Binder1 september 7, sunday, 2014

SUNDAY NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Vol. 1 No. 201

PH EXC A R G E L E T W E N

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Presidency to auction Yar’Adua’s ambulances

Anule Emmanuel

T Abuja

he Federal Government has put two ambulances purchased by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua on sale, over the high cost of fuelling and maintenance.

Yar’Adua had purchased 10 ambulances in 2008 for the State House Clinic but Sunday New Telegraph learnt that it was costing government a fortune to maintain and fuel them.

The ambulances were also used to convey Yar’Adua from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when he was flown back to the country from Saudi Arabia in February 2010.

They were also used to convey his body to his hometown in Katsina State when he died in May 2010.

Two of the special vans are abandoned in Lagos due to the challenges with maintaining them while buyers have so far failed to show up.

Confirming the development to our

correspondent in Abuja, Chief Medical Director of the State House Clinic and Chief Physician to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Fortune Fiberesima, told our correspondent that the 10 special Ford Ambulances were ordered from the United States and had been having maintenance issues.

“The ambulances use sulphur diesel which is expensive and hard to get against the type of diesel we use in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Jonathan, others mourn The Sun Vice-Chairman, Dimgba Igwe }2

John Shagaya

Confab, a grand deception ‘The government is trying to divert attention by buying time, so as to chart an unpredictable course for Nigeria’ Okadigbo taught me politics - Widow }28

Greedy founders, bane of Nigerian businesses

- Ecobank Chairman

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}26

Sanctity

of Truth

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NTWEE KEND ONLIN E AT www.n ewtelegrapho nline.com/bo dy&sou l

Boko Haram overruns Adamawa Acting Gov’s hometown }7

Ic maherish my thanrrgialitgze more gla a Darammouor-la Folukend Salako We sta ex-wiferted dating aft er his left - Fo

luke Dara mola Sa lako

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News

DIMGBA IGWE (1956 - 2014)

SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Hit-and-run driver kills The Sun’s Vice Chairman, Dimgba Igwe, in Lagos

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hit-and-run driver yesterday knocked down the Vice-Chairman of Sun Newspapers, Dimgba Igwe, as he was jogging near his home in Okota, Lagos.

The driver of the car immediately sped off after knocking down the highly respected journalist, biographer and clergyman.

Although he was rushed to St. Raphael Hospital, Ago Palace Way, before he was moved to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, for surgical emergency, he eventually died at 10am.

SUN Newspapers confirmed the death in a statement by its Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Femi Adesina.

The statement, which was titled ‘The Sun Vice-Chairman, Dimgba Igwe, dies at

58’, reads: “With heavy hearts, we announce the sad passage of Mr. Dimgba Igwe, Vice Chairman of The Sun Publishing Limited. He was aged 58.

Mr. Igwe passed on today around 10 a.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) of injuries suffered from a hit-and-run driver, as he jogged in his Okota, Lagos, neighborhood.

First aid was administered to him at St Raphael Hospital, Ago Palace Way, before he was moved to LASUTH for surgical emergency. He did not survive.

Chairman and Publisher of The Sun Newspapers, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, described the development as “tragic, shocking, and a dark day in the annals of journalism in Nigeria.

‘Dimgba Igwe was too

much of a gentleman, fine brain and mind to die tragically like this,” he added.

Igwe and Mike Awoyinfa added verve to Nigerian journalism when they set up Weekend Concord in 1989.

The duo pioneered The Sun Newspapers in 2003, with Awoyinfa as Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, and Igwe as Deputy Managing Director/Deputy Editor-inChief. Igwe was appointed Vice Chairman of the company last year.

A committed Christian, Igwe was Deputy General Overseer of Evangel Pentecostal Church, Okota, Lagos.

A prolific author and columnist, Igwe was a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. He is survived by a wife and four children.

Burial plans will be announced later.”

Dimgba

Jonathan, Kalu, Fashola, Amosun, Obi, others mourn

Anule Emmanuel and Murtala Ayinla

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has expressed shock over the death of the Vice Chairman of the Sun Newspapers.Mr. Dimgba Igwe.

The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, on behalf of his family and the Federal Government, extended heartfelt condolences to the publisher of The Sun newspapers, the Nigerian Guild of Editors and all friends and associates of the late senior journalist.

“President Jonathan believes that the late Mr. Igwe will always be remembered as a hardworking and dependable professional, who,

through his various writings as columnist, author and public speaker, demonstrated a special ability to convey the truth and his convictions in lucid, compelling prose, and in a style that was shorn of cant and foppery.

“As they mourn him, the President enjoins Mr. Igwe’s family, friends and associates to be consoled by the knowledge that he put his God-given abilities to the best possible use in a very purposeful life that was wholly devoted to the defence of truth and the public interest, as well as the promotion of the highest standards of his chosen profession of journalism.

“President Jonathan prays that God Almighty will grant them the fortitude to bear the loss of the very forthright journalist and media administrator, and also grant his soul, peaceful repose.”

Igwe’s death, my saddest day, says Kalu The Publisher and Chairman of The Sun Group of Newspapers and New Telegraph, Dr. Orji Kalu, has described the death of the Vice-Chairman of the media conglomerate, Mr. Dimgba Igwe, on Saturday, as the saddest day of his life.

In a statement issued by his media adviser, Mr. Ebere Wabara, Kalu, who is in London, said sorrowfully, in

He was a shining star - APC

a telephone conversation, that he was devastated by Igwe’s death.

“Igwe, apart from being my kinsman, was one of the founding pillars in the establishment of The Sun. He worked tirelessly with others to ensure the instant success story associated with our tabloid today. I will surely miss his professional advice, camaraderie and brotherliness,” Kalu said.

Igwe, a distinguished journalist and media manager, was knocked down in Lagos by a hit-and-run driver on Saturday morning while jogging in his neighbourhood.

Kalu enjoined God to strengthen his family and associates to bear this irreparable loss, pointing out that “journalism has just lost one of its brightest minds respected for analytical writings right from his National Concord days. This is indeed my saddest day.”

Igwe was the Deputy Managing Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Sun before becoming its vice-chairman.

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he All Progressives Congress yesterday condoled with the management and staff of The Sun Newspapers over the death the Vice-Chairman of The Sun Newspapers, Dimgba Igwe.

In a statement by its spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said that with his death, Nigerian journalism has lost a shining star.

The party also condoled with the family and friends of the late senior journalist and prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear their loss.

It expressed shock and sadness at the sudden death of such a vibrant, cerebral and wonderful person, who has been a constant star in the constellation of Nigerian journalism for decades, without compromising his personal and professional integrity.

APC called on the police to find and bring to justice the driver of the vehicle that knocked down Pastor Igwe while he was jogging

around his residence.

“Words are not enough to describe the huge loss, to his family, friends, profession and indeed our entire nation, that Igwe’s death represents. But we are sure the achievements he recorded in his lifetime will forever be a source of pride - and indeed a soothing balm - to all.

“May the good Lord grant repose to his soul and comfort those he left behind,” the party stated.

Mimiko: Dimgba’s death, colossal loss to pen profession

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has described the death of the Vice-Chairman and pioneer Deputy Managing Director of The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Dimgba Igwe, as “shocking, tragic and a colossal loss to the pen profession, the literary world and the Nigeria nation.”

Reacting to the news of the death of the Associate Publisher, Entertainment Express Newspaper, yesterday, the governor in a statement issued by the

Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, said the columnist of repute bestrode the journalism profession as a colossus, winning many professional awards and distinguishing himself as a worthy practitioner of the Fourth Estate.

According to him, the late journalist took his job as his passion and his passion as his job.

Mimiko expressed the condolences and sympathy of the people and government of Ondo State to the bereaved family, Publisher of The Sun Newspapers, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, the Management and entire staff of The Sun Newspapers and Entertainment Express.

He was a beacon of the media, says Ajimobi Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has commiserated with The Sun family and Nigerian journalists in general on the sudden death of the ViceChairman of the newspaper, Mr. Dimgba Igwe.

He made this known yesterday in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo.

According to the governor, the death of the veteran journalist was shocking and heart-rending.

“Igwe was one of the beacons of the journalism profession. He was one of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

News

PDP, Aregbesola trade words over court papers Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

O

sun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic

Party yesterday traded words over the governor’s alleged refusal to accept court papers from the governorship election petitions tribunal.

The party had in a statement by its state chairman,

Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, alleged that Aregbesola instructed his aides not to receive any paper from the tribunal on his behalf. The party further alleged that it was the latest in “a series of calculated attempts” by

the governor and his All Progressives Congress to undermine the tribunal process.

The statement reads in part, “Twice, the Assistant Sheriff, Election Petition Tribunal, Samotu Lateef

National Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance (apga), Chief Victor Umeh (l), receiving the “Man of the Decade” award from the former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife in Awka at a ceremony organised by students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Photo: NAN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

leading lights of the profession. That a man of peace like him could be visited by the violence of the road is one of the contradictions of life,” the governor said.

He recalled Igwe’s “deep, incisive and fluid” commentaries on the back page of The Sun and said that he had made remarkable contributions to the cause of journalism in Nigeria, stating that the country would miss him greatly.

The governor also recollected Igwe’s days at the National Concord and his contributions to the founding of the Sun which he and his friend, Mike Awoyinfa, pioneered, stating that the country would not forget him in a hurry.

While commiserating with the Publisher of The Sun, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, and The Sun family, Ajimobi urged them to take solace in what he called the uncommon intellectual strides of the late Igwe and take his death as an act of God. “He came to the world for the purpose of enriching journalism, discourses at the public sphere and he did this very remarkably. He left when the ovation was loudest. We should all bother less

A., visited the Abere Government House to effect the service of Notice of Petition, Forms TP 002 and 003 on the governor but met a brickwall because the security at the gate said there was a standing order not to receive any court process/ document.

“The APC lawyers who accepted the Notice of Petition have resorted to all manner of tricks to frustrate the smooth running of the tribunal. Despite the initial relief granted to both parties to inspect the electoral materials used for the August 9 gubernatorial election, APC has gone back to file a motion that Peoples Democratic Party should not be allowed to inspect the materials.

“The questions to ask APC are: Why is Ogbeni Aregbesola evading service if truly he won fair and square as he wants people to believe? Is there any underhand dealing that Ogbeni Aregbesola is afraid would come into the public glare once the tribunal commences?”

However, responding on behalf of the governor, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Mr. Bashiru Aji-

bola, accused the lawyers to the PDP and its governorship candidate, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, of ‘unprofessional’ conduct.

His words, “Our response is that the legal practitioners to Iyiola Omisore and the PDP are acting in an unprofessional manner, unbecoming of legal practitioners. It is despicable that they have decided to conduct the petition of their client on the pages of newspapers.

Even, law school students know that originating processes like a petition must be served personally.

“As I’m speaking with you now, the governor is out of town. He is currently in Ibadan attending the regional meeting of APC. Or did the PDP expect the governor to wait in his house to be expecting service from them and leave other government jobs undone?

“If the PDP lawyers are professionals and know what to do, they should stop conducting their case on the pages of newspapers and do what is right as professionals which they proffer to be.”

Ekweremadu, others mourn Dimgba Igwe

about him as he has fulfilled his destiny but bother more about what marks we are making in our various endeavours,” he said.

Ajimobi also urged the late Igwe’s family not to mourn the late journalist, stating that death is a necessary end that all would face at some point in the journey of life.

I’m devastated – Peter Obi A former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday said he was devastated by the death of Mr. Dimgba Igwe.

He recalled the last conversation he had with Igwe, who was bent on organising a forum for him to tell the young ones his experiences as the governor of Anambra State for leadership lessons therein. Obi noted Nigeria had lost one of its most resourceful journalists.

Obi, who said he had already called to commiserate with the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adesina, on the incident, prayed to God for the repose of Igwe’s soul.

It’s a sad loss to

journalism, literary world - Fashola Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday expressed shock and sadness at the sudden death of veteran journalist, columnist and Vice-Chairman of The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Dimgba Igwe.

In a condolence message to the widow of the late journalist, who had also once served as the Deputy Managing Director and Deputy Editor-in- Chief of The Sun Newspapers, the governor said the death was a sad loss to the journalism profession in particular and the literary world in general.

Describing the late Igwe as a trail blazer, who along with his age-long friend and partner, Mike Awoyinfa, pioneered a refreshing brand of newspapering with the Weekend Concord, the governor recalled the vibrancy which the late Igwe brought into journalism with his inimitable writing style and comments on contemporary issues as well as the stimulating biographies which he authored.

According to the governor, he had the opportunity

to further observe Igwe as a perceptive professional on the occasions he met with him and his colleague, in the course of an ongoing book project.

While condoling with the entire Sun Newspapers family, he beseeched God to grant the widow and the relatives left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss while praying for the repose of the soul of the departed journalist.

Amosun mourns, commiserates with Sun Newspapers

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has expressed deep shock at the news of the demise of front line journalist and Vice-Chairman of The Sun Publishing Company Limited, Mr Dimgba Igwe.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun said he is saddened by the news of the sudden death of the veteran journalist, describing it as a big loss to journalism in particular and the media industry in general.

“Dimgba Igwe was a cere-

bral and fearless Journalist, prolific writer and renowned media administrator, who was well respected in his profession. I recall the last time I saw him and Mike Awoyinfa, when they came to interview me. I feel so sad that such a thoroughbred journalist, who still had so much to give to the journalism profession and indeed the development of our country died in his prime,” the governor said.

Amosun commiserated with the family of the deceased, management and staff of The Sun Publishing Company Limited, and the media industry in Nigeria on the demise of the front line journalist.

He prayed to the almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He was a great journalist - Ekweremadu The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has expressed shock and deep sorrows over the death of the Vice Chairman of the Sun Publishing Limited, Pastor Dimgba Igwe, who died yesterday.

Senator Ekweremadu who described late Igwe as a “quintessential journalist”, said the death was a “typical thunderbolt from a blue, serene, sky”.

He said: “I am short of words to describe this sad event. Sometimes, life could

be cruel beyond measure, and this is one of such instances. It is a grievous loss to not only the Sun Publishing family, but our media industry and the nation as a whole.

“Pastor Dimgba was one of the finest hands in the nation’s media industry. Besides leaving footprints of excellence on many of the nation’s leading media houses, including the Sun Publishing Limited, his regular column, “Sideview” was a prototype of excellence and professionalism. He was a flawless writer, a compelling analyst, and God-fearing media guru. He told the truth, as he knew it, in a sermon-like manner that held his readers addicted and spellbound. He will be highly missed.”, he lamented.

In a statement circulated by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, the Deputy Senate boss expressed heartfelt condolences to the late journalist’s household, the Sun Publishing Limited family, and the entire Nigerian media industry. He also prayed God to grant the soul of late Dimgba a peaceful repose.

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Moments

SEPTEMBER 07, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Onyinye Linda Chukwuma, daughter of the Chairman, Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma got married to Emeka Kizito Onwugbenu, son of the Chairman, Louis Carter Industries, Chief Louis Onwugbenu, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Victoria Island, Lagos on August 30, 2014. Here are some of the faces at the reception which held at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos‌ PHOTOS: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

L-R: Parents of the bride, Chief and Mrs. Innocent Chukwuma; couple, Mr. and Mrs. Emeka Kizito Onwugbenu; parents of the groom, Chief and Mrs. Louis Onwugbenu

L-R; Godfrey Anaeto; Nonye Anaeto and Ruchan Beta

L-R: Senator Ayogu Eze; Chief Dan Ulasi; Prof. Ifeoma Ulasi and Dr. Tony Okom

R-L: Mr. and Mrs. Donatus Akachukwu and Chief Dan Uchendu

R-L: Dr. Chika Okafor; Mr. and Mrs. Nnamdi Okonkwo

Lady Ngozi Ibewuike (left) and Mrs Chinwe Onuorah

L-R: Chief Gabros Chukwuma; Chief JC Makata and Mr. Echezona Etiaba

L-R: Sir Emma Emechebe; Lady Nkiru Emechebe and Sir Joewhite Onyejepu

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 07, 2014

Moments

Faces at the installation of Senator Anthony Adefuye, FNSE as the Sobaloju of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade at Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State

L-R: Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; Elder Statesman, Senator Dr. Femi Okurounmu; former Chief of General Staff, Lt. General Oladipo Diya (rtd)

R-L: The newly installed Sobaloju of the Source, Senator Anthony Adefuye; Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade and Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji

L-R: Asst. Secretary, Yoruba Unity Forum, Chief Samuel Adelana; Sobaloju of the Source; the Secretary General of the Forum and the Assistant Chairman, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu (Rtd)

Yetunde Liyele (right) and her relations

L-R: Head Research and Development, PZ Cussons Plc, Mr. Peter Strock; Managing Director, PZ Cussons Plc, Mr. Alex Goma; Public Relations Officers, Da Viva, Mrs. Carol Arhere and Marketing Manager, PZ Cussons Plc, Mr. Roy Ekekwe, during the Canoe detergent media launch in Lagos...on Thursday

PDP Rivers State Governorship Aspirant, Prince Tonye Princewill (right) and Chairman, MIOT Hospitals, Mrs. Mallik Mohandas, during Princewill’s visit to the MIOT hospital, in India...recently

The on-going Project Fame season 7 contestant in a group performance

R-L: (sitted) General Overseer, Pastor Mike Onyeka; Rev M.C Ewhere and other ministers of Victorious People Assembly Int’l Inc.

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News

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Chijioke Iremeka gainst the backdrop of attempts by the Ogun State Government to revive the abandoned multibillion naira cargo airport project inherited from the previous administration, one of the contractors has expressed willingness to produce the papers for the contract.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun had told a team of editors in an interview recently that although his administration was desirous of resuscitating the project, it was unable to find the necessary documents.

Amosun had said, “When the project was conceptualised in 2004, the Expected Date of Delivery was to be December 6, 2006. The people of Ogun State were happy that we are about to get to Eldorado. But by the time the former governor left office in 2011 nothing was done and billions of naira had been supposedly committed to the project. I want to revisit the project and continue with it but we can’t even see the plan they have for it.

“We can’t see anything on the ground and they even left debt on it. Ituah Ighodalo is one of those we are still owing some money over the project. Some people have even dragged us to court over the debt arising from the project. They obtained injunctions that nothing must be done until the case is dispensed with.

“But the good news is we have a plan for a cargo airport in the state. In the 1940s, there was the Second World War and there was an airstrip in Alamala Army barrack which was used by our colonial masters. The place is already revived and fenced with some preliminary work already done by the Federal Government on it. My predecessor knew of this airstrip but looked the other way.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Ogun cargo airport: I’m ready to produce project papers - Ighodalo “The beauty is that the cargo airport will still go ahead.

But you cannot say you are doing an airport when there is no road. The road that leads to the airport is one of the roads Papa Obafemi Awolowo constructed.

It’s in a very bad state. The Federal Government is actually working on one cargo airport in Wasinmi and they should have completed it really but I don’t know why they have not because money was voted for it yearly.”

Reacting to the governor’s claims, the Managing Partner, Ighodalo and Associates, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, said he was ready to present the documents to government on demand.

Ighodalo noted that the project was conceptualised in 2004 by Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration, under a Public Private Partnership initiative. He said it was patterned alongside certain airports in Dubai and the United States.

Speaking on the reasons for the stoppage of work at the site, he said, “Nothing actually happened. We did our best on that project but somewhere along the line, it didn’t go on again. I don’t really know what happened, maybe there was no money or resources to complete it.

Yes, we are being owed certain amount of money, but it’s okay. It’s one of those things one encounters in business. But I must say, it was a very good project that had a lot of prospects.”

He continued: “The governor has called me to discuss the project. Yes, I still have some documents that give an overview of the project. But in an event that the governor can’t find the

Yar’Adua’s ambulances

Ford model.

Only these two ambulances are currently in use for presidential movement.

The CMD insisted that the clinic had been using Peugeot brand of ambulances which were bought a long time ago.

On the issue of equipment for the clinic, Fiberesima said in the last two years, only one MRI machine was purchased by its management.

“This MRI is one of the best in the country,” he noted.

town where you have a lot of air training facilities and equipment. The town will harbour a number of cargo companies and hangers for aircraft repairs, among others. The airport town is patterned alongside some airports in Dubai and the United States.

“It was a great project in a good location because Sagamu is strategic to Lagos and Ogun states in terms of business. The light train is supposed to pass through the axis. It was designed to have an agricultural hub so that their agricultural produce would be airlifted to various parts of the world.

This would be a distribution centre for the goods.

“The runway alone could cost between N3 billion and N4billion, depending on the size, though. Then, we talk about infrastructure involved. We have a big team working on the project. We have a number of consultants, handling the project and we are going to involve cargo training companies and airlines.

“The government has good intentions for that project. I just think that money was the problem. The project was meant to have ended within three years if not for the abandonment. It was a

good economic developmental project. The Phase 1 was supposed to construct the runway, about two terminals, two or three big cargo warehouses, including a cold storage warehouse.

“The Phase 2 was to do the airport town that would bring in all the private companies, courier service companies, cargo companies, airline training companies and hangars, among others.

Like I said, I have no problem with any government; they are all my friends, both the past and present. It’s one of those things that come with business,” Ighodalo quipped.

L-R: Sultan Of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III; Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa; and Vice President Namadi Sambo, arriving Dutse International Airport to Inaugurate 2014 Hajj in Dutse yesterday. Photo: Nan

Bishop hails Obi for investment in education

Nigeria’s poor gas supply forces Ghana to shed 200MW

he Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Paulinus Ezeokafor, has expressed joy at the consistent top performance of Anambra State in national examinations since the handover of schools to the mission by the former administration of Peter Obi. The education reforms embarked upon by Anambra State in the last couple of years have continued to yield fruit as schools in the state again emerged the overall best in the 2014 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), a repeat of the feat recorded in the last two years.

Commenting on this in Awka, Ezeokafor said the return of schools to the mission by the immediate past administration of Peter Obi was responsible. He said that

Bayo Akomolafe

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

country. We can’t afford it,” Fiberesima said.

According to the CMD, it costs the clinic N1 million to service each ambulance, noting that two of the Ford ambulances had long since been abandoned in Lagos because they could not be fixed.

Fiberesima also explained that because of the maintenance problem, the management of the clinic had since put the ambulances on auction but had yet to get buyers.

“The Ford ambulances have already been out for auction but no one is coming forward to buy,” he stated.

He said because the presidential convoy cannot move without an ambulance, the State House in 2012 purchased two new Mercedes ambulances to replace the

government’s records, I can provide mine, if I’m asked to. We have discussed and he said he was going to get back to me. I’m sure he is on it and will get back to me when he is fully ready.”

On the scope of the project, he said that the time it was conceived, it was designed to be a cargo airport situated between Sagamu and IperuIlishan Road.

He recalled that “a good and fantastic location” was secured for the project because the spot is the meeting point of both the roads and air.

He said, “Not only that, it was meant to be an airport

regime’s huge investment in the education sector had transformed it by providing an enabling environment for learning and making students to become more serious.

“We thank God that then return of schools to the mission is doing wonders. It will and I urge the present government to take it up.

I’m very happy for Obi. The present government should continue and do more. The situation is good now and things are working. There is nothing like miracle here; it is a result of good planning,” Ezeokafor said.

The official WAEC result made available to the media showed that Anambra State which polled 65.92 per cent, beat Abia State, 58.52 per cent and Edo State, 57.82% to the first position.

G

hana is battling with inadequate electricity supply to major towns and villages in its northern part in the last few months over poor gas supply by Nigeria.

It was learnt that the country had been forced to shed 200 megawatts last week due to damage to a major gas pipeline from Nigeria.

According to the country’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the current nationwide load shedding exercise is coupled with maintenance works on the country’s power plants, low levels of water in the Akosombo and Bui dams.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) had earlier said it has intensified its load shedding exercise

in the southern part of the country.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the ECG William Boateng, some 200 megawatts of power was shed on August 28, the highest in awhile following power generation challenges.

According to Citi Business report, the Communications Consultant to the Energy Ministry, Edward Bawa, said the load shedding situation started some two weeks ago.

“We have a curtailment of gas supplies from Nigeria because the pipeline has been destroyed at one point,” he stressed.

Hydro power constitutes about 50 per cent of Ghana’s power generation mix and the water levels in Akosombo and Bui are very low.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 07, 2014

News

Panic in Asaba, Eku over Ebola

Joe Obende, Warri and Etaghene Edirin

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here was panic yesterday in Eku and its environs in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State over a reported death suspected to have been caused by Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Former Baptist Specialist Hospital, Eku, now Government Hospital, is one of the three designated

...Cause of death was diabetes, not Ebola - govt isolation centres by the state government for the study and treatment of cases of persons presenting EVD symptoms.

But the state government, in a swift reaction, debunked the EVD rumour, allaying the fears of the public. It explained that the case at Eku was acute diabetes.

Independent sources told

Sunday New Telegraph that a patient, whose identity was not disclosed as at the time of filing this report, who was admitted in the hospital in the early hours of Saturday, collapsed and died.

The nature of death and the fact that blood stains were seen on the patient’s body even though she was not known to have been

involved in any other form of accident, as well as the fact that she was brought in from Port Harcourt, gave rise to the fears that she might have died of the dreaded EVD. A community source, Comrade Jimitota Onoyume, who spoke to newsmen on phone, confirmed the panic in the communities but added

L-R: Former Anambra State Governor, Senator Chris Ngige; Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola and his Edo State counterpart, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, during the 75th Birthday of Chief Odigie-Oyegun in Benin, Edo State…yesterday

Boko Haram take over Adamawa acting governor’s home town Ibrahim Abdul,Yola

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ust days after Boko Haram took Bama, Borno State’s second-largest city, reports again have it that the towns of Gulak, Duhu,Shuwa,Kirshinga the home town of Adamawa State acting Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and other border towns have fallen to Boko Haram insurgents.

Gulak, Kirshinga and Duhu are neighboring towns close to Madagali, which was also taken by Boko Haram a few weeks ago.

Reports say that Nigerian troops from Task Force Mike, who were drawn from the Special Operation Battalion and the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army

CHANGE OF NAME ADUNNI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Peace Adunni Lawal, now wish to be known as Mrs Adunni Dosumu. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note

in Jos, fled the area after the militants overran Gulak administrative headquarters of Madagali on Friday’s night.

Sources said that the insurgents must have used the personal residents of the acting governor and that of the former special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on political matters Barr. Ahmad Ali Gulak as there camps. ‘’They are in control of everywhere, so they might use personal residents of Ahmad Ali Gulak,and that of Fintiri as recruitment centres,’’ said sources.

