether, the truth is we cannot really do one well without the other,” he said. Tambuwal, however, said that the legislature could not allocate money to various sectors and segments during budgets without knowing how the monies were spent. He explained that by doing so, the legislature would not be representing the people who voted them into power. The speaker said that it was only by executing all the roles assigned to the legislature that there was hope to expand the democratic space and protect the democracy.

Earlier, Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State said the theme was apt and revealed the determination of conference of speakers to further entrench the principles of democracy. Akpabio, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Valerie Ebe, called for synergy between the executive and the legislature, adding that this was template and model of good democratic governance. He implored the conference to replicate this synergy in their different Houses of Assembly, saying that this will not only transform their states but the entire nation and in the long run entrench democratic principles and stabilise democratic governance in Nigeria.

tion and subsequently being present at the collation centres. “Ekiti has witnessed a massive turnout of voters despite the massive deployment of troops and policemen, ostensibly to provide security for the election but in reality to intimidate and harass voters to stay away from the polling units. “Now that the strategy of the PDP-led Federal Government has failed despite their over-militarization of the state, they have unleashed security agents on the leaders of the APC to prevent them from monitoring the collation of results,’’ APC said. The party said the same security agents have also descended on journalists who were duly accredited to cover the election, with at least five of them forcefully taken to the boundary of Ekiti and Kwara States by a detachment of policemen led by Mopol Commander G.B. Seleke. It listed the affected journalists, who were arrested at Ifaki Ekiti by over 50 mobile policemen, as Jadesola Ajibola of Inspiration FM; Toyin Yusuf, Oyetunji Ojo, Akin Ogunsola, and Aremu Awolola, all of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC). The APC also said security men, who said they were acting on ‘’orders from

above,’, locked out voters and election officials at the Ekiti State Government College, Ado Ekiti (wards 13, unit 18) are agitated. The party listed some of the other infractions as including the following: the names of APC members are clearly missing on the list brought by INEC officials to Wards 3 and 4 Gbonyin LGA; harassment of the fiancee and aged father of the campaign manager of Fayemi, Hon. Bimbola Daramola by gun-wielding security agents; plan to burn ballot boxes if APC should win ward 2 Ifaki unit 7, LGA Ido-Osi; fake soldiers purportedly from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, acting under the command of PDP chieftains, are harassing and intimidating voters in Ekiti State. It called on local and international observers to pay urgent attention to the infractions and ensure they are rectified in the interest of a free and fair election in Ekiti State. But PDP Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, at a press conference in Abuja accused the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, of breaching sections 99 and 128 of the Electoral Act by allegedly engaging in unlawful campaign for the election. He said Oyegun ad-

dressed a press conference on Friday whereas the Electoral Act banned any form of campaign 48 hours to the conduct of an election. Metuh noted that Oyegun said APC would not accept the outcome of the election if it fails to conform with international best practices. He said such a statement was capable of inciting the people of Ekiti against PDP and its governorship candidate, Ayodele Fayose, and advised that statesmen should be mindful of the statements they make. The PDP chieftain reminded Oyegun that Nigeria is facing security challenges, noting that it was wrong for him to heighten the tension already in the country by such statement. He observed that the primary responsibility of President Jonathan is to protect the lives and property of Nigerians, adding that he is committed to “one-manone vote.” “Governorship elections were conducted in Edo, Ondo and Anambra states and security personnel were deployed in these states. PDP lost in those states. And for emphasis, Adams Oshiomhole had at first cried foul that soldiers had invaded his state but after the election he commended President Jonathan for the free and fair election,” Metuh said.

2015: 500 POLITICIANS TO WATCH

Anambra: APGA, PDP, APC bigwigs rekindle rivalry Just smarting from the November 16, 2013 governorship election that raised so much tension, Anambra is in the news again, as the various political gladiators and godfathers in the state strategise for the 2015 general election. The battle this time would be for the National and state Assembly seats, and as usual will rekindle the age-long rivalry among the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress

(APC).

As witnessed in the governorship poll, two former governors of the state, Peter Obi and Chris Ngige would be testing might again. Will Obi and his lieutnants in APGA overwhelm the Ngige-led APC again? What happens to the PDP which has most of the money-bags in the state in its fold? Will the large army of political godfathers in the state continue to have their way? Sure, Anambra, which prides itself as the “Light of the Nation” is one state to watch. Grab a copy of New Telegraph tomorrow for an incisive analysis of personalities who will determine Anambra politics in 2015. New Telegraph …Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in Politics and Business

Moments

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

L-R: Olu of Agege, Oba Kamila Oyedeji Isiba; Chairman, Agege Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdulkareem Jubril and Initiator, Youth Independent Coalition (YIC), Mr. Adebola Omodele, during the 2013/2014 graduation ceremony/prize presentation to some youths in Lagos…on Saturday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Sales Manager, Shoprite, Peter Oladipo; Admin Manager, Kazeem Olasunkanmi; Branch Manager, Mr Fatai Oshungboye (middle) with the staff and children of Gods Heritage Private School, during the opening ceremony of Shoprite’s 10th store in Ibadan…on Thursday

L-R: Executive Director, Plantation Positive Youth Forum (PPYF), Ms. Hassana Adams; Supervisor for Health, Eti- Osa Local Government, Hon. Adeshina James; Apex Nurse, Iru LCDA, Mrs. Risikat Adesanya and Coordinator, Tuberculosis/Tradition birth Attendant, Mrs. Sanusi Alaka, during a Community Dialogue on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Lagos…on Friday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

L-R: Leader, Hausa Community in Onitsha, Alhaji Iliyasu Yushau; Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano; Alhaji Gidaro Sanusi; and Alhaji Garba Haruna, during a meeting between the governor and the leaders of the Hausa-Fulani Community in Awka...on Friday

Wife of the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Resources , Azeezat Tijani; Executive Chairman, Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Gbolahan Daodu; and Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Mrs Tokunbo Dabiri, at the World Blood Donor Day, in Lagos…on Wednesday .PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

L-R: Member, Kwara State Quranic Memorisation Committee, Dr. Abdulkadir Sholagberu; First Prize Winner 2/3 Memorisation of the Holy Qur’an, Hafiz Sodik; Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed; and Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Abdulsalam Ailara, after a courtesy call on the governor at Government House, Ilorin...on Tuesday

General Overseer, Liberation City Ministry, Dr. Chris Okafor addressing members during the annual Liberation Men Alive Conference at the church headquarters, recently

Precious Peter and David Daniel (middle), flanked by the officiating ministers, during their wedding at The Apostolic Church of Mount Zion, Maryland, Lagos …yesterday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Scenes from yesterday’s governorship election in Ekiti State PHOTOS: GODWIN IREKHE

An elderly woman being accredited at St David Nursery and Primary School, Afao

PDP candidate, Ayo Fayose’s supporters jubilating in Ado-Ekiti

Soldiers at a road block in Iyin Ekiti during the election.

Some elderly voters waiting to cast their votes in Ado-Ekiti

A cross section of voters

An elderly woman casting her vote at St. David Nursery and Primary School, Afao

Elderly voters being accredited in Ado Ekiti

A mother casting her vote at St David Nursery and Primary School, Afao

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

News

Lagos shuts 12 firms over non-remittance of N4.92bn tax

agos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has closed 12 companies in the last two weeks over the nonremittance of N4.92 billion personal income tax of their workers. Head of the District

Unit of LIRS, Mrs. Folasade Coker-Afolayan, who made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said five companies were closed on June 11 for failure to remit N13.6 million, while seven

Constitution empowers governors to maintain order, says Dickson

ayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has said the nation’s constitution empowers state governors to maintain law and order in their domains, stressing that, the intervention of governors in the Niger Delta region brought about the existing peace and stability in the once troubled region. Dickson, who stated this, while exchanging views with the Shehu of Borno and Chancellor of the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El- Amin Elkanemi, cautioned political and religious leaders to be mindful of the comments they make in the face of the current security challenges in the north eastern part of the country. According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Dickson warned that such comments could inflame passions, and urged the political class and religious leaders to take steps that will reflect support and empathy for the security

agencies, instead of capitalising on the situation to score cheap political points. “This is a time to unify Nigeria, not a time to balkanize Nigeria. The challenges here should not be politicised. We should come together and confront it. Our view is that political leaders should refrain from making comments capable of inflaming passions. Our comments should reflect support and empathy for our security agents, and not seek to score cheap political points,” he said. On the abductions and the killings in the North, Dickson said, “all people of goodwill are with the people of Borno, in the North-East and I believe strongly that, Nigeria shall soon overcome this scourge. As a state that has had its own fair share of insecurity, we deployed our constitutional powers to arrest the situation.” He said every state has sufficient instruments to enforce law and order. “The governor has equal constitutional powers to maintain law and order, just as the president,” Dickson said.

APGA crisis: Okwu heads for Supreme Court

Leo Sobechi

ollowing the recent Abuja Court of Appeal ruling on the appeal filed by embattled national chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA) Chief Victor Umeh, which declared that the first respondent, Maxi Okwu, lacked locus standi to institute the original case at the Federal High Court, Okwu has decided to test the judgment at the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeal, Abuja division had while delivering its unanimous judgment read by Justice T. Y. Hassan, granted the 12 grounds of appeal formulated by Umeh’s counsel adding that the purported national convention of the party in February 10, 2011 complied substantially with

the APGA constitution. But in a statement made available to New Telegraph on Sunday, Okwu said the Appeal Court ruling was perverse and turned the law upside down, stressing that it was in the interest of the nation’s jurisprudence to strike it down. Okwu wondered which APGA constitution the Appeal Court judges referred to, pointing out that the position that he was not a member flies in the face of the fact. Having instructed his solicitors to file an appeal to the Supreme Court with dispatch Okwu implored the party’s disappointed members nationwide not to be downcast but await further communication from the national secretariat, truth and justice will ultimately prevail.

were sealed on June 18 over the non-remittance of N4.9 billion. The tax officer said the affected companies were in the manufacturing, tourism, shipping, energy, oil and gas and hospitality sectors, whose tax liabilities were for periods ranging from one year to six years. The officer said the enforcement would continue till taxpayers imbibed the culture of voluntary tax compliance. She restated

that tax payment was a civic responsibility of every citizen and that was the only way government to raise money to provide social services. ``Tax payment is a civic responsibility of everyone because that is the only way government can provide the necessary infrastructure for citizens and also improve their standard of living,” CokerAfolayan said. She urged corporate citizens to remit their taxes

promptly to avoid their premises being shut. She said that the tax authority normally sent demand notices to defaulting companies to notify them of their liabilities, adding that the affected companies were sent notices in accordance with the Personal Income Tax amended Act 2011. ``As to whether they received the notices or not, that is purely an internal matter of the companies,’’ she said. Coker-Afolayan

advised companies operating in the state to remit their taxes promptly and not wait till the government compelled them to obey the law. She warned that it was a criminal offence to break government’s seals on sealed companies. NAN reports that LIRS sealed 72 companies in the first quarter of the year for failure to remit N552.6 million income tax of workers to the state government.

Passengers rushing to board a bus, at Orile Bus/stop, in Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Kidnappers overrun Anambra community

Paul Ogbuokiri

munze Stakeholders for Peace and Development, a group of indigenes of Umueze residing in Lagos, has called on Governor of Anambra State, Chief. Willy Obiano, to extend his anti-kidnapping campaign to the community. The group which lauded the governor’s moderate achievements so far in his efforts to rid the state of kidnappers and other criminals, said kidnappers have taken control of the community as resident now live in fear day and night. The group said that it seemed that all the kidnappers dislodged from Onitsha and other parts

of the state have relocated to the community, visiting it with mayhem, The group made the plea in a letter to the state governor, dated June 17, and titled: “A letter to Governor Obiano to extend anti-kidnapping and related security measures to Umenze, , one of the most populated, strategically located communities and the headquarters of Orumba-South Local Government Area of the state. President of the association, Angus Nkah and Secretary of the Association Geoffrey Onah, said that if no action is taken, indigenes of the community would no longer go home but relocate their old parents and other relations to Lagos.

“If nothing happens, we will be kidnapped. It is as bad as that. Nobody can talk in that community now. They will immediately come for you for being bold enough to talk, since the governor has not said anything about their horrendous activities in the community,” Nkah said. New Telegraph on Sunday learnt that the town had been very peaceful and calm, until sometime around 2007/2008 when it started recording violent crimes especially kidnapping and armed robbery attacks, the three commercial banks in the town then came under frequent attacks; as armed robbers operated during the day and at night unchallenged.

Nkah lamented that Friday, June 6, 2014 witnessed the gruesome murder of another trader identified as Anayo near the Umunze Post Office, at Afor Udo, Umunze. He was said to have resisted attempts by his assailants to force him into their waiting vehicle, a Volkswagen Santana car and was shot severally leaving him dead on the spot in a pool of his blood. “The suspected kidnappers, who came in convoy of the Santana car and a white SUV, operated unchallenged were said to proceeded to a guest house in lhite, a neighbouring town to Umunze, where they kidnapped the owner of the guest house, Michael Okoli and one Madukaejiaka Ezikiel Iwe,” he said.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

News

Suswam warns PDP guber aspirants against violence Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

overnor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has warned all People’s Democratic Party governorship aspirants in next year’s elections against violent campaigns, saying anybody found doing so will be sanctioned. Speaking while receiving some members of the All Progressives Congress party (APC) led by former state chairman of the All Nigeria People’s Party, (ANPP) and former Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly Mr. Raphael lgbago in Otukpo, Suswam denied sponsoring any aspirant to succeed him. Governor Suswam said there are sanctions against any aspirant who resorts to violence to achieve his ambi-

tion, and promised the defectors equal opportunities in the PDP. Also speaking at the occasion, Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro who described the PDP as a home where progress is synonymous with development, said the party is attracting members of the opposition because of efforts by the President Goodluck Jonathan to reconstruct the country into a modern Nigeria, and condemned antics of the opposition who said the President has failed. Moro said that the enormity of criticism of the opposition against the PDP speaks volumes, and lauded the transformation initiatives of the President as evidenced in the resuscitation of the railway system as well as the privatisation of electricity distribution in the country.

L-R: Representative of the President, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro; Emir of Fika, Mohammed Ibn Idris and Vice Chancellor, Nigerian Turkish Nile University, Prof. Huseyin Sert, at the second convocation of the institution in Abuja…yesterday

Nigeria is gravitating towards anarchy, says Senator Akume

Chukwu David

S Abuja

enate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume has raised the alarm over what he described as an impending anarchy in the country, alleging that current activities of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in the polity posed serious threat to the fledgling democracy. Senator Akume, in a tense statement circulated to journalists in Abuja, spoke against the backdrop of the alleged barring by soldiers last Thursday of some All Progressives Congress, APC, Governors from attending the party’s governorship grand rally in Ekiti State in support of the incumbent Governor, John Kayode Fayemi, in respect of today’s gubernatorial election in the State. He wondered where the

soldiers derived their powers to violate the people’s fundamental right to peaceful assembly and freedom of movement, recalling that the PDP had a similar rally in Ekiti State recently in which President Goodluck Jonathan and other PDP chieftains and Governors were in attendance without anybody disrupting their activities. Akume, who represents Benue North-West Senatorial District, said that what happened in Ekiti was a great challenge to the democracy, which raised a fundamental question as to whether the country was prepared to continue to be run by the law or anarchy. Describing the alleged incident as a grave security situation that could truncate the democracy, the politician appealed to President Jonathan to respond to the situation promptly, appropriately and decisively,

Police arrest bombed viewing centre owner Hassan Jirghi Damaturu

he police in Yobe State have arrested the owner of the football viewing centre in Damaturu which was attacked last week by members of the insurgent group, Boko Haram, killing about 21 people. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Marcus Danladi, who confirmed the arrest of Hon Jamilu Ahmed (also known as Crossfire); a onetime commissioner in the state, said Ahmed was nabbed on

Thursday night following the bomb explosion at the centre. According to Danladi, Ahmed was arrested and taken to Criminal Investigation Division (CID) in the state for the further investigation, and he will be charged to court for trial soon after the investigation. Danladi said prior to the attack that night, the police on patrol had dispersed the crowd at the viewing centre but that they regrouped and continued watching the match.

calling on Nigerians to learn from the bitter experiences of the Arab world. He pointed out that the beauty of any democracy is opposition, and cautioned that any attempt to drift the country to anarchy should be stiffly resisted by Nigerians. Akume noted that “Sections 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of movement and

freedom from discrimination respectively for all citizens of this country. For the avoidance of doubt; “Section 40 provides “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.” “This right is only subject to

the powers of the INEC and not any other authority. The restriction of APC Governors in this case was not at the instance of INEC. “Section 41 specifically guarantees that “Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof….” without molestation”. “What has happened in Ekiti State has brought to

the fore a major challenge to democracy and has raised the fundamental question as to whether we are prepared to be ruled by law or by anarchy. If this can happen to Governors who enjoy some level of immunity, what is the fate of the common man? Where is the assurance that we may not wake up one day only to lose our democracy and country?

Lagos blames cleft lip, palate deformity on poor nutrition Muritala Ayinla

agos State government has warned pregnant women to pay special attention to their nutrition and attend ante-natal care, saying poor nutrition during pregnancy has been identified as one of the major causes of cleft lip and palate deformity among infants. Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Jide Idris who disclosed this to journalists on the ongoing cleft lip and palate surgeries organised by the state government in collaboration with

Rotary International (District 9110), warned them to be wary of their nutorition during pregnancy. Explaining that cleft lip and palate is a congenital facial deformity that leaves a gap or split in either the upper lip or the roof of the mouth, Dr Idris said that no fewer than 100 patients will benefit from the nineday exercise. He said: “A cleft can lead to feeding, speech and hearing problems, ear infections, dental decay, jaw development problems and psychosocial issues. Although the occurrence

within Africa is minimal compared to Asia and other parts of the world, when they do develop they cause a significant degree of limitation in a child’s development, physically and psychologically”. The Commissioner noted that the Free Cleft Lip and Palate Reconstructive Surgery Programme is one of the programs of the Lagos State administration aimed at improving the health status of the citizens of the state, by making corrective surgery for facial deformities accessible to all, especially the disadvantaged of the society.

“Consequently, the Lagos State Government has taken steps to address these and other health issues of its citizens in order to boost their health status and indirectly improve their productivity, and their economic wellbeing”, he said. Idris explained that most cleft problems can either be picked up at the routine 20-week scan or soon after birth stressing that the cost of correcting these anomalies can be burdensome for the affected parents, as it involves not only surgical correction but rehabilitative therapy as well.

Kano moves to secure release of indigenes detained in Abia

ano State Government said it had despatched a delegation to Abia to secure the release of the state indigenes among the 486 persons arrested by security operatives recently. The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr Dan-

buran Abubabar, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Saturday that the delegation had since arrived in Abia and started discussion with the state government officials and security agents. He said the team, led by the Commissioner for

Special Duties, Gen. Idris Dambazau, was to find out the exact number of Kano indigenes among the detainees and the nature of their offences. Abubakar said the delegation had been directed to also take care of the welfare of the indigenes among

the detainees in Abia. “We directed the team to secure their release, if they were not found guilty of any offence and bring them back home…We will not accept a situation where the fundamental human rights of our innocent citizens are infringed upon.”

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

News

Plateau South moves to produce next governor Musa Pam Jos

Governor Seriake Dickson (right), and the Shehu of Borno/ Chancellor, Niger Delta University, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-kanemi, during Shehu’s courtesy visit to Bayelsa Government House in Abuja…yesterday

World Bank to boost agriculture with N80.7bn

he World Bank has approved $495.3 million (about N80.7 billion) to boost agriculture in Northern Nigeria; through the design of a comprehensive reform package for water resources management and irrigation. A statement issued by Communications Associate to the World Bank, in Abuja, Mr. Bamidele Oladokun said that the bank’s executive directors approved the money to improve farmers’ access to irrigation and drainage services. It stated that the money was also to strengthen institutional arrangements for integrated water resources management. ``The board also intends to enhance delivery of agricultural services in selected largescale public schemes in the Northern Nigeria.

``This will be done through a project, ‘’Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING). It will improve existing irrigation on 27, 000 hectares, irrigate an additional 23, 000 hectares, and benefit more than 140, 000 farmers, while mobilising private sector investment.” He said the project marks “a transformational effort to improve large-scale public irrigation for expanding food production and encourage economic growth in rural areas. This is necessary to end poverty and boost prosperity, as well as enhance resilience of agriculture production systems.’’ The statement quoted the bank’s acting Vice-President for Africa Region, Mr. Jamal Saghir, as saying that, “unlocking Africa’s development potential

requires interventions in key sectors, such as energy and water…By taking a comprehensive approach, the TRIMING project will increase farm productivity, build climate resilience and reduce flooding risks.” Sahir added that the project will also improve the lives and well-being of millions of Nigerian citizens in Africa’s largest economy.” The statement recognised agriculture as a key sector of the Nigerian economy accounting for 22 per cent of gross domestic product in 2012. ``The Nigeria’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) is a major initiative to drive rural income growth, accelerate achievement of food and nutritional security, and generate employment. ``The bank’s portfolio of projects in agriculture, including research, extension

Terrorists may use veil, religious symbols, cleric warns Buhari Bello Jos

he National Chairman, Council of Ulama of Jammatul Izalatul Bidia Waikamatu Sunnah (JIBWIS), Shiekh Sani Yahaya Jingir has said that terrorists are planning to use Islamic veil (Hijab) in launching their evil attack on the people. Jingir, who stated this at JIBWIS national seminar in Jos, Plateau State, said: “We have gathered that terrorists and their cohorts, the enemies of

peace have resorted to use our Islamic mode of dressing to launch their devilish act of attacking innocent souls during the forthcoming Ramadan Tafsir where Muslims faithful gathered.” Jingir said that this trend is targeted at demonising “our Islamic way of life and it poses a threat to our women, as they cannot stop using Hijab because it is one of our religious rites. No amount of propaganda would stop us from using Hijab” He therefore urged all

religious and community leaders to educate their followers and device means of taking precautions steps against the terrorists. Jingir also frowned at the media clamp down by the military, describing at as a bad omen for the country’s development. He urged media houses and practitioners to remain firm and steadfast in discharging their responsibilities and continue to focus on what would promote peace and unity of the country.

and technology dissemination, market access and value addition, was fully geared towards supporting the implementation of the ATA. ``Reaching the ATA’s goals requires pursuing an ambitious policy and institutional reform agenda, and transforming public irrigation will play an important role for securing sustainable growth of food production, it said. The statement also quotes Miss Marie-Francoise Nelly, the Director of the bank in Nigeria, as saying that ``in Nigeria’s determination to diversify and integrate its economy, the project will help in three vital ways.

he leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Southern part of Plateau State has called on other zones in the state to allow the zone to produce the next governorship candidate that will succeed Governor Jonah Jang. The party’s chairman in the Southern Zone, Hon. Saidu Musa, who made the appeal to both the Northern and Central Zone of the state at a lecture for all political office seekers in the area said the zoning should be done in the “spirit of fairness, equity and togetherness. We should be given the chance to produce the next governor of the state.” Musa stressed that the zone will soon start negotiating with other senatorial zones to ensure that the dream of having the governorship seat in the southern Plateau in 2015 it realised. Guest Speaker at the occasion Mr. Ezekiel Adeyi Major of the Department of Political Science University of Jos spoke on the need for proper understanding, equity, fairness and justice and the tools in sustaining democracy. Hon. Nicholas Nshe, who represents the Local government chairmen from the Zone agreed that under the new Plateau the Southern Zone have not had any chance and should be given the opportunity this time around. “It is not a right for

us at the southern Zone but, in fairness, equity and justice we should be considered. We assure all and sundry that there is no doubt the Northern zone had produced a revolutionary achiever, but we promised to produce another leader like him who will not only continue his lofty performances but sustain and consolidate them for the entire state,” he said. A member representing Riyom/Barkin Ladi constituency in Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Simon Mwadkon, advised Nigerians, especially politicians clamouring for the 2015 governorship position from the southern part of the state not to heat up the polity but should see democracy as a unifying factor. Mwadkon, who spoke at a lecture organised for all southern politicians in Shendam Local Government Area of the state, urged all politicians eyeing the governorship seat to allow the will of God to prevail over their ambition. He said democracy was a system of government that gives room for every citizen of the country to express his or her views on critical state and national issues that affect the people “We need to play the game by the rule especially as election year is approaching, as a ruling party, we must live by example, avoid unguarded utterances at a time like this and portray justice for peace and harmony in the state,” he said.

‘Stop blame game over delegates’ performance’ Etaghene Edirin

he blame game and buck passing engaged in by Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership, that the SouthEast governors are to blame for the abysmal and lackluster performance of Igbo delegates at the ongoing National Conference is unhelpful to the Ndigbo cause. This was the summation of the Deputy Secretary of the Igbo leaders of Thought, Mr. Elliot Ukoh, who stated that what South-East delegates at the confab need to do at this time is to build synergy amongst themselves and other zones on how to salvage the situation. The deputy scribe in a statement stated that “blam-

ing each other will not save the situation. The truth, regrettably, is that those who parade themselves as leaders, were actually busy lobbying these same governors in their desperation to be nominated confab delegates, that they unwittingly placed themselves in a position where they could neither advice the governors nor intelligently plan Igbo strategy at the confab”. He further lamented, that “all their energies were blindly directed at how to advance themselves individually. There was no genuine effort to chart a sensible course of action with other zones while there was still time. They were busy hustling to be nominated as

delegates, as that, was more important to them, than all else. They assumed that just one meeting at Asaba was enough to close ranks with other zones for such a serious battle,” he said. Ukoh noted that there was no zeal or commitment to the battle ahead, and that blaming the governors for a failed performance, everyone saw coming, is childish and a very poor alibi to cover up obvious flaws and weaknesses. He noted that all hope was not lost, and that the right thing should still be done as the consequences of not restructuring Nigeria now, will be felt by all, including the region presently boasting that they have hijacked the confab.

EDITORIAL

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

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SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

Nigeria’s growing consumer market

he power of Nigeria’s economy has again caught greater worldwide attention with the famous McKinsey Global Institute’s (MGI) recent report valuing the country’s consumer market at a princely N64.8 trillion ($400 billion). This beefy profile makes it increasingly more difficult for investors, exporters, consumers, policy makers and regulators to ignore. The report makes it even more so with its projection that the consumer market would be worth a further amazing N226.8 trillion ($1.4 trillion) 16 years from now (by 2030). MGI is a global business and economics research monitor focusing on developing deeper understanding of the evolving global economy. It provides leaders in the commercial, public and social sectors with facts and insights for effective management and policy decisions. The report titled, ‘Nigeria’s renewal: Delivering Inclusive Growth in Africa’s Largest Economy’, states that one of the most important under-appreciated changes in Nigeria is the growing size and strength of its consuming class, food and non-food consumer goods would account for one trillion of the total. The report also asserts that “while the middle income is N110, 160 ($680) per year and 43 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, the number of households in the consuming class is growing rapidly. It also states, that an estimated eight million households had income of more than N1, 215,000 ($7,500) per year in 2013, the threshold which MGI considers as emerging consumers with sufficient

income to meet all basic necessities and money to start buying more and better food as well as health and education services. Sadly, the report claims that labour productivity in the country has grown by 3.6 per cent per year since 2010 and has contributed to the greatest share of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Nigeria still lags far behind other major developing economies and at less than $9,500 per worker per year, Nigerian output is 58 per cent less than the average of seven large developing economies. That our labour productivity remains insipid relative to other competitors, we believe, should agitate our minds, given our new profile as Africa’s largest economy. With a large proportion of the country’s ever-increasing population constituted by energetic youths, we are convinced that productivity would leap to higher frontiers if the right poli-

Thus, measures need to be immediately put in place by government and independent bodies to protect consumers against unscrupulous practices such as false description of goods and services, incorrect weights and measures, poor packaging and defective goods. Suitable and workable laws would help.

cies are implemented by results-driven resource managers. Unfortunately still, the MGI report observes that “Nigeria also has a low ratio of employment to population of 31 per cent compared with 52 per cent in Brazil, 46 per cent in Indonesia and 48 per cent in Russia, with productivity being held back by poor infrastructure, which increases the cost of doing business in the country.” The prevailing situation, therefore, requires that the country runs at top speed to close the gap if it must be relevant in global scheme of things. The oil and gas sector, which the country always rivets its gaze on as a top performer, has had many opportunities to improve productivity. This is selfexplanatory in the expose of the recent rebasing exercise which demonstrated that the natural resources sector was a smaller share of the country’s economy, and cleared the misconception by people outside Nigeria that believed the oil sector was the engine of growth in the Nigerian economy as it is with several Middle Eastern economies. This development has great implications and throws up serious challenges that urgently need to be addressed by policy makers, planners, implementing, legislating and regulatory agencies. Going by the value of the country’s rebased gross domestic product (GDP) of more than N80 trillion ($510 billion) in 2013, the report is indicative that this economy is more than 78 per cent consumption-driven. While this may not be so bad in itself, fears and concerns are sustained that

the projected worth of the consumer market by 2030 going by the MGI may equal or even outstrip the entire value of the GDP over this time span. It has been observed, for instance, that average GDP growth from 2011 to 2013 was 6.4 per cent. Although some commentators on the economy believe that the economy could witness a 15 per cent annual growth fuelled by constant power supply and quality infrastructure, these remain mere wishes and ideals as the harsh reality is that they are not in place now and would require so much money, time, dedication and sacrifice to happen. A more realistic average GDP growth target over the time frame could 10-12 per cent band. But it is doubtful if China, even in its heyday of growth that stunned the entire world, or the celebrated Asian Tigers of this world achieved this rate without a kink over time. Even if this were achievable, it would still require a lot of economic policy discipline from all to guarantee that the desirable growth rate is sustained over the 16-year period. In addition, such delicate issues as consumerism associated with the blistering expansion that would engender the projected market figures would need to be properly addressed. Thus, measures need to be immediately put in place by government and independent bodies to protect consumers against unscrupulous practices such as false description of goods and services, incorrect weights and measures, poor packaging and defective goods. Suitable and workable laws would help. GABRIEL AKINADEWO Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief IKE ABONYI Deputy Managing Director/DEIC FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU Managing Editor, South SULEIMAN BISALA Managing Editor, North YEMI AJAYI Editor, Daily LAURENCE ANI Editor, Saturday EMEKA MADUNAGU Editor, Sunday LEO CENDROWICZ Bureau Chief, Brussels MARSHALL COMINS Bureau Chief, Washington DC SAM AMSTERDAM Editorial Coordinator, Europe EMMAN SHEHU (PhD) Chairman, Editorial Board JULIET BUMAH Deputy Editor (Sunday) PADE OLAPOJU Production Editor TIMOTHY AKINLEYE Head, Graphics ROBINSON EZEH Head, Admin.

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

OPINION Kashim Shettima and his ‘witch cries’

Law Mefor

his is indeed a wise saying: some people talk out of experience and some, out of experience, do not talk. May be the Nigerian Government should learn to listen to Alhaji Kashim Shettima, the erstwhile university don, seer and wordy Governor of Borno State. The man can pass for a prophet, as everything he has said concerning the Boko Haram has turned out to be true, and his predictions about the daredevil Islamic sect equally come to pass always. The accuracy of his predictions would make revered seers in Nigeria like Pastor T.B. Joshua cringe with envy. Let us recall a few of them. The banker turned politician, Governor Kashim Shettima, once stunned the plagued nation, saying to whoever cared to listen that Boko Haram terrorists were better armed and better motivated than the highly rated Nigerian Military. It turned out to be factual that these factors were chiefly responsible for why the Military could not take out a ragtag army called Boko Haram. For the avoidance of doubt, the Military now claim there are certain weapons they are not permitted by convention and military rules of engagement to use against insurgents even when they have such in store. What this means is that the insurgents could use whatever they wish against the Nigerian military and the citizens while nation’s soldiers cannot use such weapons to counter them. A cursory instance could be the nation’s military using only AK47 that has 30 rounds capacity to chase insurgents who are armed with General Purpose Machineguns that each, has 200 round. Somebody once described the setting as taking a knife to a gunfight. If this is case, then, Kashim Shettima was right indeed. The issue of lack of motivation is also long proved and expected in corruption-ridden Nigeria. There was even a mutiny recently

in Maiduguri, where some Nigerian soldiers deployed there had the temerity to shoot at the vehicle of their own General Officer Commanding. Governor Kashim Shettima also advised the Nigerian Government to accept prisoners’ swap with Boko Haram or the Chibok girls would be as good as gone: Deal with the devil if it means bringing back the girls, were his words. This is the third month since the insurgents audaciously raided the Chibok Government Girls Secondary school and carted away the over 250 girls with virtually no resistance from any quarter, and there is no hope of the Girls returning any time soon, if they ever would. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also added his voice days ago, warning that half of the Chibok Girls may never return alive as the nation awaits report of Presidential Fact Finding Committee and dillydallying. Some of the girls who managed to return are reported to be either pregnant or serially raped and traumatized. Kashim Shettima is again right. Perhaps the most frightening should be his most recent prediction and swift manner it is has come to pass. Last week, the same Governor Kashim Shettima told Nigerians that the Boko Haram would be heading South pretty soon if they were not contained forthwith. Less than one week after, four bombs were waiting to detonate at a Living Faith Church in Owerri. As if that was not enough credence to Kashim Shettima’s devil-be-damned prediction, the same night the bombs were laid, around 2 am, 486 strange men including eight women and an alleged terrorist kingpin on the wanted list, were arrested in a convoy of 35 buses, heading to Port Harcourt by the Military men stationed in the nearby cantonment. These men claim they were going to Port Harcourt in search of jobs. Yes, people need greener pastures no doubt but question is:

why do it in such a manner? These jobless men, as they claim, had enough money to hire 35 vehicles and organise their movement as group, as no other persons from the Region of the country they were travelling to made the trip with them. Two other buses were said to have escaped, which means the men were more than 486. People who embark on night journeys can travel in convoys no doubt, but such passengers themselves randomly arrive the parks from different locations and travel for different reasons and this will naturally mean different ethnic groups would be represented in such mass movement. But this is not the case. It is a homogenous group. So, no matter how one looks at it, the Nigerian State is facing very strange times illprepared, and one man really positioned to help if he would is Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State. Even if Government does not want to work with him, his predictions should no longer be taken lightly since the nation has done so in the past to its own peril. Is Governor Kashim Shettima not right once again, as always, with his prediction of Boko Haram moving South? Is this not another case of witch crying in the night and the baby dying in the morning? Shettima is either a Prophet or is deeply connected. Either way, Nigerian Government will do itself a world of good by listening to him. Governor Kashim Shettima was a man of no mean repute before coming to power as Governor of Borno State. He made his mark in the private secotr (banking and lecturing) before venturing into politics. He was born on September 2, 1966 in Maiduguri, Borno State. He attended Government Community Secondary School, Biu (1978–1980) and then attended Government Science Secondary School Potiskum, Yobe State (1980-1983). He studied Agricultural Economics at the University of Maiduguri, graduating in 1989. For his National Youth Service he

worked with the Nigerian Agricultural Cooperative Bank in Calabar (1989–1990). He then attended the University of Ibadan (1990-1991), gaining a Masters Degree in Agricultural Economics. From 1991 to 1993 he was a lecturer in Agricultural Economics at the University of Maiduguri. Shettima worked with the Commercial Bank of Africa as an Agricultural Economist at its Ikeja Office, Lagos State (1993-1997). He then became a deputy manager, later manager, at the African International Bank Limited, Kaduna Branch (1997–2001), and was appointed Deputy Manager/Branch Head of the Zenith Bank’s Maiduguri Office in 2001, becoming General Manager five years later. In mid-2007, Shettima was appointed Commissioner of the Borno State Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. Later he became Commissioner in the Ministries of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Education, Agriculture and later Health under his predecessor as Borno Governor Ali Modu Sheriff. In the January 2011 ANPP primaries, Modu Fannami Gubio was selected as candidate for the governorship. However, Gubio was later shot dead by gunmen, and Shettima was selected in a second primary election in February 2011.In the April 26, 2011 elections, Shettima won with 531,147 votes while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Muhammed Goni, gained 450,140 votes. Kashim Shettima himself told Christiane Amanpour of CNN this May, deal with devil if it means getting back kidnapped (Chibok) girls. This should now include Federal Government dealing with him. The mutual suspicion between the Borno State Governor and the Federal Government must cease if the war on terror will ever be won.

• Law Mefor, Forensic Psychologist and Journalist, is National Coordinator, Transform Nigeria Movement (TNM) Abuja; tel.: 234-803-787-2893; email: lawmefor@gmail.com.

U.S must act on human trafficking

Melysa Sperber or the past 14 years, the U.S State Department has used its Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report to judge how well the world is addressing modern slavery. Each year, the report draws much-needed attention to the horrors of human trafficking that flourish everywhere from fishing boats in Thailand and palm plantations in Malaysia, to brick kilns in India and the sex industry in just about every country worldwide. Hidden behind the shadows, traffickers prey on men, women and children, luring the vulnerable among us with promises of honest employment that are merely a facade for work conditions that are dangerous, exploitative and sometimes deadly. To date, the TIP Report’s country-by-country assessment has proven to be a powerful motivator, inspiring governments to improve efforts to reduce modern slavery in order to avoid the report’s lowest Tier 3 ranking - a diplomatic black eye that comes with the threat of U.S sanctions. The State Department’s power to influence other countries’ anti-trafficking efforts depends on the TIP Report’s integrity. We see concrete progress that we attribute to the TIP Report’s influence, and that is why its credibility must be unassailable. For example, the TIP Report was instrumental in galvanizing political will in Cameroon to pass legislation in 2012 making it a crime to traffic adults and children for sex or labour exploitation. In the Philippines, the

government has make profound reforms, including putting trafficking cases on a fast track for prosecution, in order to avoid a poor TIP ranking. But how is the U.S faring at home? The TIP report has given America a top Tier 1 ranking since the State Department began reporting on U.S progress in 2010. Tier 1 status requires that countries make “appreciable progress” in efforts to combat modern slavery, and it is incumbent on the U.S to use the annual assessment to look hard at its progress and to hold its leaders accountable if they’re not doing enough. As a rule, “Do as I say, not as I do” is not a productive way to lead, and if we take a hard look at what the U.S government is doing to fight domestic slavery - with resources that dwarf so many of the governments we critique each year - the honest conclusion is that it can and should do so much better. The U.S State Department estimates that as many as 17,500 men, women and children are trafficked into the United States each year. Each year, thousands of men, women and children pay foreign labor recruiters for the promise of a good job in the United States, only to be trafficked into the sex trade or forced to work for little or no wages in farm fields, as domestic servants or childcare providers, in hotels, restaurants and other businesses. Despite knowledge of this trafficking, Congress has failed to pass legislation that would oversee foreign labor contractors and ban recruitment fees that often force workers into conditions of debt bondage

or modern slavery. We don’t know how many children are trapped in modern slavery in the U.S collecting and reporting accurate data is a challenge the government must address if we are truly serious about tackling this scourge. What we do know is that too many child trafficking victims end up arrested and jailed or sent to juvenile detention instead of receiving necessary and deserved support services. Too few states have effective Safe Harbor laws that prevent minor victims of sex trafficking from being prosecuted for prostitution and require placement in specialized programs for trafficked youth. This means that in the majority of states trafficked children are likely to be arrested and put in jail cells or juvenile detention instead of receiving safe shelter, medical and psychological care and other services victims of this horrendous crime deserve. We also know that every year, the number of trafficking survivors seeking emergency and long-term support is increasing. Nonetheless, funding for trafficking victims services remained stagnant for a decade, until just this year. Imagine escaping from a brothel, a restaurant, a factory, or a home where you worked against your will, often in life-threatening conditions. Free from the trafficker, you are homeless and insecure. You reach out for help. You wait for days, then weeks, or even months before a nonprofit organization is able to offer you the services you need to fully recover. This is the situation facing too many survivors in the U.S.

Perhaps more disturbing, the U.S child welfare system, charged with providing for America’s most vulnerable children, fails to protect youth from falling prey to traffickers. Dismayingly, research shows that the majority of identified child trafficking victims already had contact, often multiple times, with the “the system”. The safety net for our most vulnerable children has gaping holes, and boys and girls are falling through them at alarming rates. With failures like this, the TIP Report should spur us in America to look long and hard at our Tier 1 ranking, and consider what the U.S should be doing to deserve it moving forward. President Obama and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have spoken out about the horrors of human trafficking. Evidence of their true commitment will be reflected in strong policies that provide more guidance, resources and training for state welfare agencies; prevent fraudulent labor recruitment; stop the criminalization of trafficking victims and ensure all trafficking survivors receive adequate services and support. All of this will cost money. Perhaps our greatest failure is not investing in proven solutions that will stop a global industry that generates $150 billion in annual profits by creating and capitalizing on one of the greatest human rights violation of our time. Melysa Sperber is Director of the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking, a U.S based coalition that advocates for solutions to prevent and end all forms of human trafficking and modern slavery around the world.

