Binder1 september 14, 2014

SUNDAY NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Vol. 1 No. 208

/newtelegraph

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

CIVIL WAR HERO, ADEKUNLE, DIES AT 78 lJonathan, Obasanjo, others mourn Ahaoma Kanu, Anule Emmanuel, Sola Adeyemo, Kunle Olayeni

F

olarin Adekunle, son of the late Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle (retd.), aka Black Scorpion, yesterday said the former war hero’s last moments were happy and joyful.

Speaking to Sunday New Tele-

graph at their Eric Moore Close residence in Surulere, Lagos, Folarin stated that though his father’s death was touching, the late military officer spent his last days relaxed and joking with his family.

“He died quietly on his bed. He has been sick and bedridden for a year and half. We tried various treatments but there was no solution. He was playing with my

younger ones because they were the ones that took care of him. He started eating more because for some time now he had not been eating well. His last meal before his death was pap,” he said.

Sunday New Telegraph was not able to speak to his widow, Mrs. Folake Adekunle, as she was said to be in a mourning mood.

A condolence register opened by

his family contained three messages as at the time of this report.

The first was by one Bro. Emmanuel Kalu, who wrote, “Good to have known you. Bye.” Another from Brig-General M.S Toki, said, “What a loss. You are a jewel I have to lose. Rest in the bosom CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Fash Edgy ion camo, chic 22&4 print 3

Body Soul

Beau

Avoid ty age grawrinkles, cefully

21

Anyim, Aliyu, others escape death as TAN podium collapses }6

I want to succeed Fashola says Obasanjo’s step-daughter }5

Kalu commiserates with Dimgba Igwe’s family }5

Rumble in police over extension of AIG’s tenure }6

President knows Boko Haram’s CBN financier says Soyinka }6

SUNDAY

Dapo

14 SEP TEMBER

2014

Adele gan

My life after L Sunsp ekki lash

Polling units

Jega’s costly gamble }31

HOW SYNAGOGUE guest house collapsed - TB Joshua

}7

15

2

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Contents | 14.09.14 BODY & SOUL

Life after Lekki Sunsplash Twenty-six years after he initiated the very successful music carnival, Lekki Sunsplash, Dapo Adelegan declares, “The days of youth have totally gone now; we are in the days of maturity.”

}18

LIFE

Flood:Gombe people lament

Victims of flood in Gombe, the Gombe State capital, lament that the state government has abandoned them.

}4

POLITICS

Jega’s costly gamble The furore generated by the lopsided distribution of the new 30,027 polling units by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), is not abating.

}31

BUSINESS

Nigeria to join world’s top 20 economies by 2030

With Nigeria’s huge population of about 173million people and positive economic indicators, the country is set to become one of the world’s top 20 economies

}23

FAITH

Cele is not a cult The Shepherd in charge of Celestial Church of Christ, Trinity Tabernacle, Lagos, Prophet Samuel Owatude was a successful fashion designer who practised in the same area as popular fashion designer, Dakova, in Ebutte Metta, Lagos

}51

SPORT

Odegbami warns NFF Angered by the obvious power play in the NFF, former Green Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami, calls on the warring factions to sheath their swords.

}59

Editorial

As MDGs expire in 2015…

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arely six months from now, the 15year Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agenda, adopted in September 2000 by the UN, will expire. As part of effort to evolve the next roadmap and core issues of public interest to accommodate in the new set of strategies and goals to impel global development post-2015, summits, conferences and debates are afoot in different parts of the world to create global awareness of the post-2015 development needs.

In September 2000, 189 member states of the United Nations gathered at the Millennium Summit at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to adopt the United Nations Millennium Declaration, committing their nations to a new global partnership to reduce extreme poverty by Year 2015. The Declaration was signed by 147 heads of states and governments.

The commitments were drawn mainly from the agreements and resolutions of world conferences and summits organised by the United Nations during the preceding decade.

In August 2001, the UN Secretary General’s Road Map for implementing the Millennium Declaration formally unveiled eight goals, supported by a set of 18 quantified and timebound targets along with 48 indicators, which became known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) aimed at directing global efforts towards achieving significant, quantifiable improvements in people’s lives by Year 2015. They established targets and standards for gauging results--for developing countries, rich countries that help fund development programmes and for the multilateral institutions that help countries implement them.

The eight MDGs-- eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability and develop a global partnership for development-- have so far guided the efforts of almost all organisations working in development. They have also been universally accepted as framework for measuring development progress, with the goals acquiring a politically and morally compelling character and treated as the contemporary framework of international development cooperation, to which there is supposedly no alternative, even when the goals remain neither legally binding nor formal United Nations resolutions.

Analysts have faulted the goals on the grounds that they were not devised by governments through an open debate as would have been desirable, if the will of the people in developing countries were to be expressed.

They maintain that the goals were formulated by a “working committee drawn from a range of UN bodies, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, UNICEF, the

Population Fund, the World Health Organization and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).”

They also argue that “the goals were not the object of a formal resolution of the UN General Assembly, but it was taken for granted that they reformulated the Intergovernmental Declaration and were to frame international development cooperation until 2015,” and that “the history of the goals’ makes it clear that they are not, strictly speaking, an intergovernmental product but an initiative driven by the UN Secretariat and its ‘experts’.”

We couldn’t agree more. The lack of inclusive intellectualisation of the problems ab initio was a major flaw that must not be allowed in the set of new rules and goals aimed at driving global development and, ultimately, achieving sustainable progress and universal wellbeing.

It is for this reason that we totally support the position of President Goodluck Jonathan and other African leaders at the 22nd Ordinary Summit of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia early this year, that the post-2015 UN anti-poverty Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agenda must be all inclusive and reflect the wishes of developing nations, and that the MDGs’ successor agenda should accommodate the unfinished business of the MDGs as set out in the AU policy document of March, 2013.

Although the AU document promotes universal and equitable access to quality health care, gender equality, education and human capital development, disaster risk reduction, poverty eradication, shelter provision and water resources management--and remains commendable for its broad scope--we are appalled by the level of poverty and inequality, poor health care and huge gaps and deficits in provision of shelter and water still found in Nigeria and indeed, many African countries.

This further strengthens our position that the idea of poverty eradication is grossly nebulous, strikingly faulty, fundamentally unrealistic, and must be realigned at the continental and global spheres to pursue more realistic and inclusive poverty-reduction and alleviation policies and programmes.

Nigeria, as President Jonathan told the meeting chaired by Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, may have recorded impressive strides toward some of the eight MDGs, especially poverty reduction, education and maternal health, but we believe that much more still needs to be done.

Policies and programmes seeking to promote the happiness of citizens from its affective and evaluative dimensions now need to be pursued and promoted with greater vigour.

The unfolding fresh historic opportunity to address inequality, develop more holistic indicators, build stronger institutions and capacity as well as finance development must not be lost.

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief n Eric Osagie Deputy Managing Directors n Gabriel Akinadewo

Felix Oguejiofor Abugu

Managing Editor n Suleiman Uba Gaya

Editor, Daily n Yemi Ajayi

Editor, Saturday n Laurence Ani

Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu Deputy Editor, Saturday n Juliet Bumah Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins

Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Asst. Editor, News & Politics n Biyi Adegoroye

Advert Manager n Taiwo Ahmed

Ag. Sales/Marketing Manager n Uchey Okezie

Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

3

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

Benjamin Adekunle (1936 - 2014)

Long forgotten, Black Scorpion dies poor, sad

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he signs were ominous, time was rolling to an end.

Benjamin Maja Adesanya Adekunle, civil war hero, commander of commandoes, lay derelict, forgotten by country and colleagues. And the lights finally went out yesterday!

Born to a Yoruba father from Ogbomoso in presentday Oyo State and a mother from Bachama in the Middle Belt, Adekunle attended Government College, Okene. He joined the army on March 15, 1958, alongside Olusegun Obasanjo, Patrick Amadi, Mobolaji Johnson, Jacob Esuene and Beneth Ochei.

From Teshie in Ghana to Sandhurst, England, Adekunle was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on December 15, 1960. Staff training took him to Wettington, India.

After serving briefly as Aide -De Camp to the Governor of the Eastern Region, Sir Akanu Ibiam, Adekunle served with United Nations peace keeping force in the Congo.

The civil war offered the first command position when he led the Sixth Battalion. Shortly after, he was named General Officer Commanding of the Third Marine Commandoes.

With such crack officers as Lt. Cols Godwin AlabiIsama, Alani Akinrinade, George Innih, Philemon Shande and Pius Eromobor, Adekunle proved to be a decisive factor in the prosecution of the war.

The Marine Commandoes were tasked with the job of securing the Biafran-dominated areas through the sea. And they got it right by clearing such areas as Port Harcourt, Calabar, Bonny, Uyo and even Azumini.

But Adekunle was also unpredictable. Beyond the razzmattazz of vowing to crush Owerri, Aba and Umuahia, in what he dubbed ‘Operation OAU’, battle fatigue apparently took its turn. It was so bad that he allegedly actually planned to kill the duo of Alabi-Isama and Akinrinade, his frontline commanders.

There were also fears that he was not as pushful when the Biafrans recaptured Owerri. There was talk that because Ibiam married a Yoruba woman and Adekunle had a Bonny wife, the GOC was playing hide and seek.

For Adekunle it was who tried to save Igbo soldiers on the train in Minna when Northern soldiers went wild, cutting off as many heads as could be thrown into the river while bewildered pregnant women were forced into labour.

Adekunle almost lost his life. Some Northerners tried to slice his head with a bayonet but it did not work. They left him on the rail track to be crushed by a moving train. Some accounts say he was saved by Maj. Gibson Jalo, a Bachama.

In 1969, Adekunle was relieved of his GOC job and redeployed to army

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1

Jonathan, Obasanjo, others mourn

of the Almighty Father;” while another sympathiser, Hon. Olomi, wrote, “May God be with you, may your soul rest in peace.”

Recalling his father’s wish for him to enlist in the army, Folarin, who just graduated from Babcock University with a first degree in Business Administration, said he would miss not having somebody to put him and his siblings in the right track.

“I will miss everything about him. If I had not grown to know him the way people talked about him, I will say that everything about him is nice. I will miss that part of him; there will not be somebody to teach me and put me on the right track. He wanted me to enlist into the army and continue where he stopped. He wanted me to be as tough as he was in the army but I chose another part,” he said.

When asked if the family would want the late Adekunle’s service to the country to be recognised, Folarin said though the

family cannot force anybody to honour their father’s contribution to national unity, the government can do better.

“We feel alright with that, we cannot force anybody to honour him or not. I don’t have any say in the matter.

I am not aware if my father was even bothered about being honoured or not because he was a tough guy and really kept things to himself. I feel Nigeria has tried in remembering what he did to make sure the country did not separate but they can also do better,” ” he said. …retirement home now a private school The Surulere home of the late Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle, where he lived since retirement, now houses a private school.

Sunday New Telegraph investigations revealed that the property was sold earlier this year and now houses Shoms International Schools as well as a bible

headquarters as Director of Planning and Training.

Obasanjo stepped in as replacement.

A year later, he took up the civilian job of Apapa Port commandant and restored sanity in what turned out to be his last major posting.

The end was rough. Ad-

academy.

When Sunday New Telegraph visited the building located at Odutayo Street in Surulere, Lagos, renovation work was still going on and the signpost of the school now adores the main building.

A guard who responded to our correspondent said that the school started in June. Sunday New Telegraph confirmed from the proprietor of the school, one Dr. Olowole, that the property was bought over this year from the Adekunles.

Many of the residents there were yet to learn of the demise of the Black Scorpion as he was known.

Some automobile mechanics in front of the house described him as a very nice.

“Baba na nice person,” one of them called Idowu said. When informed that Adekunle died earlier that day, their mood changed for a few minutes.

A woman, Mrs. Comfort Madu, who sells roasted

ekunle fell foul of the law on allegations of involvement in trafficking of Indian hemp. He was retired from the army as a brigadier.

That was not the real end.

He was said to have fought in Angola during their war of independence with the

corn opposite the gate of the house said she remembered Adekunle as a nice man who used to help people and gave a lot of advice.

“He normally came and patronised me and he would sit here and talk with me. Many of the area boys on this street respected and feared him so they never gave me any trouble because Baba always came to my corner,” she said.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan; ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo; and other prominent Nigerians yesterday expressed sadness over the death of civil war hero and former commander of the 3rd Marine Commando, Brig-Gen. Benjamin Adekunle.

The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, extended sincere condolences to the family of the late general, who passed on in the early hours of Saturday.

The President joined

tacit backing of the Nigerian government.

Adekunle was also an officer who respected his seniors even outside service.

Once he met Dim Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu in Kaduna, long after the war, and gave a smart salute.

them and other Nigerians in mourning Adekunle, whom he described as a very courageous soldier who achieved national fame during the Nigerian civil war.

Jonathan singled out his gallant leadership of the 3rd Marine Commandos in the successful effort to defend the unity and territorial integrity of the country.

“As the Black Scorpion’s soul returns to the Almighty Creator, President Jonathan enjoins his family, friends, former military colleagues and all who mourn his passing to also give thanks to God for blessing the nation with fearless soldiers and patriots of his calibre who stand ready to lay down their lives for the peace, unity and progress of their country,” the statement noted.

In a terse statement, Obasanjo expressed shock over Adekunle’s death, saying he would be remembered for so long.

The former president

Now the end has come.

The man Adekunle died in penury. He died forgotten. A sad man he was, although he was called Black Scorpion. Ironically, those who failed to honour him, will be quick in sending eulogies.And of course, the dead stay dumb. noted that the contributions of the late general during the country’s civil war between 1967 and 1970 were no mean efforts.

He said, “I received with shock the news of the death of my colleague, friend and course mate, Gen. Benjamin Adekunle, today. I can recall with fond memories what he was able to achieve as a course mate at Teshi, Accra Ghana.

“He made a no mean contribution for the Nigerian civil war. His efforts would be forever remembered and May his soul rest in peace.

I am very shocked by this news today.”

Obasanjo offered his condolences to the family of the deceased, saying though “his vacuum will be difficult to fill in the family, but, I pray for them to have the fortitude to bear this loss.”

For his part, Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said Adekunle’s death had closed a long chapter in the history of the nation as it relates to the civil war.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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Life

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Gombe flood victims cry out

Govt has abandoned us

Ugo Willies GOMBE

M

ore than one week after the flood that devastated Gombe, the Gombe State capital, victims bemoan their loss as they await government assistance to enable them survive the attendant hardship.

The Gombe flood disaster of Friday September 5, 2014 was one of the worst flood disasters recorded in the state in recent times. It could only be compared to the August 2004 flood, which claimed not less than 20 lives and destroyed properties worth millions of Naira.

A day after last week’s incident, the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Danlami Arabs Rukujei, said six people lost their lives while about 90 houses, foodstuff and other household items worth hundreds of millions of naira were destroyed. He noted that they were still compiling the list of affected houses and victims.

“We have confirmed the loss of six adults but it will be too early to quantify the magnitude of the loss because apart from shelter and household items, many people lost their food. But from what I have seen, it is going into hundreds of millions of Naira,” Rukujei said. Residents also believe that they lost more in that unfortunate incident.

On Thursday, Rukujei said they had not got the actual figure of the casualty.

He said, “As at yesterday, we have discovered a total number of 600 houses and this is apart from the number of people, because a house could have many tenants. We have not concluded the assessment yet and that is what the governor is waiting for before any assistance could come.” He said the state government had not come up with any temporary assistance because the victims had been sheltered by their relatives, friends and sympathetic individuals within their communities.

Residents were quite surprised by the extent of damage caused by the flood. After the 2004 incident, the state government had intervened by constructing storm drains in many parts of the state capital.

However, of more importance to the residents of

the city is what they described as the neglect by the state government and the pitiable condition of most of the victims. The rains, which started around 2pm, lasted for a few hours but the devastation was enormous. After his assessment tour the next day, Rukujei said, “We’ve lost people; people have lost shelter, clothing, beddings and food. About eight areas in Gombe metropolis were most affected.

“I cannot say now the number of households that have been displaced, but the good thing is that almost all those who have lost their shelters have found temporary shelters without any need for us to put up any temporary shelter anywhere.”

The areas worst affected by the flood, he said, were Checheniya, Jakadafari, Dawaki, Herwagana, KumbiyaKumbiya, Ungwa-Uku, Yelenguruza and Bolari.

With help coming from nowhere except from relations, one of the victims, Mr. Iliya David Magaji, of Herwagana Quarters, told our correspondent that nothing had changed since the incident that submerged his three-room apartment where his sick mother and three siblings were living. Magaji said, “No government official has come to commiserate with us except our Mai-Anguwa (ward head) who took some pictures of our destroyed houses from us.

I heard that the governor went round selected places on Tuesday and I had expected him to come to our area due to the high level of destruction here.”Alhaji Adamu Maiwanki, whose house is just a stone throw

“As at yesterday, we have discovered a total number of 600 houses and this is apart from the number of people, because a house could have many tenants”

from Magaji’s, also complained of neglect by the authorities. According to Maiwanki, his seven-room house was also destroyed by the flood. He said his wives and children had been moved from the house to the homes of relations.

He said government’s assistance would be most appreciated now because it is its responsibility. “It is as if I am still dreaming. The nightmare is too much for me and we say we have a government that is responsible to its people?” Maiwanki asked rhetorically.

The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, who personally went round the flood-ravaged area last Wednesday, called on government and wellmeaning individuals and organisations to urgently come to the aid of the victims with material assistance to enable them to move on with their lives. The emir warned residents against obstructing the waterways, and the flow of water, and expressed the need for government to come to the aid of the victims who are mostly the down trodden of the society. The emir, who spoke through the Yariman Gombe, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar, said, “God is the ultimate and we cannot question Him. All we have to do is to pray that a thing like this should not happen again. But for our part, we should stop building structures and dumping refuse on waterways. Since it has happened, we need to be our brothers’ keeper.”

The emir also advised the people to always keep their environs in good sanitary condition. Residents of the area are earnestly waiting for the state government, under Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, to come to the aid of the displaced citizens. Most of them feel the government is slow in looking into their condition.

“Why should it take government over one week to compile the list of affected victims? What have they done with those they have their names already? Our government in Gombe State is a failure,” a resident, Umar Mohammed, said.

During the 2004 incident, the then Governor, Alhaji Danjuma Goje, constituted a committee that canvassed for support and assistance from within and outside the state for victims of the flood.

5

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

News

Kalu commiserates with Dimgba Igwe’s family

F

Chijioke Iremeka

ormer governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kwalu, yesterday promised to take over the education of the children of the late Vice-Chairman of The Sun Publishing Company, Mr Dimgba Igwe, who died last Saturday, aged 58.

Igwe died few hours after he was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver while he was jogging near his house in Okota, Lagos.

Kalu, who arrived at Igwe’s residence at about 12:23pm, and was received by the former Managing Director of The Sun, Mr Mike Awoyinfa and his wife, Mrs Bukola Awoyinfa; Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited, Mr. Eric Osagie; Executive Director, Special Duties, The Sun, Mr Bolaji Tunji, GM, Human Resources/ Administration, The Sun, Mrs Ogechi Ucheand the Group Managing Director of PEDAM Marketing International Ltd, Mr. Sweet Asouzu, among others, said he was saddened by the development.

He, however, urged the widow and children to take heart.

“As long as I live, the children of late Igwe will remain in school. They will attend the best schools they wish, anywhere in the world and be gainfully employed in the best organisations they wish, except they say no to that. You have to stop crying. Though, as humans, we Muritala Ayinla

T

he plot against a former Accountant General of Lagos State and governorship aspirant, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, thickened yesterday as yet another aide of Governor Babatunde Fashola, Mrs Adetokunbo Tobun-Agbesanwa, indicated interest in running for governor.

Tobun-Agbesanwa, who is ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s step-daughter and a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Fashola on School Environmental Advocacy, joins the growing list of members of the governor ’s cabinet, who have indicated interest in picking the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket for the seat.

Sunday New Telegraph learnt that, like many other governorship aspirants in the party, some members of the State Executive Council are not favourably disposed to Ambode’s candidature.

can’t hold back our tears, especially when we try to remember the roles of the person in the family.

“I can’t still believe it. I was in London when I heard the sad news. It’s sad. But you as a pastor, you shouldn’t allow anybody to come in and make you cry. Try and give others hope. We have cried enough.

“Don’t worry yourself, I will train all your children and they will go to schools where they want to except they wish not to go to school. This is a major challenge in life. Please, accept my sincere condolences.

I’m already speaking with Mike on that. We are not separated forever. We are going to meet again when God wants it.

“I want to say that God knows about his death because Igwe wasn’t sick, he trying to be fit and death came. We will try and give him a befitting burial. Everybody must die. Some people will die without leaving anybody to mourn them, while others will die, leaving people behind to mourn. Dimgba left his wife, children and family members to mourn him.

“I will speak with Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State to tar the street leading to his house and also name the street after Dimgba. Let’s bury his remains first, then, we can think of what should be done to immortalise him.”

On the issue of security, he described it as the business of everybody, saying that all Nigerians should be involved in it. Most impor-

lPledges to take over children’s education

L-R: Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu; widow of Mr. Dimgba Igwe, Oby; and daughters, Victory and Glory during Kalu’s condolence visit to the family of the late Vice-Chairman of The Sun, at their residence in Okota, Lagos…yesterday

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

tantly, both the government and private sector should move in strongly to develop the healthcare system in the country.

“We leave so many things in the hands of government but we should be involved in them also as citizens.

Accept my deepest condolences. Life is a journey. We will meet again someday,” he added.

Responding, Dimgba’s elder brother, Mr. Hanson

Igwe, who spoke on behalf of the family, said he was relieved by Kalu’s coming.

“I want to thank you for your promise. On behalf of Igwe’s family, I thank you for coming.”

Meanwhile, Awoyinfa had earlier, while receiving Kalu, said the loss of Dimgba was a great scar in the hearts of his family, colleagues and friends.

He said, “We welcome you today but with pains

and sadness in our hearts.

This is not how we would have loved to welcome you but God, who knows the best, has made it so.

We have shed a lot of tears before now and there is no need for more crying. We have cried enough. We have to look at the old good days and thank the Lord.

“The role Dimgba played in the lives of many will not be washed away from the face of earth by history.

But we are hopeful and confident that God will use you (Kalu) to help the children of late Igwe. Look at these children, they are still young and we know what you can do.”

Also, a group of youths who came mourning at Igwe’s compound said they usually jogged with the late journalist while he was alive. They described him as a good and peaceful man.

2015: Plot against Ambode thickens

...Obasanjo’s step-daughter indicates interest in Fashola’s job

Obasanjo

His candidature has, however, received the blessings of a former governor and APC National Leader, Asiwaju Tinubu.

The state Commissioner for Works, Dr. Femi Hamzat, and six other commissioners are already eying the governorship seat. While Hamzat had made his intention known, others are still consulting, owing to the dramatic twist in the political game.

Tobun-Agbesanwa, who is the daughter of late Major Moji AdekunleObasanjo and Chief Adekunle-Tobun, said she is eminently qualified to join the race, having served the state in various capacities.

Her father was a governorship aspirant in Lagos State in the Third Republic. She is also coming out from Epe, where Ambode and some notable aspirants within Fashola’s cabinet are coming out from.

Speaking with Sunday

New Telegraph on the telephone yesterday, TobunAgbesanwa said she was ready to slug it out with other contenders in the governorship primaries scheduled to hold in November 2015.

She declared that she has all it takes to take the state to the next level.

On whether she would be able to defeat other popular male contenders, Tobun-Agbesanwa said, “I’m confident about my victory in the primaries.

I’m bold and confident, even though I am the only female aspirant who has indicated interest in vying for the position.”

Asked if she could defeat Ambode and others being backed by Tinubu and Fashola, the political scientist said, “I think

politics is supposed to be fair. It is like you wake up in the morning and you are just lying down, you don’t do exercise. Over time, you will have heart problem, you will have serious problems. In politics, if you don’t allow people to compete, if you don’t allow activities, then you are looking for a time bomb.”

But when asked if she has somebody who is behind her emergence as governorship aspirant, she explained, “I don’t think at my age somebody has to call me to tell me what is right or wrong or what I can do or not be capable of doing. If you allow people to determine who you are, then you have failed in the first place. So, you have to believe in yourself first.”

Meanwhile, a highly

placed APC source from Epe Division said TobunAgesanwa may have been endorsed by some party chieftains in the zone to weaken Ambode’s political structure ahead of the primaries.

Meanwhile, findings by our correspondent also revealed that Tinubu has told all APC members aspiring for elective positions to go to the field and do their homework, as there would not be any automatic ticket.

Hence, some members of the State Executive Council and aspirants outside Fashola’s cabinet have begun moves to woo APC members through various empowerment programmes and meetings with party leaders in their various wards.

6

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

Jonathan knows Boko Haram’s CBN financier - Soyinka N

obel Laureate, Prof.

Wole Soyinka, yesterday said the identity of the Boko Haram ‘financier in the Central Bank of Nigeria had been revealed to President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement titled ‘The Wages of Impunity’, Soyinka said the identity of the individual referred to by international conflict negotiator, Stephen Davis, had been independently verified.

“In the process of our enquiries, we solicited the help of a foreign embassy whose government, we learnt, was actually on the same trail, thanks to its independent investigation into some money laundering that involved the Central Bank. That name, we confidently learnt, has also been passed on to President Jonathan.

“When he is ready to abandon his accommodating policy towards the implicated, even the criminalised, an attitude that owes so much to re-election desperation, when he moves from a passive ‘letting the law to take its course’ to galvanising the law to take its course, we shall gladly supply that name.”

Soyinka said it was shocking that a pro-Jonathan group could appropriate the #BringBackOurGirls campaign (for the rescue of the Chibok girls) and rename it as #BringBackJonathan2015. He noted that although Jonathan had since

denied knowledge of or complicity in the campaign, it had seriously damaged Nigeria’s image.

“The very possibility of such a desecration took the Nigerian nation several notches down in human regard. It confirmed the very worst of what external observers have concluded and despaired of - a culture of civic callousness, a coarsening of sensibilities and, a general human disregard.

It affirmed the acceptance, even domination of lurid practices where children are often victims of unconscionable abuses including ritual sacrifices, sexual enslavement, and worse.

“Spurred by electoral desperation, a bunch of selfseeking morons and sycophants chose to plumb the abyss of self-degradation and drag the nation down to their level. It took us to a hitherto unprecedented low in ethical degeneration. The bets were placed on whose turn would it be to take the next potshots at innocent youths in captivity whose society and governance have failed them and blighted their existence? Would the Chibok girls now provide standup comic material for the latest staple of Nigerian escapist diet? Would we now move to a new export commodity in the entertainment industry named perhaps ‘Taunt the Victims’?”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Rumble in police force as PSC extends AIG’s tenure

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here are rumblings in the Nigeria Police Force over the two-year extension granted the Assistant Inspector-General incharge of Airwing, Mr. Samuel Aguda, by the Police Service Commission.

Sunday New Telegraph learnt that Aguda, who will be due for retirement on September 28, 2014, was granted the extension last week on the grounds that he is a ‘specialist pilot and captain’.

Sunday New Telegraph also learnt that the pro-

moters of his tenure extension argued that he would need two years to upgrade the proficiency of the police airwing’s pilots.

It was learnt that a top senator lobbied the Presidency to approve the extension, a development which has not gone down well with many senior police officers.

They argued that since President Goodluck Jonathan turned down the extension request of the immediate IG, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, the same rule should have been applied to Aguda.

Also, it was learnt that between now and November, between eight and 10 AIGs are expected to retire from the police force.

The expectation is that if Aguda can be granted an extension, the retiring AIGs should also be granted such a privilege.

Had the extension not been granted, a commissioner of police would have succeeded the AIG Airwing.

However, a PSC source said it was discovered that there are no ‘experienced pilots’ to succeed Aguda.

The source added that he

would need two years to groom them and upgrade their proficiency.

“It is true. He is a specialist and that is why it was approved,” the PSC official said.

Asked whether the commission put the rumblings in the force into consideration, the source replied: “Are the other AIGs specialists in their fields? Is there any need like what we have in the airwing?”

Attempts to obtain comments from the PSC Chairman, Sir Mike Okiro, were unsuccessful.

Mammoth crowd at the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria rally in support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in Minna, Niger State... yesterday

Anyim, Aliyu, others escape death as TAN podium collapses Dan Atori MINNA

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ecretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim; Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu; and some other dignitaries yesterday escaped death when a podium erected by the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria at a rally for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election crashed in Minna.

The podium’s crash, which caused a stampede, occurred as leading politicians from the North-Central zone rallied support for Jonathan.

Also at the event, the governor, who was the only North-Central state chief executive present, pledged to mobilise one million signatures from the state in support of the bid.

Among others on the

collapsed podium were the governor’s wife, Jummai; Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Shehu Shagari; a former Deputy President of the Senate, Ibrahim Mantu; ex-Minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof. Jerry Gana; Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Gbemisola Saraki; Senator Zainab Kure and a host of other PDP chieftains.

The stampede, which saw top government functionaries scrambling to flee, took place at 11:53am, with few minutes left for goodwill messages.

However, all the dignitaries at the event escaped unhurt as they were all protected by their orderlies and escorted to the main podium to continue with the event.

Injured persons were rushed to the IBB Specialist

Hospital, General Hospital Minna, Bay Clinic and Top Medical Centre to receive medical attention. Many of them were discharged almost immediately.

Among those with injuries were Aliyu’s wife; a special assistant to the governor, Mallam Suleiman, who tried to rescue the governor; a Department of State Security agent, who broke his leg; and the Director-General, Public Affairs, Niger State, Mallam Tanko Dada, who sustained a deep cut in his head and was rushed to the Bay Clinic, close to the governor’s house in Minna.

Mobile phones littered the collapsed podium.

The rally, however, continued after the incident as speaker after speaker praised Jonathan’s transformation agenda.

Anyim, in his address,

said he had not come to campaign for the President but to collect signatures from the people of North-Central zone calling on Jonathan to contest the 2015 presidential election.

Aliyu pledged to do all within his power to mobilise the one million signatures.

Our correspondent gathered that the event managers were under the stand still fixing the stage since they arrived at Minna late on Friday for the event.

As at the time of filing this report, the number of casualties was not known as security men barred people and journalists from getting to some of the hospitals and the scene.

Our correspondent was assaulted by one of the Department of State Security agents, who hit his camera and pushed him away from the spot where

he was trying to get some photographs.

One of the victims, Ismail Gambo, said, “I thought it was a bomb blast, so I had to jump as much as I could.

But I realised I was trapped in the collapsed stand as so many people were scrambling for safety.”

A journalist attached to TAN said, “I was interviewing one of the top officials when the scaffold started giving way. I quickly moved to the stairs but before I got there the stand had collapsed. I only sustained this minor injury.”

However, the governor wished TAN well, saying, “This thing that happened should not deter you from doing what you came to do.”

Among those injured as gathered by our Correspondent include, were on the floor as people scampered for safety.

Other dignitaries at the rally were Senator Barnabas Gemade; FCT Minister of State, Olajumoke Akinjide; Senator Philip Aduda; Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe; deputy governors of Kogi, Benue and Sokoto states; Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; Bola Shagaya; Minister of Interior, Abba Moro; Senator-elect Nuhu Zagbayi; and Minister of State for Agriculture, Hajia Asabe Asmau Ahmed.

The organisers of the rally through a statement from their Director of Communications, Dr. Udenta O. Udenta, described the incident as “unfortunate,” but noted that it did not diminish the ceremony.

TAN expressed appreciation to the governor and ministers from the NorthCentral zone for their cooperation.

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

News

How my church’s building collapsed – TB Joshua Tai Anyanwu, Muritala Ayinla and Wole Shadare

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eneral Overseer of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua, yesterday blamed a mystery aircraft for the collapse of a building belonging to his church.

This was just as no fewer than 124 survivors comprising Nigerians and foreigners were yesterday rescued alive while 17 dead bodies were pulled out from the rubble of the SCOAN building.

Addressing a press conference at his church headquarters in Lagos, the cleric said he was the target of the mystery aircraft’s mission.

He said he was praying when he and others noticed the ‘unusual’ hovering of the light plane which made the church to inform security operatives of the unusual aircraft movement.

Investigation by Sunday New Telegraph indicated that the area is far outside the recognised flight path charted by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

In a footage shown to the media, the aircraft first circled the building at 11.30am, while a CCTV camera captured the second movement at 11.43am; the third at 11.45am and the fourth at 12.44pm. It showed the structure crumbling in a manner reminiscent of the collapse of the World Trade Centre in New York, United States on September 11, 2001.

Joshua, who said he suspected foul play, stated, “I refused to comment on the matter before now as I needed to review the footage as captured by the CCTV. I was saying my prayer room when people in the neighbourhood called my attention to the aircraft.

“Immediately, I came out

of the place to observe what was happening. After the fourth movement, the building came down. Immediately this was going on, we alerted security operatives to our suspicion.”

He alleged that there a plan by unnamed persons to eliminate him and destroy his ministry, stressing that that should not be taken too far by killing people who are at liberty to worship God. Joshua noted that what happened to his church would be clear to Nigerians in two or three years’ time, urging Nigerians to pray for the nation.

He apologised for the hostility meted to the media by some persons at the church on Friday, stressing that they were not members of the church.

Among those pulled out of the rubble alive was a fouryear-old girl while 80 per cent of the survivors were women. An eight-year-old girl also survived the incident.

The evacuation of the survivors and the dead came after initial hours of altercations between the church authority and emergency responders led by the General Manager of the Lagos State Building and Control Agency, Mrs. Abimbola Animashaun, and her counterpart in the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu.

It was an emotional scene yesterday as bodies of dead victims were pulled out from the rubble while some survivors who were severely injured were quickly taken to a waiting ambulance.

Majority of the victims were artisans who were working on the building before it eventually collapsed on them.

The church blamed the building collapse on sabotage, saying the video of how the building caved in would be shown today (Sunday).

‘Jonathan knows Boko Haram’s CBN financier’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

He expressed support for efforts by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana, and some civil society groups to engender the prosecution of a former Borno State Governor, Modu Sheriff, for alleged links to Boko Haram.

Soyinka, who said security agencies and embassies were in possession of daming evidence against Sheriff, said it was also demeaning for Jonathan to have accommodated the former governor in his recent meeting with Chadian

President, Idris Deby.

He also called for an international panel to investigate the allegations raised against a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, by Davis.

“In the meantime however, as we twiddle our thumbs, wondering when and how this nightmare will end, and time rapidly runs out, I have only one admonition for the man to whom so much has been given, but who is now caught in the depressing spiral of diminishing returns: “Bring Back Our Honour,” he added.

But confirming the casualty figure, the LASEMA GM said 124 survivors were recorded while about 17 people died.

“We are top of the situ-

ation; our men are still on the ground and there is the likelihood that more people may still be trapped in the building,” he added.

National Emergency Man-

agement Agency spokesperson in the South-West, Ibrahim Farinloye, also confirmed the figures.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde

Fashola, could not visit the scene as earlier speculated, as he was said to be attending to urgent state matters.

However, the governor is expected to visit the place today.

A survivor of the Synagogue Church of All Nations building collapse being taken to an ambulance, yesterday CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said Adekunle played a crucial role in the civil war that almost liquidated the Nigerian nation.

He noted that irrespective of what some people might believe or not believe about the deceased, Adekunle played a vital role in making sure Nigeria remained a united country.

“We receive with heavy heart the death of one of Nigeria’s finest soldiers, who fought for the unity of his country.

“No doubt, he was a soldier of soldiers and commander of men. He distinguished himself in his chosen profession both at home and abroad.

“We, the Government and people of Osun, convey our heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended families of Adekunle, and

Adekunle dies at 78 the Government and people of Oyo State. We pray that God repose his gentle soul in paradise,” Aregbesola said.

Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; his predecessor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade; and Senator Olufemi Lanlehin paid glowing tributes to the war hero.

Ajimobi, who condoled with the family of the Ogbomoso, Oyo State-born war veteran, described his transition as a monumental loss to the country.

In a statement in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, the governor said that he was extremely saddened by the news of Adekunle’s death.

He said, “Although Gen. Adekunle has for some time now been facing some health challenges, his death at this material time when

the country is passing through difficult times, in terms of security and national cohesion, is tragic and shocking.”

He described the late general as a fine officergentleman, nationalist and patriotic Nigerian, who exploited his military expertise to rescue Nigeria from the precipice and ensured that the country remained one indivisible entity.

Speaking in the same vein, Alao-Akala said the late Adekunle left behind a legacy of patriotism that would be very difficult to forget in the history of Nigeria.

The former governor maintained that the contributions of the late army general to the successful end of the civil war in 1970 could not be erased.

Reflecting on the current security challenges in the country, Alao-Akala said the gains made in the past

Photo: Tai Anyanwu

through the efforts of the likes of the deceased were being eroded on the altar of religious and ethnic bigotry.

Similarly, Ajagungbade recalled that the late Adekunle was his holder of the title of Ashipa of Ogbomosoland, thus making his death very shocking and devastating to him.

The monarch insisted that the contributions of the late army general towards the unity of Nigeria would be difficult to forget, while calling on the Federal Government to find a way of immortalising him as well as other Nigerians, who had made imperishable contributions to the growth and development of the country at one point in time or the other.

Also, Lanlehin representing Oyo South in the Senate, said Nigerians would miss the wartime hero and prayed that God would grant his family and the nation the fortitude to bear the loss.

Insecurity: President approves special forces brigade Anule Emmanuel

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said the Federal Government had concluded arrangement to establish a special forces brigade to assist in combating insurgency in the country.

The President staed this at the Passing Out Parade of Officer Cadets of the 61 Regular Course and Short Service Course 42 (Army) at the Nigerian Defence

Academy in Kaduna.

He said the decision was in furtherance of government’s commitment to achieving national security objectives.

“In furtherance of our national security objectives, we are establishing a Special Forces Brigade to meet the challenges of new threats in the environment and thereby aligning our armed forces to greater citizen’s protection and national defence,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President challenged the new cadets to display 100 per cent loyalty to the country for the sustenance of its unity.

President Jonathan at the event directed the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs to institute special honours for men in uniform who lose their lives in active service.

“On no account must our country abandon those who served her loyally,

and paid the supreme price.

This honour is to ensure that their memories and service live with us and our Nation forever!” he stated.

He assured that his administration was committed to due process, equity, merit and the rule of law, which are the cardinal pillars of a democratic society.

“As members of our Armed Forces, your constitutional responsibilities are very broad but very clearly defined,” he declared.

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SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

Multiple tragedies hit Lagos •12 houses, 14 shops, 6 cars destroyed

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Muritala Ayinla ultiple tragedies occured in some parts of Lagos State over the weekend, leading to the death of many people including a baby boy, who was consumed by fire.

The separate incidents

which occurred in Epe, Agbado, Ikotun, Ikoyi and Onikan allegedly claimed many lives 26 houses and shops worth billions of naira.

A one year-old baby, who was burnt beyond recognition at 18 Alhaji Yusuf Street in Okokomaiko area of the state, was said to have been

locked in the room by his mother who went to church when the fire started.

The residents, it was gathered, did not know that the woman left her son in the house before the fire started.

Confirming the incident, the Director of Lagos Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe,

said the fire agency could not ascertain the cause of the inferno but said the fire started in the room where the little boy was burnt to death.

He said: “We learnt the boy’s father had travelled before the incident. The mother left him in the room and locked the door.

We were told she went to church.”

Fadipe added that no fewer than 12 houses and four vehicles including a petrol tanker were also destroyed in the fire accident in Epe. According to him, the petrol-laden tanker was ascending a hilly portion of the road when it upturned, spilling its content on the road and the drainage channels in the area.

“The flood of petroleum flowed through drains to other parts of the area before it caught fire. In all, about four vehicles including the petrol tanker were destroyed in the inferno.

“Three trucks containing

10,000 of litres of water were sent to Epe to contain the serious fire that engulfed the area where 12 houses seriously burnt,” Fadipe told Sunday New Telegraph.

At Agbado, another area in the state, about nine shops were also destroyed in another fire incident which also led loss of properties, including food items and raw cash.

Also in Ikotun, three shops were destroyed by fire beside Mukky Petrol Station near Synagogue Church while two cars went up in flame at Osborne Road Ikoyi and at Onikan areas of the state.

Missing youths resurface as Ijaw, Itsekiri reconcile Joe Obende Warri

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Chairman/Convener, Buhari Vanguard, Comrade Jasper AuZUara (middle), with his group, at a rally on “Nigerians needs Muhammadu Buhari as 2015 President” in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Suspended NIGCOMSAT MD rejects retirement letter Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

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uccession crisis is currently brewing at the Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, following the rejection of a retirement letter addressed to the suspended Managing Director, Mr. Ahmed Rufai.

Sunday New Telegraph authoritatively gathered that Rufai, the pioneer Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMASAT, was suspended early this year to enable unhindered investigation into the financial status of the company.

The directive was said to have emanated from the office of the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson.

However, while Rufai was expected to appear before the panel of enquiries to respond to questions on the financial impropriety, last

Monday, he was amazed to receive a retirement letter. He however turned it down.

Rufai, according to inside sources, was furious as he not only challenged the source of the retirement letter, but vehemently protested that only the Presidency, Head of Service or Office of the Minister of Communications Technology are empowered to serve him the retirement letter.

The decision by NIGCOMSAT board, according to sources, was a contradiction of an earlier directive by the Minister to Acting Managing Director that no action should be taken until determination of case against Rufai was concluded.

Rufai, who spoke on phone with our correspondent, confirmed the receipt of the letter but said he turned it down due to procedural error.

In his reaction, NIGCOM-

SAT Board Chairman, Prof.

Turner Isoun, a former Minister of Science and Technology, said he was overseas and would not comment on the matter until he comes back to Nigeria.

However, NIGCOMSAT Acting Managing Director,

Ms. Abimbola Alale confirmed that a retirement letter was sent to Rufai.

Speaking on telephone with one of our correspondents, she said that having served for eight years, the former Rufai’s tenure had come to an end.

alpable tension which enveloped Warri, Delta State following the disappearance of five Ijaw youths believed to have been taken hostage by Itsekiris has eased with their reappearance.

The people of Ogbe-Ijoh community in Warri SouthWest Council Area of Delta State, as well as the Ijaw Youth Council had in separate statements, issued a seven-day ultimatum to Itsekiri youths to produce their missing brothers.

They also demanded the return of valuables running into millions of naira lost to an ambush laid on a group of Ogbe-Ijoh people in Warri last Monday.

But in a statement obtained after a peace meeting between the two ethnic nations at the Police Area Command, Warri, leaders from the two ethnic groups agreed to maintain the peace.

The statement signed by Mr. Lucky Oromoni for

Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Clan Governing Council and Chief Patrick Yalaju for UgboMefa 12-Man Committee (Itsekiri) assured residents not to panic as the issue had been resolved amicably.

It reads in part: “The leadership of both ethnic groups wishes to inform the general public, especially residents of Warri and its environs, to go about their normal duties as the situation has been brought under control and resolved.”

Sunday New Telegraph, however, gathered that the five missing persons returned to the community some two days after the issuance of the ultimatum, but the circumstances surrounding their whereabouts or how they resurfaced could not be ascertained as at the time of filing this report.

A community source who confirmed the new development to our correspondent on the phone stated that the five missing youths had been found and were already in the community with their families.

Paucity of fund hits new Ekiti LCDAs Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

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he 19 newly-created local council development areas in Ekiti State have been hit by dearth of funds, preventing them from carrying out their basic duties as a tier of government.

Investigations by our correspondent reveales that the euphoria of the creation of the LCDAs is also gradually waning, as lack of finance is seriously hampering their activities.

For instance, while the new LCDAs were given

various amounts ranging from N900, 000 to N1.2 million as take off grants a little over a month ago, nothing has come into their purse since then.

One of them, Ado North Local Council Development Area in Ado-Ekiti, whose chairman is Mr. Sunday Ibitoye, had to resort to announcements on local radio and television stations calling on well-meaning people and corporate bodies to help it with funds. Ibitoye was the chairman of Ado Local Government before it was split to four.

Okemesi/ Ido-Ile LCDA is not faring better as a top officer of the LCDA (name withheld) is using his Facebook page to appeal to people to bail out the council from financial embarrassment.

In his reaction, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Kayode Fayemi, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, said the councils are not being denied any statutory entitlements. “Before they took off, everything concerning how they will operate smoothly without hindrance was considered and well-structured. The

councils are not denied any dues.

“Their take off grants have been paid and no monthly allocation is denied them.

The state is not broke and is not also shying away from its responsibilities to them.

He said that there was nothing wrong if any of the council announced that people and corporate bodies should assist them one way or another. “It is nothing new. States and even Federal Governments can seek assistance on any issue. The councils are doing well.”