A fleeing residents Micheal Kirshinga said that, ‘’in their latest bid to capture more territories, the insurgents have launched attack on various military formations in Gulak and its environs.’’

He further said that the insurgents told the people not to panic or run , as they told them that they were not after them but were after Nigerian soldiers drafted to secure the area. ‘’They assured that they will not attack us,but people

begun to scamper for their lives despite assurances by the insurgents, some of us have fled for the fear that after subduing the soldiers, the insurgents will turn their barrels on us as it used to be,’’ said he.

Also corroborating the report, an indigene of the area, Dr Umar Duhu said the insurgents stormed the area in many Toyota Hilux vans around 5:30pm with sophisticated weapons and headed towards the military checkpoints were a gun duel ensued.

“Right now, (Friday night), the insurgents hold sway in the towns as the soldiers took a retreat and we learnt that hoist their flags on the roads. ‘’Already seven civilians were feared killed, the insurgents could be seen patrolling the town freely,’’ said Duhu.

However, military sources said the soldiers, who number about 300, withdrew to their base in Mubi, Adamawa State as the closing in on Gulak having gained control of the stretch between Gwo-

za in Borno State and Madagali in Adamawa State.

Gulak, which fell to Boko Haram militants Friday night, had been previously chosen by Nigeria’s security forces as a base for retaking Madagali from the militants.

that normalcy had returned following the swift move by the government to douse the rumour.

According to him, the deceased, who had a Port Harcourt history, was taken to her community for traditional care, but was rushed to the hospital when her condition deteriorated.

“To the best of my knowledge, there is no Ebola case in Eku. Although I don’t work for the hospital, I heard that a lady was brought in, she slumped and died and they saw traces of blood on her. That is how the news went viral. You know that the hospital is one of those designated as an isolation centre. She might have died of hypertension or whatever.

“There is tension in the community, even as far as Okpara down to Abraka.

I learnt that they have taken blood sample of the deceased for tests, just because of the way the people have been reacting”, he said.

Also, the state Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah, debunked the EVD rumour, explaining that the deceased died of diabetes.

According to him, he had spoken with his colleague, the Health Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Otumara, who told him that the deceased had a known case of diabetes. He added that a recent social media prank, which advised people to drink salt water to avert Ebola had worsened her case.

“It is not true, there is no Ebola. The lady had diabetes and she was a known case at the hospital, so they brought her in from Port Harcourt. I think around the time they asked people to drink salt water and all

that, she also took it and that worsened her situation. So, there is no Ebola case in Eku or Delta,” Ogeah maintained.

In another development, a female patient suspected to have been infected with the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been certified free after undergoing series of tests at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba, Delta State.

The woman who arrived from Lagos Thursday checked into the FMC, seeking medical attention. While waiting to be attended to by the medical personnel, the subject presented some symptons that elicited suspicions of a probable Ebola disease.

According to a statement

by Ogeah, the subject was isolated while samples of her blood were tested for Ebola. But on the next day, the result turned out negative to Ebola Virus Disease.

He stated that the patient has since been admitted into FMC Asaba and is receiving treatment for the other ailments that were diagnosed.

Ogeah assures Deltans and all residents of the State that the state remains Ebola-free while the InterMinisterial Ebola Virus Outbreak Preparedness and Response Committee is working round the clock to monitor and evaluate every suspected case.

“While we encourage every resident to remain vigilant, care must be taken not to engage in wild speculations that trigger panic among the people. Rather than engage in uninformed speculations, anybody concerned about his or her observations should contact the committee on the dedicated lines provided by government,” he said.

2015: Anambra North tips Oduah against Okadigbo Tony Okafor Awka

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takeholders in Anambra North Senatorial district have endorsed former Minister of Aviation, Princes Stella Oduah, to replace Senator Margery Okadigbo in the Senate in the district next year’s National Assembly election.

At a discourse organised by the Anambra North Development Forum held in Onitsha, participants said that though the people of the zone had produced the governor of the state after many years of denial of such opportunity, would need ef-

fective representation at the Senate so as to drive home the impact of governance to them.

In a discourse entitled “True Representation as a Catalyst for Anambra North Renaissance,” the discussants said after the demise late former Senate President, Chuba Okadigbo, the zone had not had a vibrant and charismatic senator.

They maintained that Princess Stella Oduah is be the right person to drive the vision of the people of the zone in the National Assembly, adding that they would send a delegation to her to prevail on her to run

for Senate The occasion was moderated by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Okwudili Uzoka while the discussants were Dr. Alex Obiogbolu; Chief Basil Ejidike; Chief Frank Oramulu and Prof. Azubike Uzoka Others are: Barr. Pat Okafor; Akunwata Modebe; Chief Romanus Mocha; Hon. Ifeoma Ekwenchi, Hon. Don Onochie among others were unanimous in saying that the zone at current required “a Senator who is articulate, intelligent, focused and with an excellent portfolio of achievements especially in public service.”

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

News

Ebola: FG takes delivery of vehicles for border control

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Appolonia Adeyemi s part of efforts to contain the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country, the Federal Government is set to deploy vehicles and motorcycles in the nation’s borders for survelance activities.

Consequently, Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Enugu and Sokoto have been listed as

the first set of states that will receive some of the 22 vehicles including 17 Hilux vans and five Hiace ambulances as well as 32 motorcycles which the Federal Government took delivery of this week.

Director of Port Health Department in Lagos, a division of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Morenike Alex-Okoh, who took delivery of the vehicles from Elizade Nigeria

Limited, said the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), procured the vehicles and motorcycles to facilitate the containment of the EVD in the country.

Alex-Okoh said: “The purpose of this procurement is to facilitate the containment of the Ebola Virus. Since the outbreak of the virus in Nigeria in 2014, the Federal Government has taken various

steps to contain it and this is just an added measure by providing these vehicles to scale up activities that would facilitate the logistics for the containment of the outbreak.

“So, today, we have five ambulances, 32 Suzuki motorcycles and 17 Toyota Hylux vehicles. These are for nationwide distributions - some for Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Enugu and Sokoto.” Adding, that basi-

cally, they are to be used at international airports, sea ports and land borders for surveillance activities and other activities related to the containment of the EVD outbreak.

Since the importation of the EVD into Nigeria by an American Liberian, late Mr. Patrick Sawyer in July, there has been advocacy to heighten surveillance at the borders to check access of those infected with

the virus, who might pose a risk to public health.

Although, with the procurement of vehicles and planned distribution, the Federal Government is rising to the responsibility of policing the borders. It is not clear at press time if this investment is made from the N1.9 billion Ebola emergency fund which the Federal Government earmarked to address the health emergency.

2015: Imo PDP leaders meet over Araraume

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group of leaders of the People Democratic Party (PDP) from the three Senatorial Districts in Imo State has met to work out strategies on how to ensure that Senator Ifeanyi Araraume emerges the candidate of the Party for the 2015 governorship election.

The leaders, who met in Owerri, the Imo State capital, comprised former commissioners, local government chairmen, former Senators, members of the House of Representatives and some current members of the Imo State House of Assembly.

A source at the meeting L-R: Immediate Past President, Rotary Club of Ogba, District 9110, Nigeria, Mr. Samson Omodara; his wife, Grace; President, Mr. Emmanuel Obinna Eze and his wife, Helen, during the 32nd Installation of Eze in Lagos…yesterday.

said that the leaders chose to work for Araraume PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

following findings that Araraume stood the best chance to win the main election for the PDP. The source also said group, Regeneration the South and most espe- by INEC in arriving at state House of Assembly.

Group, has faulted cially the south east geo- the ratio of 22000 to 8000 The group urged the dep- that only Araraume had the recent creation of political zone since the last polling units for the north uty governor to be alive to the structure and forces the additional polling units general elections in 2011, and south respectively. It his responsibilities by re- to confront the Imo State by the Independent Nation- before embarking on the therefore calls on INEC to leasing his wealth of expe- Governor, Chief Rochas al Electoral Commissions skewed sharing formular. quickly rethink this totally rience and political sagacity Okorocha in a serious po(INEC) in the geo-political The group believes that imbalanced, inequitable and to further raise the bar in litical contest.

Former Political Adviser to zones of the country. the social upheaval in some unjustifiable sharing formu- the development-oriented The electoral body had parts of the north which lar to avoid unnecessary administration of Gov. Sul- former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, Hon. Jasper Ndubuaku penultimate week, an- has necessitated the mi- political tension as the 2015 livan Chime. nounced the creation of gration of Nigerians down general elections approach,” The group also com- who spoke on the meeting mended the government disclosed that the PDP leadadditional 30,000 polling south and particularly to the communiqué read. units across the 36 states of the south east in the last 2 In a related development, of Enugu State under the ers in Imo were almost aryears clearly rationalizes the group commended the leadership of Barr. Sulli- riving at the conclusion that the federation and Abuja.

The group, in a communi- the fact that more polling appointment of Mr. Ralph van Chime for the prompt the only “thing” the party qué on the state of the na- units be allocated to the Nwoye as the new deputy nomination and swearing would do to win the 2015 tion signed by its National south east in order not to governor of Enugu State, in of Rev. Raphael Nwoye governorship election was Coordinator, Mr. Hilary disenfranchise millions of noting that the beauty of de- as the deputy governor folOgili, lamented the failure Nigerians who have since mocracy lies in its dynamic lowing the impeachment of INEC to critically ap- settled there and continued capacity to re-invent itself of Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi praise the social and demo- with their lives. through the instrumental- by the State House of Asgraphic imperatives of the “Regeneration Group ity of the popular will as ex- sembly on Tuesday 26th Tony Okafor various zones particularly queries the criteria used pressed by members of the August, 2014.

Group disagrees with INEC, hails appointment of Chime’s deputy

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to give Araraume the governorship ticket of the party.

He further stated that since PDP was in opposition in Imo State, the party must use its best and strongest Candidate. He noted that Araraume was the only “Magic wand” available to the PDP if it wished to win Imo State. Asked why he abandoned Chief Ohakim, his former boss who is also running for the governorship, Hon. Ndubuaku said that even though he was Ohakim’s Political Adviser, he had seen that Araraume possessed the structure in the 305 wards in Imo State to wrest power from Okorocha. Ndubuaku who was a two-time member of the Imo State House of Assembly said that “what PDP needs in Imo State is Victory, not sentiments”.

Director of Publicity for Araraume Campaign Organisation, Dr. James Okoroma, said he was aware of the move to see if there could be a consensus in order to avoid rancor in the primaries.

He expressed the view that Araraume was equipped for any political contest, adding that Araraume would have been governor in 2007 but for the injustice he suffered when he was denied the ticket after winning the primaries.

Seven LGs adopt Umeh for Senate

Awka

Tambuwal in Ibadan, condoles Ladoja over mother’s death Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

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peaker of House of Representatives, Mallam Aminu Tambuwal, over the weekend paid Senator Rashidi Ladoja a condolence visit over the death of his mother, Alhaja Alimat Ladoja, who passed on 10 days ago aged 94.

Tambuwal who was in Ladoja’s Ondo Road residence, Bodija, Ibadan in company of House Member, Hon. Saheed Fijabi described Ladoja as a great leader and extolled

the legacy of the deceased.

“I would have been here since yesterday, but I had to travel to Kano to condole Magaji Aliyu Dambata. We thank God that as a Muslim and as our leader also knows, death is an inevitable occurrence that everyone of us must experience.

But we thank God that our mother lived a very good life and left many legacies.

One of them is our leader here who is a formidable leader in Oyo politics.

“May Allah grant our mother Aljanah Fidraus.

On behalf of all members

of the House of Representatives, I pray Allah will grant our leader and his family the fortitude to bear the loss, and for God to continue to be with them.”

In his response, the Accord party leader, Ladoja, thanked Tambuwal and his entourage for the visit.

He disclosed that many dignitaries graced the Eight-day Fidau and described Tambuwal as his senior considering the circumstances as he lost your father many years back.

Tambuwal registered his condolence message

in the register and wrote: “Inna Lillah wa inna ilahi rajiun, we thank Allah for a life well spent. May Allah (SWT) continue to strengthen our leader and members of his family.

May He grant her Jainat Fridaus.”

Also present to receive the Speaker were chieftains of the Accord Party which included Mr Bayo Lawal, Chief Dele Adigun, Dr. Nureni Adeniran and the former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abraham Adeleke , among others.

T

he seven local government areas that make up Anambra Central senatorial district have adopted Chief Victor Umeh, the national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as their preferred senatorial candidate in the 2015 elections.

The constituents declared the adoption at a reception organised for him by ‘Friends of Victor Umeh’, in Neni, Anaocha Local Government area to appreciate Umeh’s heed to contest the position.

The chairman of the event, Mr. Charles Ezeani, said the support had become imperative because

they believed in the vibrancy and leadership ingenuity of Umeh.

Ezeani who described Umeh as a fearless and upright politician said APGA had remained a formidable party under his leadership.

He said: “Today as you can see, the people of Anambra Central have gathered to adopt Sir Victor Umeh to go for the senate, he is most qualified because he is worthy and bold to speak in the interest of his people.

“From what Victor did at the national conference, we are so sure that he will not only represent the zone well, but the state and entire country, again he had led APGA well and held it together”, he said.

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SUNDAY, September 7, 2014

Scholarship lifeline for Chibok female escapees

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ew days after the United Nations disclosed plans to rehabilitate the 15 Chibok schoolgirls who escaped from Boko Haram captivity, the girls have also gained admission at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Adamawa State. The 15 students are just a minute number of the 276 students who were abducted four months ago, precisely on April 14, from the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. To encourage the escapee students not to quit on education and all it offers, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in collaboration with other yet-to-be identified individuals, facilitated the scholarship in the elite school, which was established in 2005.

This is a right step in the right direction, and those behind this kind gesture should be commended for putting their resources to good use. There is no doubt that these Chibok school girls deserve special attention because of the excruciating ordeal and traumatic experience they went through as well as the concomitant effects of all these. They need to be properly rehabilitated and managing them could very delicate.

However because of the stigmatisation associated with their abduction, they need to be taken away from their present community so as not to over expose them because of derision. Perhaps they can be sent overseas to the foreign partners of the AAU. It is important to point out that these 15 girls are part of those that escaped from their abductors; hence,

this kind gesture should be extended to the rest of them in terms of scholarships, skills acquisition, vocational studies and even setting up small business, as well as counselling and rehabilitation. These girls should not be abandoned to their fate.

For the umpteenth time, it is imperative to underscore the fact that the remaining Chibok girls in the Sambisa forest should be rescued immediately without any further delay. Already the Nigerian state has failed these girls in all ramifications and it is time for government to act decisively in this regard instead of papering over very serious issues such as this.

The Chibok school girls that were horrendously taken away by the Boko Haram insurgents is a very sad experience that the country will never want to go through again. However, it is imperative to underscore the fact that, there was no swift

The scholarships given to these girls are indeed a ray of light and hope, in the midst of darkness that surrounds these abducted Chibok girls. It has helped to remind us as a people once again that there were some innocent girls in captivity that needed to be rescued as soon as possible.

response by the Nigerian government to get the abducted Chibok School girls back to the country and to their parents.

The Federal Government and Borno State government gave different accounts of how the girls were kidnapped, and both governments traded blame, with obvious communication breakdown.

But the manner in which the girls were kidnapped in several buses and trucks without any security interception is really very disturbing and worrisome. This is accentuated by the assertion by Amnesty International that the military had been tipped off about the abduction but they failed to act, and points to a glaring egregious error that cannot be explained away under any guise.

Instead of getting to the brass tack of rescuing the girls, government was more concerned about the politics of self-preservation. Initially, government treated the kidnap saga with kid-gloves thinking it was a façade, but the general public outcry and demonstrations across the country and beyond, even by very prominent people in the society made the government to come to the realisation that it gaffed and had made a strategic miscalculation. To this end, it seemed willing to take speedy steps to turn the situation around. The point of departure in this regard was the acceptance of global assistance not only to help rescue the abducted school girls, but also to fight terror in the country. The management of the Chibok school girls’ abduction which has now attracted global attention and outrage is a bad advertise-

ment of the country, in terms of how the government cherishes and caters for her citizens.

Each time the insurgents strike killing hundreds of people, government officials come talk tough and promise the people that the culprits will be apprehended, and that such dastardly acts will not occur in the country again. Yet, the same mindless acts are repeated over and over again. At this, the people are fed up and thoroughly frustrated. This is compounded by the fact that several countries are now issuing travel warnings to their citizens; steadily Nigeria is being classified as “one of the axis of evil” and the international community may label Nigeria as a pariah country.

But the scholarships given to these girls are indeed a ray of light and hope, in the midst of darkness that surrounds these abducted Chibok girls. It has helped to remind us as a people once again that there were some innocent girls in captivity that needed to be rescued as soon as possible. It is very sad that apart from the BringBack Our Girls group, people and government have generally forgotten about the plight of these girls and have unfortunately moved on as it were.

The point is that there should be better involvement of government, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, House Committee on Women Affairs, Women Development Centre and other wellmeaning NGOs in this crucial subject matter. Government should not allow the disturbing issue to nose-dive further, after all a stitch in time saves all.

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10

SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

OPINION Ogun: Between noise and development

Soyombo Opeyemi

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n a free and fair electoral contest, all the politicians that have now made destructive criticism their stock-in-trade will be taken to the cleaners by Senator Ibikunle Amosun (SIA). I repeat, if the 2015 poll is open, free and fair, Amosun will defeat these noise-makers in their own wards. Most of them will even lose their polling booths to Amosun. I challenge any of these politicians to an electoral contest in their own wards today; their humiliation will be resounding and rout complete in the number of votes Amosun will garner. In Ogun Central, East or West, Amosun will secure a landslide victory. The art of disinformation and negative portrayal of the governor will not earn them a single vote.

I am appalled and galled by the amount of calculated lies being dished out to the public by those politicians that cannot even beat Amosun in their own polling booths.

What they do not know is that Senator Ibikunle Amosun is a grass roots politician par excellence. I do not yet know in the current Ogun of a politician that has what may be described as fanatical support of the masses than SIA. Perhaps, they do not know. Amosun is not the type of politician that usually announces his visit to any part of the state. He tours the nooks and crannies of Ogun regularly, and the spontaneous affection that is displayed towards the governor is unprecedented. I only recall such during the era of the Action Group and Unity Party of Nigeria. So, the noise in the newspapers by these purveyors of mendacity will not help them.

By the grace of the Almighty and votes of the overwhelming majority of the people of Ogun

who pray for the governor day and night and appreciate his selfless sacrifice to this state, Amosun will secure a landslide in the 2015 elections.

I have heard this story again and again. There was a man so close to Amosun. In fact, SIA was said to be at his beck and call. But due to the hurdles thrown in the way of Amosun in his bid to become the governor of Ogun State since 2007 by the then power-mongers, he abandoned SIA during his most trying moments.

He believed Amosun would never become the governor. But Amosun eventually became the governor of Ogun State. Ordinarily, he should not forgive such a man. But to the shock and consternation of many, Amosun forgave the man and brought him into the fold. He was not the only one so treated. As Amosun usually says, “We are humans; we are not God; if God has done this for us, who then are we?”

Amosun also accepts correction, once, like any human being, he makes mistakes. His often-quoted remark is: “He that cannot be counselled cannot be saved.” I can hardly recall a time when Amosun refused to hold the weekly meeting of the State Executive Council. In fact, he regards it as an article of faith.

He firmly believes that two heads are better than one. Sometimes, he holds the meeting twice weekly or even three times if a situation demands it. You also need to see the governor how he treats elders – utmost respect is the watchword; the quintessential Yoruba man.

He’s a man of peace and will continue to seek reconciliation with all as far as it is in the interest of the good people of Ogun State.

Amosun is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. That means financial prudence is his watchword. Like Chief

Obafemi Awolowo, he is obsessed with getting value for money. Human kindness flows in the heart. Most often in the rural areas, the governor will ask his convoy to stop so he can speak with a farmer or market woman. On countless times, he would buy the produce on the head of the farmer or market woman and reward them handsomely. This had been the character of Amosun long before he became the governor, and this is still Amosun. In terms of rapport with the grass roots, if anything has changed, the relationship has even been cemented, now that he is the governor.

Rather than steal the money of the people of Ogun, like some would do and some actually did during their time, SIA embarked on those landmark projects that would benefit the masses of the state. Who are the beneficiaries of Amosun’s free education policy, from nursery to secondary school level? The masses, of course. By the way, it is important to mention that the last time the people of Ogun enjoyed free education was over 30 years ago, under the leadership of Chief Olabisi Onabanjo. Who are the beneficiaries of the 107km international standard Ilara-Ijoun Road, cutting across four local councils and hundreds of out-of-theway villages? The grass roots, of course. Who are the recipients of about 500km rural roads across the state? Who are the beneficiaries of the first international standard roads and first flyover bridges in all the three senatorial districts of the state? The masses and children of the masses, who reside in these cities. Who are the beneficiaries of Gbomoro and Araya (the free health schemes)? The masses. When Amosun invested in the latest technology of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), which has now ended the era of insecurity all over

the state and of banks regularly shutting shop on account of insecurity, on whose behalf did he do so?

I have heard the charge that Amosun is weak; that he is paying billions of naira as arrears of salaries, pension and gratuity of workers inherited from the past government rather than concentrate on his own term, from May 2011.

This is not a sign of weakness but a product of human kindness as well as a responsive and responsible government. Yes, it is true that Amosun does not owe any worker a kobo; in fact, he pays the highest minimum wage, across board, in Nigeria. SIA’s argument remains that if people have worked for the state, even though they were not paid by that government, he would do everything possible to offset such debts. And so, after a complete overhaul, just for example, it is discovered that the past government, owed staff of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) N2.6 billion in salaries and allowances (just one institution alone!), and Amosun has offset about N1.5 billion of the debt. Can you imagine what stateof-the-art lecture hall that can be built with N1.5 billion? Notwithstanding, the governor recently slashed the fees of the students of the institution (and nine others in the state) by 60 per cent after the initial reduction early in the life of the administration, thereby fulfilling his pledge to the people of the state that “as the finances of the state improve, they all shall be the beneficiaries.”

Whereas, these spent politicians have voted for noise-making in the media, the Amosun administration has chosen development. And if God is with you and the people are on your side, who then can be against you?

•Soyombo writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State

Why PDP and Imo will go for Ihedioha Oke Epia and Chibuike Onyeukwu

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nough has been said about a supposed jinx of how popular aspirants do not always win the governorship elections in Imo State. But the narrative will be markedly different for Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives come 2015. A combination of genuine popularity, performance record, integrity and political experience will ensure this as the divine hand of God surely leads. And this is why the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and indeed, the people of Imo State will go for him as their choice for party flag bearer and governor respectively.

Incidentally, it is for lack of answers to these intimidating credentials that some political rivals and opponents have resorted to shadow boxing instead of marketing themselves to the electorate. Like drowning mortals clutching to straws, these individuals have attempted to elevate inanities to the front burner of the Imo gubernatorial discourse using faceless groups and anonymous appendages. Sadly for them, the darts have not only failed to reach intended target but are now backfiring like ricochets.

However, this article is not about these distractions. Rather, our dear readers are requested to note and appreciate the enduring aura of the Emeka Ihedioha persona built and sustained over time by performance, integrity, loyalty and experience.

But before we explore these further, it is imperative to detail the popularity of the green cap man. Emeka Ihedioha is a name that resonates deeply with Imolites. Beyond that, many who have related personally with him or have had one form of interface or the other can attest to the fact of his accessible personality. Beneath the officialdom and paraphernalia of the office he holds, the deputy speaker can pass for the man next door who is socially responsible and responsive, humane and certainly urbane. And in spite of the restrictions of official protocol around him, he often breaks loose to mingle with all and sundry, celebrating with the joyous and consoling with those that mourn. Despite his busy schedules in Abuja as deputy speaker, he makes it a point of duty to visit home every other weekend to attend one ceremony or

the other or just simply to consult and confer with his constituents and Imolites in general.

Even before becoming deputy speaker, his last eight years in the National Assembly had witnessed a consistent and regular interface with his constituents. His annual constituency briefing which holds every December is an unrivalled paradigm of constituency engagement and feedback mechanism that have always produced tangible results in terms of attraction of quality projects and programmes that have direct benefit on the lives and living conditions of his people. It is therefore not surprising that his statewide consultations for the governorship which began some weeks ago have witnessed a very positive buy-in from the people of Imo. Besides the political value of the consultations, the average Imolite on the street have had a chance to mingle and relate with the deputy speaker at close range. The accessibility, affability and warmth of his personality have been reinforced by these meetings as children, women, youths and the elderly – ordinary everyday folks experienced him at close range as he shook hands and embraced them indiscriminately. Folks who had been made to believe otherwise about Ihedioha have seen a completely different picture of the man whom they have come to love.

Make no mistake about it. Among the elite, Ihedioha is received and respected as a political brand that has paid his dues and made a mark on the political terrain of not just Imo State but in Nigeria as a whole. He cuts across elite circles with ease with visits to top politicians in their homes to consult and confer in a manner that depicts respect and regard for leaders and elders. It is therefore not surprising that the deputy speaker is amassing support and even open endorsements for his gubernatorial bid. All these confirm the fact that Emeka Ihedioha has become the issue in the Imo guber contest and that is why misguided missiles being thrown from disgruntled quarters only help to strengthen the man and his governorship ambition.

But Emeka Ihedioha did not attain popularity overnight or by being an emergency philanthropist. His bond with the people of Imo is closely linked to his performance record as a

legislator who has been serving the interest of his people for over a decade. He has attracted numerous infrastructural and community projects that eyes can see and hands can touch not like the ‘paper mentions’ of some whose claim to performance is questionable. Till date, Ihedioha has attracted well over 150 physical infrastructure projects (both completed and ongoing) to his primary constituency of Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala and beyond to the entire Imo State some of which run into billions of naira like the Elele-Port Harcourt road, the Mbaise ring road amongst others. In terms of empowerment programmes, thousands of youths, women and unemployed have been trained, retrained and empowered in skills and vocations that have helped to uplift homes and livelihoods and various communities. These are no bogus claims neither are they mere propaganda- the records and reports are there for all to see.

And this is where political experience is a key qualifying factor for Ihedioha’s bid for the Imo Government House in 2015. In fact, it is one major reason why Imolites want him to be their governor. His presence in Nigeria’s political infrastructure and power matrix dates back to the aborted Third Republic and since the beginning of this Fourth Republic where he learnt the ropes from the likes of former presidents of the senate, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, arguably one of Nigeria’s foremost philosopher-king.