Letters Editor

to the

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

JUNE 22, 2014

You have a right to be heard! Send your letters and photographs to sundayletters@newtelegraph.com. Letters should not be nore than 100 words and must have the name and address of the sender.

Ago-Festac- Mile 2 road Dear Editor, I would like to forward my complaint to your newspaper for publication to make the Lagos State Government aware of our plight at Ago Palace Way, Okota, in Oshodi-Isolo LCDA of the state. Inasmuch as Governor Babatunde Fashola have been trying his best to reconstruct bad roads in the state, his best is not good enough. You just need to come over to Ago and see what taxpayers are going through; a portion of the road was constructed and completed last year, but the remaining part that would be described as the major one has been abandoned. This road that links Ago and Festac Town and Mile 2 is gradually becoming unmotorable especially in this raining season. I am calling on our dear governor to come to our aid as fast as he can. Fisayo Ogundele Okota, Lagos

Aircraft landing refusals Dear Editor, If the story I'm hearing is true that, again, some aircraft were refused landing after their pilots had filed flight plans and were cleared from departure to destinations but were refused landing, then we've got to test this incessant official recklessness in court, especially when there was no Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) declaring the airport closed. The trend we are seeing is dangerous and could be putting people's lives in danger. An airport can only be closed for landing if and only if the landing area, i.e. Runway is obstructed and this must be in published NOTAMs. No other issues about aeronautical facilities or landing aids should be the reason for closing an airport within the published hours in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). A country that is claiming to have Category 1 should not be seen to be behaving recklessly and toying with people's lives in the air. John Ojikutu, Osogbo Close, Agbara Estate, Ogun State

Theodore Orji , fix Aba’s roads Dear Editor, Please help us beg the Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji, to please forgive the sins that the Ngwa people have done to him and help us rebuild roads in Aba. It is very unfortunate that the commercial city of Aba, our Enyimba city? is now a ghost of what it used to be and it is shameful that this is happening under the governor’s watch. What he does not know is that he has just a few months to leave Government House and maybe he should start thinking about life after government house. We will remind him of how he left Aba to deteriorate. Victor Enyinna Aba

BODY NO BE WOOD: Snacks vendor takes a break from work

Living in darkness Dear Editor, I would like to use this opportunity to report the electricity situation in my area, New OkoOba, Ijaiye in Lagos State. Since this year, the electricity situation has been criminally inconsistent. We no longer get up to two hours of electricity and the most annoying thing is that the newly privatised power companies always bring bills at the end of the month. I understand that the Federal Government has said that if any of the DISCOs don’t provide electricity for 15 days that we should not pay. I want to say that both these DISCOs and the Federal Government are fooling and scamming the Nigeria populace. If they are sincere with the policy they are telling us, they should pass it through the National Assembly. They just made that pronouncement to deceive Nigerians. How are we to measure the amount of electricity given to us? Anyway, I want to use this medium to inform the Ikeja Power Distribution Company office in my area that the boys in our area are planning a protest and we will make a statement with this protest because we are tired of this scam perpetrated by both the FG and DISCO. Tope Bakare Lagos

Photo: Suleiman Husaini

Poor state of Ejigbo-Ikotun road Dear Editor, I will like to bring to the notice of the Lagos Ministry of Works that the residents of Ejigbo and Ikotun axis are also part and parcel of Lagos citizens. The reason why this notice is coming at this period is because of the appalling state of the roads leading to Ejigbo and Ikotun area of Lagos state. This road has become very had for vehicles since the Ministry of Works commenced work there and stopped since last year. The dug up dirt from the gutters, plus the bad road has made movement to be at a snail speed causing traffic jams and untold hardship for those who reside in the area as well as business owners. Residents hardly get home before 11pm daily and have to leave home as early as 4am to avoid the heavy traffic which starts as from 5am in the morning. The residents of this area are tax payers who expect the present government to finish work on that road before the present administration headed by Governor Fashola ends in 2015. Please, we need the Commissioner of Works, Lagos State to seriously look into commencing work on that road again before the heavy rains commence to ease the life of residents living in that area. Thanks Sincerely, Ogechi Maduforo

Policemen on Isheri-Oshun road Dear Editor Please help us draw to the attention of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police of the presence of armed men under second the bridge on the Jackunde –Ijegu road. These men, who normally wear dirty jean trousers on black T-shits branded SARS or Police, cannot be identified as they do not wear police uniform or have any name tag.

These men use their guns to threaten people daily that they will shoot anybody who fails to give them money since they cannot be traced. The question we want the Commissioner of Police to answer is; did he deliberately send these unidentifiable men to kill us? Why are they sent without uniform? Olojide Dare Fagbile Estate Isheri-Osun, Lagos

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Life

Kidnappers threatened to kill my kid brother for urinating on himself – Kogi speaker’s son

Momoh Jimoh Lawal and his son, Ogirima

Ogirima

Hafees

sons aged three and nine. For the family, what they went through was better imagined than experienced. Speaking to New Telegraph on Sunday, the helmsman of the Kogi State legislative house said he had the experience of being a dead man trying to exist. “I was more or less a dead man who merely existed. This was because since their abduction, everything that gave me joy vanished. At that particular moment, nothing mattered to me anymore because I was already dead inside me. My situation got worse each time I got home and met my agonized wife. She would cry all day and this almost dehydrated her. My brother, it was a terrible moment for me and each time, I always imagined the pain of parents whose children were abducted, particularly, parents of the female pupils of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State who were kidnapped the day before So, I was a sad man, even my staff at the assembly found it difficult to look at my face more or less or even greet me,” he said. His children, Ogirima (9) and Hafeez (3) were held in captivity for almost three months, a period their mother, Safiya Jimoh, said was a bad moment for the family. “My life was never the same, because I cried throughout that time, imagining what my children were going through in the hands of their abductors. Each time, I was served food to eat; I would ask if my children were eating or what kind of food they were eating. Since I didn’t get an answer, I would ask my maid to return

Muhammad Bashir

he family of Mr. Momoh Jimoh Lawal woke on April 15 with a heavy heart; the country had witnessed one of the bloodiest terrorist attacks since elements from Boko Haram started unleashing their reign of terror on Nigerians. Nigerians were still coming to terms with the reality of the carnage the bomb blast in Nyanya, Abuja the day before had caused. Over 100 people were killed with close to 200 injured. News were still filtering in on the number of casualties; gory pictures of mutilated and mangled body parts, skeletons of burnt out mass transport buses were on the front page of newspapers across the country and the Internet was filled with images that were scary and agonizing. On that same day, the news about over 100 female pupils of Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State was at the moment unbelievable. Many people around the world said prayers for Nigeria and for protection from terrorists. Hon. Momoh Lawal, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly joined his family to pray for the country. As he went to work that morning, little did he know that that day would start an ugly episode in his life and that of his family. On that day, he house was invaded by a group of kidnappers and his pregnant wife was attacked before the dare devils made away with one of his vehicles and two of his

the food. I was more or less running mad, because at little intervals, I would let out a scream, calling the names of my children. My husband was not left out of my frustration. I would blame him for the abduction of my children. The only conversation I used to have with him was to cry to him to go and bring back my children. I really didn’t care how he got them back; the only thing I cared about was to see my children. It was a bad moment for my husband and I, but thank God today, I am with my children,” the heavily pregnant mother said. Recalling the fateful day, Safiya said she believed her life was over when she saw two huge men enter her bedroom and pointed guns at her, instinctively, she started praying but if her prayer got answered and her life was spared, that of her two boys was hanging in the balance for the next eight weeks. “On that fateful day of their abduction, I was sleeping in my room when I was woken up suddenly. I saw two hefty men pointing guns at me. They asked me to bring my car keys, which I hurriedly did. Then I told them that I had some money and gold with me, so they can take them and spare my life. It never occurred to me that it was my children they were actually after. One of them then said, “Let’s finish this job.” Then, I came to the conclusion that my days on earth were over. But surprisingly, they took the keys only and left my room. But I knew they were still around; at that particular time I was in deep prayer begging God to forgive my sins. After a while, they threw one of the car keys through the window at me and drove the other car away. I thought it was over, since they went away with my car, until I enquired about my children and was told that Ogirima and Hafiz were missing. Then my world turned dark, I screamed and cried all through the night till daybreak. And since then, until now,” she said. From then on fear enveloped the family and with limited contacts by their captors, Jimoh started having negative thoughts about the chances of his children coming out alive. “Never did I expect that I would ever see my children again because of the way and manner my children were kidnapped. Since the kidnapping, the bridge of communication with the kidnappers and I was very slim. I think they called three times within two months. I began to have some crazy thoughts whether my children had died in their custody, thinking that they may not have withstood the isolation, fear, environment and most of all surviving the long time without feeling the warmth of their parents. But all the while, I refuse to disclose my thoughts to my family, particularly my wife who was already facing the agony of her children’s abduction. Sharing that thought with her would have compounded the situation, given the fact that she is pregnant,” he said. Now together after their ordeal, the children cuddled their parents in a very special way as if to make up for the time they were held captive. When New Telegraph on Sunday asked Ogirima how the whole incident happened, he said he had to play the role of the big brother protecting his little brother even when the kidnappers threatened to shoot his head for urinating on himself. “I took care of my brother, Hafiz. There was a time Hafeez passed faeces and urinated on his body. One of the kidnappers angrily pointed a gun at his head and threatened to blow it off. I cried and pleaded that I was going to wash him, which I did. At a point, Hafiz took ill and they gave some drugs and made sure he got well again. But one thing I was sure of was that someday, I was going to see my parents. And thank God today I am with my daddy and mummy,” he said. He went on to recall the day they were abducted. “We were in our room sleeping, when some men came in and took us away. Hafiz was crying, calling our mother, while I sat in the car confused. I was imagining where they were taking us to. It was dark then. Eventually, the car stopped and we were moved into another car and we drove on. They abandoned my mummy’s car. After some time, we slept off and suddenly woke up in a bush where we stayed throughout,” he said. While being held in captivity, the kids were made to take their bath once in a day, ate twice and wore the same clothes for the period they were held hostage. The kidnappers attempted brainwashing them by telling them their parents did not love them by not conceding to the ransom request they demanded. “We ate twice a day, tea and bread in the morning and rice or eba at night. At times if Hafiz cried that he wanted to see our mother, they would tell him to stop crying. They would say that our parents don’t love us. When I argued that our parents love us, they would reply, “If your parent CO NTINUED O N PAGE 14

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Diaspora Notes

Israel’s role in Nigeria’s terror war, by Amb. Palti Please give us a peep into your diplomatic background, posting to Nigeria and the State of Israel. oday is exactly 15 months since I assumed office. I arrived in Abuja on March 10th and began to work the next day, 11th March. I calculate every day of my stay here because I fell in love with Nigeria. Some say it’s difficult (living in Nigeria); some say it’s dangerous, but I say it’s not true. I only find it challenging and interesting. Regarding my person, I will say I have diplomatic blood in my veins because I was born to a diplomatic family. My parents were both diplomats of the first generation of the State of Israel. May God bless them; they have both passed away, unfortunately. They served the State of Israel since its creation in 1948. My late father was part of the diplomatic division of the Jewish agency which preceded the State of Israel. My mother served in the British Army in the Second World War as a young truck driver in the desert in Egypt. She was 22 then. On November 29, 1947, the UN recognized the right of the Jewish people to have a state. The government of Her Majesty recognized the right of the people. Lord Balfour was then the Minister of the Commonwealth. The war of independence began when five Arab countries attacked Israel and six months later the United Nations declared our independence on May 15th 1948. You have spent 15 months in Nigeria and you are so passionate about the country. What drives this passion? Israel established relations with Nigeria immediately Nigeria got its independence in 1960. The relations were flourishing before the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Unfortunately, all African states disconnected diplomatic ties with Israel after the Yom Kippur War, and Nigeria was part of that. So the foundation of the diplomatic relations between Israel and Nigeria began when Golda Meir was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel. She really felt that Africa should be a major pillar of Israel’s foreign policy. Just last night, our foreign minister departed on a tour of five African states again to emphasize the importance of Africa in our foreign policy. He will not be coming to Nigeria because he has already visited Nigeria. Nigeria is so important that he has already paid a visit here. Now he is going to Rwanda, Kenya, Angola, Uganda and Ghana. To re-emphasize the importance of Africa to Israel, Golda Meir considered Africa as part and parcel of Israel. When Nigeria got its independence, Israel was only 12 years old. Then Egypt was a major enemy of Israel, so Golda Meir sent the top, most qualified diplomats of Israel to Africa because she saw it as a major goal of Israeli diplomacy. Let me say that I have been to so many nice places like New York, Beverley Hills, but nothing can compare to the experience of being in Nigeria. All those places are nice but nowhere is as fascinating as Nigeria. It’s difficult but it’s challenging and fascinating. Now, as an ambassador I have the role of shaping the relations between Nigeria and Israel. I was able to facilitate contact between the government of Israel and President Goodluck Jonathan while he was on pilgrimage to Israel last year. We had a very successful visit. Also, last week I was in Lagos and two weeks ago I was in Bayelsa State. I had the privilege of meeting with Governor Seriake Dickson. It was a lovely event where we celebrated Israel and Jerusalem. I had the honour of being conferred with the indigenship of Bayelsa State. In fact they called me Oyintari and gave me

Israeli Ambassador, His Excellency Uriel Palti, shares compelling insights into Nigeria-Israeli relationship, the Arab-Israeli crisis and resolution options, his passion for Nigeria, security issues and more. A widely travelled lawyer, reservist Major in the Israeli Defence Force, Palti fielded questions from IKE ABONYI, SULEIMAN BISALLA, LOUIS ACHI and UMMAL FADAL BABAGIREI

a lovely walking stick and a lovely dress. I more than felt at home. Therefore, I must say that I feel very much honoured to be an Israel ambassador here. Will you say that Golda Meir’s move has yielded positive results for Israel and Africa, six decades later? How will you assess Afro-Israeli relations at the moment? First of all, after the Yom Kippur War of 1973, almost all African countries really were influenced by the Arabs and they cancelled diplomatic relations with Israel. It was difficult for us after all we invested in Africa. In 1973, the relations were very good. We developed bilateral and multilateral relations. One of the highlights was called the Initiative of Four Presidents in 1971 which many now do not remember. My wife is a professor of African Studies. She teaches history of Africa-Israel relations. I am reading a lot now since I became ambassador. I know something about 1971. The initiative began in 1970 for Africans; the negotiations between Israel and Arabs began immediately after. In 1971, the Initiative of Four African Presidents, an effort to make peace between Israel and the Arabs was led by President Leopold Senghor of Senegal. They came to Israel. Israel was not happy at the beginning of this initiative because Israel was afraid this initiative was over-influenced by the Arabs. Anyhow, unfortunately, like other initiatives, nothing came out of it. But that is not to diminish you because since 1948 there have been many initiatives that yielded nothing. The reason none of the initiatives

actually succeeded is not the failure of the initiative but unwillingness of the Arabs to really accept the existence of the state of Israel. There were many initiatives from the first uprising to the second uprising. Leopold Senghor’s was only one of them and I mentioned it because it’s an African initiative. Don’t you think the Israeli position on then apartheid South Africa contributed to making African countries look at Israel with suspicion? You are talking about South Africa? Yes I do not think so because South Africa was a complicated issue. But whatever was in the past, Israel totally changed her position vis- a-vis South Africa. You know the visit of President Jonathan to Israel uplifted the relation between Israel and Nigeria. Now there is a goodchemistry established between Prime Minister Benjamin Nathanyahu and President Jonathan. I have seen it and I have heard it from Prime Minister Benjamin Nathanyahu, and with a sense of modesty I can tell you I have heard it from President Jonathan too. I know that Prime Minister Benjamin Nathanyahu told me after we had a two-hour working dinner in October. He said now I can call President Jonathan to ask him to vote for Israel at the UN. That was in October. Then in January I was in Israel; before I left, I was asked to arrange a meeting between the Prime Minister and President Jonathan. I came here, saw Jonathan a few days later and asked him: ‘President Jonathan, Prime Minister would like to meet you; he said I will love to meet with him.’ That was it! And there

was a meeting. Two-three weeks ago, the presidents told me he needed to speak with his friend Nathanyahu. And there was a telephone call. So the relationship between them is not a secret. You all know that Prime Minister Nathanyahu had condemned Boko Haram and I am telling you that Israel is helping Nigeria in the rescue mission (of the Chibok girls). We are part of the group called ‘the friends of Nigeria’. I assume it won’t have happened if not because President Jonathan and the Prime Minister had not met in Israel last October; a meeting that established a personal connection. Let’s shift to the economic realm. What is the trade balance between Nigeria and Israel? The last figure I have is that of 2012. We have not yet gotten the 2013 figure which we need to get. In 2012, it was $400 million. In whose favour? Most goes from Israel to Nigeria. We should work on sending more exports from Nigeria to Israel. So the trade balance is in Israel’s favour now? Yes. Does Israel import Nigerian oil? No. Why? I do not think there was a major offer to sell to Israel. In any case I think it will be expensive, that is why. Transporting the product will be expensive. So I do not know about any serious offer but to the best of my knowledge, it will be expensive. Trade between the two countries is mostly in cocoa, rice, cassava and some agricultural products. Agriculture is one area that Israel is known for. Now you have come to Nigeria; you have seen the kind of land we have; the rains and other natural endowments conducive to agriculture… Recently, we met with Governor Dickson, Governor Jonah Jang, their Commissioners of Trade and Investment, Commissioner of Environment and Commissioner of Tourism. We discussed all the issues at length. I will be visiting Kogi State where I will have a meeting with Governor Idris Wada and am sure these are some of the issues we will be discussing. I have invited Governor Dickson to pay a state visit to Israel in respect of those issues. Is Nigeria is tapping from Israel’s agricultural potential properly, particularly in terms of mechanization? It is not for me to say, but there is no doubt there are lots of potentials especially in agriculture that Israel can come and participate here in Nigeria. And I know there is the eagerness from our part. Governor Dickson will come and we will arrange a lunch for him to meet with the Israel-Africa Chamber of Commerce in the export institute and we will invite people from the private sector. There is hardly a day that I don’t get a telephone call or an email from an Israel company that is interested in coming to invest in Nigeria or to sell something. Is it the telecommunication industry or those who want to sell some products in Nigeria; these may be plastic products, energy or roofing materials. I can show you letters; there is hardly a day that I don’t get such communication. There has been talk between Israel and Nigeria regarding our state of security. Can you give us up to date on that? CO NTINUED O N PAGE 14

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Life

Kidnappers threatened to kill my kid brother for urinating on himself – Kogi speaker’s son

CONTINUED FR O M PAGE 12

loves you, why don’t they bring money to rescue you?” Ogirima said. After being held for eight weeks, they were released on Friday, June 6 and according to their mother, when she saw her children, she shed tears again because they were looking very unkempt and it took Hafiz another week to start talking again after the ordeal they went through. “I fainted when I saw my children coming out of the car. I never believed that I would ever see them again. They were looking very haggard, without slippers, smelling as if they were rescued from a toilet pit,” she said. Their father, as a lawmaker, had to do some negotiations on phone when the was asked by the abductors to send someone close to him to come and pick the children. “Iwas travelling to Abuja when my phone rang. When I picked the call, a voice asked, “Mr. Speaker where are you?” I gave my location and was asked to turn back and drive straight to Okene, I did not hesitate and turned back. When I arrived at Okene, I was expecting their call, which did not come throughout that day. In the morning of the next day, at about 11 am or so, they called me and directed that I should drive alone to Edo State. I told them that with my position as speaker, it was not possible for me to do that. They now said I should send my wife and I told them that that was not also possible. Then finally, they said I should send some one very close and whom I so much trusted. I then pleaded with them that kidnapping any other person of mine would lead to my total destruction. As I was pleading, they yelled at me and asked me to do as they said. Before I could say anything further, the phone went off. With this, I had no choice than to run the risk, which I eventually did anyway. After

The boys and thier mother, Safiya

several hours, my delegation arrived with a message from the kidnappers that they would get back to me. I waited till about 9 pm that day when a call came in and I was asked to drive to Okene area court opposite Cathedral Church to pick my children. I couldn’t believe it. When I drove to the particular spot along with my security personnel, I saw my children. I could not hold back my emotion. I broke into tears seeing my long lost children. I took them home and since then it has always been showers of glory to Almighty God,” he narrated. Though so many insinuations followed

the report of the release of the minors about millions paid in ransom demands, the Speaker said the kidnappers, after initially asking for N200 million, never discussed ransom again and also refuted stories making the rounds that his children’s abduction was a political move by his detractors. “I did not pay one naira as ransom. After the abduction, they asked me to pay N200 million but I told them I didn’t have that kind of money. After that, they did not discuss any ransom with me; even in the process of releasing my children,” he said. He added, “I really don’t want to believe so. If it is so, then it would be unfortunate,

because I don’t see the wisdom of abducting my innocent children because of my second term ambition. These children know nothing about politics. Well like I said, I don’t want to believe my children’s abduction was political. In fact, to be honest with you, I don’t even know what to believe, whether it is political or not. What matters to me is that I have finally re-united with my children. And lest I forget, I really want to express my innermost appreciation to the State Governor, the security agencies, the media and the entire people of the state, who were very supportive with prayers during my family’s dark moment.”

Israel’s role in Nigeria’s terror war, by Amb. Palti CONTINUED FR O M PAGE 9

What specific areas of intervention is the Israeli government coming in to help Nigeria out? I can only tell you just as the Prime Minister has said, we condemn the Boko Haram attack on the girls and we are doing as much as we can to help Nigeria in the field of intelligence. Let’s look at the issue of terrorism globally. I can say that unfortunately, the Boko Haram is another arm of Al Qaeda. You see the influence of Hammas in Gaza. We have just seen the establishment of the unity government of the PLO and Hammas. It is something terrible. Just last week, Hammas and the PLO established unity government in the territories. This is all influenced by Iran. You can see the influence in Hezbollah in Lebanon; the Al Shabab from Somali which carries out attacks in Nairobi and the Boko Haram in Nigeria. The attack of the wife of Israel diplomat in India a year ago is all being sponsored by Al Qaeda. It’s all international terrorism and unfortunately you see it in Nigeria day after day. Giving the continued threat of terrorism globally, is the world winning the war against terrorism? You remember 9/11 in New York? I wish I could answer ‘yes’. Am throwing the question back to you; is the world winning the war? Israel won the war against the second uprising. We had same situation that you have now. We had a similar situation 10

years ago. We won the war. It took four to five years. America did not have such a war; it was just the 9/11, not an ongoing war. So is the world winning the war (against terrorism)? I don’t know. I wish I could say ‘yes’. I hope... A major proposal to the Arab-Israeli conflict is the two-state solution. What is Israel’s position on the two-state solution? We support it but you need two to tango. Right now, this week, this Unity Government the Hammas created with the PLO almost killed the initiative. At this very moment I doubt if we have a platform. For the two-state solutions, you need number two. It is very nice that we have one now (Israel) but we need two. I must say a word in favour of our president. We just voted yesterday; we have a president-elect who is 75, and he succeeds Shimon Peres. I know both of them personally. I was there when he (Peres) was prime minister and I was his assistant, and he voted me as spokesperson. He will conclude his presidency on July 21st and he will be 91 on August 16th. I must say that this is a phenomenon. Whoever saw him when the Pope was in Israel two weeks ago will attest to that. I was sitting with President Jonathan at the high table; he looked good for someone at that age. My mother passed away when she was almost 90. My father never reached the age of 90 but he was in his best. He (Peres) told President Jonathan about his meeting with Kwame Nkrumah. Now I return to your question. We have

problem with the ‘two-state’ from the other side because of this new Palestinian government. We have Hammas which called for the destruction of the State of Israel as partner in the government. You cannot negotiate when someone calls for your destruction. From the Israeli perspective, can there be solution to Middle East issue? Yes How? There can be few solutions, not only twostate solution. We can go for the Jordanian Option. Some Palestinians see themselves as Jordanians and on the other side, many Jordanians are Palestinians. For example, I had the privilege in 1994/1995 when we signed the peace accord with Jordan; I was the coordinator of the peace talk with Jordan. My counterpart on the other side was a Palestinian; he studied in Washington D.C. In fact half of Jordanian ministers are Palestinians. So let’s assume that the two-state solution will not work because of many reasons, one of which is because it’s too crowded; because of economic reasons, Palestinians will like to have a direct approach. For years we’ve spoken about giving the Jordanian Option. I know the detail because of the diplomatic relation. Another option is what we call the Jordanian Option, so that we do not necessarily have to go for the twostate solution. Fifteen in Nigeria; how will you describe Nigerian politics? To say much on this I will need some 25 months. But then I will say ‘very interesting’. I am learning a lot. I would tell you

that it is even more interesting than Israeli politics. Israeli politics is less interesting. You know I don’t want to discuss Israel politics. The dirty side of Isreal politics saw so many deals behind the scenes. Private investigators were at work, and one candidate had to go out because he was blamed for sexual harassment. The next week, they discovered that another one had half a million in his safe. I am telling you this because it was in the press. This was the candidate of the Labour Party, former minister of defence. He was called by the police and was told that they discovered he bought an apartment for 9 million. And he was asked where he got the money. Then on Sunday, they found half a million in his safe in a bank. So he dropped out. Another dropped because a lady blamed him outside the status of limitation. Then he dropped out. The third was the one that had a secret deal with a cleaning lady. He gave her a quarter of a million shekel as a deal that he fires her but she keeps her mouth shut. This has been the dirtiest Israeli campaign so far. Now you are only allowed one term of 7 years; then it was two terms of 5 years. How does Israel deal with corruption? We have the police and attorney general who is a very powerful person. I don’t know whether to say it is a good or bad news. The former Prime Minister of Israel was sentenced to jail two weeks ago for not exactly money laundering but something like that. He gave his brother money, a large amount of it and did not report on it. He was sentenced by the district court.

Sanctity of Truth

ON SUNDAY

Page 15, JUNE 22, 2014

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT www.newtelegraphonline.com/body&soul

Glam up your look with sexy lace

Nail polish with a twist

Cool kicks for casual outing

My mother is my best ‘finishing school’ –Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi

Body&Soul

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

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P ro m

Contents 22.06.2014 COVER

People wonder how I find time to farm despite my business activities. But they fail to realise that whatever one does for pleasure is no longer a labour, rather a hobby. So, I enjoy seeing green leaves all around me. I like to see nature and I get them in farming.

FASHION Lace is

} 18-19

} 22&43

-Margaret Orakwusi

BEAUTY

The nails of a woman certainy do compliment her in no small way. It adds to the airs of grace that she carries with her. Treat yourself to the new fix in nail care which is nail polish with a twist

} 21

WINE & DINE For those seeking delicious wine to relax the palate, Dessert wine is it. This is a unique category of wine made sweet by harvesting grapes late - when they have started to shrivel and lose some of the water content } 49

JUNE 22,

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Body&S

an utterly feminine fabric; keep it modern with sleek accessories. It is not a fabric to go overthe-top with jewellery

Pg. 48

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ACCESSORIES

If you are old fashioned, you may call these cute and flimsy pieces brooches if not, you’ll call them pins! The choice of words doesn’t take anything away from their prettiness or the pizzazz they add to your look } 17

BED, WORK & LIFE

Get the theatre ready immediately. You, get a stretcher and move her immediately.” He then turned to Richie. “We’re taking her to the theatre. She went into premature labour. You can see the water is

broken. It’s an emergency,” he said through clenched teeth. “Labour at seven months”? } 20

T h e Te a m l Juliet Bumah (Editor)

l Bayo Adeoye (Senior Correspondent) l Vanessa Okwara (Correspondent) l Biwom Iklaki (Correspondent) l Ugochukwu Nnakwe (Graphics) l Edwin Usoboh (Graphics) +234 (0) 811 675 9770, +234 (0) 701 110 1014 chibumah@yahoo.com julietbumah@newtelegraphonline.com

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Accessories

Body&Soul

Add pizzazz to your ensemble with pins Biwom Iklaki

here have been modern updates to classic jewelled brooches, hair pins, and charms recently. You can use them to update or give your look a retro spin; some brides incorporate it into their wedding regalia (often a vintage brooch as something borrowed) or bouquets.

If you are old fashioned, you may call these cute and flimsy pieces brooches if not, you’ll call them pins! The choice of words though, doesn’t take anything away from their prettiness or the pizzazz they add to your look. Wear it as a lapel pin (at the end of the left collar), at your bust line if you are wearing a dress, to the empire line at your waist or pin

it right in the middle of your neckline for maxi dresses, for casual shirt with a collar, use a collar brooch – one that clips on to both ends of the collar and hangs in between like a pretty necklace, or as a funky pin on your clutch or scarf. Not sure if pins give a touch of royalty? Ask the Queen of England, she wears them with all her outfits.

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

My mother is my best ‘finishing school’

As a pupil, Chairman, Nigeria Maritime Conference and Exhibition (NIMAREX) and ex-President, Nigeria Trawler Owners Association, Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi, had her eyes on becoming a seasoned lawyer. Today, she is the Principal Partner, Margaret Onyema and Co; CEO, Uptown Solicitors; Chairman, MORBOD Group; Council Member, Nigeria Ship Owners Association; Chairperson, Women Corporate Directors Nigeria; and an IWEC awardee. She talks about challenges in Nigerian maritime industry, her job and life in this interview with CHIJIOKE IREMEKA Industrial fishing in Nigeria is capitalintensive. How did you access the seed capital required for the business, even to the point of becoming president of Nigeria Trawler Owners Association? Well, I cut my clothes according to the materials. Yes, anything that has to do with acquiring a trawler is capital-intensive because we deal mostly with other variables. Fuel and vessels increase the cost of our production as well as human capital. I was able to raise the initial capital from personal savings. Which aspect of fisheries are you into? How would you explain industrial fishing to a layman? I’m involved i n

deep sea fishing. That is, trawling or industrial fishing. Trawling is fishing with small ships (trawlers) and we deal in shell food or shrimps. Our prawns and shrimps are mostly products for export market and for local consumption. Fisheries industry in t h e count r y adds valu e t o

the economy. I’ve been in deep sea fishing for over 20 years. We have grown and will continue to grow. I wouldn’t want to blow my trumpet by telling you how many trawlers I have, but we’ve grown. We are everywhere in the world, wherever we are able to secure a fishing licence to operate, but sea piracy has forced many of us out of the country. So, from where do you operate now and what quantity of sea foods do you get outside there? We are 100 per cent present in Nigeria. We carry all our fishing activities in Nigeria, from Nigeria and return to Nigeria for export. When sea piracy started, we were forced to take certain decisions for safety because it had to do with life. But then, when we moved to other countries, the pirates moved too because they are getting sophisticated. They are more global in their operations, because piracy is in every country. But we are looking for the lesser of the two evils, where there is greater stability. However, the market is in Nigeria. There is nothing we do in this country that we don’t have an exclusive market for. Shrimps caught in Nigerian waters are said to be the best in the world. Is that true? Oh yes! They are

still the best in the world. Remember that what we do is to catch them in their natural environment, which are beautiful environment free of chemicals, adulteration and pollution. The entire world has also recognised that our species are special. There are some that we don’t need to advertise. We have the best but they are not in the quantity that we can offer the world. In other words, our exports amount to just two per cent of total shrimps consumed in the world. We need to grow the industry and encourage people to come in. There is no need for massive importation of sea food into Nigeria. Nigeria is almost becoming a dumping ground for low quality sea food caught in contaminated environment and rejected by other countries. We have pleaded with the government to provide a fishing terminal for the industry, but government hasn’t done that yet. One requires billions of naira to go into fish trawling. You need to get a jetty, cold room and barges to store your AGO. Also, you need a workshop and processing plant but when we have efficient terminals, these will be taken care of and other investors will only pay for the services, which will be cheaper for a start. This is what obtains in other countries, including Ghana. There is the need to develop our fishing terminals to boost the fisheries industry. There was a time jetties were concessioned, but Kirikiri 1 and 2 were deliberately made to help the Lagos industry grow. Tickets were sold to investors to build terminals; unfortunately, there is nothing yet. When fully developed, this sector will create auxiliary jobs in Nigeria for fish mongers, rope factories, processing and refrigerating plants, among others. Our universities are offering fisheries as a course, where will the graduates work upon graduation? We can’t feed the country with the fish from the farms alone; industrial fishing is very essential in the country. When you were the president of NITOA, you called for stoppage of sea piracy on our waters. How far has the campaign gone? Well, we have made a significant impact because there is an improvement. There was a time that the pirate attacks were so rampant. As president, I had to pull out all our fishing vessels from Nigerian waters and insisted that we must be protected on our waters. Though I’m not saying that the attacks have stopped, but we can see a reduction in their activities. So, with our seminars and trainings, I believe that we are headed for a period when the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA will make sea piracy unattractive by driving these criminals away from our waters. Also, as the chairman of NIMAREX, would you say that our maritime sector is well positioned to take care of proceeds from the fisheries industry and shipments for the economy? There are some shortfalls. It’s important we develop our maritime sector and I’m happy that our cries have been heard by those in authority. We need to develop our shipping in the way that indigenous ship owners will be the key players in the sector. For long, we have criticised the sale of our crude oil on certain basis. All over the world, if you have the cargo, you dictate

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Body&Soul

- Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi the shipping, insurance, bank transactions; and these are the areas Nigeria is losing revenue. You know the quality and size of our coastlines; yet, we don’t want to develop our shipping. Our shipping sector, if developed, will take care of millions of jobs. It will also sustain comatose industries. Banks and insurance will grow. Recently, we were promised that certain a percentage of shipments would be handled by indigenous ship owners. It’s a step in the right direction. I’m happy that the platform provided by NIMAREX is working. You have the operators, consumers, and regulators come on a table to discuss the issues militating against the maritime industry. Some people think maritime is a closed shop but it’s the untapped area in our economy. It’s good to allow the indigenous ship owners participate in the shipping activities of our export. This will attract more people and the economy will grow. Being the principal partner of Margaret Onyema & Co., with your experience spanning over 25 years in law practice, what would you consider your high point? You know, I’m a very conservative person and I belong to a conservative profession too. Except what people read in the papers like Margaret Onyema and Co. is involved in a high profile case, I’ve never granted interviews on any case my firm is handling. That’s my policy. I maintain my clients’ confidentiality. Our clients are mostly high-profile individuals or companies in the country. I would say that Law is my first love, irrespective of every other thing I’m doing now and I will keep practising law until I go to join my God. Law is quite a jealous lover; it takes all your time and whatever small time you get, it keeps you busy because in everything you do, there is law. Buying and selling involves law, likewise manufacturing. The only thing I can say now is that we are expanding, hiring more lawyers and training others to do the work. We have also gone international and we are handling an international case on arbitration currently. So, it’s been good. If I come to this world again, I would still like to be a lawyer. I had the opportunity of becoming anything I wish in life, but I love Law. As a child, I started admiring brilliant lawyers, their wigs, gowns and how they comport themselves. So, it’s a good feeling that I’m living out my childhood dream. How do you cope with being a mother, lawyer, fisherwoman, farmer and entrepreneur? How many hours do you sleep in a day? Everything depends on effective time management, discipline, upbringing and above all, the grace of God. Irrespective of the discipline your parents instilled in you, you have to discipline yourself. When it comes to time management, I have trained my body to be an alarm clock. No matter when I want to go to bed, I must get up by 5am. Once it’s 5am, sleep flies out of my eyes. This I achieved over time. Also, it depends on what you focus your mind on. As I’m sitting now, I have my activities for the next three months planned. I know where I will be at any given point in time within these three months. If any of them is conflicting, I know how to juggle it. More importantly, when I’m in my farm, I shut down my law practice, fishing exercise and maritime business among others. At this point, the farm takes 100 per cent of my attention and vice versa. Most of us think that some activities are more important than the others. No, each of them deserves equal time. I have a friend in Kenya, very hard working. She comes from a poor background and was the only person that could go to school. She said to me that when she finished schooling,

she would get a good job and if not, she would marry a rich man. Unfortunately, fortune didn’t smile on her. When she finished, there was neither any job nor rich husband, and it then dawned on her that life is what one makes of it. She remembered that she was baking birthday and wedding cakes free for people and decided to do that for a fee. Today, her bakery is so big that she can employ anybody that can add value to her business. Her factory is known all over Africa. So, if she was looking for a white collar job and downgrading that business, would she have been an award winner today? We should appreciate what everybody does for a living, with the exception of robbery. Finally, the desire to get to where nobody has got, the hunger to provide employment for people, the hunger to distinguish oneself in one’s chosen profession encouraged me to coordinate my activities well. What exactly do you do at 5am, when the rich are still rolling on the bed? Well, at 5am, I pray and stay still to clear my head and prepare myself for the challenges of the day. I’m a great thinker. After my prayers, I lie still and think. Between 5am and 6am is time set aside for my God and myself. Then I get ready; think of domestic chores, because I’m in charge of my home. If I have to be in the court, by 9am, I’m already there. I don’t joke with time. As far as I’m concerned, there is no African time. Time is discipline; if you are meant to be somewhere at any point in time, try and get there five minutes before and not after. What are your recreational activities? Two virtues that I’m denied of are waiting and socialising; though I’m getting better. I’m not the party type and God gave m e wonderful family members that understand that aspect of me. But what I do for recreation may not impress other people. However, listening to music, going to comedy shows such like AY, Alibaba and others because I like to laugh at good jokes. I like to dance but not the type that will interest you. When my four children are around (three boys and a girl) in my room dancing their Azonto, we all

dance together but that ends within the confines of my bedroom. We have good fun in my room. It doesn’t get to my living room. I read a lot and like going to local markets like Oyingbo and Epe (in Lagos). I found Epe market relaxing. When I have any visitor from abroad, one of the ‘must go’ areas is Epe market. It’s hard to believe but whenever I want to go there, I dress like one of the market women, which I am. I negotiate prices with them. It’s quite relaxing and I enjoy myself doing that. At Epe market, there is nothing in that sea that you don’t get to buy there, be it crocodile, fish, everything. For someone like me, I like to move around, see things, know their prices and see the local fishermen as they come in to discharge their catch. During vacation, I try to be in a good place with my children alone. I cook and give them three square meals on a daily basis. This is the moment we treasure so much in life and I al-

ways look forward to. I like going to the farm too, sitting and watching the birds smile, watching the seeds I planted germinate. This is my own way of relaxation, otherwise, I have a feeling that even when I am sleeping, I work. What are your hobbies? People wonder how I find time to farm despite my business activities. But they fail to realise that whatever one does for pleasure is no longer a labour, rather a hobby. So, I enjoy seeing green leaves all around me. I like to see nature and I get them in farming. When I harvest my cassava, I use them for tapioca. Do you engage in any sporting activity? I used to like taking a long walk on a daily basis until an okada (commercial cyclist) knocked down a woman doing a similar thing with me. I got wiser. So, I reduced the number of days and areas where I walk. I like to swim too. When I was younger, I liked playing squash, but I believe age is slightly catching up with me. Squash is getting more aggressive for me. What’s your favourite meal? I’m not a food person. There are few delicacies I like and fortunately, they are all Nigerian foods. I like breadfruit. As a student in Britain, breadfruit was usually my last meal before going back to school. On my way back, I would eat it from airport down to my house, courtesy of my mum. I also like vegetables, water and fruits. You spotlighted upbringing as the major factor that shaped your life. Could you share some of these outstanding childhood aspects of your upbringing with us? My parents believe in education. Education for them is not going to school to secure a first degree alone. After your first degree, you go for second degree. Thank God for their wisdom as that was a good foundation for children. As a result of that, we all studied professional courses. For me to study Law, I had to earn a degree in philosophy to broaden my reasoning, according to my father. Then, I wasn’t happy because I was young and ready to go, but we were lucky to have them as parents. My mum was the disciplinarian in the family. She always had the stick. She wouldn’t take nonsense from anybody. She brought us up trimmed and neat, and there is no better finishing school anywhere in the world than my mother’s finishing school. She instilled these virtues in us. She would send you on an errand and give you time. If by chance, you spent more than the time allocated, you would explain to her why it was so. These are the virtues that have affected each and every one of us in our chosen professions. My mum is long gone but I still hear her voice in the background.