9

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

APC, a camp of dishonest politicians - PDP Onyekachi Eze

T ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the statement by the All Progressive Congress, alleging that the former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff was in President Goodluck Jonathan’s entourage to Chad has portrayed the party as a camp of dishonest politicians.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in

a statement yesterday said the allegation was part of the plots by the APC to deceive Nigerians, describing it as “repulsive and utterly despicable”.

“Now that it has become incontrovertible that Senator Sheriff was not on the entourage of the President, we ask, was the APC’s release an issue of dishing out statements without cross-checking the facts or that of a desperate opposition party adopting the combination of lies, deceit and inciting of people as operational creed to hide

its sinister agenda?” PDP queried.

According to Metuh, such action is “repugnant to Nigerians,” noting that “APC’s statements are always laced with lies, unfounded allegations and fabrications”.

He added that the party recently issued a statement on the allegation by Australian hostage negotiator, Stephen Davis that Sheriff

and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika were sponsoring Boko Haram only to be confronted with massive contradictions of facts with attendant controversy.

Metuh noted that past contradictory statements

by APC and personal attacks on individuals who left the party to PDP, clearly showed it as an undemocratic and intolerant party

desperate for survival.

He said that many more members of APC including two state governors and members of the National Assembly would soon leave the party to PDP due to its bad image and anti-democratic stance of the APC. Metuh also accused APC leaders of “working against the national interest and making themselves a laughing stock in the eyes

of the international community by going to the British House of Commons and various international events to concocts stories in a bid to damage the image of their own nation.

“This despicable trait must be dropped and should not transcend to fabricating destructive lies capable of tarnishing the image of our own dear nation,” he said.

FG, ADB partner Abia on sanitation, infrastructure Igbeaku Orji

M Umuahia

inister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has led a team of African Development Bank officials toAbia State to assess the state’s sanitation and infrastructural deficit with the view to addressing them.

The Minister who was at the Government House, Umuahia said that with the preliminary assessment, the two urban centers of Aba and the state capital would be given adequate attention, with the approval and support of President Goodluck Jonathan.

She said the efforts were aimed at cementing the legacy of the Governor Theodor Oji and bringing some more benefits to the people of the state. She disclosed that ADB has agreed to work with the federal and state governments to address the challenges.

She said the Federal Government and the ADB are ready to work on the issues of sanitation, “to help us to improve our environment, to work on rural roads, on some environmental aspects and with something called rural access and mobility project, which

they have also done in Cross River State.”

The Minister said the result of the Cross River programme encouraged the Federal Government to replicate it in Abia State “and leave the state with some solutions to some of the present problems on waste management, rural roads, some action on erosion and water supply In his response, Governor Theodore Orji, said the problem of Aba was beyond the financial capacity of the state government and commended the Federal Government and the ADB for decision to come to the rescue.

The governor assured of his administration’s readiness to partner with the bank to realise its objective for the state.

He recalled that the problem of Abia made the late Chief Sam Mbakwe former governor of old Imo State to wear the tag of weeping governor.

He said: “Tell us what to do and we will do it; if you have done it in other states and succeeded you can also do it here.

We have the professionals to work with you and we are ready to abide by the rules.”

Vehicles burnt down during an accident involving a fuel tanker and two commercial vehicles at Catholic U-Turn, at Kilometre 84, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.... yesterday.

Ex-President, Sambo, Tambuwal others remember Agagu Sola Adeyemo

F Ibadan

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo was among dignitaries who attended the first year memorial thanksgiving service held yesterday for former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu who died exactly a year ago.

At the ceremony which held at the International Conference Centre, University of

Group hails Jonathan’s handling of Ebola outbreak

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he National Vanguard for Democracy and Development has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his swift response to the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in the country.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Emeka Obinagwu, the group expressed satisfaction over the manner the President mobilised resources and provided the “inspirational leadership” which stopped the disease from spreading faster to other parts of the country.

The statement said that since July 20, when a Liberian-American diplomat, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, imported the disease into the country, the president swung into action by introducing the National Ebola Virus Response Plan and all primary contacts with Mr. Sawyer were immediately quarantined. before the disease claimed the index case on July, 24.

The group commended the effectiveness of the measures introduced by the Federal Government and recommended same

to other Ebola- infected countries.

“Present Jonathan immediately declared the containment and control of the Ebola Virus Disease, a national emergency. He also directed the Federal Ministry of Health to work with all the state ministries of health, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and all other relevant agencies to effectively contain the spread of the virus in line with international protocols and best practices,” the statement said.

Ibadan, relatives and friends of the former Minister of Power spoke glowingly about remarkable legacies the political icon left behind.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives who were both represented by Mr. Oluwole Oke, former President of Botswana, Mr. Festus Mogae who was represented by the Deputy High Commissioner, Myron Bonang, Mrs.

Bola Obasanjo, wife of the former President, Oba Otudeko, an industrialist, Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedum Nebo, former Governor of Ekiti State, Engr. Segun Oni, former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Mr. Victor Hammond, Mr. Paul Agboola, Vice Admiral Akin Aduwo, former Governor, Old Ondo State, Mrs. Mobola Johnson, Minister of Information Technology, Mrs. Feyisetan Fayose, wife

Obasanjo visits wounded son

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here was heavy security presence along Barki Ladi, Heipang, Mararaban Jamare and Old Airport Road following the visit of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to Jos the Plateau State capital to see his wounded son Lt. Col. Adeboye who was injured during Boko Haram ambush in Adamawa State.

Our correspondent gathered that Adeboye is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed location in the state.

It would be recalled that earlier this week, the younger

Obasanjo who led a platoon in Adamawa State, was said to have been injured during a fierce battle between Boko Haram and the Nigerian security forces.

Obasanjo flew into Jos at abaut 5.45pm yesterday evening, having landed at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang where he was received by the Deputy Governor of Plateau State Ambassador Ignatius Longjan and Gbong Gwom Jos His Majesty Da Jecob Gyang Buba and the Commander of the Special Task Force on Jon Crisis Major General David Eniete.

of Governor elect, Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs.) Folake Solanke (SAN) first female senior Advocate of Nigeria, and many others.

Obasanjo who got to the church early with his wife used the forum to call attention of African leaders to Ebola virus, saying it had become an issue of great magnitude especially in Guinea Conakry, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria”.

In his keynote address, former President of Botswana, Mr. Festus Mogae who was reportedly persuaded to stay away as part of efforts to stem the spread of deadly Ebola Virus Disease, said it was time for all African countries to make uninterrupted power available to people living in urban and rural areas in the continent.

Mogae, who spoke about the deceased politician, said, “under his leadership, more than 1,200 kilometres of roads were tarred compared to 596 km tarred in the 27 years from 1976 when the state was created until his tenure as governor in 2003.

800 units of six-classroom blocks were constructed for the 1,200 schools in the state.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

OPINION Ebola and gaps in global epidemic response

Patrick M. Stewart and Daniel Chardell

J

an Eliasson, deputy secretary-general of the United Nations calls the Ebola outbreak ravaging West Africa a “test of multilateralism.” If so, the world is failing.

The epidemic has already infected a reported 4,300 people in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, claiming 2,300 lives. Fragile health-care systems in these countries are collapsing. Poorly equipped treatment centers are overflowing. Riots are erupting as soldiers enforce quarantine zones at gunpoint. Scores of doctors and nurses, who lack proper protective gear, are contracting the virus from infected patients. Others are walking off the job, intensifying the region’s severe shortage of health workers. Meanwhile, border closures are causing food shortages and price spikes, leading the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation to warn of “grave food security concerns.”

Unlike prior Ebola outbreaks, which have occurred in remote regions and been quickly contained, new infections are rising “exponentially,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Cases are expected to reach at least 20,000 over the next six to nine months. The root cause of this epidemic is the institutional weakness of the affected states, all three of which have experienced civil war in the recent past and struggle to provide basic public services to their populations even under the best of circumstances. Before the outbreak, Liberia had one doctor and thirty nurses per 100,000 inhabitants, according to estimates.

These rudimentary health systems have been absolutely overwhelmed by the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history. Low levels of confidence in public institutions—a common feature of post-conflict environments—have made populations wary of cooperating with government officials throughout the crisis.

This pervasive distrust has facilitated the spread of the vicious disease and exacerbated existing social tensions. Complicating mat-

ters further, Ebola was previously unknown in West Africa, so local health workers were woefully unprepared to recognize the virus, isolate infected individuals, and monitor their contacts.

But the severity of the epidemic and the disastrously slow response also reflect glaring gaps in the international system—namely, multilateral institutions that are ill-equipped to respond to global health crises. The WHO, in principle charged with coordinating global responses to international public health emergencies, has drawn heavy criticismfor its belated recognition of the epidemic’s severity and waiting until August 8 to declare the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

WHO director-general Margaret Chan, who had received high marks for her earlier performance as director of health in Hong Kong during the SARS outbreak and subsequent crises, has come under unaccustomed criticism. As the emergency developed, she has appeared testy and defensive at times. In a September 4 interview with the New York Times, Chan resisted the very notion of WHO responsibility to combat the outbreak, asserting: “First and foremost, people need to understand WHO. WHO is the UN specialized agency in health. And we are not the first responder.

You know, the government has first priority to take care of their people and provide health care. WHO is a technical agency.” Similarly, David Nabarro, whom UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon appointed to coordinate the UN response to the epidemic, insists that primary responsibility rests with the afflicted West African countries themselves. What they need above all, he said, is money.

With thousands dead in West Africa and tens of thousands more likely to become ill in the coming months, the WHO’s insistence that it is primarily a technical agency is both exasperating and inadequate. As our CFR colleague Laurie Garrett has written: Chan has been at great pains in her media blitz this week to say that the UN and WHO are not in charge—the respective governments

are in command of the Ebola crisis. […] Unanswered is the obvious question: What does the world community do if a weak government fails to act, or makes wrong choices? If Ebola spreads to other countries this conundrum will arise again, and the global community will be left with its own question: “Who’s in charge?”

But in another sense, making WHO a scapegoat is deeply unfair, for the failure in West Africa has been a collective one. The agency’s lackluster performance reflects a huge mismatch between the high expectations placed upon it and the narrow mandate and modest resources at its disposal. Hamstrung by years of budget cuts to its outbreak and emergency response units, for instance, the agency learned of the outbreak only in March, nearly four months after the virus claimed its first victim in Guinea.

Faced with a lethargic WHO and ineffectual West African governments, the medical humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF, or Doctors without Borders) has attempted to fill the void. MSF has been on the ground treating the ill from the outset, all the while vociferously warning that the global response to the Ebola outbreak was inadequate. “Leaders are failing to come to grips with this transnational threat,” cautioned MSF international president Joanne Liu at a UN briefing earlier this month. “We are in uncharted waters.”

MSF should be lauded for its indispensable work in the field. But the world cannot expect NGOs to address transnational health threats on their own. Nor should we rely on hopes that experimental drugs and vaccines will miraculously relieve us of the burden of action.

Though far from over, the crisis has demonstrated how ill-equipped the multilateral system is to cope with global public health emergencies, particularly in the world’s weak and failing states. In an increasingly globalized world, it is illusory and hazardous to imagine that fragile states can cope with such emergencies on their own, cordoned off from the rest of the world.

If UN member states are serious about confronting global health crises, they must rethink the role of the WHO, empowering it to lead the response to transnational health threats.

The world needs a multilateral framework that can provide both rapid responses to emergencies and long-term capacity-building that targets the underlying deficiencies in infrastructure, expertise, and funding in these weak states. Without that, they will remain the weak links in global public health. Two components of that framework are clear.

To start, UN member states should establish a contingency fund available to the WHO that is dedicated exclusively to financing outbreak containment measures in countries that are unable to do so. These measures would include mass deployment of health workers, medicines, food and water, and protective equipment. The idea is not new. In a 2011 report [PDF] on strengthening global responses to pandemics and public health emergencies, the WHO itself recommended that member states develop a “Global Health Emergency Workforce” and a $100 million contingency fund to “support surge capacity” in the case of a PHEIC, such as the current Ebola outbreak.

However, as Georgetown professor Lawrence Gostin recently wrote [PDF], these recommendations never secured support from wealthy donor nations.

Second, in global development initiatives, public and private donors should place greater emphasis on building health care infrastructure in weak states, especially those emerging from conflict. Again, this is not a novel concept—scholars have been writing about the importance of incorporating health into post-conflict reconstruction efforts for years.

Such infrastructure could have been critical in staving off the rapid spread of Ebola in Liberia and Sierra Leone, for example.

Unfortunately, for the thousands of Ebola victims, it is too late for these measures to help them. But they may help prevent a future outbreak of the same magnitude—or ensure that, if one does occur, the world is better equipped to respond.

Ogun: The silent industrial revolution Yusuph Olaniyonu

I

n an interview published in the August 30, 2014 edition of some national newspapers, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Governor of Ogun State, spoke about the danger that the growing army of unemployed youths pose to the country. The Governor should know.

While superintending over a state like Ogun with 22 public and private tertiary institutions, and many more still under construction, Senator Amosun estimated that there must be about half a million unemployed graduates presently living in the state.

The natural follow-up question is what the Governor is doing in the area of job creation.

While the Amosun administration has directly and indirectly created over 50,000 jobs through employment in the public service, helping small scale entrepreneurs with soft loans to develop, sponsoring skill acquisition programme for youths, empowering traders to gain access to cheap funds and creating opportunities in agriculture for young graduates, it has also pursued with vigour one of its five cardinal programmes, which is Increased Agricultural Production leading to Industrialisation.

In achieving the objective behind the industrialization programme, the Amosun administration deliberately set out to profit from the state’s contiguity to Lagos, the com-

mercial capital of the country and the border it shares with Republic of Benin, which by inference made it a gateway to the over 300 million-population in the West African subregion. The strategy therefore is to attract multi-national industries, both those already existing in the country but have expansion plans and those that are just coming into the country afresh. The state has abundant land resources, 16,432 square kilometers, available for industrial, commercial, agricultural and property development. This is a key factor that an investor will actually consider in deciding on a location for his new industry.

More than that, the state government has equally liberalized the process of acquiring land, particularly for industrial, commercial and agricultural purposes.

Add this to the fact that though industries located in Ogun State have easy access to the air and sea ports in Lagos, the state also boasts of having 84 percent of the strategic LagosIbadan Expressway which is a link between Lagos and the rest of Nigeria, located within its territory.

The numerous tertiary institutions in the state also provide a ready pool of skilled workers to industrialists. All these advantages have been harnessed by the Amosun Administration to create a bi-annual Investors’ Forum through which it shifts the focus of investors from across the world to invest-

ment potentials in the state and the benefits the state government offer.

In addition, the state government has invested heavily in upgrading the infrastructure in the state. The emerging road network in Ogun State is comparable to the ones in many developed countries. The security system is so good that it is reassuring that one’s investment is secured in this environment, despite the challenge that its multi-border nature ought to pose.

The result is that in the last three years, the state has become the industrial hub of Nigeria. The popular question in the investment community about Nigeria now is not ‘who is in Ogun State’ but ‘who is not in Ogun State’. With 47 multi-national industries having opened shop in the state in the last three years, Ogun State is now the industrial capital of Nigeria. According to Otunba Abimbola Ashiru, who handles the Commerce and Industry portfolio in the state, the new industries have altogether invested in excess of $8 billion in the state.

The new manufacturing plants that have commenced production in Ogun State belong to the biggest industrial concerns in the world. These include May & Baker, Lafarge Wapco, Nestle, Procter and Gamble, Dangote Cement, among others. In the next few weeks, ten new industries, including Olams and Apple & Pears, will also join the train, as they are

set to commission their industries. In fact, in the last three years, President Goodluck Jonathan had visited Ogun State three times to commission big industries. Today, Ogun state is the cement capital of Africa. With an annual total of 13 million metric tons of cement produced by Lafarge Wapco and Dangote Cement from their plants located in the state, (same as the total national production figure for South Africa), the state can rightly claim that appellation.

While commissioning the Procter & Gamble Industry in Agbara, the largest American investment in Nigeria outside the oil sector, President Jonathan declared Ogun State as the most industrialized state in the country.

Also, while commissioning the WEMPCO Steel Company Limited in Ibafo, the President praised the Amosun administration for creating the enabling atmosphere for industries to be trooping into the state. He added that in the nearest future, there will not be a single person who is willing to work but cannot get a job in Ogun State.

The President’s testimony brings us back to the plan of the Amosun administration to systematically tackle the problem of unemployment among the youths, thereby laying a solid foundation for the socio-economic development of the state.

•Olaniyonu is Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ogun state

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Sunday Mail SEPTEMBER 14, 2014

You have a right to be heard! Send your letters and photographs to sundayletters@newtelegraphonline.com.

Letters should not be more than 150 words and must have the name and address of the sender.

On the resumption of schools Dear Sir, If schools should resume by September 22, then I will have no choice than to give up on this country.

For Pete’s sake, why is it difficult for some people to think beyond profit and loss for once? All the Ebola trouble the country is facing now can be traced to just one index case. Who knows if some other cases of illegal immigrants are waiting to explode? Imagine how disastrous it will be if just a kid contracts this deadly disease; the mother will definitely be infected, the siblings won’t be spared, as well as his playmates. If index case one has claimed seven lives so far despite being discovered at an early stage, then imagine the fire we are toying with.

I am really against the resumption of schools on September 22. It just does not make sense.

Lanre Obafemi Warri, Delta State

Bolaji Akinyemi and Nigerian Army Dear Editor, An expert like Prof. said we can’t use the Armed Forces in their present state to garrison Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram on their turf. Yet, the professor is further suggesting that we should go for massive recruitment of men and women we have kept unemployed for years to be used as ‘as weapons of death’ in the war against Boko Haram. He did not mention anything about training them to the standards required in the guerilla war required against Boko Haram. That would be unfair our youths whom we are pauperising and traumatising. Moreover, putting more foot soldiers on the ground cannot be the panacea for the present war against Boko Haram. This war needs more of political intelligence than even the military intelligence we are pursuing.

Ojikutu John, Agbara Estate, Ogun State

Time for Nigerian youths to take charge Dear Editor, It is high time our youths stood on their feet to fight for their right. We have to say no to political thugs and money politics. We have been promised heaven on earth for so many years but at the end, all we get are just cups of rice and N200. I believe we really need to make a change.

We should organise youth orientation seminars where our youths will be given orientation on what change means and that there is nothing worth fighting for than justice. I have come to realise that our politicians are just using our youths as political thugs, thereby blindfolding them not to see they have no plans for their future. Nigeria has become a country where nobody cares; no good roads, no steady electricity, no quality education. Still the same people who have kept us all in bondage are planning to come up to ask us to support them to continue holding us hostage. The time for change is now.

Joseph Oche Surulere, Lagos State

What a man can do…

On Oscar Pistorius not guilty verdict Dear Editor, Looking at Oscar Pistorius trial and considering the facts of the case, it doesn’t seem too clear for the judge to discharge this man of murder for lack of intent, and convict him for manslaughter on the grounds that he acted recklessly. He would either have been convicted for murder or discharged completely, if she believes that he acted in self defence or for self preservation. When you consider the fact that he deliberately and purposely fired those gunshots in his bathroom where the girl was, then he cannot be said to lack the intention to kill her. By firing those bullets at her, without any provocation, the man knew that death was the probable outcome of his action. He is therefore deemed to have intended the probable consequences of his action. This makes him liable for murder. But if he genuinely believed that it was an intruder who entered his house at that time of the night and he fired the said shots at the intruder, he ought not to have been convicted of manslaughter. He could not have acted recklessly by shooting at an intruder who barged into his house by that time of the night, considering his vulnerability as a physically challenged person. He could not have been said to have acted recklessly while defending himself under the circumstances he found himself.

Chux Ubani Ikeja, Lagos

Abians should focus on 2015 gov candidates Dear Editor, It is a shame that members of the Ochendo Global clan of Abia State have yet to appreciate the level of decadence they plunged the state into. I think that Abians should focus on the candidates for 2015 and ensure the mistake of Ochendo is not repeated again. Forget this man, folks, and face the future.

Kelechi Eme Aba, Abia State

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Fashola versus Jonathan Dear Editor, I have known Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, as a man who always seems to have all the details before commenting on an issue. But he prefers to criticise the President because he knows that when you are a leader, you see what many others can’t see. Some people, who are blinded by hate and personal frustration, will still go against it. In a normal scenario like this, many people have been commending Fashola and attacking Jonathan. This makes me come to the conclusion that the problem is just hate against the President.

I would have respected Fashola more if he goes to Aso Villa and presents Mr. President with a plan on how to tackle Boko Haram than attacking Jonathan. We are all making fun of the suffering victims of Boko Haram are going through because we are here in the South.

Should the insurgency come down south, then we will understand that we is needed in Nigeria now is synergy and not opposition.

Ephraim Agunweze Enugu, Enugu State

Social media as a weapon Dear Editor, With the manner news spreads thorugh the social media, many of us have taken over the role of Boko Haram’s Abu Qaqa without knowing it. We are now transforming personal blogs, Twitter handles and social media spaces into platforms for propagating terror. How will you feel if that video you are sharing and broadcasting is that of someone you know? Sharing videos of violence and killings by terrorists only massages the ego of the insurgents in the height of insensitivity. Supporting our troops is a civic responsibility and supporting their families while they are in the front lines is a duty we must all embrace. Let us keep supporting the families of fallen soldiers is a debt we need to start repaying.

Tochukwu Ukasonwa Lugbe, Abuja

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SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Moment

L-R: Former Minister of Defence, Demola Seriki; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Provost, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Dr. Olalekan Basorun; Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos Central, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi and member, House Of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, during a presentation of N50m Education Grant by Senator Tinubu to Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, at the 12th Lagos Central Senatorial District’s Town Hall Meeting in Lagos …on Friday

L-R: Minister of State for FCT, Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, Sarkin Jiwa, His Royal Highness, Dr Musa Idris and Director, FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Bashi Muhammed, at the flag off of the FCT Muslim Pilgrimage, in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: Olaluyi Elijah

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mr. Yemi Adelakum; Director, Air Transport Management, Hassan Musa; Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma and Director, Safety and Technical Policy, Capt. Alkali Talba, during the Minister’s meeting with the Airport and Terminal Managers of all the airports, in Abuja…on Thursday

L-R Archbishop of Lagos, Dr. Sunday Ajayi; Bishop, Evangelism, Discipleship, Rt. Revd Sam Amuta Igbobini Archbishop, Most Revd Amos Akindeko; the Prelate, Dr. Samuel Kanu Uche; his wife, Florence; Bishop Ijebu Diocese, Rt. Revd Ola Adewale and host Bishop, Diocese of Lagos Central, Rt. Revd Jacob Kehinde Adeyemi during Prelate’s First Year Anniversary Thanksgiving Services at the Williams Memorial Methodist Church Cathedral, Ago Ijaiye, Ebute Metta, Lagos

L-R: Group Managing Director, Pedam Mak Industry Limited, Mr. Sweet Asouzu; Prophet T.B Joshua of Synagogue Church of All Nation; former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu; Executive Director, Special Duties,The Sun, Mr.Bolaji Tunji and Publisher, OVATION, Chief Dele Momodu during Kalu’s condolence visit to the Synagogue, Lagos...yesterday

L-R: Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu; Chairman, May and Baker Nigeria Plc, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma and his wife Senator Daisy Danjuma, at the 70th Anniversary Dinner of May and Baker Nigeria Plc, held at Muson Centre, Lagos…on Friday

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu; Mrs. Beatrice Kolade; her husband, Dr. Christopher Kolade, and Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh, at the 2nd Annual Christopher Kolade Lecture on Business Integrity in Lagos… on Thursday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

L-R: Marketing Director, West Africa, Reckitt Benckiser, Mr. Oguzhan Silivrili; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan; Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu and Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, at a world press conference announcing Dettol’s partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health to fight the spread of Ebola Disease Virus…recently

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

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Moment

L-R: Osolo of Isolo Kingdom, Lagos, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka; Zonal Business Manager, Airtel, Lagos, Olawale Alao, and Lagos-based Entrepreneur, Mr. Samson Adele, during the tour of the newly commissioned Express Shop at Okota-Isolo, Lagos

L-R: Financial Secretary, Lumen Christi Old Student Association (LUCOSA), Lagos Chapter, Daniel Obiomah; Secretary General, Chinomso Odocha; Deputy President, Paul Usenbo; Head Nurse, Heart of Gold Children’s Hospice, Ajoke Bello; Public Relations Officer, LUCOSA, Ugochukwu Uwajeh and Welfare Officer, Uyi Ojo, during the association’s donation of Cheque and Items to the Heart of Gold Children’s Hospice in Lagos…on Friday

L-R: Chairman, Technical Committee/Board member, Lagos State Football Association, Mr. Adedotun Coker; Vice Chairman, Mr. Tade Azeez, and Project Manager, Education, British Council, Ms. Sephora Tmomoh, during a press conference by Eko Football Premier Skills Nigeria in Lagos…on Thursday PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

L-R: College Registrar, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Prof. Oluwole Atoyebi; College President, Prof. Rasheed Ajani Arogundade and College Vice President, Prof Ademola Olaitan, during the 2014 Annual Pre-Convocation press conference, at the College Boardroom, Ijanikin, in Lagos…on Thursday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

L-R: Anambra State Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, Ifeatu Onojeme; Governor Willie Obiano; President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce (NACCIMA), Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, and President, Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Chief Tim Anosike, during a visit to the Governor in Anambra…on Monday

L-R: Analyst, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Michael Nwoseh; Dean of Student Affairs, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Prof. Isaac Aigbedion; Winner of brand New Hyundai Car, Michael Chikwesi Onyenachie; Head, Marketing Communications, Etisalat Nigeria, Gerald Osugo; and Analyst, Customer Care Etisalat Nigeria, Olanike Faroun, during the presentation of the car to Onyenachie at the Etisalat Cliqfest, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State...recently

L-R: Judicial Vicar, Onitsha Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Joseph Nwakoby; Rev. Fr. Dr. Martin Onukwuba; Rev. Fr. Philip Nwafor and former Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, during the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of Fr. Martins, in Onitsha…on Tuesday

L-R: Category Manager, Coca-Cola, Nigerian Bottling Company, Soji Awotiwon; Fast rising Raggae Dancehall artiste, Orezi; and Brand Manager, Colas, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Olufemi Ashipa during the Coke Studio Season 2 Concert at LASPOTECH...on Friday

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SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

30 students arrested for stoning Afe Babalola Adesina Wahab

A Ado-Ekiti

t least 30 rioting students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, in Ekiti State,

were yesterday arrested for rioting and allegedly pelting the vehicle of legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) with stones.

The students who attempted to vandalise one of the hostels at the

Mimiko: Dome will make Ondo preferred events destination

O

ndo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has expressed belief that the on-going International Event Centre, otherwise known as The Dome in Akure, the state capital will make the state the preferred event destination when it begins operation.

Mimiko, who stated this after an inspection visit to the Dome in company of some members of his cabinet Saturday morning, added that work would soon be completed on the Dome, even as he assured that the project will be commissioned before the end of this year.

Mimiko said: “We have really gone far with the work here. What is left to be done basically now is to put finishing touches and I can assure you that the Dome will be commissioned before the end of the year.”

Mimiko also said that work has commenced on the government initiative to have a five-star hotel and a shopping mall opposite the Dome to complement it, adding that the facilities would be ready at the state capital before the expiration

of his tenure.

He said the shopping mall in the city which would be completed by November 2015 is expected to employ about 2000 people.

Giving details of the shopping mall, Mimiko said it was being constructed under a public-private partnership with Top Services Limited.

“The concept of the shopping mall is to transform Akure into a modern retail shopping city and an entertainment hub for Ondo State and its environ,and in the process creating job opportunities for our teeming unemployed graduates and boosting revenue generation for the state.

“Having this shopping mall here will make it easier for retail businesses in the state to thrive, expand and discourage adulteration as well as excessive spending on transportation and storage. Projects such as this will not merely help bring commerce into the state, they also will help to empower the people. They will also help convince investors to bet on the skills of our people” said Mimiko.

Cohbams Asuquo visits Project Fame Academy Edwin Usoboh

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obhams Asuquo, one of Nigeria’s leading a music producers, who has nurtured many singers like Asa, whose 2007 debut album became an international hit to stardom, has visited the Project Fame Academy.

Cobhams’ entry into the Academy brightened the countenance of the contestants, especially when they realised his visit was not a social one, but an educative for a session meant to assist the budding talents.

Cobhams encouraged the participants on their routine and the arrangement of their music, and urged them to refine their personal composures on stage in

order to capture and retain audience attention.

While Cobhams’ comments were about the future of the talents, Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, popularly referred to as ‘Mummy J’ dwelled on past experiences, which he said, were for their immense benefits. She urged them to share honest opinions on their stay in the academy.

Artiste such as D’Tunes, Del B, Banky W, Tuface, Asa and other notable stars have at one time or the other visited the academy to educate the contestants. One of the contestants, Flourish was the latest evictee from the Season 7 of the talent hunt, leaving nine contestants to battle for the grand prize.

Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), were protesting the fact that Afe Babalola’s hostel have regular electricity when the community has been in blackout for over a month.

When told that the hostels were running on generator and that it was the responsibility of electricity distribution companies to supply them with power and not Chief Babalola, the students continued with their protest.

The students, who failed to listen to pleas by the new Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Frederick Lakanu, also hijacked vehicles from their owners and blocked the Ado-Ijan-Ikare Highway.

Commenting on the incident, Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Victor Babayemi, said 30 students were arrested and would be charged to court for breach of public peace.

The irate students, were joined by some youths in the community.

The bid by the police to restore calm led to a faceoff with the students during which time, some people sustained injuries. The students threw missiles at the police who responded by firing tear gas at them.

Public Relations Officer of ABUAD, Mr. Tunde Olofintila, decried the attitude of the students. He explained that when they complained that Erinfun

community has been having power cut for over a month, Chief Babalola, asked the students to send three representatives to the Unit Head of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to address the issue.

He said though they agreed initially, they later turned it down, only to resort to rioting, forcing the university to alert the police who came to restore normalcy in the area.

R-L Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government and representative of the State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, Chancellor Akpabioism Leadership Centre, Pastor Bassey James and Mr Aniekan Umanah, Commissioner for Information and Communication at the Akpabioism Economic Summit Lagos 2014 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs... on Saturday

Attah drums support for Mark, says bid to unseat him will fail Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

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hief Press Secretary to former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Chief Daivid Attah, has said that moves by Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Defense, Dr. Mike Onoja to snatch the Benue-South senatorial seat from Senate President, David Mark is a wild-goose -chase.

Attah said that the Idoma people were at home with the performances of the Senate President and that shopping for his replacement now was a political suicide. He said Mark’s plan to return to senate would be a smooth sail.

He described as untrue,

media report credited to Onoja, which suggested that Mark’s bid to return to the senate might hit brick wall for lack of popular support from the Idoma people, stating that Onoja’s bid to unseat Mark would fail.

The PDP chieftain, who was also the Chief Press Secretary to General Ibrahim Babangida, told journalists in Makurdi yesterday that “Onoja reserves the legitimate right to contest the election to the senate, but he is not likely to go far in view of current special political circumstances and exigencies.”

He noted that at the moment, Mark represents the voice of Idoma people, and that his re -election

will make him the highest ranking senator in the land. He maintained that for the Idoma people to shop for another person to replace him now would be tantamount to embarking on a political suicide mission.

He explained that Mark’s 15 years of service at the senate has not only brought about respectability to the Idoma nation, and stability not only to the leadership of the senate but also the Nigeria’s body polity as demonstrated by his landmark ‘doctrine of necessity’.

Mark’s contributions at the National Assembly, he said, have “touched to the overall well being of the Idoma people through

numerous political appointments of Idoma sons and daughters into Federal Governing boards and agencies, sitting of federal projects in Idoma land, completion of various constituency projects across the four federal constituencies that make up Benue South senatorial zone.”

Last week, four members of the House of Representatives and nine chairmen of local government councils from Benue-South constituency led by Chairman, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Sunday Adah Ojo, visited Mark in Abuja and passed a vote of confidence on him, pledging to do everything possible to return him to the Senate come 2015.

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Fashion Edgy, chic camo print 22&43

Beauty

Avoid wrinkles, age gracefully 21

Body Soul SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

Dapo Adelegan

My life after Lekki Sunsplash

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SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

my heart m o r f t h g i a r t S

9 g. 4

P e fight against th in l ne on rs ical pe nted by our med Health, Prof. O ry (2) Dine wber do’ spirit exhibi expert advice, the Minister of ptember 22. a an ‘c e& r e t n Th i a.

S ic fr W ly to school on Se And based on , the giant of A friend igeria is, indeed rus Disease, EVD, proved it. pils in Nigeria would return g to him, is irrational. alate p t e Vi pu in a rd e at ol co th Sw the EVD, ac the killer Eb ay, insisted nt under u, on Wednesd year because of ere was no patie E yebuchi Chukw es till December or early next was based on the fact that th in their hom en ent’s decision Keeping them a suspect has be Federal Governm . e th at th id sa h African Ebol ut tly So en d’ es te pr es y The minister rr tr ‘a il the recently here in the coun try. treatment anyw for clapping...but not yet. Unt me into the coun ry u. no fresh case ca lls ve ur at ca g th uh in t re do ye su t en en no be Now, that to is it eg ork we have entry points health officials, owl c ain vigilance at ould just allow us to do the w nt ai m cleared by our h ld ou t w i sh Nigeria pw N Moreover, the , “I think people He assured that s ou ’ in this matter? ter had declared is dy f in bo m t e er a th xp , ‘e en e But th ), not an erl ociation (NMA ” Bitt professionally... d. Is the Nigeria Medical Ass r. m? ar al k ris l ia in nt s de ’s pote D case Now, I’m worrie sociation makes it a stakehol away the NMA d suspected EV e as ow better, shoo til the existing confirmed an that if the virus spreads kn ld ou sh death toll on th ho orried ed un th minister, w ld remain clos association is w Why is the heal at schools shou d completely managed. The . th on is si en ce m an di st g ’s The NMA properly an e an alarmin e m ar su y as tr ill un w co e e th ults’. is may not help y, the diseas various parts of rt of the countr nnot ‘survive isolation like ad ‘anti-Ebola measures’, but th pa y an in , ol ldren ca t in place in any scho nding ones -chi ed schools to pu Then the heartre ral Government has instruct complied. .. de t e goose pimples id, “We are praying Pg. 50 Of course, the Fe ic and private schools have no , and what they said gave m sa er th no A ” s n. re rd publ acher asked, “I r their child ine, off reco te fo m r s of he er as most of the s ot tiz nd an ni t rie sa Ye e r-f clean provid school.” e teache at parents will aking efforts to on’t get to our I spoke to som ough we are m e, “We know th God will help us, it (EVD) w m lth A ld . to ed r ar he sc ac et A te s? I’m know yle ball girls test for the viru t the disease. I t teachs e th e of e c on n seriously agains t giving us the equipment to s’, e viru Da hionable t no on ‘managing th the person the governmen it is not enough.” members of staff rection. I wouldn’t want to be e for fas m so .” t, ed or in en ct tra do nm d y di ha nc at s ge th ol er in ho our enviro em sc ne e t to be an s been do their respectiv M but nothing ha ent directed. ols. I don’t wan When asked if it once in school ld send in nurses to the scho embers of staff as the governm g parents d se us sc di e in m ou oo sh ed w t in e en ar ers said. “W tra m t ey e govern s have no which th to be trained. Th From my findings, most school d sanitisers and test kits with ire qu ac ould ve ha s hool government sh A few private sc ren back to schools. y stance is that and other diseases M e. m ho at ild n ch Ebola virus should remai to bring their ed to check the ting that pupils I am not advoca are fully manned and equipp ols children back to at sending our ensure that scho ened. th y sa l I’l , ch ee reop hi Chukwu’s sp eir safety is irrational. before they are inister’ Onyebuc in the state may of th id that schools ed the health Going back to ‘M vernment has not taken care sa s ha a ol sh Fa nde e go expect school when th , Lagos State Governor Babatu sessment and that is what I ss as k ris t ou ab e Thank goodne spok hed bitter e said date...he about. ...I haven’t ditc m m m m not open on th m d H ne been concer cures Ebola. minister to have edu to my menu...they say it they say. r, ew d rie er de m ad I have e more the ead. ers though...th kola and sanitis ul Sunday and a great week ah rf de on w Have a 49

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Iklak

Juliet

Contents 14.09.2014 COVER

I deliberately moulded my life, my relationships, my aspirations to ensure that if I die at any time, the things I want written about me are the things that will be written about me, and that is the definition of success

-Dapo Adelegan

FASHION Pay tribute to the season’s love for neon by styling your camo with neon pieces. This style can only be pulled off by the very fashion forward among us } 22&43

T h e Te a m Juliet Bumah (Editor)

Vanessa Okwara (Correspondent) Wole Adepoju Biwom Iklaki (Correspondent)

} 18-19

BEAUTY

Very often, different companies launch ‘miracle anti-aging creams’, which they claim, put an end to wrinkles or aging. While some of these products work wonder, many never live up to their billing as anti wrinkle products

} 21

GLAM DUDES

Blazer with distinct features is a rave fashion among men in 2014. Floral print and graphic details are strong on the fashion scene. The sleek floral blazer is elegant, stylish, yet reserved and masculine. These jackets have huge seduction potential

} 45

Abimbola Sodeke

ACCESSORIES Today, while making a fashion comeback, the umbrellas are not only providing shade, but also putting smiles on our faces…and styles } 17

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

Associates

BED, WORK & LIFE “Kathy, I love you so much, I do.”

He does.

Those words, whispered into Kathryn’s ears are so calming.

She relaxes in his arms and allows herself to enjoy his embrace.

Ben looms before her mind’s eye and she tries to move him to a corner.

She is in love with

Dave but there’s the prospect of marriage with Ben who is single } 20

Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

Accessories

Weather girl styling with umbrellas Biwom Iklaki

S

tyling is not only about what you wear on your body. It is all-encompassing to include accessories like purse, phones, choice of phone cases, laptop bags/iPad cases, umbrellas, shower caps, keys, and yes, personality styling also known as Public Relations (PR).

Umbrellas have made a huge fashion come back this rainy season and have taken into perspective, all the new and improved designs in the market. They are a very essential piece of accessory in any man or woman’s wardrobe.

Not only do they keep you dry and stylish in the rain, they are elegant and act as a bright extension of your

image.

The name umbrella has its origin from the French word ‘ombre’ which means shadow or shade. It was originally to provide shade from the sun but now does the opposite too -provide shade from the rain.

Today, while making a fashion comeback, the umbrellas are not only providing shade, but also putting smiles on our faces…and styles.

There are different types of umbrellas that work with many different materials to give you a rave worthy uniqueness. Most notable of these is that most of them come with extra strength.

Some benefit from the worldwidepatented Double Dome

wind-resilience technology, which means each of them has not one, but two sets of spokes. This increases the number of contact points with each of the umbrella ribs, doubling the strength.

We also have the ones that have wind up mechanism that allows it to bend in a gust of wind and goes back to its original form.

Remember to pay attention to the fabric of the umbrella. The preferred choice is a teflon-treated hood.

Nylon repels water but its hood gets wet quickly and trickles down. Always choose a curved handle with a good grip, this way, it will never slip out of your hand in a great

gust of wind.

As for colour, a traditional black umbrella is always flattering but designers have gone to many lengths to make beautiful floral, print, lace, transparent and many other decorative elements to attract the fashionista.

Fun Fact Bet you didn’t know that the world’s most expensive umbrella is from the Billionaire Italian Couture (exclusively for gentlemen), created by Formula One mogul, Flavio Briatore and designer Angelo Galasso.

An incredibly decadent and eccentric custom made umbrella entirely from crocodile skin costs a whopping $50, 000

17

Body&Soul

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Body&Soul

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

I became a millionaire at 26

Ondo State-born Dapo Adelegan’s antecedents confirm he’s a pacesetter. Some 26 years ago, the English graduate pioneered a music carnival in Lagos. The show, Lekki Sunsplash, became an instant hit and the then fresh school leaver became not just a celebrity, but a millionaire too. Adelegan, whose firm, Celtron Group, introduced electronic billboards to Nigeria and has become a major player in the outdoor advertising industry, went down the memory lane in this interview with WOLE ADEPOJU What’s your impression of the economic situation in Nigeria, bearing in mind, the security challenges?

Well, it is clear to the entire world that Nigeria is one of the fastest developing economies in the world today. The recent rebasing of the economy that has brought us to be the largest economy in the continent and other things speak of a wonderful time for Nigeria as a receiver of foreign direct investment and exporter of natural resources. In addition, the new vitality in our agricultural sector, especially given the passion of President Goodluck Jonathan as well as the Minister of Agriculture towards bringing back the glory of the country next as an exporter of commodities, food, all speak of a new dawn in the economic emergence of Nigeria. That, itself, has not impacted on the common citizenry to make ends meet and those are due to some fundamental structural defects in the design and management of the economy. For a society that is basically a service-oriented economy and a mono export commodity economy, it’s incumbent on the current government to increase investment in education and infrastructure. For education because with capacity and skill acquisition, a lot of our people will be able to fend for themselves and with self-actualising their aspiration, they become very strong. It also means that you have very quality labour available, so we can stop a situation where foreign investors have to import workers in to the country. As a matter of fact, today, it takes a year or two to re-train a Nigerian graduate for employment. Therefore, the need to reinvent the curriculum of our educational system to an entrepreneurial-based one and technical vocational based will be a step in the right direction.

You’ve gone into partisan politics.

What is the attraction?

Three things. Number one, there is a divine direction for me to begin to move into politics because all my life, it has been the mighty hand of the Lord that has been stirring my life in one direction or the other. I respond to that because that has been very beneficial to me. Two, because I am totally a ‘made in Nigeria; I owe Nigeria a debt. Twelve years ago, I started by speaking to the youths about life in the 21st Century, entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Many of them have benefited from it because of the responses I got. Now, at 52, I know I won’t live forever. So I feel it is time to move into the public arena and begin to add value to nation building.

Charity begins at home. I have joined a political party in my state and I’m helping my governor to also add value to issues of policy formulation and social development in my area. Without bias, I am willing and able, if my party asks me, for example, to take any position in advancing the manifesto.

How do you react to the rumour that

your target is the governorship position in your state?

With all sense of humility, if my party tomorrow offers me the platform and say come and run for governorship, I will have no capacity to say no but we are not there now. So, my discussion with my leader and my governor is to the extent of willingness to add value from my own experience and exposure to his policies to advance our state.

Like I said, in the course of doing that, if anything comes up in any position of responsibility or appointment, I will gladly accept it.

Having come this far in life and seen it all, what is your greatest goal?

(Deep sigh) I’d say I have a plan from age 50 to 55, which I have placed before God and I’m working hard and praying fervently to achieve it. My aspiration between now and age 55, God willing, is to be a major player in Nigeria’s political space. My priority is to refocus the direction of political players towards compassionate governance, to also be imbued in the political space, the understanding that unless compassion is at the forefront of policy formulation, there is no development.

You became a millionaire at 26 and fame came at that time also. You have set new records thereafter and remained successful. So, what does life mean to you at this age?

(Sighs) Interestingly, my first son graduated some weeks ago. He became a lawyer and it’s a total paradigm shift.

The days of youth have totally gone now, and we are now in the days of maturity and it’s now my legacy period.

Everything I do now will speak for me when I’m gone, because we won’t live forever. Maybe I have another 30, 40 years, if God permits. Now, I am more in a hurry than I was 26 years ago. My passion now is how to rescue this country from the brink of collapse, and I cannot do it alone. I must join the structure. I must join the political formulation. I must join other Nigerians in lending my own voice. I have joined politics and I am discussing with some radio stations to start a programme called ‘Encounter ’. On that platform, I can also share my thoughts and ideas with my generation about our responsibility to this country and the strategy we need to adopt in our private lives to ensure things work out. Hopefully, I will succeed in both endeavours and when I am gone, they will say he was not just a successful entrepreneur, he was also relevant to the resolution of the crisis that was af-

fecting us and created part of the vision where Nigeria should be in the 21th Century.

How were you able to cope with women and other challenges when you had a financial breakthrough then as a young lad?

Don’t forget that I started life as a music promoter - Lekki Sun Splash. After six years, I aborted it and moved to corporate clients. I remember at that time that some said I made a mistake, but I said I didn’t make a mistake. I would say I deliberately moulded my life, my relationships, my aspirations to ensure that if I die at any time, the things I want written about me are the things that will be written about me, and that is the definition of success - a deliberate plan to walk the talk and follow your dreams.

If I have remained level headed in spite of the success I made at that early age, it’s as a result of that deliberate action that is important to my getting to where I desire to get to. I still have my eyes on a greater level of success and aspiration.

But if you do not have a plan, if you do not have your end clearly in sight, you will mismanage your primary success and that will make it impossible for you to get the secondary and tertiary because life is not a dash, it’s a marathon.