Finding himself in the corridors of power early in life, Ihedioha did not take the opportunity with kid gloves as he served faithfully, conscientiously and efficiently to the delight of those who engaged him. Little wonder one assignment recommended him for the next in a manner that defined his steady but meteoric rise to the upper echelon of Nigeria’s political firmament. In a characteristic upward trajectory, he moved from being an aide in the beginning to being a deft political player (as reflected for instance in the significant role he played in the Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM) and then becoming the boss at some point. But what is clear from this rise is the integrity, loyalty and clear presence of mind that has always been a guiding principle of

the deputy speaker. Till date, there is no one whom he worked for or related with as contemporary in the past that will not attest to this quality in Ihedioha. And same thing goes for his political home – the PDP. From the days of the PDM, Ihedioha has remained a constant feature in the party serving with loyalty and commitment even at times when the going gets rough.

This is why he has continued to consolidate on the wide network of contacts and connections built since the time he first emerged on the public scene. His election into the House of Representatives first in 2003 and in the last two consecutive times have also offered Ihedioha a broad vista of experience and exposed him to a horizon of contacts in business and foreign relations for example. His service as Chairman of the House Committee on Marine Transport positioned him to contribute meaningfully in the marine sector of the economy.

His landmark legislative touch in this wise include passage of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act of 2007 and the Merchant Shipping Act of 2005. When he became Chief Whip of the House of Representatives in 2007, his responsibilities exposed him to various international fora and organizations that activated several useful contacts across the length and breadth of the world.

Imolites are not unmindful of how useful such towering political experience and international exposure can be in improving their lot and making the state a better place. The people of Imo desire a governor with wide reach nationally and beyond and in the deputy speaker they see this qualification amply met.

They desire a governor whose track record of service is impeccable; one who has served and is still serving with integrity and no dent to his name. They desire a governor who has got political grit strong enough to overwhelm retrogressive forces that wandered into positions of authority and reclaim Imo State for posterity. They desire a governor whose commitment to party politics is not in doubt and one whose loyalty to the PDP speaks volumes in his favour. That is why they want Ihedioha.

•Epia and Onyeukwu write from Owerri

Letters Editor to the

11

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

SEPTEMBER 7, 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.

Ihejirika’s alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram Dear Editor, Ali Modu Sherriff cannot deny his role in the creation of Boko Haram when he was an ANPP governor; neither can Amaechi deny his role in the funding of Niger Delta militants when their operations were at its peak. This just like Tinubu cannot deny his support for street urchins in Lagos - these are facts that nobody can contest.

Yet it is apparent that “Davis said BH Commanders were the ones that told him of the “Ihejirika angle.” That one, unlike my first paragraph, cannot be said to be a fact. The man, who almost eradicated Boko Haram, under his tenure, cannot be a sponsor of the group; the man the North said should be taken to the ICC cannot be a sponsor of the group.

The only Nigerians (I forgive Davis on this one) that would believe such are those ones that are ready to believe that “the Devil will go to heaven once he begins to be anti-GEJ!” Favour Afolabi Lagos

Enemies of Obiano have started Dear Editor, To the best of my knowledge, people who are deployed to fabricate lies against Gov. Willie Obiano are the real enemies of Anambra State. I have no doubt about this because it is out of greed and selfish interest that they envy the governor. So, they now resort to throwing mud without caution, in order to further create confusion.

For very long time ago I made a resolve not to respond to any frivolous comments that only seeks to fight, castigate and insult those in authority. But atimes, it appalls a discernible mind the extent to which these overzealous commentators can go not just to rubbish the governor but to derail his ideology.

The ongoing good works in every sector of the state name it: 1) Road network construction; 2) Adequate Security; 3) Mechanized Agricultural programmes; 4) Standard Educational initiative 5) Full Scale Industrialization, etc.

All these and many more laudable projects are currently being put in place in the state. But it’s unfortunate that these detractors are only organised to tell ‘big heaps’ of lies to possibly derail the existing peaceful coexistence in the system.

Now, in this era of consolidation by the APGA administration in the state, Ndi Anambra can at least be proud of our governor, an action man that steers the vessel as a well-informed leader.

His Excellency, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, is no doubt a quintessential governor. This is a man who, within his shortest stay in the Government House, proved himself as a worthy and capable hand through an obvious quick-to-action display of good governance My piece of advice is that all concerned well meaningful individuals should ignore and reject the entire campaign of calumny being targeted against our beloved Governor, Chief Willie Obiano.

Comrade Ben Umeh Accra, Ghana

The burden of poverty

MTN and Anambra State Dear Editor, It is no longer news that most of the major GSM providers have been getting huge chunk of revenues from Anambra, specifically Onitsha and environs. But recently, one of the major operators went to town shouting for anyone to hear that the Anambra State Government is closing down their operations by shutting down its telecom masts.

In fact, the concerned operator, MTN, is said to have even written a petition to some security agencies alleging threat to national security if the state dare shut its base stations.

However, facts have emerged that out of the 1,125 base stations in the state, MTN owns 500 and each BTS attracts a fee of N700, 000, which is subject to negotiation with the relevant state authorities. Already, other operators are engaging with the Anambra State Government. But rather than meet and negotiate with the state, MTN chose to flex muscles with the government while it continues to cart away huge revenue from Anambra without putting something back. No wonder they started shouting first.

Ifeoma Ajoka Agulu, Anambra State

Our soldiers deserve to be honoured Dear Editor, Our men and women in the armed forces are being killed daily, defending our freedom and way of life. Yet, they are not accorded the respect they deserve because we choose to see their enormous sacrifice from the viewpoint of PDP or APC. Every one of those great patriots joined the army for a better life and ended up fighting and dying for an ungrateful nation.

Boko Haram is capable of doing exactly what ISIS is doing in Middle East. I think Nigerians need to stand up and support our troops and not bash them every time there are reports in the media that Boko Haram attacked innocent, defenceless citizens. Our troops deserve better.

Adams Agbugba Lagos

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Still On Aregbesola’s Victory Dear Editor, Some have argued that his giant strides in infrastructural development was one of the reasons he was re-elected, I think beyond this, the ability of the governor to identified with his subjects is very crucial. The governor made himself available to his people and personally do the business of human relations which are mostly contracted in Nigeria. His presence on social media and other platform is a plus to his bid for re-election. His prompt responses to issue also helped him. I sometime sent an email to the governor on certain issues happening on a project in my community sometime in 2011, I was surprised to receive a personal acknowledgement to the email within 24 hours. It raised my hope, increased my faith and strengthened my belief in his capabilities to carry everyone along. The fact is, everyone wants to see a leader who can share an identity with them.

Nevertheless, the bulk of discharging and paying back to the electorate in the state is now resting on the governor more than ever. He has seen how people stood astutely behind him when the odds were unfavourable and these should be his guiding principle. Let the infrastructural development continue, let missions schools be returned to their previous owners as promised; let our local government enjoy democracy; spread the tentacles of agricultural revolutions and youth development. Let the governor develop more of our tourist centres like the Erin Ijesa Waterfall, which alone is enough to cater for tourism in the state. With such investment and careful management of the landmark, will re-launch the state into a global tourist attraction. I wish you the next four years of greater achievements.

Abiodun Komolafe Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State

Life

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12

Bush meat sellers cry out

Ebola is killing our business

S

Ahaoma Kanu and Abike Olubade

ince July 20, when the late American-Liberian diplomat, Patrick Sawyer, sauntered into Lagos heavily infected with the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Nigerians have known no peace. There have been changes in almost every sphere of living.

If there are some people who have been hard hit by the outbreak, it is bush meat sellers. This category of people has seen their lucrative business gradually slide into a decline, as government throws its weight into ensuring that Nigerians don’t consume delicacies believed to be transmitters of Ebola.

The EVD, first identified 38 years ago in Sudan South and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a disease of humans and other primates caused by the Ebola virus and has so far affected the West African region since March this year. This has caused panic among the populace, especially people that enjoy bush meat since the virus can be contracted through meat from some animals like monkeys, bats and other games popularly referred to as bush meat.

Changing lifestyle Since the outbreak, some countries have isolated countries with cases of the outbreak to the extent of banning flights originating from affected nations, including Nigeria. The outbreak, described as the largest most severe and most complex outbreak in the nearly four decades, has been declared a pandemic global emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with 1900 deaths recorded out of 3500 cases across West Africa. Nigeria has so far recorded 17 confirmed cases of Ebola with 271 persons under surveillance and seven deaths due to the disease.

Counting their losses While the impact of the scourge on the economy is yet to be fully ascertained, bush meat sellers are not only counting their losses but are gradually going out of business. A majority of them have gone bankrupt while others with some capital have ventured into other forms of business to earn a living.

Some of them that spoke to Sunday New Telegraph described the outbreak as the worst disaster to have befallen them for more than three decades.

“I have been in the business of selling bush meat here in Abeokuta for over 20 years. But since this Ebola disease started, there has been no market. We are no longer selling bush meat and do not have money anymore. The market is dull and no longer lucrative,” said Mrs. Mutiat Adebowale, who plies her trade at the popular Bush meat junction near the Nigeria Breweries factory on AbeokutaAbuja Expressway in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Wearing a forlorn look with her wares of grass cutter and antelope smoked meats displayed neatly on the table, she is afraid that with declining sales and no demand from travellers who usually rush to purchase their goods, her business will collapse.

“In a day, we make close to N5, 000 to N7, 000. But since this Ebola issue started, if you are able to sell N700 to N1000, you will count yourself lucky,” she said.

The meat being sold in the area is from grass cutter and antelope and the number of empty tables lined up along the perimeter gives a stark reality of the economic meltdown the vendors are passing through. On the day Sunday New Telegraph visited, there were only seven women present. The amount of wares they displayed is a dismal reflection of the market known popularly for its constant supply of roasted bush meat delicacies in the ancient town.

“Since the Ebola virus broke out in Nigeria, travellers heading to Lagos from Abuja and other cities no longer stop here to buy our bush meat. Instead when their buses stop, they prefer to buy banana and other fruits. They keep looking at us from the window and when we ask them to buy, they say that there is Ebola. They keep shouting, ‘I no buy meat o, Ebola dey o’,” lamented Mrs. Ajoke Adepo, another bush meat seller in Abeokuta.

She decried the misconception by the public that meat from their community has the Ebola virus.

“Our meat does not have Ebola. We have been in this business for many years and we have never witnessed

We can’t feed, pay school fees

l

Grass cutters freshly prepared but customer partronage is low

Prices of grasscutters like this have gone down drastically

Mutiat Adebowale eats and displays her meat

Ebola,” Adepo continued.

To show that their meat is Ebola free, she cut a piece of the delicacy and put in her mouth, saying in pidgin, “You no see am, our meat no contain Ebola. If not, na we for first die.”

Low patronage The roasted beef, sold in skewers and processed in the open, is a popular source of meat around the country and can be used to prepare tasty delicacies like stew, pepper soup and continental dishes. Most people enjoy it with palm wine.

On Owo Road in Ondo State near the Moshood Abiola

Polytechnic main gate, sellers of bush meat are also experiencing low patronage.

“We used to sell antelope from N7000 to N10, 000 and grass cutter went for like N3000 up to N7000, depending on the size. But now that we have Ebola, we sell antelope for N1000 or N2000 and grass cutter goes for N500, or N700,” said Mrs. Fatima Olayemi, a mother of two who is now out of the business she inherited from her late mother.

“I have two children. I have been doing this business for six years now and I did not initiate it but inherited it.

It used to be my late mother’s business until she died. I had to come and take up the business. My brother, I must be truthful to you, I can no longer afford to buy any more meat to sell. I just come out here because I don’t want to be idle.

“It is painful because when I go back home, I meet my children looking up to me to provide for them. I have CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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Life

Bush meat sellers cry out Ebola is killing our business C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 2

not eaten anything since morning and honestly, I don’t know what to do. I am just here to see if there is anybody I can help to sell to get something to buy food for my children,” she said.

Another lady, who identified herself as Iya Ireti, described the impact of the Ebola outbreak on their business as a heavy blow.

“I don’t believe there is Ebola in our meat because we also eat this meat. If there was Ebola, it would have killed our forefathers and parents that had been in this business for so many years. I have been doing this business for 30 years and we have never recorded any Ebola episode. I don’t know where this bad disease came from.

Our animals don’t have Ebola but people are afraid. This Ebola has dealt us a hard blow,” she cried.

Blaming the government For sellers like Mrs. Lateef Kosefobamu, who supplies some hotels in Lagos State with bush meat, the loss she has incurred is enormous and is threatening her children’s education.

Speaking to Sunday New Telegraph in her shop located at Elerangbe Bus-Stop in Ajegunle Community, Mushin, Lagos, she described the outbreak as ‘a calamity’ and blamed the government for discouraging people from consuming bush meat in Nigeria. She said it was more so when the index transmission of the disease into Nigeria was through a human being, not an animal.

“I am married and have five children in higher institutions. I have been in this business for 30 years and have been taking care of my children through this business. I was able to build a house while doing this business. But ever since this Ebola issue started, the business has not been the same. Before the Ebola issue started, I used to make sales of about N100, 000 daily but now, I hardly make N3, 000.

“All the bush meat we bought before the Ebola thing started is still in the cold room. Even the hotels, which ordered for bush meat, have returned them. We are now indebted to the tune of N500, 000. People have been eating bush meat for the past two months and no one has caught the virus. The government contributed to our problem because they kept announcing, on radio and television, that bush meat causes Ebola even when it was clear that it was that Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, that brought this calamity into Nigeria,” she said.

Healt expert’s assurance Dr. Oladoyin Odubanjo, the first vice-chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, while speaking to Sunday New Telegraph, said that while there is a message of caution from some quarters, Nigerians should not panic over bush meat consumed in Nigeria. He said this is because there has not been any recorded case of the virus being transmitted from an animal to a human being in Nigeria.

“There are few things we should keep in view; as much as people should be cautious about such delicacies, you must understand that the virus is destroyed by heat by whatever means it is applied. Whether you cook or smoke it, make sure it is well cooked or smoked. The second thing is that the current outbreak in Nigeria was not from an animal, it was from a human being. So it’s not like in Guinea where it is suspected to have been passed from an animal to man. So that is not the most important issue on our radar here as it has not been discovered that our animals don’t have the Ebola virus,” he said.

Preservation process Sellers of bush meat maintained that they usually take special precautions in preserving the meat sold to the public.

“Travellers heading to Lagos from Abuja and other cities no longer stop here to buy our bush meat. Instead when their buses stop, they prefer to buy banana and other fruits. They keep looking at us from the window and when we ask them to buy, they say that there is Ebola. They keep shouting, ‘I no buy meat o, Ebola dey o”

There are more sellers with no goods to sell

When the going was good; customers always came for bush meat

Fatima Olayemi says she can’t feed her family any longer

Mrs Ajoke Adepo counts her losses

“We smoke and season our meat very well. And if there are some that we don’t sell, we keep them near fire to heat up. Our meat stays with us for like two days, if we don’t sell, then we will eat them. But there are still people that buy the unsold ones from us. But now, it is very difficult to sell and we have resorted to buying in small quantities,” Adebowale explains.

Another seller in Lagos, Mrs. Vivian Lucky, said with the way they process their meat, there is no possibility of the virus being in it.

“We cook our meat very well so it will not be possible for Ebola to be in our meat. And even my family has been eating the bush meat up till now and we have not been infected with Ebola. I am not saying there is no Ebola; I am aware that the Ebola disease is very dangerous, but it is not in the bush meat that we sell,” she said.

Describing the method of preservation they employ, Olayemi said from the moment the hunters go into the bush and get the game, the preservation process starts.

“When we buy from hunters, we give it to another person who will roast or skin the animal. We then add the seasoning and preservatives like pepper, oil and onions to spice it very well and make it look neat. If it is not prepared very well to look appetising, customers will not buy, or they might offer a lower price,” she said.

No ‘monkey business’ When Sunday New Telegraph asked some of the dealers if monkeys and bats were part of the meat they deal in, they denied being in the ‘monkey business’.

“We sell only antelopes and grass cutters, we don’t sell monkey meat. When the hunters that we buy the meat from kill monkeys, they sell them to the Igbo people from Abakaliki living in Abeokuta. Na them dey eat monkey.

We no dey sell monkey. Yoruba people no dey chop mon-

key,” Adebowale replied.

Passing through hard times With patronage being at an all-time low, the sellers narrated the hardship they are going through with their families.

“I have seven children, and this is the business from where I get the income to train them. We are even thanking God that government postponed the reopening of schools; I would not have been able to pay my children’s school fees had they resumed this September. It is a problem and my family is suffering. I have been doing this business for a long time and I don’t have any other job; the only trade I know is selling bush meat but Ebola is putting me out of business. Feeding my family is a problem now.

Even getting money for transport to come out here is a problem,” Adepo said.

Cry for help She lamented that so many of their colleagues had gone out of business because of the lack of patronage. Some of them have gone to try their hands on other businesses like selling fresh fish while others have resorted to selling tomatoes and pepper.

“We used to be many here. Look at all the empty tables; there used to be about 25 people selling here but as you can see, we are just seven today. May be tomorrow, we might be six or five. Some of our colleagues that used to be in this business have been forced out because they could not cope; so they decided to try other petty businesses.

Please tell Obama and Jonathan to help us because our business dying,” she pleaded.

They called on government at all levels and also to the international community to come to their aid by finding a lasting solution to the Ebola outbreak and save their businesses from total collapse.

“We have been eating this bush meat since Ebola entered Nigeria and we have not contracted Ebola. So we are begging the government to help us before hunger kills us and our families because this is the only business we know how to do,” Adebowale pleaded.

“When some journalists from a television station came to interview us, we begged them to help us tell government that Ebola is not in our meat and that they should let Nigerians know. We have been eating this meat for years now and there has never been any case of Ebola. Government should help us to find a solution to this Ebola,” Adepo added.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Life

Okada rider who dented Amosun’s image on Facebook: I want to be popular like Tinubu, Daniel Kunle Olayeni

W Abeokuta

asiu Ogunnoiki, a commercial motorcyclist, has always wished to be a popular person. Though still a hustler in his native town of Sagamu, his ultimate dream is to attain the status of former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

The popularity of the two ex-governors endeared them to him. As a result, he adopted an alias – Jagaban the chieftaincy title conferred on Tinubu in the city of Borgu, Niger State sometime in 2008. Wasiu is proud to be so addressed among his colleagues in the Okada business.

Over the years, the 31-year-old who is married to Bilikisu, a trader, and blessed with four children, struggled to make ends meet until last Tuesday when his name was widely mentioned in the media. What earned Ogunnoiki the ‘popularity’ was his alleged posting of negative comments against Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on the social media network, Facebook. He reportedly accused the governor of demolishing houses in the state without compensating affected property owners.

Consequently, he was arrested and arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Sagamu on a two-count charge. According to the charge sheet, his offence is contrary to Section 249(d) of the Criminal Code, volume II Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Chief Magistrate Ojo subsequently granted him bail in the sum of N400,000, with two sureties in like sum. The matter has since been adjourned to December 1, 2014.

The story went viral instantly; some commentators criticised Amosun for muzzling freedom of expression while others absolved the governor of any blame. Amid the buzz of mixed reactions, the state government denied Amosun’s complicity in the case.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, said the governor was not behind the cyclist’s ordeal. While clearing the air, the commissioner stated that the governor only got to know about the case after reading media reports.

She said, “I state categorically that the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, knows absolutely nothing about the allegations leveled against the Okada rider and the court case. The governor knew about the case only after reading the report in the newspapers.

“The governor consequently dissociates himself entirely from any such action taken against the said Okada rider or indeed against any other person in that regard.

“Senator Amosun, being a true democrat, believes that all citizens are entitled to freedom of expression as enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria. As the Chief Law Officer of the state, upon becoming aware of the report, I have examined the provisions of the law under which the Okada rider was allegedly charged to court and cannot find a single correlation between the offence for which he was charged and what he is alleged to have done.

“Nevertheless, the governor has immediately directed the Ministry of Justice to urgently look into the matter to prevent the infringement of the Okada rider’s fundamental rights and bring an end to his continued remand in custody.”

Akeredolu noted that while the state government would not encourage indiscipline and abuse of rights, it will also not tolerate the infringement of rights of any citizen.

But contrary to reports that the embattled commercial motorcyclist was remanded in prison custody, New Telegraph on Sunday gathered that he was actually bailed on Tuesday shortly after his arraignment.

One of the community leaders in Sagamu, Solomon Faleye, was said to have secured his bail.

However, investigation revealed that the case had political connection. It was a tussle between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition Labour Party (LP) in the state.

Ogunnoiki, though an Okada rider, is an LP member in Ward 7 Ijagba, Sagamu. He used the pseudonym “Jagaban Ijagba” to open a Facebook account. As his profile photo, he uploaded the picture of APC chairman in Sagamu Local Government, Femi Felix Kafaru, where the latter wore an Army uniform.

Through this Jagaban Ijagba account which also bore the logo of LP, Ogunnoiki regularly posted smear comments, thus giving the impression that Kafaru was engaging in anti-party activities. When the APC chieftain eventually got wind of the postings, he moved to unravel the scam.

When Sunday New Telegraph visited Sagamu, Ogunnoiki, who attended Local Government School II, Ijagba for his primary education and finished from Methodist Comprehensive High, Sagamu, told our correspondent why he used social media to defame Amosun. He explained that his grouse

Femi Felix Kafaru, APC chairman in Sagamu

Facebook pages

Wasiu Ogunnoiki, commercial motorcyclist

stemmed from the governor’s alleged failure to allow the commercialization of the operation of his association. He belonged to Empowerment Foundation of Okada Riders (EFOR).

According to him, EFOR members campaigned vigorously for Amosun’s election in 2011 but did not eventually benefit anything from the governor.

Ogunnoiki said, “I don’t like the regime of Amosun; he has done a lot of things against me right from day one in his regime because we worked for him during campaigns. He promised us that we are going to work and operate as commercial services like ACOMORAN and AMORAN. “On May 31st, 2011, we came out to operate but the ACOMORAN people attacked us, saying we cannot operate because the government had not approved us. Later, they asked us to combine together as AMORAN. When we combined, luckily we gained the AMORAN document, we went to Parks and Garages and they approved us that we should operate that time.

“They later arrested our chairman and some of our executives in Sagamu Local Government, on the pretext that we forged document. Later, we went to the local government secretariat for settlement. But they always seized our bikes. They seized about 30 bikes.”

He said despite securing a judgment at the Federal High Court, Abeokuta, the concerned authorities failed to respect the court decision. According to him, Kafaru was the chairman, Caretaker Committee of Sagamu Local Government during their struggle to get justice, adding that he (Kafaru) refused to allow the operation of EFOR members while 30 bikes belonging to them were impounded in the process.

“Since then, I’ve been aggrieved with their government,” Ogunnoiki declared, adding that he used the controversial Facebook account to vent his anger.

“I just wanted to hide my identity so that they won’t know it’s me.

But they discovered through my phone number on the profile. They now traced my phone number to get me. They called me and the voice of the person calling resembled that of my elder sister, so I thought she was the one. She asked me to come and meet her at Ijagba junction in order to carry her somewhere.

“When I got there, I didn’t see anybody that resembled my sister there. I was suspicious when I saw some people and had to turn back. I thought the best thing I could do is to go back to my house. The woman now called my number again and I said she should meet me at home. As soon I got home, they just arrived and arrested me.”

Ogunnoiki was whisked to Igbobi Police Station, Sagamu from where he was taken to court. He said nobody sent him

Facebook picture of Kafaru used

by Wasiu Ogunnoiki to post negative comments

“I like the way Otunba Daniel and Asiwaju Tinubu do, that’s why I adopted the nameJagaban.

It’s not about their money, it’s about their popularity, the fame and their action”

to smear the governor. He, however, expressed regret about his action.

He said, “I regret my action. I’m supposed to put that man’s picture.

I regret that I’m not supposed to put my number there. Democracy is very good. During the regime of Abacha and Babangida, someone cannot try that.

That’s why I prefer democracy.

“However, I will still maintain the name – Jagaban – because I want to be in that kind of position of Jagaban. I want to be like Daniel too.

I’m already a grassroots politician because I like the way Otunba Daniel and Asiwaju Tinubu do, that’s why I adopted the name Jagaban.

It’s not about their money, it’s about their popularity, the fame and their action.”

Ogunnoiki noted that the incident had made him somewhat popular. He said, “On Wednesday, I heard my name in news, though I didn’t expect it. Somebody from Lagos now called me ‘Oh boy, what is the matter between you and your governor?’ I said the governor didn’t come to court. He said, ‘was it not the governor that took you to court?’ I said no. On Thursday, I now heard it in the news that the commissioner for justice said the governor had no hand in it.” The Okada rider expressed the desire to meet with Governor Amosun, saying: “I wish to meet Amosun one day. Let me meet him first, I know what to tell him.”

While speaking with Sunday New Telegraph, Kafaru, who is popularly called Femi Soldier, lamented the identity theft and impersonation by the commercial motorcyclist. He bemoaned the fact that Ogunnoiki, whose house was beside his, could do such a thing.

The APC chieftain, who disclosed that he joined the Nigerian Army in 1986 and served for 16 years, said he actually caused the arrest of Ogunnoiki. He said the governor did not have any hand in the matter.

He, however, said since the incident, scores of community members had visited him to plead on behalf of Ogunnoiki.

Kafaru hinted that he could withdraw charges against the accused when the court resumes in December.

Sanctity of Truth

ON SUNDAY

Page 15, SEPTEMBER 07, 2014

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

We started dating after his ex-wife left - Foluke Daramola Salako

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} 18-19

BEAUTY

Loads of bacteria breed better in war m, liquid makeup than the solids. So, a great makeup-purchasing tip is to get your perfect shades of makeup in solids (powders and lipsticks) rather than liquids (liquid foundation, liquid eye liners) } 21

GLAM DUDES

Whiter smile and fresh breath highlight personal self-image and boost the confidence in a man. Mouth odour and teeth discoloration can be offensive and make people reel back when you open your mouth

} 45

FASHION

Leopard is one of this season’s hottest prints. Leopard prints can add a touch of the wild to your wardrobe.

Enhance your basic black ensemble with a long leopardpatterned scarf or handbag. You can use leopard print to work magic on your wardrobe } 22&43

cut,

Juliet Bumah (Editor)

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

There’s no one on Kathryn’s right, she turns to her left. The words stick in her throat.

The guy beside her looks so f amiliar.