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Patra goes into labour

young boy was rushed into the hospital. It was an emergency. The nurse at the reception switched attention to the new comers after pointing out the way to the handsome dude. Richie wondered what could be wrong with the little boy. As he stepped out of the reception area, he forgot about the wealthy stranger. He asked his driver to take him to a fruit shop. There, he bought some fruits. Luckily, the hospital had an arrangement with a nearby restaurant. It usually supplied food to patients on demand. So he needn’t take food to Patra, only the fruits. His living room was as he left it. He locked the door when they were leaving for the hospital, so the domestic staff couldn’t clean up the mess. He cleared the mess and decided to watch a match. It was the World Cup season; he switched on the television and went to the kitchen. He washed the fruits, put some in a fruit bowl and went back to the living room. He munched on them as he watched the match. It was towards the end of the match that his mind went back to the stranger at the hospital reception. It then occurred to him that his wife was in Private Ward F. “Oh Gawd! A visitor for my wife? How did he know my wife was there? Who is he?” One mind told him that the man made a mistake about the Ward number. A little voice told him the dude was the man that proved him infertile in his wife’s presence. He sat up suddenly as reality dawned on him. “That must be the man farming on my territory. He had the guts to show up at the hospital!” Richie was furious. It would have been easier on him if he looked better than the man. But from all indications, the guy was a ‘sure guy’! He shot up from the couch and called the driver. “Sir, he just stepped out now,” the security man told him. “Get me a car key,” he said. “Which of the cars, sir,” the man asked and Richie barked at him. “I said a CAR!” The security man scurried inside and came out with some keys. Richie glared at him and picked one. He was out of the house in a flash. In his hurry, he rammed his car into another one at the junction. “Phew!” It took him precious minutes and some cash to pacify the middle aged woman who drove the other car. Some husbands do have them! The woman cut him to pieces with her tongue, telling him how his poor driving was sure sign he managed his family poorly. Richie was in a rage by the time he drove off from the scene. ******** The stranger tapped lightly on the door of Room F, turned the knob and entered. The room was empty. He stepped out and was about to close the door when he noticed another door to his right. He stepped back into the room and closed the door gently behind him. The occupant of the room must be in the other room. He heard the tap running. Patra came out of the rest room and was surprised to see him. She stifled a shout and ran into his arms. “My! You scared me! You should have called first. What if he is still around? He left just a few minutes ago,” she said.

“I’m past caring,” Pius said, examining her face. He asked, “What happened? He struck you?” Patra nodded. “Only an animal will strike a woman,” he said. “He was angry. He felt bad when I told him he wasn’t the father of my unborn baby. You would, if you were in his shoes. I feel sorry for him. He made me happy all these years before we started having problems earlier this year. He loves me,” Patra said, tears in her voice. Pius’ breath caught in his throat! “My love, where does this leave me? If you feel this way about a man that did this to you, then you must be in love with him,” he said, crestfallen. Patra felt a tug at her heart. “My baby, I love you so much. But I can’t deny the fact that I’m still in love with my husband. He behaved like a bum, no doubt, but he gave me love, made me comfortable before things fell apart between us. I was brought up to appreciate good people. I don’t forget good done me by any person...” Pius stared at her as if seeing her for the first time. “So what happens to me and my baby in your womb,” he asked, barely audible. He was scared. Patra took a while before responding. Rubbing her belly gently, she said, “You will have your baby. You will also have me...but give me time.” “How long?” Pius asked through gritted teeth. “Not too long,” she said, moving towards the bed. The baby was kicking so hard. She needed to lie down. She was feeling a bit tired. Pius helped her to the bed, kissed her and kissed her belly. He felt the baby moving and smiled. He cooed at the baby in the womb and felt increased movement. “My baby, please leave. I want to rest a bit and he will be back any moment from now,” she pleaded. “Ok my love, will call you later,” he said, his right palm still feeling the baby’s movement. “Don’t call, I’ll call you when it’s safe dear,” she replied. He bent to kiss her and the door swung open. He froze and she nearly went into shock. He straightened up and hmmmmmmm...it was a nurse. “Later,” he muttered, phlegm caught in his throat.

Patra merely nodded. She could not utter a word. She was so scared. She felt funny, all of a sudden. She exhaled as the door closed behind Pius and barely responded to the nurse’s greetings. The nurse took her vital signs, scribbled something quickly on the file and asked if she was experiencing any pain or headache. As Patra opened her mouth to say something, pain tore through her body and she screamed. The nurse dialed the doctor’s room on the intercom but no response. As Patra tried to sit up, she asked her to lie still but she refused. The nurse hurried to get the doctor. ******* Richie saw the handsome stranger coming out from the reception door as he drove into the hospital compound. By the time he parked the car and ran to the hospital gate, the man was no where in sight. If he came with the driver, the guy wouldn’t have escaped. He rushed into the hospital. Immediately he entered Room F, he charged towards his wife with blinding rage and barked, “Who was that man? So you got him to visit you here?” He took hold of her shoulders and shook her. As the doctor and two nurses barged into the room, Richie noticed for the first time that water was flowing between his wife’s legs. The shouts died in his throat. Dr. KC pushed him aside and examined Patra. With his gaze still trained on his patient, he dished out instructions to the nurses. “Get the theatre ready immediately. You, get a stretcher and move her immediately.” He then turned to Richie. “We’re taking her to the theatre. She went into premature labour. You can see the water is broken. It’s an emergency,” he said through clenched teeth. “Labour at seven months? Is it bad?” Richie asked sheepishly. “Very,” Dr. KC replied, businesslike. Richie watched as his wife was wheeled away.

Did Patra make it? What about the baby? What is the fate of the two men? Join me on this page next Sunday.

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

Nail polish with a twist Biwom Iklaki

eed some nail art inspiration? It is said that the beauty of a woman begins from the crown of her head to the tips of her nails. No wonder so much attention is given to the nails at beauty salons - from mani-pedis to special nail arts, wraps, gels even fragrant polishes! The nails of a woman certainy do compliment her in no small way. It adds to the airs of grace that she carries with her. Treat yourself to the new fix in nail care which is nail polish with a twist. Some brands have a new range of perfumed nail polishes. The polishes are painted on as normal and reveal a light fragrance to match their hue once dried.

gained the attention of designers as they bring out lovely creations this season. The lace fabrics is no longer for the Iro and Buba style alone. It has gone ultra-modern and this season, short lace dresses, skirts, jackets and

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

We recommend long-sleeved lace dress for a classic, chic look. Invest in high quality lace for the glam look. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to take away the sex appeal of the lace, keep it sleek and

ace is a very sexy fabric. It sleeps perfectly on the skin, sultry and very feminine. Lace has stepped out of the lingerie category and has

Vanessa Okwara

evening gowns made completely with lace are designersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favourites. Whether interpreted as a print, worn all over, topping off an outfit, or intricately placed in panels and insets, lace is a must-have fabric for 2014.

Lace can be discreetly feminine and grown up or provocative and sexy, depending on the look you want. It can be so sexy sometimes, especially when it has a peek-a-boo effect on your skin.

easy with the rest of your look. Lace is an utterly feminine fabric, keep it modern with sleek accessories. It is not a fabric to go over-the-top with jewellery.

Glam up your look with sexy lace

Body&Soul

Hardball Why 2015 elections should be postponed –Okon Osung p.28

biyi adegoroye, ASSISTANT Editor, Politics NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

JUNE 22, 2014

biyi.fire@yahoo.com

Tel: 08033024007

Interview Okorocha is transforming Imo, says Okafor p.30

Politics ON SUNDAY

Patching many cracks after APC's convention

Tinubu

he National Convention of the nation’s major opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) held recently lived to predictions, producing 47 national executive members of the party. While to some it was a tale of victory, to others it was that of dashed hopes as intrigues and power play which culminating in the emergence of the executives left sour tastes on their lips. Before the June 13 convention of the party, many candidates jostled for the topmost position. Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, former National Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva were all gunning for the position. The aspirations of the quartet gained momentum shortly after the inner caucus of the party at an enlarged meeting came out with the zoning formula which ceded the position of National Chairman of the party to South-South geo-political zone. Odigie -Oyegun emerged unopposed after three

Oyegun

Ikimi

YEKEEN NURUDEEN, in this analysis looks at the intrigues behind the emergence of Chief John OdigieOyegun as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), arguing that the cracks in the party after the convention will be difficult to patch. other candidates for the post either withdrew, albeit unwillingly or failed to turn up at the convention The resolution about the zoning formula which has been deadlocked since the inauguration of the party’s convention planning committee about two weeks before the convention came at the end of an enlarged caucus meeting of the party which held for several hours into the night behind closed door at Sokoto State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja on Tuesday June 10. The meeting which had in attendance 37 party leaders including General Mohammadu Buhari, (retd), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso of

Kano state among others was a follow up to an earlier one held the same the day at Agura Hotel. For the position of National Secretary which was zoned to the North-East, Kashim Imam a former governorship candidate from Borno State and Alhaji Mai-Mala Buni were the two candidates for the seat. Since his emergence as chairman however, the intrigues and back room politics that produced the former governor of Edo State as the party’s helmsman have since begun to tear the party apart. True to prediction that the success or otherwise of the convention would have far reaching effects on the party’s electoral gains before, during and after 2015

elections, emerging signals point to the fact that things are no longer at ease in the party. As it stands, the gulf between the party leaders who supported Odigie-Oyegun emergence and those whose candidates were forced out of the race is already widening. Even when all things look okay on the surface in the party, there are ominous signs that crisis is brewing underground. .Ikimi’s undoing Ikimi’s ambition suffered setback when party leaders led by Asiwaju stood on his way and vowed to leave the party if he should emerge the party’s national chairman. His crimes? Many of the party leaders are yet to forgive him for his role in the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election. His involvements in the infamous late Sani Abacha military regime where he was a Minister of Foreign Affairs and among other issues were still fresh in the memories of party leaders. They feared he is capable of compromising and sell out the party. His stint with the PDP also counted against his ambition.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Politics / Analysis

Amaechi

Akande

Shettima

Patching many cracks after APC's convention C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 3

Dr. Sam Sam Jaja who later did not pick nomination form for the position was said to have been advised by Governor Rotimi Amaechi to withdraw from the race. It was gathered that the Governor was promised a bigger position in the party if he could convince Jaja to step down for Oyegun. A party source disclosed that Amaechi was told to run for the Senate with the belief that he would emerge Senate President. Timipre Sylva was the last man standing but he was prevailed upon and that informed why few hours to the commencement of voting at the convention, he mounted the podium to announce his withdrawal from the race and promised his support to Oyegun. Party leaders wrote him off the contest based on a number of reasons, but topmost of these was his cases with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) which they argued that President Goodluck Jonathan could use to distract him. Again, Kashim Imam who was almost sure of winning the National Secretary Seat was also prevailed upon to withdraw from the race. It took former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to mount the podium at Eagle Square to announce Imam’s withdrawal for Alhaji Buni who later emerged the party’s National Secretary unopposed. All these have culminated in a serious crisis in the party. Indications that all was not well came on the same night of the convention when Governor Amaechi and Kashim Imam were sighted leaving the venue of the convention even before voting started. What made the crisis glaring was the conspicuous absence of almost all the governors and a number of party leaders at the inauguration of the newly elected national executives of the party last Wednesday in Abuja. Besides Governors Aliyu Wamako of Sokoto State who was the Chairman Convention Planning Committee and Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State who made a cameo appearance at the event other governors stayed away. Party leaders like former governor of Borno State, Alli Modu Sheriff, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Chief Tom Ikimi, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja were also absent at the inauguration which also had in attendance Chief Bisi Akande, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Ogbonaya Onu, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Nasir el-Rufai among others. Reacting to the absence of the governors and party leaders, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said “all party members and leaders were invited for the event” He was quick to make excuses for the absentees when he said they were engaged in state duties. Perhaps, confirming that there are truly crises within the party Mohammed said Odigie-Oyegun has been reaching out to all aggrieved party members. His words: “ Every member,

every leader was invited to this inauguration. Some are unable to come because of state duties; others are not even in the country. Now, I know the issue that has been agitating peoples mind is that as a fall out of the National Convention where certainly some did not quite achieve their aspirations. How would that affect our party especially if you are talking would people like Tom Ikimi, leave our party, would Sheriff leave our party. “Our take is that these people are very committed to our party and we don’t believe that a minor issue of a convention election would be strong enough to push them out. Politics is like conflict management and I’m happy to say that from Saturday the new chairman has been going to meet every aggrieved person with the hope that in a couple of days time all ruffled would have been soothed,” he said. He added that the party did not claim to be perfect but that it has conducted a convention which it believed was “fair, free and transparent. In the process, one person has to emerge but what we did not do is that we did not shut out any person from the process.” Mohammend said what the party did not do was even when there were single candidates for some positions, was to go by the ways of affirmation. That it still went out to get them to be voted for, something he described as a huge improvement on what used to happen in other political parties. And to give credence to the suspicion of many on the disquiet that has trailed the convention, Chief Tom Ikimi in a statement issued last Wednesday lamented that he was chased off the APC chairmanship by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He alleged that Tinubu runs the party like his private property even as he bemoaned the processes that produced the party executives as undemocratic. “The governors and the Tinubu’s group decided on a zoning process that was limited only to party offices as well as the choice of individuals to fill them. They proceeded in a manner that was neither open nor transparent. Most undemocratic and bizarre procedures then prevailed.” “The governors initiated a zoning plan that allocated the national chairman to the South-South. This proposal was reluctantly accepted by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, whose wellknown preferred option had been to retain Akande as the chairman forever. Nevertheless, he in this circumstance, proceeded to draw up a list of his cronies for the entire national executive all by himself. Very strange as this may sound, it was the reality. Nothing was ever referred to the National Interim Executive Council for approval or even information.”He said Ikimi also lambasted Tinubu for parading himself as the national leader of the APC, saying no one gave him such a position. He added that it was unfortunate that some members of the party had tried to justify Tinubu’s unilateral ap-

pointment of Odigie-Oyegun as the national chairman as a concession done to him as the national leader. Ikimi said his problem with the Tinubu began when he opposed the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the party. “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu may recall that mostly for the same reasons I opposed his desire to run as vice presidential candidate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar under the Action Congress banner in 2007. We settled for Senator Ben Obi from the South-East. “I know he nurses a grudge against me for the position I took which was strongly supported by leaders from five zones apart from the South-West. I have no regrets whatsoever for my courage to stand up against oppression or dictatorship. No matter what anyone might say against the PDP, no individual claims ownership of that party,” Ikimi said. Similarly, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, former governor of Borno State, is another top party buff angered by the outcome of the convention- and like Ikimi, and Amaechi, there are indications that the leadership of the APC short-changed them at the convention. Hence, former Vice-President, Abubakar, had to appeal to the aggrieved members to remain loyal to the party “as there is reward for loyalty”. Atiku advised the newly-elected party officials to sustain the tempo and public enthusiasm which greeted the birth of the opposition party. Atiku said that, as a party member, he was proud that the elections were conducted without incidents or rancour, adding that the level of maturity demonstrated by APC followers was an evidence of their commitment to decent democratic conduct. Of all the aggrieved leaders, only Amaechi has expressed support to the new executive. He said “The national party officers who emerged at the convention are men and women of repute and it is delightful that the APC would be led in these times by a person of impeccable character and towering stature.” Odigie-Oyegun himself knows that his emergence comes with some cracks in the party. Hence, his call on the leaders to learn to “let go of past grudges and previous grievances and move forward together as members of the same family.” He has been pushing “for the healing of rifts and the smoothening of cracks, and forgiveness of offences and injuries,” Though the party chairman has extended olive branch to all aggrieved parties in his inaugural address, it is obvious that the challenges before him and ahead of next year are more than what mere rhetoric can surmount. If APC must consolidate on the success of its convention and make any meaningful impact in the 2015 elections, all frayed nerves must be calmed and all aggrieved party leaders must be must be pacified. Until then, the many cracks within the party may keep widening.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Politics / Interview

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ajimobi has not performed any featâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ibadan-based businessman and governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Mr. Oluwafemi Babalola, is a very close aide of the former governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala. In this interview with SOLA ADEYEMO, he speaks on his aspiration and assesses the three-year-old administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, among other issues

ow will you assess the performance of the Abiola Ajimobi's administration in Oyo State? We have taken things for granted and it is unfortunate and it points to where we are coming from. If you have a son that you sent to school and he happens to pass, has he done anything fantastic? You have a son that came for job in your organisation and you spell out the schedule of work, and he is doing it. Has he done anything fantastic in that? As far as I am concerned, I have not seen anything extra-ordinary in what the governor is doing. He is building roads, yes. Anybody can build roads. There is no governor that didn't build roads. I have not seen anything that is extra-ordinary. I don't want to be biased. I have not seen anything that has swept me off my feet. I have not seen someone who will say when I came to power, I met unemployment at 20 per cent and I am leaving the government with three per cent. Those are feats. When I came into government, I met mortality rate at so and so percentage and I am leaving it at zero percentage. But the fact that a governor builds road, builds school, to me are what are expected of him by his duty. It is not anything extra-ordinary. He has not done anything outside his mandate. But go to the next level and people will clap for you.... Would you say there has been any improvement in the Nigerian politics since 1999? From 1999 to date I want to say with all honesty that there have been improvements and they are visible. We may not be moving at the pace expected, but we are improving. You cannot compare the improvement or development we had between 1999 and now with that which we had between 1990 and 1999 or between 1993 and 1999. Though people's expectations are here, but there have been improvements. Take for example, the number of roads we had in the South-West before 1999 and now. I remember before 1999, nobody wanted to touch any Nigerian outside this country. Even most people didn't want to go near the airport. Even many universities were down; the teaching hospitals were down. The aviation sector was almost non-existent. We had actually improved, though our expectations are high and it is expected to be so. We expect that any person we vote into power should be able to perform. As at 1997 and 1998, anytime you wanted to go to Abuja, you had to first go to Lagos. You get to the airport and start to fight for ticket and even fighting for space. You would have ticket, but you wouldn't have space. How many aircrafts, how many airports did we have then? How many radio stations? Everything boils down to what I said earlier that we should as much as possible discourage people who are not competent from going into elective offices. The moment they

emerge as candidates, you don't have a choice. You have to cope. But if people start running stories on the antecedents, backgrounds, experiences people seeking elective positions have had in the past, then you journalists would have been able to discourage some people who are not competent to even go there. There are lots of stories going about many of them in the National Assembly who did not have any experience before. Many of them never worked before, let alone paying salaries to anybody before. Somebody that had not held any office or controlled people before is voted as governor, as senator. How do you want them to perform? It is not their fault because everybody will want to do anything. It is the system that will check this. And who are the people that make up the system? It is you and I. If we can't check anybody that wants to contest, then there is nothing we can do if they have emerged. So, it is not leadership problem that we have but it is the problem of candidates that are emerging that is faulty. Somebody that does not live in a community, how do you want him to be elected and make corrections in that community?essive and that the party was fast becoming a failed party with the calibre of officials elected in its just concluded convention. What is your impression of the current state of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Oyo State in view of the discordant tunes being sung by some groups within the party despite the recent assertion by Alhaji Yekeen Adeojo that the camps of Arapaja/Jumoke Akinjide have now fused and united with the mainstream? Concerning my own aspiration vis-a-vis my other colleagues in the PDP, I will say that a political party is like an association where there would always be different interests. Every group will have supporters within the association. Let us assume there are 10 aspirants. Every aspirant will want his supporters to be behind him. Just as I will not want anybody to tamper with my own followers, my other colleagues will also not want that. In essence, I'm saying that the party will probably be divided into 10 factions. But because we are Nigerians and a sentimental people, we take things to the extreme. The people who are following you will probably not want to have any issue with the other man leading another people may be thinking that if he does, his leader might doubt his loyalty and believe that he belongs

Babalola

to another faction. There are no factions in the PDP. We all believe that at the end of the day, we are going to present a candidate for the party. Anyone that emerges will have the support of all others. Unfortunately, in the build up to where we are, -there were two congresses, - there was one faction that was actually recognized, and that was the one that was held at the Liberty Stadium. Unfortunately, Jumoke Akinjide, Taofeeq Arapaja and Alarape went ahead to organise another congress believing that, with time, there would be harmonisation. But I can assure you that the door is never closed. There will still be harmonisation. The partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primaries will not come up until sometime in October. But as we speak, we all recognise ourselves as one PDP. There may be interest groups within the PDP, but I can assure you that immediately I emerge in 2015, everybody will give me his support. How do you view your governorship aspirations and that of your boss, Adebayo AlaoAkala, on one hand and Prof. Soji Adejumo, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja all of whom are in the same caucus? All the aspirants you referred to belong to the same caucus of our boss, Alao-Akala as you rightly said. I heard it almost every day that those of us who have declared our interests are just preparing the way for Alao-Akala, and that when the time comes, we would all step down for him. Well, I am proud to say that former governor Alao-Akala is my leader in the party. He is one of the greatest leaders of the party. He is one of the politicians that Oyo State has produced. As a citizen myself, and as someone that has showed interest in this post, he was one of the first two people I con-

sulted and got their approval before I made my intention to contest for governorship position public. And I can assure you that I have tremendous respect for him, and I can assure you also that he gave me his blessing. Yes, I have over the months seen some of his posters here and there; but he is someone I know very well. I know that if anything has changed between then and now, he would have called me. He has always been in this country. He has been reading my activities in the papers. Just last week, we were still together in Abuja and we discussed together for about five hours, and he did not tell me that he is also interested in the race. How has the choice of candidate for elective positions affected governance in the state? Yes, people don't bother to ask about the antecedents, backgrounds of people seeking elective offices. You go out there and vote for them, forgetting that whoever is voted becomes the leader. If at the preliminary stages, a check has been done - that this person who is contesting, where has he worked before? What has he done in his life? Why does he want to be a governor or a senator? Nobody does that. We only start complaining when the person has emerged. Meanwhile if that was in place, so many people would have been discouraged from going into elective offices. The people that believe they qualify for such positions and offices would be the ones that will continue in the race. We don't have leadership problems. There are leaders here, but the problem we have is that we are not picking the best eleven. We have always been allowing the worst 11 to emerge. By the time we vote one of the worst 11 and he emerges as the leader, it becomes too late.

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Politics

Task ahead as Senate resumes on Tuesday

he Senate completed three of the four legislative sessions of the Seventh Assembly on June 5, 2014, and in compliance with its legislative calendar, it proceeded on three-week recess. The short break will elapse on Tuesday, June 24, 2014. In the chronicle of the stewardship of the Upper legislative Chamber in the third session, which spanned June 6, 2013 and June 5, 2014, the Senate received a total of 187 bills. The number comprises bills either passed, withdrawn, negative, read a second time, committed to either standing committees or committee of the whole, consolidated, published but yet to be read, and all bills but published in the journal of the Senate. There were also some draft bills, which were yet to be numbered or published in the journal. They are now being re-drafted or scrutinised to determine if there were existing laws, pending bills, or matters which should not be attended by a bill for an Act, or other impending matters. The bills in this category are not however, included in the 187 bills numbered within the period. From the available statistics on the legislative activities of the Senate in the just concluded session, out of the 187 bills introduced to the Red Chamber, 9 are executive bills while the remaining 178 fall into the class of private-member bills. Privatemember bills are bills that are sponsored by the members of the Parliament themselves, while executive bills are sponsored by the executive arm of government such as the President. The nine executive bills introduced in the last session are: Nigeria Financial Intelligence Centre Bill 2014 (SB. 344); Cyber

From the Chukwu David chukwudavid68@yahoo.com

Crime Bill 2014 (SB. 38), Nigerian Metallurgical Industry Bill 2014 (SB. 461), National Fertilizer Bill 2014 (SB. 462); Proceeds of Crimes Bill 2014 (SB. 471), and National Tobacco Control Bill 2014 (SB. 477). Others are: Mutual Assistance In Criminal Matters Bill 2014 (SB. 470); 2013 Appropriation (Amendment) Bill (SB. 344) and 2014 Appropriation Bill (SB. 437). Although the Senate believes that it has done well within the last legislative session, it still has a lot of pending tasks. As it resumes this week, the chamber will be faced with some critical national issues to legislate on. And one of them, which appear to be the most important, is the popular Petroleum Industry Bill, (PIB), which has been in the National Assembly since 2008 under the sixth session. Nigerians are eagerly looking up to the parliamentarians for the passage of that bill because it is one proposal, which if passed into law, will transform the petroleum sector and the entire economy. It is believed that the content of the bill is very comprehensive and has the capacity to address the current multifarious challenges being witnessed in the oil industry. Meanwhile, the Bill has suffered a lot of setback as a result

The Senate, on many occasions promised Nigerians that it would expeditiously pass the PIB, but this was never fulfilled till the last session came to a close. of the conflicting interests and politicking it has attracted from the various strata of the polity. The Senate, on many occasions promised Nigerians that it would expeditiously pass the bill; but this was never fulfilled till the last session came to a close. While listing some areas that the Upper Chamber would give priority attention to when it resumes for the fourth session, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang also mentioned the PIB. No other bill has been more popular since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999 than the current PIB. Perhaps the next highly celebrated piece of legislation might be the Freedom of Information Bill before it was passed into law by the Nation-

al Assembly and assented to by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011. The reason for the popularity of the bill is that, anything pertaining to petroleum in Nigeria generates passionate interest, since it is the mainstay of the economy. PIB is a bill that, when it becomes an Act of Parliament, will be the legal fulcrum that governs the Nigerian petroleum industry – from the upstream division (exploratory, development and production activities) through the midstream (gas processing) to downstream (servicing, refining, distribution, transportation, and marketing/ retailing). The bill also seeks to optimise government revenue; establish profit-driven oil entities, deregulate and liberalize the downstream petroleum sector; create efficient and effective regulatory agencies, promote the development of Nigerian content in the oil industry and protect health, safety and the environment in petroleum operations amongst others. Therefore, looking at the relative importance of the PIB to the economy and the well-being of the citizenry, it will be in the best interest of Senators to expeditiously pass the bill in order to be free from the wrath of the electorate, who are already running out of patience over the delay in the passage of the document in the last six years. Other priority areas that will attract the attention of the Senate in the fourth session are: the confirmation of the last ministerial nominations by President Jonathan; budget of the FCT, budget of government parastatals, statutory report of the agencies, and matters dealing with electoral structuring and voters registration.

N10 bn probe: Reps, Minister in final battle

arely four days to the commencement of the planned investigation of the allegations of N10 billion expended by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke on the charter of private jets, it is becoming increasingly clear that the exercise may be heading for the rocks. The leadership of the House a few weeks ago given a standing order to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) saddled with the responsibility of looking into this matter to go ahead with the exercise in spite of the deluge of court cases instituted to stop the investigation. But the war of attrition between PAC and Alison-Madueke, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) seems to have assumed a frightening dimension. Latest development shows that the NNPC and PPMC have written to PAC intimating it that they would not appear at the investigative hearing scheduled for Thursday, 26th June, 2014. The two agencies in their separate letters addressed to Chairman of the Committee, Hon Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, said they were currently before different courts of competent jurisdiction on the same subject and, as such, could not appear before the committee as it would be subjudice to do so. The intrigues employed by the executive arm may frustrate the conduct and perhaps outcome of the probe. The Alison-Madueke is not resting on her oars to ensure that the courts ruled in her favour that the lower House lacks the power to investigate her. Even as the cases are still in court, AlisonMadueke had before now declared that she would only honour the committee’s invitation if the President approves it.

From the

GreenChamber

Philip Nyam

One may not blame the Minister because Mr. President is her principal. In fact, before the Minister made her position known, a memo was issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, instructing all chief executives of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to seek for clearance from the Presidency before making certain sensitive documents available to the National Assembly for the purposes of investigation or oversight. It is clear that the executive has drawn a battle line on this matter because this particular Minister and the concerned MDAs have severally appeared before the House on different issues before and one wonders why this is now a problem. In fact, President Goodluck Jonathan had expressed disdain with the manner his Ministers were being “witch-hunted ” by the legislature in the name of investigations. Jonathan had observed that Alison-Madueke has personally appeared over 200 times before the National Assembly thereby being distracted from her job. The distraction is an issue on its own. Perhaps we could discuss this in details in the some other times. Although, all the three arms of government

ternyam@gmail.com ought to complement one another and at the same time serve as checks on themselves, what we are experiencing today in Nigeria is sustained friction. I think what is playing out between the House and the minister is an ego war because if the minister and her parastatals are devoid of blemish as they have claimed, I do not see any reason why appearing before an investigative committee of the parliament has become an issue for the courts. After all, testifying before the House would not in any way take away the perks of office of the minister neither will it demean her personality. One may not be a lawmaker or lawyer but I believe the constitution is explicit on the powers of the legislature to summon. Section 88 is very clear on this. I also know for a fact that the National Assembly lacks the powers to prosecute. As such, the National Assembly can only investigate or indict and thereafter referred to the relevant agencies with prosecutorial powers to do their job. So, if not for ego based reasons, one wonders why the Minister and chief executives of agencies in her ministry would be developing cold feet simply because the House has summoned them. Yes, let us assume that the lawmakers

are witch hunting the minister, as perceived in certain circles. But can they prosecute her even if there is overwhelming evidence to show that she has questions to answer over allegations against her? The answer is capital No! We have all seen how the investigation of the capital market by this same House ended in the case of the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh. The House had recommended that Oteh be relieved of her appointment no fund will be appropriated to the agency. Two years after, Oteh is still operating on a zero budget. I am certain that the Alison-Madueke believes that the House wants to embarrass her and that’s why she has taken the ‘hide and seek’ route. But I think the Nigerian public is a discerning one and would not keep its eyes shut if a fellow Nigerian and indeed a senior public servant of the rank of a Minister is unjustly treated. The minister’s position may not be unfounded but one thinks this is the time ‘to do the right thing’. I urged the Minister to withdraw the cases in court and appear before the PAC and let this matter be settled once and for all. Speaker Aminu Tambuwal had echoed that the House would not back down on this investigation and the chairman of PAC, Hon. Olamilekan last Tuesday insisted that the letter from NNPC and PPMC notwithstanding, the probe will go on. The investigation can still hold but what manner of investigation? The allegations in question centres round the Minister and the NNPC and PPMC and if they fail to appear, how will the investigative be complete? Anyway, there are court cases on this matter. I will allow the courts to do their job.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Politics

Obasanjo/Jonathan and the blame game

s Nigerians and the international community continue to await a safe release of over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by the Boko Haram insurgents from Chibok in Borno State for more than two months now, blame game and intrigues seem to be taking the center stage in the entire saga particularly among politicians in the country. Despite calls by well-meaning Nigerians on the need to set aside politics in the search for them, former President Olusegun Obasanjo appears uncomfortable with the way the Federal Government especially the Presidency has handled the matter. Obasanjo has also not failed to express his displeasure in this regard. At the moment, it has become a fault-finding affair between the former President and the Presidency. Precisely on Saturday May 31st, the former President accused President Goodluck Jonathan of having initial doubts about the kidnap when he got the report. He said: “The President did not believe that those girls were abducted for almost 18 days, if the President got the information within 12 hours of the act and he reacted immediately, I believe those girls would have been rescued within 24 hours, maximum 48 hours." This was the very first accusing finger Obasanjo pointed on President Jonathan. But the Presidency would not stay mute and watch Obasanjo get away with such an attack on Jonathan. In the view of the President's handlers, this was yet another opportunity to play politics with the entire Chibok affairs. Since Obasanjo has unfettered access to the Presidential Villa, there is nothing stopping him to have given a statesman advice one on one Jonathan rather than on the pages of newspapers.

Anule Emmanuel emmyanule@yahoo.com What the President's aides seems not to understand is that Obasanjo has long chosen the open approach to articulate his view just as he did with the 18 page letter of December last year. Last month again, the former President came up with another claim of having contacts with Boko Haram members who

were still holding the girls, but feared if they could all still come back alive. He regretted that the Federal Government was yet to give him the go ahead. Considering the efforts of government and the international community to secure the release of the students, the expectation is that sharing sensitive information at

that level of Obasanjo and the President could be more germane in finding lasting solutions to the abduction crisis. As far as the Presidency was concerned, Obasanjo remains insincere on the abduction matter and should refrain from being seen to have pitched tent with other politicians who see nothing good about the current administration. Ironically, Obasanjo and Jonathan were once good friends at the highest political level. As it appears now, all seem not to be going well between them. It is therefore high time that the likes of the duo stopped the divisive politics in the interest of the nation. As the legendary poet, J.P. Clarke reminded citizens after the civil war, “… we are all casualties” even of the Chibok abduction.

How Super Eagles, Iranian match gave Jonathan pains

resident Jonathan obviously is an ardent lover of sports. His passion for sports development in the country is also not in doubt. The President's new thinking of the sector has resulted in some modicum of achievements by the super eagles and even some of the age grade teams. The President last Monday was among several Nigerians who glued to their televisions screens to watch how Super Eagles engaged Iran in their opening match at the World Cup fiesta. To demonstrate how serious he took the match, President Jonathan invited Vice President Namadi Sambo to leave the comfort of his Aguda House residence and joined him in savouring the expected victory of the eagles against the ‘lowly Iran’ at a discrete presidential viewing Center.

But from the blast of the whistle, it was obvious that all was not well with the team that many Nigerians, including the President had invested so much hope in. The sloppy passes, the lack of determination to fight for the ball, the poor shot at goal and the glaring inability to convert chances to goals against a team that had, before the beginning of the world cup enjoyed the status of under-dog unchallenged fatally deflated the high hopes of Nigerians. According to one of the officials who watched the match at the venue, the high spirit that the President brought into watching the match gradually was reduced to disbelief that the Iranian team who most Nigerian football fans had dismissed as not capable of threatening any of the teams in their group could so casually demystify our

Eagles like that”. After holding his head in disbelief at some of the near misses and shaking his head at the not-too -impressive performance of the team, there was the need to reassure the guests he had invited to watch the match that all hope was not lost. At the end of the match, President Jonathan reportedly stood up, walked to the Vice President, and shook his hand with a remark that ‘this is not good enough. But it could have been worse. Thank God we got a draw and did not loss. I hope that they would learn their lessons and do better in subsequent games”. The Eagles really need to show better outing than the encounter with the Iranian team and make not only the President proud but Nigerians as African champions.

Ekiti: Time for NEC to redeem its image

s you are reading this piece, electoral officers are computing the final result to announce the winner of Ekiti governorship election held yesterday. This was one of the two governorship elections to be held this year. The other will hold in Osun State on August 9. But this is not the subject of discussion here. The Ekiti guber is the first major election to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission this year. Coming after the bye-election last month into Yobe State House of Assembly, Ekiti will be a yardstick to measure the preparedness or otherwise, of INEC for the 2015 general elections. Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega has repeatedly assured Nigerians that the commission has learnt a lesson from the conduct of the 2013 governorship election in Anambra State and would continue to improve on subsequent elections. He nonetheless, hoped that Ekiti poll would be a better opportunity to redeem the image of the commission. INEC did not leave anything to chance respecting yesterday’s election having commenced political education and enlightenment well enough. The distribution of permanent voter’s card and conduct of continuous voter registration were done well over two months before the election date. Therefore, any lapses or shortcomings were believed to have been corrected before the people of Ekiti went to the polls to

INECDiary Onyekachi Eze

The ‘do or die’ mentality exhibited by politicians during elections is a blight to Nigeria’s democracy and the development of the electoral process. elect their governor. One would not be wrong to say that Ekiti guber was a novel one in the history of Nigeria’s electoral process. INEC has introduced some innovations in a bid to make the election fraud-free (although against all expectations the commission refused to use card readers during the election). The first was the customisation of all ballot papers according to the 16 local government areas of the state such that ballots assigned to a particular local government were peculiar to it and could not be used in another. The result sheets were equally customised such that they

ezekatchy@yahoo.co.uk

were unique to each polling unit and therefore could not be used in any other. INEC also in a bid to ensure that ballot box snatching was minimised, and even where it occurred the boxes could not be transferred to another polling unit after stuffing with ballot papers except where they were taken away in the first place (which is usually not the case), ensured that all ballot boxes used in the election were serially numbered. On Thursday, two days to the election, all sensitive materials arrived Ado-Ekiti, and were received by INEC officials in the presence of agents of seven out of 18 political parties that fielded candidates in the election. This was to show transparency and staved the allegations by one of the political parties that the result of the election had already been written by the opponent. In furtherance to this, INEC went a step further by providing the Nigerian public with the details of valid registered voters in each of the 16 local government areas. In other words, this is

to tell Nigerians to be on the lookout should a vote is added in any of the local government (that is assuming that everybody in the council came out to vote during the election). Heart-warming is the role played by security agents during the election. In spite of the efforts to provoke them by politicians, the police and other security agencies maintained high level of professionalism and discipline. About 126,000 mobile policemen, apart from security agencies deployed to secure polling units during the election, patrolled the three senatorial districts of the state. It is however, regrettable the role played by politicians in the run up to the election. The allegation by one of the registered political parties that fielded candidates in the election that the election had been rigged by the opponent even before the people went to the polls to cast their votes was simply meant to heat up the polity and cause chaos. The major problem of the nation’s electoral process is the conduct of the political class. The ‘do or die’ mentality exhibited by politicians during elections is a blight to Nigeria’s democracy and the development of the electoral process. Some 15 years into this present democratic journey, the political class has refused to play by the rules. One hopes that 2015 general elections will be devoid of these antics of the politicians.