There are phases. So, the fact that you have succeeded at 26 as the biggest in the country does not mean I will succeed in my 30s, 40s or 50s. Except there was a divine destiny and a deliberate plan of action visualising what end is desirable for me and taking all the steps, the discipline and the sacrifice that is required to attain it.

Does anything excite you?

(Deep

sigh) I love the church. My wife will tell you that if there is a wedding invitation, it’s the church service I want to go to. I don’t like the reception. If there is a burial ceremony, it’s that church part I want to attend. I don’t know where that came from but when I sit in the church and listen to the word of God, it takes me to a different level, so I thank God for that. The word of God really excites me. As I grow older, I see that, even though I have been reading every day, every morning from the last 30 years unchecked, I now have a desire to also share it. That is my first excitement.

Secondly, I read a lot. Any book that talks about any new issue or autobiographies of people, I devour it. Lastly, I like to travel; I’m a nomad.

The homes of most rich people are in a shambles.

How have you taken care of yours?

There is a saying that we do not choose our wives, God chooses them for us. I think I have told a couple of people that if you are looking for love, you probably won’t get it from your wife, may be your girlfriend.

If you are looking for support, partnership, help, you will get it

19

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

Body&Soul

-Dapo Adelegan from your wife. So, in terms of the home front, I have had a co-worker and a friend who has been helping me.

The kids are just lucky with the kind of mother they have. If they had me as their father alone, I’m sure they would have grown up almost alone because I have been running my business. But I’m lucky to have a wife who, at the price of her own development and business, she has given a lot of her time to the children and the home front and I thank God for that. So, to that extent, I am lucky. Maybe some are not that lucky.

She is more of a business person than I am, but in the last 10 years, both here and abroad,

she has given up to 70 per cent to the children and their education. I’m eternally grateful for that.

We learnt at a time that you wanted to revive Lekki Sun Splash, but nothing has been heard about it.

There were certain things that were rested for strategic reasons, but let us just keep watching.

My passion now is how to rescue this country from the brink of collapse, and I cannot do it alone. I must join the structure. I must join the political formulation. I must join other Nigerians in lending my own voice

20

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul with

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

chibumah@yahoo.com

K

Kathryn at a crossroads

athryn watches as Dave strides angrily towards her. In his eyes are anger and...yes, jealousy. She knows what a man in that mood can do.

It’s not as if she’s afraid. She has experience in handling men, but she doesn’t want any scene in public. It’s bad enough that the gateman is watching, it will be worse if her neighbours are forced to watch a ‘live’ film.

She musters courage and says, “Sweetheart, let’s go inside,” turns and walks into her compound.

Her calm voice is like cool water running down Dave’s patched throat. He relaxes.

Suddenly, he feels the pang of hunger.

But it is not hunger for food, it is for that which only Kathryn can satisfy. He reduces his pace and walks behind her, her sashaying derrière reminding him of the joy it had given him.

She unlocks her door and they walk in.

As she turns the lock, Dave turns her towards him so fast that her mind misses some beats. He draws her into his arms roughly, his lips seek hers.

Kathryn yields, surprised.

“You want to break my heart,” he says coarsely against her neck, adding, “Who is that man that brought you home?”

“How dare you ask me that! You drove me out of your house in the dead of night because prostitutes should be stoned to death while the men who paid for our services should get medals. If no man patronises us, will we continue in business?

You chased me out in the night, did you care that I could have been killed? You couldn’t bear to have a prostitute wake up beside you in the morning. Yet, men like you take us home and pay for our services. During the day, you pretend we are anathema to you. You are all conceited... you all,” Kathryn says angrily.

She is surprised at herself. She is angry, but is happy that he is back.

Dave pulls back. There’s fire in her eyes and a bulge between his legs. Prostitute or not, he is in love with her.

“I regret allowing you to leave. I couldn’t think of anything else then. I came after you when I realised my folly. I saw you er...er er...entering another man’s car,” he says.

“Did you expect me to have waited for a woman to pick me? You drove out a prostitute in the dead of night and another man picked her!” Kathryn is past caring. She is hurting so much.

Dave feels like a bum. He has patronised professional escorts a number of times in the past.

Kathryn is right. She has a right to live.

Who is he to judge her?

“Kathy, I shouldn’t have made you leave. I regretted my action immediately you left. Professional escorts are human beings, I realised too late. But I never wished that you were one. It hurts so much to know that you’ve given so many men the pleasure you gave me last night.

I’m jealous...,” Dave’s heart pounds, his man throbs. He loves her so much!

He draws her into his arms again, this time gently and hugs her so tight. She smells so sexy.

Gawd! To think he almost lost her!

He says, “Kathy my wife, I was worried.

I turned to alcohol and got myself drunk.

I saw you get into a car and got so jealous. I didn’t have your phone number, I would have called.

“I didn’t consider coming to your house

then. Apart from the fact that I was in no state to drive, I’d have lost it if I met you with a guy.

“Kathy, I love you so much, I do.”

He does.

Those words, whispered into Kathryn’s ears are so calming. She relaxes in his arms and allows herself to enjoy his embrace.

Ben looms before her mind’s eye and she tries to move him to a corner. She is in love with Dave but there’s the prospect of marriage with Ben who is single.

Her phone rings and she makes to break away from his embrace but he holds her firmer. Their mouths meet in a loving kiss. In a twinkle of an eye, Dave’s T-shirt is on the floor. She tugs at his belt and zipper and his jeans slides to his ankles.

He steps out of them.

Wow! The man is alert, and there is not boxer to restrain it.

She pushes him against the wall, forcing his legs apart to make a wide V. She then goes down on him.

He shivers.

She wants to pleasure him in a way very few women can.

Her warm, wet tongue wraps around his man. It licks up, down...the lips suck the tip and the next minute, they are al-

most eating his balls...all the while, her fingers work round his buns, down the length of his thighs to his ankles. A feathery massage on his toes and the fingers are up again the next minute, working beside her tongue on the shaft, from the tip to the base.

Dave closes his eyes. The hangover is gone, in its place is an indescribable feeling. Her fingers send needles of fire through his whole body. Then, they move up and converge on his head. He screams.

His two hands fly to his head. He needs to hold it in place. But his head expands and expands...until it explodes into fragments of stars. He continues to scream until his knees buckle and he slides to the floor, trembling.

He has splurted on Kathryn’s neck, soiling her beautiful dress.

She looks so beautiful and innocent as she kneels in front of him. He looks into her eyes and sees love...and loneliness.

He realises that she loves him and needs him. Love fills his heart. He needs her too.

With tired arms, he reaches behind her and unhooks her dress, sliding it off her shoulders. She stands up and pulls it down, wriggling a bit to slide it off her ample derrière. She dabs the dress on her neck, cleaning out the slimy mess there

and tosses the gown into a corner.

He beholds that killer figure again.

No other man will behold this body in the nude again, he swears to himself and draws her to his chest.

Kathryn is in a dilemma. She’s genuinely in love with Dave, a married man. Spending too much time with him will hurt her chances of hooking a single man like Ben. There must be a way to iron out the wrinkles.

She decides to limit the time they see each other. She reasons that that will be easier when Dave’s family returns home. But she must find ways of stoking the fire of friendship with Ben. She wishes she has someone she could learn the wrinkles from.

“Kathy, I want you for myself only. I don’t want you to see any other man. I’ll take care of your needs if you allow me,” Dave says and yawns.

She sighs and says quietly, “I don’t wanna be anybody’s mistress...” She will have added that she wants a husband but Dave cuts in with a yawn, “I don’t want you as a mistress...”

He searches for the right words to continue, he wants to propose marriage to her. Yes, a prostitute is a human being.

“Let’s go to the divan. You need to eat something,” she says.

Dave misses that auspicious moment.

They pick their phones and leave their clothes in a heap at the door and move into the sitting room proper.

She dashes into the kitchen and comes out with chilled mango juice in a tall glass.

In her see-through brassiere and thong, she looks like a goddess among mortals.

“Here, sip this while I rustle up a meal for you,” she says, giving him a playful peck on his forehead.

As her twin mountains caress his face briefly, he remembers a saying, ‘Boobs are proof that men can focus on two things at a time’. His TP wakes up and he smiles.

He knows he’ll get well fed from both ends today.

One good thing is that he can unleash his fantasies on Kathy without fear of being labelled rotten.

Can a man be so lucky? Getting a combo of a drop dead beauty and a fantastic lay as wife! ***** Kathy’s phone rings for the umpteenth time. It’s Ben. Oh no, not now!

“Hello,” she coos into the mouthpiece.

“Kathryn, you okay? Been trying to reach you. Can’t get you out of my mind.

It’s like you’re the woman I’ve been waiting for all my life...can I come and pick you now? I have something to tell you...”

Kathryn sighs... ***** OMG! Kathryn is in a dilemma. What should she do?

Let’s meet on this page next Sunday.

Send your observations to the email above.

21

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

Body&Soul

Avoid wrinkles, age gracefully Vanessa Okwara

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bout 20 or 30 years ago, people used to worry about wrinkles when they got to age 50. Now, people in their 30s and 40s are the most concerned about aging. This is because people age faster as a result of pollution and the changing lifestyle.

Today, the market of ‘age defying’ products and surgical procedures is worth a lot of money. Those who can afford it readily go ‘under the knife’. Very often, different companies launch ‘miracle anti-aging creams’, which they claim, put an end to wrinkles or aging. While some of these products work wonder, many never live up to their billing as anti wrinkle products.

Reducing fine lines and wrinkles associated with ageing can be achieved naturally through lifestyle changes.

Sun protection Sun has an adverse effect on your skin -it causes pre-mature wrinkles. Try to stay away from the sun as much as possible, especially in mid-day. Wear a sunscreen of not lower than 15 SPF and keep your body off pollution.

Cleanse, tone & moisturise If you apply makeup on a regular basis, then this regime is surely your safety net. Cleanse, tone and moisturise your face on a daily basis and you will find yourself with no wrinkles in the long run.

Take supplements

You can also take vitamin supplements if your diet does not provide the necessary nutrients the body needs. Vitamin A supplements are very good in reversing skin damage, and they also help in preventing skin cell cancer. To limit damage from sun exposure, you can take Vitamin C supplements.

Stick to a proper diet

Make garlic your friend Garlic, as usual, is one of the saviours when it comes to ageing and wrinkled skin. A clove of garlic is effective in tackling the stubborn pimples and fine lines on your skin. Rub a small clove of garlic gently over the problem area to see the blemish disappear in no time.

A proper diet is crucial in maintaining the health of the skin and reducing the impact of aging. Your diet should include foods rich in vitamins and minerals so that the skin gets the necessary nutrients to renew old cells. Cut down on your caffeine and soda drinks, and stay away from junk foods. Eat food rich in proteins like fish, eggs and vegetables.

Keep hydrated

Water helps wash off all the toxins from your body and keeps it wrinkle free. Six to eight glasses of water is considered ideal.

However, that largely depends on the weather and the intake of liquid in other forms. So, drink lots of water and fruit juices to maintain a smooth and supple skin. Also, limit the intake of coffee and tea.

Manage stress and quit smoking

Modern lifestyle plays a role in the way we can manage stress. We are so busy with our daily activities that we do not even remember to smile. Whenever you are under a lot of stress, take a break to rejuvenate your strength and relax a little. Always remember, stress can cause wrinkles to appear even on 20-yearold skin. Smoking does not only reduce your lifespan, it also ages your skin faster. So quit smoking and keep yourself happy!

Body&Soul

22

O

Biwom Iklaki

ne of the best things about the mottled print camo trend is that you can be fashionable on the cheap, and get your high-fashion fix all at once with it. It also helps endear it to our fashion hearts when, just like the leopard print and tartan, they keep coming back.

Although the camo is a battlefield uniform which is prohibited for civilians in Nigeria, it is now being spotted everywhere.

It lends a hard and edgy

look to the notable fashionista.

Camo prints now come in different colours besides the traditional greentan-black combination. We have the black-grey-white, orange-black-grey, cobalt-cyan-white, black-purple-lilac and many others. This guarantees its versatility in styling and makes sure there is something for everyone.

Some people consider the camo a classic print for weekend wear. It also works perfectly for hiking, picnicking, and most outdoor sports.

Depending on the styling and the corporate dress code of some offices, it could work as office wear too. To stand out on your night out or for

that first date outfit that is often a headache to pick, a camo print style could just save the day.

You can get a pristine look when you style all your pieces in white with only one camo element. You could also try a pair of cargo camo pants with a body hugging top, red heels and a bag in nude.

Pay tribute to the season’s love for neon by styling your camo with neon pieces. This style can only be pulled off by the very fashion forward among us because it requires wearing it with a certain aplomb.

If you just want to dip your feet into the camo mix without getting

fully wet, pair your camo skirt with a neutral white blazer. Alternatively, you may dress in a single neutral shade and let your sexy camo courts do all the talking.

Wear a hot pair of camo shorts, jungle boots in tan, fez cap in dark green, and a cross-body bag for the ultimate jungle girl look.

Just going out on errands? A camo utility shirtdress could be dressed with a pair of wedged sneakers and a shopping bag for that effortless chic style.

Edgy, chic camo print

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

43

23

SundayBusiness SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

News

Nigeria to emerge world’s top 20 economies in 2030 –Report

Group threatens to shut oil wells over surveillance contract p.28

Transport

Qualities of 2014 Kia Soul p.25

Interview Huge debts may wreck Nigeria’s economy – Henry Boyo p.27

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

L-R: Director-General, National Commission for Museum and Monuments, Alhaji Yusuf Usman; Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke and Director-General, Institute for Cultural Orientation, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, during a train the trainer Workshop on capacity building in Abuja

Paul Ogbuokiri with agency report

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igeria could be one of the world’s top 20 economies by 2030 with a consumer base exceeding the current populations of France and Germany, McKinsey & Co. said.

It said in a recent report that Nigeria with about 173 million people is Africa’s most populous nation and has the continent’s biggest economy.

This is even as Rand Merchant Bank of South Africa has said that Nigeria offers the best opportunities for retailers looking to invest in Africa.

South Africa is 15th in the ranking which has Democratic Republic of Congo and Libya ranking fourth and fifth, the Johannesburg-based investment banking unit of FirstRand Ltd. said in a report released on Thursday.

The list was compiled using criteria such as population size and growth rates, gross domestic product per capita and urbanization rates.

“Those are probably the most favorable prospects for retail investors, but they aren’t the only markets available,” Nema RamkhelawanBhana, an Africa analyst at RMB, said in an interview in Johannesburg.

“In the next few years, you could see that changing as your income dynamics change.”

Foreign investors, who left the country at the economic meltdown, staged a comeback to the Nigerian capital market last June, an indication of growing confidence in the Africa’s biggest economy Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Statistics last Sunday on its second quarter report indicated that the country’s Gross Domestic Product

for the second quarter of 2014 grew by 6.54 per cent.

The bureau in the report said the 6.54 per cent second quarter growth rate, is higher than the 5.40 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2013 and also higher than the 6.21 per cent recorded in the first half of 2014.

In nominal terms, the report estimated the GDP at N21.73trn, adding that in real terms (after adjusting for inflation and other macroeconomic variables), the country’s GDP is estimated at N16.08trn.

It said, “In the second quarter of 2014, Nigeria’s nominal GDP (at basic prices) was estimated at N21.73trn, and N16.08trn in real terms.

“In the corresponding quarter of 2013, nominal GDP was estimated

N19.93trn and N15.09trn in real terms.

“As a result, the growth rate of real GDP was recorded at 6.54 per cent in Q2 2014 (4.18 per cent quarteron-quarter), higher than 5.40 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2013, and also higher than the 6.21 per cent recorded in the first quarter of 2014.”The real estate sector, it added, contributed 7.87 of real GDP in the second quarter of 2014, marginally lower from its share to GDP in the corresponding quarter of last year.

According a report last week, LeapFrog plan to invested $100 in the Nigerian financial services sector soon. The report further said that Nigeria is a highly appealing investment destination, with stable economic indicators and an increas-

ingly welcoming business environment According to its lead partner, Dominic Liber, the Nigerian financial services industry presents a real opportunity for growth and there are a foreign number of companies that are targeting the country’s vast emerging consumer market.

Also, the disposable income in Africa is expected to grow at an average rate of 5.5 percent a year until 2030, the Rand Merchant Bank said in a report on investing inAfrica. By then, the continent’s highest-performing cities will have a combined purchasing power of $1.3 trillion, compared with $750 billion currently, according to RMB. The report noted that while population trends are a key driver of opportunities for retailers, large-scale urbanizaCONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Heritage seeks N16.8bn to acquire Enterprise Bank Paul Ogbuokiri and Chijioke Iremeka

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eritage Bank says it is set to pay the required 30 per cent (about N16.8bn) of the total bid price of Enterprise Bank it won on Thursday.

It said it would sign the documents leading the acquisition of the lender after paying the initial deposit, saying it is sure to beat the deadline given by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria.

“AMCON has pronounced us the preferred bidder of Enterprise Bank and we have been given up

to September 23, 2014, to pay 30 per cent of the total cost of N56bn.

Then, we will sign all the documents pertaining to the acquisition and it is after that, we will be called the legal acquirer of Enterprise bank,” says Lekan Isola, Heritage Bank Media Adviser.

Isola said in a telephone conversation that three Nigerian banks, including Skye Bank, Fidelity Bank and Heritage Bank bidded for the lender, while Heritage Bank emerged the preferred bidder in the exercise.

A statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, AMCON, Mr. Kayode Lambo,

confirmed the result, stating that Heritage Bank emerged the preferred bidder, while Fidelity Bank was the reserve bidder.

The statement reads: “AMCON is pleased to announce HBCL Investment Services Limited as preferred bidder and Fidelity Bank Plc as reserve bidder for the acquisition of the entire issued and fully paid up ordinary shares of Enterprise Bank Limited. This follows the receipt of the approval of the Board of Directors of AMCON. HISL is sponsored by Heritage Banking Company Limited.

CO NTINUED O N PAGE 27

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday Business

Stolen crude: Lawyers urge FG to sue Ghana Paul Ogbuokiri and Chijioke Iremeka

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ome senior lawyers have advised the Nigerian government to drag Ghana before the ECOWAS Court over the recent discovery that stolen Nigerian crude is being shipped to a small oil platform in the West African nation.

Senior Partner, Yomi Okunnu & Associates, Mr. Yomi Okonnu (SAN), told Sunday New Telegraph that the Federal Government could also take the matter to a Nigerian court since the stolen crude originated from within the country.

“When it comes to jurisdiction, we have the ECOWAS Court which can try the case. Also, in any event, a Nigerian court can try it because if the crude was stolen from Nigerian territory, then we have the jurisdiction to handle it here,” he said. He, however, stated that the Federal Government can arrest the local thieves, try them in Nigeria and join their foreign partners as conspirators and jail them in Nigeria, “to serve as a deterrent to others, who would be nursing such a crime in their minds. This will be a warning to those who think that they can come to Nigeria and make a fool of our laws.”

He added, “Of course, Nigeria can instigate a judicial action in Ghana with the cooperation of their government; but you see, the Ghanaian government would try to protect its people. But the best is to arrest them here, join the collaborators and jail them here in Nigeria. Then, they will know how serious our government could be.”

Senior Partner of Mabenfo Ubboh Partners, Mr. Mabenfo Ubboh, said Nigeria can still ask INTERPOL to arrest the owners of the platform on behalf of Nigeria on the basis of trans-border pacts with other countries.

“It’s also a trans-border crime and we can work with the forces on our side to arrest and try them. It’s just like terrorism. People are now coming to Abuja for meetings so that countries will cooperate with one another in trans-border crime.

So, we have the powers to arrest and try, whether in their country or Nigeria,” he said.

Investigation by Citifmonline, an online platform indicate that several thousands of barrels supposedly pilfered from Nigeria are increasingly making their way to global markets through Saltpond oil facility owned by Ghana’s Lushann International Energy Corp.

It said that Emmanuel Oware, general manager of Tema, Ghana-based PetroMarine Consult Ltd., which specialises in ship cargo inspections, said small vessels carry ‘unofficial’ oil from the Niger Delta and discharge at Saltpond.

According to the investigation, Oware said that the stolen Nigerian crude is mixed with Ghanaian oil.

“It comes from Nigeria, but it gets a certificate of Ghanaian origin,” he said.

The oil is then transferred to larger tankers, according to Oware, who said he inspected trans-shipment at Saltpond last year.

Citionline further reported that investigations reveal that, a notorious vessel called ‘akshay’ once seized for oil smuggling in Nigeria makes frequent stops at Saltpond.

Few months ago, President Goodluck Jonathan called for help from the United States Government in curbing the menace of crude oil theft from Nigeria.

With the careful tracking of shipping services by American authorities, it was established that small vessels load ‘unofficial’ oil in the Niger Delta and discharge same at Saltpond. The U.S investigation also stemmed from a recent revelation

Alison Madueke

“It’s also a trans-border crime and we can work with the forces on our side to arrest and try them. It’s just like terrorism. People are now coming to Abuja for meetings so that countries will cooperate with one another in trans-border crime” that the small Ghanaian oil facility owned by an American company is exporting large quantities of crude to Europe, raising questions about whether some of the oil was stolen from Nigeria.

Akshay is a tanker co-owned by Ajay Bhatia, an Indian national who was sentenced by a Nigerian court in May in absentia to 15 years in jail for oil theft. The vessel travelled thrice between Nigeria and Saltpond in the four months before it was seized in November 2012 by the Nigerian Navy, for allegedly carrying stolen crude, according to shipping tracker service IHS Fairplay.

Saltpond Oil Platform is the production platform of an oilfield off the coast of Ghana. The field was discovered in 1970 by Signal-Amoco Consortium but did not commence production until 1978.The field is currently managed by the Saltpond Offshore Producing Company (SOPCL), Ghana’s oldest producer of crude oil. From 1978 to 1985 the maximum oil production was 4,800 barrels per day (760 m3/d) of oil.

When operation stopped in 1985, the volume of production was 580 barrels per day (92 m3/d). The estimated percentages of oil and gas that had been obtained from the field at the time of shutdown were 10.4 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively, with three of the six wells unable to produce oil.

Adeoke, Minister of Justice

The company says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission sells crude that it seizes in its pursuit of oil theft.

“The only crude we take from Nigeria…has been seized by the government,” said Quincy Sintim, Lushann’s owner and president said, “We have invoices that we pay to EFCC Nigeria.”

In its response to the allegation, the EFCC was quoted as saying that “claims about invoices purportedly emanating from the commission by any person or organisation should be discountenanced as such documents would have been forged by fraudsters.

The commission is not an oil marketing company and could not have issued any invoice to any oil trader to lift confiscated crude oil from Nigeria.”

The platform’s operator, which denies wrongdoing, and Nigerian officials say the facility has a legitimate contract with Nigerian authorities to trans-ship oil that the country’s law-enforcement officials have confiscated. But those volumes are small, according to the Nigerian government, raising questions about the origins of the rest of the oil the platform has loaded onto ships.The Saltpond platform, meanwhile, has been a destination for at least one vessel connected to Nigerian oil theft, according to ship-tracking services.

Sintim said Saltpond’s production had never been higher than 200,000 barrels a year since his company took over in 2000, and declined to comment further.

Jarrett Tenebe, the owner and head of Fenix Impex Nig Ltd., a Nigerian oiltrading firm, said he had been selling confiscated Nigerian crude oil to Saltpond on behalf of the oil ministry, but said the quantities were small.

Dorothy Bassey, head of public affairs at Nigeria’s Department of Petroleum Resources — the oil ministry’s

regulatory body — said Fenix only loaded “about 2,000 barrels” of co nfiscated crude oil since late 2012. It is unclear how much of that was sold to Saltpond.

Bill Altwater, a seasoned oil expert told an Citionline last week that,” the main buyers of the over 200,000 barrels of oil that thieves steal from Nigeria each day are organised criminal networks in the Balkans and refiners in Singapore”. He further stated that much of the oil sold had been traced to criminal networks in the Balkans, Ukraine, Serbia, Ghana, India and Bulgaria.

Last year, Rear Admiral Oyagha, during the Navy Week, on the topic: ‘Harnessing Surveillance Technology in Support of Anti-Crude Oil Theft Operations in Nigeria’, said, “In 2013, losses from crude oil theft were estimated at an average of about 55,210 barrels per day or monthly average of 1,656,281 barrels. Thus, Nigeria oil losses due to crude oil theft translate to almost $2 billion yearly in deficit to Nigeria’s economy.”

Meanwhile, a new twist in the matter emerged last week when a Jarett Tenebe, a time gubatorial candidate of Peoples Democratic Party was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Sahara Reporter, an online news portal said the well known owner of Fenix Impex Nig Limited, a Nigeria oil trading firm, shocked investigators by revealing that he received cover from several senior government officials and top politicians.

The EFCC was still holding him in detention at the weekend after arresting him last week for alleged theft of massive amounts of crude oil.

Fenix oil was reportedly sold in Ghana.

Sahara Reporters further reported that Tenebe came under renewed scrutiny after US investigators informed Nigeria’s law enforcement authorities that several vessels linked to the oil thief company were involved in the ferrying of stolen crude from Nigeria to Ghana via the Saltpond oil platform in the West African country.

Nigeria to emerge world’s top 20 economies in 2030 –Report CO N T I N U E D F R O M PAG E 2 3

tion pose risks in terms of social problems and unemployment, said Celeste Fauconnier, an Africa macro strategist for RMB. “The risk of urbanisation is that your slum areas are dominant” within fastgrowing cities, Fauconnier said. “Africa’s got the youngest population in the world, which is great for productivity, if they had

jobs.”

Other negative short-term factors for African markets include political risks, vulnerability to changes in commodity prices, income inequality, weak institutions and gaps in infrastructure, RMB said. Low government spending on education and skills are among key risks for the continent’s future.

“We don’t want to present this as an unrivaled

proposition,” Ramkhelawan-Bhana said. “Africa is 54 distinct economies and there is abundant opportunity. But be very cautious of the risks, and there are numerous risks.”

While South Africa ranks outside the top 10 as a prospect for retailers, Africa’s secondlargest economy remains the most-attractive country for overall investment, according to RMB.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

25

Transport

SEPTEMBER 14, 2014

Qualities of 2014 Kia Soul T

Paul Ogbuokiri

he 2014 Kia Soul has been getting appreciable share of public admiration in Nigeria since being formally unveiled at the Lagos Motor Show

by Kia Motors Nigeria some months ago.

But what Kia has not done with this new Soul is alter the formula that made the first one so successful. At first glance, the 2014 Soul is hardly any difference from the old one. It is still a bolt upright, four-door car with an unmistakable nose; wheels that are pushed to the four corners; and tall taillights mounted high on either end of the flat tail.

Yet, automotive journalists and analysts say it looks more beautiful. The lower portion is now more aggressively sculpted, the taillights are better integrated and shine with LED incandescence, and there is more shoulder to the fenders, but this Soul is immediately identifiable as

the offspring of the first one.

At second glance, not that much has changed mechanically, either. The Soul is still a straightforward front-drive Kia built on the same basic structure that underpins a sedan sibling. The wheelbase has been stretched by 0.8 inch to a still tidy 101.2 inches and width has expanded by 0.6 inch to 70.9. Yes, the new Soul is 1.4 inches longer than the first-generation model, and stretches to 163.0 inches.

The front struts and the rear torsion beam have been made stronger - Kia says the rear shocks are now mounted vertically and are longer than before - and retuned, but not reinvented. Kia has also affirmed that the unibody structure of the new Soul is 29 per cent stiffer

than before and therefore, safer.

Base Soul models are powered by a 1.6-litre, DOHC direct-injected engines lashed to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, The only transmission with the 2.0-litre is the six-speed automatic.

These are the Souls that Kia is selling in volume in the US and many other markets.

However, it is only the 1.6-litre engine Soul that is made available locally by Kia Nigeria.

With the dash bracketed by speaker towers at either end, sporting piano black trim on the centre stack, the new interior is the second-generation Soul’s greatest asset. It’s slick-looking, integrates with any sort of media short of a live symphony orchestra, has simple instrumentation that’s easy

“At first glance, the 2014 Soul is hardly any difference from the old one. It is still a bolt upright, four-door car with an unmistakable nose; wheels that are pushed to the four corners; and tall taillights mounted high on either end of the flat tail”

Soul jeep

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tallion Motors Limited in collaboration with Diamond Bank PLC has inaugurated a new sales offer for customers desiring to buy Volkswagen and Skoda passenger cars in a commemorative bonanza tagged ‘Nigeria Centenary Celebration Bonanza’.

Announcing the scheme in Lagos recently, Volkswagen Nigeria head of sales and marketing, Mr. Manish Daryanani, said the offer is designed with a seamless repayment sequence to ease the process of vehicle ownership. The bonanza which is ongoing offers for sale a select Volkswagen and Skoda models including Volkswagen Polo, Jetta, Passat and CC variants as well as Skoda Rapid and Octavia models.

Daryanani said customers can walk into any of Stallion Motors’ Volkswagen and Skoda showrooms nationwide to place their orders.

Also speaking at the inauguration, Skoda World head of sales and marketing, Mr. Sanjay Rupani said the scheme is open to all

D

to scan and plenty of flexible room, and it feels as though it ought to be in a more expensive car.

Move beyond the well-appointed interior and funky appearance, though, and the Soul’s soul is characterized by its ordinariness. This is a transportation pod that operates with seamless ease from the first press of the now obligatory start button to the moment it disgorges. The transmission glides through its gears unobtrusively, the engine pulls quietly.

New Telegraph learnt that Kia is already selling about 10,000 Souls per month in the United States - about 80 per cent of total Soul production from Kia’s Gwangju plant in South Korea. So the Soul has proved itself to be the only ‘box car’ into which people want to hop in the US, as in Nigeria and many other markets.

Stallion, Diamond open credit sales for Volkswagen, Skoda cars

customers including those with or without functional account at Diamond Bank Plc. He said the trio of Volkswagen, Skoda and Diamond Bank PLC has cautiously designed the scheme to enable beneficiaries’ to access interest free funds without necessarily paying processing fees or showing collateral.

And as part of the bonanza, “customers will be eligible to one year free service and one year comprehensive insurance cover couple with other benefits as special anniversary pricing, free registration and one free Samsung Galaxy Note 3 NEO phone for any Volkswagen and Skoda cars purchased during this campaign,” Rupani explained.

on’t allow children to fight or climb around in your car (they should be buckled in their seats at all times). One accidental bump or too much noise can easily distract you from concentrating on driving safely.

Cell phones can also take your focus away from the task at hand: arriving safely at your destination. Learn more in the Nationwide Blog about the under-reporting of cell phone involvement in fatal car crashes.

Avoid driving when you’re tired. Be aware that some medications can cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle very dangerous. Always use caution when changing lanes.

While also adding that successful customers could spread payment tenure over a period of up to 48 months in affordable monthly installments, the Skoda World sales and marketing coordinator said the evolving needs and preferences of prospective vehicle buyers prompted this campaign, which essentially seeks to change the predisposition of car buyers to embrace tried and tested European brands that are durable and serviceable.

“Our objective is to provide the best products and services to our customers and enable them to enjoy value-added experience in line with Volkswagen clear value for customers - affordability, reliability and German

engineering.”

The auto marketing concern has meanwhile announced starting monthly installment of NGN66, 000 for Volkswagen Polo; NGN76, 000 for Jetta; NGN110, 000 for Passat; NGN114, 000 for the CC while Skoda Rapid and Octavia start from NGN71, 000 and NGN81, 000 monthly installments respectively.

A celebrated automaker, the Volkswagen Group, is renowned for attractive product portfolio that excites millions of customers worldwide, while the Volkswagen – Das Auto slogan representing innovation, enduring value and reliability distinguish VW passenger car brand from rival marquees.

Auto Clinic

Here are some tips to follow when behind the wheel

Cutting in front of someone, changing lanes too fast or not using your signals may cause an accident or upset other drivers.

Take extra precautions while driving during deer season.

What should I do if I’m in a car accident?

If you’re involved in an accident, first make sure no one in the car is injured. Next, check on the passengers in the other vehicle; or, if necessary, make certain that no pedestrians are hurt. Then, take these five things into account: Stay at the scene. Leaving can result in additional viola-

tions or fines. Call the FRSC as soon as possible. They’ll dispatch medical personnel immediately to the scene of the accident. Wait for the police to complete an accident report.

If you’re on a busy highway, stay inside the car and wait for the police or an ambulance. It’s dangerous if passengers stand along a busy street. Don’t get into an argument or a fight with the other driver. Simply exchange contact and insurance information. If possible, also get the name and phone numbers of witnesses.

26

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Market slides further

M

arket mood was bearish for most of the week, as the market lost for three of five trading days to end the week in the negative territory. The NSEASI declined significantly by -1.18% WoW (Week on Week), to peg YtD (Year-to-Date) return at -1.59%. Volume and Value traded soared by 101.50% and 232.57% (vs. 12.68% and 8.41% in the previous week) due to major off-market trades on ASHAKACEM (1.3bn shares traded) and DANGCEM (243.54bn during the week). The DANCEM trade was the largest trade since 1997 and was executed by Meristem Securities.

IKEJAHOTEL topped the gainers’ chart with a week-on-week (W-o-W) return of 42.00%, while PREMBREW, VONO, UBN and FTNCOCOA followed suit with gains of 33.12%, 20.69%, 19.98% and 9.62% in that order.

On the converse CONOIL, RTBRISCOE, MAYBAKER, FIDSON, and REDSTAREX led the losers’ chart shedding 12.85%, 11.00%, 9.80%, 9.49% and 9.39% respectively.

We expect performance next week to be largely driven by the expectations and actual outcomes of the FOMC and MPC meetings scheduled for 16th to 17th and 18th to 19th of September 2014 accordingly.

Banking Sector: Rebounds WoW… as UBN surges A positive wind of change swept across the banking sector this week as eight out of fifteen stocks traded positive, six stocks traded negative, while UNITYBNK traded flat. UBN blazed the trail with a stunning 19.98% gain, while ETI, SKYEBANK, ACCESS, STERLNBANK, DIAMONDBNK, FIDELITYBK, and ZENITHBANK followed suit, returning 8.17%, 3.60%, 2.79%, 2.68%, 2.44%, 2.04%, and 1.44%. Losers for the week were WEMABANK, UBA, STANBIC, FCMB, GUARANTY, and FBNH each shedding 1.10%, 1.10%, 1.32%, 1.88%, 2.25%, and 3.20% respectively.

The major news in the sector for the week was the additional stake purchased by the global investment company Atlas Mara Co-Nvest Limited in Union Bank of Nigeria Plc., raising its stake from 9% to 29.9% for USD270mn. This was a strategic move by the investment company to deepen its interests in Sub-Saharan Africa. This news caused a substantial rally on UBN stock as noted above, trading as high as NGN10.89 on Wednesday before retracting to close the week at NGN10.27.

It is not surprising that the sector returned positive this week, as the highly correlated sector stocks usually follow trend. We expect that sector gains will continue to be sluggish leading up to the MPC meeting next week and October 1st, when new CBN guidelines regarding Basel II compliance is expected. We expect that the sector might shed some of the gains of this week owing to the activities of profit-takers.

Industrial Goods Sector: Meristem Securities executes largest trade since 1997 The industrial goods sector witnessed improved sentiments during the week, with three stocks recording increases in share price against only one price gainer in the previous week. The Meri- IND index however depreciated by 3.81%, dragged by DANGCEM. WAPCO reversed last week’s loss with a 1.3% upward swing in price to top the sectors gainers list. CAP and CCNN also advanced by 0.90% and 0.69% accordingly.

ASHAKACEM was the major sector laggard for the week, having shed 0.58% to close at NGN32.31. In the course of the week, 1.312bn ordinary shares of Ashaka Cement Plc was crossed in an off-market transaction between Lafarge Nigeria (UK) Plc. and Lafarge Africa Plc. at NGN30.95 per share. This transaction is part of Lafarge Africa’s efforts at consolidating its Nigerian and South African assets.

In another off-market transaction on Monday, September 8th 2014, Dangote industries Limited sold 243,540,000 units of DANGCEM shares (1.43% of total shares outstanding) at NGN200 per share to the Investment Cor-

…brings YtD return to -1.59% In the conglomerate sector, UACN and AGLEVENT advanced by -1.08% and 8.57% for the week. AGLEVENT’s dividend payment of 16 kobo per share is expected on the 19th September 2014.

Sector performance for the coming week is expected to be tempered in line with the overall market, given concerns about the outcome of the FOMC and the MPC meetings.

poration of Dubai, with Meristem Securities executing both the buy and sell side of the transaction. This transaction thus takes DANGCEM’s float deficiency to 5.7%. Subsequent to this major transaction, DANGCEM shed 4.4% during the week to close the week at NGN215.10.

We do not see the sector faring much better compared to general market mood in the coming weeks, as most institutional and foreign investments continue to trade cautiously due to concerns regarding potential headwinds ahead of the general elections in 2015.

Consumer Goods and Conglomerates Sector: GUINNESS 2014FY Turnover declines 11% Performance of the consumer goods basket was negative for the week, in line with the overall trend in the market as the NSEFB10 shed 0.49%. Performance distribution showed that 7 stocks closed positive compared to 11 decliners, even as 11 traded flat.

GUINNESS released its long awaited FY2014 result, which revealed a 10.83% drop in revenue reported, which is consistent with the last four consecutive quarterly releases.

Profit before tax, and after tax profit slipped by 31.32% and 19.30% accordingly, while Dividend per Share was slashed to NGN3.20 (compared to NGN7.00 in 2013FY) translating to a payout ratio of 50% (vs. 80% 3-year average).

The result was met with negative reactions from investors, as market price declined by 4.98% for the week.

PREMBREW retained its position as the best performer in the sector for the week, appreciating by 33.12%. Other gainers in the sector for the week include DANGSUGAR, 7UP and NB with returns of 7.98%, 5.00% and 0.63% respectively.

PZ (-5.65%) and GUINNESS (-4.43%) led the losers list, while other decliners included UNIONDICON, NASCON, HONYFLOUR, FLOURMILL and NESTLE which declined by 4.96%, 2.79%, 2.17%, 1.17%, and 0.88% WtD respectively.

HONYFLOUR’s register closed today (12Sep-2014) for the dividend payment (17 kobo/ share) due on the 17th September 2014.

Oil and Gas Sector: Price reversal commences on CONOIL The Oil and Gas sector returned positive for the week as the sector’s index advanced by 3.27%. The gains were majorly driven

by FO, TOTAL and MOBIL which returned 7.58%, 4.62% and 3.45% to close the week at NGN235.60, NGN180.00 and NGN180.00 in that order.

Investors took profit on CONOIL as the register of members was reopened after the September 5th closure. The counter led the industry losers’ chart, declining by 12.85% to close at NGN53.16. Other laggards in the industry during the week included OANDO, SEPLAT and ETERNA with declines of 2.48%, 1.47% and 0.77% respectively.

Despite the decline by CONOIL we still maintain our position that the stock is overvalued. A view we also share on FO and MRS, while we believe that TOTAL and ETERNA are fairly valued at their current prices.

Insurance Sector: Sector’s performance rebounds Subsequent to the sell pressures that caused a dip in the Insurance index level in the preceding week, the sector’s performance improved marginally by 0.04% week-on-week (WoW).

The sector breadth improved in the week, favouring advancers as 4 stocks appreciated in prices against 2 that declined. NEM emerged as the highest loser for the week, shedding 5.00%. CORNERST also declined by 1.96% as price settled back at its nominal value (NGN0.50) following the price appreciation that greeted its recent financial scorecards.

The top gainers in the week in descending order were INTENEGINS, ROYALEX, AIICO, ROYALEX and CONTINSURE as each appreciated in price by 6.00%, 3.75%, 1.75% and 1.03% in that order.

We expect the sector to sustain the positive momentum in the near term given its low level of volatility. From fundamentals stance, we expect the positive drivers to include AIICO, CONTINSURE and NEM. We expect market sentiments to favour CUSTODYINS and MANSARD even as they currently trade around their respective fundamentally justified prices.

Agric Sector: Negative sentiments persist, as sector YtD returns pegs at -14.56% Negative sentiments which have persisted for the past three weeks, reoccurred in this week as the sector closed on a negative note, shedding 0.25% to peg YtD returns at -14.56%.

OKOMUOIL and LIVESTOCK shed 3.62% and 3.44% respectively to drag the sector’s performance. Even though activity on FTNCOCOA continued through the week, it appeared to have halted its gaining streak as it shed 5.00% on Friday to put WtD return at 9.62%. PRESCO gained 2.78% on Friday to close at NGN37.00. ELLAHLAKES, however, remained flat.

We expect sector counters to continue to gravitate towards fundamentally justified prices in the coming weeks. Our valuation puts the fair values for OKOMUOIL, PRESCO and LIVESTOCK at NGN32.40, NGN29.90 and NGN1.73 respectively.

Healthcare Sector: Value in murky waters The Health sector, as measured by the MERIHEALTH index, closed the week on a negative note as it shed -1.51% to peg MtD, QtD and YtD returns at -0.02%, 1.52% and -4.47% in that order. Trading activities on the sector stocks has been muted, with the pendulum swinging more to the negative axis with only NEIMETH (2.86%) and EVANSMED (7.69%) gaining during the week.

FIDSON and PHARMDEKO are the only sector stocks that have recorded positive YtD returns of 19.71% and 28.65% in that order, as all other counters have posted negative YtD returns so far.

Despite the negative sentiments on the stocks in the sector, we still see value as the companies strive towards aligning their operations with ‘Good Manufacturing Practice’, which will give them the opportunity to play in the global market. This will also present to them the opportunity to bid for the supply of bulk purchases during international health intervention programs on anti-malaria, antiretroviral (ARVs) and Tuberculosis. The ongoing restructuring in the sector has necessitated the need for increase in capacity, which in turn is expected to generate more revenue for the concerned companies in form of royalty for contract manufacturing.

Services Sector: Trudges Forward Despite Market Downturn The Services sector closed the week on a positive note as Ikeja Hotels Plc. (IKEJAHOTEL) remained the best performer in the sector and market for the week, gaining 42%. Other gainers for the week were NAHCO, ABCTRANS and LEARNAFRICA 3.8%, 1.45%, and 1.26%.

The laggards for the week were RTBRISCOE, REDSTAREX, TRANSCORP, CAVERTON and UPL as the stocks shed 11.00%, 9.39%, 5.47%, 2.2% and 0.48% in that order, while ACADEMY, AIRSERVICE, CILEASING, LENNARDS and TANTALIZER all traded flat.

Major news in the sector came in the form of news concerning Caverton RK, a joint venture between RK Singapore and Caverton Marine Limited (one of the subsidiaries of Caverton Offshore Support Group) was recently awarded a contract to supply two drilling vessels to Shebah Exploration and Production Company Limited (SEPCOL) in support of Rig Trident VIII SEPCOL’s offshore drilling operations. We see the company’s moves to diversify its income base as positive, although we do not expect this deal to start to markedly impact the company’s bottom-line in the near term.

Also, TRANSCORP Group (TRANSCORP) has filed for permission to list the Hospitality and Tourism arm, Transcorp Hotel Plc. (which generates 70% of the Group’s revenue) on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and if successful an IPO of 800 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo at a market value of NGN10.00 per share (8.30% higher than the all-time high price of TRANSCORP is NGN9.17).

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday Business

Huge debts may wreck Nigeria’s economy – Henry Boyo A financial analyst and the Managing Director, Allied Technol System Limited, Henry Boyo, in this interview with CHIJIOKE IREMEKA, examines some challenges in the nation’s fiscal system

Last week, the European Central Bank reduced its lending rate to 0.05 per cent and since then, Nigeria’s bonds have been in high demand. What impact does this have on the Nigerian economy, especially with the dwindling revenue accruing to the states? ou are right, to an extent, that Nigerian bonds no longer impact positively on the economy as supposed. The need for a loan should be for capital projects. Most Nigerians don’t see how they benefit from these bonds taken by the government. Similarly, such bonds should be taken for capital expenditure but now they are taken for recurrent expenditure portfolio.

So, in this regard, one would observe that despite the rush for bonds, the yield is still poor. We have never benefited from the government bonds; rather they leave debts for many generations to service.

The issue of whether we use the funds well or not is not for me to answer. It’s for the people who borrow to decide. But it will sound very odd if the borrowing is not for capital enhancement, rather for consumption spending, as in the case of N400bn borrowed to pay PHCN workers. This on its own will not create wealth.

However, I would say that the cheap cost of funds in Europe is tempting us to borrow abroad because the cost of borrowing in Nigeria is higher than Europe. Cost of fund anywhere in the country will be predicated on the monetary policy rate of the CBN. If ECB has a monetary rate of 0.05 per cent, then you would expect that Nigerians and government will prefer to borrow from the banks in Europe.