She is sure she’s seen him before. He is probably one of her

low

T h e Te a m

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This style-setting sandal is the rave of the moment for celebrities across the globe. Valentino Rockstud pumps have been Hollywood and Nollywood’s obsession for a while } 17 now

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Contents 07.09.2014 Is there any right thinking man in Nigeria who will see a celebrity like my wife, even on TV, and will not admire her or get attracted to her? For how long will a man continue to police a woman? Her natural endowments are okay for me and I am enjoying them -Foluke Daramola Salako

r e fo b e r ty n e i Hyg s in pu te e n

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} 20

Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 07, 2014

Accessories

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A

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A pair costs between $895-$1,200 (N138, 725-N186, 000).

17

Body&Soul

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SEPTEMBER 07, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

We started dating when his ex-wife Nollywood actress and producer, Foluke Daramola, and her activist husband, Kayode Salako, popularly known as Mr. Fasholamania, talk about the controversies surrounding their marriage in this no-holds-barred interview with VANESSA OKWARA

When and where did you meet?

Foluke: We first met as activists when he started Change Agents of Nigeria Network. He needed a popular face that would help promote the organisation’s dream. A friend introduced me to him and we became mutual friends.

Kayode: I met her unexpectedly through a friend, a lady who was also her friend. The lady was a member of a project I run in Lagos, Fasholamania Independent Support Movement.

So when we decided to start the Change Agents of Nigeria Network, CANN, I told her that I would need a popular face or celebrity to work with me probably as a director of publicity. When the lady called Foluke to come and meet me, I thought she was just joking when she agreed to come.

Surprisingly, an hour later, Foluke walked in. Immediately she walked in, something happened to my heart.

I felt very alive and at peace. I felt as if I have known her for more than twenty years. From the first day, I saw her as someone that was going to be my friend for a very long time.

Your marriage to Kayode generated a lot of controversies. Some said he was still married to his wife then. Can you throw more light on this?

Foluke: When I met him, he was still a married man. Though he had issues in his marriage, he didn’t let me know then. But I just noticed that we have a lot in common, though I wasn’t

thinking of relationship when I first met him. I was about relocating to Canada with my kids at the time. I saw a very intelligent, interesting young man that had a bright future. Since he was a married man, I didn’t attach anything to it at all. I saw him as someone I needed to work with like I always do with other people. Even at that time, it wasn’t like I had any intention or inkling that I was going to marry Kayode. We were just maintaining that cordial friendship between colleagues and enjoying each other’s company. Eventually, the issue with his ex-wife was blown open and it became irreconcilable. At that time, his ex-wife left the house and Kayode became a shadow of himself. After his ex-wife left, Kayode started calling up people to beg his ex-wife to come back.

When he called me, I said maybe our friendship was causing problems in his marriage. I took a leave and travcountry. elled out of the Unfortunately, things

were still not just the same because she insisted that she was not coming back.

Eventually, he called me one day but I told him I just wanted him to get his acts together with his wife so that I wouldn’t be like a stumbling block to his marriage.

He then said that things were no longer working between them and that he was convinced that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. But I told him that we needed to take our time. So I came back and we started the relationship. We actually started our relationship when his wife left him.

So the relationship with Foluke started after the crisis in your first marriage.

What made you to break up

your marriage and go for Foluke?

Kayode: I am not the one who broke up the marriage. It was my ex-wife and God that broke up the marriage. Foluke has been living with me now for about two years and she can tell that I am not a wayward man or the irresponsible type.

So it is the decision of my first wife to end the marriage because she felt she was no longer enjoying it. Marriage should never be a do or die affair. It was never because we fought or I maltreated her or that I was not responsible that made her to leave. What made her to leave was spiritually inclined and it was better for her to leave than to die in my house. So she chose a better option and it has paid off. Today we are good friends and we still talk on phone. I am also 1, 000 per cent convinced that Foluke Daramola is the woman of my destiny. Over 65 men of God cannot be wrong. I don’t do anything without asking God first.

How did he propose?

Foluke: From the onset, when I came back from England, it was obvious he wanted to settle down with me. It was early February and I said I wanted to have a birthday party and he said I could not have a birthday party. When I asked why, he said we were getting married on my birthday.

He proposed to me exactly a year after we met, on my birthday. We agreed to just do the engagement even though we couldn’t do the registry because it was taking our time. So we just decided to have the traditional marriage.

What qualities did you see in each other that made you fall in love?

Kayode: Foluke is a complete woman that has a very open heart. If you offend my wife, you will know you have offended her. She will react to it there and then and that will be the end of it. She does not go to bed with her grievances. She is also not stingy. If my wife has five million naira in her account, you will know that it is there. She is a very caring mother. She loves the children very much. She is a woman that loves God so much. My wife can recite about 25 Psalms in the Bible off hand. We are compatible in a lot of things.

My wife is a fantastic cook. I don’t know who taught her how to cook; a celebrity and a Lagos girl? She is

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 07, 2014

Body&Soul

left - Foluke Daramola Salako also highly romantic.

Foluke: He is educated, enlightened and honest. He is very intelligent and optimally exposed. It got me drawn to him. Kayode is highly emotional and he is not a flirt. My husband does not mess around. He might not be a pastor, but the qualities that Kayode possess make me count myself really lucky. The same thing that applies to me also applies to him. If my husband is really angry, he can yell and it is over. He is not violent at all against a woman. He is one person that is so open hearted and he is trusting.

He has a sincere and undiluted love for me and he is one person that has love for God. He is generous and honest. So I found all these qualities that I want in a man in him and a man I can be proud of anytime. Those are the qualities that I saw in him that made him very different from others. I was in an abusive marriage in the past. I told myself that if any marriage is abusive, no matter what that person has to offer me, I won’t be found in it.

You said Foluke is highly romantic. How does she bring romance into your marriage?

Kayode: the first way a woman can position herself to attract her husband is by knowing how to dress. The fashion sense and dexterity must be right and Foluke has that. She knows how to dress to kill. You need to see my wife when she is going for an event; she knows what to put on at the right time. She also makes herself available. She is a woman that has dedicated herself to the exploration of her husband. My wife is always available and does not complain. Foluke can give me anything I want, spiritually, physically and emotionally. When a man is over fed, he will not have reason to look elsewhere.

Foluke: Every man wants a decent attractive woman. But sexually, most men want a ‘Bitch’, sorry for the use of the language. I don’t know why some women feel that if they do some styles or if they sleep with their man in a funny way, it is a sin. I go all out to understand what will make my man happy. I go all out to give my man what any girlfriend cannot give him. I make sure I don’t make it a monotonous thing. I made my husband my best friend because we talk about everything. If you build such relationship with your spouse, you will know each other intimately and you won’t even have any allowance to be unfaithful to one another because it won’t cross your mind. One thing I cherish most, even more than the celebrity and money, even more than the glitz and glamour, is my marriage. I hold it dear because I see that is where I get true happiness and true satisfaction. I don’t see anything wrong in wearing bum shorts in my house to get my husband more attracted to me. So I put all these spices in my marriage to make it work.

Foluke is endowed in the chest region. Is that what attracted you to her?

Kayode: Of course, but that is not the primary reason of getting married to her.

Although, is there any right thinking man in Nigeria who will see a celebrity like my wife, even on TV, and will not admire her or get attracted to her? For how long will a man continue to police a woman? Her natural endowments are okay for me and I am enjoying them.

However, the fact remains that Foluke can only be my wife and not everyman’s wife. So

this is my message to all those men out there that Foluke can only be one man’s wife and it is me.

You knew Foluke Daramola as a star even before you met her. How do you handle issues when you see scandals written about her in the media?

Kayode: If two people want to sustain their marriage, they must learn to

trust each other unconditionally. That trust can only be built by knowing who you are getting married to and by understanding her. I know who my wife is and with the kind of heart she has, there are certain things she can never do. So there is nothing any media organisation can write that can destroy our marriage.

This is because the bond between us is deep.

T h e

ish and thank God for. But how many of our actresses are that lucky? Even when they want to keep their homes, some of the things written about them keep the man on the edge and before you realise what is happening, that marriage is over.

The media should try and help us and try not to scatter what we are trying to build. I am imploring the media guys to try and channel their focus to celebrating true values.

What is that bond holding or sustaining your marriage?

Foluke: It is perfect understanding and spiritual conviction. My husband always tells me that perfect understanding is stronger than love. This is because two people coming together for marriage must love each other.

Because there is no perfect understanding, you find a lot of divorce cases everywhere. Another thing is that Kayode loves my children unconditionally. For us women, if you see a man that loves your children, you become that man’s fool. So I couldn’t help but to be endeared to him. My mum loves him very much too. We also forgive each other easily. We are always ready to apologise.

two of us have decided that there is nothing any journalist will write that can separate us.

Your marriage generated a lot of controversies. How do you feel about the things written about you in the media?

Foluke: They used to affect me a whole lot. But I just thank God for the kind of person my husband is because I have never gone out and my husband will call me to ask ‘where are you?’, or given me any chance to doubt him. So the kind of confidence he has in me is one that I cher-

Do you check each other’s phone?

Kayode: Yes, I do when I want to check for something and I may stumble on some messages that some men send to her. I don’t take them as anything and I don’t even ask her because I know she is a celebrity and she is endowed in the right place and that will make men to be sending her text messages. I don’t hold it to heart unless I don’t want to help her sustain our marriage. If not, I will start getting edgy, unnecessarily jealous and troublesome.

But when she checks my own phone, there is problem. Foluke is highly jealous.

But she has changed after several fights. She does not search my phone a n y more. Now she has left my phone alone and there is peace.

Foluke: This is the first time my husband is telling me that he stumbles on messages on my phone. He has never spoken about it. But me, I used to check his phones but I have changed. He said something once, that I am the celebrity and he is the one who is supposed to be jealous. As a fine, hardworking young man, women will always send text messages and I raise eyebrows and get upset. Over time, I just told myself that I know my man and it is left to me to stop that character. I understand now that it shows respect to both parties. I understand that he will not do what I won’t do.

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Body&Soul with

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

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Fate throws Ben into the mix

he youngman drops her at a taxi park in front of Eko Hotels and Suites.

“Thank you very much,” she tells him.

“It’s okay Ma’am. It’s not safe for women to move about at night. Would have taken you to your house, but I’ve got to get home or my dad will have my ears for dinner...and please stop crying,” he says.

“Thanks dear,” she says, waving him on.

She boards a cab and sobs all the way home.

At a point, she reminds herself that Dave is a married man. She needs a single man for marriage.

Of course, she loves him but where will it lead? She sobs the more...the rejection is humiliating.

“If I didn’t tell him about my past, he wouldn’t have known,” she tells herself. But then, she wants a relationship based on truth. Somehow, she believes that the man for her will understand.

When she gets home a few minutes to 1am, she selects the clothes she’ll wear to church in the morning, climbs her bed and closes her eyes. ****** Sleep eludes Dave. He gets himself more drunk in order to push her out of his mind, but fails. He loves her!

But she is a prostitute.

He screams, “A prostitute!”

He swigs from the cognac bottle.

Two hours later, he is still awake, thinking about Kathryn.

He relives their moments together a million times in his mind. Each time, he longs for her the more.

A few minutes after 4am, he yawns, stretches out on his bed and is asleep in minutes. ****** Kathryn jumps off her bed. She glances at the bedside clock and shouts. 6.58am! Church service kicks off in about an hour! She’ll be going to that church for the first time.

She rushes into the bathroom, brushes her teeth and takes a quick bath.

Oh no! Her eyes are puffy.

Dave!

She smiles. She isn’t too surprised at his behavior. But... does she still love him? Yes, and that is unfortunate.

She wears her clothes and dabbed a little colour on her face. She lines her eyelids with a dark liner to hide the puffiness and is ready.

Time is 7.50am, enough time to get to the church which is a few streets away.

She ditches the idea of driving and treks. ****** The church ushers fawn over her. She’s a new member.

They sit her at the end of a row of seats, beside a welldressed man. From her vantage position, she can observe the energetic, well-dressed pastor.

He thunders, “Turn to the person beside you and say, ‘Welcome to my life. The Lord will do a new thing in my life today!”

It is sermon time.

There’s no one on Kathryn’s right, she turns to her left.

The words stick in her throat. The guy beside her looks so familiar. She is sure she’s seen him before. He is probably one of her numerous clients. Oh no, not in a church!

She wonders if he remembers her.

The man looks at her inquiringly.

“Turn to the person beside you and say, ‘I love you,” the pastor screams into the microphone again.

Kathryn turns to the guy and mutters the words. Her mind is not at rest. She is so sure she’s seen the man before.

“Hello beauty. Happy to meet you again,” the man says in a low voice.

Kathryn cringes.

“Can’t remember having met you,” she says under her breath, but loud enough for him to hear.

“Ah, don’t tell me that a beauty like you has a short memory,” he says, a smile in his voice. “Let me help you out...”

Kathryn’s heart sinks.

“Not here Lord! I came to worship you here Lord. Please forgive my sins dear Lord. Don’t allow this man to stop me from coming to church, Lord,” Kathryn prays in her heart.

He continues, “I admired you so much on Saturday night at the club. Before I could muster the courage to come talk to you, your friend came and I left...”

Joy flows like a river in Kathryn’s heart. Her face lit up.

Then it dawns on her!

“Thank you Lord,” she screams in her heart. He’s the man she was so stuck on at the club before Dave came in. The man she secretly named Amobi.

“Oh, I remember now. You worship here?” Kathryn asks.

They have both forgotten they are in church.

“I don’t worship here dear. A friend is having his child’s dedication here today,” he says, adding, “I’m really happy to see you. I thought so much about you...”

One of the ushers comes to stand on the aisle, very close to them.

“Turn to the person beside you and say, ‘I love you with the love of the Lord,” the pastor thunders, breaking into their conversation.

“I love you with the love of the Lord,” they chorus, smiling into each other’s eyes.

Kathryn glances at his fingers again, still no ring. She smiles. ***** Dave wakes up with a pounding head. He had taken too much alcohol. His mind races to Kathryn.

“Why is she a whore? Why would such a beautiful and nice lady be a whore?” The questions dance in his brain and his head pounds harder.

Time is 8.43am.

He drags himself to the loo and back, takes a bottle of chilled water from the fridge and gulps it.

“Gawd, I love that woman!”

Then, he remembers the circumstance under which she left the previous night and his heart misses a beat.

“I must go see her.”

He drags himself to the bathroom, showers and changes into jean and T-shirt.

He wishes he could go with one of his brothers, but this is a journey he must embark on alone.

He picks a car key from the drawer, smiling as he remembers all that transpired there the night before. He could still perceive her sweet smelling perfume faintly.

He circumvents the area of the rug where she had given him the greatest joy a woman could give a man, picks a bottle of cold water and shuffles out of the room.

The drive to Kathryn’s house is short and uneventful. Before he realises, he is at her gate. Access into the street is easy.

One of the security men at the gate recognises him. However, not so at Kathryn’s house. A new man mans the gate.

He calls Kathryn through the intercom and it is not answered.

“Oga, auntie no dey house,” he tells Dave and his heart lurches.

“When did she go out? Did she return last night or this morning?” Dave asks, worry in his voice.

“No sir. Na my second you go ask. I resume duty this morning,” the gate man replies.

“Where’s your second? I want to talk to him,” Dave says.

“Oga, my second don go home,” he says.

Dave is desperate now.

“Can I have your second’s phone number?”

“No sir. I no know him number,” the gateman says, adding, “Him go come back tomorrow morning.”

“Thanks,” Dave tells him.

“Did my Kathy go home with that man that picked her last night? Hope she’s okay? Why did I let her out of my house in the dead of night? Oh God, keep her safe for me.”

He turns to the gateman and says, “I’ll wait for her.”

The man nods and goes back in, locking the gate carefully.

Dave parks his car beside the gate, winds down the windows, kills the engine and makes himself comfortable. He is feeling sick and hungry now.

The time is 10.20am. **** After church service, Kathryn and Ben, that’s Amobi’s real name, stroll out to the car park together.

“So, what do you do for a living?”

Ben asks.

“I’m into business. I deal in luxury goods,” Kathryn says effortlessly.

“Ah that’s good. That makes you a very expensive woman,” he says, laughing.

“Not really...what about you? Where do you work?” Kathryn asks.

“I work for myself. I’m into shipping and fishing business. I own some trawlers. I also do some other things,” he replies.

Kathryn is impressed. She is very much in love with Dave but Ben is not a bad idea.

“Er...er...why is your wife not in church with you?” Oh, the question is finally out.

“Wife? You give me wife? I’m not married. I’m single, still searching for a wife,” he says.

Then he looks her all over and asks, “Are you free? I mean, are you single?”

“I haven’t met him yet. Looking forward to meeting him,” she says jocularly.

“We’ve got to know each other better. What do you say?

Can we have dinner? I have to be at my friend’s house for the child naming party this afternoon. I’m free afterwards.

You can chose where you want,” he says.

“It’s ok. Let’s talk on the phone later. Where does your friend live?” Kathryn asks.

“Oh cool. He lives around here. Let me have your phone number?” he replies.

They exchange phone numbers.

“Where’s your car?” he asks.

“I didn’t come with a car. I live around here,” Kathryn tells him.

“Then I’ll take you home if you don’t mind. Where’s home? Will be a pleasure to drive you,” he says.

The ‘car’ is a black, gleaming Range Rover HSE, an SUV. Hmmmmmmmmm.

Ben turns on the ignition and the engine purrs to life.

Kathryn’s house is less than 10 minutes drive from the church. ***** Dave dozes and wakes up. A vehicle appears at the beginning of the street. He observes it with more than cursory interest.

Dave is an auto freak. He likes good vehicles and the one that is approaching is a good one. He watches it and nearly has a fit when he makes out the occupants.

Kathryn in a stranger’s vehicle! He is sure it isn’t the car that picked her the previous night.

The SUV stops a few meters from him. Kathryn alights and waves him on. She looks so beautiful in a red dress and nude flat shoes. She clutches a nude purse and a Bible.

As she turns towards her gate, the gateman comes out and says something to her, pointing Dave’s way.

The door of the car opens and an angry, sick Dave alights!

She freezes. ******* How did they sort out this situation? Keep a date with me next Sunday.

Send your observations to julietbumah@gmail.com

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SEPTEMBER 07, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

How old is your makeup?

Biwom Iklaki

I

n this era of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) that cals for greater attention to our personal hygiene, it is a good time to look into our makeup pouches and bags.

It is no longer a secret that our makeup bags harbor a lot of bacteria that could cause us one ailment or the other. So stop clinging to that ‘favourite’ shade of foundation or lipstick. Unless you want a fever from your makeup, let’s take stock, shall we?

Loads of bacteria breed better in warm, liquid makeup than the solids.

So, a great makeup-purchasing tip is to get your perfect shades of makeup in solids (powders and lipsticks) rather than liquids (liquid foundation, liquid eye liners).

Below are the average ‘shelf lives’ of some common makeup products.

Face/body creams and serums: These can keep for six months if in a jar and up to a year after opening if it came in a pump Foundations and blushes: Your liquid foundations could last about six months because of how quickly they can grow bacteria. Their powder counterparts, on the other hand, can last as

long as two years. Do watch out for any change in textures or feel on your skin though.

Eye shadow: These should be tossed after a year or else you may risk infecting your eyes, which are very sensitive to infections.

Lipsticks: Except for ‘long wear’ lipsticks that have ingredients that evaporate after a while

(toss after one year), your lipsticks can typically last up to two years.

Eye and lip pencils: These can last for one year. Just make sure to sharpen them regularly Sunscreens: Typically, they have their expiration dates on the labels.

However, according to renowned dermatologist and founder, dermtv.com, Dr. Neal Schultz, you can

still use the sunscreen up to two years after expiration and it will give you the same protection as when it was first manufactured.

Mascaras: They should be tossed after three months whether it clumps up or not, to protect your eyes from bacteria.

Liquid eyeliners: Must not be used after two months.

22

Body&Soul

Vanessa Okwara

hottest prints. Leopard prints can

bag or shoes

tions or there is a converse colour

Go wild in leopard prints

SEPTEMBER 07, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

43

Hardball Jonathan not serious about National Conference report - Shagaya p.26

biyi adegoroye, ASSISTANT Editor, Politics biyi.fire@yahoo.com

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Tel: 08033024007

SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

T

Interview Chuba Okadigbo taught me how to play politics p.28

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Politics ON SUNDAY

Probes, probes... and few results

he National Assembly is saddled with the constitutional responsibility to make laws for the good governance of the society. Its three core functions are legislation, representation and oversight.

In its legislative functions, members of the National Assembly, for instance, process bills into laws as well as pass resolutions on motions to direct the affairs of government.

In discharging their functions of representation, legislators use their privileged positions in the Senate or House of Representatives to attract developmental projects to their various senatorial districts or federal constituencies.

They also ensure that federal allocations in terms of appointment, employment and distribution of infrastructural facilities get to their people. Also, the parliamentarians represent the people by ensuring that their constituents don’t suffer any form of discrimination, exclusion or other forms of injustice from any quarters of the country. This is why they pursue petitions from their constituents to conclusive ends to ensure that all issues in contention in any petition are resolved. They also bring motions on issues affecting either their individual enclaves or the nation in general.

Another very important function of the parliament is oversight. This is a statutory responsibility bestowed on the legislators to enable them to supervise the activities of the ministries, departments and agencies of government to ensure that things are done in line with the provisions of the constitution, the policies of government and other laws of the land. As part of the oversight function of the National Assembly, the lawmakers usually conduct investigative hearings to ascertain allegations of impropriety against public officeholders or corporate entities whenever such is made or when they suspect that affairs of government are not done transparently.

A probe can be proactive or reactive. Whichever form an investigation takes, the underpinning motive of any legislative inquiry is to use the result to improve on the process of governance and the corporate/ or private interests of the citizenry by correcting existing or imminent anomaly.

The seventh Senate, which was inaugurated on June 5, 2011, has carried out a series of probes on various issues of national importance in the past three years of its existence.

Some of the investigations were directed at individuals heading public offices while some focused on corporate establishments of government.

Pension Scam

One of the major probes conducted by the seventh Senate was the N274 billion pension fund scam leveled against the then Chairman, Pension Task Team, Mr. Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina, John Yusuf, B.G. Kaigama and all the members of the group. It is interesting to note that at the end of that earth-shaking investigation, the Senate, in the month of June, 2012, considered the report of the Senator Aloysius Etok-led Committee, and recom-

CHUKWU DAVID and PHILIP NYAM examine various probes carried out by the Seventh National Assembly, with a view to establishing the current state of some of the investigations, where they are and what has happened to each of them

Jonathan

mended that these officers should be sacked.

It also mandated the former Inspector-General of Police, Abubakar Mohammed to arrest and prosecute them. Sadly, Maina reportedly absconded and could not be prosecuted till today.

According to the report of the Senate, the investigated pension chiefs were involved in fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, misapplication, illegal virement, contract splitting, award of contracts to non-existing companies, award of contracts without appropriations and outright stealing of pension funds.

The Senate insisted that the stolen funds must be recovered from them. Unfortunately, till date, it is obvious that the embezzled fund has not been recovered from the culprits and seems to have been forgotten as nobody talks about it in public domain. Perhaps, concerned Nigerians may still ask questions about the whereabouts of the fund and what government has done or intends to do about it.

Apo killings

Another investigation done by the seventh Senate was on the raid at the Apo Legislators’ Quarters in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, which led to the death of eight persons suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect. The Senate considered the report

Mark

of the probe panel on November 28, 2013. It absolved the security agents of extra-judicial killings, as alleged by sympathisers and relatives of the victims. The Senate had set up a 20-member Joint Committee on National Security and Intelligence and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to investigate the alleged extra-judicial killings of the eight suspects on September 20, 2013 by a combined team of soldiers and Department of State Service.

The joint committee, which was headed by Senator Mohammed Magoro, a PDP chieftain representing Kebbi South and retired General of the Nigerian Army, in its report, said the operation of security agents at Apo that produced casualties was necessitated by electronic intercepts made by the DSS. It said the messages indicated plans by Boko Haram to attack the FCT on September 22, 2013.

The report, however, led to a sharp disagreement between two generals: Magoro and Senator Mohammed Saleh (CPC, Kaduna Central), who presented a semblance of a minority report> this was in contravention of the Senate standing order, which stipulates that any dissenting report should be documented and submitted to it for proper debate.

According to the findings of the committee, there was an influx of Boko Haram elements

into the FCT and its environs that was noticed through various sources, including electronic intercepts. It further stated that the security agencies had enough and convincing intelligence information to believe that some Boko Haram elements were hiding among the over 100 dwellers of the uncompleted building at Apo. The report said, “The arrest of Kamal and Adamu (Boko Haram suspects) and intelligence information derived from them while in the custody of the DSS actually confirmed increased activities of Boko Haram terrorists in Abuja. The categorical and damning evidence given by Kamal and Adamu including the large cache of weapons alleged buried in Gudu cemetery and the presence of members of the Boko Haram sect living in uncompleted building made it imperative for the security agencies to take action.”

BMW bullet proof cars

The probe of the former Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, was one investigation that was never concluded by the Senate until the then embattled daughter of Anambra State was removed from office by Jonathan.

She was to be probed by the Senate Committee on Aviation headed by Senator Hope Uzodinma, for allegedly purchasing two CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Politics / Analysis C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 3

BMW bullet proof cars at the exorbitant cost of N255 million. While the House of Representatives concluded its own probe on the allegation that stirred a lot of anxiety in the polity and made far-reaching recommendations, the Senate tactically down-played the matter. It is, however, believed that her exit from the Aviation Ministry had a direct link with the allegation.

Probes, probes...and few results

$49.8 Billion NNPC fund

This probe was highly contentious because of the controversial nature of the allegation.

Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, had in September 2013, alleged that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation was indebted to the national treasury to the tune of $49.8 billion unremitted oil revenue from various transactions carried out from January 2012 to July 2013.

Following the allegation, the Senate Committee on Finance, through a resolution at its plenary session in December 2013, carried out an investigation to ascertain the authenticity or otherwise of Sanusi’s claims.

At the end of the probe, the committee’s report debunked the claim. It also accused Sanusi of jumping to hasty conclusions and generating false allegations against NNPC. The committee also blamed the Ministry of Finance, CBN and NNPC for what it described as a lack of co-ordination in record keeping with regard to crude oil proceeds and remittances. Consequently, the committee recommended inter-agency reconciliation meetings between sensitive economic institutions on a regular basis in order to avoid a similar episode, and ensure that all revenues are properly and legally accounted for.