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Politics / Hardball

Why 2015 elections should be Recently, Chief Okon Osung, a delegate at the ongoing National Conference, representing the South-South, called for the deferment of the 2015 elections by 18 months and the retention of all elected officers for the period. Osung, who is former National Vice-President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, tells ONWUKA NZESHI that his controversial call was meant for the protection of the nation’s democracy

ou have been a delegate here for the last two months and one of the issues that tended to distract delegates was the abduction of over 200 female pupils of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. It is over 60 days now and these girls are still in captivity. What is your advice to the government on how to end this saga? Since April 15 when

this unfortunate incident occurred, it has been a participatory trauma for all well-meaning Nigerians, irrespective of age, tribe or religion. We have all felt the trauma as if those children were our own daughters and it is very unfortunate that up till this moment, a nation like Nigeria has been unable to rescue those Chibok girls from their captors. We do hope they are not dead, we do hope that they have not been raped and we do hope that some of them are not even pregnant now. The sooner we get them out, the better for the nation. It is getting very, very late and therefore there is nothing wrong in swapping some detained Boko Haram members, no matter how high ranking they are provided; these our girls are released. So, I advocate, as a matter of urgency, that the Federal Government should exchange any Boko Haram member that is the demand of the insurgents for the total release of our girls. My fear is that once a nation starts conducting itself this way, it’s like everybody is on its own. What would make anybody want to die for his country is the fact that that country can guarantee the security and welfare of its people. But

in our country, this seems not to be the case. Don't you think that any prisoner swap with Boko Haram might be a dangerous precedent which might further embolden the terrorist group to make further demands on the Federal Government? That theory is too pedestrian, if you know the enormity of the problem. We must accept the ugly reality that Boko Haram has come to stay, and it is extremely difficult to rout them out immediately. The sooner we recognise this fact and negotiate with them, the better for us all. Those who are advancing that argument that dialogue with the Boko Haram would encourage them are doing so because their daughters are not involved in the Chibok abduction saga. Recently even Israel, a country whose military compares with the best in the world, a country known for its tough stand on terrorism but when they are dealing with Palestinians, they do swap prisoners. It is not a measure of weakness. Also recently in the United States, President Barrack Obama did a prisoner swap with the Taliban. Some members of the Taliban were released in exchange for one sergeant of the United States Armed Forces who had been held hostage by the terrorist organisation. Nobody was thinking about whether it would have such implications because the US government placed so much value on the life of one of its soldiers. So what sense does it make if we allow those 234 children to die all because of sentiments that negotiation with the group will encourage them to do worse things? These children are already ruined psychologically. If America can succumb to swapping to save one of its citizens, why can't Nigeria do same for the sake of over 200 of its citizens? Don't you think that the American situation is different from ours, given the fact that they are dealing with a terrorist organisation with a known structure and identifiable leadership? In the Nigerian situation, do you think that Boko Haram has an identifiable structure and leadership which the Federal Government could negotiate with? America did not just wake up one day and know the structure of the Taliban. They had to put everything into the struggle - intelligence gathering, information and sustained interactions between their intelligence agencies and other secret agencies across the world - to be able to know the structure of an organisa-

tion such as the Taliban. Any government that is serious about knowing the structure of Boko Haram will be able to know the structure of the organisation. In our country today, I suspect that there are certain people who know about their structure and it is important for our government to look for such people and begin to negotiate. I believe that the government has been talking to Boko Haram through proxies and the best option now is to use those channels. The Nigerian Army over the years was not prepared for this type of war. That ugly cancer that permeated the entire fabric of our society has also permeated the military. I’m talking in terms of corruption and because of that the type of military hardware that we are supposed to have, that we could have used in this type of military operation is not there. It is now that everybody is running helter skelter acquiring military armament. When you have such a military force where morale is low because of poor welfare; the boys are trying their best, all that we need to do now is to negotiate. While waiting for the Chibok girls, it does appear that this wave of terrorism and insecurity is moving towards the South with the bombs allegedly discovered in a church in Imo State and the arrestoif some suspected terrorists in Abia State. What is your view about this trend and what would you advise the government to do to arrest the situation? There is a doctrine in terrorism which says that: 'monkey see, monkey do.' Boko Haram is now a franchise. What do I mean by that? Because they have succeeded over time in this insurgency, pockets of dissatisfied Nigerians frustrated by the system can also organise to stage their own insurgency without having or owing any allegiance to the main structure of Boko Haram. This is why I am beginning to think that it is not possible for you to clean out Boko Haram any time soon. This battle is going to take a long period of time. Whether we want to accept that fact or not, we must be prepared for a long battle with these insurgents. Since this battle is not going to be short-lived, we should guard against anything that will make it to spread to all parts of the country. So both the military and the civilian population must have vigilance as our watchword. About a month ago, you came up with a proposal seeking the postponement of the 2015 elections by 18 months and the extension of the tenure of the present government by the same margin. The proposal provoked a lot of reactions and the conference disowned you and the idea you propounded the following day. What exactly prompted that motion? It was not a motion. It is unfortunate that a lot of people comment on issues they neither know anything about nor have the correct information about. As a Nigerian, I’m an astute democrat. I believe that even a Godly military rule is worse than a satanic democracy. We are here today,

Okon Osung

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Politics / Hardball

postponed –Okon Osung because democracy has taken root and because Nigeria is one. We must consolidate this democracy but one of the greatest threats to democracy in Nigeria today is this attitude of fixation on the forthcoming elections. We are still pretending as if this country is not at war. We are still pretending that it is only the North-East that is entitled to emergency rule. The truth of the matter is that the country is at war and in an emergency situation as we have found ourselves, desperate illness needs desperate remedies; extra-ordinary problems need extra-ordinary solutions. Now some persons are canvassing and chorusing that there can't be an extension because there is already a timetable for the next elections and the constitution says that every regime should last for four years at the state and federal levels. Which constitution are they talking about here? If we are looking at the tenets of democracy and constitutionalism, this is a constitution that told a lie on itself when it declared in its preamble that – “We the people of Nigeria…” By that declaration, it makes itself a fraudulent document because it tells a lie on itself. There has never been any time that Nigerians were consulted on the making of the 1999 Constitution. Some military apologists sat down and drew up a constitution and military fiat was used to promulgate it into law. But when some people are talking about this constitution, it is as if we the people of Nigeria took part in its making. Where was the constitution drafted? Was there any constitutional conference of Nigerians that put together the 1999 Constitution? None. It was expected that if we used that military constitution in the first four years (1999-2003), there ought to have been a process that would have produced a democratic, home-grown, people's constitution; a constitution that derives its powers from the people. Since 1999, that has not been done. So we are operating a constitution that was promulgated by the military; but when they start talking about that constitution, they tend to gloss over where that document is coming from. So flowing from this background, strictly speaking, it lacks legitimacy. Now look at the very tedious process of trying to amend it. Look at all what they have to do to amend that constitution. This is the mess we have found ourselves but when we now canvass a position different from theirs, they say it is unconstitutional. I then ask them again: Which constitution were you talking about? Inherent in a democracy is the doctrine of popular sovereignty which means that power belongs to the people. If power belongs to the people, the people can take that power from anybody. If this constitution in the strictest sense of the word lacks legitimacy, it means that in periods of crisis, in periods of national emergencies certain actions need to be taken by the Presidency to stabilise the polity and my own proposal was very simple. I’m not discriminating against any political party that is in power. I said all the democratic structures should be allowed to remain in place and let us use the 18 months to retool. You will agree with me that until they had this recent All Political Parties Summit, even on the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents, the opposition parties were not on the same page with Mr. President and the ruling party. They were not and I even doubt whether they are even after the summit. Do you know what is responsible for that? There is so much mistrust within the political class. The truth of the matter is the there is no major difference between the two major parties - PDP and APC. They are virtually the same - ideologically and otherwise -they don't have any difference. Look at the former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Segun Oni, who moved out of the PDP to APC a few weeks ago. What is he today? He is a na-

tional officer of APC. Where else can you find that in the world? Therefore, the point I am trying to make is that these two families are actually one family. They know themselves. There are also some of them who are experts in election rigging. I don't mean the entire political class, but some parts of the political class know how to rig elections. So what you are going to have is that the APC is so desperate to take power; the PDP, understandably because it is the incumbent, wants to retain that power. If you go ahead with that election, what you are going to have is that there are going to be so many flash points of crisis arising from election malpractices and you will get to a stage that either side will not accept the legitimacy of election results. Secondly, I cannot assess the Nigerian military now to say whether they are patriotic to the country or they are loyal to Mr. President. It is left to them to answer. Arising from all the experience we have gathered, fighting Boko Haram in the North-East where for the first time in the history of the Nigerian Armed Forces, there was a mutiny on the war front. You can now look at the level of morale in the Nigerian Army and the level of their satisfaction and or dissatisfaction with the system. Is that the kind of situation that we want to go and conduct an election? The political class is not united. The military up till now has not been able to find our girls abducted in Chibok. The civil society that is the last support of the common man is not taken seriously. Instead, why can't you using this same Doctrine of Necessity to say that let all political structures remain for 18 months and then bring the opposition on board? By the time you bring the opposition on board and make them sit down with the government, they will collectively chart the The truth of the matter is that way forward for our country. It will then be a question of collective responsibility. the country is at war and in What are we going to do to produce a an emergency situation as we free and fair election? have found ourselves, desperate Are you advocating a government of national unity? illness needs desperate Of course, yes! My proposal is for there remedies; extra-ordinary to be a government of national unity, problems need extra-ordinary bringing together the ruling party, the opposition, the civil society and professolutions sional groups in Nigeria. Now, you can use that government to build confidence in the system and put in place, enduring demo- have any relationship with Mr. President. Apart cratic structures that would produce a free and from the fact that I have a lot of respect for him and my state, Akwa Ibom, voted massively for fair election. Your proposal caused uproar across the country. him, I have never met him on a one-on-one basis, A delegate at this conference referred to it as ‘an act nor have I met any of the people working for him. Since I had that press conference, a lot of people of insanity’ while others said you were an agent of President Goodluck Jonathan and one of his foot have tried to find out who I am and they have soldiers trying to fly the kite of tenure extension. come to the conclusion that I am just an individual concerned about the future of my country. I did What is your reaction to these accusations? First of all, I told you earlier that there are anti- not consult with anybody talk less with the Presidemocratic forces in the conference. How can dent. Some said I did not consult with the leaders somebody want to deny me my fundamental of the South-South; I don't need to consult them. human rights of freedom of expression? I made I did not consult with the leaders of Southern my proposal at a press conference. It was not in the Nigeria. I don't need to consult with them. I just vicinity or premises of the National Conference. needed to contribute my own quota to the naAs a free citizen of this country, the proposal was tional discussion and I put forward this proposal simply my own contribution to a national debate for Nigerians to look at on its own merit. You see, on the way forward for Nigeria. Secondly, it is my there is this general impression that everybody is inherent fundamental right to freedom of expres- for sale; you can buy anybody in Nigeria. I am not sion to do that and anybody that says I don't have a commodity that anybody can buy. In 1993, when the right to do that must look at the spiritual law I addressed a world press conference declaring of the mirror principle - what you see in others is the June 12 election free and fair at the risk of my actually a reflection of yourself. As I sit here, I don't life, if I had wanted to take money, I could have know my way in Abuja to Aso Rock. I have never taken it. The sooner Nigerians realise that most been there, I don't know anybody there and I don't of the things that have become acceptable in the

world today, were ideas that were highly opposed initially, the better. Socrates was given poison for polluting the minds of the youths, but today all that he said has become the norm. When Galileo said the earth is round, they nearly chased him out of town but today his theory has turned out to be true. I have proposed mine, bring your own up but next year, we will compare notes. Some Nigerians have tried to link your proposal with the ruling party and they see you perhaps as the voice of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, who is also the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and a close confidante of President Jonathan. What do you have to say on this? (Laughs) Those who think that way are missing the point completely. Governor Akpabio is my very good friend, I have a lot of respect for him, but on this matter it is wrong for people to think that I am acting a script written by someone else. Akpabio knows that I am an independent man who is always prepared to say his mind and stand by what he believes in. If people think that anybody can be bought and used to do anything, I am saying that it is not everybody. Part of our problem in Nigeria is that we have reduced everything to commerce. They trade in everything but there are other noble endeavors that human beings should engage in and one of them is your ability to generate ideas that can contribute to the development of your own country. The leadership of the National Conference and the political class at the conference were very quick in disowning you and your proposal. Why do you think this happened? The leadership of the conference said I never canvassed the matter on the floor of the conference; I never canvassed the proposal at the Committee on Public Finance. So, I am on my own because it is my idea. However, you are also aware that certain Nigerians have started talking about this my idea differently. A former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, said there might not be elections next year. The truth of the matter is that this country is at war. If you go back to my script at the press conference, you will find where I mentioned countries that had to postpone democratic elections because of insecurity. Let me tell, once I talk about insecurity as a basis for postponement of elections, I am not talking about cancellation of the elections. You cannot cancel an election that has not been conducted. Some have countered my argument by giving the example of Afghanistan where elections held amid insecurity. They claim that despite the insurgency in Afghanistan, the country has conducted its elections, but they forget that those elections in Afghanistan were never a representation of the view of the entire country. There were certain sections of the country that did not participate in those elections. Again, before such elections were held, it was clear even to non-Afghans that a particular candidate would be elected President. Thirdly, those elections were marred by mass protests and rigging. Now if elections were the solution, the elections held in Afghanistan, Iraq and even in Chad would have produced peace, but instead it aggravated the crisis situation in these countries. Instead of this fixation on an election that you cannot guarantee its outcome, why don’t we look at another model like what happened in Lebanon and Algeria. In a situation of insecurity and chaos, there is a movement towards a government of national unity. Is that what they don't want to hear?

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Politics

Okorocha is transforming Imo, says Okafor Imo State Commissioner for Finance, Deacon Chike Okafor, an astute banker-turned politician, is known to have won many political battles. Though he has been in politics for just about three years, he has massively impacted on his constituency as he tells STEVE UZOECHI, how Governor Roachas Okorocha is transforming the state despite the debt burden he inherited

hat is the financial state of Imo? Imo is very buoyant. You may have often heard my governor saying that Imo is the richest state in Nigeria. One of the surest ways of assessing a state or an organisation is by its ability to meet maturing obligations. It is on record that we pay salaries before the 28th of every month for the last three years. This is in addition to servicing other inherited debt obligations. Would you attribute this to the enormous fund at the state’s disposal? Well, we have been able to achieve what we have, not just because Imo has too much money, but because we have a responsible and a responsive governor. I do not think that circumstances have changed radically from what it was before we came in; I do not think that our receipts from Abuja has improved drastically from what it was when we came into office, no, but what has changed is leadership. What we have now is leadership with a vision and a mission. Imo has always been a rich and buoyant state but like I said, what we lacked in the past was leadership. We have a governor who is focused and has a vision of where he wants to take the state to. Imo is what it is today because we have an accountable, responsible and responsive leader who is passionate about leaving behind a worthy legacy and firmly planting his footprints in the sands of time. Like the governor will always say, he wants to write his name somewhere in history. So that is what has changed; nothing else has changed and that has made all the difference. Even like liabilities inherited from previous administration? When this government came into office in May 2011, what was the norm was the inability or unwillingness on the part of government to take up responsibilities especially the responsibility of meeting maturing obligations like some recurrent obligations. You will agree with me that it was the practice in the last administration that civil and public servants were owed salaries for upwards of three to four months. And of course pensions were not even being paid. So when this government was inaugurated in May 29, 2011, we discovered that civil servants had not even been paid their April salaries. So that was a responsibility we faced and we immediately moved in to clear the backlog of salaries. Another major liability was the fact that the last administration on the eve of the governorship election borrowed a whooping N6 billion, a government that was winding up! That money was borrowed, disbursed by the bank and drawn down within a space of seven to 10 working days in the month of election. That facility, though fully accessed by the previous administration became the responsibility of the current administration. As a responsible and responsive government, we are squarely saddled with the obligation of liquidating that indebtedness. Again also, in 2009, the same government had contracted an N18 billion 15.5% - development bond which was to lapse in 2016. We have been

servicing these obligations with a monthly deduction via an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) with the implication that N358.43million is deducted monthly from our allocation to service this obligation. Today, Imo has paid over N19 billion and that is an enormous fund from our paltry allocation. We were also confronted by the liability of several contractors who claimed to have done one job or the other for government and were being owed huge sums of money. We are doing our best to offset that indebtedness. So we did not meet assets as it were, but huge liabilities. But like a responsible and responsive government, we understand that government is a going concern. Not a few stakeholders at the time came out to tell us not to pay the N6 billion loans, as the fund was used by the former governor to execute his personal political ambition. As a matter of fact the facility was disbursed in April but like I said, we understand that government is a continuum, it was not just any individual that borrowed, it was the Imo State government that borrowed and as we found ourselves in office, that also became our responsibility as a government. Looking at the scenario again, it is also understandable because the previous government did not know and would not have believed that it would not succeed itself. Nothing any where suggested to that administration that it was not going to succeed itself. Considering how loud they were, for them, it was inconceivable until the Imo people told them otherwise. There is no doubt that these liabilities were contracted with the belief that they still had four years in Douglas House, but Imo people said no. Have these liabilities affected your capacity to deliver on your promises to Imo people? I will say yes and no. No, in the sense that we have been able to do as much as we promised Imo people. Yes in the sense that we could have done a lot more if we were not saddled with these liabilities. But like I said, the mandate Imo people gave to Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha was not predicated on any level of liability, so for us it was more like a hurdle. We had to overcome it and so I said yes, if we did not have the liabilities we would have done a lot more and again no, as a God-ordained government with vision, it became expedient to come over and tackle and dismantle such challenges to be able to deliver on his Excellency’s promises to Imo people. How will you compare the 12 years of PDP in Imo and three years of Okorocha? There is no basis for comparison. As my people say, you can tell a blind man that there is no oil in the soup, but you definitely cannot tell him there is no salt in the soup because he can taste. The 12 years of PDP

I never knew it was possible to build such massive ultra modern general hospitals in all the 27 council areas.

in Imo State are wasted years. But we probably would not have known that, if our governor did not take over. Now we can understand the difference. Where do we start? I never knew it was possible to connect old Owerri with new Owerri with multiple tarred routes. I never knew it was possible to replicate the International Conference Centre, Abuja and the Eagle Square, Abuja all in Owerri within three years. I never knew it was possible to relocate the Deputy Governor’s Office from the shanty it was, to a modern edifice. I never knew before now, that the first lady of a state could go out of her way to raise resources and erect and donate houses to indigent widows across the state, 11 of such two–bedroom bungalows are sited in Obowo today. I never knew it was possible to build such massive ultra modern general hospital in all the 27 council areas. I never knew free education could ever happen in this state. As a matter of fact, we once had a governor who publicly declared that free education was impossible. I never knew it was possible that today one can go to rural areas and see tarred road crisscrossing communities as against the usual grading of rural roads that was the norm. I never knew it was possible to increase the subvention of the state owned university from N57.6m to N250m per month. How could I have ever known it was possible to introduce a fourth tier of government to better impact the grassroots until this administration came on stream. Simply put, the 12 years of PDP in this state are wasted years. However, we are not looking back; our way is forward and upwards. What is the secret behind the ‘Malaysia’ Market at Obowo? Incidentally I come from Obowo, I call it the Imo Rescue Market, but the traders popularly refer to the market as Malaysia market after one of the great Asian tigers. There is actually a story behind the market. Some

Okafor

traders of Imo extraction who were hitherto doing business in Umuahia came to me one Monday morning in September, 2012 to complain to me that they have been relocated from Umuahia to one area along Ikot-Ekpene Road toward Umudike and they did not quite like that for obvious economic reasons. Today, we are no longer talking just about the market, but we are now sourcing for land to develop a housing estate for the traders, where they can reside in a comfortable community with all the necessary amenities in place. We have a situation where traders, who are not Imo indigenes, are moving in en masse to ply their trades and enhance the economy of the area. You insist your council area will remain an APC stronghold. Why? Simply put, this government has done very well. It is not just about APC, PDP, APGA, or any other party. Today my people believe in just one political party and that party is Okorocha. For us, he is an institution. And the reason for our position is simple. From 1999 to 2011, you cannot point to any 500 meters of road started and completed by any government in Obowo, apart from one or two NDDC roads which are not up to 2.5 kilometres In just three years of this administration you can see tarred roads everywhere in Obowo. The one that excites me the most is the Eke Umuokeh-Umuezeala-Ehume-UmunachiAlaupa-Umuoshi-Avutu road a five- kilometer road with over four kilometres completed, and asphalted with drainages on both sides. That is the longest rural road in the state and constructed in Obowo. We have never had it this good. When we came in 2011, all the communities in Obowo were in darkness. Take for instance my own community, Umuokeh, the transformer we had was the transformer that was installed in 1983 under the Sam Mbakwe administration. The next community Umulogho has the same story; Umuosochie never had but today the whole communities in Obowo are lit. Every community has functional transformers. This government is large-hearted and not divisive to the extent that some communities in Obowo even have spare.

News NRC’s new trains disappoint passengers p.36

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JUNE 22, 2014

Market and Malls Our jewellery market is Africa’s biggest – APT president p.37

Business AZUBIKE NNADOZIE, ASSISTANT Editor, SUNDAY

azubike.nnadozie@newtelegraphonline.com

ON SUNDAY

Glo powers Nigeria Centenary Lottery

Paul Ogbuokiri n continuation of the activities marking the country’s celebration of one hundred years as a nation, Nigerians have been given a golden opportunity to win fantastic prizes including 24 Hyundai Jeeps and N100 grand prize in the Centenary Lottery organised by Secure

Electronic Technology Plc and powered by Globacom. Addressing newsmen at the launch of a special Nigeria Centenary Lottery Television Commercial sponsored by Globacom in support of the promotion in Abuja on Tuesday, the company’s Business Director, M. Kemi Kaka said the lottery was organised to give back to the society in a spec-

tacular way. He said Globacom as a truly Nigerian company was irrevocably committed to uplifting Nigerians and empowering them in an unlimited manner, especially in the mood of the Centenary Celebrations. Apart from the grand prize of N100 million, other prizes that will be won by Nigerians during

the promo which will run from June 17 to September 2 include N5,000 daily for 100 winners, N10,000 daily for 10 winners, N25,000 daily for 4 winners, one generator daily for one winner and one laptop daily for one winner. In addition, one winner will win Hyundai ix35 Bi-Weekly, while 3 Winners will win an all expenses paid trip to Brazil to watch

the semi-finals of the World Cup in Brazil. Speaking earlier, the representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Research and Documentation, Architect Ferdinand Agu reiterated the importance of the Centenary Lottery as a way of generating revenue to assist government in making life better for Nigerians in all ramifications. He commended Globacom for joining hands with the Federal Government to give Nigerians worthy centenary celebrations. Also speaking, the Director General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Dr. Adolphus Ekpe commended the centenary lottery which he described as a win-win platform for Nigerians. He urged participants not to hesitate to flag any issue to the Commission, promising to promptly tackle such issue in the best interests of the people. Mrs. Leticia Otomewo who represented SET Plc said the second phase of the promo has been further enhanced to give Nigerians more opportunities to win bigger and better prizes during the promo.

Inside

L-R: Chairperson, Lumina Foundation Board of Trustees, Mrs. Francesca Emmanuel; Head, Corporate Sales, Globacom, Kamaldeen Shonibare; and Founder, Lumina Foundation, Dr. Ogochukwu Promise, at the announcement of the three finalists for the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa, sponsored by Globacom in Lagos on Thursday.

Coscharis launches privilege scheme for Jaguar, Landrover customers Paul Ogbuokiri

oscharis Motors says it has introduced a privilege scheme platform for its corporate customers and prospects to buy any of the iconostic Jaguar Landrover vehicles. According to the firm, the aim is to offer companies including their customers and employees an enticing offer, which would ease the road to their ownership of a new Jaguar or Land Rover vehicle. It said in a statement, “This scheme is also designed to ex-

tend to all their respective family members.” It quoted the General Manager, Sales – Coscharis Jaguar Land Rover, Mr. Ufuoma Umukoro, as saying the concept was “to offer the Freelander 2, Discovery 4 and Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar XF at a favourably discounted price despite the adumbrated new automotive policy. “All of us aspire to own iconic brands whatever the product category might be, and in the world of motoring, there are few, if any, brands with more aspirational overtones than Jaguar and Land

Rover.” The firm said the Land Rover range had grown to incorporate the stylish yet practical Freelander 2 as well as the Discovery 4 which blended luxury with practicality. According to the luxury brand dealer, when it comes to trendsetting, the rakish Range Rover Evoque makes an appropriate statement, on and off-road. It also describes the Jaguar XF series as pampering and performing while offering surprising economy of operation. “It is well established that these

models have grown to meet the specific needs of a broader customer base, the technology employed is now cutting-edge, which is reflected in the unprecedented number of global awards showered on Jaguar and Land Rover derivatives across the whole spectrum,” it added. The firm said the privilege scheme had been backed by a revitalised dealer network and highly skilled operatives. It also promised a comprehensive warranty backed by a regionwide service network for the maintenance and parts backup.

Maritime can sustain Nigeria’s economy Adiotomre

pg 33

Food market shouldn’t be left to foreigners – Obidulu

pg 34&35

SundayTransport 32

PAUL OGBUOKIRI, paulogbuokiri@gmail.com 0802-779-0557, 08037613380

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNRDAY

Renault opens new dealership in Nigeria L

Paul Ogbuokiri egendary European automaker Renault on Tuesday announced fresh intention to key into the Federal Government transformation agenda with the aim of overhauling Nigeria to a globally recognized manufacturing hub from an oil dependent economy. The French automaker gave this hint at the inauguration of the first Renault full-fledged facility (Sales, Service & Spares) with its new Partner “Dana Cars and Services Limited,” following the re-launch of the Renault brand under its global slogan - ‘Drive the Change’ at an news conference in Lagos. Renault said this new partnership is committed to a strong representation in Nigeria, a key market that is expected to deliver significant growth and contribution to Renault’s global strategy, while boosting its share of the African market. Renault’s core market is Europe, where it is renowned for its role in motor sport and formula 1. Ms.Christel Galbrun, Vice President Renault who gave this hint at the press meet said African automotive market continues to promise sustainable prospects for growth in the coming years with Nigeria charting the course in emerging African markets. She said: “Renault’s vision in Nigeria is to be people-centric and innovative, offering sustainable automobile facility as well as quality and affordable - easy to maintain cars with improved quality of life for every customer, while keying into the Federal Government agenda. Also adding that the partnership with Dana Cars and Services would help Renault achieve these objectives and subsequently raise the profile of the brand in Nigeria, Renault Vice President said “Our plan is to immediately increase our market share through new model introduction, brand development and retail network expansion.” Among some of Renault alluring models in Nigeria are Latitude executive sedan, Fluence, Duster, Koleos, Sandero-Stepway and Logan. Joseph Fernandes, Vice President Operations, Dana Cars and Services Limited, the new Renault custodian described the inauguration of Renault – ‘Drive the Change’

as the beginning of a purposeful relationship and a commitment towards providing world-class automotive experience to customers in Nigeria. He said Dana Cars and Services seeks to replicate Renault’s ambitious accomplishments and even surpass it, using time tested integrated sales and marketing approach to position Renault among leading marquees in Nigerian automobile market. Mr. Fernandes said Renault is renowned the world-over as an automobile leader in the Formula 1 area with eleven World Championships. “This is why we partnered with Renault to introduce superior quality cars and vans that are adaptable to the Nigerian weather and road conditions,” Dana Cars and Services Vice President said. Mr. Fernandes explained that the maxim: ‘Renault - Drive the Change’ is an ingenuous branding that meets the demands of customers in emerging markets like Nigeria and would attract new clientele to Renault styling and all-terrain capability, he reassured. Dana Cars and Services has trained its service technicians in multiple auto repair disciplines and acquaint them extensively in Renault’s cutting edge and ever changing technology he remarked. “I therefore reiterate that we have some of the best trained technicians that can handle complex auto repair jobs,” Mr. Fernandes said. Renault Duster 4x4 The Re-

Duster 4x4 or 4WD is powered by the top of the line 110PS diesel engine and come mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 4WD or four wheel drive system for the Duster is similar to the ones Nissan has employed on its SUVs in the past. In fact, it uses the same type of rotary dial for drive mode selection which we have already seen on the likes of the X-Trail. The driver can choose be-

JUNE 22, 2014

tween three driving modes via the rotary dial – 2WD, which only powers the front wheel and in turn helps return good fuel efficiency; there’s the Auto mode which supplies the required torque to the wheels with maximum grip on slippery surfaces; and then there’s Lock, which is essentially the old school four wheel drive mode that supplies equally torque to all four wheels at all times – helpful in properly slushy or rocky terrain.

Renault Duster

nault

Avoiding car accidents Many car accidents are caused when drivers are distracted or tired. Here’s what to look out for: Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Never text while driving, and try to limit your mobile phone to times when the vehicle is parked. Keep children buckled in their seats at all times. Keep pets in carriers or secured in the back seat. Avoid driving when you’re tired. Always be aware of medications that cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle more dangerous. Always use caution when changing lanes. Cutting in front of someone, changing lanes too fast or failing to use your signals may cause an accident or even anger other drivers. Five things to do if you’re in an accident

Auto Clinic If you’re involved in an accident, first check yourself and your passengers for injuries, then check on the passengers in the other vehicle. If necessary, make certain that no pedestrians are hurt. Also: Stay at the scene. Leaving can result in additional violations or fines. Call 911 or the police as soon as possible. Wait for the police to complete an accident report. If you’re on a busy highway, stay inside the car (if safe) and wait for the police or an ambulance. It’s dangerous if passengers stand along a busy street. Stay calm; avoid arguments with the other driver. Simply exchange contact and insurance information. If possible, get the names and phone numbers of witnesses. Call your insurance provider to report the claim. Your agent will ask you to send any paperwork you receive

regarding the accident and will give you instructions for next steps and auto repair. What to do if you’re stopped by a police officer If you’re pulled over by the police there’s usually a good reason. Don’t panic, listen carefully, tell the truth and always treat the officer with respect. Additionally: Turn on your interior light and keep your hands where the officer can see them, preferably on the steering wheel. Don’t reach under your seat or into your glove box. Give your license and registration to the officer if asked to do so. If the officer asks you to step out of your car, do so without sudden or threatening movements. Stay calm and don’t become argumentative, disorderly or abusive − and never attempt to bribe the officer.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Sunday Transport

Maritime can sustain Nigeria’s economy - Adiotomre In this interview with TONY ANICHEBE, Chairman of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria Governing Council, Chief Mike Adiotomre, JP speaks on the academy’s efforts to enhance the nation’s maritime industry; his one year in office, achievements and challenges of the present administration in the academy among several other issues to select journalists in uyo. TONY ANICHEBE reports What specific vision do you have for Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron as the chairman of its governing council? irst of all, let me thank President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing me as chairman of the Governing Council of the academy. Well, our economy today is being dominated by oil, i.e petroleum. In other words, our economy has been described as a mono-economy which it is not too good. There is nothing that lasts forever. We don’t know when this oil will be exhausted. So, the attention in Nigeria today is to develop the country’s plan without oil. And the maritime sector is a viable industry that can sustain the economy of Nigeria. For now, you can assess the oil industry’s needs as such. But even then, we in the maritime industry need to take steps to assist the economy of Nigeria. You see, focus was not placed before now on the maritime industry. But you can see from everywhere that so much interest has now been shown. The maritime sector when well developed will at the end of the day become a big employer of labour. I thank God that so many Nigerians are now showing interest in the Maritime Academy so as to improve the Nigerian economy. My vision is to ensure that the academy provides the much needed manpower for the maritime industry in Nigeria. My vision is to ensure that the academy is transformed to rank among the best maritime academies in Africa and top 10 in the world. My vision is to ensure that we build a pool of seafarers in order to bridge the short fall in seafarers’ supply in the country and also contribute maximally to the supply of seafarers to the world market. Would you say that Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron has impacted positively on the nation’s economy? It has. If you see what is happening in this count r y, the

oil sector is still dominating. But since there is now a greater interest in the maritime sector, the oil industry has impacted seriously on the resources of the academy year after year. During the International Maritime Organisation’s conference in the United Kingdom, the products of MAN, Oron performed excellently well. You needed to have seen them; some were the overall best, some came second, dominating a lot of activities of various countries. They dominate the petroleum industry and you wouldn’t realise that they were trained here in Oron. Though I am just one year in the academy, I felt really proud introducing myself at the conference as chairman of the governing council. Infact, MAN has trained several people from other parts of the world. So, it has impacted positively not only on the economy of Nigeria, but the entire world. The academy is about 35 years old now. How would you rate Mr. Joshua Okpo-led administration in the academy? Well, if I want to tell you my rating, it will look as if I’m over-praising him. Even before my appointment as the chairman of council, I did not know him (Joshua Okpo) from Adam. From what I have seen of him, he is a hardworking gentleman. He is a tireless and astute administrator. He has achieved a lot for the maritime academy. You will notice the transformation that has taken place in the last one or two years. And, I credit it to the efforts of Joshua Okpo, the rector of the academy. You see, the academy is a special institution. We have the Chief Executive that brings the various arms of administration and units together to work peacefully. In my one year in office, I have experienced peace and growth in the academy. No serious misunderstanding. Everything is moving on smoothly with the limited resources that are available for the institution. You can see the physical transformation of the academy. When I came into the academy recently, I told my council members from the entrance that the Management is doing very well. See the structures of the academy, see the cleanliness of the environment, and see the beauty of the academy. How many of such institutions in the country can you compare with MAN? Maybe, very few, the only thing I see there was that the gov-

ernment made a deliberate policy of hiding the academy far away from many people. People may come into Uyo without even knowing that there is such a place in Oron. What I would advise is that governmental authorities in Akwa Ibom State should interface frequently with MAN. The government should bring some of their visitors on tour of the academy. They would be surprised as I am that such a transformation is taking place here. So, I give credit to Mr. Joshua Okpo. During your inauguration as chairman of the governing council, the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, directed the council under your watch to address the challenge of berthing facilities of the Nautical Science and Marine Engineering so as to give them sea time and certificates of competency. What is your council doing to achieve that? We’ve done a lot in that direction. I just mentioned to you about our meeting with the International Maritime Organisation in the United Kingdom, which was followed by a visit to Turkey and South Africa where we made concrete arrangements for the university there to take some of our cadets on sea time. About 250 of our cadets will soon start training over there. The rector has raised a memo to that effect and also secured places for our cadets to have sea time experience. This is a worthwhile development. This development will enable cadets from Nautical Science and Marine Engineering to obtain various classes of certificates of competency and enhance their global competitiveness. So, we are well prepared to help our cadets know what is happening in the training field and have sea time experience. We are very prepared to equip them with modern training skills. That, again, is in compliance with the directive of the Honourable Minister during our inauguration. Training ships should be one of the major challenges confronting the academy. Has your council put anything in place to ensure that the academy gets out of this problem? Yes, it is also the desire of the academy to have its own training ship. The only point there is, you know, what it will cost to have our own training ship. We have made several requests and contacts with before honourable minister and other stakeholders. We have made representations to the presidency to assist us. We have also contacted various organisations such as the Nigerian Ports Authority, NNPC, NIMASA to assist us to see how we can procure our own ship. It will be of great advantage if we can acquire ship for onboard training, so, we have not abandoned that project. We are still on it. In a short time, in

the life of this present board of the academy, we shall have our own ship. The academy, for years now has been struggling to achieve its full potential. This is attributed to poor funding. You have already spent one year as chairman of the governing council. Are there any serious steps being taken to improve the funding of the academy? When you say full potential, it requires some explanations. The academy is already full blown. We award Higher National Diploma in various sectors of the maritime sector. We award Ordinary National Diploma. The academy even awards Post Graduate Diploma. We are even preparing seriously for the academy to be upgraded to a degree awarding institution. When we make reference to the level of infrastructure at the academy in terms of hostels, lecture halls etc, you would see that it deserves to be given the status of a university. I make bold to say that the academy is fully prepared for a degree awarding status. We are waiting for the Federal Government’s pronouncement. You’ve just mentioned that the academy is preparing for a university status. But the Federal government recently established the Nigeria Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Delta State. Will that not affect the vision of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron? That maritime university established by the Federal Government and located in Okerenkonko in the coastal part of Delta State will never in anywhere affect MAN, Oron. You know that even Akwa Ibom State alone is qualified to have more than one maritime academy. Then, are you telling me that two maritime academies are too much for Nigeria? The answer is No. We are talking in terms of funding and a situation whereby the existing one is not properly funded and we are establishing another one. Will it not be a burden on the Federal Government? If the government says, ‘Look, we are establishing this’, it means that government knows the reason for establishing it. Okay, what happened to the University of Ibadan when it was established and later four universities including that of Benin were later founded? People from the South-West were opposed to it for fear of funding and lack of lecturers. So many articles were written against it but the government stood its ground. Today, how many universities do we have in Nigeria? Are they not more than 100? If you look at the population, is it not growing day by day? The population is expanding. Whose child would not want to go to the university? There is no way the establishment of one university will affect the establishment of another university. So, the establishment of Nigeria Maritime University in Delta State cannot affect Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, if MAN is given full university status. Still on education, MAN, Oron recently opened a study centre in Rivers State. How soon is the governing council planning to establish same in other states? We have to move very gradually. A study centre has just been opened in Rivers State. It needs to stabilise. However, we have acquired a place in Calabar to open another one. We are also opening another one in Abuja and then we will take it to Lagos. CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Commerce

Food market shouldn’t be Chairman/CEO of Al Grain Foods Nigeria Limited, Mr. Anthony Obidulu, is a former Regional Director, Africa for Eagle Vet Technical Company of Korea. He spoke with AZUBIKE NNADOZIE on Nigeria’s food industry, government policies and investment decisions

As a layman, if I have money for investment, I don’t think I would invest in the production of noodles. This is because, to me, the noodles market is already saturated. What was the attraction for you? ou know saturation brings challenges, challenges bring innovation and innovation opens up the market. So this is the magic. Saturation doesn’t mean you should stay away, because things are bound to improve. Remember what happened in the telecom sector? Nokia used to be the dominant player. So, a layman would tell you that the market is already saturated, but when Apple came with a new innovation, the market opened up. Then Samsung came in and other phone companies are all trying to come in. A layman would say, “Oh, the market is saturated, Nokia is the giant, I don’t have time to face the giants, I can’t fight them, I can’t talk to them.” But Apple came in with a smart, sharp innovation that changed the world of telephones. So in noodles, we came in with innovations and I would be happy if you try my products and see the difference. Because, food is never hidden. Every human being has the power to detect and differentiate good food from bad food, even though it is not your own food. So if you try our noodles now, you would see the innovations that we have brought in. Again, the noodles business in Nigeria is being dominated by Asians. Why should we leave the noodles market for Asians? No, the indigenous people should play a role to balance the equation. It has economic and other implications. You should know that you don’t leave a nation’s food market in the hands of foreigners, because it is a part of strategic planning, it is for safety and security. So, with our entry into the market, we cannot produce substandard products for our people, knowing that it would also affect our kith and kin. We must ensure that whatever we produce for you is of top quality. Our purpose for coming into the market is to introduce innovations, which we have already achieved. In design, we are the youngest, we have the best quality, the best price, the best delivery time and the best and most hygienic environment. We try our best to maintain the utmost environment for food production. All this is not marketing talk. It is verifiable vis a vis the products and services of other players.

Did you consider the competition before setting out….? Competition is natural with human beings. Your competitor

is not your challenge, so you don’t shy away from it. What you must do is to think of what to do to face your competition. How would you become a market leader? How would you become an innovator? What can you do for the people to follow you? That is what you do with competition, and that is what we are doing now. I gave you the example of Apple and Nokia. It is the power of competition, innovation that has come in. New York City is now using Nissan cars with Japanese origins for intra-city taxi, unlike before when they were using those long and large Chevrolets and Ford cars which were more expensive to maintain. Competition has now opened up the market and they are using Nissan products. So, that is the essence of competition. It brings creativity, it pushes people beyond limits, because the human brain has no limit. You keep on thinking, bringing up new ideas on how to do things differently. As a player in the Nigerian industrial environment, what do you consider your biggest challenges? The common challenges we all know… water, electricity, and so on. But the greatest and fundamental challenge in the industry right now is the issue of capacity. Capacity needs to be built up now, and it is getting too late. The universities are not producing the type of quality graduates they are supposed to be producing. Substandard fresh graduates are being produced and it is not good for a developing economy like ours. The situation in India is that India has capacity, fresh capacity to support their economy. The Chinese have powerful capacity to support their economy. But I’m very sorry that our capacity is not there. Because, an average Nigerian student loses between 30 and uncountable days to strikes and unrest. Out of about 250 days you spend in school for a session, you are losing between 50 and 100 days every year. American students are having their own complete 250 days in school without interruption; Indian students are having between 220 and 230 days in school, and you are losing 100 days, who would be a better product? God knows we have lost count of the number of days lost every year to strikes and unrest on our campuses. You cannot build a nation that way, no. Capacity has to be well managed, government must take it as priority to give people more capacity. Otherwise, we are going to lose the advantage of our high demography, the gains of rebasing the economy, the gains of an economy that is supposed to open up in the next five or 10 years, because you don’t have your own people to play a part in growing your

economy. That’s what this country needs to do. The issues of no power, no good roads, infrastructure are well known and are no longer a big deal. Things have changed in the world, the government must dance naked to attract investors. If you don’t put your house in order, nobody comes here. The government needs to show some seriousness, go into public-private participation to provide infrastructure, go into other areas for help, not try to go it all alone. There are many ways of taking care of all these things as is done in other parts of the world. Private people play an important part in the provision of infrastructure all over the modern world. Invite private participation; let them run the facility for a number of years to recoup their money, then buy them over for the state. The Chinese used this method to build their economy. For instance, if the construction of Benin - Ore Road would cost N10 billion and the company should gain N10 billion, the state should give them N20 billion, take over the facility and reduce the toll on the road. Mexico is doing it, we see it every day. Why ca’’t we try all these options? The era of using the provision of infrastructure to play politics should be gone. “If you give me your votes, I’ll give you roads,” no; that should not be the case. Think ahead on something to be given to us now. Water should be privatised. But as long as we are still using cheap infrastructure to play politics, people would still be thinking it is only government that could provide these things. Let the private people come in. Life is no more free. All over the world now, people pay tolls. You may not like this, but I have not, as of late seen any part of the modern world where infrastructure is free for their citizens. The world has also gone smart. I was in Helsinki, Finland recently and they had abolished the traditional toll gates on their roads. Toll payment is made electronically while you are driving along the road. I leased a car to use during my visit and I attached my credit card to the car, so by the time I drove past any area, I would hear a beep as toll money was deducted from my account. So, I can confidently tell you that there is hardly any place in the world where infrastructure is free. Only a few countries still try it, but even in those countries, there are indirect taxes which take care of certain costs for such infrastructure. Are you saying the government should not assist industrialists in any way? The Nigerian government lacks the capacity to provide vital infrastructure on its own. There are so many needs competing for attention and the resources are very few. The system is getting weak. The centre cannot provide everything. Government should put in place policies that would help industrialists to do what should be done. But government still has a role to play. The way things are now, because of the long term neglect of many areas, the job has become too much for the government. So the heap of jobs to be done is so high for them. If you are talking of water now, for instance, you will find out that government cannot solve it even in 20 years without private sector participation. If you go to health, roads, aviation, infrastructure, water, electricity, government cannot provide all these alone any more. Why? The gap is too wide because of long years of neglect. Ethical drugs are not there anymore because of lack of infrastructure. So the private sector must be invited to help. I know the glory of the claim of having provided so and so infrastructure in politics would not be there for them any longer, and this is what they don’t like. The glory will now go to the private companies that provided the facilities. So, the ‘vote-forinfrastructure’ syndrome should be a thing of the past. I know a lot goes into the manufacture of noodles. What are your primary inputs and how do you source them? For now, a lot of support institutions are not in place and a lot of the inputs have to be imported. It has to be a gradual process building support institutions before we can become self-sustaining. Naturally, it is against the law of nature for one to be self-sustaining in anything; you share with others. If anyone tells you he can do it in 25 years, that is political language. In practical terms, it is different. But what you must do is to reduce the extent of dependency on others. We were created to be interdependent. You support me, I support you. So we still source inputs from abroad where they have the capacity. So, what percentage of your input right now is local content? Well, about 20 per cent is still local content, but it should be CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

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JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Commerce

left to foreigners – Obidulu 100 per cent. But again, this cannot be achieved overnight. The capacity is not there yet. A noodles company needs about six million litres of oil in a year. The combined requirement of existing noodles companies in the country is over 200 million litres of oil per annum. So, where would you get that from? What is the capacity we are producing now? Zero. So the issue of developing the supporting institutions in industrial infrastructure has to be a gradual and consistent process. What stands Al Grain Noodles out? Why should the buyer out there go for your noodles instead of the others? What is your unique selling proposition? It is the only noodles that are designed by Nigerians for Nigerians. Hamburger is an American food. Al Grain is designed for our own taste. It is a local content-based noodles. If you eat it you will know. What about the price….? The price, well for now we are the smallest in the industry but we are the best in quality, best in pricing, best in service delivery and the all-round best noodles company in Nigeria. It is there for you to see. Try to compare and contrast, buy other ones, eat them and you notice the edge Al Grain has over other others. This is not market promotion, it is based on fact. What quality, skills and knowledge do you normally look out for when recruiting your staff? We have in place the structures you find in place in other companies as far as staff recruitment is concerned. The core staff are all engineers with specialty in their areas of core competencies. You don’t have Asians? Asians, about one or two of them. Some of the machines we use were manufactured in Asia, so sometimes we need Asians to man them more effectively. Some of them have Chinese manuals, so a Chinese man has to be around to be able to correctly interpret what the machine wants at a given time. For now, foreigners make up only about one per cent of our staff strength, while 99 per cent are Nigerians. What trainings do the Nigerians have to go through before they are employable in a company like yours? Well, every manufacturing company is an institution, so any one that has an opportunity to work here is coming for training and exposure into a new and modern education. If they do not have the capacity, we have to start retraining them and we issue certificates at the end of every training. If for instance you came with a BSc degree in Engineering and you don’t know what a packing machine looks like, we have to train you on how packing machines work, how boilers work, how the conveyor belt works, and so on. That is why manufacturing is one of the best ways to develop a nation. What we have here is an institution whereby whoever comes in here acquires more knowledge, more certification and becomes a better person, no matter the qualification he comes here with. Whatever job you do here, you would become so adept in that you can confidently perform the same function anywhere in the world. That is why we are an institution. Government should support more SMEs to come on board to empower the capacity that is weak. If people are coming to look for job, they should forget about their degrees. Your salary is not based on your degrees, it is your experience that really matters. The experience you acquire from your first job is what improves your certificate. I know the quality of graduates different higher institutions in the country can produce based on the training facilities they have. I know that many faculties cannot be funded by government because of the expensive nature of funding them. Some faculties in Nigeria need about $100 million to $200 million a year to fund due to the intensive research involved. The faculties of sciences are very expensive and the funds are not always readily available. Even the exchange programmes of the 1970s and ‘80s are no longer there, and they are very expensive. If, for instance, you want to send 50 students to a faculty in Australia for three months so that the faculty in Australia would send 50 students to your school also, both faculties must be at par, or else the programme would not work. If your students go to Australia and enjoy top-class facilities and your own are in a shambles, how would it work? Many Nigerian faculties are too expensive to fund. They cannot fund technical courses that are related to modern manufacturing without private sector participation. Microsoft spent $300 million at the University of Shanghai to build their centre for research. This is a very big challenge for us.