By reducing their interest rate, ECB as the lender of last resort will give money to commercial banks at such a reduced rate and one would expect that the banks will give out loans at cheaper rates to the customers too. That’s what such monetary policy does to an economy and people will have access to funds to create wealth.

The question is why is Nigeria’s cost of lending very high and higher than that of Europe? Why do we have banks in Nigeria and prefer to borrow abroad? And the reason is that, it’s cheaper to do that abroad with low interest rates. Nigeria’s lending cost of 12 per cent is higher when compared to the European 0.05 per cent.

The higher the cost of fund, the more difficult it is for you to repay the bond. For instance, if your cost of funds is one per cent, it will be easier for you to put it into use and pay back at one per cent per annum. Then, if you are to pay 12 per cent per annum, it makes more sense to borrow from the source that is cheaper.

And that is what the ECB has done, to encourage investment.

What are the reasons behind CBN’s fixing of Nigerian monetary policy rate at 12 per cent, while that of Europe stands at 0.05 per cent?

The CBN’s Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) is high because the CBN believes that it’s necessary to have a high monetary policy rate so as to debar people who want to borrow from the bank.

In other words, CBN deliberately made it high and sensible to borrow from abroad.

The CBN feels that there is much money in circulation and

Y

“This is crazy and this is what has been happening because Nigeria doesn’t keep her money with the CBN anymore. The money is with JP Morgan and others. These are the same international capital agencies that Nigeria goes to borrow. So, Nigeria provides them with such liquidity to lend money to them. Chijioke, does that make sense to you?

allowing free access to the Naira would drive inflation rate up to 14 or 15 per cent, as the case may be.

If such happens, it means that for some of us that are income earners will lose certain percentage of our purchasing power every five years. Inflation is a dangerous thing that can ruin the economy of any nation.

Nigeria has been in a constant fight against inflation. Why is it not the same with other countries of the world? Is it endemic to Nigeria that the CBN has to determine Boyo and maintain such a high MPR? The answer is that CBN has, in the last few decades, been dealing with surplus naira or surplus liquidity in the economy and in order to stop access to free money; it raises its MPR so as to deter people from borrowing. This is the reason behind the high borrowing rates in the country.

One may ask whether ECB does not face this same excess liquidity problem. We have a peculiar problem here. Our own CBN has the habit of creating surplus naira itself and when it realises it, CBN considers it necessary to prevent people from accessing the surplus naira from the bank.

And one of the sure ways of preventing people from accessing it is by raising the MPR because when people start accessing the funds, inflation soars up to 12 or 15 per cent as the case may be, which is not good for anybody.

So, this high MPR makes people think before borrowing. If the banks can borrow from CBN at 12 per cent, then it becomes necessary that they would give it out for about 20 per cent, especially in view of infrastructure deprivation.

In other words, it’s the CBN that sets the high monitoring rate and creates excess liquidity, which are the problems we are facing now. If ECB can keep theirs at 0.05 per cent why can’t CBN do same?

In what ways has the CBN created such excess liquidity in the country?

The excess liquidity is created by CBN by the substitution of Naira for dollar-derived revenues. If the CBN tries to answer that question, what creates the excess liquidity in the country? It would always say the same thing.

In the past, CBN had always hidden under the excuse that excess liquidity is created as a result of extra and excess government spending. This does not make any sense in the ears of the people because the standard practice abroad is where there is shortage of employment opportunities and constraint in industrial growth, government is encouraged to spend. This is because it’s in the spending that she creates demand by putting money in the hands of the people.

When you put money in the hands of the people, they will spend the money on commodities. So, when they say this, most people swallow it hook line and sinker because they don’t ask questions. The CBN would say that and withhold money.

And that is totally untrue because government should spend money at the time when there is no jobs and that is what obtains all over the world. But the CBN keeps giving that as an excuse because people don’t ask questions. The government is expected

to spend money to create more jobs.

We don’t have jobs, businesses are collapsing yet the CBN says she doesn’t want people to borrow. Can you see the contradictions there? When there are no jobs, the government makes sure that the interest rates are low so that people could borrow and create jobs.

The excess liquidity, like I said, is created by CBN by its substitution of Naira for dollar-derived revenue. That is the reality.

ECB cutting down of its interest rate that has resulted in high demand for bonds, don’t you think it could be a bait to attract Africans to borrow?

No, that is an unattainable position. To show you how unattainable it is, how would you compare European 0.05 to Nigeria’s 12 per cent rates? There is a great margin that even at six per cent; it’s enough motivation for people to borrow from Europe.

If they were targeting Africans or the Nigerian government, it doesn’t have to be as low as 0.05 per cent. They did that because they want people to borrow and develop their economy, to make their industries thrive. ECB knew that with money in the hands of the people, they will be doing the economy a lot of good.

If they want Africans to borrow, it would have been six per cent, which is still quite a margin from 12 per cent. So, they do not need to bring it down to as low as 0.05 per cent. Six per cent is good enough to motive Africans to borrow, not to mention 0.05per cent.

Their 0.05 per cent is a deliberate act to develop their economy.

The first reason for Nigeria’s foreign borrowings remains that the government is borrowing to resolve the excess liquidity created by CBN’s substitution of Naira allocations for dollar-derived revenue.

The second reason is that in the preparation of our annual budget, we deliberately understate our expected revenue by putting it at $75 per barrel of oil; whereas the oil is constantly selling at and over $100 per barrel.

When you use such a lesser figure to determine what your revenue will be, it means that the total revenue expectation will be smaller than the proposed expenditure. So, this creates a need for borrowing because you have initially understated your revenue expectation.

Interestingly, even if you have such, the price of crude doesn’t get below $75 per barrel. Sometimes, it sells higher than the projected price and when this happens, there will be excess revenue on what was budgeted for. This is what CBN calls Excess Crude Account.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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Sunday / Business

A

Ahaoma Kanu

group, Indigenous/ Landlords Association, has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to intervene in an alleged illegal award of oil surveillance contract Oil Mining Lease (OML 30) by the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Shoreline National Resources Ltd and Heritage Oil to unknown contractors.

The group, based in Isoko Local Government Area of Delta State, said that at the expiration of the date, it would be left with no other alternative than to ensure that oil wells connected to the said OML 30 cease to flow.

In a petition to the Presidency, signed by Messrs. Victor Oletukuvic, John Ovie, Paul Umedo, Lawrence Owhe amdVictor Egbo, the group demanded a meeting with the concerned parties which include NPDC, Shoreline National Resources Ltd and Heritage oil.

It also requested that oil pipeline surveillance contracts be awarded to the Isoko Vigilante group while royalties should be paid to traditional rulers in the communities.

The group alleged that NPDC and others, without due consultation with their traditional institutions, chiefs, youths and opinion leaders in Isoko Kingdom, awarded the oil mining lease surveillance job to several contractors they said “who don’t care about the plight of the people.”

They claimed that more than one year after the contract was awarded, there was no nothing to show that the contractors were working in the entire Isoko vicinity.

The group said, “What we have noticed is that the Isoko Local Vigilante Group, led by Mr. Victor Egbo, is responsible for securing the oil pipelines till date.”

In the petition dated September 4, the group claimed that OML 30 covers the largest upstream asset and is the second largest on-shore block with a lease covering 109 square kilometres. This comprises 19 oil wells in Oleh; 15 oil wells in Olomoro with another four oil wells shared by both communities; Emede has four oil wells; Owhe, nine; while Okpolo-Enwhe, Ozoro, Ellu/Owode and Ofagbe have six,

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Group threatens to shut oil wells over surveillance contract

seven, ten and four respectively.

The group further said that in order to address the alleged injustice, the Isoko Development Union, the apex decision making body in Isokoland, led by its President, Major Gen. Paul Omu, (retd.), scheduled a meeting between the Isoko people and the affected parties for April 29 at the Isoko South Local Government Area Secretariat.

At the meeting, Omu demanded that the oil surveillance contract should be re-awarded to accommodate the interest of the entire Isoko people. The petition said that Shoreline Natural Resources, Heritage Oil and the NPDC promised to look into their demands but had done L-R: Divisional Head, Human Resources and Change Management, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Felicia Obozuwa; Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Wale Adeniyi and Bank’s Head of Research and nothing on till date.

The group alleged that the block Insight, Mrs. Yemisi Faleye, at the Customer Forum, on International Trade Business, organised by FCMB, in Lagos. has eight fields producing 395, 000 bpd, with an existing 850 bpd of pipeline The group threatened to shut down opera- Heritage Oil Nig (Ltd) have chosen to walk the segment to Forcados Export terminal. Its cur- tions in the vicinity should their ultimatum path of injustice against the collective interest rent gross production is 45, 000 bpd: it has over be ignored. of the people, they have resolved from now two hundred wells drilled with one hundred “Since Shoreline Natural Resources, Nige- onward, that there shall be no peace until this and twenty in production. rian Petroleum Development Company and ugly injustice is addressed,” they said.

Heritage...N16.8bn to acquire Enterprise Bank CO N T I N U E D F R O M PAG E 2 3

“The completion of the transaction is subject to the fulfillment of the conditions precedent as stated in the Share Purchase Agreement that is to be executed between AMCON and HISL. In the event that HISL is unable to complete the transaction in line with the payment terms and other provisions of the SPA, the SPA entered into with HISL would be terminated and Fidelity

Bank would become the preferred bidder.”

AMCON further said that the process started with interest shown by 24 parties cutting across local and international bidders, adding that the emergence of HISL and Fidelity Bank as the preferred and reserve bidders, respectively resulted from a rigorous and competitive bidding process, which was coordinated for AMCON by Citigroup Global Markets Limited and

Vetiva Capital Management Limited (financial advisers) and G. Elias & Co. (legal advisers).”

It should be noted that Enterprise Bank is one of the three nationalised banks after the 2009 banking crisis. The three bridge banks created from the failed banks are Enterprise Bank, Mainstreet Bank and Keystone Bank.

AMCON is due to announce the preferred bidder for Mainstreet Bank on or before October 31.

Huge debts may wreck Nigeria’s economy –Henry Boyo CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 7

Why does Nigeria borrow with interest, despite her idle funds?

That is what you must wonder if it makes sense that you have excess revenue and at the same time, you are borrowing.

This is what has been happening. It’s not a theory and I’m not making it up in my head. It’s open.

Even at the time the coordinating minister of finance confirmed that we had an excess crude account, why then do we still borrow? Does anyone who went to school or even a market woman, want to do such a thing? You have a reserve, that is excess revenue, meaning that, it’s idle money, so why would you want to borrow to pay back with an interest?

Funny enough, the money Nigeria is borrowing with interest is Nigerian money deposited in foreign accounts.

In other words, the western world is lending back Nigeria’s own money to her with interest. This is crazy and this is what has been happening because Nigeria doesn’t keep her money with the CBN anymore. The money is with JP Morgan and others. These are the same international capital agencies that Nigeria goes to borrow. So, Nigeria provides them with such liquidity to lend money to them.

Does that make sense to you?

This is not rocket science? You don’t borrow when you have excess. It’s a simple basis. In what country have you seen the price of commodity rise when that commodity is in surplus?

Something is wrong somewhere and that is what I having trying to point out.

Recently, there has been serious concern over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, which experts said would place Nigeria on perpetual debt servicing without meaningful development, if the pace continues unabated. How would you react to this increasing debt plague in Nigeria?

First of all, government’s faux pas in borrowing with such a high cost to funds increased spending due to alleged revenue shortfall may provide answer for the growth in the ratio of debt service charges to total budgeted revenue from 14 to 20 per cent.

It’s incomprehensible that hundreds of billions of naira budget deficits, which were funded at that high cost of sovereign debts, existed at the same time with CBN $40bn idle reserves and over $8bn warehoused annually as revenue surplus with zero yields.

This is not best practice in fiscal management. Besides, Nigerians must wonder why the minister considered a $36bn debt burden as a crisis level in 2005/2006, because of high service charges. But now, it curiously approves the current primary debt stock of over $50bn despite the oppressive service charges that mirrors the perilous debt overhang of decades.

If the existing external debt of about $10bn and AMCON’s N5trn ($30bn) debt is also factored in, our current debt stock may exceed $90bn or rise above 40 per cent of GDP even after we exclude the N400bn recently borrowed to pay PHCN workers after the privatisation of the company.

We may leave a legacy of expensive debt burden for future generations to pay if the current N100 billion annual sinking funds is our only provision for debt liquidation. Nigerians agree that these huge expensive loans have left minimal positive social impact, especially when government finds it convenient to diffuse such loans in myriad budget applications rather than tie it to specific tangle project.

Having said that, in early 2005, the Debt Management Office (DMO) announced the Federal Government’s intention to borrow about N140bn in seven tranches of N20bn each. The purpose of the new wave of borrowing, according to DMO, was to restructure part of the outstanding 91-day National Treasury Bills into longer-tenured bonds; provide a benchmark instrument for the pricing of other securities in the capital market, as well as facilitate the development of the bond market in general.

But the question is why must the DMO convert matured short-term treasury bills to long term debts with an interest rate premium of about 17 per cent, when we are equipped to redeem these debts from existing huge idle reserves of over $32bn as at then?

Some people warn that the then external debt of over $35bn comprises such high service charges as DMO’s present borrowings. Even if there is nothing to show for those external debts, we paid over three times the value of the actual amount borrowed without reducing the principal sum.

This ugly reality may materialise in the domestic scene, since there is no guarantee that DMO’s fresh two to three year bond will not also be rolled over when these loans are due for redemption.

Also, the second objective of the DMO in offering the current 2nd FO Bonds for N140bn is to use the adopted interest rate as a

benchmark to guide other rates in the Nigerian capital market.

This could be a possibility, but the truth is that the primary instrument for control of cost of funds is CBN’s Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR).

Without explanation, CBN & DMO’s debts were incurred regardless of prevailing surplus naira reserves, particularly from the huge stock of surplus naira continuously mopped up with double-digit interest rates and kept as idle funds for fear of inflation by the apex bank.

Why should government prefer to borrow at high interest rates to fund alleged annual budget deficits especially when CBN keeps huge idle reserves of Naira and dollars?

It makes better sense for government to borrow from the CBN at minimal cost than to expose future generations to loans that will be burdensome to repay with the attendant shylock interest rates.

In spite of healthy reserves, the DMO and CBN set the pace for institutionalising the process in which government borrows back its own funds from the banks at oppressive interest rates of up to 17 per cent.

The directive that banks can henceforth only leverage on 50 per cent of government deposits in their custody is a belated admission of this perfidy by the CBN. The product of this strategy is the current domestic debt balance of over N13tn (about $80bn), accumulated with rising external reserves above $44bn, which sum, ironically, earns minimal yields of probably less than three per cent.

With the accommodation of annual deficits of over N500bn in the 2014-2016 budgets, total domestic debt may increase by over N2tn to exceed Nl5tn. Unfortunately, the annual NI00bn sinking fund established last year, will certainly be inadequate to meet annual debt service charges of over N600bn and repayment of a principal sum of over $92bn.

Many people have said that budget shortfalls are ghost deficits, since deficits cannot exist at the same time with the surplus dollar revenue captured in an Excess Crude Account annually.

It appears fraudulent to borrow and fund presumed deficits while excess revenue above budget benchmark projections are similarly consumed in the same year.

A better strategy would be to put a lid on additional loans, while operating an appropriate monetary strategy that would drive down the domestic cost of funds.

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday/ Business

MSME’s funding and Nigerian microfinance institutions

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mall scale enterprises are the keys to economic growth and development. They constitute the bedrock of many economies by providing the impetus for employment creation and value added activities.

Though small scale enterprises have always been the driver of the Nigerian economy, both in agriculture and manufacturing, they have however failed to meet their potential because funds are not easily accessible from the conventional commercial banks.

After the Great Depression, small scale enterprises financed micro-lending institutions and reinvigorated the American economy. Also, the enormous potential of microcredit in uplifting a rural economy was re-enacted in Bangladesh, where Nobel Peace Prize winner, Prof.

Muhammad Yunus, more than 32 years ago inaugurated a microcredit institution aimed at reducing poverty by providing small loans to the country’s rural poor.

In Nigeria, the practice of microfinance is not new.

Nigerians have always tried to provide themselves with needed finances through informal microfinance approaches like self-help groups (SHGs), rotating savings and credit associations, (ROSCAs), accumulating credit and savings associations (ASCAs) and direct borrowings from friends and relations. These approaches may have sufficed in the traditional society but the growth in the sophistication of the economy and the increasing incidence of poverty among citizens has revealed the shortcomings of this approach. The CBN alluded to this when it pointed out that the informal financial institutions that attempt to provide microfinance services generally have limited outreach due primarily to lack of ‘loanable’ funds.

But MFBs in Nigeria, according to Barnard Ziggy of Proshare, are missing the purpose which made it relevant in the global financial system. The Nigerian microfinance banks, he argued, are not for the poor or the poorest poor; rather they are for traders, suppliers and importers and this explains the cut throat interest rates Nigerian MFBs charge.

He said MFBs are for the poor; because they are for commerce, but their concentration in the cities and urban areas. It is a sharp contrast to the rural-based nature of the first microfinance bank; which aimed at boosting the economy of the rural communities.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government which seemed determined to boost the operations of the MFBs and raise the lending capacity to small and medium scale enterprises, last year launched N222bn Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF) initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Sunday New Telegraph learnt that the focus of the government is to transform the Nigerian economy into a real sector-based economy.

Out of the N220bn MSME Fund, non-economic activities such as grants to MFBs, training of MSMEs, research, monitoring and evaluation and capacity building would get N22bn which is 10 per cent of this fund, while 90 per cent which amounts to N198bn would go for economic activities. One fundamental advantage of this fund is that 60 per cent of the economic fund would go to women in MSMEs. Another vital characteristic of this fund is that 90 per cent of it would go to the real sector viz: manufacturing and production, and 10 per cent for the services sector. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) consisting of the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria was created to manage the fund, they lend this fund to the Micro finance banks and finance houses at the rate of nine per cent and the Micro finance bank has a margin of five per cent lending.

It was further learnt that the MFBs like the commercial banks lend at over 20 per cent interest and also demand collateral.

According to an MFB customer in Ejigbo area of Lagos State, Moruf Adebayo, the microfinance bank in the area which have supported his timber business for years, lends at between 20 and 24 per cent interest.

His said his timber business serves as his collateral for the loans he takes from the MFB. He uses the MFB because he has developed a cordial business relationship with it over the years and it normally attends to his needs urgently.

A maker of burglar-proof bars and iron doors at Isolo in Lagos, Talatudeen Ajala, told our correspondent that

With more than half of the adult population unable to access retail banking services, the introduction of microfinance banking by the Central Bank of Nigeria was welcomed by Nigeria’s development partners and the general populace. Ten years after, the MFBs have failed to lift the small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria, PAUL OGBUOKIRI writes

CBN Governor, Emefiele

he is able to get the financing he needs from his microfinance bank, but his problem is that the interest he pays on the loans consumes all the profits he makes from his work. He called on government to make the loans affordable to people.

“But for the unstable power supply in the country, you will be shocked at what Nigerians are capable of doing. Most of the things we are importing now can produced locally but the loans have to affordable,” he stated.

But a trader at Ladipo spare parts market in Lagos said he has no need for MFBs because employees of his bank visit the market daily to collect his small savings.

“Whenever you need money to buy goods, it is just a phone call away,” he said.

According the former governor of CBN (now Emir of K ps.

However, it was obvious from the beginning that the framework for microcredit for microfinance banking was faulty and couldn’t achieve its set objectives. This reality was made more obvious by Prof. Mohammad Yunus, the founder of the first microfinance bank at a recent presentation in Lagos. In his keynote address delivered at the First Bank Impact conference series, he said what is being practised in Nigeria is not microfinance banking but micro-commercial banks.

According to the former vice chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, it was because of the misplaced priority of the MFBs in Nigeria that the licences of 83 of the microfinance institutions were revoked last year by CBN. The apex bank regulator said the action was taken because it was discovered that some

of them merely existed on paper, while others were used to defraud Nigerians.

There are about 900 micro-finance banks operating in the country.

But the President of National Association of Micro Finance Banks, Mr. Valentine Whensu, said they generated about N125bn in their operations between 2005 when micro-finance banks were established in the country and 2012.

He said it was a far cry from what the system is capable of generating if its potential in the country is fully utilised.

They noted that the figure represents just about 20 percent of what Grameen Bank of Bangladesh generated in 2012.

Grameen Bank was the MFB founded by Yunus.

“That was what Grameen Bank was all about. Grameen means rural and when we were enacting the law that set it up we incorporated a clause that says this bank would never work in an urban centre; never. Till today, it has never worked in any urban area, 35 years after inception, not even in the municipalities. In fact anything covered by the municipality is a no-fly zone,” Yunus said.

He said the MFBs should stop asking for collateral as condition for loans.

He said, “We dismiss the idea of collateral. Conventional banks want collateral, we said, ‘Forget it’. The more collateral one can provide the more excited conventional banks are. But in our case, the less collateral people have, the more excited we are. If you have nothing, we get more excited about you.

“Conventional banks ask the borrower: ‘How much do you know about this business?’ The more he or she can convince the conventional banks that he or she is an expert in the business the more excited the conventional banks. We reversed that. When a client says he deosn’t know anything about this business, we get excited about him. That is the person we want,” he said. He said microfinance banking is women oriented and focused. In Nigeria that is not the case. It is whoever can pay the interest rate.

“Conventional banks go to the men, we went to women,” he said.

The sixth flaw of Nigerian microfinance banks is that they are allowed to charge any interest rate. But in the Grameem Bank concept, the interest rate is capped at 10 per cent margin between the cost of funds and interest rate. According to Yunus, the highest interest rate which is for income yielding activities is 20 per cent simple interest and for housing loan it is 8.0 per cent simple interest.

“We dismiss the idea of collateral. Conventional banks want collateral, we said, ‘Forget it’. The more collateral one can provide the more excited conventional banks are. But in our case, the less collateral people have, the more excited we are. If you have nothing, we get more excited about you”

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sunday/ Business

Recipe for Wealth Creation Success Nuggets

5. Ideation By ideation, I mean ‘idea generation’.

Ideasruletheworld.Whatwecallwealth is man’s ability to think. Everything we see in our world today first existed as a thought.Therichestmenintheworldare some of the greatest thinkers. Ideas are so important that some wealthy men with tight schedules recruit assistants who generateideasforthem.Corporateorganisations that want to be at the top of their gamearebeginningtoseetheneedforan ‘ideation’ department. Friend, ideas dutifully implemented keep you at least a step ahead.

6. Action It is not enough to decide to be wealthy. It is not enough to have ideas. You must act, and in acting, you must be timely. The following are reasons why you must act: a) An idea without a corresponding action is no better than an illusion.

Friend, no matter how beautiful an architectural design is, nobody lives in it and a mud house is better than it. No matter how Fantastic an idea is, it remains a Fantasy if it is not executed. b) Nobody has a monopoly of ideas. Ideas are nobody’s exclusive preserve.

Other people think, like you do. Therefore, if you do not act on your idea, some other person may conceive it, act on it and take the patent for it. Thoughts are like signals in the air.Anybodywithanopenmindcanconceive them. Aconstant consciousness of this could be a cure for procrastination. c) Ideas successfully executed boost confidence Successfully executing an idea boosts confidence, which is a vital tool for wealth creation and success in life generally. d)An idea executed, even if it does not succeed, offers ‘experience’.

Doing ‘Project 1’ tells you how to go about

F

or weeks, we have been discussing on laws of success. Be reminded that laws are universal facts of life that hold true everywhere and anywhere.

Laws provide a free playing ground for all. Anybody can lay hold on these success laws and achieve success. Bearing in mind that success is not material acquisition, success is who you are, success is purposeful living, it is giving to the world more than you take from it.

You can’t live purposefully and lack.

Seek first to understand and discover your purpose. To know your purpose of creation, you need to ask your creator. Now this is the continuation of the laws of success.

Law of Use: Whatever you don’t use dies. Whatever you don’t use, you will lose. It is not a curse but a fact of life.

You are a unique being, created with great talent, gifts and abilities. Every single individual has talents; you need to know that. Don’t ignore your talent. Don’t wait for a big break before launching out to utilise what you have.

Most importantly, there are some talents that many possess but don’t know they are gifts from God. The ability to love unconditionally is a gift. Some give good counsel. Reading could be a talent. Whatever you’ve got, it is about time you worked on it.

Reading a book by Malcolm Gladwell (The Outliers), I learnt that to become an expert in what you do, you must at least have practiced for 10,000 hours.

He says that 10,000 hours is the magic number of greatness.

Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation. Start from where you are now, let your little light shine.

Light up your room and let it burn out to the world. Watching Frank Edward in a concert organised by the River State Governor’s wife, he could not help but cry. He could not believe his eyes that he was the one the crowd was cheering. Yours may not be a talent that com-

Victor Okwudiri

08037674300 (SMS only)

‘Project 2’ and how not to go about ‘Project 3’. As you keep executing, you keep getting better until you are up there.

7. Value Addition Wealth responds to value. Put in another way,valueattractswealth.Peoplewillreadily invest in what will add value to them.

Friend, if you want to create lasting wealth, look for a problem to solve. It could be in the form of goods or services. It does not have to be within the context of a regular employment. Just meet a need. No one who meets a Need becomes Needy.

You might have heard people say that someoneisworthacertainamountofmoney.

Let’s look at the expression more closely. The word ‘worth’ speaks of value. The point here is that your Value is directly proportional to the Value you offer. Think about it.

8. Association It is important to note that true wealth goes beyondmoney.Anyonewholacksanetwork of friendship that constitutes a life support system is ‘poor’. Wealth speaks of resources.

Resources are not only financial. Resources can be human. Friend, to create wealth, it is important that you Network with people.

YourNetworkcanboostyourNetworth.Yes! Nobody knows it all. There are practical se-

The Big Picture

crets to wealth creation you can learn from people who have created lasting wealth. It will, therefore, be wise to locate such people and relate with them.

9. Saving If everyone consumes everything there is, no one would have been wealthy.

Not everything that comes your wayisforconsumption.Acertainpercentage is to be reserved, for two reasons: a) to take care of the rainy day; b) to take advantage of opportunities for investment that may arise in the future.

Wealthy men know that money is a tool in the hand of its owner, so they don’t consume it all as it comes. On the contrary, they reserve a portion of the tool, so they can use it when the need for it arises. Be wise!

10. Investment It is good to save. However, there is a different place for investment. One who wants to create lasting wealth must strike a balance between the two. One of the reasons for saving is ‘investment’. The other reason is to take care of possible financial drought (dryness in cash flow). Investment, on the other hand, seeks to reproduce money. You can see that though saving speaks of good intentions, if there is no investment, before long, there will be no savings.

Investing is like planting a tree. The tree, which has the potential of becoming a forest, farout-growstheinitialseedsown.I,therefore, urgeyoutoinvestaportionofyourresources.

It will reproduce itself and further empower you for multiple streams of income.

Julian Atufunwa S only) 8032810713 (SM

(0

Laws of Success mands audience attention. Whatever it is, work on it. Develop it, be a blessing.

If you love reading, please read wide.

No knowledge is a wasted opportunity.

It will come someday that would require you to put to use the things you have read. Your talent may not pay you immediately. I doubt it will, do it again and again; every value you give comes back to you. Remember it is a law that what you don’t use dies.

Law of Flexibility: Success is sure when the goal is definite; but the process is flexible. One of the easiest ways to drift off course is keeping your mind and thinking rigid or developing a belief system that you have all the answers. To remain relevant you have to keep your options open. Fix your goals and evaluate them periodically to amend. Have fun experimenting in order to find the more effective method.

Keep an open mind, create your own rules and route. See life as a series of adventures, broaden you horizon, step out of your comfort zone learn something new. Following the same pattern could be boring, allow yourself to explore. Even God changes pattern and styles He told Elijah to go to the brooks. After a while it dried up and He changed strategy. God can say something today and reveal another way to

achieve the same purpose tomorrow.

So if you are following Him, ask what He is saying now. Yesterday’s approach may not work today.

Law of responsibility: No excuse sir!

If you succeed or fail, it is absolutely your fault. You must learn to take blame for the outcome of events in your life.

You are not yet a failure until you blame someone. Let go of the resentment you have built in your mind over the years against your parents for not seeing you through college or university. Now that you have grown up, do something about returning to school. It’s not too late to get a degree; stop blaming that uncle of yours for not giving the money he promised for your JAMB. Take responsibility, you are now in control of your actions. Let go of the past, what is past is past, brace up and build your future today. Let go of anger against anyone for you are hurting yourself.

Bitterness may be the reason you are not achieving success. No one made you poor. You chose to be poor. Take actions today to change that status, be reminded that if you are not happy, no one made you unhappy. You gave your happiness up, break free from every limitation. You can achieve all your dreams. You may have failed in business but that is not the end of the

080395121535 (SMS only)

We are our own informants Ikem Okuhu

T

here is no doubt that Nigerians have improved on their financial discipline since the advent of Automated Teller Machines in the country early in 2004/2005. Before this culture spread, Nigerians loved to make a lavish show of money. A man would walk into a bank, write a cheque and withdraw millions of naira he does not need and walk the streets with the money.

You would hear a Nigerian telling his friend right in the middle of a crowded market place: “Abeg call me back I wan enter bank collect the moni!” He is clearly oblivious of the characters around him and how some of them may just be beneficiaries of that ‘moni’ he is going to collect. Or may be he is but believes in the status conferral theory that the more people around him that hear and realise he has so much money, the more powerful he looks.

Back in 2002, on my way to work, I had seen a young man sitting on a bike along Adeola Odeku Street in Victoria Island, Lagos. The first thing I noticed was a bulging cellophane bang sitting awkwardly between him and the Okada rider. Traffic was slow, so I saw that even in the security façade provided for the money by the cellophane, the man could not wait until he got to his destination before checking to see that the bank teller did not cheat him out of his withdrawal.

He was bringing out the money, wad after wad and counting them.

I walked across to him but he was oblivious of my approach. A tap on his shoulder roused him from this dangerous routine. “Why not wait till you got home?” was my humble message to him. Somehow, this man realised how vulnerable he was, counting a bag full of money in the open. And on the back of a motorbike!

He clutched the bag and looked terrified.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” That was all he could say as I went my way. You see, most of the criticisms against the withdrawal limits imposed by the Central Bank have come from people who have a vain addiction to wanton display of cash. They want to hold on to their money even when they know how much of a security challenge such display poses to their lives.

A few days ago, I was reading in the papers how a young hotel attendant picked up cash of over N17 million forgotten by a guest at a hotel in Jigawa State. In my corner of the world, I wondered what a human being would be doing with such a large amount of cash!

The saying that the love of money is the root of all evil may be a cliché these days but how eternally true has it has remained. Had armed robbers been the ones that caught up with this man and his money, what would have been the implication?

There are many of us who still keep huge volumes of cash at homes and in poorly secured offices. A good number would rather risk life and limb keeping their money in the house than pay little sums to banks as COT. And worse still, even when we have such huge sums, we make a gallant show of them. By so doing, we lay a fertile ground for potential criminal exposure.

Be vigilant!

There are many of us who still keep huge volumes of cash at homes and in poorly secured offices. A good number would rather risk life and limb keeping their money in the house than pay little sums to banks as COT

31

Politics SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014

The Sunday Interview

I want to put Imo back to work –Ohakim p.32 & 33

Interview

Ngozi Olejeme: Why I want to serve Delta p.35

N ew p o l l i n g u n i ts

Jega and credibility issue The controversy over the creation of new polling units by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may take time to abate despite the explanations given by the commission’s Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega. ONYEKACHI EZE examines the issues that may continue to agitate the mind

‘Dankwabo has brought peace, development to Gombe’ p.37

S

Jonathan

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

ince the announcement last month of the creation of additional 30,000 polling units in the country, there have been torrents of criticisms of the Independent National Electoral Commission which created the new polling booths. The attack was not that new polling units were not desirable, but the criteria adopted by INEC in allocating them to the states and geo-political zones.

The breakdown of the allocation of the new polling units shows that the North-West has the lion share of 7,906 polling units, followed by North-Central with 6,318. North-East was allocated 5,291. Curiously, South-West has 4,160; the South-South has 3,087 while a paltry 1,167 polling units were given to the South-East.

Also state-by-state distribution shows that Lagos State has the lion share of 2,870 units, thus bringing the total number of its polling units to 11,565 that will serve its 5,426,391 registered voters. Kano State that has 4,751,818 registered voters was allocated additional 2,053 polling units to bring her total voting centres to 9,809.

Bayelsa State, the home state of President Goodluck Jonathan with the lowest number of 590,679 registered voters, has additional 121 polling units, bringing the number of its voting centres to 1,925.

The creation of the new polling units, which now brought the number of polling centres in the country to 150,000, according to the electoral body, is to curb the incidences of over-crowding, election rigging and to ensure efficient voting system.

Before the new addition, Nigeria had approximately 120,000 polling units (119,973 units to be

Jega

specific). INEC said each polling unit still witnessed a large crowd, which is at variance with international best practices, which stipulate that each polling unit should not have more than 500 registered voters. This is to check all forms of electoral malpractices.

The last time polling units were created in the country was 18 years ago, by the defunct National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON).

These were the polling booths used for the 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011 elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said despite “exponential growth in Nigeria’s population” since 1996, and “severe demographic shifts, resulting from new settlements in major urban areas,” with corresponding increase in the number of eligible voters, no additional polling units were created.

This, to him, gave rise to congested polling units on election days in 2011.

Timing and aptness Coming barely six months to the 2015 elections, it is understandable that political interpretations would be given into INEC’s intentions. The vociferous attacks came from the South, which cumulatively has a total of 8,000 polling units as against 22,000 polling units allocated to the entire northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The people from the zone complained bitterly that the “disproportionate” distribution of the new polling units was skewed to favour the North. Jega, a northerner himself, is accused of propagating a northern agenda. He is the first northerner in recent time to head the commission.

The Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly in a statement signed by former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme; elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark; and Senator Femi Okorounmu​​​​​, accused Jega of manipulating the exercise.

“We do not need the lenses of prophets to remind Prof. Jega that he is, as a matter of fact, presently doing overtime on the INEC chair, having shown his tendencies for ethnic bigotry, partisan parochialism and primordial chauvinism,” the group stated. It said before the reconfiguration, Nigeria had 119,973 polling units delineated on the premise of about 73 million registered voters.

“Despite Prof. Jega’s claim of overcrowded polling units, Nigerians have been witnesses to the conduct of very successful, peaceful, hitchfree elections recently in Ekiti State and Osun State. But given the perennial claims of ghost voters which have been the cause of electoral fraud, INEC introduced what it called the Automated Finger Identification System (AFIS) and the outcome has ostensibly been a reduction of the registered voters to 57 million. While Nigerians welcome this enchanting development that is intended to usher in a sustainable era of free and fair elections, a fact that has been aided by the distribution of Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), Prof. Jega, with one Dr. (Nuhu) Yakubu as an accomplice, decided to assail our sensibilities by saying a reduced voter strength of 57 million registered voters needs more polling units of 150,000 as against 119,973 polling units when the total registered voters were reportedly 73 million,” the group noted.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

32

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

The Sunday Interview

I want to put Imo back Immediate past Governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, recently declared to run for the office of governor, which he vacated nearly four years ago. In this interview with journalists in his Burma Retreat Country home in Okohia, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, he spoke about his ambition and sundry issues You have declared to run for the governorship election in Imo State and it is eliciting a lot of reactions. Are you surprised?

I am surprised. The massive buy-in of Ndi Imo is unprecedented. It surpasses my imagination and I am quite humbled by the way our people are reacting positively to it.

Some of the aspirants are complaining that you gave them the nod to go ahead and now you have come out to contest.

Was I in a position to ask anybody to run or not to run? If somebody came to you to tell you that he wants to run for an election, what moral authority do you have to tell him not to run? Can I even tell my son not to run?

They came to me out of courtesy and courtesy requires that you encourage the fellow. Some of them came to me while I was still in court pursuing my case. It would be rude to tell a man who has gotten to the level of aspiring to become a governor not to aspire. I don’t think it is proper. It is possible that the situation at that point in time was such that some of them thought I will not be able to run. But politics is the most dynamic thing in human endeavour.

Having said that, I don’t think there is any problem yet. The aspirants are all my personal friends and political associates and we have one common objective, which is to make our party to get back to power in Imo State. When the time comes, we all know what to do. I don’t think there is any problem.

So why are you so determined to come back?

If I may borrow your word, I want to return to put Imo back to work, to put Imo back to the path of economic prosperity. There have been calls by well meaning citizens of Imo State who have been worried about the economic loss of abandoning the key projects we started that would have laid a solid foundation for a take-off into sustainable economic growth. If you recall, the thrust of my administration was to establish an economy for the state. That was why we went ahead to start some mega projects. But because such things like that take time to mature, some people did not have the necessary patience. Some of my colleagues who got their second term after 2011 are just completing some of their key projects. Some will not even complete theirs before they leave in May next year. But some critics do not have the patience. Now, they have seen the difference. The economy of the state is in complete shambles. In my four years, Imo became a tourist destination.

Nearly every seminar or conference facilitator chose Imo as venue. And the tourism industry in the state began to experience a boom.

Hotel occupancy rate rose from less than 20 per cent to over 90 per cent. Total hotel rooms rose from 2,000 in 2007 to 10,000 by the time we left. Real estate value rose to over 300 per cent by 2011; but all these have now crashed.

We ran a programme that was designed to create jobs, but the administration that took over from us refused to continue from there, thereby denying Imo people of the benefits of that collective vision. By so doing, the administration set both the people and the economy several years back. And you will agree with me that nobody can complete a project better than the initiator.

In the four years we were in office, the economy of the state became very attractive

to players in the private sector. At least two airlines were doing two flights each to Imo, one in the morning, one in the afternoon. Today, they reluctantly do one late afternoon flight to Abuja and Lagos. That is not good enough for a state that has a vibrant social and political elite. Since I already had in place a framework for building the economy of the state, I think it would be wrong for me to shy away from coming out since the constitution permits me to do that. And like I said several well meaning Imolites believe that we should return to take that vision to the next level. I know people will abuse Ikedi Ohakim for coming out again but I am prepared to take every abuse because I know I am doing the proper thing by offering my service to my people once again.

No doubt we made mistakes but we have learnt from them.

That is at that level. At another level, I decided to run in order to help our party to avoid another rancorous governorship primary election. My candidature, if I emerge, will put the party in a better stead to win the governorship election. I am the only aspirant that has a pan-Imo structure that can be put to use immediately and effectively, being the immediate past governor. The legitimate and only constitutionally recognised local government structure is the one I put in place.

Same for the development centres; not to talk of the various and numerous appointees who were all dismissed unceremoniously by the current administration. We ran an all-inclusive administration that recognised the need for human capacity building. We gave 10,000 graduates jobs, and

Ohakim

created over 100 autonomous communities and their people are still very pleased with us.

That human structure is still there and ready to be mobilised into action for the party. If the party already has such an existing structure, why should it have to start afresh? All these are votes waiting to be caught. If you put all of them together, they are over 200,000 votes and when you add that to party members and other categories of supporters, you can do your final arithmetic. In politics, you start from the known to the unknown.

Some people may argue that you lost the 2011 election even when the people or structures you are talking about were there.

We did not lose the 2011 governorship election and I know you know that. We won that election on April 26, but because there was a conspiracy to stop me by all means, one thing led to the other and there was a supplementary election on May 6, 2011.

I am sure you have read several accounts of what happened on April 26, when the state returning officer refused to admit the results from OhajiEgbema Local Government area which had already been declared at the LGA level and we got over 28,000 votes as against that of

33

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014

to work –Ohakim APGA which got a little above 3,000 votes.

You know what happened at the supplementary election. Our party members and supporters were chased away by soldiers using armoured vehicles. I do not want to go into details but all I can say is that I am running to prove that if anybody thought that Ikedi Ohakim had been sent to political oblivion because of what happened in 2011, I am sorry they will be disappointed. It is not a do-or-die thing for me and like I said, I may be abused but my confidence in what I have set out to do for my people remains unshaken.

Finally, I believe my emergence as candidate of the PDP will bring down the political temperature both within the party and in the state. Without sounding immodest, I am the only fellow who will command the respect of other aspirants if I emerge the candidate. I acknowledge the fact that at this stage, some aspirants may feel that I ought not to have come out but I can assure you that at the end of the day, they will have no difficulty working me if I emerge. They are all working very hard and are among the best anywhere in the world, but do not forget that if the court had given me justice, my tenure would have ended in 2018. Most of them are young and enterprising and the sky remains their limit.

Tomorrow is better provided we try to do the correct thing now.

If we are talking about rescuing Imo from the Rochas Okorocha ruin, we need a person who knows what was where before he came in. I handed over to him, so I know where to start in order to return life to the state. Okorocha has told so much lies against the PDP. I am the only person who can expose such lies because I know the lies and his intentions for telling such lies. It would take a brand new fellow four years to understand the nuances of governance. By then the PDP would have lost the momentum in the recovery effort.

But you have just acknowledged that the other aspirants in the PDP also possess sterling qualities.

Yes, of course they do. But I am saying, with the highest sense of responsibility, that I have more experience than all of them in executive governance. We have among the aspirants people who have held offices in other areas and have done so well. But the two are not the same. We are talking of executive governance which the constitution of the country puts enormous responsibilities on. The PDP is determined to continue to give Imo and Nigeria as whole quality governance. And it has to make use of its best and in this case and in all cases experience matters. The PDP is returning to rescue Imo from the mess in which Okorocha has put it. Okorocha told lies that the PDP administration never created any 10,000 jobs. That has been disproved now.

Okorocha dismissed local government councils. In the last three years, there has been no local government administration in the state.

I am the only one among the aspirants who can without hesitation indemnify the local government executives and put effect to the judgment of the Court of Appeal and revive this important arm of government.

But some aspirants are insisting that they have the singular capacity to defeat the incumbent governor.

That’s the crux of the matter. You guys in the media should be the ones to educate the people on what constitutes capacity. Capacity is not only money or the claim to wealth. If you use only money to measure capacity then we will not go anywhere. Some aspirants boast of capacity because of their fabled wealth or that of their sponsors. With the highest sense of responsibility, if anybody has capacity in all its ramifications among the aspirants, it is Ikedi Ohakim. There can be no doubt that the next election will involve enormous resources

but I can assure you that none of the aspirant in PDP including me will be found wanting if given the ticket. If it is about money, Imo people know what I am capable of doing.

But that is not even the issue. I have just told you that I am the only one amongst them that has a structure that cuts across the entire state by virtue of the fact that as immediate past governor, the people I worked with are still very much on ground. I told you about local government councils. I headed the last state executive council of a PDP controlled government. All the council chairmen and councilors who as I said are still the ones statutorily recognised were our creation. Their case is still in court and so technically, they are still in office.

Take the Development Centre coordinators and members; take members of the different boards of parastatals and the 10,000 graduates who were dismissed by Okorocha. If you put their potential support together, that is what is called capacity. Not money. As I told you earlier, I am in the best stead among the aspirants to galvanise others after the primaries.

That is capacity. And Imo people know that I ran an administration that had structure and procedure. You could say or know what was where. That is capacity. Not now when contracts are awarded without relevant papers.

I have experience in governance. I am not going to start afresh because like I said earlier, the PDP will have to step up to clear Okorocha’s mess. That is capacity. So, you guys in the media should help educate people who like to talk glibly about capacity. Experience is the best capacity. So, under the present circumstances, I have the biggest capacity.

So, how do you handle the issue of zoning and Charter of Equity?

Of course, I am for zoning and for Charter of Equity. And let me seize this opportunity to correct those who say there is nothing like Charter of Equity. Of course there is a document to that effect and I have a copy. Zoning is a political imperative at this stage of our democratic journey and I support it whole heartedly at all levels. It is also a enshrined in the PDP constitution. And happily the national confab made up of some of the most patriotic and knowledgeable Nigerians, has recommenced zoning of political offices in the country. That is why at the national level, majority of Nigerians are requesting that President Goodluck Jonathan should be allowed to do another four years in order to complete the eight years the South-South geopolitical zone is entitled to. If that is not done, it will pose a problem in the future. But if we start with the South-South, then when it comes to the turn of another zone, things will move on smoothly.

Apart from that, President Jonathan is doing a very good job which he has to complete.

Bringing the matter down home, that is why some of us are saying that we should begin now to lay a solid foundation for the Charter of Equity by allowing Okigwe zone, where I come from, to do another four years to complete the eight years it is statutorily entitled to.

But people from Owerri zone argue that Okigwe has done a total of eight years, that is putting together your tenure and that of the late Sam Mbakwe and that it has done only about 18 months?