Those who vigorously pursued this probe had expected that the Senate would ask the President to sack the Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Dieziani Alison-Madueke, or other top executive officers in the oil industry. This, however, did not happen. Meanwhile, a forensic audit of the corporation is still being done as recommended by the committee and the Minister of Finance, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Nigerians are still wondering that no drastic action has been taken against the leadership of the NNPC because there is the opinion that there is big rot in the system.

NIS recruitment tragedy

This probe was designed to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the March 15, 2014 tragedy, in which some Nigerians who went for the Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment examination at some centres across the country lost their lives. Others were seriously injured in the stampede at the centres.

However, the probe can be described as inconclusive because Senator Atiku Bagudu, who was the panel chairman submitted the report of the investigation to the Senate on May 28, 2014. It was never considered by the Red Chamber until the National Assembly went on annual recess on July 17, 2014. Journalists made concerted efforts to get a copy of the laid report but to no avail as the members of the investigative committee and its chairman decided to treat the document with utmost confidentiality. It is being rumoured that the Senate might not consider the report because of the strong connections of some of the players in the recruitment exercise with some powerful persons in the National Assembly and the Presidency. Nigerians are eagerly waiting for the outcome of that report. It is possible that any attempt to sweep it under the carpet will provoke public outcry. As the National Assembly resumes on September 16, 2014, it is the expectation of the concerned citizens that the Senate will do justice to the report to avoid incurring the wrath of the Nigerian people.

House of Probes

Since its inauguration in June 2011, the seventh House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Aminu Tambuwal has conducted several investigations into various issues of public interest. Unfortunately, in some of the probes, the lawmakers who were supposedly chasing after allegedly corrupt government officials got themselves enmeshed in corrupt deals thereby plunging the entire effort into controversy. While some of the investigations achieved results, some

Lawal

rather opened up a can of worms. Many have been concluded while several are ongoing.

The executive has also implemented some of the recommendations, while some have remained largely unattended to and gathering dust on the shelves. Some of the prominent probes include the following:

Oil subsidy

The House investigation into the administration of fuel subsidy under an ad hoc committee led by Hon. Farouk Lawan brought a lot of hope to Nigerians. In fact, the investigation was celebrated because apart from the fact that the House sat on a Sunday to resolve to probe the matter, the investigation was given adequate media coverage. The outcome of that investigation was that several individuals and erring companies that defrauded the country of over N1 trillion in subsidy funds for petroleum products had been prosecuted and others are still been prosecuted by the EFCC. But the subsidy probe was not without its dark side as Farouk Lawan was caught in a bribery scandal that shocked the whole country. He was accused of receiving $620,000 in bribes from oil and gas billionaire, Femi Otedola, to strike out the name of the latter’s company from the report. Lawan and the committee secretary, Boniface Emenalo, are currently being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Capital Market

Another controversial probe that dealt a blow to the integrity of the House was the investigation into the near-collapse of the capital market. In the course of the investigation, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh, alleged that the committee Chairman, Hon. Herman Hembe, demanded a N44m bribe from her. She also accused Hembe of witch-hunting her after collecting money including a first class flight ticket for a conference, which he neither attended nor returned the money. The House leadership was compelled to disqualify the standing committee from continuing with the investigation and instead constituted an ad hoc committee headed by Hon. Ibrahim El-Sudi, which successfully executed the assignment. The new panel indicted Oteh and consequently recommended her removal. The recommendations were adopted by the House but Oteh has remained at her duty post till date even without appropriation to the commission in the past two years.

Another leg of this investigation was the directive of the House to the Ethics and Privileges Committee to investigate Hembe and his deputy, Chris Azubogu, over the allegations levelled against them by Oteh. Till date, the committee has not submitted any report.

However, both Hembe and Azubogu have been discharged and acquitted by an Abuja High Court of the said allegations.

Alison-Madueke

Ihembe

Service Wide Votes

Unremitted N3 trillion by NNPC

The House Public Accounts Committee has since 2013 been investigating the operations and utilisation of the Service Wide Votes domiciled in the Presidency. It has so far probed into how the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) led by Pius Anyim and the Federal Ministry of Information under Labaran Maku used N100.561 billion disbursed to them between 2004 and 2012. Officials of several MDAs such as INEC and NNPC have been quizzed by the committee, which has revealed that between N900 billion and N1 trillion was withdrawn from the account between 2004 and 2012 with nothing to show for it. The investigation of the Service Wide Votes has not ended and it is expected to run till the end of this year. Perhaps, the report of the investigation would be submitted and debated early next year.

Alison-Madueke’s N10bn private jet

One investigation that generated so much controversy was the alleged wastage of N10bn on the charter and maintenance of a Challenger 850 aircraft by Alison-Madueke.

This investigation ran into a hitch as both the minister and the NNPC are in court seeking to stop the House from looking into the matter. President Jonathan had in his last media chat berated the lawmakers for consistently harassing the minister and explained that the attitude of the parliament was counterproductive as it interferes with the work of the executive. Before the House proceeded on its annual recess, Tambuwal had declared that the investigation would go on in spite of the suit against it. However, the possibility of the House concluding this investigation before the end of the seventh session is very remote. The House might take a final decision on the matter when it reconvenes later this month.

N255m bullet proof cars

One of the most popular probes carried out by the present House was the alleged two BMW bullet proof cars bought by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) at the cost of N255 million. The cars were allegedly purchased for the erstwhile Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah but the minister vehemently denied it.

Nevertheless, the House Committee on Aviation which conducted the investigation indicted her and recommended, among other things, that President Jonathan should review her continued engagement as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The House adopted all the recommendations and agreed that Oduah should be made to face the consequences of approving the expenditure above her statutory limit.

The House Joint Committee on Finance, Petroleum Upstream, Downstream and Gas resources had carried out an investigation into alleged non-remittance of funds in government coffers by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and discovered that the sum of N3. 098 trillion was not remitted to the Federation Account between 2004 and 2011 under of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The report also accused the CBN of conniving with the NNPC in effecting illegal deductions and payments.

Besides, the report called for the sanctions on the NNPC’s external auditors, Akintola Williams Deloitte and Muhtari Dangana & Co., as well as the Hart Group, consultants to the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, for allegedly conspiring to overstate NNPC’s payments by N349bn on domestic crude take in 2004, having stated the payment as N635bn instead of N289bn. It is not known whether the executive have implemented the outcome of this investigation.

Malabu Oil

The House investigated the controversy surrounding the Malabu Oil and Gas deal and recommended that Mohammed Abacha, the son of late head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha, and his partners, Kweku Amafegha and Pecos Energy Limited, be allowed to repossess Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL 245). The licence, which was said to have been won by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited and AGIP, has been a subject of controversy for sometime now. Although the report was adopted, this was not without opposition from some members.

The House ordered that “the Federal Government should cancel OPL 245 recently granted to SNEPCO (50 per cent) and AGIP (50 per cent), as it was based on a highly flawed ‘Resolution Agreement’ entered between Malabu Oil and Gas, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) and Nigeria Agip Exploration (NAE) with the federal government acting as obligator.”

Apart from these, there have been investigations into the killing of Nigerians in different countries including Ghana, South Africa, China, US. The issue of xenophobia against Nigerians in South Africa has also been handled by the current House. The House also probed into the utilisation of defence budget but this has been handled discreetly because of its security implications.

Nigerians believe that National Assembly probes without sanctions on erring government officials, or ministry or department runs the risk of reducing this vital legislative duties to a mere exercise and waste of public fund.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Politics / Column

E-ID: The difference Jonathan must make

A

ttempts have been made by successive governments to provide Nigerians with a uniform identification instrument. In fact, the first effort at embarking on a national identity card project in the country was initiated in 1979 under the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo, albeit without success.

Again, President Obasanjo, upon his return in 1999, revisited the exercise, but it culminated in a big scam which almost consumed one of his ministers. But President Goodluck Jonathan last week, launched a new phase of a national identity card scheme, this time, an electronic system which has come with a tall dream of harmonising all bio- data of Nigerians.

Indeed, the need of an efficient identification system in any society especially a developing one such as Nigeria in assisting speedy economic growth cannot be overemphasised. This benefit also explains why, despite several failed attempts, government appeared not to have jettisoned the idea but continued to adopt a number of approaches to execute the scheme which has gulped billions of naira over the years.

Experts believe too that with proper identification card system in place, aside assisting in the provision of data for government's planning, issues of identification of illegal immigrants whom to a large extent, add to the current security challenges faced by the country as well as enhanced national cohesion could be improved.

Hence when stakeholders gathered recently at the presidential villa to witness the launch of the new e-identity card, President Jonathan took time to explain what difference the present system would make in comparison to other such initiatives that were taken in the past.

Anule Emmanuel emmyanule@yahoo.com

With the fact that about N7 billion ($42.5 million, 32 million Euros) have been committed to the scheme, Nigerians expect nothing less than success this time From the Department of National Civic Registration established in 1979, we now have the National Identity Card Management Commission (NIMC), set up through Act of Parliament 23 of 2007. The Act provides for the introduction of a chipbased technology General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC) with a system to integrate a unique process of registration and enrolment of demographic and biometric data of eligible persons as a basis for the establishment of a national identity database, harmonization and integration of the existing identification databases in government agencies and issuance of unique personal identification numbers.

Away from the challenge which the country has faced in terms of multiple

databases, President Jonathan has insisted that the only way forward would really be the harmonisation of these bio- data and other necessary information needed for research and planning.

What this implies therefore, is that, if for any reason government provided the political will needed to execute the scheme with better success, the NIMC has with it a big challenge of harmonising the multiple identification initiatives by extant institutions such as the Pension Commission, land registry, Federal Inland Revenue Service, SIM card registration by mobile telecommunication service providers, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Nigerian Immigration Service and Federal Road Safety Corps.

If this scheme must work, all these agencies would need to cooperate with the NIMC and security agencies as far as information sharing is concerned. Only through such approach will Nigerian's dream of being provided with an easier means of proving their nationality aside the international passport which only a few do have at the moment be achieved.

Interestingly, President Jonathan who has been issued his own identity e-card, which features a credit card-style chip containing personal as well as biometric data and doubles as a prepaid charge and debit

card gave a clear directive regarding centralisation and uniformity of the system.

According to him, "the regime of duplication of biometric databases must now have to give way to harmonisation and unification with the e-ID scheme, which shall be the primary database," Stakeholders at the launch witnessed the performance of a transaction by the president using an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of one of the commercial banks at the event.

What is the concern of many is that apart from the benefits that abound with its execution, billions of tax payers funds have also been sunk into the current scheme and must not be allowed to waste. Records indeed show that about N7 billion ($42.5 million, 32 million Euros) have been committed to the scheme.

Considering the projection of the financial services firm MasterCard, the scheme's payment technology provider that at least 13 million cards would be available in the first phase of the project with more than 100 million to be issued in total, government should not relent in providing a workable mechanism this time, in ensuring that NIMC does not fail the country.

Directing NIMC and the CBN like the Jonathan has done to implement a number of reforms towards achieving the e-identity card project only is not enough. The presidency has no option but to monitor closely the implementation of such instructions to the latter.

It is important to mention here too, that going forward with the project, the idea of state of origin which divides the country more than uniting it should be expunged in line with a recent suggestion by the National Council of State during its meeting with President Jonathan at the presidential villa.

Why Senator Nwagu kicked against zoning

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rue democracy all over the world is founded on the constitution, which is the grand norm by which the people are governed. Without strict adherence to the provisions of a nation's constitution, democracy cannot survive. This is why political philosophers talk about the rule of law or supremacy of law, which postulates that in every society, the law rules above all else.

Although there is no perfect system across the globe, the story is quite different especially with particular reference to developing democracies. This is because the actions and view point of their political actors reflect their barbarism, selfishness and sentiments, and in the process, they prevent the constitution from functioning effectively. Democracies in this category have leaders who violate the law, rights and freedoms of citizens, and abuse people power which are succinctly defined in the constitution.

This is why in Nigeria's brand of democracy, politicians and indeed citizens come up with ideas such as zoning or rotation of political offices amongst various geo-political zones, just to minimise incidences of marginalisation, emanating from failure of leadership to judiciously implement the provisions of the constitution, which usually sparks off agitations in the polity.

This zoning principle, much as it is not derived from the constitution in Nigeria, is working in some places while it has failed in others. It does not work always because when it is not convenient, people and politicians in particular begin to argue that it is not only undemocratic, it is also unconstitutional.

When it is convenient, they pose as advocates

From the Chukwu David chukwudavid68@yahoo.com

of rotation or zoning ostensibly for reasons of balance and fair play.

Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu, who represents Ebonyi Central Senatorial District and a stalwart of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, (PPD), is one of those who do not believe much in zoning or rotation of political offices amongst political entities especially at the state level in this democratic dispensation.

His major argument is that zoning negates democratic principles. Moreover, he is of the same school of thought with Ernest Hemingway, the author of "The Old Man and the Sea", who posits that "life is a continuous struggle in which only the fittest survives". Accordingly, he believes that a politician seeking public office should go and take power, and not wait for it to be given it.

Defending his political philosophy, Nwagu, who has declared his governorship ambition in next year’s election in Ebonyi State, argued that zoning is the proposition of the weak. He was reacting to the insinuations that his senatorial district is not supposed to produce the next governor of the state. The contention here

is that the former governor, Dr. Sam Egwu (1999-2007) is from Ebonyi North while the incumbent Governor, Chief Martin Elechi is from the Central. Accordingly, if zoning is anything to go by, the next governor ought to come from the South. However, in his recent interview with The Congresswatch, a quarterly news magazine published in Abuja, Senator Nwagu argued that those who were calling for zoning of the number one political office in the state are not ready to serve the state.

"Again, in democracy, we have two principles. The two principles are freedom and participation. I don't think there is any other thing remaining. If you are talking of a democratically elected government, you should be talking of participation and freedom. And that is what I stand for. I am a lawmaker and I know it very well. The issue of zoning that you are talking about, I have said it before and I will repeat it is for the weakly, and Ebonyi State is not that type".

Apart from the fact that the politician is kicking against zoning in his state on the basis of what he believes are the fundamental prin-

ciples of democracy, he also noted that there had never been any formal discussion in the state on zoning. To him, the issue of zoning in Ebonyi would be discussed when the people were ready, but not until he had contested and perhaps emerged as the governor of the state. "‌We will discuss zoning when the people are ready for it. After winning my election, I will call the people to discuss zoning but for now, you don't make a law and think that the person who is sitting there will benefit from it immediately. Are you going to sacrifice efficiency on the platter of zoning? Is it better for you to sacrifice capacity because of politics on the altar of zoning? Capacity first! This is a young state; we need to stabilise first. Apart from that, have we ever discussed zoning in this state? Anybody talking about zoning, I think is selfish".

Yes, zoning may be undemocratic and or unconstitutional; it also has the tendency to encourage mediocrity in governance. The call for zoning or rotation of political offices might also be selfish as asserted by Nwagu but it is the selfishness of political leaders, who would not apply state resources judiciously and fairly to develop the various geo-political jurisdictions that provoked the agitations from those who are victims of such miss-governance.

If those who occupy public offices at all levels of government will change their attitude of 'winner-takes-all', which is the norm today in Nigeria, the craving for zoning, rotation or any other undemocratic/ unconstitutional practices will stop. Until then, individual states or communities have to practise what gives all citizens a sense of belonging as well as engender peace and stability in their domains

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Politics / Hardball

Jonathan not serious about National Senator John Shagaya, a retired Major General, and former Commander of ECOMOG, expresses doubt that President Goodluck Jonathan will implement the report of the National Conference. He also speaks on the governorship race in Plateau State in this interview with BUHARI BELLO

W

hy are you skeptical of the just concluded National Conference?

The idea of a conference of this nature was first mooted by NA DECO during the regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

The philosophy was anti-Abacha and anti-North.

Reading the speeches and watching NA DECO rallies at that time confirmed that the group was poised to force the idea of a Sovereign National Conference on government. Evidences of this assertion were seen in the appointment of chieftains of NA DECO to the conference. The deputy chairman, for example, was the key spokesman of NADECO. It also had a former fugitive like Col. Tony Nyiam (retd), a man who hates Northern Nigeria with a passion. On the legitimacy of the conference, many Nigerians have argued that the conference lacked legitimacy.

The conference was not backed up by any legislation, and to my mind, the current political leadership has lost focus, failed woefully, and thereby is trying to find an excuse under the conference to divert attention, by buying time so as to chart an unpredictable course for Nigeria. It is too late at this stage for the National Assembly to make a retroactive law to back the conference and its recommendations. The spending on the illegal conference should have been legislated by the National Assembly, but this was not done. Majority of Nigerians are today lamenting the motives of the President for the conference.

First, the terms of reference allowed for some no-go areas to be discussed or canvassed. History has shown that no government has succeeded with this type of position since independence. All the discussable and non-discussable issues were about the unity and progress of our great country. I fear that government will hide under the present contradictions in the country to tinker with the report and recommendations submitted to it. Implementation of the conference report will be impossible between now and May 2015 because both the executive and the National Assembly have less than a year to go. The better part of whatever period is left will be consumed in elective office campaigns as signified by the President who had earlier kickstarted his campaign.

If the legislature comes back next year to deliberate on the issues raised in the conference report, this may prove to be an uphill task as there is no guarantee that most members of the National Assembly may return then. History has shown that none of the National Assemblies in our history has continued from where the last one stopped. There is no guarantee that the Eighth Assembly will inherit an unconcluded implementation report of the conference in 2015. These made me to conclude that, at least, it is not Jonathan’s administration that will see this report through.

This is the year when most politicians are warming up for change of baton in 2015. Some may become victims of the government’s arm-twisting to align with the predetermined

recommendation of the conference by the government.

The South-South, South-East and part of SouthWest delegates can today tell what will be the outcome of the conference report. In fact, some delegates’ contributions and actions, including the body language are indications to this fact. Reading and watching media chats, interviews by some media houses - print and electronic - suggests that many Nigerians have refused to accept that the conference will solve any of our serious problems confronting the nation. Many believe that the huge amount of money spent in organising the conference could have been channelled towards providing jobs or to support some more productive sectors of the economy What do you think the conference portends for Northern Nigeria?

As a northerner, I think there are so many unanswered questions on whether the conference was aimed at weakening Northern Nigeria or something else. Was the conference a diversion from the major corruption charges being levelled against the present administration thereby guaranteeing a hold on some key ministries? In fact, some of us are thinking whether the conference is garrisoning Northern Nigeria through declarations of a state of emergency in the three northern states or is it confirming GEJ’s return to Aso Rock Villa in 2015; whether the President is confirming that the1999 Constitution has vested in him enormous powers which he must now use to the detriment of the North.

Today, one wonders whether the choice of a junior general and native of the President’s area as the Chief of Army Staff, resulting in the nondeployment of some junior officers majority of whom are from the Northern Nigeria was meant to weaken the region’s presence in the high command of the Nigeria Army or not. Some of these questions raised and many more today call for northerners to remain united so as to canvass positions that will place the region at an advantage in participating in the 2015

Shagaya

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Politics / Hardball

Conference report –Shagaya elections with the hope of playing key roles in governance of our country at all levels.

What is your take on the state of insecurity in the country?

The pathetic security challenges in the country don’t support the spending on a conference whose report may not see the light of day. I commend the resilience of our officers and men of the armed forces for the sacrifices they have made in tackling insurgents, kidnapping, oil theft and sea piracy. For the Armed Forces not to be demystified, I recommend that Northern Nigerian today should raise strong objections to being used to rig elections for incumbent political leaders.

Sections 217-222 of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 as amended are clear on the powers of the President as to the control of the Armed Forces. I had thought that the administration would include the non-exposure of our military personnel as in protecting ballot papers or at least discourage their active connivance in rigging for preferred government candidates.

Such unnecessary exposure to my mind has tended to demystify our disciplined members of the armed forces. The military like the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.

What should be the next strategy as we approach 2015?

As I always said, research needs to be carried out by Northern elements so as to be able to have some understanding of issues confronting the region under the current political dispensation.

What are the basic problems confronting our democracy today?

Nigeria’s main problems today are poor leadership, corruption in the highest places in government, unemployment, lack of plans for capacity development of our young people leaving universities and other tertiary institutions. From the last attempt to recruit candidates into the Nigeria Immigration Service, we saw the rush where six million youths scrambled for 4,500 vacancies, with some of them dying in the process.

Tell us more about why you want to be the next governor of Plateau State in 2015.

My ambition to govern the state was informed by the desire of the people of my constituency and that of the APC, the party I am contesting on its platform. I was largely supported by the people of Plateau Central and of course, I have quite a lot of followership from the northern district, my constituency and the central senatorial zone. I have a huge followership in the northern senatorial zone that I should come out and run

Shagaya

for the governorship position. If truly the word ‘change’ that APC has coined has to make a meaning in Plateau, then this is my time in view of some of the misrule that we have seen in the last eight years.

My response to that is, ‘Yes, I will come out and take the challenge of the people.’ But in an election, I need to get the party’s ticket and then of course get the overwhelming support of the citizens of Plateau State, if they truly believe in change. But I don’t believe that it should be a do-or-die affair. I don’t give a damn who becomes the governor, but I strongly believe that the seat of the governor should move to the southern senatorial zone because it’s a senatorial zone that has not truly produced the governor since the creation of Plateau State in 1967.

The reasons people may ask me to give an answer may include the fact that the current Plateau represents only two senatorial districts in the old Plateau State (Nasarawa inclusive) and Nasarawa was just a senatorial district. Chiefs Solomon Lar and Fidelis Tapgun’s emergence from that arrangement of the old bigger Plateau State wouldn’t honestly mean that they have ruled Plateau State under the current setting. The second major argument is that the southern senatorial district had mercifully contributed to making Joshua Chibi Dariye from the central senatorial zone to become the governor on the return of democracy in 1999. And disastrously enough, my colleague, Jonah Jang, succeeded him from the northern senatorial zone. I said ‘disastrously’ because most citizens of the state thought that with his exposure as a military administrator of two states in the past, he would be able to redress the wrongs that existed from 1999 -2007. But I think Plateau today is worse for it because in the last seven years of Jonah Jang’s tenure, you see hypocrisy at its peak, corruption at the highest level. Nepotism that has never been witnessed in any state of the federation is today existing in Plateau State where except you are a Berom from Du village, you cannot hold a key position or ambassadorial appointment under this administration of Governor Jonah Jang.

So for these major reasons, one has accepted

I’m also aware that the massive documents on corruption that the House of Assembly is investigating are on the pages of newspapers and before the EFCC, ICPC. Even the presidency is worried about winning on the Plateau the challenge to be the variable of change, if God will permit it and if the electorate in the state will support it. But be that as it may, the main opposition party also needs to get its act together. Even though the ground is ripe, very fertile and ready for APC to grab, the greed and behaviour of some members of APC who are today unfortunately and surprisingly thinking of selves before the party, selves before the state and selves before the nation are major issues.

It scares me if the journey continues the way we are going currently because we may not get the governorship position in the state. We may not even be able to contribute the mandatory 25 per cent that could make the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria a reality for our party. This is an unfortunate development but I’m optimistic that with a lot of talking and change of mind, things may change. If not I foresee a great danger ahead.

What will you say is the big challenge before the APC in Plateau State ahead of the 2015?

Opposition has always been on the Plateau and I know that the Labour Party emerged as a very strong opposition party in the state when the ruling PDP in the state was broken into PDP 1 and 2. That was the time we thought that the misrule of the current administration under Governor Jang had been gotten rid of.

Unfortunately, towards 2011 money and operations from the Federal Government came to play and then the massive rigging took place; hence the PDP took the reins of power in the

state again and misrule became the order of the day. But today I can see and smell disintegration in the PDP in the state largely due to Jang’s poor administrative style.

Do you think members of the state house of assembly are capable of solving the said misrule in the state?

First of all, the observation between the last three years would have been that the governor has pocketed the House of Assembly members; because they have never been up and doing. But surprisingly in recent times, they have come to terms by listening to the citizenry’s demands about a lot of publications on corruption in very high places in Plateau State. Today as God will grant them the wisdom to investigate the finance of the state, they have stumbled on documents that warrant certain steps to be taken and to question some of these corrupt documents. That is the reason that for the first time they moved a motion against the sitting governor. So one will hope and pray that they have the courage to continue.

I’m also aware that the massive documents on corruption that the house of assembly is investigating are on the pages of newspapers and before the EFCC, ICPC. Even the presidency is worried about winning on the Plateau if what is happening is true.

What happened to Murtala Nyako was a minor offence in terms of shortchanging the citizenry. So it will be a good thing if they will continue because they have the support of many of us in order to restore the lost glory of the state What are the elders the state doing to salvage the situation?

We couldn’t be doing anything more than what some of us are doing individually by preaching on the need to shift to the big acronyms of change to ensure to ensure that Plateau gets back its rightful place in the comity of states; which we think through APC will able restore things in the state.

How do you view the alleged circular from the governor to all ministries, boards and government agencies to disregard any invitation from the house of assembly?

I am the least surprised person because Governor Jonah David Jang has never respected or honoured any judgment. So he is a no respecter of the court on any procedures or legitimacy of any legal institution to bring about checks and balances within the society. In short, he is one governor who for the first time is abusing the positions and responsibilities of the three arms of the government as they affect the executive where he belongs. He is insulting he legislature and has never respected judiciary.

Both you and the governor are retired military generals. How then can you translate his understanding of democratic tenets?

It is unfortunate that I will plead and beg that talking of military service, I should never be put in the same basket with Jonah Jang. I was a combatant officer. I saw action in the Nigerian Civil War; I commanded one of the highest divisions in the Nigeria Army and led the ECOMOG joint forces under ECOWAS to effect the surrender of armaments by jailed Prince Charles Taylor between July and October 1993. So our experiences are completely different and I feel insulted when people say he is a retired general like me. It is true that we were both in the military but he was an air force fellow and I was a combatant. So I would like the distinction to be made. Coming to functioning as an administrator under a regimental assignment, the experience is quite distinct and there is no basis to compare us because of his open inability to rule under a democratic setting.

28

Politics / Interview

SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Eleven years after, Senator Margery Chuba-Okadigbo confesses:

Chuba Okadigbo taught me how to play politics Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Mrs. Margery Chuba Okadigbo, is a lawyer and represents Anambra North in the Senate. The widow of late flamboyant Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, speaks on life without her pillar in this interview with BIYI ADEGOROYE

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hat is your impression about Nigeria's level compliance with affirmative action in increased female representation and appointment into public office?