The way things are now, because of the long term neglect of many areas, the job has become too much for the government.

Where is your market? For now, our market is all over Nigeria, all the states of the federation. From Sokoto to Maiduguri, Lagos to Calabar, we are everywhere. Network of branches…? We are using a distribution system that enables us to reach our customers fast and effectively nationwide. You don’t operate depots? We are still a small company and cannot operate depots yet. We are still growing and a growing child should not be given too much load to carry so that it would not retard his growth. Some noodle companies claim to be targeted at children and you see it in their adverts and other activities. What segment of the market is your target? Targeting the kids is a soft approach, but noodles is for everybody. It is a delicious food that everybody can eat, so the targeting of kids is a marketing concept, but we cut across everybody. The culture of eating noodles doesn’t seem to have really caught up with a lot of Nigerians. Yes, it is a relatively new product in the country. You know we have a very rich food culture across the country. A lot of our people are used to eating natural foods, so it will take some time for us to get used to it. But it is catching up. As people get very busy, they may not have time for elaborate cooking, so they may just grab a noodle, something smart and fast and keep going. What are you doing to guard against product adulteration and sabotage? We try to distinguish our products from the others in the market. We give adequate motivation to our staff to keep them committed and to give their best to the company. The door is also open for our customers to give us information regarding our products. This is a wholly Nigerian project and we want every Nigerian to help us protect it. There was a recent argument that if all the investments that Igbo sons and daughters have in other parts of Nigeria were to be located in Igbo land, we shall have another Dubai. Do you subscribe to this school of thought? It is because of lack of development that some people try to view investment from an ethnic paradigm. People say this because we are still a nation that fights over almost everything and interprets everything along ethnic lines. But in every investment, location advantage plays a role. For instance, if I want to establish a wheat farm, I can’t go to Igbo land. Because, the land there may not be suitable for wheat cultivation. There are certain crops that do well in Igbo land and others that don’t. So, to me, it is wrong to politicise industrialisation or investment. Investment should really be influenced by the comparative advantages derivable by the investor, including environmental and other factors. In Nigeria, for instance, some states don’t have fresh water. So the issue of politicising development does not work. It constrains us to remain where we are. It is a pity we are caught in the web of Federal Character and other jargons, no nation develops that way. Because each region has its own potential, and as an entrepreneur I want to tap as much of the potential as possible from any state in the country to grow the nation. I’m not thinking of the Nigerian market alone, I don’t just want to be a Nigerian champion in the industry; I want to be a world champion. Like the GM, DHL, Wal-Mart, all the global big companies. Part of the issues we have here is that we are trying to constrain our strength within the system. It doesn’t let you see the wide horizon of the world market. A Chinese button producer or zip producer wants to capture the world market. A tea producer in Sri Lanka, India, Kenya wants to capture the world market. A coffee producer in Kenya or Ethiopia is thinking about the global market. It is high time we dispensed with tribal thinking; you cannot have a strong nation based on ethnic sentiments. Using the ethnic ‘we’ cannot build the nation. Think about the global giant corporations that employ 200,000 to 300,000 staff. How do you raise such capacity while flying the ethnic flag? If you go to South Korea, Tokyo, Japan, many companies have their own ports and some of their private ports are bigger than some Nigerian ports. So you have to build all the capacity. Daewoo Port

in Korea, Toyota Port in Japan, Samsung Port, they all have their own private ports for import and export and the traffic there is bigger than some national ports. So, as an entrepreneur, regional thinking is good, but I don’t think it is the best approach for the country at this stage of our development. It doesn’t show the potential in you. An entrepreneur should prove he has the potential to conquer the world. A smaller company can play in the world market, but if you are thinking regional, you can’t play in the global market. The Nigerian entrepreneur should think more of how to capture the world. A small globally focused button manufacturing company in America can export its products to as far as a small country like Djibouti. The Nigerian entrepreneur has capacity and we should not constrain ourselves. We don’t seem to realise the power of success engendered by industrialisation right now. Industrialisation is a very strong political weapon and our country should think of how it could be used as a strong weapon as is done in advanced countries of the world. Things have changed and we have to follow the global trend, not ethnic politics and biases. It appears that deliberate government policy would play a big part in this? In Nigeria, investment policy has been over-defined. It is a no-go area and it is not political. That is the secret of Dubai, Qatar, Abu Dhabi. These are young economies in the world. These are the magic of our time, not the old ones like Britain, Germany and the others. Dubai is policy, Qatar is policy stability, Abu Dhabi, Singapore are all offspring of good government policy. Our nation’s economic policies are so fragile; Central Bank governors don’t talk anyhow. Our policy makers should control how they talk. Some of them talk too much, and this gives a wrong signal to the world. It doesn’t work. Even in my small capacity as an individual, I listen to what world leaders and global industry leaders have to say. They don’t talk very often and what they say always carries much weight. People around the world are listening and follow what they say. Because their words carry much meaning, it changes the game and the direction of people’s focus. Economic policies influence people’s lives and should not be toyed with. So let our economic policies be strong. It shouldn’t be like when you say something on Monday, on Tuesday you change it. You privatise today, after two years you change it. It is wrong. You don’t give the world the wrong signal. Whether those involved are in the opposition or not, when we make a policy, let us go by that policy.

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Commerce

Experts advise young entrepreneurs at MTN Forum NRC’s new trains disappoint I passengers Azubike Nnadozie

n a bid to impart basic business skills and strategies that will aid efficiency in business operations, leading entrepreneurs recently interacted with young Nigerian business professionals and budding entrepreneurs from the small, medium and large scale business sectors of the economy, during an MTN Link Forum in Lagos. Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Nigeria’s biggest online retailer, Jumia, Jonathan Doerr,identified people, ideas and money as the three most important things entrepreneurs must have to start, grow and make a success of any business. “For me, the three main things to grow a successful business are people, ideas and

money. You need the right people that you can trust; you need a great idea and money to become entrepreneurs,” he stated. He stressed that Nigerian entrepreneurs can take business ideas that have proven successful in America and Europe, and domesticate them in line with realities in the country. He said, “Online retail business had been thriving in America and Germany before it was introduced into Nigeria, where it had to be domesticated to conform to best practices and standards in the country.” Chief Marketing Officer of MTN, Larry Annetts, stated that the company as a truly supporting brand was committed to developing and engaging budding entrepreneurs, and encouraging them to be better

in various entrepreneurial fields of human endeavour. In his words: “A strategic focus for MTN is to constantly provide an engaging and supporting platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and the organisation has continuously demonstrated this through various initiatives.” In his admonition, Special Assistant to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Oguche Agudah, declared that for Nigerian entrepreneurs to thrive, they must take advantage of salient government policies that have been provided to aid trade and investment. He mentioned NEDEP (National Enterprise Development Programme) as one of the Federal Government’s policies designed to eliminate bottlenecks and barriers that can hinder business de-

velopment and expansion in the country. Another business icon and Managing Director of Power Mass Company Limited, Mr. Uzora Okafor, in a short but electrifying speech, said, “To succeed, an entrepreneur must have the capacity to develop an idea, must develop a good plan for executing the idea, must have the willingness to put things together and should not be afraid of taking risk. Commending MTN on this giant stride, Doerr said, “What MTN is doing here is a great idea. They bring successful entrepreneurs to share ideas, experiences, encourage the young ones and even support some of these ideas with needed funds to start and grow their own businesses.”

L-R: Africa Operations Manager Renault, Mr. Toufik Lassoued; Renault Vice President for strategy and partnerships, Euromed –Africa, Mrs. Christel Galbrun; Director, Dana Cars and Services, Mr. Francis Ogboro with Vice President Operations, Dana Cars and Services Limited, Mr. Joseph Fernandes, at the inauguration of Renault-Drive the Change in Lagos…Tuesday

‘Maritime can sustain Nigeria’s economy’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 3

These centres will organise short courses for us. And as your question goes, it shows how the demand for maritime knowledge is growing. When you went to school then, did you ever hear of Maritime Academy as it is being publicised today? So, the idea of maritime education is growing everyday and it is expanding. The idea of study centres is to expand it the more as people are eager to know more about the benefits of maritime training. And the end users, the oil companies like Shell, Texaco, Chevron, NPA are ready to take the advantage of the study centres. They can sponsor their staff for short courses. It is a good idea, it will improve gradually. As soon as Port Harcourt centre stabilises, we shall move to Calabar, Abuja and then Lagos. The management of the academy has made several attempts to secure sea time for cadets and ensure that products of the academy are accepted in the global market. What is your council doing to ensure the realisation of this dream? The council is making spirited efforts about that. The council in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transport is working out modalities to ensure that it is realised. The cadets from MAN, Oron are already being accepted in the global market. Except you want to be sure that as soon as you step out of the academy premises, you just pick an appointment letter. Again, the cadets are well equipped to work anywhere after graduation. If one or two persons are yet to be immediately engaged, that

does not mean that they would not be engaged. The governing council under your watch is one year old. Can you highlight the achievements and challenges faced in the year under review? The council has achieved a lot, from the achievements of the rector which I had already enumerated. The rector does not work in isolation. It is the council that is doing all that in collaboration with the management. You want to talk about the infrastructural development of the academy? Or, you want to talk about the training programmes? We are achieving a lot. Very soon, we will send 250 cadets to South Africa and Turkey for training. We want to recruit a very competent registrar to assist the rector. Promotion of staff is ongoing. There are also good programmes for staff of the academy. Recently, we sent our staff abroad to acquire more knowledge. On staff welfare, council and management of the Academy have worked hard to recently secure a new salary package for the staff, which we believe will enhance productivity and quality service delivery. How is the relationship between the academy with NIMASA in terms of funding? Is NIMASA funding the academy properly? Yes, NIMASA is our major source of funding. Government had taken a decision that they should give us five per cent of their revenue. So, it is not a matter of being satisfied or not. If the council wants to be satisfied, we will demand at least 10 per cent of their revenue. But the question is, will the provider of the money be able to provide 10 per cent for us? This is because we do not know how much they gen-

erate monthly. So, whenever they give us our five per cent, we have no cause to complain. How is the governing council’s relationship with the management of the academy like? Very cordial, we have not got any cause for disagreement. From inception, I made it clear to council members that it is a policy body. We are not concerned with the day to day running of the academy. The day to day running of the academy rests squarely on the shoulders of the rector and his management team. So long as you do not run out of your schedule of engagement to another person’s own, there is no problem. The council does its work and the management is running the affairs of the academy. What is the council doing to enhance the potential of the host community? Of course the Academy is doing its best. The council is very interested in the welfare of the host community. We do not play with corporate social responsibility to the host community. The traditional rulers of the host community and the youths are very friendly. Since we came on board, we have not experienced any crisis because we have carried them along. The only area we want government to assist us is the area of rehabilitating former warring communities. At least, we are doing something. We interact with them and today the area is peaceful. We can make bold to say that there is no crisis. Everyone is at peace. Concerning our cadets, we have established some laws to control them. We have streamlined religious activities in the academy. We don’t condone cultism in any guise.

Paul Ogbuokiri

ne of the two ultra-modern Diesel multiple Unit (DMU) trains recently commissioned by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, on Thursday developed fault on its way to Ijoko, raising doubt as to whether it is such a good condition to be put on the Lagos-Kano route as the management of the corporation promised it intends to do. According to one of the commuters who spoke to the New Telegraph on Sunday, kamardeen Agbaje, the DMU developed fault at Itoki on Thursday on its way to ijoko, Ogun state. He said: “On Thursday evening while going home from work, the train developed fault and it took many hours before we could get to our destination.” New Telegraph on Sunday also learnt that on Friday the DMU could not leave Kajola in Ogun State for Lagos forcing commuters to join the old one. Another commuter, TInuke Olawunmi, who spoke with our correspondent with annoyance, said the corporation had wasted her time after she had paid the N750 fair. She was not able to meet the appointment, she lamented. She said: “This new train in very convenient, no doubt but it is too early to start developing fault because I don’t think there is any explanation for a train that is not up to two months to start developing fault.” She however said the fault may be due inefficiency on the part of the operators of the new trains or maybe the engine were refurbished, saying had done that with Nigeria in the time of late General Sani Abacha. New Telegraph learnt that the Abacha regime acquired 50 refurbished locomotives from China. Those rolling stocks did not last for few months before they packed up. It is against this backdrop that passengers have started casting aspersions on the new rolling stocks, calling for a probe of the purchased from the Republic of China. The Federal Government launched the two DMU engines and six coaches in an elaborate ceremony where the Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo, deputy Governor of Lagos state, Adejoke-Adefulure and members of the National Assembly commissioned the engines amid fanfare. Speaking during the commissioning, President Goodluck jonathan who was represented by the vice president, Arc Namadi Sambo vowed to bring the country rail sector at par with the modern railway available in other countries of the world. He also said that his administration was ready to bring in more DMU’s and air conditioning coaches for use of Nigerians.

MARKETS&MALLS NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

JUNE 22, 2014

Tel: 08027790557, 08037613380

Our jewellery market is Africa’s biggest – APT president S

Paul Ogbuokiri ix years after relocating from Idumota to its ‘Super Plaza’ inside the International Trade Fair Complex along Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Lagos, the Association of Progressive Traders of Nigeria has expanded in size and activities, with the biggest jewellery and accessories market in Africa opening at the complex. The APT President, Chief Jude Okeke, who declared this on Wednesday in Lagos, also stated that the traders’ population is now above 10,000. “As you can see, this is the APT Super Plaza. It is a wholesale market where you find the best and finest grades of jewellery and accessories at cheapest prices. So far, the market is worth more than N18 billion in terms of buildings and infrastructure, and we are still expanding. Work will soon begin at our new office complex and everything here is world standard.

“Our members have grown above 10,000 and we still have enough space for showcasing our goods, warehousing, parking lots, shopping and vehicular movement etc. Our business is flourishing and members are all happy. No wonder, we call here our own promised land.” The concessioning of Trade Fair Complex to Aulic Nigeria Limited is, however, a major challenge facing the traders at the moment. According to APT’s Secretary-General, Obiora Chijioke, the traders are contesting the acquisition of Lagos International Trade Fair Complex with no regard for their multibillion investments which existed long before the concession. “We had an agreement with the then Federal Ministry of Trade and Commerce that the already commercialised portions should be excluded from privatisation. Despite all efforts by the consortium of traders operating in the complex, which include Balogun Business Association, Auto Spare Parts And Machineries Dealers Association, Association

of Progressive Traders, Call Park Ventures, Lakeview Hotel, and other stakeholders, to receive a fair hearing during the concession exercise, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) still went ahead and sold the entire complex to Aulic Nigeria Limited. “Their aim is to enslave over 60,000 Nigerian traders and their huge investments at the complex, which is worth more than N85 billion. We are calling on the Federal Government to please protect our rights as responsible and law abiding citizens of the country, by reviewing this fraudulent acquisition of Lagos Trade Fair Complex by Aulic Nigeria Limited,” he added. The APT image maker, Uche Chinweze, listed bad access roads, illegal check points by the police and customs as well as dilapidated infrastructure within the Trade Fair Complex among the current challenges of the market. “Our relationship with the state and local governments is very cordial. But the new management of the complex is not helping matters. Despite all the revenue collected

Completed phase 1, new Tejuosho Market, ready for business

daily from the traders and our customers, nothing is being done to reduce our sufferings, at least by upgrading the roads and infrastructure within the Trade Fair Complex,” he added.

New Oyingbo Market ready this year

ubscribers into the new Oyingbo Market on the Mainland, would not wait too long to possession of their shops as the Government of Lagos has assured that delivery of the ultra modern market would taqke place before the end of the year. The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, had told Journalists that the project had reached an advanced stage. The progress report indicated facilities that included open and lock-up shops, offices, car parks, cold rooms, toilets and others, are nearing completion. He listed the facilities to include 622 open shops, 164 (Type 1) and 102 (Type 2) lockup shops, 48 open offices, three giant cold rooms, and car parks designed to accommodate 150 cars at a time. Size for open shops is 1,666.00m square metres, while Type 1, lock-up shops is 1, 281.18 mm square metres and Type 2, is 1, 637.66mm square metres. The cold rooms, is 99.9mm square metres. Open offices occupy 2,385.05 mm square metres. For car parks, the size is 2,700.00mm square metres. Last week, a senior worker with the consultant handling the project, confirmed to New Telegraph on Sunday that the project would be delivered soon. According to the source, the contractors are getting the necessary support from the State Government, but regretting the nuisance the street urchins, council officials and some unidentified community leaders caused the delay in delivering the project on schedule last year.

LG’s new washing machine offers strong hygiene benefits Chijioke Iremeka

G Electronics said its top-loading washing machine is well-equipped with heaters, which allow warmwashing of the materials for a hygienic cleaning. According to the company, the hygiene-enhancing capabilities of the washing machine is largely due to the high performance heater with a stainless steel tub, which increases the water temperature above 60 degrees Celsius, creating a warm wash for more effective cleaning. “With the stain care course, the internal temperature of the washer is raised to 40 degrees Celsius for effective stain removal. The allergy care course in the product employs 60-degree heat to eliminate allergy-causing germs and bacteria from clothing,” said General Manager, Home Appliance Division, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Hyunwoo Jung. Jung, who said the product was designed to suit consumers’ needs, said with world leading technologies such as the six Motion Direct Drive, LG will continue to lead the global washing machine market and maintain its efforts to become number one brand in the home appliance market. He said: “LG’s new washing machine is the only top-load-

ing washing machine that makes use of heater to hygienically clean the washing tub. The heater raises the internal temperature to 60 degrees Celsius, helping to reduce dirt and germs in the washing machine. Tested by Intertek, LG’s Tub Clean+ course proves 99.99 per cent effective at sterilising the washer tub.” According to him, the full stainless steel tub results in 90 per cent less bacteria growth than a conventional LG plastic washer tub, saying that the product has been tested for its ability to limit bacteria growth with a precise control system to enable its proprietary six motion technology to work efficiently. He said: “Backed by a 10-year warranty, the Inverter Direct Drive also provides quiet, reliable operation. Each wash cycle combines six different wash motions, including wave force, agitating, rubbing, compressing, rotating and swing to deliver revolutionary washing results while being very gentle on fabrics.” The Marketing Manager, Home Appliance Division, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Sreenath Babu, said the product has Jet Spray, which reduces water usage throughout the course of the rinse cycle, unlike LG’s conventional rinsing, where the entire tub is filled with

water first. She said, “The Jet Spray in the product sprays clean water from a valve at the top of the machine, while the tub spins, extracting the dirty water. The innovative feature helps reduce water usage by 27.5 per cent and allows LG’s top loaders to complete a wash cycle 17.1 per cent faster than a normal wash course.” He noted that each top loader comes with an advanced, Touch LED Display, which consumers use in selecting to and adjusting washing settings, as though one is using a smartphone. “Also, the trendy Black Touch LED Display on LG washing machine LG’s washing machines is also complete with a simple and sleek design.

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Bearish sentiments sweep market

…Q2 numbers may spark recovery

he bearish sentiment from the previous week persisted as the bears loom large over the equities market. The general bearish sentiment in the market caused the index to shed 0.93% to bring the Year-to-date (Ytd) return to -0.48%. Also, the decline in volume and value traded of 44.06% and 9.46% further accentuates the mood of the market. We are of the opinion that the lack of news flow is largely to blame for this lackluster performance and so, we assert that the market might begin to swing positive with the influx of Q2:2014 results expected soon. Banking Sector: Banking stocks pare to partly shed May gains

The banking sector’s performance waned as 10 of 15 stocks declined week on week (WoW) to bring the sector’s Ytd return to -1.85%. The only gainers were FCMB (2.91%) and STERLNBANK (2.11%), while the largest decliners included GUARANTY (7.77%), ZENITHBANK (5.93%), and ETI (4.25%). Diamond Bank Plc is seeking approval from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to raise approximately N50bn (USD309mn) via a rights issue in a bid to shore up their capital base. This rights issue is to existing shareholders and will add 8.68bn ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at NGN5.80 per share to the bank’s current shares outstanding. Much in line with our expectations, there has been some profit taking on the banking stocks after the May rally during which most counters appreciated (save for WEMABANK and UNITYBNK). We expect a good level of activity in the coming weeks which could push the sector returns upwards due to position taking for expected good Q2:2014 results. Oil and Gas: Oando secures consent for ConocoPhillips acquisition

Oando Energy Resources, a subsidiary of Oando Plc on Tuesday announced that it has secured the consent of the Minister of Petroleum Resources for the acquisition of the assets of ConocoPhillips, representing a seal of approval from the Federal government. Oando stated that both parties in the transaction will now work towards completing the deal on, before or shortly after the long stop date of June 30th, 2014. The proposed acquisition will increase the production capacity of OANDO in the exploration industry by an estimated 43,000 boe/d (barrels of oil equivalent per day), positioning them as one of the country’s leading indigenous exploration companies. After the announcement, OANDO shares embarked on a bullish run on the floor of the NSE, as the counter returned 51.85% to close at NGN30.37 for the week. We expect the rally to continue in the short term as investors continue to take position in anticipation of the growth potential the company portends. MRS represents the other significant movement in the industry during the week. The counter closed at NGN64, which represents a 33.33% appreciation over the previous week, while ETERNA also advanced by 4.09% to close NGN4.6. We maintain our “SELL” recommendation on MRS, and expect the activities of profit takers to drag the stock in the coming week. Also, CONOIL was unable to sustain last week’s rally as the stock shed 5.68% to close at NGN68.6, while MOBIL also declined by 1.57% to close and NGN129

Finally, TOTAL and SEPLAT both closed marginally up, gaining 0.30% and 1.52% respectively to settle at NGN170.5 and NGN670 in that order for the week. Industrial goods: Calm week as investors’ await the next trigger

Investors seemingly traded cautiously on industrial goods stocks in the week with negative sentiments dominating stock trades. Asides awaiting the influx of Q2:2014 results, no news flow filtered in to the market to trigger significant stock movements. While the news on Lafarge’s consolidation plans appears to be waning, investors remain somewhat cautious in their trading decisions on Lafarge WAPCO and ASHAKACEM. ASHAKACEM witnessed upward price movements as the stock gained the most with 7% W-o-W while CCNN advanced with 3.48%. For the sector heavyweights, Lafarge WAPCO and DANGCEM, they each declined by 0.01% and 0.88% respectively. In the chemical and paints segment, CAP gained 5% at the close of the week to break its 11-day streak of closing flat, while and BERGER traded flat for the week. PAINTCOM however closed the week 1.43% lower having traded flat in the prior week. As measured by our MERIIND index the industrial goods sector lost 0.65% in the week. Expectations of impressive Q2:2014 results remain the major likely driver of positive returns. Insurance Sector: Resisting Bearish Mood in the Equities Market

The insurance sector defied the bearish sentiments which depressed returns in the market, to appreciate by 2.40% during the week. AIICO recorded the highest gains for the week, appreciating by 7.32% to close at NGN0.88. The ticker was followed on the gainers list by MANSARD and NEM which gained 6.00% and 4.94% respectively. On the other side, WAPIC, OASIS and CONTINSURE had the highest losses of -5.26%, -1.89% and -0.93% respectively. OASIS and WAPIC released their FY 2013results during the week, in which both company’s reported declines in earnings of -131% and -154% respectively. Their respective Gross Premiums Earned (GPE) also witnessed declines of -23% and -12%. However, OASIS which also released its 2014Q1 results had re-

versed its FY2013 performance, recording a growth in its GPE and earnings by 20% and 163% Y-o-Y respectively. Looking forward, our top picks for the sector are CUSTODYINS, AIICO and NEM on the basis of relative valuation with peer companies.

MILLS (Q2:2014) are expected to release their earnings result soon. Agric Sector: Profit taking activities pressure sector returns

The healthcare sector wasn’t spared the effects of the bearish sentiment which swept the equities market this week, as the sector shed -2.91% during the week to bring Month-to-Date (MtD), Quarterto-Date (QtD) and Year-to-Date (YtD) returns to -3.10%, -5.64% and -3.01% respectively. Major drivers of the negative returns were EVANSMED, GLAXOSMITH, NEIMETH and MAYBAKER which lost -6.67%, -2.96%, -2.36% and -1.79% respectively. The only gainer for the week, on the other hand, was FIDSON which appreciated by 3.10%, while the remaining five stocks in the Healthcare sector traded flat during the week. Our top picks for the sector remain the industry leader GLAXOSMITH, as well as FIDSON owing to their consistency in generating positive earnings and paying dividends to their shareholders.

The direction of trade on stocks in the sector during the week was mixed as OKOMUOIL returned 1.52%, while PRESCO and LIVESTOCK shed 1.50% and 2.87% respectively, bringing the sector return to -0.14% WtD. The positive sentiment on OKOMUOIL may be tied to the news of the recent acquisition of 11,400ha of land on which it plans to utilize (planting palm trees) 10,000ha within the next 3 years. PRESCO on the other hand shed some points as technical traders booked profits for the second consecutive week. LIVESTOCK followed similar path (after 0.32% loss the previous week) to close at NGN3.05. Technical Indicators suggest that OKOMUOIL may shed some points in the coming week on profit taking activities. PRESCO on the other hand will likely stay around current price levels with a slight possibility of declining marginally during the week. Also, LIVESTOCK may experience a slight turn as it appears to have reached its NGN3.00 resistance level.

Consumer goods Sector: In search of trigger to ignite upswing

Services Sector: Positive sentiments re-emerge

Healthcare Sector: Negative Sentiments Dragging Returns

The consumer goods sectors as measured by the NSEFB10 shed 2.20%, a situation which was in consonance with the overall bearish mood of the market. We believe the current mood in the market is due to lack of a major trigger to instigate an upward swing. VITAFOAM topped the list of best performers in the sector for the week with a price appreciation of 5.36%. Other advancers included GOLDENBREW (4.41%), JOSBREW (2.15%), 7UP (1.11%) and UNILEVER (0.87%). The sector’s worst performers for the week were led by CHAMPION (14.11%) and NB (4.66%), while other decliners included NESTLE (-1.87%), HONYFLOUR (-2.63%) and PZ (-1.30%). Going forward, we believe that results expectations for impending earnings releases will be the major driver for the sector. GUINNESS (FY2013), NB (Q2:2014), INTBREW (FY2013) NESTLE (Q2:2014), UNILEVER and FLOUR-

Positive sentiments re-emerged in the services sector this week as the MeriServices index advanced by 4.15% WoW to drive YtD return to -3.37%. Top gainers for the week were CAVERTON (+26.31% to NGN6.29), TRANSCORP (+13.99% to NGN4.89) and REDSTAREX (+8.26% to NGN4.98). AIRSERVICE sustained its upward trend with a 3.67% increase in share value WoW. NAHCO reversed the gains of last week as it shed 0.62% to close at NGN4.80. ABCTRANS (-3.41% to NGN0.85), TRANSEXPR (-4.68% to NGN2.24) and LEARNAFRICA (-5.85% to NGN1.61) also shed points during the week. RTBRISCOE recorded the highest loss this week as it shed 9.82% to close at NGN1.01. We expect the services sector to sustain the positive trend in the coming weeks as investors continue to take position ahead of Q2:2014 results.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Sunday Transport

GTBank unveils ‘Click Top Up’

uaranty Trust Bank Plc has launched another innovative alternative channel for its customers to conveniently top up their mobile phones using ‘GTBank 1 Click Top-up’. The product, GTBank 1 Click Top-Up, is a novel offering pioneered by GTBank in the Nigerian Banking Industry. It offers GTBank customers on MTN, Etisalat and Airtel networks an efficient and easy way of topping-up their mobile phones using any type of mobile device. This service will enable all GTBank customers to top up their mobile phones from available balances in their bank accounts with ease. It brings a higher level of convenience to customers as it is designed to deliver with speed and simplicity. This product will also help Telecommunications Service Providers digitalise payments as it reduces distribution cost, increases average revenue per user and also ensures round the clock sales of airtime. Guaranty Trust Bank Plc was established in 1990 and has within the last 24 years come to be recognized as one of the most

Kewalram opens Isuzu showroom in Lagos

oncept Autocentre Limited, a subsidiary of Kewalram Chanrai Group, says it is serious about capturing more market share for the Isuzu vehicles and promised to take the brand to a new height in Nigeria. And to show its determination, the auto dealership on Tuesday invited representatives of the Isuzu manufacturing firm from South Africa and Japan to witness the opening of a new showroom/ service centre in Lagos. Obviously excited by the rate at which the firm is positioning the Isuzu brand in Nigeria, the President and Managing Director of General Motors, Africa, Mr. Mario Spangenberg, said it was amazing and noted that the new showroom was dignifying. He expressed confidence that the auto marketing firm would do well to place the Isuzu vehicles among the leading brands in all its chosen segments in Nigeria. “The Kewalram Group as represented by Koncept Autocentre is representing the Isuzu brand well in Nigeria. This showroom is dignifying. I’ve no doubt that the company will do well in pushing the brand to the top of the sales chart,” he stated. Spangenberg recalled that he was in Nigeria in February to negotiate the franchise with Kewalram Chanrai Group on behalf of the GM and was amazed by the speed of development, noting, “In Nigeria, when they say it can be done; it can really be done. Now, it is happening.”

innovative and service focused banks in the Nigerian financial market space. The bank has a record of ‘Industry First’ innovations such as ‘Internet Banking’, which enables customers to carry out transactions from the comfort of their home or office;

‘GTConnect’- a fully interactive 24-hour self-service Contact Centre; ‘Social Banking’ service on Facebook that allows GTBank account holders transfer money, purchase airtime, pay bills and confirm their account balance on Facebook. ‘FastTrack’ allows cus-

tomers withdraw money quickly within the bank’s branches using their debit cards. The GTBank ebranches where customers can carry out most of their banking transactions such as deposits and withdrawals without visiting the banking hall.

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc holds a Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)’s International Standards Organisation (ISO) 9001:2000 certification in recognition of quality management systems and conformity with global best practices.

L-R General Manager Marine and Operations NPA ,Malam Mohammed Bulangu; AIG Maritime Command, Mamman Sule; MD NPA, Habib Abdullahi; Commissioner of Police Ports Authority Police Command (Western), Cornelius K.Aderanti; General Manager Security NPA ,Col Jamil Tahir (retd); and ACP Admin Salem Amachere pose for a photograph during a visit of the police chiefs to NPA headquarters, in Lagos...on Wednesday

Marketing’s art of warfare, says Oyeyemi Azubike Nnadozie

eneral Manager, Consumer Marketing of leading telecom operator, MTN, Mr Kolawole Oyeyemi has described marketing as an art of waging warfare in his new book titled, Kill or Get Killed, The Marketing Killer Instinct. The book was presented to a select members of the media in Lagos last weekend. Kill or Get Killed is regarded as the first serious attempt by an African marketing practitioner to pen real life case studies of the great material, intellectual and nerve racking battles that characterise the rise and fall of brands in the Nigerian market, and to an extent, the African theatres of war for the consumer’s mind and wallet. The book which presents a se-

ries of masterfully written case studies depicting a multitude of brands fighting for market space x-rays the dynamics that shapes success or failure in different African markets. Of particular note is the effort the author has made to identify the key differentiating factors affecting or determining mode of operations in the African environment, excluding South Africa and Africa north of the Sahara which have fundamentally different tendencies in terms of culture, human psychology, climate and history. Commenting on the new book, Managing Consultant, Market Space, and leading marketing practitioner, Mr. George Thorpe, lauded Oyeyemi’s capacity to write in a fluid and readable manner, revealing that the work reads

like a novel. However, he asserts, “(It) is serious; some will find this serious novel useful for developing their verbal abilities, others for improving their focus and concentration. Still others will value it for its entertainment value; but all, in particular, students of, and academics in marketing and management, professional marketers, and business leaders, will agree it is as yet the best work on marketing in Africa in general, and Nigeria in particular, offering an outstanding wealth of learning and experience.” Kill or Get Killed chronicles many case studies of recent marketers’ wars which shook the Nigerian consumer landscape, spanning many industries, including manufacturing (Bournvita vs Milo, Cowbell vs Peak Milk, Legend stout vs Guinness stout); the

major marketing contentions in the telecoms industry spanning over 10 years and involving all the major players such as MTN, Glo, Airtel and Etisalat. The book presents the exciting behind-the-scene thinking and results of the great price wars occasioned by commoditisation in the industry, how creativity has been used to sustain market leadership consistently and how the networks’ marketing mavens constantly strike hard at the competition’s jugular in the search for new customers or in the effort to keep current customers The case studies are comprehensively treated with major focus on Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and a few other markets while the author also provides some critical insights into African markets in general.

Delegates call for development of transport

ome delegates at the National Conference in Abuja have urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts at developing the transport sector. Malam Sani Zoro, who is representing the Nigeria Union Journalists at the conference, said the railway system should be effective because of its importance to the economic development of the country. Mr. Musa Elayo, representing House of Representatives Forum, said the provision for the development of railway should be removed from the exclusive legislative list to concurrent list. Elayo said this would enable states interested in the development of railway to legislate on the important sector.

“This will also enable two or more states to jointly construct or develop railway system that remain the most effective and mass means for the movement of people and goods,” Elayo said. He also stressed the need for dual carriage rail tracks as well as the development of an effective system. Mr Bulus Dareng, representing North-Central, stressed the need for the construction of weigh bridges across the country to prevent the destruction of roads by overloading vehicles. “When roads are constructed, there is no consideration on the kind of roads the vehicle should carry and that is why our roads get destroyed within a short period,’’ Dareng said.

Mr. Isaac Ighure, representing Nigerian Guild of Editors, said there was the need for the country to have proper directional road signs, marks and milestones on the highways to guide road users. Ighure suggested that all inter-cities roads should have dual carriage roads while broken down vehicles constituting danger to road users should be removed from the roads. Sen. Ahmed Aruwa, representing Kaduna State, said the Federal Government should direct aviation regulators to reverse the disparity in the air fare. He also called on the Federal Government to provide intervention fund as loans at single digit interest for practitioners in the aviation industry.

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Abuja Beats

Why we demolished Saraha, Gwarinpa estates - FCTA

Johnchuks Onuanyim

he Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration last week explained why it demolished Saraha Estate in Kafe District and Plot 64, Kafe District at Lungu Village inside Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja. While the demolition of Saraha Estate took place two weeks ago, the destruction of Lungu Village took place last week. Resident of Lungu Village protested the demolition, a situation which led to heavy traffic along Kubwa expressway. Motorists were trapped in the gridlock for about six hours as the protesters blocked the highway with burning tyres. The spokesperson for the Development Control, Mr. Kalu Nkenta, in a text message on the demolition to New Telegraph on Sunday, said, “Squatter-settlers encroached on Plot 64, Kafe District at Lungu village. It was a plot meant for an estate developer and which had been marked for demolition since March 4, 2014 after a series of meetings with Chief Lungu. The occupiers went to court to stop the demolition but the court finally threw the case away. Fifty-four illegal structures, seventeen shanties, five shops and one church were removed.” The Development Control spokesperson denied the report of loss of lives during the demolition. There were reports that a little boy and his mother died as a result of the demolition while two persons were injured. The department in its official position

Sen Bala Mohammed Minister FCT

paper on Saraha Estate’s demolition made available to New Telegraph on Sunday by the Public Relations Unit said, “The department feels obliged to respond to this as a responsible government agency

that believes in the Rule of Law and for the mere fact that it owes a duty to the Nigerian public. “The subscribers bought into the deceit or false claim of a developer who has no title

over the plot in question and without due diligence checks commenced development without approval from the Department of Development Control. Despite service of relevant contravention notices, the illegal developers intractably ignored, despised and abused all the notices and continued their illegalities with impunity. “When the threat of enforcing applicable sanctions (demolition) was given by the department, the illegal developers proceeded to court for an injunction which they believed was meant only to tie the hands of the authorities while they continued the illegal development. The injunction was granted to them by the court on Plot No. 55, Kafe District restraining the department from demolishing structures on the said Plot and not Plot 140. “It is important to note that Plot No 140 is clearly different and defined by physically visible landmark from Plot No. 55. The department in respect of the court order did not carry out any demolition on Plot 55 despite being in contravention but only on Plot 140 which was not covered by the injunction as it is not within Plot No. 55. “Nigerians need to know that the department in pursuance of its statutory functions still recognises what a human face is. This was what played out during the exercise at Plot No. 140 where only perimeter fences and gate houses were touched at the time, leaving out the main buildings occupied by fellow Nigerians.” Saraha Homes Landlords Association had alleged that their buildings were demolished despite a court injunction.