With due respect, I do not think it is proper for me to argue about Owerri or Mbakwe regime which was in old Imo before the advent of PDP. If you trace the apparent indoctrination over the Owerri zone matter and the avalanche of media reports, you will discover that it is coming from the government in power. You may be surprised to hear this.

That does not mean that Owerri people are not agitating. But the orchestration is coming from government because the people there now know that if the PDP is pressured into giving Owerri zone the ticket, Okigwe will

The Sunday Interview

four years. Is that what we want? If we do the proper thing now, we will save ourselves from that problem. I am not saying this because I want to be governor again. As I said, it is not a do –or-die affair, but I am saying that we should look at the future. As one pastor said, ‘we should forget the past, forgive the present and bless the future’. We, the present members of the political elite should forgive one another and bless the future of those coming behind us by doing the proper thing now.

Ohakim

vote Rochas Okorocha and he will continue.

If you look at the aspirants from Owerri zone, they are all in the same age bracket. Therefore, there is peer-group jealousy among them. So, they will prefer somebody from outside the zone who will do only four years so that they can return to the ring in 2019.

Another reason for that orchestration is that Okorocha is afraid of my candidature because that is the only one that can bring him face to face with somebody who has a record of performance; that will enable Imo people put both of us on the scale, project by project, quality by quality, income by income, economics by economics and in terms of affinity for democratic governance. In spite of what people are sponsored to write in the newspapers, you and I know that Imo people have since seen that my administration was more focused and sophisticated. And that they have discovered the lies told about me. So, that is why the Okorocha’s camp is panicky over my candidacy. They have devised a way of secretly latching into the Owerri agitation.

We are talking about a new era, a new dispensation, a new God-given opportunity to settle the debate once and for all. The reason why some people claim that there is no Charter of Equity is because the modalities for implementing it have not been clearly defined. We now have an opportunity to do that.

That is why it was possible for Orlu zone to produce another governor after eight years of Achike Udenwa. And you can see that some people there still believe that the zone can continue. If you do not stop Okorocha now, it will continue and he can even install a successor from Orlu after another four years. So, what some of us are saying is that since we believe is the Charter of Equity, let us deliberately and proactively lay a foundation for it so that nobody can flout it again in future.

That is how a people can grow. We are talking about the future. Four years is nothing in the life of a people. The future interest of a people should supersede that of an individual’s personal ambition. Like I said earlier, if I had gotten justice at the courts, my brothers and sisters from Owerri zone would have still supported me till 2018. I can assure you that if the governorship seat goes to Owerri zone next year, we will be back to the same debate in 2019. Mark my word, the Owerri zone governor will again be leading delegations to others zones to be allowed to do another

So, assuming that the people of Owerri zone agree with this, why must it be Ikedi Ohakim?

It must not be me. That’s not the impression I am trying to create. We are talking about leaving a legacy for the people. Everybody in the country has agreed that what happened in Imo in 2011 was an accident deliberately afflicted on a vehicle moving on top speed.

If we have agreed with that, is it not only human that we ask about those who were in that vehicle. Where are they now and where is the vehicle? But beyond analogies, I want to tell you that our great party knows that I am probably the only person it can use to successfully counter Okorocha’s propaganda and his party that he should be allowed to continue because he will have only four more years to go and handover to a fellow from Owerri zone.

Any other candidate from Okigwe zone has the luxury of doing eight years. We have experienced it before. Okorocha promised to do four years and hand over to somebody from Owerri zone; and even swore to that.

But once he got there, he started demolishing those with whom he entered into that agreement. The incumbent governor himself is the only other fellow in Imo State, apart from me, that can do only four years. So, I am the only person from our party that can neutralise the advantage he has because he will definitely try to take advantage of that in wooing the support of people of Owerri zone. Yes, it must not be Ikedi Ohakim but we are talking about taking advantage of what you have to get what you want.

There are some aspirants from Okigwe zone like you who are against zoning because they believe that a party in opposition does not zone…

First, go and find out what such people said about zoning before now. They supported it before but have only changed because of certain emerging factors. More importantly, the postulation that a party in opposition does not zone is utter rubbish. Which theory of political science is that?

Which authority are they referring to? On the contrary, you will discover that in spite of all the attempts to pretend that zoning is not important, its attraction has remained.

I just reminded you that the just concluded National Conference has recommended it as an official policy at all levels. And they did not say it is not for parties in opposition. On the contrary, a party in opposition has to make use of all the technical and peculiar details in the particular polity to be able to win. Today, the truth is that Imo people believe in zoning and any party that dismisses that does so at its own peril. What we are even saying is that the PDP should take full advantage of this belief in zoning by helping the state to lay a solid foundation for its practice under the Charter of Equity.

Of late, there have been anxieties in the state over security matters. As a former governor, do you have any suggestions?

Well, I am concerned just like every other Imo person or Nigerian and there is no doubt that the security agencies are on top of the situation. The worry is that the current adCONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Politics / Analysis

Jega and credibility issue

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

It called for the immediate resignation of Jega as INEC chairman, “since he has shown his obvious inclination to ethnic chauvinism and protectionism.” It rejected the creation of additional 30,000 polling units, which it said, have been lopsidedly allocated in favour of the North.

“We do not subscribe to it. We do not see the necessity for it and we stand stoutly opposed to the process of its creation as it lacks any fundamental basis. Therefore, we don’t accept it. We have lost confidence in Prof. Attahiru Jega as chairman of INEC as we cannot vouch for his neutrality in mid-wifing the 2015 elections.”

In Umuahia, Abia State, the South-East zone of the Peoples Democratic Party, after its meeting, also described the allocation of the new polling units as a gross injustice against Ndigbo. It noted that it is “a great disservice to the unity and progress of this country,” if the entre South will have 8,000 polling booths and the North gets 22,000.

“We demand that the issue be suspended forthwith”, the group said through its spokesperson, Chief Olisa Metuh.

“This is a prelude to undermining the interest of the zone in the 2015 elections. It is completely against the spirit of one Nigeria and progress of the country,” it added.

Prominent among members of the group which has expressed dismay over the lopsidedness of the polling units were the governors of Abia and Ebonyi states, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu; and his counterparts in Aviation and Labour, Osita Chidoka and Emeka Wogu respectively.

In his reaction, a former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Eze­ife, said the new arrangement meant that NEC had been hijacked by the North to actualise its hidden agenda to take over power in 2015. According to Ezeife, the overflowing confidence of leading northern politicians ahead of next year’s presidential election is proof that the distribution of the polling units was a hatchet job by the INEC chairman to return the presidency to the North.

“In that distribu­tion, North-West has more than 7000 units, the South-East is given about the same num­ber of polling units as Abuja, the Federal Capital – just a little more than 1000 units,” “The new distribution of polling units correlates nega­tively or inversely with the distribution of votes for Jona­than in the 2011 Presidential Election. The South-East is considered as Mr. President’s strongest support base,” Ezeife said.

Apart from kicking against the allocations, there are other pertinent questions begging for answers. For instance, what were the parameters employed by INEC for the distribution?

Even it becomes increasingly desirable, why did the creation come barely six months to the next elections? Won’t it cause dislocation, especially as the electorate who recently collected their PVCs may be further confused about where to cast to cast their votes? Talking about ‘demographic shift’, what is the rationale for allocating a whopping 5,291 polling units to the insurgency-ravaged North-East, resulting in an exodus of people, and at the same time allocate 1,167 polling units to South-East which is witnessing an influx of people, the returnees from the areas threatened by insecurity?

INEC’s justification But Jega said the commission was propelled by the need to decongest the over-crowded polling units and reduce the distance covered by voters on Election Day when movement is usually restricted. He also referred to the need to relocate polling units from private houses and other such unsuitable places to public buildings, as well as split large polling units to cater for 500 registered voters as factors which informed the decision.

Jega said that Nigeria with a total of 70, 383, 427 registered voters post-AFIS, and with the current number of polling units of 119,973, there would be an average voter density of nearly 590 voters per polling unit. But this is not always the case.

Using Abuja as a case study, Jega said with a

APPROVED RE-ALLOCATION OF 150,000 POLLING UNITS NATIONWIDE S/N

State

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

ABIA ADAMAWA AKWA-IBOM ANAMBRA BAUCHI BAYELSA BENUE BORNO CROSS-RIVER DELTA EBONYI EDO EKITI ENUGU GOMBE IMO JIGAWA KADUNA KANO KATSINA KEBBI KOGI KWARA LAGOS NASARAWA NIGER OGUN ONDO OSUN OYO PLATEAU RIVERS SOKOTO TARABA YOBE ZAMFARA FCT TOTAL

Total Registered Voters 1,387,844 1,682,907 1,621,798 1,784,536 2,502,609 590,679 2,340,718 2,570,349 1,169,469 2,044,372 1,020,011 1,593,488 688,950 1,313,128 1,208,927 1,672,666 1,817,087 3,743,815 4,751,818 2,928,046 1,459,734 1,305,533 1,125,035 5,426,391 1,291,876 2,427,081 1,796,024 1,472,237 1,318,120 2,487,132 2,082,725 2,466,977 2,113,698 1,279,394 1,203,324 1,802,301 892,628 70,383,427 64,688,014

Existing PUs 2,675 2,608 2,980 4,608 4,074 1,804 3,688 3,933 2,283 3,624 1,785 2,627 2,195 2,958 2,218 3,523 3,527 5,101 8,074 4,901 2,398 2,548 1,872 8,462 1,495 3,185 3,213 3,009 3,010 4,783 2,631 4,442 3,035 1,912 1,714 2,516 562 119,973

voter population of 892, 628 and a total of 639 polling units, means that each polling unit will have an average of 1,400 voters “with some having over 3,000 and one even with over 4,000 registered voters! In the same FCT, over 80 per cent of the polling units have 750 or more registered voters each. For the rest of the country, 17 states have at least over 30 per cent of their polling units having more than 750 registered voters, with some having 60 per cent or 50 per cent of the polling units affected.”

To ameliorate the challenges of managing polling units with a large number of voters, he said the commission introduced the concept of “voting points where polling units with large numbers of voters are sub-divided into multiples of manageable numbers of about 300, with a maximum of 450 registered voters. When exceeded, the polling units are split into two or more voting points, in multiples of about 300 registered voters per voting point.”

The use of voting points has continued to elicit suspicion by political parties in the runup to the elections, with some even accusing INEC of secretly creating additional polling units. Its continuous use, the INEC chairman added, is incongruent with the reforms the commission is introducing especially the use of enclosures for more conducive voting environment in line with international best practices. Apart from that, INEC will require some 250,000 card readers as against 160,000 in the 150,000 polling units during the 2015 general elections.

It was the decision of the commission that

Proportional Distribution by 150,000 2,958 3,587 3,456 3,803 5,334 1,259 4,988 5,478 2,492 4,357 2,174 3,396 1,468 2,799 2,576 3,565 3,873 7,979 10,127 6,240 3,111 2,782 2,398 11,565 2,753 5,173 3,828 3,138 2,809 5,301 4,439 5,258 4,505 2,727 2,565 3,841 1,902 150,000

Additional / Excess 283 979 476 -805 1,260 -545 1,300 1,545 209 733 389 769 -727 -159 358 42 346 2,878 2,053 1,339 713 234 526 3,103 1,258 1,988 615 129 -201 518 1,808 816 1,470 815 851 1,325 1,340 30,027 32,464

Additional without loss to states with excess 262 905 441 NA 1,165 NA 1,203 1,429 194 678 360 711 NA NA 332 39 320 2,662 1,899 1,239 659 217 486 2,870 1,164 1,838 569 119 NA 479 1,672 754 1,359 753 787 1,226 1,240 30,027

for the 2015 elections to be conducted in an orderly and conducive atmosphere, the creation of additional polling units was desirable. The commission therefore came to the conclusion that about 150,000 polling units are required to right-size the polling units based on the number of registered voters, hence the creation of additional 30,000 polling units.

Criteria for allocation According to the electoral body, since polling units are created to serve registered voters, the fairest and most logical criterion to use is the number of registered voters. “The simplest way to distribute the 150,000 polling units is to divide the number of registered voters in each state by 500 (maximum of registered per polling unit).”

He acknowledged that some states have more than necessary polling units based on the 500 registered voters unit. Hence in the redistributing the 150,000 polling units using the standard criterion, that meant that, these states will lose polling units, because they had more than they deserved in the first place.

“The commission took the view that no state should lose any polling unit as a result of this exercise, as it would be unrealistic to reduce the number of polling units from any state, notwithstanding the fact that they had exceeded their numbers. Thus these states were allowed to retain their excess polling units,” he explained.

He said the commission still gave further relief to such states by providing that 15 per

cent of the 30,027 additional polling units be distributed equally across all states, including the states that had already exceeded their numbers. “This was in the spirit that each state should have, no matter how small, some additional polling units during this exercise, in order to carter for new settlements, due to demographic shifts. As a result even the states that had exceeded their numbers, received additional 121 polling units over and above their retained excess”.

Sounding upbeat, Jega described the criteria used by INEC in the distribution of the polling units as “scientific, rational and equitable,” adding that the ‘need factor’ rather than political sentiments informed the pattern of the distribution of the polling units.

“We have already made the computed figures in this regard public. Contrary to the argument by critics, the commission is not working on imaginary population sizes based on perceived patterns of migration by potential voters; rather, it is working with the documented register of voters as we have it at the moment.

Furthermore, critics seem to only focus on the allocation of the proposed 30,027 PUs; what should be done is to compare total allocations state by state.

Thus, he urged Nigerians to closely examine the tables and compare the proportional distribution of polling units presently in existence and the proposed new distribution.

Such examination will indicate that there is no significant variation in the proportional percentage allocation, amongst states, or between geopolitical zones.

Taking into cognizance the geopolitical distribution of the 150,000 polling units, the SouthEast, which has five states, has a total of 15, 299 polling units while the South-South with six states has 20,218 polling units. The South-West, with the same number of states, has a total of 28,109 polling units, bring the total number of polling units in the whole of south to 63, 626.

On the other hand, the six states in the NorthCentral and the FCT have a total of 24,435 polling units, North-East, 22, 267 and North-West, which has seven states, has 39,676, making a total of 86, 378 polling units for the region.

There is, however, still a significant difference between the two regions - a different of 22, 752 polling units!

Despite the difference, INEC believes that the polling units do not confer any political advantage on a state or region. To the electoral body, “polling units constitute a mere structural arrangement to ease the access of voters to the ballot box. They have nothing to do with determining the preferences of voters in making their electoral choices. In fact, the new configuration... will bring the PUs out to places where they can be accessed more easily – not only by voters, but by agents of political parties and election observers as well. This will enhance, rather than detract from the integrity of the electoral process The electoral body’s explanation on the allocation of 5,291 polling units to the insurgency-ravaged North-East was in anticipation of the return of normalcy to the zone before the general elections, when displaced persons are expected to return home.

But some have argued that where this is not possible because of festering insurgency, would INEC not inadvertently be preparing opportunity for ambitious politicians to manipulate the election figures since each polling unit is expected to return a maximum of 500 votes? Though INEC believes this might not be possible because card readers will be used in the elections, observers believe the nation might be ruling that out at its own peril.

Whether Nigerians are comfortable with INEC’s justification remains to be seen as the Election Day approaches. But if the barrage of criticisms and apprehensions from the political class and such organisations like the “Election Integrity Watch,” are anything to go by, it seems the electoral body needs to convince Nigerians beyond reasonable doubt that it is not protecting sectional interest.

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014

Politics / Interview

Ngozi Olejeme: Why I want to serve Delta Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Olejeme is a politician from the northern part of Delta State and chairman of the boards of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund and the TrustFund Pension Plc. In this interview with ONWUKA NZESHI, she explains why she is taking a plunge into the governorship race in her state alongside 10 other aspirants You are among the numerous politicians that have indicated interest to become the governor of Delta State in 2015. What is your vision for the state?

My vision was inspired by the passion to serve and uplift the people of Delta State to greater heights. It is a clear goal that seeks to harness the huge potentials and capabilities in human and material resources available in the state and ensure all inclusive development. Job creation, poverty reduction and to re-orientate the mind-set of our people, creating conducive environment for industry and commerce to thrive, ensure huge investment in agriculture, education, health and creating opportunity for the youths and ensure a decent and quality life for all. Ours actions will be guided by total commitment to the will of God and service to our people.

The pursuit of this goal requires clear strategy and vision, and we are certain that we have the requisite experience, zeal and commitment to actualize these set objectives. We understand the magnitude of the work to done and are sufficiently equipped to take Delta to the next level. A lot of grounds need to be covered, we need to catch up and excel in a very short time. Our youths cannot wait any longer; every community in Delta State must feel the impact of governance. We recognise government as a continuum.

Therefore, we intend to consolidate on the efforts of the previous and the current administration in the State. I have offered myself for service and will provide the model of governance that will be people centered. Everyone’s contribution is welcome. There will be a special office to coordinate the contributions of Deltans in the Diaspora and harness their skills and expertise in some critical areas of development, because we cannot do it alone.

We will also need the collaboration and cooperation of other states in Nigeria, especially our neighbouring states as well as the strong support of the Federal Government, and the international development partners. We will exploit our contacts and networks within the Federal Government and among the international development partners to the advantage of the state.

Can you explain your concept of peoplecentered governance model?

If elected to serve, our government shall be a government of equal opportunity for all Delta citizens. Our programmes and policies will be people centered and will be anchored on the concept of mass participation, accountability,

community development and values built on hard work, integrity and private enterprise, setting the bench mark for transparency and accountability in governance.

We shall promote effective grassroots administration at local government level and ensure that government presence is felt in every community. A new framework for local government – community partnerships in service delivery shall be evolved where every town union will be required to prepare annual budgets and government will provide matching grants to fund part of the town’s budget to execute major developmental projects/ social services and ensure security. We shall encourage the participation of traditional rulers in governance by constituting Traditional Ruler Advisory Council whose duty shall be to advise government on matters bothering on community security, development and culture.

We will ensure effective representation of women, youths and other disadvantaged groups in all activities of government. Our administration shall strive to improve on the 30 percent minimum representation of women as recommended by the Beijing Declaration, while ensuring that merit and competence will guide all appointments. We shall be guided by fairness, equity and justice in the distribution of government appointments and infrastructural developments across the state. We believe in the unity of our state but also recognize the diversities in terms of need.

Nevertheless, our government will display a sense of balance and fairness in the distribution of government programs and projects.

One the programmes of the Emmanuel Uduaghan administration’s has been Delta Beyond Oil. Does that strike you as a good policy worth sustaining?

Yes, very key, Delta beyond oil is a programme that must of necessity be encouraged and sustained for the good of our state. One way to do this is to embark on large scale agricultural farms to employ thousands of workers directly and create tens of thousands of jobs indirectly. This will be achieved by training and facilitating youths Agricultural Entrepreneurial Model, which will encourage the youths to invest in agriculture as a business.

We shall also provide agricultural credit support schemes to farmers as well as provide agricultural credit, provision of farm tools, fertilizers, and improved seedlings. We shall also empower our farmers’ cooperative societies through facilitation of sustainable food pro-

duction and processing, support for strategic food preservation and farm settlement development. Under our Agricultural Master Plan, we will divide our state into three agricultural zones each producing agricultural products in which it has comparative advantage. We will as a matter of fact invest in aquaculture because we are upbeat on making Delta State the highest fish producing state in the country.

Education has had its more than fair share of national crisis – one industrial action to another. What is your plan for Education in Delta state if given the opportunity to be governor?

Education is very strategic to the overall development of any state, and building sustainable education requires aggressive investment. We will establish model schools in all local government councils; refurbish primary schools; rehabilitate and maintain existing schools and libraries; provide school furniture/equipment, teaching materials, curriculum review/entrepreneurial and vocational training, functional scholarship system; and enhance tertiary education. We will improve the welfare of our teachers by providing incentives and training to encourage productivity while setting performance assessment method to entrench effective service delivery.

How would you want to confront the challenged in the health sector?

We will pursue a public healthcare system that will cater for the health needs of every Delta State citizen. This will be achieved by widening access, equipping and training of healthcare providers in our primary healthcare facilities in every community in the state.

We will also embark on expansion of primary healthcare programs, improve on secondary healthcare; strengthening of the marine ambulance and emergency medical services, and improve on medical personnel welfare.

We will introduce comprehensive health insurance cover for every Deltan. This will be achieved by the introduction of community based health insurance that will cater for the healthcare need of the rural poor.

We will build and equip at least two international hospitals in partnership with the private sector, which will be centers of excellence in medicine. This is in our bid to ensure that we promote medical tourism into the state.

We will strengthen our healthcare system by ensuring enforcement of healthcare delivery standards at all times. Also, we shall provide free medical care to every pregnant woman in the state. Our overall goal is to reduce mater-

nal death and minimise the effects of disease, disability, and to promote a healthier population which will in turn provide economic and social benefits for the state.

No doubt Delta State is one of the flash points in terms of security challenge. What would be you strategy?

Our strategy would be to effectively address the menace of armed crimes and kidnapping. Without this, sustainable investment and development cannot take place. We shall embark on a sustained campaign to dissuade people from taking to the life of crime and criminality. We shall create job opportunities for the youths as a tool for crime reduction and prevention.

New models of community policing shall be initiated where local governments and communities are expected to set up security structures in their domain to monitor crime and report same to the relevant authorities. We will ensure adequate equipment for the police and other security agencies. Apart from government providing equipment and support to the police and other security agencies, corporate organization in the state shall be encouraged to do same. Internal policing schemes and intelligence network will be encouraged at community level.

What is your concept for your proposed urban renewal programme in the state?

You see, a huge number of our population lives in urban area. Therefore, we have a new plan for our cities and towns. This includes massive investment in infrastructure and enhanced service to restore order, cure decays seen in most of our urban centers. Pursuant to this, we will build new cities and create conducive environment for investors. In the first phase, we shall focus on Asaba Mega City Project, Warri, Ugheli, Agbor, Sapele OgwashiUkwu, and Burutu, among others.

We will also develop and implement master plans in the state. This is very important as it will help to ensure that our cities are properly planed. This includes massive urban roads and street rehabilitation, public parks and recreational grounds, water and sewage systems.

More so, a new face of Delta (with recreation centers, schools, parking facilities), sanitation and environmental beautification shall be given urgent attention.

Besides, we have plans to make massive investment in oil and gas by being the first state to build a refinery. We seek to answer CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

The Sunday Interview

I want to put Imo back to work –Ohakim C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 3

ministration in the state has created an environment that may lead to security problems.

When you have a private army or police in the name of vigilante, you are creating room for militancy. If you move around the state today, you see all sorts of people in uniform, most of them armed harassing the people. That is a condition for unrest if things are not properly handled. All over, there is so much unruliness because the impression was given that the people were being oppressed and today they have been liberated. But that is an indirect way of creating enmity among the people of the state. Liberated from whom? You go and build a place and call it Freedom Square.

Freedom from whom? You erect a giant bill board with somebody breaking loose from chains. Is that not telling the people that they are a bunch of cowards and timid people?

You go and mount Nelson Mandela’s pictures somewhere and call it Freedom Square. Is that not laughable? Mandela was fighting for his people against white domination. So, the analogy Okorocha is creating is both laughable and depictive of Imo people as ignorant.

Such things are affecting the psychology of the people. They feel talked down. They are meant to feel that they are fighting with their own brothers and sisters. That should not be.

Imolites are not fighting one another. But that is what Okorocha came to inculcate in their psyche. It is not fair.

There was a recent incident in the state when the son of the late legal icon, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa snatched the microphone from Governor Okorocha who wanted to make a speech at the funeral.

Some say it serves Okorocha right. What is your position on this matter?

It serves nobody right. If anything, it is one of the worst things that could happen to a state. Government is like a deity. I will never support that type of thing. I was there and I wasn’t happy at all. But that’s what I have been saying all along, that a government should comport itself. Okorocha was not yet a governor when he started teaching people that they could disrespect people in office. In 2011, he organised people to block a presidential convoy. He also recruited Okada riders when we banned them to go and excrete in my private house in Owerri. Up till now, he still organizses people to demonstrate against fellow citizens of the state. Have you ever heard that before, where a government is demonstrating against ordinary citizens? It should be the other way round. People demonstrate against government but in Imo, the reverse is the case. Before Okorocha came, nobody could abuse a governor publicly.

The only thing they could do was to tell lies against people in government. Okorocha is the first governor whose aids denigrate publicly. I think that is not good enough for that office. I am against anything that could lead to disrespect of the office of the governor. In spite

of Okorocha’s antics, he remains our governor and I am against any act of deliberate disrespect to him. But let him watch himself. I personally regret the Oguta incident.

Of late a highly placed traditional ruler in the state, Eze Ilomuanya, has been having a running battle with the governor. As a former governor, what is your take on the matter?

It is very unfortunate and as a leader in the state, not only as a former governor, I feel very embarrassed. A governor is supposed to be the custodian of tradition and culture. I feel pained that an Imo son is the one trying to bring down one of the few traditional rulers in Igbo land respected all over the country.

Eze Ilomuanya is one of those few voices of Ndi Igbo hear at the national level. My advice to governor Okorocha is that he should obey the Court of Appeal ruling on the matter Ohakim and allow Eze Ilomuanya and his people be.

But a congratulatory advert you placed for Eze Ilomuanya recently attracted reactions from government quarters which accused you of also dethroning a traditional ruler during your own time.

The circumstances are not the same. The Eze in question was investigated for several months and it took the committee that investigated the matter over six months to complete its work. We didn’t just wake up one morning and dethroned an Eze. And there was no court ruling or order unlike in the current case.

But even after the dethronement, I still used my executive powers to reinstate the Eze. The man is still Eze till today. So, nobody should bring in that matter in order to justify the current perfidy.

Recently, there were media reports that a Catholic Priest in Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has said that you were falsely accused of assaulting a Rev. Father while you were governor and that he was misled into launching an attack against you.

Do you feel vindicated?

It is the people that feel vindicated and relieved by the revelation. For me I never harboured any worries because I know that God Almighty who knows everything knows the truth. The worst they did was to use it as an aspect of the conspiracy that rubbed me of the mandate I got from the people in 2011.

Since God allowed that to happen who was I to query him I know that at the appropriate time, he will make the people know the truth.

Imo people had since known that no such thing happened but since it has now came out from the very mouth of one of the people that championed the thing; I believe Imo people are very happy that now the state can return to the path of truth and honour. Our people are not known for vilifying innocent people. I am happy that our people now know the truth. A man of God has just described that incident as a divine tragedy.

Do you think the new development would enhance your chances?

That’s not the issue. My happiness is that the people of Imo State now feel relieved that the truth has been revealed about that particular incident. Many Imolites knew earlier what Fr. Mbaka said but that was the first time he was making it public. What the people will do with that is another matter. The important thing is that they now know that next time, nobody can mislead them that way again.

There was this question of 10,000 jobs created by your administration which was scraped by your successor. Some other governorship aspirants are alluding to it, saying they will restore the people sacked if they are elected. Do you think they want to reap what they did not sow?

Not at all. It is not a question of anybody reaping what he or she did not sow. It is question of appreciating what is good and condemning what is bad. Governance is a continuous thing. The laying off of 10,000 graduates we employed into the state civil service was an atrocity against the people not against

Olejeme: Why I want to serve Delta C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 5

an oil producing state in the real sense of it by designing a model of partnership with the private sector that will accrue benefit from oil and gas to our people.

In doing this, we will create industrial cluster in Asaba and Warri to encourage manufacturing. It will be provided with incentives that will encourage investors, industrialisation and removal of the bottlenecks in their ability to compete and create more jobs.

We also plan an industrial layout for 3,000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to create at least 300,000 jobs (with electricity initially provided by the state government) and ultimately linked to the national grid.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) will be given a huge boost as we intend to establish ICT village where youth will

be trained on how to develop software and other ICT services.

We will initiate a social security system that would cater for the elderly and widows by paying them life supporting stipends to enable them live their life without much suffering. Above all, we shall embark on the provision of affordable mass housing schemes; facilitation of a liberalised mortgage system and new/satellite town development. Our goal is to deliver 6,000 units of housing annually.

Delta State is well known in sports. Have you thought of what to do to sustain the records already set?

I am aware that sports development is one area that Delta has shown a lot of potentials.

We will pursue vigorously various sports development programmes to discover and

nurture talents that will represent the state in national and international competitions. We will encourage grassroots and school sports development. This is to afford Delta youths the opportunity to showcase their talents and have the opportunity to pursue career in sports. We will encourage individuals to establish sports academies. Interstate sport competition will be organized annually to afford various local governments opportunity to compete and win laurels. We will also invest in building sports facilities across the state. Rewards based system that will celebrate and reward our sports men and women will be entrenched. Sports mentorship programmes will be organised where successful sportsmen and women will be invited to teach and share their experience with young sports enthusiast to inspire and teach them how to develop their talents.

Ikedi Ohakim. So any right thinking person who get to a position of authority would most likely reverse it. I am not surprised that some of the governorship aspirants are talking about it. That’s why I told you earlier that in the PDP we will know what to do when the chips are down. But the 10,000 jobs were not even captured in the whole picture. Over 40,000 people were sacked by Okorocha from the public service, if you include the personnel of the local government councils, and that of the development centres that were dismissed.

So, the situation is worse than many Nigerians know especially when you realise that the sack of those people means that the economy is denied over N1.8 billion every month. That represents the amount that could have been used to pay the salary of those workers if they were still there. And you ask, where does the money go to? There are no investments in the state, save brick and mortar works on buildings that have no economic value. Imo is the first and only state where government builds a two-storey round about. Over 90 per cent of the contractors handling the building are nonindigenes of the state. And the payments are done without records. You recall the saga that led to the impeachment of the former deputy governor. Contracts that ran into billions of naira were awarded without records. Elsewhere, nobody awards a N1.5 billion contract without an advance payment guarantee from the banks. But in Imo today, such things are nonexistent. There is no system.

You said earlier that other aspirants will have no difficulty in supporting you if you emerge as candidate. What of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume. It is no secret that both of you are not seeing eye to eye despite coming from the same locality.

It is absolutely not true that two of us do not see eye to eye. I have no problem with Senator Ararume. Most of these things are exaggerated by people who benefit from the imagined enmity between the two of us. If he emerges as candidate of the PDP, of course I will support him whole-heartedly and I believe he will also support me if I emerge. During the so called supplementary election of May 2011, we came together after a long time and he supported me, even though it came late. I still appreciate what he did.

I am saying I need to be supported because I already have projects to complete which Okorocha has abandoned and is using it to castigate our people from Okigwe zone and indeed our party. I am in a better position to reverse the campaign of calumny Okorocha has visited on our people and the PDP but it is not cast on stone. The party delegates have the say. If they elect me as the party’s flag bearer, well and good. If they elect my brother Ararume or any other aspirant, I will fully support that fellow.

What I assure everybody is that I will never resort to mudslinging. I know what is involved. I have suffered enough of that. I expect other aspirants too to do away with name calling so that we can face the real fight with all the time, energy and resources we have.

There are reports that you are about to present a compendium of your achievements, while in office. Is it a campaign gimmick?

It is not a gimmick. It is a deliberate move

by TEAM OHAKIM to put in proper perspective what we did. We thought Imolites have their records and that what we did are there for all to say. But Governor Okorocha has been unrelenting in his attack that we did not achieve anything. So my people decided to re-document the things for posterity.

So it is a campaign document.

Call it so if you like. Of course, we will not shy away from using it to remind our people that we still possess the ability to do those things. It is a historical document that will be quite handy for students, researchers and politicians who want to have a feel of it means to run purposeful government.

37

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014

Politics / Interview

‘Dankwabo has brought peace, development to Gombe’ Comrade Dahiru Hassan Kera, a politician and NorthEast Vice-Chairman of the Northern Youths Grand Alliance, spoke about various issues, including the just concluded National Conference and the 2015 elections in this interview with UGO WILLIES How would you describe youth’s participation in politics of Nigeria especially in this current democratic dispensation?

Based on my discovery, the youths of today are really coming up in all aspects of life and even beyond the political spectrum. If you look at political office holders from the state, National Assembly, even at the ministerial levels,you will see that the youths are occupying a large percentage of offices. If you look at other aspects youths have been contributing to efforts to chart a way for development.

Would you describe the participation of youths in the just concluded National Conference was one of such platforms?

You can see in the composition of the National Conference, where youths constituted a larger percentage of the committees. There was this lady who I can’t remember her name at the moment who performed beyond expectations there. At committee level people have applauded her contributions and also in the entire conference. Youths have performed creditably and they deserve commendations because the responsibility of setting this country on a firm foundation is vested on youths who are the leaders of tomorrow. However, if you look at it, youths are no longer leaders of tomorrow but of today. We can no longer wait till tomorrow. Youths performed credibly and I believe they contributed largely to the success of the conference.

Coming down to Gombe State, how do you see politics in the state?

What we have in Gombe now is different from what was obtainable before now. Our governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo falls within the category of the youths. You will recall that the politics that was played before his administration in May 2011 was characterised by thuggery and other forms of vices. But since Dankwambo came on board, we have seen a lot of changes. He had to sit down and look at the whole of Gombe State as a project, he approached governance meticulously, went back and analysed the various sectors of the economy.

What are the problems? What are the solutions to these problems? He finally came up with an- 11 sector-based committees. There was a committee on education chaired by a professional educationist, committee on security; infrastructure and others, chaired by sons and daughters of Gombe State who were using their talents elsewhere. While they were outside the state, nobody called them to come and contribute their quota to the development of the state.

But when Dankwambo assumed office, he realised that there were many expertice that could be gotten from these professionals at different sectors. He brought them, categorised them based on their professions to help in the stabilising the economy of the state. They sat down at different committees and discovered the problems of the state and suggested the solutions to these problems in their reports to the governor. When he received their reports, he didn’t hesitate in implementing the recommendations. What we are reaping as dividends of democracy

today in Gombe State is as a result of input of those professionals and Dankwambo is the architect of the whole project.

Coming back to the political issues, Gombe State was well known for political thuggery, politics of intimidation, corruption and many other anti-democratic practices. Many Gombe indigenes had to leave the state because of intimidation and attacks by political thugs, allegedly hired by the previous government for their selfish political ends. But I can remember that at Governor Dankwambo’s swearing in ceremony, one of his first declarations was on the ban of thuggery. He said that henceforth, anybody caught parading himself as Kalare would face the full wrath of the law. He then followed his proclamation with action by creating avenues to engage these youths because an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. They were engaged to prevent them from going back to thuggery, especially since their paymasters are no longer in power. Since they got somebody that would change their lives for the better, they welcome the idea and participated fully in all the programmes created by government to absorb them.

We have the Talba Youths Empowerment Scheme where three categories of over 2,000 youths were trained as traffic, environmental and security marshals. In the first category, the traffic marshals complement the traffic wardens in managing the traffic in the state.

That actually reduced the rate of accidents in Gombe and its environs. It has also reduced the rate of crime because those boys who were placed at different parts of the state also serve as watch dogs of government in their areas.

When they observe security breaches, they alert security agents and that has drastically reduced crime in the state. The other category, which is the security marshals, was engaged as ward security men, manning different offices and organisations to checkmate crime within their vicinity. Their presence has also reduced crime and other social vices. The last category, which is the environmental marshals were engaged in keeping the environment clean at different locations of the state. This aspect has helped a lot because it has reduced the spread of communicable diseases. Again there are many skills acquisition centres created across the state by the government to engage the youths. After these youths are trained, they are empowered to start off their own businesses based on the training they received But the opposition in the state is alleging that these youths are rather being trained to help rig elections in favour of the PDP government in 2015?

You cannot run away from accusations from the opposition. Opposition will always remain opposition, and engage their minds with how to attack the government because they are aggrieved. They wanted to be there but they never had the opportunity. So it is not a surprise to hear them accusing the government of one thing or another. But if we go back to the definition of democracy as government of the people, for the people and by the people, what have we reaped in Gombe State since the inception of this democratic dispensation in 1999? This is the

Kera

only time that the state is having it so good, reaping dividends of democracy. I know that the opposition will continue their verbal attacks at Dankwambo, but we the people of the state are the ones that will vote for the right candidate and these people know who they will vote for.

Also, I know that the opposition in Gombe will definitely disintegrate before or after their primaries because ,all of them are considering their personal interest first. They play politics on the pages of newspapers, television or radio, they are not on ground. I can confidently tell you that the opposition here is not strong. As a journalist, I believe you have been going round and seeing things for yourself and hear what people are saying. Honestly I don’t see the composition of the opposition in Gombe as a threat to the current administration because they will definitely fight themselves.

The clamour for the return of power to the North is on and Mohamadu Buhari of the APC seems to be very popular here. Don’t you see a possibility of a protest vote that could consume the Dankwambo’s government?

Actually, I cannot deny the kind of support Buhari has from the common man in Nigerian politics. But let me tell you one thing, the kind of politics that is being played out by the opposition in state is such that they cannot chose their candidates based on credibility.

And going by the prevailing situation, the current opposition will be a setback to General Buhari based on their selfish political interest. You discover most of them are coming from different political parties and ganging up, thinking that they will achieve their selfish

interests which they will realize too soon as unachievable. When that happens, you will discover that it will be difficult for Buhari to be their presidential candidate. Most of them are all defectors and you know these kinds of people don’t have reliable ideologies because they roam from one party to the other for their selfish reasons.

What do you have to say about the fears many people are having about the peaceful conduct of the 2015 elections and that it could lead to disintegration of Nigeria?

We have had many situations like this before where there were tensions just before the elections. There were fears about possible disintegration of Nigeria, but we are lucky and we thank God that as Nigerians, with prayers and determination for the unity of the country as an entity, whenever we have elections, Nigeria would come out greater and united. You cannot avoid problems here and there in elections, but the good thing about it is that Nigerians usually absorb their problems and I think 2015 elections will not be different.

Nigeria will have a peaceful election Insha Allah and Nigerians will unite and become stronger and democracy will be strengthened and sustained in Nigeria beyond 2015.

My advice to the electorate, aspirants and all those directly or indirectly involved is to play politics without bitterness. Also, the security agencies should do their job professionally. If you look at the United States of America as an model of democracy, they play their own form of democracy differently from ours here in Nigeria. Every time there is election, they unite for the future of their country. Ours should not be different.

38

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Politics / Columns

Saving Nigeria from frequent embarrassments

T

he last few weeks have not been the best of times for President Goodluck Jonathan and his administration as he continues to receive hard knocks for what his ardent critics describe as un-presidential actions .

Sometime in August 2012, at the opening of the 52nd Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, President Jonathan told the audience that he is the most criticised leader in the world. He assured that all forms of criticism against him will turn into praises before he leaves office.

Last week, the President again came under fire over a campaign slogan in support of his re-election bid in 2015. Although, posters carrying a hashtag similar to that of the pressure group, #BringBackourGirls, seeking the rescue of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted in April this year littered the streets of Abuja and other Nigerian cities. It did not attract any attention in the local media.

But, a United States-based newspaper The Washington Post in an editorial titled, ‘This may be the most inappropriate political hostage of the year,’ lashed at President Jonathan, describing him as seemingly indifferent towards the missing girls The Washington Post recalled that the #BringBackOurGirls attracted sympathy from home and abroad with many angry at the government for its inability to free the captured schoolgirls.

Irked by the editorial and other negative commentaries on the social media which perceived the ‘#BringBackJonathan slogan as a nudge to the #BringBackOur-

Anule Emmanuel emmyanule@yahoo.com

Agreed that the president did not know about his campaign posters, what about ministers who drive around Abuja with their aides?

Girls campaign which mounted pressure seeking more government action to rescue of the girls, presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati announced Jonathan’s directive ordering the removal of all posters carrying such campaign messages.

Abati has already defended his principal, exonerating him from any knowledge of the actions of “political opportunists who believe that using his name to make a parody of the #BringBackOurGirls’ campaign, could record high level score for the president rather than present a height of insult and insensitivity to the plight of

the girls as well as pains and anguish of their families.”

While I may want to believe that Jonathan may have been oblivious of this development, his advisers can hardly feign any ignorance of the posters and their impertinence. This is indeed shocking and embarrassing to say the least.

But could this be the same with another leg of the criticism of Jonathan’s perceived romance with the former Governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff who is being accused as chief sponsor of the murderous Boko Haram sect?

Sheriff alongside the former Chief of Army Staff, Azubuike Ihejirika, were accused by the Australian negotiator, Stephen Davis who had made efforts to secure the release of the more than 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram since April 14. The Department of State Security Service has however exonerated the former army chief.

Considering the complexity or otherwise of the damming allegations against Sheriff though yet to be proven by the security agencies, watching the President in a photo posted on the social media of the former governor and the Chadian

President, Idriss Deby in a meeting ordinarily should spark up this kind of attacks. Some of us are of the opinion that it was untimely for Mr. President to be seen associating with a high profile accused person for now- whether the allegations have been substantiated or not.

Obviously, something is dangerously wrong here. Some of the president’s advisers are failing in their responsibilities of providing appropriate advice on issues that could easily generate some controversies for him. Taking to defending or denying the undeniable is a damage control which would have been avoided in the first place.

Agreed that the president did not know about his campaign posters, what about ministers who drive around Abuja with their aides? Couldn’t they have seen these posters until the boomerang? If they did, why did they shy away from advising on their removal before the damming editorial of the Washington Post?

On whether President Jonathan traveled with Sheriff to Chad or not, even if they met while in that country, couldn’t the president’s aides have shielded the former governor from interacting publicly with him? This might be on the grounds for presumption of innocence until the contrary is proved by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The damage has been done in both cases, no doubt, but the lesson is clear - people should do their jobs efficiently and effectively to save the presidency and indeed the nation these kind of avoidable embarrassments. We sure don’t need them.

State creation: Hurdle before Mark

P

resident of the Senate, Senator David Mark, told the whole world and Nigerians in particular, last week that he would do everything within his powers to bring to fruition the people’s quest for creation of more states in the country. He gave this assurance to his Idoma kinsmen from Benue State who paid him a courtesy visit to persuade him to run for the Senate for the fifth time come 2015.

On the delegation were four members of the House of Representatives and nine chairmen of local government councils from his Benue-South Senatorial District.

In the course of impressing on him to accede to their request, the leader of the delegation and Chairman, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Sunday Ada Ojo, told Mark that their visit was necessitated by the intense pressure from the citizens and opinion leaders from the area to compel him (Mark) to contest the senatorial seat.

Also, in what looked like a desperate bid to convince the number three citizen of Nigeria to yield to their proposal, Ojo further posited that there was no better candidate than Mark in the contemporary Idoma nation to represent the people as effectively as the current President of the Senate had done in the past 15 years of this democratic governance. He advanced his effort by telling Mark that the body of the chairmen and executives of the nine local government councils from the zone had endorsed his candidature.

Responding to his people’s request and their specific proposal for creation of Apa State, Mark demonstrated that he is a worthy son, representative and leader that could give hope, confidence and relief to his people in the time of need. Accordingly, he assured them that he would not

From the Chukwu David chukwudavid68@yahoo.com

only run for 2015 when the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, releases its guidelines and programmes, but that he would also sacrifice his last breath to ensure the creation of Apa State for the Idoma people.

His word: “Even if it takes my last breath, I want to pursue the creation of state. I will put in my last breath to ensure the creation of Apa State for my people. I am a loyal, faithful and dedicated party man, I will only make my intention known when the Peoples Democratic Party releases the guidelines and programmes for the elections”.

Although tongues may wag, as to whether or not Mark is the only personality capable of representing the people of Idoma in the Senate, the ex-military general has no constitutional barrier against his proposed return to the apex legislative assembly as many times as he desires - provided his constituents are always willing and ready to give him their support whenever he seeks it. This is because in the parliament, the constitution gives freedom for an individual to be elected as many times as the person is willing to serve. This is not the case with the executive arm, where a politician can only be elected to the office of president, governor or local government

Therefore, it means that for Mark to secure Apa State for his people and perhaps get some other states, he has to perform some legislative magic chairman twice in a life time.

However, looking at the issue of state creation vis-a-vis Senator David Mark’s flamboyant promise, every critical analyst knows that it is going to be a hard nut to crack. In fact, as he rightly stated, he might have to release his last breath to bring this commendable, people-centered ambition to reality. The reason is simple. The National Assembly is in the process of reviewing the 1999 Constitution. In the year 2012, the House of Representatives conducted nationwide public sessions on the various items it selected for amendment as well as those contained in the various memoranda submitted by individuals and groups.

After looking at the Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution which deals with procedure for state creation, the House had no option than to tell itself and Nigerians the honest but bitter truth, that the process is ambiguous and full of encumbrances.

Consequently, the Lower Chamber went for the wise option of first of all, removing the ambiguities thereof, and then prepare a convenient grounds for state creation in future but not under the on-going alteration by the Seventh Assembly, which lifespan will expire on June 5, 2015.