The essence of Affirmative Action is to give women a sense of belonging by ensuring that they participate in decisionmaking. Affirmative Action is also meant to make women active members of the government process. The 30 per cent political positions which Affirmative Action advocates for women should not be seen as a mere figure. It goes beyond the number. While women should be given strategic positions in government, all issues affecting woman-hood should also be tackled. These issues include discrimination on the basis of gender, circumcision or genital mutilation, widowhood practices, among others.

I must commend President Goodluck Jonathan for giving the highest number of political positions to women under his government. In fact, women never had it so good. It was under this government that a woman was made a minister of defence. Also, the ministries of petroleum, finance, and communications are headed by women. It is also imperative to encourage our women to compete for power despite the obvious obstacles in politics. Power is never given. It is taken. Once women start showing that they constitute a reasonable force in our polity, they would be respected.

Margery

How do you feel about the kidnap of the Chibok Girls, for the past 140 days?

The kidnap of the Chibok schoolgirls is a matter that poses a great challenge to the human spirit. I feel bad and terribly touched by the situation and conditions under which these girls are being held. Despite the global outcry over their predicament, these innocent girls who are no threat to anyone are still being held. As a mother, I imagine how the parents of these girls feel. But terrorism is a global issue and as a nation, we must not despair. We must be united in our resolve to defeat the enemies of the nation. What President Goodluck Jonathan needs is our support and encouragement.

We have never faced this type of challenge before.

Above all, I pray that God Almighty will, in His own way, as-

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Politics / Interview

Though I've stopped crying, I can't forget Chuba Okadigbo C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 8

sist us to find an answer to the present security challenge confronting us. I have the hope that one day, these girls will re-unite with us to tell the story of their captivity. Nobody should lose hope.

What do you miss about your late husband?

I miss everything concerning my husband.

He was my husband, mentor, teacher, role model, the father of my children, a great defender of democracy and a patriot. I remember him every minute, because of what he represented in my life. As you know, the vacuum his exit has created remains. The children miss him greatly. What I have been doing is to play the roles of mother and father to the children so that they won’t have any reason to feel deprived. His supporters miss him; the poor who depended on him also miss him. He was a man for all seasons and for a lot of people. He was greatly admired for his intellect, courage, colour and character. Chuba was distinct and exceptional in every ramification. We stand diminished in his absence.

While in the National Assembly, he gave effective leadership to the Senate and fought for the independence of the legislature. He brought colour, candour and glamour into Nigerian politics. His death closed a chapter in Nigerian politics. You know it. Today, the children are guided by his life and they are doing well.

My resolve is to continue to keep his legacies alive. That was one of the reasons why I aspired to go to the Senate. As his wife, I know his dreams, principles and plans for his people and the Nigerian nation. I intend to continue to walk the path he set before us. I have stopped crying. I see his dreams coming alive. Mind you, I cannot be Chuba, but I am guided by Chuba’s principles and philosophy. I will forever miss his colour, intellect, compassion for the downtrodden and love for Nigeria.

Now to the National Assembly, what impact would you say that you have made there since your election?

Without being immodest, I must say that I have done well despite the fact that I lost a year to litigation until the Supreme Court finally gave a verdict in my favour. You know how the legislature works. Even though the legislative arm of government is not constitutionally charged with the responsibility of building roads and bridges and providing infrastructure, we in the National Assembly still try to ensure that these amenities are properly located in our constituencies where our constituents would have access to them.

We call these constituency projects. Through goodwill, lobbying and mastery of the legislative process, I have been able to ensure that very essential projects, which my constituents need, are located in the seven local government areas in Anambra North, which I represent in the Senate.

Today, I have been able to attract nine blocks of three classrooms to each of the local government areas in my constituency. I have also been able to attract health centres and ensure that they are equipped with ambulances. This is in line with the determination of President Jonathan to bring governance closer to the people and make their lives worth living through the provision of basic amenities in the rural areas with the co-operation of the National Assembly. In Ogbunike, also in Anambra North, I have helped to build an ICT centre to equip the youth with Information Communication Technology skills. This is the only way to put them at par with their contemporaries in other parts of the world in the job market. All my projects within this period are evenly spread in the seven local governments in my constituency. To a large

extent, these modest achievements have been possible because of the effective leadership in the Senate provided

by Senator David Mark.

How many bills have you sponsored and how many motions have you moved?

Within the brief period I have been in the Senate, I have sponsored bills which are now at various stages of the legislative process. Some of the bills are: the Nigerian Children’s Trust Fund ACT CAP N93 (Amendment) Bill 2013; the National Kidney Treatment and Dialysis Centre (EST) Bill 2013; and the Nigerian Council For Clinical Psychologists (EST) Bill 2014.

I have equally co-sponsored some bills which include: the National Health Insurance Commission Bill, the National Tobacco Control Bill, the HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Bill, among others. A major motion moved by me which I would want to draw your attention to is the motion for immediate action on the Second Niger Bridge project. This is historic. Mr. President has graciously approved the commencement of work on the bridge. You know the impact this bridge will have on the economy of the South-East and SouthSouth states. It will give fillip to the economies of all the states east of the River Niger.

I also made input into the National Health Bill as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health. My chairman is Senator Ifeanyi Okowa from Delta State. I have attended courses in Harvard to acquire more knowledge to be able to serve my people better in the Senate.

with sectional interests and camps for those who feel aggrieved in PDP. Anambra PDP will be stronger with the new entrants. We welcome them and will work with them for the development of our state and victory of PDP in future elections in the state and at the national level.

Remember he was a university lecturer, he would show you how to solve a problem, but would never solve the problem for you without input from you. Granted that he left tremendous goodwill, we still work to let the world see him through us.

Will you say the current leadership of the National Assembly has lived up to expectation?

The current National Assembly has lived up to expectation. In fact, the Senate and indeed the entire National Assembly under Senator David Mark has worked assiduously to ensure stability in the system. The relationship between the executive and the legislature has been that of mutual respect and co-operation in the overall national interest.

In moments of great national challenges, the National Assembly has intervened to secure the nation and enhance national stability. For example, the executive has enjoyed excellent co-operation from the National Assembly in tackling the current security challenges confronting our country. All requests for the imposition of emergency made by the president were granted. Supplementary budgets were equally approved for interventions in security, health and other national emergencies. Also, the spate of impeachments which characterised past National Assembly sessions has stopped.

Even within the National Assembly, you no longer hear of impeachment of Senate President or speaker because of the mature and accommodating leadership in the National Assembly. In the history of the legislature in the country, Nigeria recorded the highest number of impeachments between 1999 and

2005. Between November 1999 and August 2000, Nigeria had two Senate Presidents and between 2000 and 2006, we had three Senate Presidents. Now, we have stability and we are growing.

Furthermore, we have very matured people now who had served the country in very high capacities before they came to the Senate. We have many former governors, former ministers and senior political office-holders who had made a name before they came to the Senate. At this stage of their lives, they show more commitment to the peace, unity and progress of the country. They do not engage in unnecessary political rascality which can adversely affect our fragile federation. What matters to all of us in the Senate as senior citizens is the survival of Nigeria as an indivisible political entity. We are conscious of our history and would never rock the National boat.

How would you describe the spate of defection by some Anambra lawmakers into your party?

The defection of many politicians, including National Assembly lawmakers from Anambra State, into the PDP is a welcome development. This cannot be divorced from the current national realisation that PDP is the only national platform that can guarantee national unity, democracy and national development. Other parties are mere appendages

What impact have you made in your constituency since your election into the Senate?

One thing I discovered during my campaign for the senatorial seat was the unacceptable level of poverty, dejection and squalor among the ordinary people. I was touched by what I saw and made a vow that I must tackle this situation on assumption of office. Since I got into the Senate, I have secured employment for over 40 university graduates from the seven local government areas in Anambra North. I reasoned that no amount of money or handout that I give to these people that would be enough for them. The only way to liberate them is to give them permanent employment. This, I have done.

To also empower the people economically, I have set up an empowerment scheme under which I have been able to give out cars, refrigerators, deep freezers, sewing machines, clippers, generators and grinding machines to over 700 people in my constituency. You have to teach people how to fish instead of giving them fish all the time.

On July 18, 2014, the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, came to officially witness the presentation of these empowerment materials to my constituents. Over 20 traditional rulers from various communities in the constituency were there. Over 5000 people from my constituency also attended the event. The smiles on their faces, the hope they expressed and their vows to continue to support me made me to resolve to continue to serve them.

Furthermore, in the last two years, I have been paying monthly stipends and allowances to 200 indigent constituents of mine. Most of them are widows who have been abandoned by families and friends. I have told God that I want to serve these people with everything he has given me. My husband did it and I am determined to continue doing it.

I have also been paying school fees for many indigent students from my constituency. Though the burden is heavy because most times, I do this with my personal funds, I will continue to do it because it gives me joy to affect lives positively. I intend to make the empowerment a regular programme. The next phase will include more beneficiaries. It will be evenly spread across the seven LGAs in my constituency. Finally, the essence of this empowerment is to fight poverty squarely by making the people self-employed.

Would you agree with the belief that you rode on the back of your husband to the Senate?

What are your plans for 2015?

My husband’s philosophy remains my guiding principle. Even while he was alive, I could not afford to be lazy and idle. He would guide you to achieve a goal but would never achieve the goal for you. Remember he was a university lecturer, he would show you how to solve a problem, but would never solve the problem for you without input from you.

Granted that he left tremendous goodwill, we still work to let the world see him through us. You know that a lion cannot give birth to a mouse. His goodwill, the training he gave me, God Almighty and the people saw me through to the Senate. It took a lot of hard work. But I remain grateful that I was associated with him.

In 2015, my service to the people will continue by the grace of God. There is so much work to do for the people in the area of health care, education and infrastructure etc. You will hear from me in the nearest future.

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Politics / National

KAI, LASTMA must go, says Branco-Rhodes Mr. Kitoye Branco-Rhodes is a governorship aspirant in Lagos State on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party. He tells CHIJIOKE IREMEKA that he has a mission to liberate the state from the shackles of All the Progressives Congress

W

hy are you interested in the gubernatorial election in Lagos State, and what political antecedent gives you the impetus that you can dethrone APC in the state?

My vision as well as that of my party is to transform the lives of people in the state, and harness the state’s resources for wealth creation to the benefit of Lagosians and Nigerians at large. We intend to enthrone a transformational leadership to make the masses contributors to wealth creation and development of the state. These are our objectives and by the grace of God, they will be actualised during my tenure. I have been a politician since 1983. I have lived my adult life in Lagos, so I know what obtains in the state. I started my political career as youth leader of the National Party of Nigeria in 1983. I later traveled out for my university education. When I came back, we formed a political association where I became the council chairman and formed a democratic movement known as Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM). I was the GDM’s director of publicity in Lagos State. We prepared for and won election in three seats, Lagos Island, Badagry and Ojo Local Government areas.

After the election, we had a mini congress where I emerged as the state chairman in 1997.

We started an advocacy, piloting a cause even when we were threatened with guns.

The GDM resisted late General Sani Abacha without fear of any kind. When Abacha died, we moved and formed Democratic Advance Party, led by Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, and the party metamorphosed into Nigerian Mass Movement, where I contested the 2003 governorship election against Bola Tinubu and others. After this I moved into local activities agitating for Sovereign National Conference, which we have achieved now and we are now lending to the country our ideologies.

That brought me on board as the governorship aspirant in Lagos State under the PDP platform.

So, what major projects are you planning for Lagosians and what will you do differently from the current administration if elected?

I am coming to Lagos to free the people from oppressive and tyrannical leadership of APC. We need to engage them in the battle for the soul of Lagos State and by grace of God, we have the credentials to change the political re-alignment of Lagosians and Nigerians at large.

How easy do you think it will be for you to win the state?

Everything that has a beginning must have an end. We are not deterred by the socalled size and strength of APC because we know that as strong as the hold of a dictator is, it also has weaknesses, which ultimately would lead to their defeat.

There is perceived fear among Lagosians over indigenes and non-indigenes, especially with the ‘deportation’ last year. How would you re-assure them that you won’t sustain such if elected?

This is why we have taken the theme of this campaign as, ‘Let’s free Lagos for Good.’ We are here to free the state from the shackles of oppression; we are here to pull down the bad policies and reassure those, who were used for politics and later destroyed by the

same policy, especially the Okada riders.

We have heard the cries of many Lagosians, where they are intimidated for nothing; we have seen the erection of tollgates to further impoverish the people. Every government parastatal, including LAWMA, LASMA, and VIO in the state has become a revenue generation agency and we are going to refocus them. We are going to dismantle all the oppressive laws. The objective of my government will not be taxation at all cost. Our motive will be to develop and transform the lives of people and turn to them into positive agents of wealth creation and transformation. Many things have gone wrong in Lagos. We have heard the cries of indigenes and non indigenes alike. We have come to rescue Lagos State and make Lagos a mega city of pride.

Don’t you think you might be shooting yourself in the leg with this taxation thing especially when monthly allocation might not be enough?

There are many methods and avenues where government can generate revenue. In the area of taxation, it is responsibility of the government to build the capacity of industrialists in order that taxes accruable to the state can come and not by adopting oppressive and illegal tax regime. This undermines the development of corporate organisations and SMEs. We are going to be a government that would improve chances of wealth creation so that revenue of the state would flow peacefully and you should bear in mind that the engine of wealth creation is electricity.

Electricity is pivotal to industrialisation. As an energy expert, would you consider the decentralisation of power?

The Federal Government has its calibration of power policies and embedded licences to speed up the power generation in the country. If we operate several licenses on power, it will enhance quick power generation. I know that the current administration has a blueprint on power generation and I’m sure that it had taken into cognisance, the challenges of the power generation in the country before they came up with that ambitious power generation plan for the state. I believe that with our expertise in the power generation, we will work and perfect that and have a comfortable power supply for our industries and domestic uses.

There are gas or thermal plants as well as renewable energy. There is power everywhere in Nigeria. We have natural resources, wind, solar and waste. Lagos has the highest waste in Nigeria of about 10, 000 metric tons per day. We have agricultural waste, wood waste and all of these will be harnessed to bring power to people. We will build that infrastructure and deploy everything that is available to achieve our objective.

What would you do different if elected?

The current governor has made an impact but there is room for improvement. The impact he made has not been the desired impact in

my very candid opinion. The impact has been made in one questionable hand and taken from the other hand. We are talking about the people-oriented government that would alleviate the hardship of an ordinary man on the street, which will engage every productive sector to build the state.

We are studying the challenges in the policies of the current administration in Lagos.

I have been a businessman in Lagos and I understand that one of the major problems is multiple taxation. We have studied the BRT programme and we have seen the defects of that policy. We have also studied the PPP structure in the state, with regards to Lekki tollgates and we have seen that problem too.

The government has reversed itself in that area and once that has been done, we will implement the quality aspect of that reversal.

When I talk about reversal, I mean that the governor has paid N25 billion to acquire concession right of revenue at tollgate from Lekki Concession Company (LCC).

Lately, the governor is requesting N7.5billion to pay part of the money to LCC. Also, in this year’s budget, another N15billion has been allocated for that too. If the government finished the payment, we can now pull down the tollgates because it has been paid for with tax payers’ money.

How would you tackle the problem of multiple taxation?

The issue of multiple taxes is a constitutional issue. The state government has not dealt with it constitutionally and that makes it illegal. We will not do any-

thing illegal that that would stifle businesses in the state. The issue of multiple taxes will be wiped out, while the state pursues the legal avenues to make money.

What are your thoughts about building new roads if elected?

Well, global cities are built up. New York is built up, London is built up but new roads are created. I have not seen anywhere that is over saturated with development. New roads will be coming up. We will engage development partners to find avenue to get them done. Also, other alternative means of transportation will come on board. On the Badagry Expressway, the truth is that the foundation has been made and that is a good project, which I will ensure its completion. It’s an important road that leads to other African countries and I will ensure that the development partners in the contract are protected to ensure its timely completion.

There is also a law invalidating certificate of occupancy after 99 years, and some have fallen victim. Will you continue with such policy?

That is my story. My family and I have been victims of that. When I talked about APC’s government, I told you it was a tyrannical rule and oppressive government. Government can’t come up one day and asked one who has a certificate of occupancy to go and repurchase his land at a ruling price. It’s wrong, it’s selfish, it’s oppressive and I can’t do that. My mission is to free Lagos for good.

Branco-Rhodes

Transport Weststar Introduces 2-Door Jeep Wrangler p.33

Sunday Business Analysis

31

Appraising changing landscape of SME financing in Nigeria p.32

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

www.newtelegraphonline.com/politics

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Business Paul Ogbuokiri

pauloguokiri@gmail.com

ON SUNDAY

Lagos to observe horn free day T

Paul Ogbuokiri he Lagos State Government on Friday said it has concluded plans to set a date aside to be observed as a horn free day every year.

Making this known in his Alausa Office is the Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa.

The Commissioner said that the observance of the horn free day is expected to reduce noise pollution from the use of the horn, improve road courtesy, improve lane discipline and draw motorists’ attention to the importance of road discipline and mutual respect for other road users.

He said Governor Fashola has challenged road users in Lagos State to observe a horn free day which is designed to complement the ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government in the provision and upgrading of traffic infrastructure across the State.

The activities lined up towards the horn free day which is slated for Wednesday October 15, 2014 will involve active engagement of radio and television stations in generating discussions challenging road users to observe a horn free day, endorsement by relevant stakeholders, Ember months Campaign by Vehicle Inspection Service to advocate, educate and enlighten road users on road safety, Law Enforcement Training Institute’s (LETI) community outreach programme which involves market and motor park engagements that will provide av-

L-R: Managing Director, Thermocool Nigeria, Mr Panos Katsis; Marketing Director, Mr Vikramjeet Singh; Sales Director, Mr Dhiren Singh and Finance Director, Mr Mathew Chadzimura at the media launch to mark Thermocool’s 40th Anniversary in Lagos…on Wednesday

enue for discussion of the horn free day and the engagement of Traffic Safety Ambassadors to partner with the Ministry of Transportation to support the successful observation of the horn free day.

Opeifa however is urging all Motorists, Lagosians and the General Public to support the State Government by observing and adhering to the horn free day exercise.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola first muted

the idea at the 13th edition of the National Council on Transportation hosted by the state early in the year..

He said, “can you imagine in one of our state capitals, one day without blasting car horn? Can we imagine how lovely that day will be? And this is possible. It is because we haven’t done the basic things, that is, train drivers appropriately, punish those who break the law. Can we set for ourselves

a day in a state without blasting the horns?

“Let us get rid of all these sirens.

They aren’t made here. We buy them to enrich other economy.

They were made in factories outside the country. And then we use loud horn, especially the one used during emergency. Are we in a state of perpetual emergency? If those who manage the public transport policy can get away by using sirens, it will never work,” he said.

Leading entrepreneurs mentor start-ups at MTN Forum

T

Azubike Nnadozie

he nation’s leading entrepreneurs recently imparted trade secrets to young Nigerian business professionals and budding entrepreneurs during the MTN Link Forum in Lagos.

The forum was put together

by MTN in a bid to impart basic business skills and strategies that will aid efficiency in business operations, both at the small and medium scale business levels and in various sectors of the economy.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Innovation as a tool for entrepreneurship success’, Maret Zmyslowski, who co-founded two online businesses and currently manages Nigeria’s biggest online hotel booking firm,

jovago.com, reiterated the importance of innovation in promoting small and medium scale businesses in Nigeria. He encouraged budding entrepreneurs to focus on legitimate online business because the internet holds immense power to change the world.

According to him, it is easier to do business in a fresh growing online market like Nigeria. All one needs to do is to look for an idea that has succeeded elsewhere and replicate same in.

“In addition, we need to realise that just having a business idea doesn’t give you much advantage.

What matters is the ability to execute the business and build best products,” he added.

Drawing lessons from his business experience, a product de-

velopment expert, Mr. Olakunle Soriyan, in a short but electrifying speech, reiterated the importance of knowledge in business. He encouraged participants to always seek knowledge and read relevant materials on the kind of business they do. “Knowledge is more than important. It takes you beyond where you can ever imagine; it reduces your error rate, and it keeps you safe and helps you maximise your greatest potential. Knowledge is the take-off point of any kind of value,” he said.

General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, while speaking on the objective of the MTN Link Forum, stated that “MTN is committed to initiating ideas that make life better for all its customers. The MTN Link

Forum is one of these ideas. It is a platform that provides budding entrepreneurs and business professionals the opportunity to connect to their dreams.

What MTN has done is to create a platform where budding entrepreneurs can interact with accomplished entrepreneurs and role models, so as to garner insights and knowledge on making a success of their businesses.”

The MTN Link Forum is an innovative and interactive platform that is focused on advancing the aspirations of budding entrepreneurs and professionals, by providing them with the opportunity to interact with renowned and successful Business icons, who will share with them knowledge, experiences and insights on their business success.

Inside

Many Nigerian businesses die because their founders are greedy – Ecobank Chairman, Ikazoboh pg 32

Northern govs unserious about oil exploration – Zuru pg 35

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Business interview

Many Nigerian businesses die because their founders are greedy – Ecobank Chairman, Ikazoboh Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh is the President du Conseil, Ecobank Transnational Inc., Lome, Togo and Managing Director, Hedonmark Management Services Limited, Lagos. He tells CHIJIOKE IREMEKA that Nigeria missed the world’s top 1000 banks list due to naira depreciation

them stop us from developing.

Look at what China has done. Today, they are respected. Nobody respects you if you are not developed. It only takes a man his intrinsic value to succeed and the value is your educational knowledge. If you do not have it, nobody has regard for you.

What we need is education to develop our people. It’s only when you have the knowledge and develop your people that you can develop the nation. If you like spend the whole money on infrastructure, building good roads and houses but as long as the people are not educated, they will mess up the whole buildings and roads.

For you to leapfrog, education is pivotal to what we are talking about and doing. Since they have no values and norms, they will mess it up. When they are educated, and you develop these structures they will buy into them and help to sustain them.

The Banker’s 2014 world top 1000 banks ranking has no Nigerian bank on the list, despite the huge financial outlay of banks like Zenith and First Bank. What could have accounted for such a dismal outing by Nigerian banks?

B

asically, one of the things that worked against us in that ranking is our currency depreciation. The figures that The Banker used in their calculation are dollar-denominated and we generate our revenue in naira. So, when you convert it to dollar, you would get something less than the profit our banks posted.

Last year, Zenith Bank and First Bank among others were on the list, because, then, when it was calculated, 1$ was about N150 but this year, it’s $1 to about N160. So, the value in dollar terms goes down against the report that has been set. That was one of the reasons that made Nigeria not to enter the list.

Also, the economy affects it and once the currency is devaluated or depreciates, it affects the positioning of our banks in dollar terms and ranking. The values of the total assets or revenue are going down in dollar terms because of the weakness of the Naira.

Don’t forget that infrastructure affects our expenditure. They also look at your profit and because we do not have infrastructure, the cost of operations is very high and the banks spend so much on power generation. In the past six months, power supply has been really bad.

As a result of this, the cost of operations has gone up significantly compared with those banks operating in an environment where things work smoothly. They spend much less to carry out their operations, whereas in Nigeria, banks have to pay for every infrastructure required. Having spent all this, you discover you can’t really match them.

Nevertheless, our banks are trying and doing very well. Next year will be better. The CBN governor is doing a fantastic job, trying to make sure it balances these loopholes in the economy for a strong and reliable economy.

Asia’s leadership said they are working to overtake Europe and US in world business, adding that Africa is not a threat to them.

What must Nigeria and Africa do to leapfrog and cover this widening gulf between them and other continents?

For centuries, Europe and America have been doing their international businesses.

The first Trans-Atlantic trade that took place in Africa was in 1800s and 1900s, therefore, you shouldn’t expect us to operate as efficient as they are operating, but that still, is not an excuse because a lot of our people have gone there to study and have known the technology required to leapfrog and catch up as quickly as possible.

We do not need to reinvent the ‘will,’ if the technology is here. Like you mentioned, what has happened in the Asia is that they copied the European technology and replicated it in their region. We need to do that in Nigeria. We started well after independence, but that’s not the same with Nigeria of today.

For instance, in Nigeria today, if you are looking for a contractor that would do your infrastructure, you cannot boast of a local contractor. You still look for foreigners that will come and do that. That shouldn’t be because it’s not the way of industralisation.

Ikazoboh

This is why I keep saying that we need to look at our education again. We need to re-evaluate our educational system to look inward and look at hard work and character instead of looking at the quick money. Meritocracy needs to replace indolence.

I suggest that human capital development will play a major role if we want to catch up with these economies. It doesn’t mean we are going to catch up with them over night, but it means that we are going to stop the gap from expanding and we can still stop it completely.

If we have the right value in our individual families and communities, education will be geared towards sustaining such values. If we are able to sustain the values, the rate of our development will be faster.

What hope lies for Africa in the midst of the economically viable countries of the world?

Africa is the next frontier market. Therefore, we should be getting ourselves ready in Africa for the next push. It’s going to happen. Europe is going down, Asia is getting to its peak and the next frontier market is going to be Africa.

Then, how prepared we are, is another issue of concern and that is why I keep emphasising education. Unless we have the human capital ready for this next rush that will sweep across Africa, they will only come and take away all we have.

But if we are truly ready to have human capital developed and prepared, once the time comes, it would be like what the Asians have done. So, we will develop the business and they will only come to partner us.

Look at what China has done. Today, they are respected. Nobody respects you if you are not developed. It only takes a man his intrinsic value to succeed and the value is your educational knowledge.

If you do not have it, nobody has regard for you

The major reason for the abolition of slave trade was purely economics, against the West’s humanitarian claims. Do you think the world manufacturing economies would allow Africa as the next frontier market and consuming economy to industrialise, taking a cue from the reason for the abolition of slave trade?

You should also ask, why Europe and US allowed Asia to industralise? The answer is that, they allowed them because Asians have the human resources; they resisted the western world because they were also educated in Europe and America.

So, nobody is going to stop us when we are ready. It’s only when we are not ready or are ill-prepared that they will do all manner of things to stop us and then, it will be easy for

The collapse of values and culture in the Nigerian business environment is said to be affecting the country’s state of industrialisation. What is your take on this?

No business thrives if it lacks value, standard and an in-built development culture.

Therefore, when we mention the collapse of values and culture, it means we are not performing to the optimum. We need to look at our values again to know and discover what is happening in our society today.

Everybody wants to make money but nobody wants to know how to make the money.