Abuja Master Plan: Minister inaugurates Urban and Regional Planning Tribunal Johnchuks Onuanyim

n its effort to restore the Abuja Master Plan, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has inaugurated the Committee on Urban and Regional Tribunal to adjudicate on matters of contravention of land between FCTA and developers. Inaugurating the committee on Thursday in Abuja, the FCTA Minister, Senator Bala Muhammed, said that after the relocation of seat of government from Lagos to FCT in 1976, the master plan was developed to serve as a comprehensive framework for the development of the city. According to the minister, the attraction of Abuja as a city of opportunities had created a massive internal migra-

tion of Nigerians to the city. He said, “The resultant effects are unauthorised development, changes in land use, traffic congestion, inadequacy in waste management etc are currently exerting a lot of pressure on the city’s infrastructure and the maintenance of the integrity of the master plan.” He therefore revealed that it was against this background that the FCT administration decided to create appropriate institutions to guarantee the orderly development and the management of the territory. The tribunal, which was established under the Nigeria Urban and Regional Planning Act 1992 Cap 138 LFN 2004, would assist in the enforcement of standards and regulations, settle disputes arising from resettlement issues and

act generally as an alternative dispute resolution in development. He explained further that the FCT tribunal was first established in 1990 but could not take off operationally due to legal constraints. He noted that a committee was reconstituted in 2008 with a new operational framework approved and gazetted by the then Attorney General of the FCT. The minister observed that in constituting the committee, the FCT administration took adequate note of criteria in line with global best practices, stating that the committee cannot be disbanded even after his exit as it was set up in accordance with the constitution with a tenure. Responding on behalf of the committee members, the Chairman, Ebenezer

Lufadeju, said the committee was fully aware that the tribunal under the general guidance was to complement the FCT administration in the enforcement of standards and regulations in line with the law in the FCT. Lufadeju assured the minister of the committee’s willingness to discharge its responsibilities faithfully, loyally and truthfully in accordance with the professional training and experience in line with the ACT and aspiration of the government. Other members of the committee sworn in by the Chief Judge of FCT High Court, Ibrahim Bukar, represented by Justice Salisu are Sani Haliru, Akhigbe Irenen, Gabe Adimorah and Aliyu Yawuri.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Abuja Beats

How I was saved from certain death -Orphan After over a year-long affliction with tuberculosis of the spine, interventions from a church, friends and a kind-hearted surgeon at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital helped to save the life of Miss Joy Alul. She shares her compelling story with OBINNA ODOH

You suffered a protracted spinal cord injury that cost a lot of money and took you to various hospitals for surgery. Could you share your experience during the ordeal?

It was a terrible and sorrowful experience. That was 2013, the period that I spent the whole year in a sick bed lying helplessly. Why the experience was so remarkable was because I had never been admitted to a hospital before now. Spending a long time in the hospital was like hell. The pains I encountered were so severe and unbearable to me. In the cause of the sickness, I was unable to walk with my feet for very long time. Can you imagine such an experience? When suddenly an adult ceases to walk and relies on people for virtually everything. What I mean is that I was eating my meals, defecating and infact doing everything on my sick bed for almost one year. It’s an experience that appears fresh and traumatic each time remembers it. How did this condition start and where was the exact spot of pain?

The problem just came up. There was nothing like an accident. I just started feeling some sharp pains in my back and this gradually turned bizarre. The pain was all over my body but most severe in my waist. Because the waist is connected to every part of the body I couldn’t detach one pain from the ther. Several medical tests were conducted but the initial diagnosis carried out by St. Mary’s Hospital Gwagwalada, Abuja revealed I was suffering from arthritis and they commenced treatment that lasted for about four months without any improvement at all. In fact, the condition seemed like pouring water on a stone. It was after long treatment without improvement that a second test was suggested. And this time around not at the same hospital but a new one called Primus Hospital in Karu, FCT. Diagnosis for MRI was carried out and I was confirmed as suffering from TB of the Spine (a spinal cord sickness and pus formed in my back). They referred me to University of Abuja Teaching Hospital where a spinal cord operation

was prescribed. At this particular stage, my nerves totally collapsed and my feet were paralysed because the pus was increasing. I was lying there unable to move my legs and now cannot walk at all even with the support of another person. At this stage, I lost hope of coming out of the sickness alive. I was admitted to University of Abuja Teaching Hospital from September 2013 till December when the operation was finally done and already before I went there I was on traction. How were you able to meet up with the financial aspect of it?

It was terrible indeed because I am an orphan with two younger sisters from a poor background. When I was placed on traction the hospital management asked us to source for money so as to commence the operation. The total cost was N4.4 million. As I told you earlier, it was a pus disease, three bones in my back were required to be removed (i.e L2, L3, and L4) and these bones were to be replaced with iron to be imported from US or UK and the cost was N4 million. The remaining N400,000 covers spine therapy consumables, operation, drugs and other expenses. At this point, hope and focus were lost because the money alone was enough trouble. By this time the burden of raising such a huge sum of money that I haven’t seen or counted before weighed more than the burden of the pain coming from my sickness. Actually, I decided to seek help from my church, St. Kizito’s Catholic Church Kuje, Abuja. They were so generous and were able to raise N250,000; my uncle brought N100,000 and friends gave me N50,000. This money took care of other expenses aside the N4m iron. I was left with the option of where and how to raise N4m. Meanwhile, the chief surgeon had not visited me before. I mean, we had not seen one-on-one. One day he visited me in the female surgical wards to know the level of my preparedness. He asked, “Have you got the money for the operation or are you not ready?” In tears, I answered, “Please doctor I

have nobody to assist me.” After my explanation, he ordered the doctors to book me for an operation and promised to offer the iron free of charge. That was when it became very clear to me that if God is not done with you, nothing whatsoever can kill you. He said, “I am a Muslim and whatever is given me free cannot be sold to another. The iron was given to me in London during my visit as a spine surgeon and I offer same to you free.”That was how I was booked for a spinal cord operation and it was successful. Though the operation was cancelled thrice, it was finally done on December 24, 2013 between 1pm and 6:30pm. After one week of the operation, I started walking again. That was how God snatched me from the cold hands of death. Does that mean the iron is still in your back now? How painful is it?

Well it is not painful although I feel a little pain in my waist now but the doctor said the pain would finally go when the wound heals inside. The iron is not going to be removed again from my body because it is doing the work previously done by the three bones removed and supports the spinal cord to function. What’s your message to Nigerians who supported you through prayers, money and et cetera?

First of all, I give glory to God for using His people to bless me and also for perfecting the healing. I appreciate Nigerians who stood by me during the ordeal. But my special thanks go to the following: Rev. Fr. Michael Ngoka CM, Rev. Fr. Fabian Nzekwu CM and Rev. Fr. Victor CM and all the parishioners of St. Kizito’s Family Parish, Kuje for their support, especially for playing the role of my father and mother. My undying appreciation goes to my doctor, Dr. Kawo, the chief surgeon of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. May God bless his family and grant him promotion. Finally, I thank other doctors and nurses, Mrs. Francisca Akin and Mr. Kola, may God bless and reward you all.

NGO gives respite to widows in Abuja Kenneth Tyohemba

non-governmental charity based organisation under the umbrella of Christian Care for Widows and the Aged (CCWA) during the week put smiles on the faces of widows as they converged in Abuja for a free medical and vocational training. The organisation’s President and Founder, Prof. Deborah Ajakaiye, said he was spurred to hold the event to bring hope to the lives of widows, after the demise of their husbands. Ajakaiye, who spoke against stigmatisation of widows in the country, said she had taken up the fight against such trend. She said the organisation despite having financial challenges, had been able to impact positively on the lives of widows. At the event, many widows from across the country were given free medical care, even as some received vocational trainings that would make them self-employed. Reacting, President of St. Monica Widows Associations, Karimu, Abuja, Christiana Onah, expressed joy at the gesture adding that since she joined the NGO, she had found relief. She counselled widows to put the deaths of their husbands behind them, saying “There is still hope in live for them.”

NOA seeks for cleaner FCTA Johnchuks Onuanyim

he campaign for a cleaner environment was last week taken to the Federal Capital Territory Administration by the National Orientation Agency. NOA, under the slogan, ‘Do the right, avoid dearth, be clean’, said the campaign would be pursued vigorously for the orderliness of the territory. This is even as the FCT Administration was commended for its “Clean and Green Abuja” initiative by the Federal Government. NOA Director-General, Mr. Mike Omeri, who stated this when he visited the FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, also noted that the agency would take its campaign all over Nigeria, especially on environmental sanitation and cleanliness. Omeri, who attributed flooding and diseases to poor environmental sanitation, also stressed that the agency had re-introduced the concept of ‘War Against Indiscipline’ to tackle the menace of indiscriminate disposal of refuse across the country. The DG said, “Over 5000 staff have been recruited for this purpose. The recruitment was done based on various tribes in the country to enable us to penetrate rural people. There is no language in Nigeria that NOA cannot speak. We felt communicating to the people in their local languages would make more impact on them.” Speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, commended the DG for promoting the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, stating that the image of NOA has been transformed under his leadership. Akinjide, who described NOA as the “unsung hero of modern Nigeria,” emphasising on the need to re-orientate the people as regards the nation’s diversity and strength, which she noted some people want to capitalise on for negative tendencies.

South-East

BEATS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

JUNE 22, 2014

Celebration as Uduaghan lifts UNN with multi-million naira centre

BIC Ijeomah Sociology Centre, UNN

Uwakwe Abugu

O Awka

n Monday last week, students and staff - academic and non-academic – of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka suspended all academic and administrative activities. They were clearly in a celebration mood because they had an august visitor who came with a huge entourage. It was the day Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, inaugurated the multi-million naira Prof. BIC Ijeomah Sociology/Anthropology Centre donated by his government to the institution. Like their hosts, Uduaghan and members of the Delta State Executive Council shut down government for that day and moved to Nsukka. Those who came with the governor included his commissioners and some special advisers as well as his personal staff. And it was certain from the convivial atmosphere that both donor and recipients regarded the day as most memorable. And to give the occasion a tinge of importance was the roll-call of dignitaries. They included the first Nigerian registrar of a university and ex-registrar of the West African Examinations Council, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike; first student union leader of UNN, Prof. B.I.C Ijeoma; and Chief Nduka Eya, also a pioneer student of the university. Also remarkable was the fact that the immediate UNN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barth Okolo, who was the chief host of the day, wound up his five-year tenure by playing host to Uduaghan and members of his cabinet. Again, like most tertiary institutions in the South-East, faculty members and students of the department had been in dire need of the kind of accommodation now provided with the centre. And their reaction on that occasion raised questions on the fate of higher educational institutions in the South-East. For instance, why has this benefitting department and other departments re-

mained without adequate accommodation for students and staff for more than five decades now? Yet, another observer asked, “And why is it that it was Uduaghan that had to cross from Delta with that proverbial benevolent handshake across the Niger to give this huge succour to UNN?" One of the questions begging for answer is why the authorities of UNN which is known to have been treated by the Federal Government in its funding of universities as a first generation university failed to provide basic infrastructure like classrooms, resulting in students taking lectures in its Akanu Ibiam Stadium? It was in the address presented on that occasion by the President of UNN chapter of the Nigerian Sociology/Anthropology Student Association, Mr. Ikenna Nnaji, that showed the depth of relief provided by the donation. Speaking on behalf of hundreds of benefitting students of the department, Nnaji told Uduaghan, “Your Excellency, today, you have put smiles on our faces and have imprinted indelible memories in our hearts. We thank you sir for extending your benevolent nature to us by

One of the classrooms

erecting a building for the department; thereby giving us a foothold and an academic mansion in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka." He went further to highlight the harrowing experience that staff and students of the department had had to endure as a result of dearth of accommodation. He said, "The essence of this gesture cannot be overemphasised because it will go a long way in creating offices for lecturers and classrooms for students as well as housing both departmental library and computer laboratory." Commendations for the governor also came from Prof. Ike, who is also the traditional ruler of Ndikelionwu in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State and Prof. Ijeomah. The leadership of the National Association of Delta State Students, who came from Abuja and elsewhere to grace the occasion, as well as the local chapter at UNN, which presented a Delta cultural troupe performance, and the head of the department were all full of praises for the governor. Speaking at the event, the governor told the gathering that "this ceremony is dear to my heart and that of Delta State because we are

to honour a Deltan who has made his mark in this great institution and we honour him gladly while he is alive." Ijeomah, after whom the centre was named, hails from Delta State and taught for decades in the department. He rose to hold numerous positions within the Faculty of Social Sciences of UNN. Uduaghan did not end his speech without admonishing the students against involvement in secret cult activities and all forms of examination malpractices. Besides, he expressed regret at the wrong value system by which youths were shunning education in preference for business. He called for a new advocacy to be championed by political and opinion leaders to reverse this trend. The governor, who amplified his call for advocacy by leaders during a brief chat with newsmen shortly after he cut the tape to inaugurate the complex, said, "We have been doing that formally, using our education marshals but you see, I believe that we must all get involved. "Not just the politicians but even you as journalists, if you get to your community today, I mean, all of us come from villages, if you go to your village schools, what can you contribute? Not talking about monetary contributions but going there once in a while and checking on the teachers and the pupils.. "If I ask people now how many of you even know the headmasters of the schools in your village, I'm not sure many of you would know but these are things we should take interest in." The governor who had also counselled politicians to lay out plans for building human capital in their constituencies, said such would help the nation overcome its security challenges. "We must go back as leaders to our roots, our villages to counsel the young and growing ones. Let us not promote the culture of going home to spray money and then, create armed robbers," he had told the gathering.

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

Dressing for a black tie event Vanessa Okwara

he first rule in dressing for an event is to understand the invitation. When an invitation says ‘Black tie’, you are expected to dress accordingly –elegant but formal. A black tie event actually demands that you dress like a gentleman and follow the rules that such a dress code demands. The best way to stand out is to follow the rules to the letter and show everyone that you’re a style connoisseur. Rules: The Tie: Well, when the invitation says black tie, it doesn’t mean a black tie per se. Some less knowledgeable men will actually wear one, but the only thing you can hang around your neck is a black bow tie. If you don’t own one, get it. Make sure the bow tie is 100% silk to match the lapels on the jacket. Also, the bow tie should not be a clip-on. Clip-ons are for kids, you need a really, classic, bow tie. If you cannot tie one, learn. It’s not difficult -it is just like tying your shoelace. The shirt: A white dress shirt with a turned-down collar is apt for Black Tie. Winged collars, once acceptable, are now the reserve of the White Tie dress code. Dress shirts, which are generally slightly thicker in material, have a Marcella or frilled front. Buttondown collars are not acceptable. Dress shirts can

be fastened with buttons or studs and are double-cuffed. It’s worn best with simple elegant cufflinks - silver, black or white. The trousers: They should have plain hemmed bottoms - no turn-ups. They should match the material of the jacket and are usually tapered slightly with one braid running down the outside of each leg. The current style is slightly slimmer and always has a single braid down the side. Jacket: This can be black or midnight blue. Jackets can be single- or doublebreasted with either peaked or shawl lapels. Double-breasted jackets (of any variety) often look best on very slim men. Dinner jackets are never fastened when single-breasted. Unlike day jackets, dinner jackets have no vents at the back, and the buttons are ‘covered’. White dinner jackets are also acceptable in tropical climates like ours. Pocket Square: You may sport a ‘top pocket handkerchief’, but it has to be in white. Socks and shoes: Well-polished, smart black shoes are perfectly acceptable. The shoes should be black patent leather shoes. Loafers are unacceptable. The socks can be either cotton or silk and they should be long enough to go high enough on your calves. Waistcoat: Very rarely seen nowadays but they should be low-cut and worn only with a single-breasted jacket.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Body&Soul

Our love is real

- Sunday and Toyin Adewale Toyin Adewale, a popular Nollywood actress, has been married to her actor and musician husband, Sunday Adewale, for 21 years. They share the pains and gains of marriage with BAYO ADEOYE How did you meet? Sunday: We met in school Rimax Institute - where I studied theatre arts. I was in Diploma class when she enrolled as a fresher. At that time and till date, she stands out among her peers and she is very pretty. When I got closer to her, I realised that she is intelligent and industrious. At that time, I was involved in some kind of craft, apart from acting. She advised me to concentrate more on doing the craft .I was interested in having her as my wife. That was about 24 years ago. We dated for four years and then got married. So we have been married for 21 years. Toyin: We met at a vocational school, Rimax Institute of Vocational Studies, Alagbado, Lagos; that was in 1989. Initially, we became friends and after a while, our love affair started before we eventually got married. As a lady, did you give him a tough time when he was wooing you? Toyin: No. When I met him, I realised he was good at his profession. I did not even entertain fears about dating someone in the industry because I was quick to realise he is from a good home like me. What went through your mind when you first met her in 1988? Did you think of marriage? Sunday: There is a proverb which says, if you want to have a spouse, don’t keep concubines. Back then, I really didn’t keep girlfriends but the first day I saw her, I just said to her: ‘I like you and I would want to marry you’. Toyin: And I was just wondering how he would want to marry me just like that. How did he propose to you? Toyin: It was nothing special. Just the normal ‘I want to marry you talk’. It was not like the way it is done now. When he made his intention known, what was your reaction? Toyin: In the first place, I didn’t even know I could be friends with him, but when we started working together, because he was a year ahead of me, I discovered that he was and still so talented and Godfearing. These were the sterling qualities that brought us together and we started getting closer. Was there any opposition from your families? Toyin: There was a form of opposition from my family. My father felt I should get married to somebody that had a better job -like a lawyer or a doctor. He did not understand why I wanted to marry an entertainer. Then, entertainers were not perceived as seri-

ous-minded people and they were not respected. I had to convince my father that I love this man. My father proved stubborn but I stood my ground. What are those principles that guide you in life? Sunday: I think it is always important to do those things that you strongly believe in. If you are not there today, one day, you will get there. I don’t believe in this saying that ‘if you can’t beat them, you join them’. For instance, I am a true lover of the arts, which is why I am an actor. With God, all things are possible. Toyin: My own is simple; do unto others what you want them to do unto you. Are there any challenge in your marriage? Sunday: For me, there are no challenges because we understand and trust each other. My wife is mine and I am her husband. I am not even intimidated by men who compliment her. It only re-affirms the fact that I have an eye for beautiful things. Toyin: I always say that the fact that I have been married for this long does not mean that I am perfect. In addition, it is not the fault of celebrities whose marriages have crashed. One thing or the other must have gone wrong. 21 years of marriage is God’s doing and not mine. The journey hasn’t been a smooth sail but I thank God for our journey so far. We’ve had our ups and downs, but God has been there for us. At least, I am married to my friend and God has blessed us with wonderful children, so it makes our union worth the while. What’s your advice for couples who are just taking the marriage oath? Sunday: Couples should come out straight to one another. Be truthful and don’t keep secrets; if you are a smoker, let her know that you smoke. If you like a particular thing and you feel that she may not like it, come out straight and let her know your feelings. Don’t fake it because fake relationships don’t last. By the time you get into the marriage, there won’t be anywhere to hide again and the other party may not be able to cope with certain habits and attitudes. The best thing is to be truthful to your selves and most importantly, be prayerful because prayer does all things. Toyin: My advice will go to the ladies; if you truly love your man, stick to him. Like my husband said, don’t keep secrets, let him know what’s running through your mind all the time. Prayer is also very essential and as a lady, you have to be submissive.

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

Between Ibrahim Shekarau and Funke Adesiyan R

ight now, the movie industry is rife with rumours of actress, Funke Adesiyan’s relationship with a former governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau. Years back, Adesiyan and Shekarau were close friends when the former governor was campaigning for the presidency on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party. Thereafter, the two formed a bond and the thespian became the coordinator of his campaign team

with

lamboyant man of God, Pastor Kris Okotie, will celebrate his birthday today in his church, Household of God, Oregun, Lagos. Though the former singer clocked 56 last week Monday, Celeb Lounge learnt that loads of gifts had been pouring in for him since that day. We also gathered that the handsome man would introduce his latest beau, Delphine Okoronkwo, to the congregation. The man of God is a wordsmith with an exceptional gift of the garb. He is also very wealthy and knows how to use his resources for good effect. Okotie, who has run for president twice, is ever stylish, suave and polished. He is also an avid collector of state – of- theart cars. In his garage, you will find the latest Rolls Royce 2014, the newest edition of Range Rover SUV, not to talk of BMW x6, Mercedes Benz cars and the like.

bayoolunla@yahoo.com

eautiful Linda Mesrob, the brain behind Ariaba Lifestyle brand,has joined celebrities such as one-time Miss World, Agbani Darego; beautician, Banke Meshida; and Toyin Lawani, who already have businesses in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Linda, who is married to Lolu Sodeinde, brother of the owner of Movida Night Club, Lagos, Akeem Sodeinde, recently opened a mall in Lekki, Lagos. Those who have seen the white one-storey mall say it is a big deal for a lady like Mesrob.

Ogun lawmaker, Adijat AdeleyeOladapo’s heart of gold

ot many politicians consider an elective position as a public trust bestowed on them for the benefit of the masses. But Ogun State female lawmaker, Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye-Oladapo, is a firm believer in this ideology. She has been putting smiles on the faces of the people of Ifo Constituency 2, which she represents in the Ogun State House of Assembly. The beautiful lawmaker added another year recently. Instead of rolling out the drums to host a grand party, she once again looked out for their wellbeing. That day, at Alagbole area, she gave out motorcycles, grinding machines and buses worth several million of naira to artisans, market women, and many small business owners in that area.

Uche brothers move on elebrated footballer, Ikechukwu Uche, and older brother, Kalu, appear to have shrugged off the disappointment of their World Cup miss. They were recently spotted partying all night at famed leisure spot, Club Papas. The duo were dropped from the team repre-

08032016869

Linda Mesrob’s new move

in the South-West. The beautiful actress even organised a dinner for him in Lagos which he attended with his friends and political associates. However, the relationship ended when he failed to achieve his dream of becoming the President of Nigeria. But with his nomination as a minister by President Goodluck Jonathan, the thespian’s colleagues are wondering if the two will renew their relationship and in what capacity too.

Flamboyant pastor, Kris Okotie celebrates birthday

Bayo Adeoye

senting the nation at the World Cup by Coach Stephen Keshi on grounds of form and indiscipline. Although the World Cup is on, the Uche brothers appear to be living their lives, judging by the way they carried on at Club Papas penultimate week. They danced, chatted and generally mingled with

fellow celebrities and fans. The brothers were heralded into the VIP section by friend and club promoter, Mr. Frank Okamigbo, alongside other celebrities such as Tuface Idibia and wife, Annie; Davido; rapper, Olamide; sensational D.J Jimmy Jatt, Basket Mouth, Olisa Adibua, A.Y and others.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Body&Soul

Femi Otedola’s simplicity I

n this part of our world, any billionaire worth his salt flaunts all the things money can buy. However, it is not so with billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, as simplicity and humility continue to be his watch word. The man behind Forte Oil was spotted recently at an event with his phones in his hands. Naturally, peo-

with

Bayo Adeoye 08032016869

bayoolunla@yahoo.com

ple would expect him to use phones worth millions of naira but he had a Nokia 6230 and a Nokia e50 with him. Many people wondered why the stylish man with magnificent houses in Ikoyi, Lagos; Knightsbridge, London; several filling stations; and a luxury yacht among others, opted for such ‘cheap’ phones.

Peter Obafemi’s political wilderness F

rom all indications, it seems that Ekiti State-born politician, Peter Obafemi, may have been lost in the political wilderness as his dream of remaining relevant in political circles fades away by the day. The socialite with deep pockets was one of the aspirants that contested for the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State before Ayo Fayose was allegedly imposed on them. Heartbroken and disappointed, but never tired, he dusted his CV and vowed to utilise his political connections to the fullest. He then relocated

to Abuja, the political heart of the nation. But despite his connection with the likes of former PDP chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, and others, his hope was dashed! He never got any government appointment. Adeyeye, his fellow governorship aspirant, was picked for the position allotted to the state. Ritetime Airways boss, also contested for the same position in 2010 but lost in the primaries.

opular On-air personality, Augustine ‘Tintin’ Imevbore recently launched one of the grooviest web radio stations in Nigeria. The launching of what could be described as the first online real time radio in the country took place at the Freedom Park, Broad

Street, Lagos. The launch party was an opportunity for some of talented artistes/entertainers to showcase their talents. iGroove Radio is the brainchild of Augustine, who some few years ago, was the Programmes Director at Classic FM.

Mbong Amata’s Darima’s Dilemma premiere

Between Ambode M and Tunde Buraimoh ince he was rumoured as the likely successor of Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, former Accountant-General of the state, Akinwunmi Ambode, has been a frequent face in social circles as well as events. But this man has not been attending events alone. He has been seen together with another chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Tunde Buraimoh. Celeb Lounge has met these two politicians at several events where they sat together. Buraimoh, a former chairman of Kosofe Local Government in Lagos State, is also planning to run for the House of Representatives under the umbrella of APC.

Augustine ‘Tintin’ launches iGroove radio

bong Amata, former wife of Nollywood star, Jeta Amata, has premiered her debut movie, Darima’s Dilemma. The movie premiere held on Sunday at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was directed by respected movie director, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen. The movie which was shot in various locations in California, USA and Nigeria has top stars such as Majid Michel, Mbong Amata, Diana Yekinni, I.K. Ogbonna and many more on the cast. Imasuen, Chico Ejiro, Emem Isong, Majid Michel, Susan Peters, Monalisa Chinda, Uru Eke, Agatha Amata, IK Ogbonna and many others were at the event.

Body&Soul

DIY on the GO

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Protect your shoe sole Abimbola Sodeke

our favourite pair of shoes may spoil that date youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve longed for due to constant wear. Preventing your shoes from peeling and tearing is one thing and protecting the sole from chopping off or opening is another. A shoe sole protector can serve many purposes - protecting the sole from dirt, breaking, chopping off and also as a design to cover a bad sole, which gives comfort and balancing. These thin, durable, rubber soles act as the main wearing layer, significantly saving the original soles. They are also much cheaper to replace than the origi-

nal soles. They come in three colours -Black, Oak, & Red. Here are steps to fix your sole protector. Get a protector that suits the shape of your shoe sole. Clean off dirt and dust under your shoe to enable the protector to stick well to the sole. Get a glue or a prescribed gum, gently put it on the chopped side of your shoe then place the protector. Note: Fix a colour that goes well with the shoe sole.

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Wine & Dine

Body&Soul

Sweet Dessert Wine Ibukunoluwa Kayode

or those seeking delicious wine to relax the palate, Dessert wine is it. This is a unique category of wine made sweet by harvesting grapes late - when they have started to shrivel and lose some of the water content, while leaving sugar behind. They are also made of frozen grape wines, which separates the grape’s innate sugars from the water pellets prior to pressing and

fortification. This stops fermentation before all of the sugar is converted to alcohol. Dessert wine is considered a sweet wine that can be taken before and after meal. Dessert wines are made from white and red grape fruits. Lovers of sweeter drinks can indulge in this wine. They can be served as table wine and at parties. Within this some brands ooze apricot and citrus flavours, there is balance of both acidity and residual sugar levels,

making for a very dessert-friendly wine. Try the Riesling brand with apple pie or crisp, fruit torte, cheesecake and white chocolate-based desserts to enjoy the relaxing moments. Since the sweetness of Dessert wine limits its food pairing, one can get optimum satisfaction when it is paired with chocolate puddings, chocolates, nutty desserts, semi-sweet chocolates and caramels alongside low sugar biscuits. It is better served chilled.

Soccer prawn hor d’oeuvres Biwom Iklaki

t is football season everyone! We are probably as excited as the next person about the prospects of watching all those nicely muscled young (or not so young) and extremely fit men running around the field, chasing a piece of leather sphere. While many women would be pissed at losing control of the best screen in the house, or the best ‘spot’ on the couch for that matter, there are a few tricks to getting something out of this season after all. Make him the perfect finger foods to go with his preferred drink while he watches the match(es).

Soccer Prawns nibbles; guaranteed to score you some points. Here is how: INGREDIENTS Tiger prawns (peeled and deveined) 3/4 cup butter 1 tsp minced garlic 1 tsp ginger 1 1/2 tbsps lemon juice 1/4 cup flaked chilli 3 tbsps grated parmesan cheese (optional) Salt to taste PREPARATION Preheat oven on broiler setting. With a sharp knife, remove tails from prawns, and butterfly

them from the underside. Arrange prawns on broiler pan. In a small saucepan, melt butter with garlic, pepper, ginger and lemon juice. Pour ¾ cup butter mixture in a small bowl, and brush onto prawns. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over shrimp. Place broiler pan on top rack, and broil prawns for four to five minutes, or until done. Serve with remaining butter mixture for dipping. Serve with his favourite white or rosé wine. Warning: prawns are also an aphrodisiac, so get ready to work off all that fanatic energy.

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

Prom with pomp

Biwom Iklaki

n the life of a teenager, one of the most exciting events they look forward to in their school life is prom. It is a celebrated opportunity to interact and learn more about decorum and how to carry oneself in public in relation to others. For the girls, they are just beginning to build their style repertoire, learning the art of style. At this age, every situation or event is a do or die affair so they approach it with utmost seriousness. Prom is one of such events that arouse a lot of anticipation. No worries though, when choosing your prom style, here are a few tips to consider that turn the frantic into fabulous: 1. Consider your body type: Are you petite? A dress that

grazes your ankles will elongate your frame; don’t forget to don a pair of sky high platforms (platforms put a little less stress on your ankles). Think about your best asset and choose accordingly. If you have a curvy figure then an empire line will pull in at your smallest part and accentuate those curves in all the right places. Hour glass shapes look great with a nipped in waist or silk gowns that are cut on the bias as they skim your silhouette. 2. Think about colour: Black is classic and is always a winner for prom, but nothing says ‘standout’ like a bit of colour at prom. A bold colour is a sure way to stand out in a crowd and a great way to work a bit of fun into your evening look.

3. Accessorise You can go for a good ‘ol LBD or LWD but bring it to life with your accessories. You can add a statement necklace (like a beaded bib) to strapless or low necklines. A bold cocktail ring or bracelet will add a touch of glam to cowl and high neck designs. Stand-out clutches are the way forward to carry those little essentials you can’t leave the house without. 4. Designer way to go! This is a chance to dress up and feel like a million dollars so why not try a designer style for your big night? It is also best for those who may not have time for fittings that may be required with a tailor. 5. Try something new For those who want something other than the regular

classic gown, the prom offers a chance to style yourself in different looks from mini prom dresses, full skirts, to men inspired ensembles. Contemporary embellishment and even unique detailing like fringing is also a directional way to add something different to your prom look. 6. Hair and makeup Your hair and makeup can be done professionally. Keep it simple (light/nude) or classic (red lips and winged liner) or sultry (smokey-eyed and glossy lips). This is a night that will be captured in pictures that you will always refer to for the rest of your life. It is a milestone to treasure, so make sure you look your best so that you will look at these pictures in future with a smile.

Interview Priests should teach intending couples marriage rules - Okoye p52

Roving Worshipper Chibok: Church takes case to God on Bida mountain p.55

TAI ANYANWU, titus.anyanwu@newtelegraphonline.com titusanyanwu.2012@gmail.com 0706 438 0029

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

JUNE 22, 2014

www.newtelegraphonline.com/faith

Sermon The secret of walking into abundance p.54

Faith ON SUNDAY

No longer at ease in Assemblies of God church

Tai Anyanwu

n the last nine months, the Assemblies of God Church Nigeria, regarded as the mother of all Pentecostal churches in Nigeria, has been embroiled in a leadership crisis. The crisis has also been projected in some national dailies and on social media. Many stakeholders have described the situation as ‘embarrassing’ and ‘ridiculous’. To many outside the church’s leadership, it began as rumours of power tussle within the church. Subsequently, the now suspended General (GS) Superintendent of the church, Rev (Prof.) Paul Emeka, granted an interview to a national newspaper on the matter, and this opened a flood gate of comments and other newspaper publications. In that interview, the erstwhile GS had contended that he was being put on the spot by some adversaries within the church leadership for his attempts to introduce positive changes to the administrative style of the national executive council of the church. He also explained that part of the grouse of his colleagues in the church’s national Executive Committee (EC) stemmed from the fact that he purchased a property for the church in Stuttgart, Germany; and made a huge cash donation at the meeting of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) without the permission of the ruling body among other issues. He argued that, in his capacity as the GS of the church, he was empowered to make such a donation on behalf of the AG, just like his counterparts in other denominations. Apparently, public sympathy was tilting towards the suspended GS, while the EC refrained from making any comments. However, the EC recently embarked on a tour of its zones to tell their own side of the story. The EC members landed in Lagos last week and fixed a meeting for Sunday, June 15. Stakeholders made up of district superintendents, sectional leaders, pastors and few deacons from the zone defied the rain to converge on Planet One, Maryland, Lagos, to hear from the EC members. As the Apapa District Superintendent, Rev. M. K. Ogunbola, observed in the course of the executive briefing, “It is unfortunate to note all that had been happening and the EC decided to keep it from the leadership of the districts and zones; at least the district is the next leadership level and should had been informed earlier.” At the beginning of the briefing, the current head of the AG and Acting GS, Rev. Chidi Okoroafor, had stressed that it was time to put the records straight, and to explain why disciplinary action

District Supretendents, Sectional leaders, Pastors and Deacons at the stakeholders meeting held in Lagos during the week

Okoroafor

was taken against Emeka. According to Okoroafor, the GS was suspended and later dismissed from the ministry on March 6, 2014 by the General Committee, the highest ruling body of the AG, in a special session in order to “preserve the sanctity of our system of operation and the peculiarities of Assemblies of God Nigeria.” In his words: “This is not about power tussle but it is a battle for the soul of Assemblies of God Nigeria. The public needs to understand our system of operation and the peculiarity of Assemblies of God Nigeria as against what is obtainable in other denominations.” He explained that AG Nigeria was governed by two major instruments - namely the Bible and the constitution of the church. His words: “The Bible and the AG constitution are sacrosanct and are not to be toyed with by any pastor or leader in our denomination. These two documents have held us together for the past 80 years as a ministry.” The constitution, he added, was no respecter of person(s) or officer/position. As such, when any provision of the constitution is violated, the prescribed disciplinary action

Emeka

shall be applied on the offender. “It is this disciplinary action that has kept the denomination together for 80 years,” Okoroafor affirmed. He further explained that the suspended GS was brought into office in November 2010 by the Act of the AG’s constitution and Biblical principles which he swore to abide by and protect at a General Council meeting. New Telegraph on Sunday also learnt that in the same 2010 General Council meeting, the 16-member Executive Council which is the national arm that governs the church in Nigeria was elected. Four members serve full-time as executive officers at the national office in Enugu. Each zone has one representative and the church’s parent body also has one representative from the United States. The Emeka-led EC set out to continue the good work of God’s kingdom from where the founding fathers of AG Nigeria left it. But unknown to many, the journey has been rocky. What then went wrong? Speaking out on the decisions of the EC, the acting GS offered this explanation: “Ever since Rev. Prof. Paul Emeka became the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Nigeria, he has consistently broken several aspects/provisions of the constitution with

impunity. Prof. Paul Emeka has no iota or regard for AG’s constitution.” He accused the suspended GS of assuming dictatorial authority over the church, pointing that it was contrary to the provisions of Article Xll No 12 and a breach of the constitution for any leader, even in a local branch of Assemblies of God Church, to act like a dictator. One of the instances cited alleged that the suspended G S single-handedly sacked the principal officers of Evangel University, newly created by the AG, and advertised their positions without the consent of the EC. Okoroafor said that the former GS also went ahead to single-handedly dissolve the governing council of the university and appointed his nominees into the council without the approval of the EC or executive officers. The former GS was also accused of singlehandedly appointing Richard Akwah, Otobo Emmanuel, Emeka Eze, Zephaniah Isah and one Udeze as board members of Evangel Television, the church’s satellite television outreach, without prior knowledge and consent of the EC or the four executive officers. It was gathered that he appointed a set of people into the board responsible for the production and management of AG’s Sunday School Manual. In a statement signed jointly signed by Okoroafor; the General Secretary, Rev. John Ikoni; and the National Treasurer, Rev. Vincent Alaje, the body insisted that the suspended GS infringed the provisions of the Article Xll No 13 of AG’s Constitution. Citing an instance in the statement, they accused Emeka of “rejecting, refusing, neglecting or failing to comply with the directives of the Executive Committee (EC).” They added, “Many a time, he flagrantly refused to take the counsel of the Executive Committee on critical issues affecting the church.” New Telegraph on Sunday learnt that at the peak of Emeka’s alleged dictatorial tendencies, a body known as Ambassador of the Kingdom/Consultative Assembly which consists of distinguished members of the church who were honoured by the EC for their numerous contributions to the spreadof the gospel in AG Nigeria, sought the audience of the EC, with a view to resolving the crisis. Specifically, the ambassadors frowned on what they perceived as the unlawful sacking of the principal officers of Evangel University; condemned the advertisement in favour of a fresh recruitment into the positions of the officers when their tenure had not yet expired; and other issues. According to the statement, the allegations were serious and tantamount to an indictment on the EC. Hence, the EC members and other retired leaders of AG made frantic efforts to get the suspended GS to facilitate a meeting with the ambassadors to resolve the issues raised. But “he would not listen to anyone,” the statement added. Keep a date with New Telegraph on Sunday for more revelations on the battle for the soul of Assemblies of God Church Nigeria.

Interview In-

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Priests should teach intending couples marriage rules - Okoye Very Rev. Msgr. Jonas Benson Okoye is a priest of Awka Catholic Diocese in Anambra State and was recently appointed an auxiliary Bishop of the diocese by Pope Francis. A judicial vicar of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, judge of the interdiocesan ecclesiastical tribunal of Onitsha, Okoye studied theology and canon law at the Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt. He holds a licentiate in canon law from St. Paul’s University, Ottawa, Canada and a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome. In this chat with UWAKWE ABUGU in Awka, he speaks on challenges facing marriages caveat on that because sometimes a man will wed a girl in the Catholic church and will promise her that she will be allowed to practise her faith. But you will find out that after the wedding the man will change; maybe due to what his friends and relatives will tell him. He will cave in under pressure and now turn and make the wife to denounce her Catholic faith.

As a juridical Vicar, what are the problems that have continued to occur in marriages? must say it is lack of understanding of the word ‘marriage’. Some people go into marriage as a result of poverty. Some are pushed into it by their parents without taking into consideration the key component of marriage, which is love. They will go into marriage because the other party is endowed with material things. Once there is financial stress, the marriage will crumble. Most importantly, lack of attention to the girl-child who at the end of the day gets married to someone she doesn’t love is another cause of problems for married couples. Do you think priests give enough attention to marriage catechesis which is known to take place in the Catholic Church before any marriage is finally consummated? To be frank with you, a lot more needs to be done. In my parish, where I stay, I minister to the people about marriage instructions. I have seen intending couples who may not be able to live together as wife and husband. I want the priests, in the first place, to make out time to teach intending couples about the essence of marriage. I really want them to be committed to the teaching of marriage instructions, which I know will go a long way in shaping their mindset and equipping them properly for the task ahead. Prospective couples should make out time too to attend seminars to enable them to stand the test of time, especially during financial crisis. There is this issue of marriage and reception of sacrament of communion in your church and the alleged strictures, especially on parents. How does it work? On the issue of parents and sacrament, I want to tell you that the reception of sacrament should be purely for committed Catholic parents; those that are devoted to its teachings and will inculcate same in their daughters. The details of the canon from Canon 11 to 24 and 27 say that parents should not give out their children to nonpractising Catholics. If you believe that you are in the right orthodox place, you will never wish your children to get married to a non-Catholic.The law even places a

Anyanwu

Talking about your recent elevation, does Awka Diocese need an auxiliary bishop? I think we need an auxiliary bishop, ing the population of the diocese which million. With our calculation, the faithful are about 800,000 people while the diocese has more than 500 priests. You can now see the need for an auxiliary Bishop. Would it not be better if a new diocese is created? Yea! A new diocese may come in but what is really necessary considering our density and population is an auxiliary Bishop, even if we will have another diocese. It will depend on the Holy Father and not us. What area would you prefer if a new diocese were to be created out of Awka? Ekwulobia/Aguata, Orumba or Adazi? For now, the diocese is thinking and the incumbent bishop is also thinking that we should have Ekwulobia Diocese. As it presently works, do you think the diocese is going in the right direction or would you suggest a change of direction? What would you wish to change or modify, if any? This diocese has recorded tremendous growth under the watchful eyes of the incumbent. The way the bishop is piloting the affairs of the diocese is quite normal and he needs to be commended for that. He has transformed the diocese in so many ways. I don’t think there could be any change. Rather, I would simply say that the diocese will continue to grow

consideris about 1.7

from strength to strength. In fact, Bishop Ezeokafor is a perfectionist; he knows what he is doing. We are only here to support and encourage him. What is your message to the people of Awka Diocese and by extension Nigerians? In this era of Boko Haram, kidnapping, insecurity here and there, difficulties here and there, my principal message for them is that they should go back to that famous document of the Second Vatican Council. Our pastoral message demands that joy and hope should be shared. I want them to know that so long there is life there is hope.