Similarly, in the Senate, the Committee in charge of the Constitution Review, which is headed by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, had also, while presenting its report on the proposed amendment told Nigerians that all the various entities across the country that requested for more states did not meet the constitutional requirements. This implies that the Seventh Senate is fully aware that state creation is no more on its agenda at least in the present constitution review process.

Therefore, it means that for Mark to secure Apa State for his people and perhaps get some other states created in Nigeria within this political dispensation, he has to perform some legislative magic of sort in the face of the manifest hurdles confronting his intention. Obviously, constitution is a document that specifies procedures and processes for certain actions to take place; and a breach of a constitutional requirement renders whatever action taken null and void. It might be that Mark meant that he would pursue this noble goal when and if he returns to the Upper Chamber in 2015.

Without provoking much fuss about his intentions, time shall tell how and when his promise will be fulfilled.

39

South-East Focus

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014

APGA’s adoption of Jonathan risky –Akirika Do you think that the rumour of former governor, Mr. Peter Obi, joining PDP will come to reality?

Well, what I will say is that, ordinarily, I know that His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, is a man who believes in due process. When he resigned as the chairman of BoT and the leader of APGA, he gave reasons for doing so, and I must say that he has the right, the freedom of conscience, movement and association.

So, his conscience is to dictate whether he can function as a BoT leader, as leader of the party, without these two important positions being consummated. He said no, that the functions don’t accommodate that. And I said that he is right. Obi never said that he is no longer a member of APGA. What he said was that he was resigning as chairman of BoT and as a leader of the party. That is his right.

His resignation, as far as I am concerned, calls for sober reflection on the part of APGA, especially the national leadership of the party.

So, as to whether he will join PDP or not is a matter that is entirely left at his discretion.

The only thing we can do is to appeal to the governor, appeal to the leadership of APGA for ways and means of addressing and redressing if where and when possible raised

by His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, and the other disconcerted members of APGA. In as much as we concede the fact that it is rare for people to be conceptual of all the issues, at the same time, it will do us a lot of good if we reduce to the barest minimum, areas and matters of avoidable rancour and feud in our great party.

This is not time for anybody or group of persons to think that the party can be held to ransom.

Politics, we all know, is a numerical game.

In other words, it’s a game of numbers so we can’t afford to be losing our members and be thinking that all is well. Because it is antithetical for any person to think that an entity can grow by losing members.

Growth and reduction you know very well are antithetical concepts. It behooves all that can enable APGA to win elections and remain relevant in the scheme of things.

In simple language, what we need now is nothing short of political pragmatism. We must adopt a very proactive and realistic approach to the forthcoming elections. By this, I mean going into accord where that is strategic, going into discussions and negotiations where and when necessary, working together where mandatory.

You said you need to go into accords that are strategic. What do you mean by this?

You see, politics is a living art. There are times you discuss and leave it at the stage of discussion. There are times you work together, which means you have gone beyond the state of discussion. And there are times you are no longer working together; you go into the field to put into practice what you have discussed and what you agreed to work on. You have different approaches but at the end of the day, the bottom line is all benefits bearing.

You can see what is happening, for instance, the APGA/Jonathan relationship. Essentially, the party leadership has said that we have agreed that we are going to adopt Jonathan.

That is good. It is not only commonsensical, it is constitutional and it falls before the APGA constitution. It allows the party in peculiar instances and subject to the guidelines made by the National Executive Council to adopt credible and nationally acceptable candidates.

So, if somebody is credible and nationally

Okoli Akirika is a lawyer and immediate state secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Anambra State. In this interview with TONY OKAFOR, he justifies the resignation of the former governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi, as the BoT chairman of the party. He also speaks on other serious political issues, especially APGA’s adoption of President Jonathan.

Okoli Akirika

acceptable, the NEC of the party can make a regulation, guidelines on how that person can be adopted to run for an election for APGA. In the case of Jonathan, you can see that the governor of another party from South-West, Mimiko is joining PDP, Ribadu from Adamawa is joining PDP, Ikimi from Edo is joining PDP. The examples I cited cover three separate and sensitive geopolitical zones involving high ranking politicians.

So, I will say that if take a second look at all these, you will notice a centripetal tendency towards Jonathan.

Therefore, if APGA NEC now says Jonathan is credible and nationally acceptable, we can work out modalities on how to adopt him.

That is on the issue of accord.

The next stage is how we do about this. The party constitution says go by way of convention and then constitute men and women of intelligence and caliber, who will now work out modalities on how that will be done. It was in that process that the nitty-gritty will be worked out. That is the second stage.

It will now become mandatory and compulsive that we must go out into the field for an election.

Then, what will APGA do? We want to look at the possibility of telling people to vote for Jonathan in this election, vote for APGA in other elections. And while deciding that, we factor in the level of political sophistication because we are talking about the average Nigerian or Anambra or South-Eastern voter and you know that they are in majority.

What is the possibility of saying, for this presidential election which APGA leadership said we are not contesting, you vote for Jonathan, for other elections you vote for APGA. How do you do that in practice? It calls for an intricate political maneuvering and align-

ment.

It is not something we do by holding rallies, grand standing, name calling and not something we achieve by going to court like Ken. Emeakayi did. It is not something we do by pasting posters or bill boards.

It is something we do by sitting down and working out a very beneficial arrangement that will suit APGA, suit PDP and take care of the interest of everybody concerned.

It calls for pragmatism and a very close look at the surrounding circumstances.

So, once a mistake is made, you are alive and witnessed what happened in the South-West during AD/Obasanjo accord. It was a bandwagon. By the time AD governors realised what was happening, both the presidency and gubernatorial elections were PDP all the way.

That is why there is the need for us to sit down and look at the modalities that will suite us so that we don’t allow history to repeat itself.

We have failed to learn from the lessons of history. The lesson of history from the SouthWest during AD/PDP accord was that the proper thing was not done. So, I am very mindful that the best for us to do is to have a pragmatic approach so that we don’t fall victim to the bandwagon effect of what happened in the South-West.

It is like already APGA has started making the mistake. There is this court judgment that they should not use anything pertaining to Jonathan like logo, photograph etc. How do you think this thing can be corrected?

Well, the court did not say we can’t adopt Jonathan. That interim order mainly worked out the modalities that must be adopted for

us to effect the adoption of Jonathan, and that is what the law says.

Jonathan belongs to PDP, a different political party that has a different name and different logo from APGA. So, if they say don’t campaign with our name and our logo, using Jonathan’s picture, which is their right.

It is now left for us to work out modalities on how we can work with Jonathan for the purposes of realizing his presidential ambition.

Why should APGA enter into marriage when the bride said that I don’t want you, as PDP said don’t campaign for us?

No, they didn’t say so. What they said is work for Jonathan but work for him in accordance to the law. The essence of that ruling, in simple language, was for us to adopt Jonathan within the framework of legality.

The Electoral Act and perhaps the guidelines that will be published by INEC, I know for sure will not permit a party to market a member of another political party using its names and logo.

To illustrate this, the law will not allow us to put Jonathan’s picture, put APGA and our logo. But the law can allow us to put Jonathan’s picture, put the picture of our dear governor showing that he is sympathetic and co-operative to the course of Jonathan.

You know, the danger in this is based on the fact that presidential election is not taking place alone. Rather, it is taking place with national assembly elections.

So, PDP is trying to say, we don’t want a position where you use the name of our candidate to market your own candidate and in law, it has the right.

And we are saying that Jonathan has done well for us and we want to support him but within the ambit of the law, already what we did was more of an invitation to treaty.

40

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

South-East Focus

Nsukka lament collapse of roads Uwakwe Abugu

T Enugu

he preponderance of heavy rains in the past two weeks has brought untold hardship to residents of some parts of Enugu State, especially in Nsukka Urban town and Olido Community in Igbo-Eze North Council Area of the state. Here, commuting on major roads have become a nightmare.

In these two locations in the state, residents who narrated their plight called on the relevant authorities to do something to salvage the situation before they are completely cut off.

The heavy rains which have become an almost daily routine have led to the weakening of major roads by ravaging floods.

At the weekend, motorists and commuters who traversed the Enugu Road in the university town of Nsukka and literally swam across the worst spot on the road, that is the Owerre Ani- Ugwuoye portion, had a harrowing experience. A motorist, one of the teeming number of angry road users who commented when they saw Sunday New Telegraph’s reporter capturing the menace of flooding at the now notorious spot last Friday, said “Please, help us tell government here, especially the local government, that we are suffering badly.

“You can see that since last week, people have been suffering here as the rain flood has cut this important road into two,” said the bewildered motorist.

Many other road users who were excited at sighting a journalist capturing the drudgery of commuting through that bad spot, said they were frustrated. They called on the contractors handling the road to find a lasting solution to the perennial flooding on that section of Enugu Road in Nsukka. It has remained the most important road in the area.

Another resident who stood watching as vehicles swam across the portion, also said, “We commend the state government for giving this road attention since this present administration came to power.

But the government should try to handle the issue of drainage better than what is happening now.”

During the immediate administration of Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, the road was abandoned by the government and driving through it was one hell of an experience. The current government has since 2007 been rehabilitating it through a contractor, Ferotex Nig. Limited.

But that particular spot which is fast cutting the road into two has seeming proved a tough nut to crack.

In the case of Olido community, their

Some portions of the dilapidating Olido Community Road

only road which has never been asphalted since the 1950s when British missionaries brought education and a semblance of civilisation to that part of the state has degenerated. A resident, Eze Nwomeh, who also spoke to our reporter in the area at the weekend, said successive administrations of Igbo-Eze North local council

had not helped to redeem the situation.

And with the rains coming in heavy torrents, neither the natives nor those who have to traverse the road to neighbouring communities in Igbo-Eze South want to use that route.

The Catholic Church in the community - St. Patrick’s Parish, Olido, operating un-

der the leadership of its parish priest, Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Ukweze, had last month mobilised some faithful, mostly women, to make some very bad portions a bit passable. However, their feeble efforts have been brought to naught, with the rains pouring down and washing away the road uncontrollably.

2015: S’East group canvasses support for Jonathan Uwakwe Abugu

N Enugu

ational leaders and South-East states coordinators of Jonathan Actualisation Movement, a proPresident Goodluck Jonathan political pressure group, have intensified a drive to garner support for the President’s re-election in the zone.

They have also said they will push plans by the Peoples Democratic Party to recapture Imo and Anambra states as part of its drive to also get the maximum votes of the South-East for the President during next year’s presidential election.

The group at a large town hall meeting held at Filbon Hotel, Enugu agreed with the poser

raised by both the South-East coordinator, Ambassador Fidel Ayogu, and Enugu State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Vita Abba, to the effect that not only is Enugu State totally under the party’s control but that in 2015, the entire zone would be recaptured by the party.

At the moment, Imo State is being governed by Chief Rochas Okorocha elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress while Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, is of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.

He is, however, pro-Jonathan.

Speaking to hundreds of delegates from the five states of the zone who attended the meeting that turned out to be a mini-rally, founder and national coordinator of JAM, Otunba Basirat Nahibi, also urged Ndigbo to give maximum support to Jonathan’s re-election.

However, she said nothing was more important to the group than achieving peaceful coexistence among the constituent groups in the country to create an environment for peace needed for the 2015 elections to hold.

She warned Ndigbo youths not to accept any offer to serve as political thugs.

When it was his turn to speak, Abba drew applause from the JAM members when he declared that efforts are on to ensure that the entire zone is controlled by the PDP next year.

Like Ayogu, Abba and Otunba Nahibi, most of the leaders who spoke at the event expectedly poured encomiums on Jonathan, insisting that there was no better alternative to the President in 2015.

It was an occasion when leaders of the

group from the South-East states spoke of the huge support the President is likely to garner from their respective areas.

Whereas Ayogu, a former member of the House of Representatives and erstwhile Nigerian Ambassador to Uganda agreed with a recent comment by Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, that Jonathan did not need to campaign in Enugu, an ex-Biafran war veteran from Abia state, Mazi Franklin Okereke, declared that Jonathan remained the best president Nigeria ever had.

Several of the delegates took turns to address the town hall meeting, with each canvassing support for the President. They also emphasised the need for peace and tolerance to see the nation through the coming 2015 elections.

41

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

Abuja Beats W

Nnamdi Amadi

hat looked like a narrow drainage about 10 years ago at Road D of the Federal Housing Authority Estate, Nyanya Abuja, has now grown into a mighty gully which if left unchecked will engulf scores of houses at the estate.

The gully, which has eaten deep into half of the road, has made it almost impassable for residents of the estate whose houses stand at one section of the area.

Duranta and Policia streets are not also left out of this erosion menace as deep potholes and flood have since overtaken them.

All the estate’s entrances and exits are in a bad condition as residents occasionally try to salvage the ugly situation by filling some of the roads with rubble and laterite.

Abuja Beats ran into Alhaji Bukar Mala, one of the residents of the once beautiful estate, whose property is few plots away from the erosion site along Road “D” of FHA Nyanya.

He was seen giving instructions to some labourers whom he hired to patch up the road to make it at least motorable for some time.

A visibly worried Mala narrated residents’ ordeal to Abuja Beats.

His words: “It is very unfortunate that we have been living with this problem for long and it appears none of the authorities are ready to do anything to ameliorate the situation. So we have resorted to self-help as you can see us doing now.

“We assume the management and staff of Federal Housing Authority are aware of this problem but we haven’t seen them do anything here. It was only recently that people from Abuja Municipal Area Council came around; even at that, they brought a tenement rate bill of N20, 000 to each house. In fact, I had to challenge one of them, on how they expect us to pay them money for doing nothing for us.”

Some residents have turned the gully into a refuse dump site “With regard to the refuse, we sent

Erosion threatens FHA Nyanya

FCTA is focusing on only new development sites and towns around Abuja.

“The problem we have here in Abuja is that they are building new districts and constructing new roads while abandoning the old ones,” he lamented.

a complaint to Abuja Environmental Agency and they intervened. People don’t dump refuse there again,” Mala said.

He pleaded with the media to intervene and publicise their plight, adding, “What we want the authorities to do is to fix the road for us. Journalists should please intervene, because it appears government has forgotten us completely. We are currently on our own, tasking ourselves to do little things on the road. So it is our hope that govern-

ment should come and help us.”

The owner of a shop near the erosion site, Mr. Chidi Obiakor, bemoaned the bad state of the road, which he said has continued to deteriorate due to neglect by the authorities.

“It is very appalling for a place like Federal Housing Nyanya to be like this.

As it is now, it is a death trap. When next it rains heavily the bridge might cut off.”

He decried the government’s abandonment of the estate, noting that the

AMMC boss warns contractors Yekeen Nurudeen

T

he Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Reuben Okoya, has read the Riot Act to sanitation contractors managing the Federal Capital Territory to sanitise the city or risk being laid off for non-performance.

Okoya, who addressed the contractors during an emergency meeting in his office, charged them to sanitise the FCT within one week or be laid off.

“Starting from now, go out there and clean the city. Clean up the Central Business District (CBD), it’s the heart of Abuja. Clean up Maitama, Asokoro, Jabi, Gwarimpa, Wuse. Start today because in one week if the city is not clean we will terminate your contract. There’s a long line of people waiting to come and take over from you,” he said

He told the contractors that the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, was unhappy over the current state of the city, saying that the former acting director of the board in charge of city sanitation, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Mrs. Aishat Adebayo, and some key deputy directors were redeployed for the board’s inability to effectively manage the city.

His words: “The former acting director and three deputy directors have been posted out of the board to other establishments for other assignments. This happened because of complete dissatisfaction by the FCTA of the way the city environment was becoming very dirty.

This is unacceptable.

“For the FCTA to make such changes in the board shows that there is absolute dissatisfaction with the board which was

supposed to manage the city to the best of its abilities to make sure the city is clean by curbing the activities of hawkers, beggars and all other kinds of activities but they failed.”

He mandated the contractors to clean up the city in collaboration with the new acting director of the board, Mr. Baba Lawal, noting that the minister will not allow the city to become a dumpsite.

“We cannot allow Abuja to become a dumping ground for debris. The minister will not allow it and I will not allow it. I called for this meeting so we can all go back to work and put our shovels, sweepers down and get the city clean in one week. If it’s not clean, we will start terminating contracts without due recourse to you. We will terminate your contract legally for non-performance without any discussion with you,” he added.

New AEPB boss vows to rid Abuja of refuse Yekeen Nurudeen

D

etermined to rid the Federal Capital Territory of refuse, the new acting director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Baba Lawan Shehu, has expressed his resolve to sanitise the nation’s capital in three months.

Lawan reiterated his commitment to improving on the standard of the city’s sanitation, especially in the areas of solid waste evacuation and control of street trading, within the stipulated time frame.

The AEPB boss stated this during a familiarisation tour of some of the board’s waste management facilities in the FCT, which include Ajata waste dump site; Gouza dump site; Wupa Waste Water Treatment plant; and the solid waste transfer station site at Gudu.

He warned residents against the indiscriminate dumping of refuse and urged them to use garbage bags to store additional waste and wait for the assigned waste collection contractors for proper evacuation.

Lawan called on the residents to desist from street hawking and other activities that alter the ecosystem negatively.

He also appealed for regular and timely payment for services rendered by the board to help the administration sustain the services.

Prior to his appointment Shehu was a deputy director in the parks and recreation department of AMMC.

42

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Abuja /Beats

Plumber seeks help for ailing son

Uzoma Echendu is the father of Victor Uzoma Echendu who has been bedridden for about four months now. He shares his ordeal with OBINNA ODOH and pleads for assistance from well-meaning Nigerians to save his son What brought you to this hospital?

It was my son who took ill late May 2014. So I started this journey from Nyanya District hospital. From there, I ended up in May Day Specialist Hospital Mararaba, near Building materials market and there we spent about 22 days.

What is the ailment?

Well, I came to know about it when doctors asked me if he had experienced any form of accident in the past. I then remembered that he had an accident when he was a child. He broke behind his head close to the spinal cord and there was a stitch there. And that was when his brain was affected but it was when he got to eight years of age that things got worse.

He had that accident when he was three years old. At the age of eight he started manifesting symptoms of convulsion. After my explanation, the doctor told me that it can be managed.

He has been on drugs. The last attack that brought us to this hospital took place on the day I could not buy the drugs he uses for managing the ailment.

Can this sickness be attributed to epilepsy?

Yes, it can be attributed to that because they call it status epilepticus. That was what they wrote on his medical report.

He didn’t come into the world with it. It was the accident that led to the shock.

How much were you charged there at May Day Hospital?

They charged us N492,000. As they proceeded with treatment, I discovered that they couldn’t handle it. They had to refer us out of the place but I decided to go to Asokoro General Hospital. I went there on June 14, 2014 and I later discovered that they could not handle it.

By then I had no other option than to come to National Hospital, Abuja.

Having been charged N492,000 without positive results, did you pay the bill in full? Did they also refund you some money?

No, they did not refund any money to me. But I didn’t pay all the money because the sickness came as a surprise. It occurred on May 26 and I had no money as at that day. It was only N6,000 I had with me when it occurred.

Uzoma Echendu and his son, Victor What is your profession?

I’m a plumber and I’m staying with them because their mother is not with us. During the time the sickness started I was having the amount I told you. I and my children started running around to get money from friends, relatives and. The doctor said we should make a deposit of N50,000 before the commencement of treatment, which I did but this money was not deposited once. I gave the money as they came. But there were some laboratory tests we ran at Primus Hospital which cost about N30,000. I was carrying him up and down. So during this time I was completely drained of money but my friends and colleagues started bringing money which helped a lot.

After the deposit of the money and subsequent treatment, the doctor discovered that he couldn’t handle it then he referred me but I refused to leave the hospital because I didn’t

have any more money to pay for fresh treatment.

Then I pleaded with him to allow us stay there. But when he could no longer handle it I went and borrowed some money and gave it to him. We wrote an undertaking, promising to pay later.

Did he insist that you would pay the balance?

Yes that was why I signed an undertaking. That was what made him allow us to go. I left the hospital because of financial constraints.

How much are you still going to pay the doctor?

It remains about N290,000.

From there where did you go to?

From there we proceeded to Asokoro District Hospital but nothing was done there. They told us that it was a neurological issue and that they don’t have a neurologist. The sickness has to do with brain damage and he

has been in a coma since then.

As you see him, he can’t raise his hand, talk or move his legs.

But now he is getting better because if I call him now he can hear and answer but the voice is still low. He can’t speak out. If we say anything that can cause him to laugh, he will do so but you can’t hear him.

How do you cope with your work?

Work? Since this sickness started, I have not gone to work at all. If I do who will take care of him?

How do you get money to fund your stay here?

Nothing is free here. They gave me a temporary bill of N150,000 on June 14, 2014 when I wanted to carry him to Dunamis Church for prayer since his condition was complicated. But I didn’t succeed because they said that doctors were on strike.

They warned that if I left with him, I would be on my own.

This money is outside the drugs

I have seen all sorts of absurd things here. But what pained me most was that during the doctors’ strike, you saw people coming into the hospital to get treated but they were turned back because doctors were not working...Some people died as a result of that. I saw people coming to the hospital without being attended to. That experience was terrible

we have been buying. But today I’m no more purchasing the drugs they prescribe because I cannot afford them any longer.

I don’t have anything left with me now.

What has it been like?

It is a horrible experience staying in hospital, confined to a particular place for a long time and seeing your own son in pain. That means a lot of pain for me. But I have no option than to take it in good faith. I have seen horrible things in this hospital. You see people coming with different kinds of injury.

I was here during the first and second Nyanya bomb blasts (on April 14 and May 1); even during the Emab Plaza explosion (on June 25).

I have seen all sorts of absurd things here. But what pained me most was that during the doctors’ strike, you saw people coming into the hospital to get treated but they were turned back because doctors were not working.

Some people died as a result of that. I saw people coming to the hospital without being attended to. That experience was terrible. In this male medical ward that can accommodate about 26 beds, during strike we were three in number. But today you can see that people have filled up the beds. Many people who came at that time could not survive because the strike lasted for a very long time.

What are the challenges you are facing now?

The first is financial problem. I’m owing over N500,000 now and the healing is not yet completed. If people can come around to assist in any way I will appreciate that. I don’t know how to go about it. A court ordered me to quit my apartment because I was unable to pay the rent when it expired in May 2014.

The next challenge is how I can take my son out of here.

Doctors said that he is better being taken care of at home because the sickness is not such that can heal overnight. Doctors said I should buy him a wheel chair and a bed so that they can discharge us. They said we can be coming for check-up. I need money to buy those items and also to pay the hospital bill.

Can we say that your son’s health is improving rapidly?

Yes even the doctors said they never imagined that he would be in the state he is now. They attribute his recovery to a miracle. The doctors told me that it is better that we leave hospital now because he is vulnerable to contracting any other infection or sickness. As doctors have resumed work, admission has increased drastically and patients with all manner of diseases have been coming.

What appeal are you making to well-meaning Nigerians?

This sickness started when he was three years old and since then he has been on drugs.

Since then I have been spending up to N15,000 every month in buying drugs, for instance degrotone, peditol and others that he takes everyday.

44

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Dashing Floral Appliqué Jackets Vanessa Okwara

B

lazer with distinct features is a rave fashion among men in 2014. Floral print and graphic details are strong on the fashion scene. The sleek floral blazer is elegant, stylish, yet reserved and masculine.

These jackets have huge seduction potential. With a dashing attitude, this trend evokes a touch of 007 debonair.

There has been such a bountiful crop of large-scale floral prints in the men’s collections this season. This can be seen in the shirts, ties and shorts. Men’s Blazer is also having a fun time coming out in bursts of colourful flowers.

Floral print blazers are savvy garments that feature the nature-inspired tones and beauty of earth.

Blazers with various prints and colours reflect seasons and offer a zest of colours.

Complementing any outfit with a floral blazer goes a long way to bring out the gentleman in you.

Louis Vuitton, Tom

Ford and Dolce and Gabbana are top international designers that have taken this floral jacket to the next level. It features black lapels and cuffs.

Colours such as bronze, greens, blues, and reds are implemented to execute floral motifs that blend well to give flower power to men as well.

Nigeria’s foremost designer, Mai Atafo, designs elegant floral blazers. He has been seen rocking one of his own designs recently.

Other fashionable Nigerian celebrities have also been seen rocking this great outfit on red carpet.

Pair the floral blazer with a solid dress pant and white shirt for an elegant western look. It should never be too much; do not wear floral on floral. Tone down bold and colorful prints with neutral or dark pieces. For example, tone down a very colorful floral blazer, with navy blue or black cropped trousers.

The rule is to keep it simple. Show off your sartorial edge in a snazzy floral blazer

45

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

Body&Soul

H

Compatibility in relationship matters a lot

ave you ever wondered why two people, who were beaming with smiles on their wedding day, suddenly want to stab each other to death barely two years after? You would think signing the dotted line ‘till death do us part’ would stop marriage breakups, but sadly, even that clause has not halted the spate of divorce cases in our society today.

A visit to a customary court in your locality will give you an inkling to what causes breakup in marriages. Your ears will fill up with horrific and sometimes hilarious stories of most marriages.

There are so many incidents causing marriage breakups –extra marital affairs, childlessness, all manner of abuses; irreconcilable differences; inability to communicate civilly with each other or the classical ‘we just grew apart’ syndrome.

Critical look at these problems often reveal there has been a fundamental problem in that marriage from the onset. Unfortunately, couples ignore these signals in the heat of passion and head straight for the altar, only to regret later.

Oftentimes, people erroneously mistake sexual chemistry, physical attraction and love at first sight for the main reason to get married; they are not just enough to sustain marriage. What predicates long-term success and happiness in any intimate relationship is when two people are ‘well-matched’ and in tune with each other in every facet of life. In a nutshell, compatibility matters, and matters big time!

Metaphorically, couples who are compatible in marriage are simply two ships sailing in the same direction. They share the same ideals and aspiration. They are not at each other’s throat at the slightest provocation. That does not mean that the marriage is all smooth sail and fairy tale. They both understand that just like a ship, they might experience turbulence on their path but they are determined to ride the storms of life together and live in harmony for the rest of their lives.

It’s glaring that couples having serious and irreconcilable problems in marriage don’t really have a lot in common.

Different interests, conflicting opinions and divergent goals characterize such marriages. You begin to wonder how they got together in the first place.

The reason many agree to tie the conjugal knot might actually mortify you.

Some say it was the hot sex sessions they shared with their partner prior to getting married that attracted them.

Some people went into marriage for financial gains; while others got plummeted into marriage by parents and

peer pressure without really thinking through the long term consequences of living a shared life with someone they are not compatible.

For a relationship to be successful, couples need to be compatible in three basic areas -physical, spiritual and social levels.

From the onset of your relationship, it is very crucial to look into these three aspects of compatibility if you want your relationship to record a measure of success.

The most obvious level of compatibility exists at the physical level. Physical attraction is often the starter for a potential relationship. There must be that spark, that chemistry drawing you to each other like magnet. If it doesn’t exist, you will probably walk past each other without a second glance. There must be that ‘something’ in the way the person looks, moves, laughs, speaks, or smiles that compels you to want to be with him or her. All great relationships have some element of chemistry but it should not end there. You must be compatible in other areas of life as well.

Physical bond brings couples into the ‘best friend’ circle. Couples can remain best friends if they have the same values and aspirations. This brings us to the spiritual and social level which only best friends can meet. Couples value each other more when they have similarities they can relate with socially and spiritually other than their physical compatibility.

You must have a blend of these three levels of compatibility if you desire to have a lasting relationship. Just like one block is not enough to lay foundation of a house, these three building blocks must be in place to build a strong relationship between couples.

In all, don’t go for the ‘opposite attract’ sermon a lot of people erroneously believe in. Similarities between people make life together much simpler. Being together involves a lot of compromise; it is only compatibility you don’t compromise in relationships. People can only reach compromise more easily when they share common values and interests. Sure, sometimes opposites can attract, but for a stable relationship and strong bonding with your partner, please go for similarities between you and your partner.

Rather than partnering with someone you consider to be hot, consider partnering with your best pal with shared views and goals. I bet that in the long run, you’d be glad you did!

Send your views to the email above!

A personal agenda for a National Cultural Confab

P

rovisional reports of the National Confab are beginning to come out and once again, the entire focus of a national debate to make us re-examine the terms and conditions of our cohabitation as a nation is overshadowed by ethnic sentiments and regional demands. While I admit that I have not read the volumes that was released; for crying out loud, it looked like the bible in four places), I have been reading the excerpts being serialised in New Telegraph newspaper and surprised at the arguments being put up by the delegates to the conference. I am tempted to start with the composition of the delegates (and the integrity of certain individuals) to the conference but I will derail from the issue I want to bring to the public square this week. So, I will focus on the things I have found missing at this point.

While there has been continuous bickering as to what was agreed and discussed, the only thing I have read so far is all politics and less policy. No one is talking about other aspects that affect the lives of average Nigerians. This is why I am taking the bull by the horn and calling my own conference and setting my own agenda for it. It shall be called the cultural conference.

I have called this conference to address a glaring disconnect in the cultural landscape of the Nigerian polity.

There is a Ministry of Culture, but no cultural policy. The policy in place was never signed into law (correct me please if I am wrong) and what is more, its content was never implemented. Where, for instance, is the National Endowment for the Arts, which the cultural policy clearly states should be put in place to better the lives of any creative artist?

Where is government input into cultural activities? What are the regulations in place to curtail the total takeover of our cultural space by foreign copy initiative like Project Fame, Nigeria Got Talent, The Voice and Nigerian Idol? This is cultural imperialism that throws us back to the 60s. However, this is a story for another day.

That is why, first on the agenda of the cultural conference is discussion on a proper Endowment for artistic projects -fixed amount put in place and used solely to fund artistic and creative projects. Bill all the telecommunication and oil companies putting money into the foreign projects to have the necessary funds that will build local talents and encourage indigenous art projects. Every cultural sub sector must also be catered for in the endowment plans from

music, visual arts to writers.

Number two on the agenda must be the proposal to make the position of Culture minister the preserve of stakeholders or practitioners. No President ever appoints a non-legal practitioner as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, so why should the culture ministry be any different? Why use the ministry that caters to the very intellect of a nation as a political reward? The worst insult to all the luminaries that bestrode the artistic space in Nigeria was the appointment of Boma BromilloJack as Culture minister. The less said of that forgettable era, the better. A practitioner knows where the shoe pinches and how to get the show going.

On the agenda is another proposal to make our television adhere strictly to the 60 per cent local content. By lo-

While there has been continuous bickering as to what was agreed and discussed, the only thing I have read so far is all politics and less policy. No one is talking about other aspects that affect the lives of average Nigerians. This is why I am taking the bull by the horn and calling my own conference and setting my own agenda for it. It shall be called the cultural conference

cal content, I do not mean repackaged foreign shows with Nigerian judges. I mean, proper homegrown initiatives that showcase our rich cultural heritage from Kano to Calabar and everything in between.

If there is one area I am sure Nigeria excels, it is in the area of cultural production. It is the one place where we fail to point out the ethnic group of the players and it is the one place where our unity comes to the fore. How we fail to take advantage of this is beyond me, but all hope is not lost. That is the beauty of our diverse and yet rich cultural heritage. It is living, functional and dignifying.

On the agenda must be how cultural activists and practitioners can actually play a part in the social cohesion of the state. This will be key as all the genres of the field can come in handy here. Writers can write to inform, dancers and actors can educate while visual artists can entertain and socially engineer the populace.

Herein lies the problem; all the practitioners must unite and approach this conference with one voice. They must see themselves as one force and fighting for one common goal. Not just musicians, writers, dancers, actors as individual groups but a strong united artistic and intellectual force; some kind of a whirlwind to shake the political jobbers out of their slumber and make them take notice of the cultural practitioner.

I may be dreaming or probably had too much to drink at the after party of the book launch I attended, but seriously, we need this conference for there to be a clear path to cultural revival and renewal.

46

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

with

Wole Adepoju 08085003746

woleadepoju@yahoo.com

‘Veteran aspirant’, Deji Eki Doherty, at a crossroads Igbinedion B breezes in E urly former Vice-Chairman of PDP, South-West, Deji Doherty, can be referred to as a ‘veteran governorship aspirant’ in Lagos State because he has thrown in his hat into the ring a few times on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Deji had been confident a number of times of grabbing the governorship ticket of PDP, but as at today, the calculation seems to have changed. The entrance of Jimi Agbaje into the race has no doubt disorganised the calculations on ground. Since Jimi came on board, Deji has slowed down on his awareness campaign. A source in the

camp of Deji revealed that Jimi’s emergence had doused the noise of his candidature. Deji is said to be gradually losing confidence in the n a -

tional leadership of the party, which he had thought would favour him based on his longstanding allegiance to the party, even in the face of intimidation and temptation.

A member of Doherty’s camp, who does not want to be named, revealed that while the governorship aspirant is on the surface seeking to know how he will be favoured after all, he’s also said to be discreetly making an alternative plan that will jolt PDP if he loses the ticket.

Toyin Kolade, Jimoh Ibrahim in cold war I lesha, Osun State-born Toyin Kolade is a reputable business woman who has done very well for herself and has become a role model to many. Toyin’s influence cuts across the society and she’s well loved by her associates. On the other hand, Toyin loves to party hard, just the way she works so hard; she’s seen as a first-class socialite.

With her hands in many pies that include furniture importation, oil, clearing of goods, among others, dark skinned Toyin, who is married to a top customs officer, is rated highly at Apapa, Lagos where she plies her trade. According to a source,

Iyalaje Apapa, as Toyin is called, is said to be in a cold war with billionaire, Jimoh Ibrahim, and this we are told, has been on for a while. The bone of contention is some money Jimoh was meant to pay Toyin for clearing goods for him. On an occasion when the woman went for her payment, Jimoh allegedly embarrassed her, by yelling at the top of his voice and eventually walked her out of his office. He was said to have claimed that her bill was outrageous. What we could not confirm is if the money has eventually been paid, but that singular incident has pitched them against each other.

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it will be safe to say that Obaseki loves life to the fullest.

His popularity got a boost beyond the Island when he was romantically linked with top actress, Bukky Wright. The boss of Guarantee Properties, who got his fingers burnt when he dabbled into oil business, is also a factor in real estate business.

However, the dude has long been absent from the social radar and many are beginning to won-

Frank Okamigbo relishes good times

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Donald Obaseki absent from action do State-born royal blood, Donald Obaseki, who is mostly referred to as Don by admirers, appeared on the social scene some years back.

What stood him out was not just his fat bank account, but the ability to dole out money from it.

He was labeled a spending freak. Don was a toast of many on the Island part of Lagos, where he was popular on the social scene. Judging by his activities,

ki, wife of two-term governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, just like her husband, has kept an extremely low profile since they left the Dennis Osadebey Government House, Benin about six years ago.

Since she left the corridors of power, the former first lady has withdrawn into her shell.

This is so much so that she’s hardly seen at public functions anymore. With the zeal she exhibited while running her pet project, which was to stop prostitution and child trafficking, many had expected that she would continue in whatever capacity she could but nothing has been heard of the project, Idia Renaissance.

Celeb Lounge was informed that Eki came up on the social radar recently when her father in-law began the celebration of his 80th birthday.

der what could have gone wrong. Those who should know actually revealed that the dude might be broke. This close relation of former NNPC boss, Gaius Obaseki, it was learnt, at a time lobbied President Goodluck Jonathan to see if he could be rescued, but to no avail. On the other hand, his apologists say he has been busy with his business and has decided to lay low.

oday, Frank Okamigbo, the man at the helm of affairs at highbrow night club, D’ Place, appears to be a toast among his peers. This feat, Celeb Lounge can tell, was not achieved overnight.

The Igbo-born Lagos-bred Frank started out by lending films at Mega Plaza back in the days. That was where he got exposed to the high and mighty that patronised the video club. His desire to roll with the rich pushed him into the nightclub business, where the rich unwind.

The graduate of University of Lagos, in no time, became a face in the world of night clubbing. He managed the Akin Adesola, Victoria Island, Lagos-based hangout, K’ s Place, and things moved on brightly. A wind of change blew when the club was to undergo renovation. The renovations took forever and young

Frank had to look in another direction for survival.

Frank, due to humility, which has been his watchword, and the love from many top notchers he had cultivated, was able to patch along. He delved into oil and gas business without luck.

Self-styled Frank, however, returned to the stage with a bang over one year ago, when he opened one of the best night clubs, D’Place, at Lekki, Lagos. An expert, he’s been able to maintain the high tempo he started with and it has been good tidings all the way. Frank has also changed his near rickety car to a brand new Range Rover Sport, 2013 model.

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

Body&Soul

with

Wole Adepoju

THINKING ALOUD

paulhelenproductions@yahoo.com; 08072709777

08085003746

with Helen Paul

Dimeji Bankole’s ambition Don’t kill them young runs into crisis

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or Dimeji Bankole, a former speaker of the House of Representatives and son of political bigwig, Chief Alani Bankole, life could not be better. At a very young age, he became a national figure to be reckoned with, politically. This feat has no doubt rubbed off on his other endeavours, thereby making him a great success, so to speak. The one time number four man in the nation was, however, not re-elected and could not return to the National Assembly.

Dimeji has sure come to terms with the reality that he is no longer in power. However, the need to go on with his political career has made him decide to vie for the governorship of Ogun State, where he comes from.

He has since set machinery in motion to achieve that. But what is clear is that Dimeji has continually met a brickwall. Apart from the fact that he does not enjoy a very healthy relationship with the people of Ogun State, especially people of his constituency who voted him out of power, he also does not have the listening ear of the decision makers in his state.

Celeb Lounge learnt that the PDP SouthWest Coordinator, Buruji Kashamu, a native of Ogun State, is not a fan of Dimeji.

Meanwhile, Kashamu’s view on any aspirant in the state goes a long way. Infact, in an interview with Sunday New Telegraph, Kashamu accused Bankole of betraying the Yoruba quest to produce the Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011.

However, a source says that Dimeji may have taken his destiny in his own hands and has made some moves that may have put ‘paid’ to his ambition.

Sources in the know revealed that the former speaker made moves to seek audience with President Goodluck Jonathan to sell

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his aspiration to him and perhaps influence things; bypassing the powers that be in the South-West. He got a shocker – a barrier was created to make it difficult for him to meet with the President. We were further told that Dimeji was made to remain on the waiting list for a period of two weeks before he eventually got an audience with the President. Details of the meeting are what sources could not confirm.

However, a reliable source said Dimeji’s ordeal is as a result of a seed he sowed in the past. It was alleged that Dame Jonathan worked as a barrier for Dimeji, as a way of paying him back. It is said that he got into the bad books of Mama Peace, as she is fondly known, when he was perceived to have joined forces with elements who did not want her husband in power when Jonathan’s former boss, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, was indisposed and eventually died.

Peter Nwaoboshi splashes a fortune on automobile

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lose associates of the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State, Peter Nwaoboshi, say he loves to live life to the fullest.

The two-term chairman of the ruling party in Delta State, aside his position that puts him in the news, has been involved in controversial issues on a few occasions. He was alleged to have mobilised the thugs that assaulted Mrs. Mary Ogbe, wife of a former PDP National Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbe. Not too long

ago, he was dragged to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission by the Delta Patriotic Network, which accused him of unhealthy financial conduct. He was accused of arm-twisting local government chairmen to get contracts which he never executed. The information reaching Celeb Lounge is that Peter just took delivery of an exotic automobile, which cost him a whooping N45m. The wonder on wheels is said to be a Mercedes G-Wagon.

Abu Sanni becomes the toast

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f information reaching Celeb Lounge is anything to go by, the All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Niger State, Abubakar Sanni Bello, may have become the beautiful bride and a source of concern to other governorship hopefuls in the state. This, according to a source, is because he looks like he will actualise his dream.

Those who are in the know say his chances are so bright that people are angling to be in his good books. Abu Lolo, as he’s called, is said to have a lot of things going well for his aspiration. He is married to the daughter of a former head of state, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, who is also

from Niger State. The aspirant’s money bag father, Alhaji Sani Bello, is said to be ready to do anything within his power to see his son take over from Governor Aliyu Babangida. Alhaji Sanni Bello, a retired top Army officer, we learnt, hopes to gain more ground at home with the enthronement of his son as the governor of Niger State, since his entire life has been spent in Kano.

What is however, not clear, is the relationship between the incumbent governor and Abu Lolo, who is said to be the favourite of the outgoing governor before the former defected to APC. Abu Sani Bello has served as a commissioner for Investment under Aliyu.

have realised that Nigeria pays a lot of attention to specific vaccinations when children are born and our hospitals do not have the culture of going through files to know who and who is due for another vaccination. They just leave it to the parents who may not remember or are not around and in the process, skip a very important vaccine for the children.

As exposed as a lot of us think we are, there are a lot of things that we do not know, or have heard of and are not sure exactly what it is. The problem we have most of the time in Nigeria as parents is the lack of research. When it comes to making money, marketing and publicity strategies, we are on top of our game as regards research. The story is however not the same when it comes to health care. We usually leave that to the doctors and nurses who may not even be as informed as you may think. Trust me, I know what I am saying because I have encountered a lot of medical practitioners who are not able to answer questions concerning different things like lupus and other forms of diseases that are not popular in West Africa. The fact that they are not popular does not mean that they do not exist among Africans. Well that is for another article entirely.

A friend of mine told me about a child she saw in church on a Sunday and she danced and played, even ate cake as it was a birthday celebration of one of the kids in Sunday school. They all took pictures and generally had great fun. According to the family, she got home after church and was so tired that she fell asleep. Her mother left her to rest for a while but after three hours, they thought it was unusual for her to sleep for that long in the afternoon. So the woman decided to go and wake her up, but when she touched the little girl, her temperature was so high that her mother almost dropped her. There was fear among family members because no one had ever experienced the kind of temperature the little girl had.

As it is with most Nigerians, when something like this happens, the first thing we think of is malaria, which we always try to treat by ourselves by taking or giving medication we believe our bodies can tolerate.

The mother gave her malaria medicine, hoping the child would be better the following day.

Unfortunately at midnight, the child woke up screaming. The whole house ran to her and she was hallucinating. She was saying, “The man is moving faster mummy please tell him to stop moving faster”. At that point, her mother started crying. She got a towel, dipped it in cold water and dabbed it on the girl’s body to bring down the fever which had gotten worse at that time.

Sleep became far from the whole house as they all stayed up with her till 4am when they decided to take her to the hospital.

When they got there, the receptionist took almost an hour to ask questions, calculate money for consultation and so on. After that, it was time to take vitals before going to see the doctor. The mother asked for a pediatrician and that was when she discovered that most hospitals do not have resident paediatricians, they have consultants who come in at specific times and on specific days.

Moving on, they saw a doctor who admitted her and ran blood tests. Of course, you will find malaria parasite but the saving grace was a particular doctor who was very

It is very sad that 90 percent of Nigerians pay attention to DTP, IPV, MMR, HBV and chicken pox. There are actually five more from what I have discovered including the almighty HIB

patient and made further investigations.

He then asked for the child to be treated with heavy doses of intravenous antibiotics. After a few hours, the paediatrician finally came and asked some questions and noticed that the little girl could not get her chin to touch her chest. At that point, the girl’s mother was called outside and told that they would have to take a sample from the child’s spine for tests.

That was the most painful extraction they had ever seen, even for an adult, but the results came two days later. That was when the mother was told that her child had meningitis and it was close to the brain.

The only reason that child did not turn into a vegetable and eventually die was because of the doctor who insisted that the child should be given antibiotics. If not for that early treatment, the little girl would have died. The girl’s treatment was so painful and long, it came with a lot of sleepless nights at the hospital and so much discomfort for the little girl.

The mother got the shocker of her life when the hospital started asking her questions about her daughter’s vaccination.

When they asked her if she made sure her children took meningitis vaccinations, she said she didn’t even know there was a vaccination for that. She also discovered that there were some vaccinations her children should have taken even at the age of five.

Some are taken after the age of 10 and I am also aware that if any child seeks admission into any school in the western world, whether pre-school, kindergarten, grade school, middle school, high school or college, you must bring a form. The hospital will indicate that you have been taking all your shots and are up to date with them.

The hospital documents will also tell them about your medical history and everything that concerns your family too.

It is very sad that 90 per cent of Nigerians pay attention to DTP, IPV, MMR, HBV and chicken pox. There are actually five more from what I have discovered including the almighty HIB. Please try to find out how many vaccinations your children have taken and how many more they have to take. Try and make sure your hospital keeps you up to date with your children’s medical history. You must also know what they are allergic to and what treatments they have had over time.

Anything that can get into your spine and then your brain can kill faster than even HIV or Ebola, which we all dread now.

Please let us all try to take our children’s health more seriously and I encourage you to find out about most of these immunisations, different illnesses that you can avoid, things your children should not eat or drink. Find out things you should look out for when you meet a pediatrician or go to a hospital that was recommended to you.