We are beginning to respect money more than the values and ethics in the society. People are ready to celebrate people with money without recourse to knowing how they made the money.

There are still people who have that intrinsic value in them that are contributing in one way or the other to the development of the country but they are not recognised. And again, we are talking about performance in business, whether manufacturing and servicing companies.

Structural differences in African businesses may be part of the reasons for the widening gulf. What role do you think business structure plays here?

The structure is dependent on culture too.

If you look at structures of businesses in Asia, you could discover that they are different from that of Europe and America. Yet they are doing well. So, we don’t need to copy their structure if it doesn’t fit our culture. We have a culture and we need to create the right values at work, culture of discipline, good vision and clear direction of where we want to be. The structure is not the issue.

The issue is ensuring that we have a culture that will be in line with normal practices that don’t allow evil to thrive and mar the objective of the whole thing, which would enable us to achieve our ultimate vision.

But in business, there are standard practices which are not endemic to a particular region. If they have done well economically with those practices, why don’t we copy them and do some cultural modifications?

That is why I said we are not going to reinvent the ‘wheel’ because we have certain values, structures and culture that we can copy to take us to the next level. Our people go there to study and they keep those values there. When CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

SundayTransport 33

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

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNRDAY

SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Weststar introduces 2-Door Jeep Wrangler

T

he Chrysler Group of brands, now under the umbrella of FiatChrysler Automobiles, has constantly added more features to its brands, targeted at expanding the appeal of the Jeep Wrangler beyond the off-road world.

So it is not surprising that the authorised distributors of Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge and Ram in Nigeria - Weststar Associates Limited - now offer the two-door 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, in addition to the already widely sold 2014 four-door model.

According the Public Relations/Compliance, Weststar Associates Ltd, Funmi Lawuyi, the decision of the company to bring in the two-door Wrangler to Nigeria was based on its desire to deliver a variety of choices to its customers.

She said that the attractive and recent two-door Wrangler Sahara comes with a rugged but refined interior, boasts a five-speed automatic transmission, and impressively arrives with a black three-piece Removable Hard Top. She said about the jeep: “There is ample storage space, thoughtfully designed ergonomics and improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH). Protection, comfort and convenience features like Sahara embroidered front seats, illuminated cup holders, lighting in the foot well and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated LED are part of the attractive package. Also available is the Uconnect System with its entertainment features, phone, web, Wrangler Sahara Front Exterior.

Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth, an Audio Jack Input for mobile devices, plus Remote USB Port.”

Lawuyi also said the available wide range of safety and owner with power, satisfying fuel efficiency with up to 600 security features still come standard, along with its impres- km on a tank of fuel, and will deliver up to 260 pound-feet sively powerful and efficient 3.6L Pentastar V6 VVT engine. of torque, justifying it being voted as one of Ward’s 10 Best She said this 285-horsepower engine is ready to provide an Engines for 2013.

G

lobal water-saving strategies were outlined in front of lifestyle and automotive journalists during Ford’s ‘Sustainability Blues’ event, which formed part of this year’s ‘Go Further with Ford’ trend conference in Dearborn, Michigan recently. The discussion focused on water conservation, a main pillar in Ford’s global green mission.

Todd Walton, environmental quality manager, Asia Pacific, Ford Motor Company was joined by thought leaders such as Christoph Gorder, president of charity – Water; George McGraw, the founder of DigDeep; and Rob Frederick, director of corporate responsibility for wine and spirits company Brown-Forman, to share strategies for protecting and managing the Earth’s water resources.

“For more than a decade Ford has been committed to decreasing its water footprint,” said Walton. “Using water-saving initiatives across its global facilities, the company has reduced water use in everything from cooling towers to paint operations, resulting in a 62 per cent

International automotive journalists said a particular selling point of the two-door Wrangler Sahara is its short wheel base.

This makes it lighter, and when fitted with the right kind of modifications, they are the perfect choice for off-roading.

Ford promotes water conservation drop in total global water consumption between 2000 and 2012 - a saving of 40.1 billion litres.”

Walton outlined Ford’s newly announced global water strategy and how pioneering technologies and supply chain management are already saving water in some of the most water-scarce regions on the planet. In Asia Pacific, the Chennai Vehicle Assembly and Engine Plant in Tamil Nadu, India, now discharges zero wastewater and recycles the maximum amount of water for re-use in the production process.

In the Changan Ford Engine Plant and the newly opened Transmission Plant in Chongqing, a new technique called Minimum Quantity Lubricant drastically reduces coolant and water use compared to conventional wet machining. For a production line producing 450,000 engines, this technology saves around 1.1

Auto Clinic

million litres of water per year.

Also, the Silverton Assembly Plan in Pretoria, South Africa, where the Ford Ranger is built, also installed an all-new wastewater treatment facility in 2012. The wastewater facility is capable of treating the entire plant’s daily water use in just eight hours, while up to 20 per cent of that water is reused in industrial processes.

Ford was ranked No.1 in a survey of the world’s Best Green Brands, by brand consultancy Interbrand and auditing firm Deloitte. The award recognised Ford’s commitment to water conservation and commended its transparency when addressing the issue of water use in manufacturing.

Ford vehicles are sold and serviced in Nigeria by both Coscharis Motors Limited and BriscoeFord.

11 tips for staying safe on the roads

Leave word. Tell somebody or leave a note at home about where you plan to go and how long you plan to be out. That way your loved ones will know to come look for you if needed.

Identify yourself. Run with proper ID, and carry a cell phone with emergency contacts taped to its back.

Pretend you’re invisible. Don’t assume a driver sees you.

In fact, imagine that a driver can’t see you, and behave accordingly.

Face traffic. It’s easier to see, and react to, oncoming cars.

And cars will see you more clearly too.

Make room. If traffic gets heavy, or the road narrows, be prepared to move onto the sidewalk or shoulder of the road.

Be seen. Wear high-visibility, brightly colored clothing.

When out near or after sunset, reflective materials are a must. (If you don’t own reflective clothing, a lightweight reflective vest is a great option.) And use a headlamp or handheld light so you can see where you’re going, and drivers can see you. The light should have a bright LED (drivers see blinking red as a hazard).

Unplug your ears. Avoid using iPods or wearing headphones—you need to be able to hear approaching vehicles.

If you do use headphones, run with the volume low and just one earbud in.

Watch the hills. When they crest hills, drivers’ vision can

suddenly be impaired by factors like sun glare or backdrops.

Beware of high-risk drivers. Steer clear of potential problem areas like entrances to parking lots, bars, and restaurants, where there may be heavy traffic.

Watch for early birds and night owls. At odd hours be extra careful. Early in the morning and very late at night, people may be overtired and not as attentive.

Mind your manners. At a stop sign or light, wait for the driver to wave you through—then acknowledge with your own polite wave. That acknowledgement will make the driver feel more inclined to do it again for the next walker or runner. Use hand signals (as you would on a bicycle) to show which way you plan to turn.

Source: Runners World

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Appraising changing landscape of SME financing in Nigeria

S

Paul Ogbuokiri & Edwin Usoboh

mall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key to the development of the economy of most countries.

Over the years, they have been discovered to be a major catalyst in wealth creation and poverty alleviation; this economic sub-sector enhances living standards, adds substantially to local capital and helps a country achieve high level of productivity and capability.

With this in mind, the vital roles of SMEs are not in doubt, which is why economists believe that smaller scale enterprises play very key role in employment generation and providing opportunities for entrepreneurial culture, training development and promotion of agricultural initiatives as well.

The valuable status of SMEs is sacrosanct. According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), SMEs account for over 90 per cent of enterprises in the world and are responsible for 50 to 60 per cent of employment. Up and coming nations like Nigeria have a lot to gain by helping the SME culture to take root and thrive. This is because the country can only develop better and survive economically under a thriving SME culture. Here in Nigeria, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) placed the total number of SMEs in the country at over 17 million.

Regrettably, Nigeria’s dwindling economy is not helping most of the SME operators to optimise their potential. Whereas SMEs grow at almost twice the rate of GDP in most markets across Asia, Africa and Middle East, Nigeria’s case is very

Sekibo

different.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, who was a guest speaker at the second U.S-Africa Trade and Investment Forum/ Africa Investment & Development Awards which took place at St. Regis Hotel, New York, USA where he spoke on ‘Small & Medium Enterprise Funding in Africa - A Banker’s Experience’, observed that in Sub-Saharan Africa, SMEs are more credit-constrained. He said this typically affects growth possibilities as a significantly low number of start ups who apply for financing actually succeed.

Studies, he noted, indicate that more than 70 per cent of the SMEs lack access to medium-longer-term finance, creating an SME funding gap of more than $140bn in Africa alone.

“Using Nigeria as a case study, between 2003 and 2009, SME loans as a percentage of total credit, decreased from 7.45 per cent to 0.18 per cent. Yet by 2012, Nigeria had about 17.6 million MSMEs employing about 32.4 million people. Although it is generally accepted that SMEs enhance competition and entrepreneurship, and their development has a positive impact on innovation and productivity growth,

...Nigerian businesses die because their founders are greedy C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 2

they come back home, they don’t keep them and these are the things we are talking about.

So, leadership matters a great deal. Singapore is a good example. There, we saw a leader who had a vision to pull the people through his structure to achieve their vision.

We still have visionary leaders but it’s unfortunate that we don’t have the right leaders in place.

Nigeria is a composition of families, corporate entities and number of units. If leadership in each unit has the right kind of leader, things will improve in different directions.

If you are selfless, the country will develop.

Most leaders that have taken people to their promised land came from the top. The trust came from the top. Look at Nelson Mandela. The moment the people see that the leaders at the top are selfless, they will do same.

The trust from the top is what the people want to see. The trust from the top shows that the leader is very determined to build a nation and the people will follow.

So, what have they done differently?

Selflessness! They are selfless and not greedy. You don’t see such leaders, having all manner of property across the world.

Anyone that displays massive wealth is not a leader and we have them in Nigeria. We had Mallam Aminu Kano, who ruled and had nothing.

A leader’s assets are the intrinsic values that he possesses, his integrity and people he leads to their promised land. We don’t have that in Nigeria now.

There is much potential in Nigeria and Africa at large. How do we turn potential into productivity?

I will continue to repeat myself - education. People develop a nation. If you don’t have the right people, you can never develop

a nation. Foreigners will never develop your country but if you have the right people in the bus, and right driver, they will get to their destination and when you have the wrong people it will never get to where they are supposed to be.

We should invest more in education and health. When people are healthy, they think right and develop the nation. So, productivity will be higher if we have the right educated people in place.

Education is all-encompassing. We need to have the right kind of education for our people. Today, we don’t have the technical people and engineers that will dirty their hands any more. Everybody wants to go to the university for theory. When we train people in different levels of education they will come out and drive this economy.

How will Nigeria contain the structural differences that lead to business failure?

Culture comes in here. You find out that in Asia, their SMEs survive their founders because they are all family businesses in which the children and members of the family are involved. When the father dies the children continue. They don’t know any other thing apart from the family business and it lives from one generation to the other.

This is supposed to be our culture but suddenly we are clothed with the culture that is not ours. We are trying to follow European and American culture that is not ours. When you are following a borrowed culture, and because you are not the original founder, it is not in your DNA, as a result, you are not going to maximise that culture to create value.

So, coming back to your question, the reason that our businesses die is because we don’t try to bring our families into our businesses. Let me say that one business I have seen today to have survived the test of time is Akintola Williams and Co, which is a profes-

sional accounting firm founded 60 years ago.

The man has retired from the business but because his children were there to take over, the business continued. So, the culture and passion that the founder of the business possesses matters a lot as well as the people he works with.

So, if you as a founder of business employ mediocre people around you, the business dies when you leave. But if you brought them in as part of the business, and everything is done on merit, the business will survive.

But in most cases, when you run a business with family members, the business dies quickly, going by experience.

When there is a dispute in the family, it affects the business, especially when the man brings in his wife.

I have never seen anywhere that business thrives and survives when a man and his wife drive it. Rather, it survives with a man and his children. This is so because the man would have disciplined the children but it’s difficult for the man to discipline his wife if they are running it together.

So, that is why it’s difficult to see a man and his wife running a business and it survives. It’s easier for the man to leave it for the son or daughter because he had laid down the principles and values where they will continue to follow.

Having said that, in Italy today, many businesses are family businesses and that drives their economy. It’s the same SMEs that drive the Asian economy. Then, if not your direct children, think of partners that would see the business as their own.

Most businesses die because there is greed on the side of the founder. If the partners feel they are co-owners of the business, they will go out and make it survive; if not they would go and set up their own too.

Feature policy and infrastructure factors to mitigate risk and costs that SME sector cannot internalise needs to be seriously worked upon by all relevant stakeholders,” he said.

He further revealed that in Nigeria, most SMEs die within the first five years of existence while a smaller percentage goes into extinction between the sixth and 10th year, with only five to 10 per cent surviving, thriving and growing into an established corporate status. He listed the leading cause of such sub-optimal output to include: Poor access to funds, weak institutional support, unstable macro-economics, complicated and unstructured legal framework/regulation, inadequate business information, infrastructure and business environment and human capital factors, among others.

Having identified these mounting challenges, it is instructive to note a few ways in which banks have tried to intervene in building a formidable economy driven on the wheel of SMEs. One notable and unique approach is the Heritage Bank MSME Clinic. The bank, as a way of cushioning the effect of capacity building and fund management, introduced the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Investment Protection Fund to assist the growth and rejuvenation of the sector.

Analysts say the Heritage Bank MSME Investment Protection Fund is a strong differentiating indicator of the Heritage Bank’s Approach to SME growth in the country.

A Lagos-based investment banker says, “The Heritage Bank MSME Clinic should be applauded as a unique holistic bailout strategy for SMEs in the country. It consists of services such as business diagnostics, advisory services, financial literacy and entrepreneurship development, customised product development for each customer and market knowledge development backed up by the bank’s innovative MSME Investment Protection Fund (InPF), which is a non-collateralised funding option with embedded insurance for the default risk inherent in the scheme.”

He added that the package has huge potential to enhance MSME capacities and strengthen business management skills, in addition to offering other support programmes that could greatly achieve the aim of developing the SME sub-sector in the country.

Investigations show that apart from other areas of supports for various sub-sectors, the bank also engages with customers at stages of expansion, modernisation, production process and capacity improvement and restructuring through various products like term loan, lease financing facility, overdraft facility, LPO, invoice discounting, supply contract financing, distributorship financing scheme, group Leading to registered associations, MFIs/MFBs WholeLeading, advisory & business support as well as market access and value chain services, among others.

The Heritage Bank approach needs to be copied by other bigger banks so as to speed up the country’s avowed march towards deepening the SME culture and providing the much needed succour for the subsector.

Banks have been playing and will continue to play a key role in the financial systems worldwide. The development of a robust financial system is crucial for the strengthening of an enviable SME culture as pivot of economic growth and development. The banking sector is an important and dominant part of the financial system for many countries, especially developing countries. Banks have the special nature of being financial intermediaries, channels for monetary policy and also concurrently extend credit and administer payments system, all in the bid to help SMEs develop.

They are key actors in causing and averting financial and economic losses. However, their power to fuel economic growth and development will depend on the strength, reliability and stability of the system visà-vis commitment to SME funding. One cannot over-emphasis the need for a workable, sound and reliable banking system that places emphasis on SME financing.

35

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Sunday Interview

Northern govs unserious about oil exploration – Zuru

That was what forced Shell to mobilise to Lake Chad during his time. As soon as he died, it was abandoned. The talk by the Federal Government about being committed to oil exploration in the hinterlands, to say the least, is laughable.

Dr. Shehu Abdullahi Zuru from Zuru, Kebbi State holds a doctorate in Environmental Petroleum Law and Policy and currently teaches at the University of Abuja. He knocks the PIB, the Federal Government and Northern governors for lacking seriousness in the region’s oil search and dismisses recent celebrated reports of oil finds in the Bida Trough of Niger State as preemptive and lacking secondary geo-physical analysis.

He spoke to LOUIS ACHI

The minimum cost of drilling both primary and secondary oil wells would not be less than $20 million. With the benefit of hindsight, there have not been Nigerian companies in the upstream sector of the oil industry until now. Exactly which part of Bida was the oil found?

With the information provided, because I have not personally visited that site, but I learnt that the seismic survey that was conducted was in the entire Bida emirate to explore the presence of hydrocarbons. This is because, of course, the entire Bida Emirate is actually a part of the Benue Trough. So, any part of the emirate could actually be an excavation and exploration area for oil. But like I said, there is still so much to be done. Geology could have possibly established the presence of hydrocarbons but if policy issues are not handled very carefully, it could try the chances of the oil ever being developed.

R

ecently, the Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Development Company, Dr. Ahmed M. Muhammed, stated that oil exploration in the North is being threatened by shortage of funds, insecurity and ineffective foreign technical partnership.

How do you read that position?

I respect his opinion but disagree with it. Yes, you need security when it comes to oil exploration. But it’s not simply a security issue. I believe the NNDC got it wrong all along when it comes to oil exploration because they have not done the right thing. NNDC is more or less a moribund company and I don’t think that any serious multi-national corporation will view it as a serious partner in the business of oil exploration.

I think that’s the sting on the tail.

It’s not just about security. Security, yes, is a factor – but look at what is happening in Iraq; oil companies are still operating there. Look at what is happening in Colombia; oil companies are still there. Look at what is happening in the Caucasus, former Soviet Union. Despite the grinding insecurity in that part of the world, oil exploration and development are thriving.

So I think it is about time the NNDC returned to the drawing board and did the right thing.

Beyond the threat Muhammed spoke of, some reports indicate oil has been discovered in commercial quantity in Bida, Niger State. What are the implications and your reading of the development?

First things first; I heard about the discovery and I was quiet excited. But knowing what I know, it is just the beginning of the journey. Perhaps, the seismic survey that was conducted around Bida might have proven the presence of hydrocarbons but going by the speculated data presented by the committee that was constituted by the Niger State Government to undertake exploration in the Bida area. It is pre-emptive.

Though they call it Bida Basin, it is not a basin. It is only the up-stream part of the Benue Trough. So, Bida is not a basin and it is not recognised as a basin but the up-stream part of the Benue Trough.

The basin actually starts from River Benue and ends in Niger State. Well, going by the speculated geo-physical data because I don’t have the details. Going by what was published by some Nigerian newspapers, I think they were preemptive because there are a lot of other scientific activities that should have been the precursor to the announcement that the Niger State Government made about finding oil in commercial quantity.

For instance, I know that they have carried out seismic surveys around Bida area, just like what was conducted in Sokoto State by a Chinese consortium which discovered oil in neighbouring Niger Republic. But unlike what happened in Sokoto, that of Niger, the drilling was shallow and what they hit, according to the information provided by the chairman of the committee was gas. But obviously wherever you have gas, it is a foregone conclusion that there will be oil.

But then, the drilling was shallow. Two, the geological information that might have been generated as a result of such drilling should have been subjected to what we call secondary geo–physical analysis. I believe is too early for the Niger State Government to say they have conducted that and making the findings public; and even going as far as preparing a report and submitting same to the Federal Government. Besides, there are other issues I would like to touch on, maybe in the course of our interview.

So, are you saying the declaration of oil find is political?

Could you explain what ‘commercial quantity’ within the context of the reported Bida oil find means?

In the international oil business, when you talk about commercial quantity, you don’t talk about how many barrels on ground but the economics of it; the economics of the find. So long as what is under the ground is commercially viable to be produced and marketed and profit made from it, then energy economists will adjudge such a find as being commercial.

I wouldn’t say that it was political. Let’s look at the basins we have in the country. We have the Niger-Delta Basin which is the only producing basin at the moment. We have the Anambra Basin. The Anambra Basin actually stretches into Kogi State and then we have the Lake Chad Basin and the Benue Trough. There is so much talk about the Sokoto River Basin. The Sokoto River Basin is the one that stretches across the international boundary into Niger Republic.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the area where the Chinese company found oil in Niger Republic and set up a refinery, which is now feeding the Nigeria downstream market, is not far away from the mainstream Sokoto River Basin. Oil can be found there, where it was found in Niger Republic. My geological guess is that oil will surely be present along the border of Sokoto, Kebbi and probably Katsina State. So, it is not really political. There could be very strong anticipation but going by the drilling so far, there could be oil in commercial quantity, but it is a kind of geological anticipation.

Again recently, 14 Northern governors met over Northern oil exploration in the region. This exercise has become a recurring decimal. What are they getting fundamentally wrong in this specialised arena?

For me, the Northern governors have always thrived on posturing rather than focusing on the right issues. Upstream oil exploration is not rocket science. Why is it that over the years much funds have been spent prospecting oil in the North but nothing concrete have been come up with?

Oil is the most intensive political-economic tier product. I make bold to say that beyond the science of petroleum, you have the economics of it and you have the politics of it. The politics could be international and, it can also be domestic. In the past, because of the stability of the country, the Northern leaders who led this country were very complacent and, unlike what you are alluding to, there wasn’t so much investment in the area of exploration, there hasn’t been.

The only person that history will recall that took a bold step to establish the presence of oil in the North was Gen. Sani Abacha.

What he did was to organise what was called Joint Bidding Auction Onshore and Offshore. If you are bidding for oil blocs in the Niger Delta, probably it will be offshore because that is the most lucrative; then you most also bid for one onshore bloc.

What is your view on the Petroleum Industry Bill?

Honestly, I said it emphatically when I was interviewed by another newspaper some few months back that it is only a mad man from the non-oil producing area of this country that will support the passage of the bill in its original form. What is killing the bill is not its content in its entirety but the political and ethnic undertones behind the clauses.

Fundamentally, the clause on the host community fund, I talked about it and I said that what the community fund is intended for is counter-productive. As you have seen so far in the course of the debate, it has been a thorny issue for the nonoil producing parts of the country as well as the multi-national corporations. For me, it doesn’t even make sense. The reason is this: if you have ecological fund and you have the derivation principle in place which enables the oil-producing states to draw from both funds - and if you look at the allocation ratio between the oil-producing states and the non-oil producing states, there is no single state in the South-South of the country where oil is found that does have the economic well wherewithal to fight environmental degradation. So, it is not even the issue. I don’t personally buy into the much-talked about benefits of setting up a committee resource fund within the PIB, the so much-talked about benefits - part of the intention of setting up a communitybased fund is actually a frontier exploration activity.

To me it is another ploy being set up by the government in order to maximise the economic inequality between the oilproducing states and the non-oil producing states. If care is not taken, it could inflame political crises in the country. Like Karl Max said in one of his books, ‘The Communist Manifesto’, “politics is nothing but a concentrated economic expression.”

He also said that economics is as well nothing but a concentrated political expression. So, wherever you find economics, don’t look far away; politics is lurking around.

That is why you have so much restiveness across the political spectrum. It’s all about who gets what and who does get anything. The management of such a fund would be so challenging that if it does sail through, I doubt this very much - but if it does, managing such a fund would be very challenging because, integrity among Nigerian politicians is in short supply. That is one. At the end of the day, it may turn out to be a special fund that will create another legion of unscrupulous billionaires from among the political class. This is that informed my opposition to it. And that would leave the oil communities short-changed.

And then how sure are we that when the fund is set up it will commit enough resources, given the ethno-political divide of the country?

Can it actually commit enough resources towards oil exploration in the frontier states as being alluded to? I have my doubts about that.

Why are they holding back from supporting this?

It is because of the many uncertainties that I have talked about because of what I know about oil and related policies. I have not, sincerely, seen a purpose on the part of the current government about exploring oil in the Northern part of the country. The CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

36

News Uwakwe Abugu

W Enugu

orried by the existence in some parts of Nigeria of the old electric transformers using the deadly transformer oil known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the World Bank, working the with the Federal Government has commissioned field researches in states of the federation to identify such facilities stuffed with the said oil known to be very dangerous to health.

Researchers are currently working in 15 states of the country, trying to identify banned electric transformers stuffed with the life-threatening PCB oil, with a view to evacuating them in line with an existing global standard.

The use of transformers lubricated with PCBs oil has been banned in the United States since 1979. But it happens that till now some very old electric transformers stocking the PCBs oil still in use in Nigeria dot the environment while those already not in use have been left in various power stations, endangering lives with the heavy dose of mercury used as additives during the production of the oil.

Resource persons who delivered mindboggling lectures on Thursday in Enugu on the threats to Nigerians’ lives by the existence of the PCBs, especially in the Ijora area of Lagos State and the Onitsha, Anambra State axis of the River Niger, agreed that the threat posed by the PCBs in the country was deadlier than the Ebola Virus Disease now receiving so much attention by the Nigerian authorities.

The event was a training workshop for journalists and media personnel on ‘Polychlorinated Biphenyls: Understanding their Health and Environmental Impacts’. It was

SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

How outdated transformers endanger Nigerians’ lives – World Bank •Onitsha, Lagos worst hit

A cross section of participants at the training workshop in Enugu

an outlet to get newsmen and their media organisations to help enlighten the populace on the substances classified as PCBs so that Nigerian would stay away from them.

The conferees were told that there is an ongoing global war for the eradication of the PCBs and the current efforts in Nigeria are being powered by the World Bank, Global

Environment Facility and the Federal Ministry of Environment.

The Enugu training workshop for journalists held in the Conference Hall of BayView Hotels and put together by the Federal Ministry of Environment in liaison with the other partners was a huge eye-opener for the conferees. They were told by experts that

the existence of the PCBs in the Nigerian environment appears largely ignored, owing to official neglect contrary to the trends in many developed nations of the world where the eradication of the deadly substance has been on in the past decades.

Among the expert lectures delivered to the journalists were those that came from a member of the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Mr. Olisa Okoye; an engineer, Dr. Johnpaul Unyimadu; Mr. Charles Ojugbana; and Christian Iheanacho, a United States-based expert on environment, among others.

One major source of concern for the health of Nigerians in the face of the deadly substance, the experts pointed out, is the issue of sharp practices which resulted in the use of that deadly oil from discarded old transformers as edible oil by unsuspecting Nigerians as the fraudsters who perpetrate the ignoble act laugh to their banks.

They also warned that in the case of the pollution of the River Niger and the Lagos Lagoon by PCBs, it means that the populace consuming fish sourced from the polluted waters run the risk of taking the heavy dose of mercury and chlorine used as additive for the production of the transformer oil.

However, the good news, according to the organisers of the training programme is that the research work for identification of the deadly transformers ongoing in 15 states is ongoing. At the moment, only 12 states remain to be covered by the exercise.