WOR D S EA R C H

Genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ

ABRAHAM HEZRON OBED ASA ISAAC RAM JESSE BOAZ JACOB AMMINADAB DAVID JORAM JUDAH HAHSHON SOLOMON UZZIAH PEREZ SALMON REHOBOAM JOTHAM ZERAH JEHOSHAPHAT ABIJAH AHAZ

S O E A A B R A H M R J A B I A O B B B H K I O U Z E R A H J H L N O R Z E H A H S H O N E A C O E C A A P E R S E J J H Z O S M D A H E A R E H O B O A M T A R W J A N O M O L O S T R H S L E S U M N O R Z E H E H R A M M R T D T Y D I V A D I A C I M O J A A Z E R E P T U H M S Z W N O M H O R T H E Z A O B X Z E P T I E C A A S I Z B H A D U J O H N Z S T M J A E I D A V D H L M A R A L O A D R J H A H S H O D B A D A N I M M A J O T H R M A U Z I H A C O W H S A L M N O B J E S S C O B E A B R A H M R Olulana Kayode

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Roving worshipper

Chibok: Church takes case to God on Bida mountain

Tai Anyanwu

s is characteristic of most near arid areas of Northern Nigeria, the environment within the precincts of Bida, Niger State was peaceful. And one could hear and feel the wind in a natural setting devoid of interruption. On the outskirts of Bida town, the mountain stands tall, projecting proudly against a skyline of aqua blue. The scenery is far removed from the hustle and bustle characteristic of most cities and towns in the country, but set on a quiet natural terrain that would make it far easier to connect to the elements of nature. It was in such a setting that members of the Resurrection Praise Ministry, led by its founder, Archbishop Samson Benjamin, took their supplications to the Almighty God. They also used the opportunity to pray for the nation and the school girls who were kidnapped in April from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. The programme was tagged ‘Mountain Experience and Miracle Convention, 2014’. The congregation which came from the church’s branches in Warri, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja and other parts was made up of people from different social strata. No one wanted to be left out of the opportunity to seek God’s face and favour, in a place that is believed by many to be a place of divine visitation and turnaround experience, more so, when the occasion had to be postponed several times due to various reasons. So penultimate Thursday, they thronged the place in their hundreds from different parts of the country. They came in luxury buses, Coaster and Hiace buses, while those who could afford it travelled in their personal cars. It was a gathering reminiscent of the pilgrimage to holy lands by faithful of different religions. Men, women, young and old, including physically challenged people were part of the crowd. On arrival, the day before the prayers, mem-

bers of the church and their guests converged on the church’s branch in Bida. Even with its large hall, the church was inadequate. So others slept in the buses, while those who could afford it took up accommodation in hotels. In the morning, everyone gathered at the foot of the mountain and gradually made the ascent to the place of worship and prayers. Before climbing the mountain, Archbishop Benjamin, assisted by Bishop Dele Oladipupo and Bishop Samuel Chiwendu of the Warri and Bida branches of the church respectively, offered prayers at its foot; and then proceeded to climb the 300 foot rock. The congregation soon followed behind. The view from the top of the mountain was a great sight to behold. On one side was a stretch of land covered with vegetation of varying kinds, merging in the distance with the clouds, but punctuated by dots of communities. On another side lay Bida town in its splendour, basking in the dew of the sunrise, but taking on a different hue in the heat of the midday sun. In his sermon, the archbishop noted that no one has a choice in the family or nation into which they are born, but that God has a reason for planting them wherever they find themselves. He also admonished that charity begins at home, and that every Nigerian has a responsibility to project the country in good light, as Nigeria can’t be amended without the people changing themselves. He added that, if other nations don’t appreciate our nation, we should appreciate ourselves. The cleric told the congregation that he started climbing the same mountain since he was 21 years old, as a student of the Federal Government Polytechnic, Bida. He said it was on that mountain God moulded him in preparation for what he is today. “When I look back, I can’t fathom how God did it,” he said. In his prayer for the country, the archbishop lamented that the nation was going through much turbulence; hence the church had to gather the people from every part of Nigeria to pray. He also prayed for the kidnapped Chibok students, and other women who were also recently kidnapped from the area.

He prayed for God to come to their rescue and help them and heal the country. Benjamin also called on Nigerians to learn to forgive those who offend them, so that God can also forgive their sins. He warned that holding a grudge against anyone could hinder a believer from having his or her prayers answered by God. In his own message, Bishop Oladipupo noted that Nigeria as a country was well loved by all in the 1970s and 80s. In his prayer for Nigeria, the cleric said, “Things were not like this before, and they won’t continue like this.” He also prayed that anyone instigating the activities of terrorists in the country, especially the Boko Haram sect, or assisting them in anyway would not know peace. Also speaking, Bishop Chiwendu enjoined Nigerians to be positive role models anywhere they find themselves, noting that “we are enough to cause the change we want to see in Nigeria.” Some members of the church who spoke with our correspondent on their experience on the mountain said they were glad to have been a part of the event. A middle aged man who simply identified himself as Thomas stated that he was at the mountain some years ago when his business was going through very tough times, and he felt it would all crumble on him. According to him, after the trip to the mountain, coupled with fervent prayers, his business picked up, and he has even established branches in several parts of Lagos. A woman who gave her name as Madam Chinyere said her family was in turmoil spiritually, and there was always one form of problem or the other. She noted that after her trip to the mountain sometime ago, peace returned to her family and everything was now going smoothly. On why she then still visits the mountain, Madam Chinyere stated that she came to continue the prayers to maintain the peace in her family, and join in supplications for the rescue of the Chibok girls. After the mountain experience, there was also a vigil at the church branch in

Bida. As part of the church programme, the archbishop led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, at his palace in Bida. The archbishop thanked the traditional ruler, the state government, police and Federal Government for providing a peaceful atmosphere for the church to to hold its programme. He noted that Nigerians are one and worship the same God, adding that it is only the mode of worship that differs. He commiserated with Abubakar on the recent death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, and the senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Awaisu Kuta. Responding, the monarch commended the church for the prayer initiative, and expressed surprise at the large turnout of participants. He also noted that the country was experiencing trying times and needed prayers to get through them. He stated that due to the security situation in the country, the large influx of worshippers into the town had caused apprehension among its people. He noted that he was inundated with phone calls and text messages from his subjects, who were apprehensive at the large fleet of buses and cars. He said he was able to allay their fears by explaining the purpose of the church members’ visit to the town. The monarch, however, urged the church to involve members of the Christian Association of Nigeria and other Christian faithful in Bida in future prayers, even as he also prayed God to grant everyone their hearts’ desires. “My palace is always open to you, and you are always welcome; so my people can also join you in future prayer sessions,” the traditional ruler said. He lamented that there were many security challenges in the country, and that at such times it was wise to put aside negative bias, and pray for God’s strength and wisdom to overcome. According to him, a number of foreign countries were worried about the crisis in Nigeria, because it has adverse consequences on other nations within the African continent.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Faith

The secret of walking into abundance

The Seeds of by Greatness Apostle Clement by Ogbonna Bishop Lawrence Osagie apostleofgraceinwo

Tel: 08063250667, mail:powerlineministries@mail.com, www.powerlineministriesinc.org

he promises listed from the book of Deuteronomy 28:214 covers every area of our lives. The key to living in these abundant blessings of God is to hearken unto the voice of the Lord, to observe and to do all His commandments (His words). Here, the Bible is talking about obedience to the voice (word) of God. Obedience to the word of God is one act that will cause us to live in plenty, even in the midst of scarcity. Most nations of the world today are going through economic recession – the prices of basic life essentials have become prohibitive – this is famine in most lands. The land of Israel experienced similar situation in the days of the Prophet Elijah the Tishbite. There was famine in the land of Israel because it did not rain for a period of three and half years – (1Kings 17). There was no food; there was no water in the land. “And the word of the Lord came unto him saying; Get thee hence and turn eastwards and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan. And it shall be that thou shall drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there” – 1Kings 17:2-4. The natural man would say, ‘Yes, Elijah can drink of the brook, but how can the ravens feed him? From

where would they get the food when the entire land was in famine? It doesn’t just make sense. The same way it is with us today, God’s word and instruction regarding our life situation sounds foolish to every rational mind. But the foolishness of God is wiser than men (1Corinthians 1:25). The Bible says, “So he (Elijah) went and did according to the word of the Lord; for he went and dwelt by the brook of Cherith... And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the evening, and he drank from the brook.” – 1 Kings 17:5 and 6. While people were dying of starvation in the entire land of Israel, the man of God who obeyed the voice of the Lord lived in abundance of God. So, if you will step out of faith now in obedience to God’s word concerning your present situation, no matter how foolish it may look like in the natural, my friend you will just be stepping into the abundance of your God. Obedience to the word of God you are receiving now is the key and not human wisdombased logic and rational conclusion. Remember that the foolishness of God’s word is wiser than the wisest man. The Bible says if we hearken to the voice of the Lord and obey all his commandments, his blessings will come upon us and overtake us.

They will overwhelm us. Eventually, the Bible says the brook dried up and again the word of the Lord came unto Elijah saying: “Arise get thee to Zarephath, ... and dwell there; behold I have commanded a widow woman to sustain thee there.” To many of us today, this point will be where unbelief will creep into your mind. We would say, “After all God, you asked me to come to the brook and now it is dried up. And you are asking me now to go meet, of all people, a widow woman.” But Elijah was one man that knew the integrity and faithfulness of his God. He obeyed without questioning. So, he arose and went to Zarephath. Elijah met the widow woman gathering sticks to prepare her last meal for herself and her son, after which they could die, as there was no hope for any other source of food. Is that your situation today? Just preparing to spend your last naira note or take your last meal of eba? Take heart, because you are not the first person to be there. As hopeless as the widow’s situation looked in the natural, the man of God who knew that he had heard from God would not be deterred. “And Elijah said unto her ‘fear not,’ go and do as thou hast said, but make me thereof a little cake first and bring in unto me, and after make for thee and thy son. For thus said the Lord

God of Israel. The barrel of meal shall not waste neither shall the cruise of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.” It took again a step of obedience on the part of the widow to do according to the word of Elijah. When she obeyed the voice of the Lord through the servant of God, the Bible recorded that after that she and her household did eat many days instead of dying after the last meal. Obedience to the word of God will always move you out of lack, scarcity and insufficiency into abundance of GOD. The Prophet Elijah and the widow woman lived in plenty in the midst of famine because she obeyed the voice of the Lord. What are you doing with the word of God that you hear always, even right now? Determination on your part to obey and to do what the word says in every situation will launch you into the prosperity of God even in these harsh economic times. Another important principle that causes us to walk in the abundance of God is giving. The Bible exhorts us to give of our love, talent, time, money etc and it shall be given to us. “Good measure pressed down shaken together and running over shall God cause men to give into your bosom.” Our giving is the seed which we plant in order that we may reap a harvest. The Bible says, “As

long as the earth remaineth, day and night... seed time (planting time) and harvest time shall never cease.” The widow woman gave her last meal and that brought her a continual harvest until the Lord sent rain upon the land. Friends, we can give our way out of lack and abject poverty. Giving especially by the leading of the Holy Spirit is a powerful way that takes us into the flowing of the abundance of God. God Himself is the greatest giver of all time. When Adam sold out to Lucifer, Satan the devil, God lost the entire humanity to the devil. And in order for God to regain and win back man, He gave His very best, His love, His only begotten son Jesus Christ. And today because God gave Jesus Christ, many sons and daughters, including you and I, have been won into glory. The best and the quickest way to recover that which the enemy has stolen from you is through giving. Beloved, God is calling us to a life of obedience and the fruit of obedience shall be ours - obedience to the word of God in every situation. Obedience in giving will usher you into the unlimited resources of God. We can expect God to...”Supply all our needs according to His riches (not according to our salary or business) in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19).

Don’t sow that seed! “B e not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Gal 6:7 Everything you do today is a seed. There are experiences you are having now which are simply repercussions of yesterday’s actions. Often times, in life, it is necessary to be sincere to yourself and re-evaluate your dealings with people – both Christians and non-Christians. Sometimes when I see people languish in pain and regret, I wonder and ask God why. The answer never comes but as I began to become mature in the Lord, I came to realise that all that we are going through now is as a result of the seed someone somewhere had sown sometime ago. Have you wondered the reason one of the plagues God brought upon the Egyptians was the killing of their first sons by night? It is simply because they had sown the seed earlier when the first born sons of the Israelites were being killed (Exodus 1:22). Was He not the one that created them? So why did He have to kill their first born sons? God did it so that they also will have a taste of what it means to lose a son. “…for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Rom 12:19 Beloved, there is a law that prayer and fasting cannot stop;

it is the law of seed time and harvest (Gen. 8:22). It does not matter who you are or how spiritual you may be. Once you sow you must reap. In I Kings 22, Ahab went to war and because there had been a prophecy saying he would not return alive, he disguised himself. Meanwhile, the king of Syria had given express instructions to his men saying, “…Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel”. (vs 31). To cut the story short, he was eventually killed. “And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: …for I am wounded.” I Kings 22:34 Ahab exchanged robes, and they took Jehoshaphat thinking it was Ahab. But he shouted, “I am Jehoshaphat not Ahab.” Then, one of the soldiers just said, “If I had captured Ahab, I would have killed him like this and…” fired the arrow up but God took the arrow and sent it directly to where Ahab was. He eventually died. Years later, after Ahab had died, Jezebel continued living her life. Jehu, under an intense anointing, decided to visit her and he said, “Throw her down.” (Of course, these were not empty words). She was thrown down and something happened; a spiritual whistle blew, and dogs from nowhere came around waiting to fulfill prophecy by

licking up her blood just the same way Naboth’s blood was licked up. No one knew where or how she was buried. Jezebel and Ahab sowed wind and they reaped the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7) Please, don’t sow the seed you will never want to reap. Don’t sow scandal in the life of anybody if you don’t want to reap same. Pay those you owe. When you needed the money, you came begging; when you needed help, you came helpless and were looking very sober. Now that you seem to be a little better or more comfortable, you are now saying, “He is a Christian, he should understand.” Don’t sow a seed you will not like to reap its fruit. Don’t spoil other people’s sons and daughters in the name of sugar daddy/mummy because some other people too will defile and do same to your own children too. Don’t sow the seed. Young lady, you are troubling someone’s marriage. That woman is not enjoying her husband because you have taken over her home. By God’s grace, you also will get married and the seed will germinate. Just as you are troubling someone’s home now so also will some little girl arise to come and trouble yours too. Don’t sow the seed. There was a brother who happened to be a member of a committee in a big ministry. The

committee raised an agenda for a raise in a pastor’s pay. And right before the man of God, he stood against it saying, “What does he need it for?” At the time he was a banker and the pastor wept. Twelve years later, he also got the call into the ministry, you would not believe the same thing happened to him. His own case was so severe he couldn’t afford his children’s fees (Prov. 17:13). Don’t be rebellious, don’t be part of the downfall of another man. Do not damage or assassinate the reputation of your leader/pastor today because you will surely lead tomorrow. In Numbers, chapter 16, the story of three men, Korah, Dathan and Abiram, who rebelled against Moses and Aaron, is told. These men gathered 250 nobles and princes and hired them into rebellion. They said, “Moses can’t be the only one God is using. We are all anointed, we prophesy and we hear God also. Give us censers

to handle too.” Moses cried onto the Lord and God caused the earth to open up and swallow them. The 250 men who joined in the rebellion were consumed by fire from heaven. Don’t sow that seed. Absalom could not succeed in killing David because David never raised his hand against the Lord’s anointed; not even when he had the opportunity to kill Saul. That was why when Absalom rose up to strike and disgrace him – he died between trees - meaning he was rejected by heaven and earth. If you have in anyway sown any evil seed, you need to first ask God to forgive you, then go and restitute as this will make the judgment mild. Discuss this with your pastor and you will be advised on how best to go. I know you have been blessed. Write and share your testimonies, comments, etc.Rev’d Femi Akinola – The Hebrews International, Lekki, Lagos

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 15, 2014

Faith

WORD OF LIFE by

Bishop Moses Kat tey

Tel: 08087707486, Email: moseskattey@yahoo.co.uk

ou are entitled to at least a child. God gives millions of eggs to a woman, but counts the number of children He gives to her. You have your own share. God will give you children as a gift - just like parents give gifts to children. You are a gift to your own parents, so a child will also be a gift to you. Children are like a bonus to everyone. Request for yours from Him (Psalms 127:3). Children are your heritage – inherited from Jesus Christ. You have been called by God to inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9). God gives children by His grace. Remember that “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:16, 17) And he (Esau) lifted up his eyes and saw the women and the children; and said who those with thee are? And he (Jacob) said, the children which God hath GRACIOUSLY given thy servant (Genesis 33:5)

What is grace? When somebody had offended you grievously and does not deserve forgiveness from you. You then surprise the person by going to the market to buy an expensive and valuable gift to the person who offended you. “I have forgiven you, take this gift, I love you “you say. Grace is more than forgiveness. It is forgiveness plus expensive gift Grace = Forgiveness + Expensive Give. David said: I was also upright before Him, And I kept myself from mine iniquity Therefore hath the lord recompensed Me according to the cleanness of my Hands in His eyesight (Psalms 18:23, 24) This is not grace. It is work, wage or salary. David ‘worked’ for the blessing of God. God will, however, give children by His grace. God graciously gave him children. Do not therefore think that by your goodness, you shall receive the gift of children from God. Don’t also let the devil accuse you that because you were bad, God is punishing you! Such is

Fruit of the womb (1) the devil’s lie. If you are bad, God will forgive you, He will go further to even give you the expensive gift of children. This is grace. God also gives children as a reward (Psalm 127:3). The discretion to do this is His. So he can still pay you back in terms of children. However, many persons prefer to receive this gift by grace. This is exactly what Paul meant, when he said. For who maketh thee to differ From another? And what has Thou that didst not receive (as gift)? Now if thou did receive it, why dost thou Glory, as if thou haste not receive it? (1 Corinthians 4:7) Hence, it follows that all you have is by His grace. In fact all you are is by God’s grace: Remember Paul says: But by grace of God I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was Not in vain… (1 Corinthians 15 : 10). The grace bestowed upon a woman is not in vain, but could produce children for her! Thus, God bestows His grace upon women to enable them to get their miracles. In fact, God’s grace bestowed upon you will enable you to produce children for your husband or through your wife if you are a man. I believe God will also arm you against your enemies by giving

you arrows or weapons: which are children (Psalm 127:4). God will give you children because He wants you to be armed always. The psalmist wrote: Happy is he that hath his quiver full of them (Children); they shall not be ashamed, but they Shall speak with the enemies in the gate(Psalms 127:5). The devil is not happy about this. However, be sure that God will give you children so that you can face both the devil and your enemies. You will have your children so that you will not be ashamed. These children shall be your arrows. They shall be your defensive and offensive weapons! The devil is afraid of them, so he fights to prevent your getting them. However, I know, that you shall receive these children as gifts, by His grace, as weapons, or as rewards for your faithfulness: And, as your inheritance. Anyhow, if you are not qualified to receive children as a reward, you will receive them by His grace, and as a gift, or as a weapon against the devil. You can receive those children also as decorations from God. Hence, the scripture said: Thy wife shall be fruitful vine by the Sides of thine house: thy children like Olive plants (decorations) round about

Thy table (Psalms 128:3). Therefore, present your case before him, i.e. why you need children. A woman prayed: give me children or else I die (Genesis30:1). This woman however did not pray to God, but to her own husband! The Bible says: And Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel: and, he said, Am I in God’s stead, Who hath withheld from thee the fruit of The womb? (Genesis 30:2). In that case, Jacob referred his wife to God, so don’t look on any man; rather look on God for there is a button before Him, which He alone can press now, and you will have a baby within one year! Ask Him to press that very button now, and your problem will be over! Oh that I knew where I might find Him! That I might come even to His Seat! I would order my cause before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which He would Answer me, and understand what He says Unto me. Will he plead against me with His Power? No; but He would put strength in me (Job 23:3,-6). Worship with us @ Commonwealth Covenant Church Int’l Inc. Alode Nchia Eleme, Rivers State, Nigeria.

THE Oracles Unveiling the midnight Prophet of God by

Frank Oboden Olomukoro

frankolomukoro@yahoo.com, 07033621866

hen the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask John the Baptist, “Who art thou?” he confessed, “I am not the Christ.” “Who are you then? Art thou Elias, art thou that prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then said they unto him, “Who art thou? That we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?” Here, John declared who he was, his calling and commission by God. He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the Prophet Esaias.” John did not say, I am John, the son of the High Priest, Zachariah. He wouldn’t have been wrong. But rather, he identified himself only by locating himself in the scriptures. That is the plumb line, the parameter, a true servant of God must by compulsion identify him to all and sundry by the Bible, else he is a false impersonator. In John 1:6, “It is written, there

was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This is true of Jesus Christ too. He identified who He was to the disciples and the Jews. Matt. 16:13, “Whom do men say that I the son of man am?” In verse 21, He went on “From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised again in the third day.” Who then is the midnight prophet spoken of in Matt. 25:6? Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet of Malachi 4:5 – 6, who is the servant of God sent to the Gentile nations to prepare a Bride of Christ out of the lot? As with Moses, this prophet was scripturally indicated by God. On July 11, 1933, William Marrion Branham, a young Baptist preacher was baptising some converts in the Ohio river before a crowd of approximately 4,000 people. As he was about to baptise the 17th

person, a still small voice said, “Look up” three times. As he raised his eyes, a strange light came whirling down and hung over his head. A voice said to him, “As John the Baptist was sent to forerun the first coming of the Lord, so are you sent by your message to forerun the second coming.” As the watching crowd viewed, some ran for fear, others fell and worshipped. The account appeared in a local newspaper, which is verifiable. A very similar event to what happened in Matt. 3:13 – 17 at the Baptismal service of John the Baptist at the point of baptising our Lord Jesus Christ. The scripture said at the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word is confirmed. It is important to note also that William Marrion Branham was further vindicated by God as his chosen prophet messenger to the Gentile nations in January 1950 in Houston, Texas, when an amazing photograph was taken by the Douglas Studio. In the photograph, there appeared a light above the head of Brother Branham in a halolike form. The negative was taken to George J. Lacy, Examiner of Questioned Documents in order to determine whether

or not the light could have been the result of improper exposure, developing or retouching. This investigation served to completely authenticate the fact that the unusual brightness was definitely caused by a light striking the negative. Mr. Lacy was quoted as saying, “Revd. Branham, you will die like all other mortals, but as long as there is a Christian civilisation, your picture will live on.”That halo-like light is the same pillar of fire that led the children in the night in the wilderness and again appeared to Saul on the way to Damascus in Acts 9, saying, “Why are you persecuting me, Saul, Saul…” Untold thousands of verified cases of all manner of healing were manifested in the USA, Canada, India, South Africa and around the world. The blind recovered their sight, cancer patients were made well, no disease stood in the way as God proved to millions that He is Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever. In South Africa, a caravan of seven trucks was needed to carry away crutches and bandages of those who had been healed in a massive evangelical healing campaign. Such notables as a US congressman

William David Upshaw and King George IV of England, Florence Nighingale and a former Italian Communist plagued of stomach ulcers received healing through William Branham’s prayers. The full Gospel Men ‘s voice, a group of businessmen that largely sponsored most of the crusades of William Brenham Evangelical Campaigns across the globe wrote in an excerpt in the February 1961 issue as they bore witness of this phenomenal ministry. Thus, in Bible days, there were men of God who were prophets and seers. But in all the sacred records, none of these had a greater ministry than that of William Branham, a prophet and seer of God. Bro. Branham has been used of God, in the name of Jesus, to raise the dead. John the Baptist was the voice in the wilderness, he foreran Christ’s first coming, William Branham was the cry at midnight, “Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet Him.” He foreran Christ’s second coming or the Rapture. You will be justified or you will be condemned by your choice of acceptance or rejection. Do not doubt these testimonies, believe them and live.

ADVERTISE YOUR CHURCH EVENTS, SPECIAL PROGRAMMES, CONVENTIONS AND OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES ON THESE PAGES. CONTACT: TAI ON 07064380029

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Faith

Unveiling the wonders Dominion of thanksgiving (2) The Voice of by

Bishop David Oyedepo

Phone: 7747546-8; E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

ast week, we were exploring the many wonders embedded in thanksgiving, within a broader context of the Mystery of Faith. Further to that teaching, I shall be exploring those wonders that grant us access to a world of dominion. What are the wonders in Thanksgiving? The following are some of the wonders embedded in thanksgiving: Preservation of our Blessings: Thanksgiving is the mystery behind the preservation of the blessings of God in our lives. Therefore, if we want our blessings preserved, we must be addicted to thanksgiving. We must thank God in faith, not casually or religiously but from the depth of our hearts, so that our blessings will not be turned to curses (Malachi 2:1-3; Jeremiah 13:15). Fresh Unction: Thanksgiving is also a covenant gateway to fresh oil. The more thankful we are, the fresher the oil on our head. When the oil on our head is fresh, we are empowered to live an overcomer ’s life, because the fresher the oil, the greater our command in the day

of battle (Psalms 92:1-2, 10-11/2 Chronicles 22:7). On the other hand, with fresh oil we gain greater depth into the truth which empowers us to be more than conquerors in the battles of life (1 John 2:27; Psalms 45:3-5). Supernatural Restoration: Thanksgiving will restore anything, any day and at anytime, because it carries restoration virtue within it (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Perfection of our blessings: We cannot enjoy perfection by grumbling and complaining; perfection comes by the mystery of thanksgiving. Through the mystery of thanksgiving, whatever may have been damaged in any one’s life experiences perfection because perfection answers to heart-rooted thanksgiving; as it was in the case of the one leper that returned (Luke 17:17-19). Supernatural Strength: We also understand that everyone that comes into His presence goes from strength to strength. Therefore, thanksgiving is our visa into His presence, which makes us go from strength to strength. We are required to enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise (Psalms 84:7;

Psalms 100: 4). Supernatural Fruitfulness: Thanksgiving rejuvenates our system for supernatural fruitfulness. We cannot be joyful and not be ‘praiseful’ and we cannot be ‘praiseful’ and not be fruitful. We don’t say ‘thank you’ with a cold face; every genuine ‘thank you’ is with a smile. Hannah got Samuel by being grateful; Abraham also got Isaac by being grateful, he refused to grumble, complain or murmur, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God and that resulted in his supernatural fruitfulness (Romans 4:20-21; Psalm 67:5-7). Signs and Wonders: Thanksgiving is a covenant platform for the eruption of signs and wonders. This was graphically illustrated in John 6, when Jesus gave thanks over five loaves of bread and two fishes. They multiplied supernaturally to feed 5000 men, excluding women and children. Jesus also gave thanks and Lazarus came out from the grave (John 11:41-43). Let me conclude with these inspired thoughts on the great subject of Thanksgiving: * To be ‘thought-full’ is to

I changed my mind

hat a glorious time in His presence. An exciting week. Your season of bountiful harvest. It is your turn to shine in Jesus mighty name, Amen. As God’s masterpiece, you were redeemed to enforce His authority. It is a blessing having you around - the world is waiting for your manifestation as a child of God. “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them. “And said unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou will fall down and worship me. “Then said Jesus unto him, Get thee hence satan, for it is written, thou shall worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shall thou serve.” (Mathew 3 verses 8-10) This week’s verdict – Tell the devil, I changed my mind. Sure Word Adam and Eve lost their glory (owing to disobedience to divine instruction) in the Garden of Eden. Devil took control of the world and when Jesus Christ came, he wanted to deceive Jesus, showing his temporary glory and wealth – our Lord was prepared, told him off and decreed that it was he (Satan) that would bow down for Jesus and not the other way round. Brethren, in your daily voyage, are you using your authority over the devil? You need to exert that authority and boldness daily because the devil is on the prowl.

Devil is poised to mess you up. It is the authority in the name of Jesus Christ and personal determination that you need to fight him to submission. “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22) To live a successful and victorious life, you must tell the devil to get lost with your constructive and positive thoughts. If you give the devil an inch in your life, he will go 10 miles and destroy you 10 times over. Jesus Christ was alert, firm and decisive – Told the devil to get behind him. Our Lord Jesus Christ fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.

The devil knew He needed food, telling Him to turn stone to bread but He quickly shouted the devil down, saying, ‘man shall not live by bread alone’. If you are the one in such a situation, what will you do? Craftiness If you are not sound and strong in the Lord, the devil will use your urgent need to deceive you and win you to his side. Be alert. Watch out. Devil is too cunning. During your time of urgent need, tune to God. Never allow any ‘evil conversation’ with the devil, lest you fall into that trap and temptation and are doomed for life.

be ‘thankful’ – Psalms 103:13 * Ingratitude grieves God and when God is grieved, man becomes vulnerable – Psalms 78:40-42 * If we understand the mystery of thanksgiving, satan will find it difficult to wear us out – Habakkuk 3:17-19 * Every complaint only complicates our issues – Psalms 78:40-42 * If we genuinely give thanks, we shall become sweatless mountain-movers, because God will always back us up – Psalms 114:6-7 * To take God for granted is to be grounded – Psalms 78:40-42 * Anything we thank God for, supernaturally multiplies – John 6:11 * When things are happening as expected, give thanks and to keep them happening, give thanks the more – Psalms 135:1-7 * Our enemies are helpless when we become truly thankful – Psalms 60:12 * When we forget God’s benefits, He forgets our needs – Psalms 103:1 * To be thankful is to be ‘winful’ – Psalms 92:1/10-12 * Thanksgiving is a cov-

enant gateway to our high places in life - Habakkuk 3:17-19 Friend, you can access the wonders of thanksgiving when you are born again? You can become a redeemed soul, by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. You can be God’s child now, by saying 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, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again!” I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m. and 10.45 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

Prophetic Insight with

Rev. James Akinadewo Tel: 08037188392 (SMS only) motailatugrow@hotmail.com

The easiest way for the devil to hold you down is your ‘sinful nature’. Sin is poisonous and dangerous, it is a sinker that will sink you in no time. Anytime you commit sin, you open your flanks for the devil to attack you and something tangible dies inside you. Anytime the sinful nature

comes, tell the devil you changed my mind. Portiphar’s wife Devil came into the journey of Joseph through Portiphar’s wife. The evil woman tried to seduce Joseph, and tried to lure him to bed. An evil voice was telling Joseph to ‘enjoy’ with the woman because it is ‘five minutes enjoyment’.

Liberation men ends confab, honours Okafor T

he annual three-day Liberation Men Alive Conference organised by the Liberation City Church National Headquarter in Lagos aimed at repositioning liberation men for greater exploits has ended. The event which had the Nigerian-South African bases man of God and former Super Eagles’ goal keeper, Pastor Peterside Idah as the special guest preacher also featured the General Overseer of Liberation City Worldwide, Dr. Chris Okafor. Both of them impacted spiritual upliftment on all the participants at the conference Speaking on the topic: ‘It Is Sleeping’ on the first day of the event, Idah said that businesses and finances of a lot of men have gone comatose not because they are not praying enough but because they never took to instructions from the servants of God. Idah said the only way to be more alive as a

man or father, to carry out their responsibilities as the head was to follow God’s instruction and allow it to guide them. Speaking on the topic: ‘State of Emergency,’ Dr. Okafor said that, state of emergency was needed in any situation that requires urgent attention. He said even the country needed a state of emergency to tackle the current situation in the country, explaining that for a man to be successful, moving from the state of poverty to wealth needs state of emergency. Okafor, said the prevailing security situation in the country is not as a result of President Jonathan’s attitude or the people, but the church was to be blamed, “ because Boko Haram is not an ordinary problem, but a spiritual one, and all the men of God should declare a state of emergency on the insurgency until it becomes a thing of the past.

The last day of the conference which coincided with The Fathers Day, was used by the ‘Men Alive group’ of the church to induct Dr. Okafor as the group’s life patron and subsequently honoured him as the father of the church. Meanwhile Dr. Okafor has called on the practitioners in the aviation industry to watch out against plane, according to a revelation he said God agave to him.He said though he saw blood on the air, he has since prayed against such occurrence. The church has also organised a special prayer session for the immediate release of the ‘Chibok girls’ abducted by the Boko Haram. He said The Liberation Television, owned by the church, is now being viewed around the world, adding that the TV is now the second world largest Christian TV as part of the church’s efforts to win one billion souls for the kingdom.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Faith

Learn to say it is well in all situations he word of God recorded thus concerning the positive confessions of the Shunnamite woman: “And when the child was growing, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father, my head, my head, and he said unto a lad, carry him to his mother and when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon and then died. And she went up to the and laid him on the bed of the man of God and shut the door upon him and went out. And she called unto her husband and said; send me I pray thee, one of the young men and one of the asses that I may run to the man of God, and come again. And he said, wherefore wilt thou go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath. And she said it shall be well. Then she saddled an ass and said to her servant, drive and go forward; slack not thy riding for me except I bid thee. So she went and came to the man of God to Mount Carmel. And it came to pass; when the man of God saw her afar off that he said Gehazi his servant, behold yonder is that Shunammite. Run now I pray thee to meet her and say unto her, is it

well with thee? Is it well with thy husband? Is it well with thy child? And she answered, “It is well.” – 2Kings 4:18-29. The statement, “it is well” is a statement of experimental certainty, born out of the assurance of an existing state of perfection. This is the right positive attitude to any ugly situation which is bound to produce a positive result. This is a statement of dynamic faith; it is a statement of active faith and it is also a statement of progressive faith. For the child of God, it means that all that God has done is well and shall be well. This why Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” In the above scriptural story, the Shunammite woman had the supernatural perception that Elisha was a prophet of God, and she accommodated him in her house. Whenever the Prophet Elisha went into Shunam, he stayed in her house, but she had no child. When Elisha discovered that they had no child, he told her to expect

a son and in due season, she got a son. The birth of that child brought so much joy to her family and to the man of God. This child was loved and highly treasured. One faithful day, that child cried: “My head! My head!” And died. When that child died, instead of this woman to prepare for his burial, in hopelessness and negativism she started preparing for resurrection. She did not go to any doctor, but rather chose to go to the man of God. She refused to go to the family graveyard but rather chose to go to the presence of God. Your decision or attitude in the face of life’s challenge determines whether you will go up or down after all. It determines whether you shall make it or fail. What you say with your mouth in the face of any challenge, determines whether you shall make it or end up in failure. Remember, what you say with your mouth is the verbal expression of the state of your mind. One thing was strikingly unique about this woman - she looked at her dead child and sincerely believed in her inner man

MYSTERY OF ANXIETY with

Bishop John Ogbansie gbe Tel:08033416327

that it shall be well. She said to herself since this child came from God through the prophetic declaration of the man of God, “It is well.” The question is this, how many women can do the same thing, which this woman did and said, under the same emotional condition and frustration? How many women can truly say such thing with tears in their eyes, and pains in their heart; pains borne out of the knowledge and awareness of a glaring capital and total loss and pains borne out of the sudden awareness of shattered dreams and dashed hopes? By this scriptural story, I sincerely and categorically believe that every ugly, bad, painful and sorrowful situation around you or confronting you shall be well again in the name of Jesus Christ. That turbulent and failing marriage shall be well again,

that barren womb shall be well again. That shameful examination result shall be well again. That bad business shall be well again. That misbehaving child shall be well again. The shaky and problematic relationship shall be well again. Don’t give up! Just say it is well. Don’t be tired, hopeless or disgusted. “Winners don’t quit and quitters never win.” Learn to say it is well all the time. No matter how bad the situation may seem, don’t back out. Don’t back out of that business. Don’t back out of that marriage. Don’t abandon that dead child yet; wait a little, exercise little more patience and faith, and you shall definitely be on the Hallelujah side. Keep on saying: “It is well.” The Shunammite woman said: “It is well,” as many times as she was pressured to accept her ugly situation. She continued to say: “It is well.”

Power in Raising godly children the word with

Banke David

Tel: 08034156014

aising Godly children is no mean task: it requires patience, perseverance, self-control, discipline and above all LOVE. Proverbs 22: 6 is our Biblical standard and it says: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” To train or to train in itself is a rigorous task and cannot be achieved in few seconds; it takes time and perseverance. For instance, to be trained as an athlete requires rigorous training sessions. Michael Jordan, the popular basketballer, trains for many hours on a daily basis. His success, which we see on television and even covet, did not come cheap or overnight. It took diligence, hard work, commitment, tenacity and discipline, among others. Michael Jackson, the late popular secular musician, trained for hours on end to achieve his unique dance style and songs. Most successful preachers don’t sleep for more than four hours on a daily basis, burning the midnight oil, studying and researching to receive fresh revelation from God. Why then do we assume that training our kids can be done overnight or with a simple instruction? In order to achieve set results in our kids, it requires love, patience and a whole lot of hard work! We need to keep on repeating seemingly simple instructions and tasks,

without giving up when errors are observed in the child. What then does it take to raise a Godly child that will excel and stand firm, shun societal vices and imbibe good morals? There are simple guidelines to follow in raising a Godly child. 1. Be Patient 2. Correct In Love 3. Pray For Your Children 4. Lead By Example 5. Discipline Your Children 6. Have Quality Time With Your Kids 7. Inculcate Set Skills In Your Kids 1. Be Patient - Patience is a virtue that not many exhibit. The reason for so many failed marriages, businesses and lack of peace in relationships is the inability to be patient or suffer long. In an era where everything is micro-quick, we expect to see results faster than the speed of light. When this is not the case, we prefer to give up or look for quick fixes, which may be detrimental in the long run. Patience is the ability to stay calm or accept a delay or something annoying, without complaining. (Oxford Dictionary) What a definition! It goes to show that most of us are far from being patient because we complain a lot; and even when we endure, we are quite ruffled and not calm at all! We need to develop patience when raising our kids because

Godly results, which we hope to see in our kids, may not occur overnight. Galatians 5:16- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience…………………..and so on. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit. We need to go to God in prayer for patience as our own human patience will definitely run dry within a short period. There are limits to human endurance and we can only be patient without complaining when we have the baptism of the Holy Spirit evidenced by the gift of patience. May God help us, Amen. 2. Correct In Love - There will definitely be times when our kids offend us, trying the limits of our patience. At such instances, we need to correct them in love. When we correct our children while we are still angry, we tend to say hurtful things and even injure them physically. Remember that whatever you say cannot be taken back and may remain forever indelible in the child’s memory. This may lead to psychological damage and emotional trauma for the child. We should correct our kids after we have calmed down and are able to think rationally. 3. Pray For Your Children - We cannot overemphasise the need for us to pray for our children. If only we would pray, surely things would turn around. Things take place, first of all, in the spirit realm before being manifest in the physical. Any parent who wants to see positive results in their children must learn to go to God in prayer. (Matthew 6:6 ) Let us learn to commit all things and not just some into His hands. Remember, the prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16b). 4. Lead By Example - Experts say that children learn what they see, and not what you say. In other words, they will do what you do

and not what you tell them. Let us learn to be role models to our kids in truth and verity. The life of a parent is like looking in a mirror; whatever the kids see is what they copy. A parent had a visitor who came to see him. The child went to inform the parent of the neighbour’s visit. The father told the child and I quote: “Tell him I’m not around. I’ve gone out.” The child obeyed and told the neighbour: “My father said I should tell you that he has gone out.” Though this seems funny, the child will gradually learn the art of lying. We should take seriously whatever we do in the presence of our kids. They will copy us! 5. Discipline Your Children Though I believe children need a whole lot of love, there is still the need to correct them when they err. Spare the rod and spoil the child. The rod here is the rod of correction, the cane. It should be used when necessary because when we do not, we will live to regret it. An example of this can be seen in the lives of the sons of Eli. (1st Samuel 2:12-25) The sons of Eli were scoundrels and paid no attention to the Lord or to His precepts. Even worse, their father who was a priest refused and neglected to correct them. This led to the death of the two sons on the same day. What a calamity and repercussion! Let Us Correct Our Children And Discipline Them Now, When It Is Not Yet Late. 6. Spend Quality Time With Your Kids - Despite the fact that we need to discipline our kids, we need to show them love by spending quality time with them. Children spell love as TIME spent with them. We should not be too busy to spend time with our kids else they will be exposed to negative influences. Most kids, who misbehave

and commit atrocities, do so due to lack of parental love and attention. No matter how demanding your schedule is, pick out a day or some hours to bond with your child. When a child feels loved, he will not see the need to be influenced negatively outside and do bad things because he wants to ‘belong’. The appeal of peer pressure will be reduced in his or her life. 7. Inculcate Set Skills In Your Kids - Whatever results we want to see in our kids, we can build these into them. Let us not leave the training and raising of our kids to nannies and caregivers. We are the ones majorly responsible for this. If you want a kind child, show him kindness always. If you want an obedient child, obey those in authority over you, in the presence of your child. If you want a talented child, expose him to materials, resources and even autobiographies of gifted people. If you want a child that reads, buy lots of books for him and read with him. If you want a caring child, always regard others highly, treat him with love and you’ll definitely see the results you want. Whatever values you want in your child can be achieved by laying the foundation for them to see. Choose To Love Your Kids Choose To Raise Them In A Godly Fashion Choose To Read The Bible With Them Choose To Raise Them In The Fear Of The Lord Choose Life! Mrs. Banke David is a pastor with Christ Riches Church and also the proprietress of Kings Kid Kindergarten, 4 Umuka Street, Umungasi, Aba, Abia State.