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Body&Soul

DIY on the GO

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mending, preventing cracks in the wall Esther Odili

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split on the surface of a wall is known as a crack. There are several reasons why cracks may appear on a wall. A minor crack may get worse if not attended to. When it gets worse, it will require the assistance of an expert.

It is important to know why walls may crack so as to prevent it.

There are three basic types of cracks in the wallhorizontal, vertical and diagonal.

Bulging and bowing walls, cracks in stairways, cracks in blocks or bricks can be attributed to low moisture level in a building, weight of load, changes in temperature, foundation settlement, soil erosion and improper construction.

Foundation cracks are caused by concrete shrinkage – this is made of water cement and aggregate, it will shrink as it cures and dries. If it’s structural, water or insects can get into your home.

To prevent cracks on the walls

You must ensure that good quality building materials are used by the contractor or builder of your home. While work is ongoing, ensure it is carried out in uniformity; it should not be abandoned and picked up again. Take wealther into consideration when planning to build.

A major cause of cracks in the wall is bad foundation.

Homeowners may apply the waterproofing techniques during construction in moisture-prone areas.

Construction of gutters is also important.

The wall of a new buildings may crack as it settles.

When cracks appear on walls of an older buildings, it could mean structural movement that occurs due to soil movement, tree roots, structural loading, changes in water table, chemical changes, physical changes (thermal expansion and contraction) and so on. It is advisable to call in a foundation expert.

A lot of people are afraid to do this because of the cost but it could prove a costly mistake in the future. Small cracks can indi-

cate big problems, can let in insects, vermin and water.

A tiny crack may grow bigger over time and becomes more expensive to repair.

If a crack in your wall is not caused by foundation or structural error, you can actually patch it yourself.

Ensure a routine check on your property at regular intervals.

Clearing blocked drains, gutters, and pipes will reduce the damage caused by water ingress.

Regular pruning of trees and ensuring they do not deplete the grounds of essential moisture will improve the lifespan of your building.

If you are planting new trees, let there be a safe distance between the tree and your house.

Note: Broad leaf varieties are thirstier than the evergreens, so will take more water from the ground.

This can cause a crack in the wall.

You can use a plaster paste to fill the cracks. Repaint that area of the wall and redecorate to cover most superficial cracks.

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

Ibukunoluwa Kayode

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very fruit possesses natural nutrients that help boost health. Strawberry is one of the best fruits rich in nutrients that fight free radicals in the body.

The following are benefits of adding strawberry fruit juice to everyday diet.

Regular intake of Vitamin C, helps to strengthen the cornea and retina of our eyes which in turn helps in preventing weak eyesight, near sightedness and cataract.

During pregnancy, it helps women stay hydrated when women suffer from morning sickness due to its high water content.

Strawberries help prevent and fight certain types of anaemia due to their high foliate content, which is essential for the synthesis of haemoglobin -the protein in red cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

Anti-cancer: This is one of the top ‘superfoods’ that help lower cancer death rate. They are rich in anti-oxidants and flavonoids that work together to fight oxidation, and prevent damages caused by free radicals in our bodies.

Anti-coagulant Strawberries contain moderate amount of acetylsalicylic acid, the same active ingredient found in aspirin. Although the amount of acetylsalicylic acid found in strawberries is not enough to relieve influenza symptoms, it can actually help in thinning blood and prevent blood clots formation, thereby reducing the work of the heart and improving its function.

Anti-inflammatory anthocyanin is a unique flavonoid that makes strawberries a very powerful protector against inflammatory conditions such as asthma, gout, arthrosclerosis, arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. At the same time, it protects against intestinal bleeding.

Brain and mental health: Besides having an anti-anaemic effect, foliate found in

Wine & Dine

Body&Soul

Sweet palate friendly Strawberry (2)

strawberries can help improve memory, concentration and the brain’s ability to process information. It is also essential for preventing brain defects in babies during pregnancy.

Digestive health: With their high Vitamin C content, strawberries stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric juices, thereby improving the digestion of starchy and proteinous foods. In addition, fibre found in strawberries effectively re-

duces constipation and cleans the colon, with a beneficial detox effiect for the body.

Diuretic: The high content of potassium in strawberries enhances diuresis, which contributes to detoxifying the body, as well as regulating blood pressure.

Heart health: Anti-oxidants found in strawberries, and especially Vitamin C and anthocyanins, may help protect arteries from damage, as well as prevent the formation of blood clots within blood

vessels.

Immune system: The Vitamin C found in Strawberries plays a key role in enhancing immune system functions, as well as in preventing and fighting infectious diseases such as flu and cold.

Mood: Strawberries stimulate the release of serotonin, which improves mood and is responsible for a feeling of relaxation and a general sense of well-being.

Bitterleaf soup with cowleg Biwom Iklaki

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igeria, West Africa and indeed the whole world are still waiting, breaths abated, for news that the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been contained. We hope for good news soon. In the interim, all we can keep doing is watch our backs as individuals, families and nations. How does Food&Wine help? We cook our little hearts out!

Today, we help our immune system with a healthy veg we all love –bitter leaf.

Ingredients •1 cowleg (cut up) •Dry/smoked fish •Stock fish •Ground crayfish •5 fist-sized bundles of bitterleaf(onugbu, ewuro, chusar doki) •1 bulb Onion (chopped) •Pepper (ground) •Stock cubes •Salt •Palm oil •Cocoyam/egusi as thickener Preparation Season and cook cowleg till tender and wash bitter leaves to desired ‘sweetness’. Soak stockfish in hot

water and wash dry fish.

Cook and pound cocoyam to paste. Add paste to cowleg on the fire. Add water as it thickens. Add pepper, salt, palm oil, stock fish and cubes. Cover and let cook for 10-15mins. Stir, add the crayfish and bitter leaf and leave to simmer for 3-5mins, stir and turn off the heat. Serve with Eba. Nutritional value Bitter leaf contains vitamins A, C, E, B1 and B2.

Speeds up metabolism so it’s great for weight loss. Bitter leaf juice relieves fever and feverish conditions. Helps to reduce high sugar level in the blood, used as preventive measure for cancer great for diabetic and pile patients. Cut off roots, wash and strain leaves and pour in a glass. Take one glass every morning for a burst of energy and great skin.

P re g n a n t women or those trying to conceive are advised against taking this juice.

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SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul Beauty . Accessories.

Dance style ballet for fashionable girls Biwom Iklaki

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any schools today have games and other social and sporting activities to attract children, besides their regular curriculum. One of the most popular among girls is the Ballet dance.

A friend went with her daughter to a preschool day presentation. The ballet performance was so engraved on her daughter’s consciousness that she was floating, pirouetting and skipping from room to room for weeks. This magnetic art has endeared itself, not only in our children’s consciousness, but in their fashion as well. Leotards, ballet flats, fluffy skirts, panty hoses, creatively sectioned hair with fun ribbons and pins, etc have become fashionable for our girls.

Ballet flats have been modeled after the ballet shoes. Though the ballet shoes

are usually made from soft leather, canvas and satin, the ballet flats are made with a wider range of materials.

They are a fun and comfortable essential for any child’s wardrobe. The reason is simple -you can wear them with anything -jeans, shorts, skorts, leggings, dresses, playsuits…the list is endless and so are the style options.

They come in so many fun designs including ankle straps, double straps, T straps, X straps, wrap around and many others. They are recommended for your kids because they keep their feet warm, free from injuries, especially as they are still highly likely to stomp their feet against obstructive objects. It is a bonus that they also elevate your kid’s style to another level of cool. Be sure that they do not squeeze their feet and to change their ballet flats as often as their feet grow.

Faith 51

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

www.newtelegraphonline.com/faith

Sermon

Rules without exceptions p.52

News

CAC crisis will soon be resolved —Pastor Gbemisola p.53

Rovin’ Worshipper

Jubilation as Victorious Assembly clocks 10 p.54

Sermon Engaging the power of divine secrets for supernatural breakthroughs! p.57

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

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

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

Celestial Church is not a cult –Owatunde Prophet Samuel Owatunde, popularly known as Prophet Marshal, is the Shepherd in charge of Celestial Church of Christ, Trinity Tabernacle in Lagos. He explains issues about his church’s practices.

Before you became who you are now what were you into?

I was a fashion designer. My fashion institute was situated at No. 6, Sir Clifford’s Street, Ebute Metta in Lagos. I practised the profession for more than 12 years before I was called to the vineyard, precisely in 1994. One of my contemporaries then was Dakova, a famous designer; and we used to reside around the same area in Ebute Metta. And I thank God for His grace, because I had the grace to graduate more than 30 apprentices, before I left the scene. My fashion career was blossoming; I was sowing for people both in Nigeria and outside the country. I was sowing uniforms for some schools and corporate organisations.

For instance, when the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was established in Nigeria, I was the man that designed the agency’s first (green and green colour) uniform. I met (AIG Fidelis) Oyakhilome who happened to be their chairman then. God gave me the grace to make ends meet and impact positively on peoples’ lives. Then in 1994, I opted out.

Were you born into the Celestial family?

What made you to forego such profitable business to become a Celestial Church shepherd?

I wasn’t born into the Celestial family. I was born into the Apostolic Church family, the Light of God Apostolic Church Church around Oriyanrin in Marako Area. That was where my parents worshipped; but I was born and bred in Lagos. But then, my parents faced a lot of problems that could not be solved within their denomination. Though we prayed and fasted and we read the word of God every day. The problem was not solved until someone introduced the Celestial Church of Christ to my parents.

Eventually, they were worshipping in the church. But I was interested in the music.

There was a day I came down to the divinity; I was listening to very good music. It was one Thursday night like that, I was fascinated by the music. That was what made me to join the Celestial Church of Christ. And to be candid, I met God in the Celestial Church of Christ. It was surprising that for the first time, I got to know what the Bible was all about and the correct interpretation of the word of God. My first teacher then was late Superior Elder Sister Orekoya. She was a former principal of Jubril Martins School in Costain area of Ebute Metta, Lagos. She led me to Christ in the Celestial Church of Christ.

Not quite some years later, God began to call me. I began to see various dreams; I began to hear the voice of God. I never knew what the voice of God was like before. I was a guitarist before I joined the Celestial Church. I don’t preach the Bible.

I came into the church through music; I

joined the choir and was a drummer before I graduated to become a guitarist.

I would tell of the dream that I saw which made to finally opt out of my secular business for the work in God’s vineyard.

I saw a very big eye in the sky like the sunset. This eye was following me wherever I went.

The eye was very red, following me; and sometimes I found myself all alone in the street as if on an environmental sanitation day; even though the road was full of people. When I looked back at the eye, I wouldn’t be able to know or discern it until I went to my spiritual leaders. I was told that it was God calling me, but I didn’t want to heed the call.

I reasoned, ‘How would a fashion designer take that up and say I am now a minister of God?’ I don’t know how that would look Prophet Owatunde like.

Besides, I was saying to myself, ‘Where is the power going to come from?

I have not been that before. How would I pray for people and get answers to their prayers? Just then, I got a huge contract from one international school in FESTAC Town to sow the school uniform for the nursery, primary and secondary pupils, for about N450, 000. Then, money had good value. Unfortunately, the whole thing failed. I went to God in prayer and was told that that happened because I refused to heed God’s call. I wondered and said to myself, ‘Will God now not allow me to work? Am I not going to spend money doing His business?’ At that point, I decided to leave everything and entered into the ministry. I made my head worker look after the business, one workshop and the showroom. The business was doing well initially. But business began to go down because God wanted me to totally hands off and face His work.

How is the Celestial Church able to solve difficult situations which, according to

you, other churches can’t handle?

I cannot say because this is beyond human comprehension. This is divine intervention. All I knew was that deliverance was being performed on my mother who was sick. And she got healed.

Now that you are in the business, how do you solve such tough problems?

No; I don’t solve problems. God solves peoples’ problems. I simply pray for people and their problems get solved. I can give you instances. There is a woman, who happens to be a Muslim, she came down here. I never knew what her problem was, but the husband led her to this place. The husband had been coming here for a while to come and pray. The women started coming for our Wednesday programme and within a short while, she got pregnant. It was after she was convinced that she was indeed pregnant that she revealed what brought her to the church. She said they had been to several hospitals and she was told CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

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Faith

Rules without exceptions All human beings need help

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uhammad Ali, the self-acclaimed ‘greatest’ (and most self-assured) boxer of all time, had boarded an airplane that was about to take off.

Ali ignored the usual pre-flight prompt and did not fasten his seat belt. A flight attendant came to ask him to buckle up and he replied in his usual boisterous manner: “Superman don’t need no seatbelt.” The attendant replied him in kind: “Mr. Ali, Superman don’t need no airplane either.” Ali laughed and then complied. As he had learnt, there are simply some rules of life that no one, no matter how high up, should ignore. Such are the rules which Jesus Christ tied to the love of God and the love of the neighbour when he shrunk all the commandments into that memorable teaching: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind… You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Matt. 22: 37-39). Whether for interpersonal relationship, community living or the social health of a nation, such rules expressed are sine qua non, indispensable, to achieve success.

Admonish one another in truth Truth is one of the greatest man-

“B

ehold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” (Rev 22:7): blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” (Rev 22:7) “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” (Rev 22:12) “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev 22:20) Each of these passages addresses the same issue. For a single chapter to emphasise on a particular issue, it simply tells us that this admonition calls for attention. The Lord Jesus Christ said it without mincing words, ‘Behold I come quickly’. This is a timely message for this generation because the Church (the body of Christ) all over the world is becoming a sleeping giant. The Church is not what it used to be, neither is it what it ought to be. What we have now

Firm faith: right reason by Most Rev. Emmanu el Ade Badejo

Tel: 08039494219 Email: revodege@yahoo.com

ifestations of true love. We have often heard the saying, “Speak the truth and shame the devil” but putting Satan to shame is not the only benefit of speaking the truth. What, anyway, really is truth? The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) teaches thus: “Truth as uprightness in human action and speech is called truthfulness sincerity or candour.

Truth or truthfulness is the virtue which consists in showing oneself true in deeds and truthful in words, and in guarding against duplicity, dissimulation and hypocrisy” (CCC. 2468). The apostle Paul once said: “We must keep a clear conscience towards God and towards men” (Acts.24:16).

In God’s opinion, by speaking the truth we save our own lives.

Prophet Ezekiel brought out the importance of speaking the truth for the sake of personal salvation through courageous correction.

Amplifying the words of God,

he said: “You, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, O wicked man, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way; that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life” (Ez. 33:7-8).

Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?

The eighth commandment given to Moses prohibits the bearing of false witness. Properly understood, it is meant to deter God’s people from affirming whatever they know to be false about anyone. Not that those who need to hear the truth would gladly welcome it. Agnes

Repplier said it well, “A world of vested interests is not a world which welcomes the disruptive force of candour.” The psalmist exhorts the man with a pure heart who speaks the truth - “O Lord who will dwell in your tent and reside on your holy mount?

Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right, who speak truth from their heart and control their words…” (Ps. 15: 1-3).

Get behind me Satan!

Of course, few things in this world shock more than the naked truth. Jesus nonetheless lived His life by the truth. It is in Him that the truth of God is made manifest.

Not for nothing He once declared: “I am the way the truth and the life.” In order to show his disciples how important it is to follow His path, He declared: ”You will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (Jn.8:32). He practised what He preached. It was not easy for Simon Peter when Jesus rebuked him sharply in the presence of the other disciples. It was the most inauspicious time for Peter to earn himself such a damaging accolade, ‘Satan’, right after he had been praised for knowing who the saviour was. But Peter really needed to hear the truth. That “get behind me Satan” elixir was a bitter but temporary medicine to establish and protect the more enduring and pleasant. “It is not flesh and

blood that has shown you this but my father in heaven” (Matt.

16:17). Jesus also stood up for the truth before Pilate: “For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of the truth hears my voice” (Jn. 18:37).

When shall the truth set us free?

It is obvious that our land is one where precepts of truth and honesty have been overtaken by sycophancy, eye service, double speak and outright deceit. Have we not been reaping abundant fruits of falsehood and corruption? Far too many Nigerians suffer from chronic ‘truth decay’ and would rather utter sweet things and express falsehood, irrespective of the circumstance. No area of our life is spared - media, art, politics, religion, business, family academics or labour.

There are many other offences against the truth which need attention, namely: false witness, perjury, detraction, calumny, flattery, adulation, bragging, and boasting. All these compromise the person, family, community and even the nation. Speak the truth always is a basic rule of righteous living and community building, which takes no exception. Many Nigerians today live by miracles but the greatest miracle which we need is to have majority of Nigerians choose truth over falsehood and sacrifice even their comfort and status to promote it. That would indeed be the day of our freedom and of our salvation.

Behold! I come quickly

is the slumbering pulpit which has resulted into sleeping pews.

A lot of our pulpits now are sleeping, fast asleep and it is no longer a joke that the vibrancy and impact which used to emanate from the pulpit are fast being eroded. What we hear from many pulpits today is what the people love to hear. You hear resounding shouts and clapping; people come to church and get excited after which they leave the church without a depth of insight about Jesus or who He is. If you are in a church where you are only hearing what you like to hear, then you are in the wrong place.

“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” Matt 25:6 “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” 1 Thess 5:6 The times in which we live can be likened to the night. So many are busy sleeping this time, many cannot even tell if they

are ready for the coming of the Lamb or not. The Bridegroom is coming; are you ready to meet Him or are you busy in the land of slumber? My prayer for you is that you will not sleep the sleep of death in the name of Jesus.

You cannot afford to be caught unawares. The warning, ‘Behold’ is so to draw attention to the importance of the matter.

“For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Heb 10:37 This is a timely message for the church and body of Christ. The zeal we used to have has waned.

Believers are fast losing focus and are given to earthly affairs at the expense of eternity. It is very surprising to discover that what believers ought to cherish dearly as their tenet of faith has now become of less importance to their faith.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt 6:33 Our order of priorities today has shifted from what the scripture teaches. All that we are after is personal benefits for physical gains, rather than the Kingdom.

Our approach to life and the things of God has shown that we are not ready for the coming of the Groom and this virus is ravaging the body of Christ.

Who is this personality coming?

Before you can live prepared for the coming of this King, there is a need for you to know Him.

It is obvious that the Church of God does not even know Him, no wonder we are not enthusiastic about His coming.

•He is the Truth. Whenever He speaks, there is no lie (Jn 14:1-6, Heb 4:13). He knows every detail about your life and nothing is hidden from Him. Many believers today live a life of deception, devoid of truth and have turned the church to a gambling centre.

• He is the Gateway to Heaven (Jn 14:6). The Coming King is the door; there is no other door to heaven. Every other door leads to destruction. He gave up His life for you because He wants you to get to heaven by all means. Little wonder, He sacrificed himself according to John 10:11. You cannot compare His love with what is obtainable in the world.

• He is the Coming Judge (Acts 17:31). God has given Him all the right to judge the whole world. The day is coming that whether you like it or not, you and I will stand before the throne and give account of our deeds.

This same Jesus whom people have refused today as Saviour will be their Judge. On the Day of Judgment, every man will be judged based on his deeds. Are you prepared for Him? •He was the Lamb who shall return as the Lion of Judah (Rev 5:5-6).

Be prepared!

Do not be deceived that Jesus is not coming again. Already,

many have backslidden due to affection and affinity with the cares of the world. Would you be in the camp of this mass falling away?

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”

II Thess 2:3 Now is the time to return to your first love with greater zeal for the things of God. The same zeal and longing in you when you first received Him into your life as Saviour and even greater is required of you in preparing for His coming. And if you are yet to yield your life to Him, that is you have not accepted Him into your life, then you certainly are not prepared for His coming. This is the best time as you accept His open invitation to be with Him in glory (I Cor 15:5258).

Take that step of faith today and you will be glad you did.

I know you have been blessed.

Write and share your testimonies, comments, etc., through; info@thehebrewsng. com.

Hotlines – 01-7903163, 08085845864.

You can also listen to my messages on our podcast at www.thehebrewsng.com/podcast.

Rev’d Femi Akinola – The Hebrews International, Lekki, Lagos.

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CAC crisis will soon be resolved—Pastor Gbemisola The District Superintendent of World Sovereign Evangelist Ministry (WOSEM) Ikotun-Egbe, Pastor Ajayi Gbemisola, has appealed to Prophet T B Joshua, founder of Synagogue for All Nations to remove road blocks preventing WOSE members from accessing their church; adding that the 24 year old CAC crisis would soon be resolved. He spoke to Tai Anyanwu How does the World Sovereign Evangelical Mission (WOSEM) differ from mainstream Christ Apostolic Church (CAC)?

W

e are part of the popular CAC. However, WOSEM is one of the evangelical arms of the CAC. WOSEM was given the grace to go and preach the gospel from one place to the other. So we still have the same mode of operation.

WOSEM was founded by late Prophet Obadare; but now his son, Paul Obadare, is the General Overseer. We have district headquarters in Lagos State which include IkotunEgbe, Amuwo Odofin, Agege, Ebute Meta and Ikorodu. I am the District Superintendent in charge of Ikotun-Egbe.

Could you acquaint us with some of the church’s programmes, activities and facilities that the church offers?

We have different types of programmes. Our weekly activities include Bible teaching on Wednesdays. It is an interactive programme, which gives the members opportunity to ask questions about teachings that are not clear to them. They are not opportune to do that during the Sunday service. We have revival time from Monday through Thursday between 5 pm -7 pm. Sunday service, of course, begins at 7 am with miracle hour, a prayer session that ends at 8am. Sunday school takes place up till 9am; then normal Sunday service begins at 9am till noon. Also, we have the elite chapel or our English language service; and the Yoruba chapel for Yoruba speaking people.

In terms of facilities, we have a theological school that serves as a training ground for people to learn more about the things of God, and become ministers of God. We have in this premises, nursery, primary and secondary schools.

There is also Apostle Obadare Maternity Home, which caters for pregnant women. When they go into labour, the home serves as a place for safe delivery to pregnant members and outsiders.

You have a popular church as a neighbour. How have you managed to retain your members?

There is no problem. Our members know our value and they come to worship here. The other church you are referring to also has its own members. No one is competing with each other over members or snatching the members of the other. But when people attend our programmes, and after they had tasted and seen the glorious things happening here, they don’t go away. They stay and continue to worship here. Having experienced how we do things here, they can tell the difference. We don’t force people to fellowship here, but when they come they don’t go back. There is no competition between us.

Gbemisola

after they have worshipped in WOSEM? It is the word of God that we teach them, to live out and obey so that their lives would become more meaningful; and of course, the miracles that happen in their lives, when they come in contact with WOSEM. But CAC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis that has spanned 24 years and broken the CAC into two factions. Is there any hope of a resolution?

Yes; we are close to arriving at a solution. About two weeks ago, the stakeholders met to find a lasting solution to the crisis. They met on several occasions in the past; because there is this group of elders which is committed to reconciling parties in the crisis. They called the two factions together, recently. And I believe that now is the appointed time for the crisis to be resolved. Several meetings had actually been held regarding this issue. Before the end of this year, the pastors involved in the matter will come together again.

What agreement was reached at that meeting?

The parties in the disagreement were brought together at a meeting that held in Ibadan. They were made to see reason why they should end the crisis; and they agreed to cooperate with each other. Now they have to work with that group of peace-making elders, to choose who among the two would become the president of one unified CAC.

the road is usually closed by 9am. And our people that know only this way find it very hard to pass; but those people who know the other way cannot make use of it, because the road is bad. Vehicles cannot pass there. This has however caused a decrease in church attendance. Our members therefore struggle too much to come to church; this situation poses a great threat to us. By 9am, the police at Synagogue church would block the road (Onilewura) now known as Synagogue Road or bus-stop. Our people have gone there to challenge the policemen. But all efforts proved abortive, because the men said they are only working according to the instructions given to them. But the road is not only the access to the church; it is the only access through which the general public can access Onilwwura community where our church is situated.

Have you made any complaint to the community?

Yes. I have sent some people to the residents and community leaders; and the community said they had sent some people to meet TB Joshua. Though the residents meet usually on environmental day, I have not seen any improvement.

So what do you want the public to do as regards this issue?

I want that place to be open, for people to be able to pass the road without any obstruction. If they don’t park their vehicles on the road, it will be free. This would allow the people to come to the church with their vehicle. Also, it affects the community because if they want to transport their goods to Ikotun-Egbe market, it is usually difficult for them. They should make the road free for us all, the church as well as the community.

What exactly is it that makes the people not go back

As a branch church, what challenges do you face within your community?

Our challenge here is that people are unable to come to our church as much as they would have loved to because of the Synagogue, Prophet TB Joshua’s church. On Sundays,

P

Ebola: Cleric calls for prayers

rophet Felix Oluyemi of Kingdom of Love Church of Christ in Lagos State has called on Nigerians to engage in prayers in order to get a solution to the Ebola Virus Disease.

Speaking to journalists at his church in Ogba, Lagos about his ministry’s forthcoming 20th anniversary and the state of the nation, Oluyemi also called on Nigerians to look up to God for a solution to EVD, which the country is currently battling with.

“On January 3 this year I told the nation that I saw pestilence coming and I saw government officials running around. They never believed it until it happened.

Another one is coming that is different from Ebola.

Ebola is a demon and that virus is from Satan. The only medicine that I am sure can heal Ebola is Jesus and people should seek the face of God for a solution,” he advised.

He urged the Federal Government to sustain dialogue with Boko Haram, adding, “I am a prophet and God has been using me in the last 20 years to prophesy and to declare things. In 2011, God told me that principalities had taken over the world. He said calamity will be upon calamity. I told people to pray but many people

did not believe. “In the last Friday of September 2011 during my church vigil, I said I saw an ominous sign tomorrow (October 1) in Abuja at the Eagle Square.

I also said the President should be very cautious and careful. That was the beginning of bombing in Nigeria; nobody believes it. In 2012, I told this nation, this is a year of flood; nobody believes until it rattled 22 states in Nigeria, including the state of the President.

He said, “I once told the President that he should not go to war with Boko Haram but he should dialogue with them. They sidelined the statement and went into a war they can never win. They cannot win the war; let Barrack Obama come and join them, they will escalate the problem. The only thing that can solve the problem is dialogue.

“You can’t tell me that the Northern leaders don’t know who Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau is.

They know and that was why I challenged Ibrahim

Babangida, Abdulsalam Abubakar, Mohammadu Buhari, Nasir el-Rufai, Emir of Sokoto, Emir of Kano and many other Northern leaders three weeks ago to gather together to initiate the process of dialoguing with Boko Haram members and bringing back the kidnapped Chibok girls.

“It is high time we stopped the insurgency and in doing that we must not put Nigeria in debt. Buying weapons cannot solve the insurgency.”

Oluyemi also warned public office-holders to be accountable to the people who voted them into office.

He also urged them to treat the citizens, especially the poor, with care and stop implementing anti-people policies.

Speaking about his 20 years in the ministry, he said the theme of the anniversary is ‘Life Changing’ and that he will use the event to build the lives of people at the grass roots.

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Faith

Jubilation as Victorious Assembly clocks 10

I

Tai Anyanwu

t was jubilation galore at the Victorious Peoples Assembly, Aba, Abia State, as the congregation, friends and pastoral team marked the 10th anniversary of the church, last Sunday.

Gorgeously dressed in green attires, members and guests sang glorious songs; and danced like the Biblical King David in appreciation of what the Lord had done in the lives of members. They also rejoiced at the church’s 10 years of existence.

The presiding minister, Pastor Mike Onyeaka, expressed deep gratitude to God, pointing out that all that church had achieved in the period under review were precisely answers to prayers.

As part of the activities marking the anniversary, five pastors were ordained.

They include Justice Obi, Ngozi George, Nneoma Nwakwu, Alphonsus Ezebunwa and Mmeregini Isaac.

According to the chief shepherd, the ordination was in pursuance of the Lord’s charge to the church to take the gospel to every part of the world.

Also ordained were some deacons and

deaconesses namely, Stanley Nkuma, Emeka Anaele, Ngozi Anaele, Irene Kelechi, Ogochukwu Jachi and Goodness Udeagha.

Others are Chima Ijeoma, Chinwe Ezinwa-Mbalewe, Mba Obasi, Kelechi Solomon, Nene Okpan, Barth Azubuike and Grace Ozeh.

Delivering the sermon, Ven. (Dr.) Udo Obioma urged faithful to remain firm in their faith in God; and also support their pastors whom God had been using to bless them.

The guest speaker also admonished the members to shun unGodliness, adding that the church had stepped into a greater measure of grace where every believer would become a solution to problems.

The senior pastor later acquainted the newly ordained ministers with the roles they are expected to play.

Quoting from 2 Timothy 2: 14-25, he said that they had been ordained to become vessels of honour unto God. The ministers, he added, would remain supportive in the work of the kingdom.

The senior pastor later anointed the young ministers and committed them into God’s care.

R-L Pst Mike Onyeaka,Rev Rehoboth Onyeaka at the event

Pst Onyeaka,and wife cutting the anniversary cake with other minister at the event

R-L Pst Mike Onyeaka,Rev M.C. Ewhere and other Clergy men of Victorious People Assembly Int’l Inc.

Newly ordained Pastors as they were being prayed for

Cross session of ministers at the anniversary

Pst Onyeaka Cross session of Deacons and deaconesses

The congregation at the event

Onyeaka and his wife

A prayer session for one the members

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Faith

Power in the word with

Banke David

L

ast week, we started our series on ‘Launching Forth’ and we looked at several reasons why people fail to start their businesses and dreams. Some of these reasons we mentioned are: Fear of the unknown, lack of a compelling vision, satisfaction with the status-quo and an imagined lack of venture capital. We saw that God did not create the world’s with cash, but he used what he had; the confession of his mouth - he had an idea to create man, he declared it and it came to pass! We also said that you should use what you have and start with whatever you have in your hands. We concluded that you do not have to wait until all the conditions are right (as they may never be) but should start from where you are!

This week, we shall be looking at some of the factors needed to start and run a successful business. My prayer is that God will empower you as you read this piece to do what is needful, Amen.

Having a compelling vision - We mentioned this factor last week as one of the reasons people fail to venture or

Tel: 08034156014 launch out. In order to start and maintain a business, there is a need to see or have a vision! Many people go into a business because their friends or acquaintances have gone into the business. If you go into a business because another person has done so, you will get frustrated along the line.

We should not copy others, as God intended for us to be originals and not copy-cats!

We should learn to God in prayer to ask Him what we ought to do. The Bible in Isaiah 5:13 and Hosea 4:6 say: ‘My people perish for lack of knowledge or vision’. Have a compelling vision. When God shows you what you ought to be doing, the vision will fill your heart and eat you up. It will be your constant desire and till you fulfil that desire, you will remain unsatisfied.

Let us go to God in prayer, asking him what we ought to be doing. This will enable us to have a compelling vision and even when the storms come your way, you will be assured that God gave you the dream and he will see you

Launching forth (2)

through. Remember, people with ideas rule the world!

Vision is God’s idea for our lives.

Go to God in prayer!

Location of industry - For any business to be successful, it must be rightly located.

Location of industry (where your business should be located) is a very important factor for business success. I know of a person who located her shop beside her rival just because her rival was doing very well in the business!

Petty jealousy or competition should never be a reason to locate your business. Instead you should think whether the proposed location is good for your line of business. Is the place accessible to your proposed clientele? Will people be able to access you at the location? Is the place densely populated? Do people in that area need your services?

Some of these and many other questions should be answered before you locate your business.

Adequate knowledge of the proposed business – One should not go into a business when one has no knowledge of the business. Every business has its ups and downs, so don’t think of the ups only! Many businesses have collapsed because though the directors had money, they did not have the requisite knowledge about the business to

ensure success! For instance, there are people who just go into pastoring or church work because other churches seem to be prospering. This is a very wrong motive and such people collapse along the way! They have no knowledge of what it takes to run a church or be a pastor! Same goes for other businesses. You should not start a restaurant for instance when you can’t cook. You may think you will employ people who will do it for you. But what happens when your staff don’t come to work or feign illness? You become stranded! Even if you must start a business that you know next to nothing about, educate yourself; go for trainings to empower yourself.

Whenever any of my teachers don’t come to school for any reason, I go into the class and teach because this is my area of specialisation. To remain relevant in your field, keep abreast of things by reading, training yourself and thinking ahead of the pack. Go to school again, go for trainings.

Helpers of the work - No one can do it all by himself, so one needs to pray and do all it takes to get the right staff.

Even if you have all the expertise, you cannot do it all.

The helpers of the work are the ones to do the job. For instance, in my business, I cannot teach in all the classes; the onus is therefore laid on me

to get the right personnel to do the job. Getting the right staff is necessary for business success and so even if you don’t have the know-how to interview people, you can employ a panel of interviewers to do this for you. This is critical, as the wrong staff will misrepresent your vision and ethics. Whenever God gives a vision, he will make a provision. There are people God has placed strategically to help you even materially and financially.

O Lord, send me helpers of the work, amen!

Venture capital We all know that it takes money to start and run a business. However, like I earlier said, one should not be hindered from moving forward because of a lack of capital.

There are people God has positioned to help you. Robert Kiyosaki calls it ‘OPM’- Other People’s Money. When you have a vision, people will help you and I see God positioning people for your sake in Jesus name, Amen! Even when you have started the business, you could be cash-stranded, but with creative thinking and God’s help, a solution will emerge!

You have what it takes to launch forth.

You will go forward in Jesus name!

No more stagnation! It is well To be concluded next week.

Celestial Church is not a cult – Owatunde CONTINUED FR O M PAGE 51

that she did not have fallopian tubes so she could never become pregnant. According to her, they had done different tests in several hospitals and the result said the same thing.She did not tell me all this until she became pregnant. When she was about to give birth, I prayed for her safe delivery. She gave birth to the baby.

So also God told us that someone would give birth to a set of triplets. And eventually, at the third anniversary of this church she gave birth to three boys. God said that the birth of the set of three boys on the third anniversary of our church, which bears Trinity Tabernacle, was to confirm that God is in the church. So I don’t do miracles; it is God that does it.

What is this kind of practice that gets issues solved in the Celestial Church?

It is prayers.

What is the relevance of the use of generous use of candles, incense, perfumes and grains among Celestial Church shepherds?

For the candle, Jesus said I am the light of the world. God gave the pastor and founder (SBJ Oshoffa), the grace to use candles as a symbol of light in the church, not for any other thing. Do you know what, in Catholic churches, they use candles.

In some places, if they want to take dinner, they put on candles. Does it mean that they are using them for rituals?

No; but people say Cele uses it for rituals. No-o-o-o. About incense, God showed Baba Oshoffa that if we pray inside specific incense, it will chase away some evil spirits. So also the perfume.

If we don’t use perfume, human beings naturally produce odour. But when you

pray inside this perfume and sprinkle it on your body, people who perceive it will give you a good look. May I tell you that there are some perfumes that we buy from departmental stores that are highly spiritual?

There is a perfume, Discover, in South Africa. Reports say that the raw materials used to manufacture that perfume is usually vomited by a whale in the bottom of the ocean. It is said that when ones uses that perfume there is nothing you may want that you will not get with ease, because it will command some good spirit to come to you and create an attractive aura about the person. You will be attracting some good people to you. So also when someone passes excreta somewhere, nobody wants to stay near there because of the bad odour. Life is more than what you know about it.

There are lots of good angels hovering around that we would not be able to see with your eyes. But when you use a

If we don’t use perfume, human beings naturally produce odour. But when you pray inside this perfume and sprinkle it on your body, people who perceive it will give you a good look”

good perfume, they come closer to you.

When you meet people wearing them, you gain favour. In Winners Chapel, they use anointing oil; they use mantle and several other things. They are nothing but an agent of miracles.

And the grains...?

I am asking these questions because at the launch of the book written by Baba Oshoffa’s daughter, Edith Oshoffa, leaders of the Celestial Church expressed concern that Cele churches are perceive as a cult in some quarters. What is your take on this?

The Bible says, ‘My people perish for lack of knowledge.’ Those who are saying that Celestial Church is a cult are fellow Christians, to be candid. I want to tell you that 75 per cent of those people that we pray for are Muslims, some don’t even go to church at all; and the rest are fellow Christians. Some come from Redeemed, some from Winners Chapel and some from Mountain of Fire. I used to ask them if they are actually attending these churches and if they are indeed devoted Christians, because if they are they would not have come down here. But they feel they need divine intervention.

They need some spiritual discernment.

I tell people that if they want to make it in life, they would need a good doctor, a good lawyer and a good prophet. The lawyer would take care of legal matters, the doctor will handle your health issues so also the prophet would answer to deep spiritual and critical secrets that the ordinary eye cannot see. The prophet will tell you the mind of God as regards what you are facing in life.

Those are a puzzle to you; if anybody

says Celestial is a cult, let them come and prove it. I have every type of Bible. This is because if one has to be a good preacher of the word, he should be versed in the word of God and be able to declare the mind of God accordingly. Believe me honestly, those who call Celestial a cult don’t know what they are doing because they lack knowledge. We use coconuts to pray because it is for divine direction. If you are following God’s leading, God can tell you to use anything to pray.

Someone was giving testimony in Winners Chapel, that before she could get her own husband, God led her to mould a man out of the sand of the ground and anoint every part of a man. She did that and challenged God, saying, ‘God you said we are co-creators; and you created man with the dust of the ground. So this is dust, I am using it to create my own husband.

You said we can do all things through Christ that helps us. I have created all those parts, let him rise up now. Even though there is no man that will suit me, let him rise up and be for me’. Is that occultism?

But if anybody does that in Cele they will say it is occultism, but it happened in Winners Chapel. And this woman said later a man came from Cote d’Ivoire to settle in Nigeria, searching for one of his friends on the lady’s street. Reasoning that, as a young lady, she might know how she could lead him to the guy, he called her. After their search proved abortive, the man said if he couldn’t his friend, he wished to know her better. At that point, she recollected that she had prayed that God should send her own husband to her.

These are what we do also. We also use honey to pray.

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Faith

MYSTERY OF ANXIETY with

Bishop John Ogbansie gbe

I

n Matthew 14:26- 29, our Lord Jesus Christ walked upon the sea. It was a miracle that our Lord Jesus Christ walked upon the sea, but it was more of a miracle to me that Peter, a mere mortal, walked upon the sea, just as our Lord Jesus Christ. When he first saw our Lord Jesus Christ, he prayed and said, “Lord if it be thou; bid me come unto thee on the water.

And He said come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying Lord save me.” – Matthew 14: 2830.

Peter first saw and recognised our Lord Jesus Christ and prayed Jesus to bid him come. Then, he listened for a reply; and he heard the voice of the Lord Jesus saying, “Come.” That was the word from the mouth of the Lord. He is the word because the Bible said, “And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His

Tel:08033416327

glory, as of the only begotten of the father full of grace and glory).” - St John gospel 1:14.

When our Lord Jesus Christ commanded him to come, he obeyed. By faith, he stepped out of the boat of fear, doubt, worry, complaint and hopelessness. By faith, Peter began to walk on the water of the word of God. He got connected with the Lord Jesus Christ, received his miracle and entered into a new level.

To the ordinary mind, Peter walked upon the water, but to me, he walked upon the water of the word of God. Apply these principles of faith 1. Recognise our Lord Jesus Christ as your source of miracle. Do not be distracted from having your eyes focused on Him. 2. Pray to the Lord and tell Him exactly what you want.

He will respond positively to your prayers and give you an answer, either directly or indirectly. Incidentally to His reply or answer, he may give a command or divine instruction.

Step out of your boat of worries

3. Obey that instruction.

This obedience is the practical demonstration of your faith.

4. Then begin to walk on the word of God and your miracle shall be perfected in the name of Jesus Christ.

To this end, the word of God declares, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward; for ye have need of patience that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”

– Hebrew 10:35-36.

Have faith in God, hold unto Him and believe Him for your miracle. Exercise your faith more by patience. Having done all the Lord tells you to do, then wait. This miracle cannot be in your own time, but in God’s own time. So, you must surely wait. No wonder the word of God said, “Wait upon the Lord, be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart. I will wait on the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14. In the same vein, the word of God also says, “Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the heathen. I will be exalted in the earth.”

He was made to grind corn for women

R

emember from the beginning I told you that we are a feeling being. Your feeling gives rise to your attitude.

Don’t let people tell you what will stir your emotions up and make defile your mortal body. When lust fills your heart, you will in no long time compromise your righteousness and this will affect your spirituality and close relationship with God. Beloved, there are words that are suggestive. There are things that the opposite sex will ask or tell you to stir up your mood.

Such words are said to set the pace for the next move when next you see. I have seen so much young girls fall prey to this seductive trap. When your fiancé start telling you over the phone, ‘I wish tomorrow is our wedding night, I can’t wait any longer to swim across your ocean,’ run for your soul because he is already setting the pace for the next sexual escapade and you will become his scapegoat. Such ungodly and suggestive statements

have ruined many futures.

Go and ask single parents their personal experiences and you will have volumes of lessons to learn. Majority of them were impregnated by guys who once promised them marriage and abandoned them after pregnancy.

Don’t become the next victim my sister.

Inappropriate Music – The next one is inappropriate music. The music of today is so much about sexual immorality both in lyric and video content. All that today’s secular music reminds you of is sexual feelings and lust. But the Bible says we should edify our soul with spiritual songs and hymns.

Videos and movies are all influential instruments in the hands of the enemy. Instead of edifying they help to corrupt your heart and arouse your sexual feelings. And these are the things today’s Christians pay attention to; yet they seek the fire of revival. Have you not heard that light and darkness has nothing in common? How can the fire of God come upon your

filthiness? What is the use of a new wine in a dirty vessel?

Who will drink of it?

It is only those who dwell in the presence of the Most High that will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Devil does not want you to dwell in the presence of God and that is why he will use your emotions to drag you into sinful habits. The devil will make you angry over nothing; fear over nothing and if he seems to be failing in any of these he will arouse your feeling of lust and make you defile your mortal body.

Lust is meant to destroy your appetite for spiritual things. That is what happened to Samson. A careful study of Judges Chapter 16 reveals that it was lust that played out against Samson. He was conceived and anointed from his mother’s womb. The angel of the Lord appeared and spoke to his parents about his birth and purpose of God for him. He also grew up fulfilling the mandate of heaven until he lusted after a woman. Samson was a man who could not

Psalm 46:10.

When God told Moses to go to Egypt to deliver the Hebrews, he said, “I will bring you, out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land flowing with milk and honey.” – Exodus3:17. His desire was to take them out of bondage and into the place of their inheritance. In the desert, He meticulously gave them everything they asked for. Yet, they could not get to the Promised Land.

They wandered in the wilderness for 40 long years and a whole generation died in the wilderness.

The problem was that they did not mix the word with faith. They heard the word God spoke to them through Moses, but whenever they were under trial and temptation, they would forget all the miracles and promises.

They also began to complain, murmur and cry against Moses. If you do not mix the word with faith, you will not receive the desired result.

There must be a chemistry (a divine mixture or combination) between faith and the word of God, just as there has to be a chemical reaction

between acid and alkaline to produce salt. Your faith must be combined with the word to produce result in your life.

This is why the word of God declares, “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them, but the word preached to do profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” – Hebrew 4:2.

From the above scripture, it is clear that the problem with many believers is the ability to combine faith with the word of God which they heard. Because of this gross scriptural omission, they lack fruitful results.

As you hear and receive God’s word, do not question it. Believe God and believe His word. Do what the word says you should do. Don’t stop at only hearing it, and quoting it; be ready to act it, and practise it. By this, you are rightfully mixing the word of God with faith.

As you trust God and believe Him for your miracles, He shall perfect all that concerns you and grant your heart desire in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Taming your Emotions by

Apostle Clement by Ogbonna Bishop Lawrence Osagie apostleofgraceinwo Tel: 08063250667, mail:powerlineministries@mail.com, www.powerlineministriesinc.org

be defeated even by thousands of men. Not even the bear or lion could stand in battle. Every other thing the enemy tried against him failed but he had no control over his emotional tendencies and the devil capitalised on that.

When the devil wants to destroy a successful man, he either uses fame, finance or females. When people become famous, it goes to their heads and they become proud. Pride will never allow them to listen to counsel.

When people are under the demon of lust they don’t listen to anybody. They always think they are right in everything they do. But the Bible warns that “everything that seems right in the eyes of a man, the end thereof is destruction.”

The reason for giving in to lust is because you don’t know the value of your destiny in Christ Jesus. If you know the value of your life you will build defences round about you. Look

at how much Delilah was offered to get Samson. That much could be spent by all the noble men of the Philistines just to destroy one Israeli war lord.

Then imagine how much the devil invests to take away the glory of God from you and get you down.

The Bible says that Delilah enticed him. And that is what the spirit of lust does. It is meant to lure you away from objective reasoning. It is a demonic strategy designed to bring you down. Lust is destructive. It has reduced many famous men to pieces of bread. When Delilah was done with Samson, the Philistines came and shaved his head. Thereafter, his eyes were removed under severe torture and torment with excruciating pains. He was held hostage and bound in bondage and made to grind corn for women. He became a mockery, a shame and came to nothing because of uncontrolled inordinate emotional quest.