Football Ayew: Ghana will head home without regrets p.63

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Omeruo: I’m ready for the big challenge

uper Eagles defender, Keneth Omeruo, is thinking of how to make a big impact in the Chelsea first team next season in England. But the defender is hoping to use the ongoing World Cup to show the world and Chelsea coach what he can do on the pitch in the round leather game. He is particularly looking forward to the crucial game between Nigeria and Argentina to further prove his worth as a solid defender. Omeruo said; “I am almost tired of my various loan spells here and there. I am ready for the big challenge now to play in a first team shirt consistently. It is time to start taking stock in concrete terms of what I am up to in the game.

“Really do pray on a daily basis to be faced with big challenges in the game to be able to evaluate myself because it is the opposition that could bring out the best in a player. In the national team, we have played great games against Spain, Italy, Argentina and even USA. “Such games in my view could change one’s career for good because a great performance could land the player in ‘heaven’ and that is why I always look forward to big games. Some players do grow grew hairs when a big match is approaching but that’s not my style. I welcome big games with determination.” Nigeria will be up against Argentina on Wednesday in Porto Alegre with Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi and Segio

Omeruo in aerial battle with an Iranian player at the 2014 World Cup

Football Real Madrid hoping Portugal crash out p.61

Sp rt

Aguero expected on parade against the Eagles. It is a tough one as the country has lost to the Argentines three times in the World Cup. In 1994, Argentina defeated Nigeria 2-1, in 2002, the South Americans did the same 1-0 and also recorded a 1-0 victory over Nigeria in South Africa.

Omeruo noted that his respect goes to Argentina as a country but not to the names that will file out against Nigeria. He said; “Argentina has posted impressive results at the World Cup and they are respected globally also because of players like Diego Maradona and others. “But for matches, players square up with one another just on current form as individuals. That is why I look up to the encounter against Argentina to make myself and my country proud at global stage. They always beat us narrowly and maybe if we double our efforts this time, we should be able to get a result against the Argentines “Personally, the match also means so much to me because I am hoping to be at the tick of action in the EPL next season. Doing well in this match will confirm to my team that I am ready for the big task ahead in the coming football year. “I believe it is a big opportunity and in sports, it is always good to be focused and grab every good chance that comes one’s way. You might never know when such will count in your favour.”

Omeruo put pen to paper for the Blues from Standard Liege in January 2012 but immediately went on loan to Dutch top-flight side ADO Den Haag. At just 19, he was good enough in the Eredivisie to earn a call up to the Super Eagles. He was keyed in for Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nation in South Africa and the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. He remains a strong member of the team campaigning for honours at the ongoing World Cup. On January 7, 2014, O m e r u o joined Middlesborough on loan until the end of the 2013/2014 season but in May also this year shortly before the World Cup; Omeruo signed a three year contract with Chelsea. He trained with the first team of the Blues towards the end of the season. “I am really looking forward to next season with the hope of playing regularly for Chelsea. I am happy to be in Brazil with Nigeria because it is a bragging right for me to resume with the team just after the World Cup “My Super Eagles career is just starting now that I am in a big team where I can gain some knowledge which can boost my standard in the national team. It is a big deal to play with other to players in the world. “Brazil 2014 means so much to me because I have been seeing many of my mates in the club and other friends doing well for their national teams.”

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Sport

2014 FIFA World Cup Finals Update

Algeria coach charges wards to beat Korea

lgeria coach, Valid Halihodzic, has said that he was not ready to join the list of teams bowing out early in the ongoing World Cup. He has charged his players to go all out for the kill against Korea in a crunch tie scheduled to hold at Porto Alegre on Sunday The coach said his boys were good enough to bag the three points at stake in the Group H encounter. Halihodzic said;“We did very well against Belgium but lost

the match. I am still thinking we deserve at least a draw in that match. “This might be the last chance for us to stay on in the competition. With a victory over Korea, we are going to be fine but a draw will not even be enough. The players have been told to go for it and I am confident we are going to make it for the Algerian people.” Algeria scored first against Belgium only to concede two goals in the 70th and 80th minutes to the Belgians in the first match.

Sambaland Notes From Brazil Compiled by Adekunle Salami, Sao Paulo

English fans in town

he noisy and notorious English football fans were in Sao Paulo on Thursday for the England, Uruguay match. FIFA and the Brazil 2014 LOC rated the match as ‘high risk’ and the English fans also lived to billings. They were all over the place in the city. Some of them travelled to Brazil without match tickets and they headed straight to the fanfare centres to drink and dance. Some were at the stadium arena drinking, shouting and taking photographs. The entire city felt their presence on the day as the security operatives had their hands full. Shortly before the end of the match, I went out to observed situation and found policemen all over the place with stand-by motor bikes, cars, buses and even a helicopter hovering in the air. Such was not the case when Brazil played her opening match against Croatia also at the Arena de Sao Paulo. It was learnt that the security was beefed up further as England was at the brink of losing the game which Uruguay eventually won 2-1.

Die in patriotic tears

n Ivorian was the cynosure of all eyes at the Brasilia Stadium on Thursday where Cote d’Ivoire played against Columbia in a group C encounter. His name is Serey Die. The midfielder was weeping profusely as if something terribly happened to him. Tears were rolling down his cheeks like a small baby just as the national anthem of Ivory Coast was being rendered. After the match, Die explained that he was so emotional to be playing for his country at the World Cup. He however felt bad that his number one fan, his father who died 10 years ago was not around to witness the occasion.

Metro experience

had my very first experience with Sao Paulo Metro on Thursday on the way to the stadium for the England, Uruguay match. From my base in Santana to the Stadium which is at Corinthians, there were two lines, the Blue and Red line. I started with the Blue line, alighted at Se and reconnected with the Red line that took me to the Corinthians, which is the stadium. The system is okay but not all the trains are very clean. The two that took me to the stadium were not a bit below average. The announcer was speaking in portages and the indicator light for destination was not there. On my way back the trains I took had functional indicator lights that shows destination to guide passengers. Of course it is affordable unlike the taxi drivers that use metre system to deal with World Cup visitors.

Algeria’s Saphir Taider battles for the ball against Moussa Dembele of Belgium

Nani hopeful Portugal will bounce back

anchester United midfielder, Nani, is hopeful that Portugal will bounce back into contention for a second round place as they confront USA on Sunday in Manaus. Portugal is currently on the brink of World Cup ouster after losing 4-0 to Germany in their first match on June 12. Two days ago, world’s best player Ronaldo, limped off at the team’s training ground in Campinas and he is in doubt of featuring in this encounter. But Nani is confident of an amazing result against the USA that defeated Ghana 2-1 in their opening game. Nani said; “We have a great team that could play in the last four stage of this competition. What happened against Germany is still unclear to us and such games are one off. “Against the USA, we have another chance to salvage the poor results in the opening match and we are going to seize that opportunity. We are well focused to play in the final stages of the competition because we have the quality to achieve that.” Portugal defender, Pepe, bagged a red card against Germany and will also miss the encounter against the USA today. The Portuguese need an outright victory to be on course for a second round berth.

Nani

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Unheralded Ibrahim wants to rule the world Charles Ogundiya Calabar

riple jump gold medallist at the just concluded All Nigeria Athletics Championship in Calabar, Blessing Ibrahim, has informed New Telegraph that not only does she want to continue dominating her peers in Nigeria, but she wants to go out and conquer the world, four years after switching from the long jump event. Speaking after emerging victorious in the Cross River state capital, where she defeated former Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Otonye Iworima, Ibrahim said all she needs to become the best is encouragement. Expressing her displeasure at her efforts during the final, despite winning her fourth national title, she said: “This is actually my fourth title here but I am not happy because this is not what I was expecting. I was expected to jump 14.00m but my 14.00m was declared a no jump. “I had already jumped 13.59m this year which is just 0.01m fraction less than the standard set for the Commonwealth Games.” Asked if she feels she would be included in the Nigerian contingent to Glasgow, Scotland for the Commonwealth Games, Ibrahim expressed hope but was quick to add that if she fails to make the team to the Games, she would do her best to make Nigeria proud at the 19th Africa Senior Championships in Marrakech, Morocco from August 10-14 this year. “I used to be a sprinter before I converted to long jump and now triple jump,” she continued. “I was convinced that triple jump is my event and I don’t have any regret doing it. And I am sure that with hard work and God on my side I will soon be the best in the world.”

Cowbell Football Academy records double win over MTN Scholars

owbell Football Academy has recorded victory over MTN Football Scholars as the CFA defeated the latter in two different friendly matches played at the National Stadium, Lagos. In the first game between the CFA II and MTN I, the former beat the latter by 1-0. The spot kick taken by Jude Theodore put the CFA I ahead of the opposing MTN I. Every effort made by the MTN I players to equalize before the final blast of the whistle proved abortive. Similarly in the second game between CFA I and MTN II, which was also played at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, immediately after the first, the CFA team left no one in doubt that it was determined to win their counterparts. Barely five minutes into the game, a shot from attacker, Bolaji Adeleye, gave the CFA I its first goal. Although the MTN II had higher ball possession; all efforts made by them to equalize before the end of the game yielded no results. Determined to consolidate the lead, the CFA I on entering the pitch for the second half of the game wasted no time before increasing the margin. The second goal came from the same attacker, who scored the first goal, Adeleye; thereby making the scores 2-0 in favour of the CFA I. Satisfied with the results, the Rector of CFA, Godwin Dudu-Orumen commended the performance of the CFA players. He disclosed that every year, MTN invites scouts from the football-playing universities in the United States to screen matches played for the best footballers.

The Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, presenting a gold medal and bouquet of flower to Nigerian Queen of the Track, Blessing Okagbare, who won the women’s 100metres finals in a time of 11.06 seconds at the Cross River/All Nigerian Athletics Championship

‘Thunder’ Balogun for Centenary Awards UK

….As Onigbinde, NOC Scribe storm Memorial Cup finals

igeria’s soccer legend, Teslim “Thunder” Balogun has been selected for a posthumous honour in the United Kingdom version of the Nigerian Centenary Awards for his contributions to the promotion and prestige of Nigerians in the Diaspora, especially in the UK, during his life time. The Nigerian Centenary Awards UK, endorsed by the Nigerian High Commission to Britain, “is being held to recognize and celebrate the unique achievements of Nigerians who have participated in the British society over the last 100 years. Billed for June 27, at the Waltham Forest Hall, Forest Road, London, the event designed as a classy Gala Night will attract eminent Nigerians, diplomats, captains of industry, top media executives, celebrities and the Nigerian community in the UK. Ni-

gerians Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka has particularly indicated willingness to grace the event just as well as it enjoys the support of the Nigeria High Commissioner, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida. Teslim Thunder Balogun is reputed to be Africa’s first qualified professional coach and he opened the gate for Nigerian footballers to be involved in British football following his stints with Queens Park Rangers, Peterborough, Skegness and Holbeach football clubs. Meanwhile, the finals of Teslim Balogun Memorial U-15 Football competition also organised in his honour was played yesterday June 21, at the Campos Square, Lagos, with FIFA/CAF instructor and former national team coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, as well as the Secretary General of the Nigeria

OSMI launches magazine programme “Inside Brazil” on TV

ptima Sports Management International (OSMI), the exclusive 2014 FIFA World Cup terrestrial broadcast rights owners for the Nigerian territory, has launched a daily magazine programme, “Inside Brazil.” The programme is currently aired on Nigerian television stations through the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) network. BON is the broadcast partner of OSMI for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The programme is anchored by Super Eagles ex-international, Seyi Olofinjana. It is a daily show produced in Brazil that brings to life the experience of the FIFA World Cup. It will offer viewers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the World Cup experience and become part of the FIFA World Cup rhythms. According to Mr. Kunle Falodun, Managing Director, OSMI, the daily programme is another avenue to fulfill the company’s promise of delivering an unforgettable World Cup experience to the Nigerian audience.

He said: “Inside Brazil is a 24-minute daily magazine show, with stories about what people do in Brazil, where people go in Brazil, what people eat in Brazil, where people party in Brazil and what the fans are up to on a daily basis. The stories are built around former African International footballer and English Premier League star, Seyi Olofinjana, as he journeys through Brazil to bring viewers behind the scene actions and soft stories from “Inside Brazil.” The show will be filmed each day at various locations around the country and will reflect Brazilian culture and history as well as the FIFA World Cup experience. “The World Cup tournament is not only about the matches that are played on the pitch. There are many other interesting offpitch moments and happenings that would interest our viewers. We will bring those moments to Nigerians through “Inside Brazil”. Our mandate at OSMI is to provide a total entertainment package for the delight of the viewers in Nigeria,” Falodun added.

Olympic Committee, Babatunde Popoola, among other top dignitaries who were in attendance. The event which kicked-off in April with over 30 youth clubs comes to a conclusion with Media Sports Academy of Ebute-Metta and Rozie Football Academy of Iyana-Ipaja vying for the top prize, while Flying Stars FA of Somolu and Godswill FA of Lagos Island trade tackles in the third place match. Representatives of the Teslim Balogun family, Kayode Balogun and Engineer Rasheed Balogun who are expected to be in London to receive the award on their father explained that they have continued to sponsor the youth competition and invest in sports development as their contribution towards the elevation and sustenance of Nigeria’s place in global sports and in appreciation of the honour Nigerians have continued to bestow of their father as an icon of Nigerian football.

Bako FC unveils logo

ational Vice President of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Alhaji Mustapha Allahdey, has called on club proprietors across the country to adopt marketing strategies needed to bring football gains. Allahdey said this at an occasion to unveil the logo of Bako Football Club which coincided with the fifth year anniversary of the late former Kwara State Permanent Secretary of Education, Chief Theophilus Walter Babajide Bako, in Lokoja. While extolling the late Chief Bako, Allahdey, who chaired the occasion described him as a philanthropist, socialist, who touched many lives in the state and admitted he was a benefactor. The late Chief T.W.D. Bako who was the former Dallahtu of Lokoja, served as the secretary of the Movement of the creation of Kogi State and regarded as one of the founding fathers of the state which was created in 1991. On behalf of the family, a Bishop Elect, Reverend TED Bako of Gospel Ministries International Church admonished clubs owners in the state to embrace ideas necessary to create wealth through football. Earlier, Honourable Moses Bako, who is the chairman of Bako FC appreciated the presence of all and sundry at the occasion, explaining that the motive behind the logo is to improve the standard of the club and repositioning the team.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Sport

2014 FIFA World Cup Finals Update

Koreans expecting tough test against Algerians

embers of the South Korean team believe Sunday’s game against Algeria will not be a stroll in the park for the Asian giants. The Koreans produced a solid debut in their 1-1 draw with Russia, a performance that gave coach Hong Myung-Bo’s team encouragement after a lacklustre build-up. But as they get set to face Algeria, defender Park Joo-ho is predicting a tight tussle. “I don’t think either team will have a lot of attacking chances,” he said. “If we can score on the chances that we do get, we should have a good shot at winning.” Korea will be looking to the likes of Son Heung-min, elected man-of-the-match against Russia, to put in another sparky effort in attacking midfield. Son, one of three Koreans who will miss the finale against Belgium if they pick up a second booking, picked out Sofiane Feghouli as one of Algeria’s dangermen. “Feghouli showed great form with Valencia this season and proved to be a threat on the field. Knowing that, we have to make sure he doesn’t become a threat,” said the Bayern Leverkusen star. Korean striker Ji Dong-won suggested the signs were positive for the 2002 semifinalists who are appearing at their eighth

Ronaldo poised to face USA

ristiano Ronaldo Ronaldo is set to ignore the on-going pain of a knee in jury to lead Portugal’s attempts to avoid World Cup elimination against USA in Manaus. Ronaldo, who has been plagued by tendinitis in his left knee since the closing weeks of La Liga with Real Madrid, was forced to play with a strapping on the joint during Monday’s 4-0 Group G defeat against Germany. With Paulo Bento’s team suffering the double blow of losing centre-half Pepe to a red card against the Germans, followed by a tournament-ending hamstring injury sustained by left-back Fabio Coentrao, Ronaldo’s fitness has become an even greater concern for the Portuguese ahead of the clash with the Americans in Arena Amazonia. The loss of first-choice goalkeeper Rui Patricio to a training ground thigh injury has added to Portugal’s problems, but former Tottenham Hotspur forward Helder Postiga is confident that Ronaldo will be fully fit to face Jürgen Klinsmann’s team. “I personally think that the Cristiano Ronaldo talk is a bit too much, so I can only imagine how he must be feeling about that,” Postiga said. “But regarding his physical condition, he’s been training at his maximum and if it’s not listed in the clinical information of the Portuguese [football] federation it’s because he’s fit to play.”

South Korean captain, Koo Ja-Cheol shields the ball from a Russian player during their recent 2014 World Cup match. The game ended 1-1

consecutive World Cup but who have only made it past the first round twice since 1986. “I watched the game between Algeria and Belgium,” the Bundesliga-based forward who was on the bench for Russia said

this week. “Algeria’s attacking players are quick and each has their own quality. Algeria are not an easy target. “If we play the match [against Algeria] like we did with Russia, then our chances are good.”

Rooney out to restore English pride W ayne Rooney has claimed that England must restore some pride when they play Costa Rica at the World Cup on Tuesday. The Three Lions were eliminated from the competition at the group stage on Friday following Costa Rica’s shock victory over Italy. While the team has nothing to play for in Belo Horizonte next week, Rooney believes that a win would at least give them some reward for their efforts out in Brazil. “We’re hurting, disappointed to be out of the tournament but we have to pick ourselves up for Tuesday and restore some pride,” he told reporters. “It’s tough to take and it’s the first time we have gone out of a tournament after two games. We have to pick ourselves up.”

Rooney scored his first ever World Cup goal for England on Thursday during their 2-1 defeat to Uruguay.

aya and Kolo Toure have decided to stay with the Ivory Coast squad in Brazil following the death of their brother, a team spokesman has confirmed. Ibrahim Toure, a 28-year-old player with the Lebanon-based Al Safa, died in Manchester on Thursday. He had been diagnosed with cancer. Reports had claimed the brothers would leave Brazil to be with their family, but a team spokesman said that they would remain at the World Cup. A spokesman for the Ivorian Football Federation said: “The Toure brothers, Kolo and Yaya, have decided to stay with the team. They are not leaving Brazil.” Ivory Coast face Greece in Fortaleza on Tuesday and a win will see them qualify for the last 16. Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure played in the 2-1 defeat against Colombia, while Liverpool defender Kolo Toure was an unused substitute.

Injured Swiss defender to head home

witzerland central defender Steve von Bergen is out of the World Cup after breaking a facial bone in his team’s 5-2 loss to France. Von Bergen was kicked in the face by France striker Olivier Giroud as they challenged for the ball in the seventh minute of Friday’s match in Salvador in Group E. The Swiss Football Federation says von Bergen was examined in a Salvador hospital after the match and was diagnosed with a broken left orbita floor. Von Bergen will be returning home as soon as possible with one of the team’s doctors to be treated by specialists.

Turkish giants keen on Klinsmann

G Rooney

Real Madrid hoping Portugal crash out eal Madrid are hoping that Portugal won’t make it past the first round of the World Cup in order for Cristiano Ronaldo to get a muchdeserved break from football and tend to his weary knees. If Portugal crash out against the USA on Sunday, the Spanish club expect Ronaldo to be let off the hook for the dead rubber against Ghana. Just like the Portuguese medical team were delighted for Ronaldo to enjoy

Mourning Toure brothers to remain in Brazil

some downtime during Portugal’s training camp in the United States, so the Bernabeu staff feel it would be ideal for Portugal to be knocked out and for the forward to be rested so as to not place any more strain on his patellar tendon. If nothing is riding on the clash against Ghana on 26th June in Brasilia, Real are banking on Ronaldo being pulled out of harm’s way and given the opportunity to get some much-needed rest.

alatasaray have made an enquiry for USA national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann according to Fanatik. The Turkish Klinsmann sports newspaper quoted Klinsmann as saying, “Galatasaray are a club everybody in football knows. “To be honest, it’s great to be associated with such a club but for now I am fully focused on the US national team.” Klinsmann still has four-years left on his current deal with the US national team. The German manager led his USA side to 2-1 win over Ghana in their opening World Cup Group G game. Team USA face Portugal next on Sunday 22 June - a win would guarantee the US qualification into the second round. Galatasaray are looking for a new manager following the departure of Roberto Mancini. The Lions president Unal Aysal has said that he would like to bring in a manager from either the Netherlands or Germany.

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Tiger Woods set to return

FIFA World Cup

Ghana will head home without regrets –Ayew

Andre Ayew palm-slapped his own chest in an uninhibited exhibition of euphoria. He had just cancelled out Clint Dempsey’s first-minute opener for USA. Only eight minutes remained. He had seemingly snatched Ghana a valuable point in Natal. At the final whistle at the Estadio das Dunas, however, Ayew slunk to the turf, head in hands. A giant Berlin-born defender had ruined the France-born playmaker’s evening. Prior to Saturday’s match against Germany, the 24-year-old Marseille star discussed the defeat to the United States, whether Ghana play as individuals rather than as a team, and if their success of 2010 was creating additional expectations from fans of the Black Stars

You’ve had a little while to reflect on the USA defeat. What are your thoughts? I think we had a good game. We had the possession of the ball, we managed to create chances, but I think we were not efficient enough. We lacked definition and touch in the offensive part and the defensive part too. If we move the first five minutes and the last five minutes it would be a perfect game. But football is 90 minutes and every minute is important, so we are disappointed because we know we lost versus a team where we could have and should have won. But it is part of football and I think we will learn from our mistakes. Do you think tactically there was anything you could have changed? Every game is different. We knew we were going to have possession of the ball, and we had it and made good use of it. We simply could not end up scoring goals or defending the few chances the USA had. They played really compactly, they played as a team, and we had to go after a goal for the whole game. Because to concede a goal in 30 seconds, it is impossible for a team like us to take a goal in such a short time in such a competition. It is part of the game and you know we had to react. We did well even though we only scored in the 82nd minute. I think even if we didn’t win, we at least should have drawn this game, but we were not allowed to lose this game. We need to not only look at the first five and last five minutes, but look at what we did together, the spirit that we showed and the willingness to do something. We need to continue like that. Even though we lost, we lost with our heads high and that is what is important. You mentioned that the Americans were compact and they played as a team. Do you think Ghana played more as individuals and less as a team? No, I think that we have the team spirit, the team

tactical assignment. We do have it. We just lost concentration in the first few seconds and it was the same with their second goal. It is not something you can make a big case about it. We showed the USA that we are compact, we have the creativity, we have the skill, we have the power but we also have the team spirit. That is why we know that we are a good team. But we need to prove that on the pitch. Not at training and not outside the pitch. Do you feel that the expectation at the start of the tournament was a little too high just because of 2010, where you exceeded expectations to get to the quarter-finals? Honestly, no. We had a good game and unfortunately we lost. Football is all about winning, you can’t have the best game ever if you don’t win. It’s true especially in a tournament. When it is a league you have time to catch up, but when it is a tournament like this it is difficult. You can maybe have one game where you slipup, but you can’t have two. Ghana have the youngest squad at the tournament. Does that work against you? No, most of the players are not at their first World Cup. For most of us it is the second for some it is their third. Yes, it is true that there are young players on the team and in such tournaments you need a lot of experience, but you know I

WITH IFEANYI IBEH

HOLE IN ONE

think that football and experience is not only about age. It is about how long you have been playing for. If someone started playing when they are 17 and now maybe he is 20 or 23, he has already played for years. My generation – [Emmanuel] Badu, [Samuel] Inkoom, [Dainel] Opare, all of them – we have been playing with the Black Stars for a while now. We had a lot of glory very young. But you have to give yourself new objectives to try to fight to win trophies, because even though we did a lot of good stuff in the past we haven’t won the Nations Cup or the World Cup. We need to work hard to win a trophy and I believe that this squad can do it. You mention the ‘group of death’. Getting out of such a tough pool would give you big confidence heading into the knockout phase… If we pass this group I believe we can go very far. It all depends on us. We should have won the first game. We didn’t, we put ourselves in this situation. Now we have to do everything to come out of this situation – it’s as simple as that. If we don’t go through then it means that we didn’t deserve to go through. We need to be honest with ourselves, but I believe that we’ve trained hard enough. We don’t want to go home early, we want to stay here as long as possible, so we’re going to do everything to stay. But if have to go home, we’ll go with our heads high and with no regrets.

olf has missed Tiger Woods, and he has missed golf. This week the two will be back together, as Woods announced his intentions to return from his latest injury at this week’s Quicken Loans National. Woods said he was excited to be returning after missing the year’s first two majors following treatment for a pinched nerve in his back that had troubled him for months. “I’ve just started to hit full shots but it’s time to take the next step,” Woods said on his Facebook page. “I will be a bit rusty but I want to play myself back into competitive shape. Excited for the challenge ahead.” After not playing in this year’s Masters and US Open, there was growing speculation that Woods could also miss the year’s third major, the July 17-20 British Open at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake, England. The 38-year-old American has now missed six major championships due to injury, and he remains stuck on his career tally of 14 wins in golf’s blue riband events. But it’s no coincidence that Woods also happens to play host to the annual tournament either. He’s previously won his own tour-

nament twice, capturing the title in 2009 and 2012. Yet, according to Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg returning at his own event was exactly that—a coincidence. “There was never a specific tournament that Tiger was pinpointing to play,” Steinberg told Golf.com. “As I have said, he was going to stay patient and listen to his doctors and trainers. As soon as he felt he was ready to take full swings with no ill effect, he would then look at a return. Is this a permanent return to the PGA Tour though? According to the Golf.com report, that has yet to be determined. “As for the future schedule, that is something we will assess on an ongoing basis,” said Steinberg. The return to action will Woods’ first appearance in a PGA tournament since the WCG-Cadillac on March 9, where he finished with a 78 and battled major back problems all day long. He has yet to win a tournament in the 2014 season either. Woods hasn’t been on his game all year really; finishing tied for 80th at the Farmers Insurance Open, missing the cut at the Honda Classic just over a month later and finishing tied for 25th at the WCGCadillac Open.

Tiger Woods

Irish Open: McIlroy misses cut again

raeme McDowell hopes it will be 13th time lucky in the Irish Open this weekend as Rory McIlroy made an early exit from the event for the second year in succession. McDowell carded a second round 66 to lie two shots off Mikko Ilo¬nen’s halfway lead, who added 68 to his opening courserecord 64, but McIlroy could only manage an erratic 69 to miss the cut by one shot. “It’s very frustrating,” said the former world No1. “To make six birdies and an eagle and shoot just two-under means there were a lot of mistakes and wasteful shots. To miss the cut for the second year in a row is not a nice position to be in. I don’t know what else to say, it’s very disappointing.” McIlroy needed to finish birdieeagle to qualify for the weekend and although he duly holed from long range on the 17th and hit a

brilliant escape from the trees on the last, he was unable to chip in from the front of the green. “I’m proud of myself how I fought out there and didn’t give up and tried for the last shot,” added McIlroy after his first missed cut on the European Tour in 2014. “I just need to tighten it all up and become a lot more consistent, make the bad shots a little bit better and not be as wasteful around the greens. If I can do that, I know my game is right there.” McDowell made his tournament debut when Fota Island last hosted the event in 2002 and finished 27th, but that was one of just six halfway cuts the former US Open champion has made in 12 appearances. The 34-year-old has never recorded a top-10 finish but carded six birdies and one bogey to join Robert Rock and France’s Romain Wattel on eight-under-par.

JUNE 22, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Khan wants date with Pacquiao

mir Khan has admitted that he could fight Manny Pacquiao next but he is still eyeing a huge fight with Floyd Mayweather next year. Khan’s fight with Mayweather

Murray nervous ahead of Wimbledon

urray nervous ahead of Wimbledon Andy Murray has admitted that he expects to be nervous when the plays his first match as defending champion on Wimbledon next week. As the reigning men’s champion, the Scot will play the opening match at SW19 on Monday against Belgium’s David Goffin. The 27-year-old, who is the third seed for the tournament, told BBC Sport: “I’d expect to feel pride and some nerves. I don’t know how I’m going to handle it, no-one does. It’ll be interesting to see how I deal with that. “If you’ve [won the title] once there’s no reason why you can’t do it again. If I can play like I did last year I’ll definitely be in with a chance. “The few months after Wimbledon last year I found it difficult to motivate myself. But then you remember what it feels like to win Wimbledon, you know how all the work you put in was worth it and the feeling and emotions you get when you win a tournament like this.” Murray reached the semi-finals at the French Open earlier this month, but failed to defend his title in the Aegon Championships at Queen’s.

Wimbledon: Sharapova eyes second title

has been delayed as the Bolton man will be observing Ramadan the next time the American steps into the ring, with the veteran fighter having announced that he will be preparing for his next bout in September. However, while he wants to stay active later this year, the ultimate goal remains the same and Mayweather is still the name that he wants to land early next year. “I am looking at the likes of Marquez and Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather – they are the big names and that is where I belong fighting the top guys,” Khan told Ringside, as reported by ESPN. “There are talks about Manny Pacquiao happening in the future – may be next. So I have left my team, Al Hayman and my team Khan Promotions to do everything. “The fight between me and Floyd Mayweather is going to happen one day. As long as I keep winning and putting on great performances, it is definitely going to happen. “But I cannot do September because of Ramadan. The next time that it could happen is in May. I can fight then so it could be Floyd’s next fight after September.”

Arsenal agree five-year deal with Serge Aurier

rsenal have agreed personal terms with Ivory Coast defender Serge Aurier. According to reports in France, the Gunners have agreed an £8m deal with Ligue 1 side Toulouse to

secure Aurier’s services. The Ivorian has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates this summer as and is seen by many to be the direct replacement for Bacary Sagna who left the Emirates last

Serge Aurier

Messi’s wonder goal rescues Argentina

ionel Messi scored a memorable goal in time added on to give Argentina a barely deserved 1-0 win over a feisty

en years on from triumphing as a teenager Maria Sharapova is going in search of a second Wimbledon title. The 27-year-old ended her wait for a second success in a single slam when she landed the French Open two weeks ago and is now fully focused on adding a double at SW19. The Roland Garros title was the last of the four slams she won - not lifting her maiden trophy there until 2012 - yet the first she managed to win twice. Sharapova has not played competitively since her triumph in Paris, with her most notable public appearances coming when supporting boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov on his way to winning the Queen’s Club title. But she stresses that the memories of her triumph have been put behind her as she targets further glory. “You get to celebrate for a day or so. When I got off the train in London, you change your mode, you change your thinking and you’ve got to start from the beginning,” Sharapova said. She starts her campaign against a British player, the 26-year-old wild card Samantha Murray.

Sport / News

Iran in their Group F encounter at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte on Saturday. The heavily favoured South Americans were frustrated by some tenacious defending throughout. In the first half Messi was largely contained by Iran’s defence though he did win a freekick outside the penalty area in the 31st minute which he fired over the bar. He also floated in a freekick in the 36th which was headed just over by Ezequiel Garay. Iran nearly took a surprise lead in the fourth minute at Mineirao Stadium when midfielder Ashkan Dejagah delivered an inch-perfect free kick, but unmarked right back Jalal Hosseini couldn’t direct it on target.

Argentina’s best chance of the half came in the 22nd minute when Gonzalo Higuain set up fellow striker Sergio Aguero, but his curling shot was pushed away by goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi. The keeper had earlier thrown himself at Higuain’s feet to smother a shot in the 13th minute. The second half saw the Iranians almost snatch the tie on a number of occasions, and they also had a very good shout for a penalty turned down. In the end though it was a typical Messi goal that secured Argentina their second win of the tournament, cutting in from the right and curling a left-foot shot just inside the far post.

bronze medals with 21.33s and 21.38s respectively. Speaking to our correspondent in Calabar, Oduduru said he had been working for a day like this and was happy that he was able to achieve his goal, while giving glory to God for the victory. Regina George failed to make it to the medal zone after Folashade Abugan, against all odds, won the women’s 400m in 51.39s, followed closely by Omolara Omotosho in 51.56s and home girl, Patience OkonGeorge in 51.62s. George was fourth in 51.67. It was a similar story in the men’s 400m where pre-race favourite Noah Akwu finished

in second spot behind Isah Salihu, who won in 46.15s. Akwu returned a time of 46.34s, while Akerele Omeza won the bronze in 45.56s. The status quo was retained in the women’s 200m as Blessing Okagbare retained her crown with a time of 22.62s. Gloria Asunmu finished a distant second in 23.54s, while Dominique Duncan placed third in 23.91s. Brume Eze continued her impressive run in the women’s long jump as she took advantage of Okagbare’s absence to win gold in the event, jumping 6.68m. Amadi Chinazom and Comfort Onyali came second and third, jumping 6.46 and 6.14 respectively.

Calabar Trials:Upsets dominate final day Charles Ogundiya Calabar

he 2014 All Nigeria Athletics Championships in Calabar, Cross River state came to an end on Saturday with a major upset in the men’s 200m where junior athlete, Divine Oduduru, finished ahead of his more illustrious counterparts. There were also shock results in both the men’s and women’s 400m events. Oduduru was the cynosure of all eyes as he picked himself up from Friday’s 100m disappointment to win the 200m in 20.87m with Odele Tega and Mozavous Edwards having to make-do with the silver and

week to join Premier League champions Manchester City. Aurier, 21, is a versatile player who can play at right or left-back as well as a holding role in midfield. “According to reports in France the Gunners have agreed an £8m deal with Ligue 1 side Toulouse to secure Aurier’s services” The Toulouse defender admitted last month that it was his dream to play for Arsenal and he couldn’t turn down a move to the Emirates if the Gunners made an approach for him. According to French newspaper L’Equipe Arsenal have offered Aurier a five-year-deal which would see the Ivory Coast international earn £60,000 a week. The signing of Aurier could be the catalyst for a massive summer spree from Gunners boss Arsene Wenger this summer, Wenger has £100m war-chest to spend this summer according to reports and he is keen to sign at least four players before the start of the season in August.

FMCG Games hot-up in Lagos

ootball players and participants in other games of the 2014 Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Industry games are fully settled into the global World Cup mood but perhaps devoid of the upsets that has dominated the Mundial. It is Match Day 3 and the competition gets tighter for the football prize as PZ Cussons stake pride and pedigree against first timers, Nestle Plc otherwise known as the Milo Champions and in the second game of the day, it will be surprise team, Unilever taking on Cup holders, Dufil Prima at the National Stadium Legacy Pitch. Fela Bank-Olemoh, the CEO of MediaVision, organisers of the annual games and Nigeria’s leading Corporate Games managers said it has been the most exciting tournament since the history of corporate games in the country. “Perhaps, it is the spirit of the World Cup in Brazil that has caught up with us here but I can state clearly, there hasn’t been this competitiveness and friendship and there hasn’t been such excitement since this tournament came on stream,” declared BankOlemoh. PZ Cussons, famed for Robb are yet to win a match and will be fighting to avoid the label stamped on Spain at the World Cup when they take on Milo giants, Nestle who were forced to a late 1-1 draw by Unilever on Match Day 2 through a late penalty. Both teams are however poised for a tough battle after PZ survived a scare on the opening day of the Games against Unilever to settle for a 2-2 draw. They both need to win to advance to the next stage. For PZ Cussons, they will be banking on Ikechukwu Enebeli, who redeemed them with a goal in the last game to deliver against Nestle this time. But they must also worry about Nestle’s usual dominance of ball possession to figure out how to score.

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SPORT Messi’s wonder goal rescues Argentina

Business Sanctity of Truth w w w. new tel eg rap ho nl i ne. co m

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth. – Buddha

VOL. 1 NO. 124

SUNDAY, jUNE 22, 2014

N150

Maritime can sustain Nigeria’s economy - Adiotomre

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Imo and the rule of law

tudents of political science know a lot about the political or constitutional phrase known as Rule of Law. Very often, lawyers tend to make use of that expression as much as politicians, functional and dormant. This is so because, in fact, the two principal concepts in political science and government are the Rule of Law and Separation of Powers. Properly put, Rule of Law is a political concept, which advocates that there should be observance of certain rules and guidelines in the art of governance. Thus, it is a system of rules and tights that make for fair and functional societies. In a society where the rule of law prevails, nobody, no matter his or her position in society, is above the law. Rather, everybody is equal before the law even as government and its officials and agents as well as individuals and private entities are accountable under the law. Secondly, the laws are clear, publicized, stable, and just, are applied evenly and protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and property. Thirdly, the process of enactment of the law and its application must be open and made accessible to every citizen. Finally, justice must be delivered timely by competent, ethical, and independent representatives and neutrals who are of sufficient number, have adequate resources and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve. This means that there should be an independent judiciary to administer the law in accordance with the rules. The rule of law (also known as nomocracy) primarily refers to the influence and authority of law within society, especially as a constraint upon behaviour, including of government officials. The phrase can be traced back to the 16th century but it was popularized in the 19th century by British jurist A.V. Dicey. The concept is similar to the postulations of ancient philosophers such as Aristotle, who wrote that “Law should govern,” meaning that every citizen is subject to the law, including the law makers themselves. It stands in contrast to the idea that the ruler is above the law, for example by divine right. Despite wide use by politicians, judges and academics, the rule of law has been described as “an exceedingly elusive notion “giving rise to a “rampant divergence of understandings; everyone is for it but have contrasting convictions about what it is.” Were the above analytical and narrative descriptions of the rule of law, to be applied to the government of Imo State from purely unbiased perspective, one will not be faulted if one asserts that there is no practice of rule of law in Imo State. This can be explained and expatiated upon. From the inception of Owelle’s administration on May 29 2011, there is abundant evidence to prove the above assertion. For example, the first action of the governor after inauguration was to dissolve properly elected chairmen and councilors of local government councils in Imo State. This was contested in the law court and the chairmen and councilors won. But, the governor used all known and unknown tactics to frustrate the proper implementation of the judgment. Secondly, the governor also dissolve all the six statutorily constituted commissions

0803 391 9188

Okorocha

without due recourse to the rule of law. Until now, it is alleged that the governor has been using all means available to ensure that the case is not properly adjudicated. Thirdly, it is on record that there is no government in Nigeria today which has more cases pending in various high courts I Imo State than that of Rochas Okorocha. Unfortunately, he has discovered the weakness of the judiciary to get by thereby frustrating the implementation of the rule of law in Imo State. Fourthly, a couple of months ago, a bye-election was won by PDP candidate in Oguta state constituency. First, the victorious PDP candidate was denied swearing in. However, when the law cut up with the House of Assembly which appeared to be acting on the script of the governor, even

MAMA LASISI

the Speaker closed the House and took all Members on a jamboree to South Africa. It is on record that there are several rulings in the court, which went against the Okorocha administration. But because of the administration’s penchant for disregarding court decisions, such rulings have been frustrated. The worst case is Owelle’s case against Eze Ilomuanya who is challenging the authority and the constitutionality of his removal as the chairman Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers. Eze Iromunaya has won the case in various courts including the Federal Appeal Court which declared Owelle’s action as unconstitutional, null and void and of no consequence. Yet, the governor disallowed Eze Ilomuanya from gaining access to the office of the chairman

of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers. When Eze Ilomuanya insisted on his constitutional rights, Owelle shocked the society by declaring that he had dethroned the Eze. Before this had gone its logical length, Eze Ilomuanya defeated Owelle in another case of invading his house illegally with a cost of N10million awarded to him against the government. In fact, it is generally believed that there is no rule of law in Imo State and the governor does not give a hoot about it. But, it is important to make him realize that all those actions of refusing to follow the rule of law in his government are are only postponing the evil day. They will come back to haunt him perhaps long after he must have left the seat. Finally, he must be reminded of the pronouncement by Winifred who opined that “Those leaders who use illegitimate means to suppress their citizens are likely to face anarchy in the hands of the citizenry--because the alternative to lack of rule of law is anarchy. Nor should he forget what Humphrey Cronwell wrote, namely that “The rule of law is a guarantee for stability, tranquility, citizen obedience and support for the government. Where there is the lack of rule of law, the consequence is unruly behaviour by the people. This becomes even more manifest if the government in itsself is the promoter of absence of rule of law. Today, the people of Imo State certainly are under the rule of self-anointed emperor who has thrown overboard those fabrics of good governance. The people may not be talking; they may not be speaking out, but they know that one day and very soon too, they will have the dominance of power of decisionmaking at a polling booth. Do I need to say more?

“The worst case is Owelle’s case against Eze Ilomuanya who is challenging the authority and the constitutionality of his removal as the chairman Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers.”

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By Aliu Eroje