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

57

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

Engaging the power of divine Dominion secrets for supernatural breakthroughs!

The Voice of by

Bishop David Oyedepo

A

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

ccess to divine secrets is what makes a star in the Kingdom. Nothing valuable happens by chance. When you know beyond the natural, you are in command of the supernatural. It is the revelation of divine secrets that prompts your manifestation, and they are revealed as mysteries.

God is the custodian of all secrets that pertain to the issues of life. Whatever He reveals belongs to you and your generation. So, until they are revealed, you cannot partake of the treasures attached to divine secrets, which are also referred to as mysteries of the Kingdom.

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29).

What Are Mysteries?

They are divine secrets embedded in Biblical stories. These secrets transform, translate and transfigure you. Mysteries are not mystics; they are simply heavenly secrets sealed up within the statements of scriptures.

What Does It Take To Access

Divine Secrets?

•Be born again (John 3:3-5): Until you are born again, you are spiritually dead. Life begins spiritually at new birth, and only the living need secrets. So, it takes spirituality to access the mysteries in scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:14).

• Engage the fear of the Lord as a lifestyle: It takes the fear of God to qualify for access into the secrets of God. Job was a man that feared God and he had access to the secrets of God. You cannot live carelessly and expect access to divine secrets; you must fear God (Psalm 25:14).

•Engage in prayers of enquiry: Without asking questions, you are not entitled to answers. These questions can only be asked and answered on the platform of prayer and fasting (Jeremiah 33:3).

• Engage the Holy Spirit in a search: He is the custodian of divine secrets. He is the spiritual rig that draws from the treasures of the Kingdom. We need the Holy Ghost to flow in the deep things of God (John 16:12-14).

•Separate yourself with a craving to access definite secrets (Proverbs 18:1): You achieve this with your Bible and anointed books in relevant areas of concern, while praying in the Holy Ghost.

How Do Divine Secrets Apply To Favour?

•We are born of favour: Every child of God is saved by favour; you did nothing to merit it (Ephesians 2:8). You have been predestinated, justified and glorified by favour and not your effort.

•You belong to a highly favoured Kingdom (Psalm 132:13-18): Every child of God is a citizen of Zion, and belongs to a highly favoured Kingdom. You are not a stranger to favour.

Favour is vital to living, because it is the architect of every great future. It is the master key to a world of fulfilment. It changes and gloriously repositions people. God determines the placement of everyone by His favour (Psalm 30:5-7). Life is not a race of strength, swiftness, or skill. It answers absolutely to favour. The quality of a man’s life is a function of the

This time around “P robably.” Misan said as nicely as she could but what she felt was far from nice. She wished she could hurl her hurt and anger at Antonio. With pursed lips, she followed the queue.

It was soon her turn to get food and she looked at the different meals. She wasn’t familiar with them and so they did not appeal to her. She moved with the line until she got to the section of cereals, breads and egg and served her food.

She put fruits in the second plate. She carried her plates in a tray and with Antonio still following her, she and Ruth went in search of a table. Most of the tables were occupied but they found a vacant one in a corner and they went there to sit down.

“Okay, I’ll see you later ... it’s good to see you again.” Antonio gave that lazy smile again.

Misan nodded in a dismissing way. Antonio turned, and she looked at him as he walked away with easy grace as though he brought all the people on the vessel together.

Ruth looked at Misan closely and saw that she was upset.

“Are you okay?” She asked, looking at Antonio’s departing back, wondering who the white handsome man was and why Misan had behaved the way she did. Ruth was slightly dark-complexioned, plump

and about an inch shorter than Misan. They got to know each other in The Worship Centre when Misan began to attend the church while she was pregnant with Weyin.

“Yes.” Misan answered quietly and got up. She soon came back with a cup of tea in her hand. She added a packet of sugar to it.

“Do you know him?” Ruth asked. “Yes.” Misan said again, her mind in turmoil as she stirred the tea. When she lifted the cup to her mouth, her hand shook and some tea spilled on the table. She felt embarrassed as Ruth noticed.

Misan looked across to where Antonio went. He was sitting with an older couple, facing her direction. They had plates of what looked like pizza and burger in front of them. If Misan wasn’t so angry, she would have laughed. These white people were always eating and drinking coffee and tea, going up and down the restaurant. She had noticed this part of them on her first cruise experience. But then it seemed eating and drinking was part of what the tourists were expected to do, she concluded, as most of the restaurants on the ship were opened for 24 hours and they didn’t have to pay anything as the meals had been taken care of as part of the cruise fare.

She glanced around. Couples

walked about hand in hand.

She looked at Antonio’s table again as he and the couple ate and chatted merrily. But she couldn’t eat and she was far from merry - all Antonio’s fault, she thought and hissed.

“You seem a little upset.”

Ruth commented.

“Yes.” She admitted. She pushed her chair back from the table and stood abruptly. She had to leave before the tears fall. “I have to go to my room please.”

“What about your food?”

Ruth asked, looking at her with a frown.

“I don’t want it again. I’m not very hungry.”

“But you told me you were very hungry you could eat a horse just less than 30 minutes ago.” Ruth reminded her.

“Yes but I feel nauseated now.” Misan replied. ********** Antonio sat with the older couple he had been talking with before he sighted Misan.

They had called him, recognising him.

“We watch your show.” They told him now with excitement.

“That’s wonderful.” Antonio answered with a big smile to show his appreciation. He was used to being recognised by people.

“We are so excited to meet you in person.” The woman continued excitedly, beaming at him. “I don’t miss your

favour at work for him.

Channel Through Which Favour Flows: •Godliness: It will always engender greatness. All uniquely favoured men in scriptures such as Joseph, Job and Daniel were lifted through Godliness (Ps. 5:12).

•The anointing: The anointing of the Holy Ghost attracts the flow of favour (Psalm 45: 6-12). The more anointed you are, the greater your access to the flow of divine favour.

•Prayer and Fasting: Nehemiah prayed for God’s favour and the king favoured him beyond imagination (Neh. 1:412). Esther and Jabez were also beneficiaries of divine favour through the platform of prayer and fasting.

•Addiction to Kingdom promotion: When you take pleasure in the advancement of the Kingdom, by favouring God’s agenda in the church, He rewards you with unlimited access to favour (Psalm 102:13-16).

Friend, the power for access to favour channels is for those

saved. You are saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. If you are set for it, please say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!” I will be with you next week!

Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books — Commanding The Supernatural, Operating The Supernatural and Walking In The Miraculous.

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

Christian relationship With

Pastor Taiwo Odubiyi +234082300 0773 show since I began to watch last year. It’s this cruise that will make me miss one.”

Her husband looked at her, “You are not missing the show after all, because you are sitting with the host of the show.”

They all laughed.

“That’s true. I’m so excited.”

She said. “I try not to miss it too.” Her husband added. “I like it. It’s a show the whole family can enjoy together and it’s not just for entertainment, as there’s always something good to learn from it.”

“I’m glad to hear that from you.” Antonio replied.

The couple requested for an autograph which he obliged and they continued talking as if they had known him for a long time.

Antonio’s eyes kept darting to Misan where she sat with her friend. He had wondered several times if they would ever meet again and his joy knew no bounds when he saw her. But why was she cold?

He looked in her direction again and saw that she was leaving. He had to talk to her again. He turned to the couple.

“I’m very sorry but there’s a

friend I have to see. She’s just leaving.”

“That’s okay.”

“But could we do this again - say tomorrow morning?” He wanted to know.

“Good.” The woman said.

“That will be great.” Her husband added.“I’ll be on the lookout for you.” Antonio said as he stood and shook hands with them. “Please excuse me.” He said with another big smile and left. ********** Misan walked out of the hall to the carpeted lobby and pressed the button for the elevator. She was surprised and annoyed at the emotional turmoil she was experiencing all because she met Antonio again. She could feel tears gathering in her eyes. As people walked in and out of the big hall, she didn’t care if they noticed that she looked close to tears.

She was still waiting for the elevator when the door opened again. She casually looked in the direction and saw Antonio coming straight toward her.

To be continued

58

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Faith

His blood speaks for me T he blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ always speaks good things about me. Before I entered into this decade, the blood had already spoken for me. It is not like the blood of Abel that was not speaking good things. And to Je-

sus, the mediator (Go-between, Agent) of a new covenant, and to the sprinked blood which speaks (of mercy), a better and nobler and more gracious message than the blood of Abel (which cried out for vengeance (Hebrews 12:24 Amplified Bible).

This blood speaks good things about me. This blood advocates good health and longevity for me.

This blood speaks to God about His mercy for me. The Lord enjoins us not to refuse “him that speaketh;” how then will God refuse what the blood speaks on my behalf?

“See that ye refuse not him that speaketh” (Hebrews 12:25).

Before I enter the next decade 2021 – 2030, this blood must has spoken very good and gracious things about me, which our God can never refuse. I believe.

Red day (day marked red) There are days marked RED. These are days the DEVIL has ear-marked to strike and attack.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand”. (Eph. 6:13).

The scriptures refer to EVIL DAYS as: Day of Amazement (1 Peter 3:6) Day of Trouble Day of Rebuke 2 Kings 19:3 Day of Blasphemy Day of Insult Zephaniah 1:15 – 16 refers to this evil day as: Day of Wrath

Day of Trouble Day of Distress Day of Wastage (wasting people lives, money and prosperity).

Day of Desolation Day of Darkness Day of Gloominess Day of Clouds Day of Thick Darkness Day of Trumpet (Alarm for War) Day of War Cries Day against Fenced Cities Day against Towers Day against strongholds, etc.

These are days when people are taken unawares. These are days of accidents, deaths, armed robbery attacks, sickness and various types of attacks and assaults that cause sorrow to many persons.

These are days marked RED in the diaries of the enemies concerning persons and families.

It should be noted that everyday does not go down well with those who fight or attack. In their own way, they try to find out the days and times they would succeed when they attack.

In the case of Haman’s plot against the Jews, you will discover that they cast the lot (called Pur in those people’s tongue) to choose the appropriate day they would succeed in eliminating the Jews.

Left with them alone, they would not choose almost a year ahead, but could have done it almost immediately.

In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the month of Nisan, they cast the pur (that is, the lot) in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar (Esther 3:7 NIV).

These evil days are the days they feel that they would mostly likely succeed, unknown to their victims.

Some persons might have dreams or premonition of disaster about those days. However, whether I

THE Oracles of God by

Frank Oboden Olomukoro frankolomukoro@yahoo.com, 07033621866

Acts 3:21, “Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began”.

T

he misinterpretation and dislocation of the word of God by numerous denominational teachings must be corrected to the original teachings of the Apostles before the rapture by the ministry of Elijah. This restoration is what prepares and makes ready the wise virgin, the bride of Jesus Christ, for His return for the Marriage Supper in the air. The prophecy of Malachi 4:6b states: “I will send you Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord and he shall turn the hearts of the children to the fathers” (Apostles). This is so because Ephesians 2:20 states, “Upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets are we built.” This Elijah shall restore all things. This is the midnight Prophet

of Matt. 25:6 that cried at midnight “behold the Bride groom cometh.”Again, this Elijah will come and set the altar right, broken down by creeds and dogmas by the hundreds of denominational churches. The altar has to be built again on the 12 stones, teachings and doctrines of the Apostles as it was from the day of Pentecost.

Like the times of Elijah the Tishbite, let us take a look at the condition the church will be before the midnight Elijah comes into the scene. As expected the spiritual condition will be Apostate, backsliding and Lukewarm.

“Rev. 3:15, the Laodicea church, of the last day will be neither cold nor hot”. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.” Then what is wrong with the people of these last days? They have moved away from the word. They are no longer fervent about it. They are lukewarm about

have premonition or not, I believe the Word of God that before I step into any of such days, the blood of Jesus would go there and speak peace, victory and mercy for me to God. I believe and have great confidence that: The Blood of Jesus will speak for me on that Day of Trouble.

The blood of Jesus will speak for me and my people on every Day of Distress planned by the enemy.

The blood of Jesus will speak for me and my people on days of waste and set us free.

The blood of Jesus will speak for me and my people on the Days of Desolation planned by Satan, and I will smile.

The blood of Jesus will speak for me and my people on the Days of darkness and we shall escape.

The blood of Jesus shall speak for me and my people on the Days of clouds and I shall succeed.

The blood of Jesus shall speak for me and my people on the days of gloominess and we shall rejoice.

The blood of Jesus shall speak for me and my people on the evil days and the enemies shall be disappointed.

The blood of Jesus shall speak for me and the enemies will fall into their own traps and we shall smile.

The blood of Jesus shall speak for me and my people on the Days of Thick Darkness and we shall prevail over the enemies.

The blood of Jesus shall speak for me and my people on the Days of Amazement and the enemies themselves shall perish and we will give our testimonies.

The blood of Jesus shall speak for me and my people on the Days of Distress and we shall laugh at them as they regret.

I know I will live long as far as I have faith in the blood of Jesus that ‘speaketh’ better things than the blood of Abel. The blood of Jesus

WORD OF LIFE by

Bishop Moses Kat tey Tel: 08087707486, Email: moseskattey@yahoo.co.uk

shall always speak peace, victory, success, healings, breakthrough and long life for me. Whether I have a premonition of what the devil planned for me and my people or not, one thing I know is that the blood of Jesus speaks for us and I know that we will be free to live long.

Why I live As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me, he also will live because of me (John 6:57).

The Pharisees and many Jews did not see any reason why the Lord Jesus Christ should live. They wanted Him dead. Jesus said He was living, not necessarily because of the Pharisees and those Jews, but the Father asked Him to live because of Him. Many persons may not feel the need for me to live, but I am not going to live long for their sake. I will live long because the Lord Jesus wants me ALIVE. Those who want to eliminate you may not have reasons to let you live, but the Lord Jesus says: “I have a thousand and one reasons why I want you to live.” So I live because of the Lord Jesus Christ. You too should find this reason very important – to live because of your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I shall live long because of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I shall live by His Power.

I shall live by His Word.

His word sustains the entire world without a pillar. So, His word shall sustain me till old age. I know that I shall live

long, not by my power or by my efforts but by the Word and by the power of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, because of Jesus.

The Lord Jesus Himself will ensure that circumstances that bring about death be kept off from you.

The blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ always speaks good things about me.

Before I entered into these decades, the blood has already spoken for me. It is not like the blood of Abel that was not speaking good things.

And to Jesus, the mediator (Go-between, Agent) of a new covenant, and to the sprinked blood which speaks (of mercy), a better and nobler and more gracious message than the blood of Abel (which cried out for vengeance (Hebrews 12:24 Amplified Bible).

This blood speaks good things about me. This blood advocates good health and longevity for me. This blood speaks to God about His mercy for me.

The Lord enjoins us not to refuse “him that speaketh;” how then will God refuse what the blood speaks on my behalf?

“See that ye refuse not him that speaketh” (Hebrews 12:25).

Before I enter the next decade 2021 – 2030, this blood must has spoken very good and gracious things about me, when our God can never refuse.

I believe.

I will restore, saith the Lord it. A moment of consideration of church history will prove how accurate this thought is. In the dark ages, the word was almost entirely lost to the people. But God sent Luther with the word. The Lutheran spoke for God at that time. But they organised, and again the pure word was lost, for organisation tends towards dogma and creeds, rather than the simple word of God. They could no longer speak for God. Then God sent Wesley and he was the voice with the word in his day. The people who took his revelation from God became the living epistles, read and known of all men for their generation. When the Methodists failed, God raised up others. So it has gone on through the years until in this last day there is again another people in the law, who under their message will be the final voice to the final age.

Today in this midnight hour, in these last days when the scripture said there shall be falling away from the faith, churches will leave the original revelations handed down to the Apostles for their church creeds, church dogma and traditions as Paul admonished Timothy, men will not endure (tolerate)

sound doctrines, the unadulterated word of God. They will prefer fables because they will be dull of hearing under a strong delusion.

They will believe lies, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils – 1 Timothy 4:1-2.

The Baptists have their creeds and dogmas based on the word and you can’t shake them. They say the apostolic days of miracles are over and there is no baptism with the Holy Ghost. Subsequent to believing, the Methodists say (based on the word) that there is no water baptism (sprinkling is not baptism) and that sanctification is baptism with the Holy Ghost. The Jehovah Witnesses do not believe in the Rapture or that Christ is coming as a thief in the night. They spiritualise it, yet they claim their doctrine is word-based.

Go right down the line and come to the Pentecostals. Do they have the word? Give them the word test and see. They will sell out the word for a sensation just about every time.

If you can produce a manifestation like oil and blood and tongues and other signs, whether in the word or not or whether properly interpreted from the word, the majority will fall

for it. But what has happened to the word? The word has been put aside.

So God says, I will spew them out of his mouth.

As in Rev. 10:7, in this last days, God will send a vindicated prophet after almost 2000 years, someone who is far from organisation, education and the world of religion, that as John the Baptist and Elijah of old, He will hear from God and he will say, “Thus saith the Lord” and speak for God. He’s God’s mouth piece and he, as it is declared in Malachi 4:6, will turn the hearts of the children back to the fathers. He will bring back the elect of the last day and they will hear a vindicated prophet give the exact truth as it was with Paul. He will restore the truth as they had it. And those elect with him in that day will be the one who truly manifest the Lord and be His body and be His voice and perform His works. Hallelujah! Do you see it? Sir, with all sincerity of purpose,Ipersuadeyoutogiveheedtothis truth. It may not sound common and popular but it is the truth. Always, the choice is yours. The Lord Bless you always,Amen!

Frank Oboden Olomukoro Christian Ministry of Reconciliation

Sport 59

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

Interview

Clement Temile: Real Club Owners should take charge of Nigerian football p.60-61

Eagles

Nwofor delighted with Belgium move p.62

Rugby

Ebola scare forces postponement of Independence Rugby Sevens p.62

Golf

Lack of world-class courses bane of golf development – Andrew p.61

EPL

Costa’s hat-trick sends Chelsea clear at top p.62

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Odegbami: The stupid power struggle in the NFF must stop

F

Dapo Sotuminu

ormer Super Eagles captain, Chief Segun Odegbami, has called on football stakeholders and administrators in the country to stop the stupid manipulations and circumvention of the rules and regulations governing the elections into the board of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF. He told New Telegraph on Sunday in an exclusive interview in Lagos that the struggle for the leadership of the NFF has taken a very sour dimension as those who are hell bent in occupying the offices at the Glass House have resolved to stupid power struggle and are manipulating the Statutes, the law and causing confusion everywhere.

“These people who want power by all means brought in the innocent Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, who gave us provisional ban, lift the ban us and are still threatening to throw down the weight of hammer of outright ban if we don’t do the right things.

“FIFA did not wake up to say they are coming to ban us. The world football governing body has been responding to what we are doing and also pointing out where we are getting it wrong.

So, whatever must have brought us to this level, we must urgently retrace our steps and look at those issues internally that have painted us black before FIFA and get them resolved, enough is enough.”

Odegbami noted that, the floppy performances of the Super Eagles in the two 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers matches against Congo and South Africa were not unrelated with the crisis that is rocking the football house.

“The Super Eagles team is a product of the Nigeria Football Federation and Nigeria as a whole, so they cannot be immune from all these problems.

If the players think they can succeed with the football house in turmoil, it is impossible as they cannot. It will not happen, there is no way they can make headway without the country coming together and unifying to give them massive support.”

Odegbami, who is also eyeing the exalted post of the NFF pres-

ident stressed that football is a part of Nigeria, and the game cannot be removed from the rest of the polity. “When you look around closely in this country, there is corruption and maladministration everywhere. We are changing everything. Look at our politics and everything around; it is an effort by everyone that is failing every time.

“To put Nigeria on the right pedestal, we need a cultural revolution to change how we think, behave and how we do things correctly with integrity for the good of all. What we see in Nigerian football today is a reflection of what a few people are posturing for the rest of us.

If you ask the average Nigerian what the electoral process for the NFF is, they don’t know. If you ask journalists with all the knowledge they have what they think is the problem with our football administration even now that everything is lopsided, honestly they don’t even know what the problems are.

“So we have found ourselves in this confusing state where there is no understanding and nothing is clear.

E v e n the real stakeholders of Nigerian football who are ap-

pointed FA Chairmen for example, are simply state Football Association chairmen and not real club owners. While the club owners are not a part of what is going on, everything is just not right. We have to go back, let us all go back, sit down and look again at the struct u r e a n d t h e books, and come u p with something t h a t would fulfill our culture and

tradition, our ways in Nigeria and give the details to FIFA. Because if we do things right, it won’t offend the fundamental principles of the FIFA philosophy.”

He added that: “FIFA didn’t say we should have zoning and federal character in our Statutes. They didn’t say we should have government funding our competitions; we are free to do those things. But when we come up with them, provided they fulfill our own cultural requirements, we can send them to FIFA and once they do not run counter to their own fundamental principles which are very simple, FIFA will embrace it and we shall start to run the game correctly.”

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SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sport/Interview

Clement Temile: Real Club Owners should take He was the first African to be awarded the Golden Boot in the history of the Nations Cup in 1984, he played for five top Nigerian club sides before moving to Europe for a professional career in 1987. Clement Temile who is now a Uefa-Licensed coach told DAPO SOTUMINU in this exclusive interview that the problem of Nigerian football is that those who are running the game are not real Club Owners We have not seen you around in Nigeria for some time now, where have you been?

I have been in Israel where I played professional football for a very long time, after which I went for my Level 1 and II Coaching Courses in the United Kingdom. I have also been coaching some youth teams in Israel. My movement to the UK was to improve and educate myself further, now I have all the professional qualifications I would need to hold any professional position in Nigerian football and sports generally.

At the moment I have concluded my courses in the Uefa B and A Licences, I also have Management Certificate from the University of East London.

I am more than equipped to help Nigerian football and sports generally to develop to the

highest level.

Now you are here and championing the cause of ex-internationals in the country.

What is this all about?

To tell you the truth, this came about when I at-

tended the Candle Light ceremony for the late Thompson Oliha at the National Stadium in Lagos, I felt so bad about the shallow burial ceremony that was given to him, more so for a soccer star that played in the World Cup and the Nations Cup in the colours of a country as big as Nigeria, and several other top club sides in Nigeria.

The ceremony was nothing to write home about. It was not good

enough. I also had the opportunity of visiting the late Rashidi Yekini in his place in Ibadan and I felt bad with the way we were being treated. I told myself, I am alive now, if I can not do anything, who can do something then. It is not about me as I have all the qualifications that would take me a life time, but the truth is that we are suffering, so my take in this drive is to end the sufferings of Nigerian players present and past.

When did you start playing competitive football?

I started in 1982, my first club was Flash Flamengoes of Warri.

The following year I played for Bendel Insurance of Benin that was when I started real competitive football. After Bendel Insurance I moved to NNPC of Warri, from here I joined IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan and later played for Abiola Babes of Abeokuta. When I left Abiola Babes the journey took me to BCC Lions of Gboko, and it was from here that I left Nigeria to start playing professional football in Europe.

When did you leave the country?

That was in 1987, this movement made lose the opportunity of playing in the Maroc 88 Nations Cup in Morocco. Because I had a chance to travel and I had to go. I didn’t regret this because in life one must move forward and that was what I did.

I grabbed the opportunity. If the Nigeria Football Association really wanted me to come and play they should have invited me just as they did for other professionals like Sam Okwaraji. If they had invited me I would have honoured the invitation.

How many Nations Cup competition did you play for Nigeria?

I played in one Nations Cup, and that was the edition held in Abidjan in 1984. In that competition I won the Golden Boot

first time in the history of the African Nations Cup. It was the first time in Africa. I also played lots of qualifiers ahead of the FIFA World Cup. I was also a member of the Nigerian team to the FIFA Confederation Cup hosted in China tagged ‘China Great Wall Cup’ that was in 1985. I was voted the Tournament’s Best Player winning the Golden Boot.

It is unfortunate that we don’t keep records in this country. It pays to keep all these records.

And when we came back I played a couple of matches in Morocco in the World Cup qualifiers. That time we had very few teams from Africa to qualify for the World Cup, I guess that time it was just two teams for the whole continent.

It was so difficult to get to the World Cup; it is not like today when we have five teams from Africa. But all the same I really appreciate playing for the national team.

When did you stop playing for the national team and why?

I told you, there was no reason other than cashing in on an opportunity that shouldn’t slip off playing professional football abroad.

While playing club football, did you remember how many laurels you won?

I won the Challenge Cup and also came out as runners up with Abiola Babes when we played against Leventis United in the final match played at the main bowl of the National Stadium. I also won the National League title with Abiola Babes.

I won the bronze medal with Bendel Insurance in the WAFU Cup. I was runners up in another edition of the WAFU Cup with Abiola Babes.

What was you greatest moment playing for the national team?

I would say my greatest moment was when I was named the first Africa’s Golden Boot

You cannot compare the two periods, it was better in our days.

When we had matches at the National Stadium, Lagos before 12noon the stadium would have been filled to capacity for a game that would start at 4pm

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NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

Sport/Interview

charge of Nigerian football winner at the 1984 Nations Cup. I felt great winning that award; it was a great achievement for me and my country.

Do you have any sour moments playing for Nigeria?

No, none at all, because that time football was used as a means of entertainment for the people. The game brought joy to all Nigerians, gave hope to the hopeless, happiness to the sad and healing to the sick. It pains my heart when I see all these crises rocking Nigerian football. So, everyday when I pray, my focus is always for the crisis to end and bring oneness to Nigeria again.

How will you compare playing football at that time to what it is today?

You cannot compare the two periods, it was better in our days. When we had matches at the National Stadium, Lagos before 12noon the stadium would have been filled to capacity for a game that would start at 4pm. When you come into the main bowl you know you want to play real football. So we took the matches very serious that was why Nigeria never lost any game at home for 33years until the September 6, 2014 loss to Congo in Calabar.

Football then was competitive, now it is not so.

Even secondary school football then was better than what we see in our local league today as matches are watched by very scanty spectators.

Principal’s Cup was very competitive, when you come to play against Saint Finbarrs College; you know you are in for tough game, or when U r h o b o College wants t o play

against Ussey College, it was top grade football.

How will you compare yourself as an active player and now a retired star?

I am still the same person. The discipline on and off the pitch is still the same. When I was playing, I was a bit quick tempered because of the nature of life, sometimes the body is hot, and while off the pitch I remain my very calm person.

Nigerian football so far so good, what is your opinion?

So far so good, the question of privatising is very important; this is what obtains in Europe and other parts of the world where football is taken serious.

With privatisation you have the real club owners directing affairs and not all these appointed administrators without any stake at all con- trolling the p o l i t y.

I f w e

can do that, the standard of football will go higher in the country.

The way forward for Nigerian football is for everybody to drop their ego; I don’t have preference for any of the candidates. This is not helping our football at all. If I were in the position of all those battling for the post of the NFF president, I will look at the country itself and put it first before me and not me before the country. If you look at it closely, the problem is all about ego and this is killing our football. I will still appeal to all those scrambling for the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation to drop their ego and let peace reign.

They should bring our football back to life.

As for me I will give my support to anyone that the government has given the backing to take charge of the NFF and run our football that is my take.

Do you have any of your kids playing football?

Yes, I do, my second son, Tutu he plays for the Israeli national soccer team.

Though he was invited to play for Nigeria sometime ago but he declined saying he would prefer to play for Israel his country of birth. And I think the Isreali Football Federation got a hint that Nigeria wanted to feature him in one of their competitive games and they moved swiftly using him prominently in a game played by the senior national team. He is an adult; I can not tell him where to play.

Golf Weekly

Lack of world-class courses bane of golf development – Andrew Ifeanyi Ibeh

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igerian professional golfer and Operations Director of the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria, Dominic Andrew, has identified the absence of enough world-class golf courses in country as one of the reasons behind the slow development in the sport.

Although there are scores of golf courses to be found across the country, only a handful of these are world-class, most notably in Abuja, where the IBB International Golf and Country Club is situated, and in Uyo, home of the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.

And it is for this reason, and a few others, that Andrew feels it will take a pretty long while for the country to join the group of serious golf-playing countries such as the United States of America, Britain, South Korea and South Africa.

“It will be hard for Nigeria to be recognized as a golfing nation because of the low number of golf courses we have in the country that are of international standard,” said Andrew. “This makes it really tough to be able to judge the performance of our professionals.

“In South Africa there are over 750 golf courses, out of which more than 80 per cent of them are of championship standard.

“This is one of the reasons why they are able to produce so many top class golfers. Imagine if one championship course is able to produce at least one good golfer,”

added Andrew.

Other reasons for the sports slow pace of development, in Andrew’s opinion, is the manner in which it’s run in the country and the absence of developmental tournaments for young golfers.

“What happens here is that people sponsor the game and say we are developing the sport, ignoring the main things that will help in its development,” continued the former Nigeria number one.

“They invite friends and colleagues, as well as business associates in the name of developing the game. That is not developing the game, that is more like holiday golfing.

“It is allowed. It is necessary, but don’t do it and say you are developing the game. How do you develop sports playing 50-yearold men when there are 13 and 14-year-old kids out there looking for events to play,” continued Andrew.

“We don’t have enough junior golf events in this country,” added Andrew who also highlighted the PGAN’s shortcomings in this regard.

“On the part of the PGAN, I would say we are not working hard enough but you will also agree that If I don’t have the financial capability for training, it makes it very difficult for me.

“How many pros in this country can honestly say they can pay for training? They have to feed and look after their families, so I think if we come out and give genuine support to the development of the game, we will see a change.”

Korblah on course for Order of Merit title

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hanaian golf superstar, Emos Korblah, is on course to retain the Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria Order of Merit title having won five of the nine events he has taken part in this year on the Nigerian Tour.

With the conclusion of the Memorial Championship in Otukpo, which was won by Korblah, 10 events have so far taken place on this season’s tour.

Victory at the Memorial Championship earned Korblah the N1,080,000 star prize, and took his overall earnings so far this season to N5,110,400, almost a million naira more than his closest rival, Oche Andrew Odoh, who has also taken part in nine events this season, earning the sum of N4,045,500.

While Odoh has been victorious at three events this season - Annol Ventures, Britannia, and Olu of Warri Opens - Korblah has won five times, most notably at the Memorial Championship and

Gabriel Suswan Open, which are two of the few tournaments on the tour commanding star prizes of over a million naira.

The only other tournament played so far this season with a million naira prize for the winner has been the ULO Golf Championship won by Gift Willy.

Willy, who has made the cut in eight tour events this season, is currently third on the Order of Merit standings with N 3,013,083.

In fourth place is Kabir Mohammed (N1,726,475), while Martin Odoh (N1,612,625), Sunday Olopade (N1,549,733), Elijah Markus (N1,506,750) and Daniel Pam (N1,289,025) occupy the fifth to eighth positions respectively.

Gboyega Oyebanji (N1,278,787) and Vincent Torgah (N1,237,000), who placed second behind Korblah at the Memorial Championship, but who has been more active on the Ghanaian Tour this season, occupies complete the top-10.

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Sport / News

Ebola scare forces postponement of Independence Rugby Sevens Dapo Sotuminu

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he scare of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease has forced the Organising Committee for the 2014 Independence Rugby 7s Tournament to postpone the tournament from the earlier date of October 10 to a new date October 30.

The Independence Rugby 7s tournament is an annual sporting event organised to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence anniversary.

The Tournament Director, Fasimoye Olatunji, told New Telegraph on Sunday in Lagos at the weekend that the shift in dates was imminent due to the outbreak of disease in Lagos.

He noted that the postponement was imminent due to the nature of Rugby. “Rugby is a free-flowing game that features a combination of strength, speed and strategy to move a ball into an opponent’s territory and Rugby is a full-contact sport.”

Olatunji who is also the VicePresident of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation commended the Lagos State Government for its quick response to the Ebola threat despite limitations, stressing that: “It is good news that as at today there is no more official case of Ebola in Lagos. We moved the tournament forward in order to observe the situation in the next few weeks. We are sure all the international teams will be pleased by this development.”

The tournament which is sponsored by CMB Building Maintenance and investment Company Limited started since the year 2009. The 2013 edition had in attendance clubs from the UK, Egypt and Ghana who joined other Nigerian clubs from all zones of the country.

Costa’s hat-trick sends Chelsea clear at top

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clinical hat-trick from Diego Costa gave Chelsea victory over Swansea City as they showed their mettle to move top of the Premier League.

Swansea dominated the early stages of the match and fully deserved to be ahead when John Terry put through his own goal on 11 minutes.

Further chances were squandered, however, and Costa made them pay on the stroke of halftime when he scored from Cesc Fabregas’ corner.

The two Spanish internationals combined again 11 minutes into the second half as Costa put Chelsea ahead, before completing his hat-trick on 67 minutes.

It takes his tally for the season to seven goals in four Premier League matches.

Substitute Loic Remy - making his debut for Chelsea - completed what had turned into a rout with nine minutes to go. Jonjo Shelvey pulled one back on 86 minutes, but it leaves Chelsea as the only team in the Premier League with a 100% record.

The same two players com-

bined to put Chelsea in front on 56 minutes as Fabregas exchanged passes with Eden Hazard before pulling the ball back for Costa to score from close range.

Costa’s opportunism brought the Spain international’s hattrick on 67 minutes as he reacted the quickest to Ramires’ weak shot to stab the ball past Lukasz

Costa celebrates his hattrick against Swansea

City fight back for a draw with Arsenal A

rsenal were denied victory

by Martin Demichelis’s late equaliser as they fought out an entertaining draw with Manchester City at Emirates Stadium.

England striker, Danny Welbeck, made his Arsenal debut after his £16m move from Manchester United - and should have celebrated with a goal only to strike a post when clean through early on.

Sergio Aguero made Arsenal

pay for that miss by putting City ahead before half-time but goals from Jack Wilshire and Alexis Sanchez saw the Gunners in sight of a memorable victory.

Their hopes were dashed when poor marking at a corner allowed Argentine defender Demichelis to beat Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny to earn a point seven minutes from time.

Frank Lampard, who is on a sixmonth loan from New York City,

RESULTS Barclays Premier League Arsenal 2 - 2 Man. City Chelsea 4 - 2 Swansea C’Palace 0 - 0 Burnley Southampton 4 - 0 N’castle Stoke City 0 - 1 Leicester Sunderland 2 - 2 Tottenham West Brom 0 - 2 Everton Liverpool 0 - 1 Aston Villa Germany - Bundesliga Leverkusen 3 - 3 Bremen Bayern 2 - 0 Stuttgart Dortmund 3 - 1 Freiburg Hertha Berlin 1 - 3 Mainz Hoffenheim 1 - 1 Wolfsburg Paderborn 0 - 0 Cologne M’gladbach 4 - 1 Schalke Italy - Serie A Empoli 0 - 1 Roma Spain - Liga BBVA Barcelona 2 - 0 A. Bilbao Malaga 0 - 0 Levante R/Madrid 1 - 2 A/Madrid France - Ligue 1 Rennes 1 - 1 Paris Saint Germain Bastia 1 - 1 Lens Montpellier 1 - 0 Lorient Nice 1 - 0 Metz Reims 2 - 0 Toulouse Saint Etienne 1 - 0 Caen

Fabianski.

Remy replaced Costa and the substitute marked his debut with the fourth goal on 81 minutes with a low finish after the striker was teed up by Oscar.

Jonjo Shelvey pulled one back for Swansea with four minutes to go, but the result ensures Chelsea are the only team with a 100 per cent record after four games.

Jack Wilshere keeps his composure to beat Manchester City keeper Joe Hart and level the scores after a rapid break from midfield

made his Man City debut and played the first 45 minutes before he was replaced by Samir Nasri.

Arsene Wenger revealed injury fears over Mathieu Debuchy and bemoaned a late equaliser in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

Wenger praised his side for coming back into the match, but was disappointed with the sloppy nature of the equaliser.

“It was a game of top quality between two very good teams, especially in the first half; we were unlucky to be 1-0 down. We did remarkably well to come back and be in a leading position. The only disappointing thing for me is we weren’t able to keep hold of the lead and gave a cheap goal away.

“It’s a very encouraging game but the way we conceded the goal almost killed our game because it was a mental blow and we could have lost after that.

“Debuchy has a badly sprained ankle, for how long he will be out we do not know but it does not look too good,” he added. People told me they need a bit more time to assess how long he will be out but it’s a bad ankle sprain.”

Eaglets land in Libreville for AYC qualifiers

T

he Golden Eaglets of Nigeria yesterday finally arrived in Libreville ahead of today’s much anticipated Final Round, First Leg 2015 African Under-17 Championship qualifiers against their Gabonese counterparts.

The team flew out of Lome at 3:10 pm and arrived safely in Libreville at 4:40pm local time (same time with Nigeria) on Saturday after their earlier schedule was truncated on Friday when players and accompanying officials were pulled out of Libreville-bound ASKY Airline flight on the orders of the Gabonese authority over fears of Ebola Virus Disease.

It took the intervention of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following a letter of protest by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the poor treatment meted out to the Eaglets’ contingent by the Gabonese authorities to back down on their disingenuous decision which had actually started with late issuance of visa until Thursday.

Neymar’s double secures Barca win

B

arcelona made it three wins from three under new boss Luis Enrique as Neymar came off the bench to score twice in a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

The Brazilian had been left out of the starting line-up after his exertions in captaining his country for the first time in wins over Colombia and Ecuador in the past week, but made the difference in a tight contest when he slotted home from Lionel Messi’s pass 11 minutes from time.

And the two combined once more five minutes later as this time Messi breezed past three Athletic defenders before cutting the ball back for Neymar to sidefoot home.

Barca remain at the top of the table, five points clear of La Liga champions Atletico Madrid and six ahead of Real Madrid with both sides from the capital to face off at the Santiago Bernabeu later on Saturday.

Fresh from making his debut with Spain in a 5-1 thrashing of Macedonia on Monday, 19-yearold Munir El Haddadi once again started ahead of Neymar and was a constant threat despite not having his best day in front of goal.

Nwofor delighted with Belgium move

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igeria international, Uche Nwofor, confirmed that he has completed a deal with Lierse SK, keeping him at the Belgium outfit until the end of the current season.

The Super Eagle has sealed a one-year deal with Lierse after his contract with Dutch club VVVVenlo ended by mutual consent.

Nwofor spent last season on loan at SC Heerenveen.

However that spell in the top-

flight was blighted by injuries that limited his playing time. “I hope I can make a good contribution here at Lierse and help improve the club,” Nwofor said.

“It should be a great experience for me in the Belgian League so I am really looking forward to it.

The 22-year-old was part of Nigeria’s World Cup squad and played in their shock 3-2 home defeat by Congo in the African Cup of Nations qualifier last Sat-

urday.

Nwofor, who has scored three goals in six appearances for Nigeria, believes playing regularly in a top-tier European League will improve him as a player.

He added: “The Belgian league is competitive; it gives me a chance to get better and also make big progress in my career. I feel right now regular football is what I desire in my progression at a professional level.

Neymar scores against Bilbao

NEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

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SPORT Odegbami: The stupid struggle in NFF must stop

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Dimgba Igwe: Police must find his killer(s)

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he circumstances surrounding Dimgba Igwe’s death in the hands of a hit-and-run driver speak volumes about long-standing inadequacies in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Igwe, Vice-Chairman of the Sun Publishing Company Limited and one of Nigeria’s finest and brightest journalists, died last Saturday following injuries he sustained after he was hit by ‘ an unknown’ motorist as he jogged around his neighbourhood in the Okota area of Lagos. The death also raises fundamental questions for security operatives in the country about the safety of the innocent, law-abiding citizen even in his or her own neighbourhood.

I am told that the street where Igwe was killed is usually very busy in the morning. As early as 5 am, many residents are already out: while a good number of them, like the late Igwe and his buddy Mike Awoyinfa would be jogging, many others would be hurrying to work or their businesses. The oft-chaotic nature of the place is worsened by the fact that the streets in the entire neighborhood are inconceivably bad. So, given the deplorable conditions of those streets, could a motorist have sped and so conveniently hit and given Igwe such fatal injuries that brutally ended his eventful life, and completely disappeared without a trace? Indeed, if the man was speeding, wouldn’t there be enough bumpy signals, given the state of the road, to alert the founding deputy managing director of Sun that a mad man was after his life? These are some of the posers that beg for answers as journalism mourns the death of one of its Nigerian flag-bearers.

Recall what happened. On that fateful day, at about 6a.m, Dimgba, as he was fondly addressed, commenced his routine work-out exercises and was reportedly hit while jogging on an adjacent street in the Okota area of Lagos.

He was said to have sustained fatal injuries and was initially taken to a private hospital in Isolo, Lagos but when it became clear that the injuries sustained were beyond the capacity of the hospital, they transferred him to Isolo General Hospital. Unfortunately, there was no surgeon around to attend to him and he had to be moved to Lagos University Teaching Hospital where he died.

The manner of the death Pastor Igwe, a famous columnist, brings to the fore the decay and, in fact, the comatose state of our health care sector. With this death and its attendant consequences, Nigeria has again been reminded of her poor health care infrastructure and the danger it poses to the good health and well-being of citizens. In the same manner, it has brought to the fore the inadequacies in the system and lack of emergency facilities and preparedness to handle accident cases. It is unfathomable that a country like Nigeria with its oil wealth is still in the woods as far as health services are concerned. Igwe would have survived if medical attention was administered adequately and timely too.

It is really sad that this country has lost her very best in the journalism profession to poor healthcare services, so sad indeed! Just how

GUEST COLUMNIST Victoria Ibanga

Igwe many Nigerians have gone this? How many other compatriots have suffered such agonizing death , no thanks to the perennial inadequacies in the system and our lack of vigilance (some people could at least have caught that driver from hell as sped away rather than stay and help save his victim’s life)? It is better left to the imagination to figure this out.

And yet, we must further interrogate this u gly situation: yes, just how many Nigerians have gone the way of Igwe as a result of poor healthcare services, lackadaisical attitude of operators of clinics and hospitals, wrong diagno-

MAMA LASISI

ses and prescriptions and general ineptitude of medical professionals whose Hippocratic oath is to, first and foremost, save lives? That is the great, ugly paradox of our healthcare system.

Alhough the acting Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr. Suleiman Abba, shortly after the news filtered out, had ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the death of the late journalist, saying that the police would leave no stone unturned in their investigation towards unraveling the circumstances surrounding his death, it remains to be seen how effective and efficient the Nigeria Police could

be in bringing criminals like Igwe’s killer to book to answer for their bestiality. After all, journalists had died in the past under questionable circumstances—from Dele Giwa to Bagaudu Kaltho, Bayo Ohu to Godwin Agbroko, Abayomi Ogundeji to Chinedu Ofoaro--and the police are yet to crack the cases. Knowing the antecedents of the Nigeria Police and their penchant for dismissing apparent political assassinations as mere armed robbery attacks, it is only a thorough investigation and subsequent arrest of the killer-driver that would keep people’s minds at rest. Police’s excuses have proved in many cases to be a smokescreen to cover up their negligence of duty and inability to detect and prevent crimes.

Dimgba Igwe’s death came as the latest on the long list of prominent Nigerians killed in mysterious circumstances. In none of the cases have the real culprits been identified, arrested and prosecuted. The killings are a measure of insecurity in the land and failure to apprehend the killers a pointer to the inefficiency of the country’s security personnel. Unfortunately, that is the state of affairs in this country. In other climes, the killers would have been captured by security cameras for authenticity.

In the light of this, Nigerians demand that Igwe’s killers be identified, arrested and allowed to face the law of the land. Likewise, many other groups, including Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC ), and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), have called for a thorough investigation of the crimes to find the culprits and ascertain their motives behind their dastardly act. The police must as a matter of urgency speed up their investigation and without much delay, bring the culprits of this dastardly act to book. Nothing but an unbiased and thorough nose-on-the-ground investigation and proper interpretation of the motive behind the killing of Dimgba Igwe would be acceptable! Failure to do this is capable of eroding further people’s confidence in the police. We also appeal to all and sundry especially journalists to accept this as a challenge the task of assisting the police and other security agents to track down Igwe’s killers.

Dimgba was a man of integrity and principle. He stood out among his colleagues for his forthrightness, hard work and patriotism. He was a quintessential and consummate journalist, a prolific columnist, an author and a public commentator who acquainted himself in his chosen profession satisfactorily. The manner of his death is capable of sending wrong signals to his colleagues and dampening the morale in the fight against societal evils. The wound of his awful killing is unlikely to begin to heal, until his killers are arrested and their motive ascertained. If the real reason or intention of his killers was to intimidate other journalists, they have missed the point!

• Ibanga is a member of the Editorial Board of New Telegraph

“Dimgba was a man of integrity and principle.

He stood out among his colleagues for his forthrightness, hard work and patriotism” Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos.

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