‘Northern govs unserious about oil exploration’ C O N T I NU E D F R O M PA G E 3 5

reason is the anxiety; the Southern anxiety if oil is found in the North. Similarly, there is a grand presumption in the South that the day oil is found in the North would the beginning of the end of Nigeria. But that is simply not true. Government policies towards oil exploration in the North, unfortunately, operate on sentiments. So, I have not seen any genuine commitment.

So you saying the community fund clause in the PIB is unnecessary?

It is absolutely unnecessary. This is what underscores the intensity of the opposition to it by the multi-national corporations.

Besides, if you set up the fund, what Nigerians don’t understand is this: the community fund will short-change the amount of money that goes to the Federation Account, because it is a percentage of the profit they have to declare. That will definitely affect how much tax they are paying which, at the end of the day, will get to the Federation Account which each able state has the constitutional right to withdraw from.

Currently several of the western IOCs are divesting and the Chinese, Indians and South Koreans are moving into our upstream sector.

What’s your reading of the development?

The truth is that the multi-national corporations - we call them the seven sisters - and their thinking is the same; their attitude is the same.

Maybe I will mention some of these seven sisters. You have Mobil, Shell, Texaco, Total which is a French company and these are part of the cartel we refer to as the seven sisters. Obviously, if they are not comfortable with the fiscal regime being put in place by Nigeria, they can make a calculated economic decision to start divesting from Nigeria which will surely hurt the Nigerian economy badly. This is because if they shut down part of their operation in Nigeria that will surely affect the production level which might go way down to the extent that Nigeria might not be able to meet up with its own OPEC production quota. That would have a critical effect on how much income Nigeria makes from oil production.

The Chinese are moving in but I don’t think the Chinese are a viable alternative. But the situation there could be a good fall-back when Shell, Total, Mobil and the rest of them divest from Nigeria. But again, we have to be wary with the Chinese.

I wrote an article on Chinese investment in Africa: ‘Has The Economy Superseded Human Rights and Democracy?’ It would be a very good reference on the Chinese economic model for its own foreign economic policy towards Africa. I am not an economist but obviously, if you look at the anxiety of some countries, especially within SEDAC and some prominent African economists about Chinese incursion into Africa, I think it does provide a tantalizing opportunity for a very good cause for concern.

What is your perspective on poverty in Northern Nigeria?

I think I have a different mindset because, like Anderson Cooper, one of the veteran journalists on CNN said in his book, ‘Sketches From The Age’, hope is not a plan.

There could be hope before rising but is it enough for us to be futuristic in what perhaps we can only say is mere potential?

If, eventually, oil is found in the Northern part of the country, of course it will go a long way to lifting some out of poverty but remember that was the mistake you made in your question. If oil is found in the North, it is not Northern oil; it is Federal Government oil…

But the Community Development Fund that would accrue from it – should such prospect not make the current anticommunity fund stance of the North unnecessary?

Well, obviously it will; but think about it: how many states are we talking about here

“We shall do the right thing when all the alternatives have been exhausted.” My best bet for the country

and how many states do we have in the North?

And will that really impact the common man in the North?

I have my doubts.

This is because politics in this country is business. Believe me, even if oil is found in each local government in the Northern part of the country, it will surely be an additional opportunity for politicians to squander more than they are doing at the moment.

The benefits might not trickle down to the common man. It will inject further division in the North because the states that found oil will now form themselves into the club of oil–producing states away from the greater North; that is my fear.

And, like I said, oil is a political-economic product and think about it. When you talk of debilitating and excruciating poverty, it is not because oil is not found in the North; it is the failure of the leadership. Now, with the kind of resources this country has garnered from oil production alone since independence, perhaps, if what you are suggesting would happen in the North, then possibly Niger Delta would have been quiet at the moment.

Poverty is a national crisis in Nigeria; it is not peculiar to any part of the country. Similarly, when I went to the Niger Delta in the course of my research, I saw deprivation; I saw exclusion and what have you. In fact, I left the Niger Delta with tears in my eyes because we had an entrenched culture of deprivation in the midst of so much. And it is the psyche of the average Nigeria politician that is responsible for the level of instability which is, underscored by the level of poverty in all parts, of this country. I cannot envisage a scenario where miracles will happen in the North, if it did not happen in the Niger Delta.

The worst governors who steal money in this country today are in the Niger Delta. You have outstanding records of these governors in these areas. So, what are we talking about?

We just hope that with the growing awareness and the level of development of knowledge of these resources, somehow, we will do better.

Like Winston Churchill said during the Second World War, “We shall do the right thing when

all the alternatives have been exhausted.” My best bet for the country is to assume we are still experimenting, for when we finish experimenting how much we have got wrong maybe, we would turn a corner and get things right.

Compare your academic sojourn abroad with what obtains locally… Well, it is a melancholic tale because, thanks to the media, I have never felt there was one; but thanks for reminding me that there is a government in Nigeria. This is because government is about selfless service to the people and the commitment to organise the nation in order to give it what in political lexicon is referred to as purposeful leadership.

One of the painful tales of crisis in leadership in this country is the fact that we don’t have a work culture. We only pretend to have one but in the actually sense, we don’t work. So, we don’t even have an organised consensual workforce that would turn the wheels of social political and economic development.

Comparison? No! There is simply no basis for making a comparison between political leadership in Africa, particularly in Nigerians and the Western world because the common man over there is conscious of his rights, limits of his rights, the legitimacy of his expectations and those in position of power and he is prepared at whatever cost, at whatever time, to hold government accountable. Unfortunately, we don’t have that kind of mindset.

Against the background of unfolding events, play the prophet. What do you see?

Well, I am not a political scientist. But being a political commentator, obviously, I have seen the posturing that is going on.For me, the country is doomed as we tread the path to 2015. The reason is this: right now, from what I can see, the country is polarised into two. You have the South-South and the South-East bound in a marriage and the North and the South-West are reaching out to one another with a view to forging an alliance.

Now, the intention might be to retrieve power but I don’t think it is going to be easy for these alliances to fight against each other for power.

If they do fight, we are risking one thing. If any politician in Nigeria thinks that the military will not seize power when there is a political crisis is being created by them then he is making a mistake of a life time.

37

SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Commerce

Recipe for Wealth Creation Atlas Mara to acquire AMCON’s stake in Success Union Bank W Nuggets A Introduction Wealth does not just happen. It is created, and it can be destroyed. Just like everything created or made was made from a raw material or more, wealth also has materials for its creation.

All those materials put together are what I call ‘Recipe for Wealth Creation’. In this series, we will examine factors that could help one create durable wealth. They are as follows: 1. Decision Nobody goes for what he does not want. You must decide to create lasting wealth before it can become a reality.

Decision is what sets you on sail ON the voyage of wealth creation. Our choices determine our chances.

2. Determination This is a passionate commitment to the realisation of your decision. Determination should not be mistaken for decision. There are people who made decisions, but could not follow the decision through to the point of birthing a reality. What determination does is to give decision a drive. Decision backed up with Determination is what births Actualisation.

3. Perception No man is more than his thoughts, and no man will rise above his thought level. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. You are simply your thoughts.

To create wealth, you must think wealth. What we call poverty is a state of the mind, not just a physical condi-

S

uccess is who you are. Success is not what suddenly comes upon you. You do not wake up one morning and success knocks on your door and say this is me, and then you embrace it and becomes successful.

Success is right within you. It comes from the inside out. It comes from the heart. As a man thinks in his heart so is he.

The difference between the rich and the poor is the way they think. You do not see things the way they are. You see things the way you are.

The first law of success is first within, then without. You do not give what you do not have neither can you become what you don’t think. Bearing these in mind will make you pay attention to being not doing. Input answers to output. It is time to learn. It is time to be trained. It is time to discipline yourself. It is said that the most difficult person to lead is yourself. Many times we want people and things around us to change but ourselves. But the fact still remains that if you change circumstance, people around us will change.

The journey from grass to grace is first an eternal trip. You are a living magnet.

You attract what you are not what you want. Life is a mirror, whatever it finds in your heart is what is reflected back to you in your circumstances. Life does not consists of material possessions. Your true value is inside not outside. For example, if robbers attack a fashion designer and takes away his material equipment and stuffs. Did they take fashion designing from the man? No. The craft, the skill is inside the man. All he need is to get assistance and buy equipment’s and starts his designing again. Success is inside him.

If you are a business person have lost materials possessions, wealth, as long as you are still alive, is an indication that you will rise again because what is making you achieve wealth and possession is inside of you not outside. Just a matter of time, you will recover all.

Arise from the dust and clean yourself and then move on. What you have left is more than your lost.

My formal boss once said if all our eyes can see (his possessions) is taken away from him, he will get them back in no time. That is it, knowing all these my be-

Victor Okwudiri

08037674300 (SMS only)

tion. Poverty exists in the mind. It is the poverty of the mind that translates to the pocket.

The poor will see a Dark Lining on every Silver Cloud, whereas the wealthy will see a Silver Lining on every Dark Cloud. The difference matters a lot.

The poor will see a cup with water ‘half-way’ in it as ‘Half-Empty’, while the wealthy will see it as ‘HALF-FULL’.

Please don’t tell me they are the same.

They are not. After all, Six and ‘Half A Dozen’ are not the same. While six is an independent variable, ‘half a dozen’ is a variable dependent on another variable - a dozen.

While the poor will beg FOR fish, the wealthy at heart will ask to be taught how to fish. While the poor will beg for money, the wealthy at heart will ask to be employed or, better still, create employment for themselves, no matter how little. It is only a matter of time before the wealth in them translates from the heart to reality.

While the poor will ask for ‘Stomach-

frastructure’ (food and basics for survival), the wealthy will ask for Infrastructure - an enabling environment to invest in the society, so they can generate revenue that will eventually take care of their stomachs and better the lot of people.

Whereas some will protest the sale of a small book at a high price, saying, “The book is not worth the price,” a wealthy at heart will think, “I am worth more than the price,” so he buys the book because of the knowledge it will afford him.

Friend, to create wealth, you must change the way you think (and what you think), if need be. As a friend stated it, when we change the way we look at things, the things we look at will begin to change. Similarly, when you begin to develop a ‘wealth and abundance mindset’ instead of a ‘lack mentality’, you are on your way to wealth creation.

4. Confession There is a way wealthy people talk.

There is also a way poor people talk.

The poor talk lack, while the wealthy talk abundance. The poor talk ‘problems’, while the wealthy talk solutions.

There is an unwritten speech syllabus or register for the wealthy, such that you can tell when they talk.

(To be continued next week)

Success Nuggets Julian Atufunwa

MS only) (08032810713 (S

Laws of Success

loved ones, will make you build yourself.

Invest in yourself, pay close attention to being how you can.

CONTROL YOU THOUGHTS:Thoughts are powerful. God told man to have dominion over the fishes of the sea, over the fowl of the air and over everything that moves on earth. These includes lions, elephants, snakes etc. How can man rule all these by thoughts with the thought. You are limitless, you can view fished in the seas, you can see the lions in the bushes right now you can see Aso rock, you can see the white house.

You can see New York. You can see the new you in the realm of your thought.

If you can think health and vitality, why will you spend so much time thinking of Ebola? How it can affect someone you know. Your most dominating thought will attract the materials equivalent in your life. You can control the event of your life though your thoughts. Think life, think abundance, think health and you will attract the greatest battle ever fought is in the mind. Fight negative thoughts, fight thoughts of failure, conquer yourself.

CONTROL YOUR WORDS:- words are products of your thoughts. If you think right, you will speak right. Be positive all the time. Talk like God, talk with authority, words are expensive. Let people long to hear you speak. Choose your words wisely.

CONTROL YOUR EMOTION:- emotions are not what springs up from you because of what people did or say. You manufacture your own emotions. You

create your emotions. You can choose what you feel. You can choose to be happy, sad angry, loved etc. you can choose to cry right now by remembering a sad event ot the death of a loved one. How that day was, the people that said sorry, sorry to you tears could just start flowing.

In the same manner, you can feel happy by remembering you first outing with someone you love, my Sunday school teacher says that what makes us sad is not what people did or say to us but how we respond to what they say or did to us.

You choose what you feel. So, overcome sadness, keep that anger please.

Finally be reminded that success is not the achievement of your personal goals but success is discovering God’s goal for your life and achieving them. The two greatest most important days in your life is the day you were born and the day you discover the reason you were born.

There are people that have accumulated so much material riches yet their lives makes no meaning to them. Your life can make meaning by discovering from your creator your purpose on earth and achieving those purposes. There are senses of fulfilment that accompany discovering what you were born to do, but be reminded that on earth nothing can give full satisfaction. Like I always say you are not here by accident, there may be illegitimate parent bur there are no illegitimate children. Every child that comes to planet earth is preplanned by your maker. The earlier you find this out the better for you.

God bless you

Paul Ogbuokiri with Agency report

tlas Mara said on Friday that it was buying a 20.9 per cent stake in Union Bank of Nigeria from Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, at $270 million.

According to the company, that will raise its holding in the bank to 29.9 percent.

Reuters reported on Thursday Atlas Mara was in talks to buy the stake.

UBN has 340 branches across Nigeria and had about $6.3 billion of assets, $3.1 billion in deposits and $1.3 billion in equity at the end of June. Atlas Mara said it purchased the stake at about book value.

UBN was established as Colonial Bank in 1917, and from 1925 until the 1970s was owned by Barclays, the British bank that Diamond led before being ousted under a cloud two years ago. UBN’s market capitalisation is about $850 million.

“This is a very significant acquisition ... we will have a significant stake in a key Nigerian bank and we will also have established strategic market positions in three of Africa’s leading economic communities: the Southern Africa Development Community, the East Africa Community and Economic Community of West African States,” former Barclays boss Bob Diamond said in a statement.

Previous deals have given Atlas Mara a platform in several countries including Botswana, Mozambique and Tanzania.

UBN is majority owned by Union Global Partners Ltd (UGPL), a consortium of investors including hedge fund Corsair Capital, African Capital Alliance and the Netherlands Development Finance Co., which stepped in to support it after a 2009 state bailout.

Diamond is one of the world’s best-known bankers after spearheading the growth of Barclays’ investment bank before being forced from his job as CEO in 2012 by UK regulators after the bank was fined for attempted rigging of Libor interest rates.

His plans in Africa could put him in direct competition with Barclays, which has had a presence there since the 1920s and is one of the biggest international banks on the continent.

UBN was known as Barclays Bank CDO (Dominion, Colonial and Overseas) when it was bought by Barclays, and became Barclays Bank of Nigeria in 1969 after Nigeria’s independence, according to the bank’s website.

UBN is trying to aggressively grow its loan book and claw back market share it lost during the financial crisis when it was bailed out along with eight other banks in 2009 by the Nigerian government, which was followed by a period of consolidation and investment in safe government securities.

It is tapping into strong demand from the country’s oil and gas sectors and manufacturers and plans to lend 40 percent more this year having already grown its balance sheet by 55 percent in 2013. The bank made a pretax profit of N4.2 billion ($26 million) last year, up a quarter from 2012.

PZ partners Da Viva to unveil Canoe detergent

P

Z Cussons Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading family care products company and manufacturer of Canoe laundry Soaps has unveiled its ‘alive with colour’ campaign on the care detergent – Canoe detergent.

Speaking at the press conference held in Lagos, Managing Director, PZ Cussons; Mr. Alex Goma reinstated PZC’s commitment to innovation and a delightful washing experience for the Nigerian consumers. ‘’Our business initiative, hinged on consumer satisfaction is the driving force in our quest to meet consumer expectations’’.

Marketing Director, Family Care, Ms Sandy Griffiths said, ‘’we are delighted to unveil our ‘alive with colour’ campaign aimed at boosting lifestyle taking positive cues from confidence and pride so as to inspire millions of customers to look their best at all times.

Canoe’s laundry equity started in the 1980s with the introduction of Canoe bar soaps. Today the brand enjoys stretch into detergents therefore ensuring a seamless transfer of Canoe’s colour care credentials from one format to another.

Griffiths said the detergent have been endorsed by Da Viva; Africa’s foremost contemporary fashion brand which also provides a platform for Canoe detergent to establish its colour care credentials.

38

SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Business

PowerPlatform Stakeholders task FG on power sector franchise

Chijioke Iremeka

Sundayplatform@newtelegraphonline.com 08037613380(sms only)

For complaints on power situation across Nigeria

E

Chijioke Iremeka

lectricity sector stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to liberalise power sector franchise to attract more investors to the sector.

They also urged government to develop a strong regulatory body that would be saddled with the responsibility of controlling and coordinating the activities of these investors and ensure that consumers are not exploited.

According to the Managing Director, Philipson Energy, Mr. Philip Obodoechina, the inclusion of more investors in the sector would create a revolution and generate clusters of thermal and renewable power plants.

“There is no need waiting to have a company that would produce one million megawatts at a go as that has been the major problem with our country. Rather, medium companies with the ability to produce small megawatts in different places could pool their resources together to do the magic,” he said.

He also urged government to emulate Germany in power decentralization, noting that there are bunches of alternative sources of energy, which produce 200MW and have the ability of lighting a number of communities.

He expressed the hope that if Nigeria adopts this concept, Nigeria would overcome its power problems within a short period of time.

“The issues of everybody waiting for power supply from the overstressed national grid will not come into play again, when the sector has been liberalised.

“We need more people. We need to encourage developmental competitions so that what we have in the telecom industry would be felt in power sector. We have the precedence from the telecom industry, so why will the country be waiting to hear from power experts. Let’s revolutionalise the power sector now for good.

“Power is the major problem we have in the country. It’s the reason for high cost of living in the country.

It’s the reason for the high cost of production in the country,” he said.

An Abuja-based energy consultant and Managing Director, Jalz Energy Limited, Zumunta Machunga-Disu, said excess power generated should be sent to the national grid when communities have been serviced.

“I would also suggest that energy as the exclusive power of the Federal Government should be liberalised so that both state and local governments could have access to power the way they want. With this, many states would like to generate power to feed their industries and service them with power utility bills,” she added.

A construction site of a power station

Here, are some of the complaints of electricity consumers across the country, captured by New Telegraph on Sunday: Live wire dropped at First Avenue Festac Wazau A. from Festac On Thursday, there was a live high tension wire that dropped at First Avenue, Festac but the DISCO office, located few poles away from the scene, didn’t know about it.

A number of people said that they called DISCO, Festac branch to switch off light on the fallen wire but nothing was done. Though they later switched off the light but they never went there as was expected of them in good time.

So, when nothing was done, area boys at the place stood in the front of Abia Line Transport park and prevented people from taking the route.

But I wasn’t there afterwards to know if they eventually removed the wire. With the way things are going in this country, nobody cares for another. I call DISCO to please respond to emergencies with that spirit.

We have low voltage Sunday O. from Mushin We still have light but of very low voltage. We have complained but there is nothing yet. Sometimes, the light is high and in most cases, it’s very dim. I suspect it’s a transformer problem. May be we need a change of transformer but who knows when that will happen?

Transformer issue in Nigeria is always a difficult matter, which ordi-

narily, shouldn’t be.

Bills are high Chinyere U. from Ogba Power supply has actually improved in my area. At least, we are sure of power supply on a daily basis but when it will come is what I do not know. But there is an improvement. The bills they send to us are really high and outrageous.

In most cases, they will bring a N15, 000 bill for a residential property. We are still waiting to see when we will have light regularly and the bill will not be sky rocketing. But the best way out is pay as you go, which has to do with prepaid meters.

From my observation, I think power supply has really improved.

Throw power licences open Jeremaiah H., from Okota The power situation in the country is gradually improving but it would be much better if the government throws the licences for DISCOs open to allow more private-sector businessmen to come in. This will introduce the kind of competition that placed the telecom industry in its rightful place and saw the reduction in tariff for calls.

Competition is the only thing that would help to make power generation in the country stable and regular.

Magboro blackout Eddy., from Magboro, Ifo LGA This country seemed to me like a dummy country. Sometimes, I wonder, why so many things are happening the way they do in the country. It took them one year just to build drainage system and denied

the masses light for that one year, and still denying more people light today.

For a year plus now, people living behind MFM have not had power supply. Their poles have been removed. As I speak to you now, it will cost me N13, 000 to fix my generator because I over-used it.

Funny enough, I don’t even money to fix it. I have packed it and am waiting for my salary; perhaps, I will fix it then. It’s not easy living in this country. Lack of power supply was the major thing that moved me away from that area.

Our transformer has been bad for a month Joy F., Ikosi Our transformer has been bad for one month now. But I think it needs only repairs. It’s not long since we contributed money for that transformer, so I wouldn’t say we need a new one. The only thing there is for them to come and check what is wrong with the transformer and fix it. That’s all.

We still get ‘crazy’ bills Ben F., Ajeromi, Lagos The major problem we have here is ‘crazy’ bills. We don’t even know how to go about it because as you try to clear the bills, more will come.

This has made a number of houses to stop paying; rather they depend on power tapping.

What we see here are clusters of cables here and there. Our DISCO had come and disconnected some houses but they still tap light without paying. What they do is to use flexible wires to temporally connect

light. Then upon information that the DISCO people are coming, they would quickly remove them.

This is not the best for the environment because it has led to a number of fires in this area in the past. If possible, let every house have a prepaid meter to stop this problem.

Our poles, cables gone Mrs. Oluwatoyin A, Mowe, Ogun State Power supply in this area used to be steady but we started having problems after the construction of the road began. Since we live near the road, we are badly affected.

Our electricity poles and wires were removed because they fall within the areas where drainage system is being constructed. I don’t even know when this will end.

Power supply problems Gabriel M., Aguda, Surulere, Lagos Is this not their business? Won’t they make more money when they supply power? Why won’t they fix their equipment and supply light?

They know that even without light, Nigerians will still pay, especially those without pre-paid meters. It seems those without prepaid meters are the ones paying for those with prepaid meters. When there is no light, the prepaid meter users will not pay because their cards will not read. But for us, we have to pay whether we have power supply or not. Let government mandate DISCOs to supply consumers with pre-paid meters to solve this crime against Nigerians.

39

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Negative sentiments persist …as NSEASI shed more points

T

he Nigerian equities market ended the week lower as tempered investors’ sentiments persist. NSEASI dipped by 0.89%, pegging the YtD (Year-to-date) return at -0.41%. Volume and value traded increased by 12.68% and 8.41% respectively vs. (103.4% and 321.8% increase) recorded in the previous week.

Market mood was largely bearish for most part of the week as the market shed points for four out of the five trading days.

PREMBREW topped the gainers chart for the fourth consecutive week, with a week-on-week (W-o-W) return of 52.40%.

IKEJAHOTEL, RTBRISCOE, FIDSON and NNFM followed suit with returns of 29.87%, 14.94%, 10.81% and 10.53% respectively.

On the losers’ side, VONO, CORNEST, CADBURY, WAPIC and DANGSUGAR share prices declined by 17.14%, 10.53%, 7.97%, 7.59% and 6.75% in that order.

We review the sector performance for the market whilst stating our expectation for the coming week below.

Banking Sector: Sector trades southwards … ETI forms new partnership

During the week, five of the fifteen Banking sector stocks closed positive, nine counters traded negative, while one was flat.

The five gainers were ETI, UBN, STANBIC, DIAMONBNK and FCMB which advanced by 5.68%, 5.68%, 1.33%, 0.82% and 0.24% respectively. WEMABANK led the losers’ chart with 6.19%, while ACCESS, UBA, SKYEBANK, ZENITH, FIDELITYBK, STERLNBNK, FBNH, and GUARANTY declined by 5.76%, 4.34%, 4.14%, 1.42%, 1.01%, 0.88%, 0.27% and 0.27% in that order, while UNITYBNK traded flat.

During the week, Ecobank announced a strategic partnership with Doha based Qatar National Bank through the latter’s acquisition of 12.5% minority stake of ordinary and convertible preference shares of the former, bought from Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

This strategic synergy was formed to deepen QNB’s penetration of the African Market and help ETI establish its presence in the Middle-East.

We expect trading on banking stocks to be positive in the coming week as investors take position in stocks which have shed gains recently such as ACCESS. Industrial Goods Sector: Bearish trend continues

Sentiments on the industrial goods sector remained negative during the week as four (4) stocks recorded price declines while only one (1) recorded increase in share price.

BERGER continued to shed its gains from previous weeks, as the ticker lost 4.44% to close the week at NGN8.6. The cement stocks traded flat save for CCNN and ASHAKACEM. CCNN gained 0.70% to push share value slightly up to NGN14.4 while ASHAKACEM’s share price moderated to NGN32.5 having shed 2.99% during the week.

Other price losers were PORTPAINT, which halted its upward movement this week, as the stock witnessed greater sell sentiments to drag share price to NGN5.1 (-2.86%WtD) .

We are of the opinion that the mood in the industrial goods sector is being influenced by the general negative mood in the Nige-

rian equities market. We believe investors are taking profit due to expectations of a sustained negative trend in the market ahead of the 2015 general elections and its associated risk factors.

Consumer Good Sector: Negative market sentiments continues

The consumer goods stocks did not enjoy a positive market sentiments this week given the return distribution: 5 counters closed positive, 11 closed negative while 1 traded flat.

PREMBREW remained the best performer in the sector and one of the best for the market this week gaining 52.40%.

NNFM, VITAFOAM, PZ and INTBREW all appreciated by 10.53%, 3.61%, 2.71% and 1.79% respectively.

7UP however remained flat in the week though we foresee possible gyrations on the counter in the coming week.

CADBURY led the decliners for the sector, losing 7.97% with DANGSUGAR following with 6.75%. UACN, DANGFLOUR, HONYFLOUR, FLOURMILL, NASCON, NESTLE, UNILEVER, GUINNESS, and NB also depreciated by 0.69%, 0.43%, 0.48% 4.92%, 4.91%, 5.65%, 1.13%, 2.16%, 0.52% respectively in line with general market mood.

We are still awaiting GUINNESS’ full year result while in the interim, we believe certain corporate action dates may continue to drive the sector. For instance, PZ’s 61 kobo dividend’s register will be closed 22nd-26th September while 7UP’s N2.50 dividend’s payment date is 30th September. Besides these, we do not foresee any major trigger for the sector in the coming week or near term.

Oil and Gas Sector: ETERNA recorded 48% growth in PAT

ETERNA recorded a 47.87% (NGN974mn) growth in earnings in H1:2014 compared with the corresponding period in previous year (NGN659mn), however turnover declined by 70.79%. The decline is not unexpected given the company’s lack of activities in the bulk trading of crude oil, a business segment that contributed 70% to ETERNA’s turnover in 2013. Di-

rect cost also reduced significantly with cost-to-sales ratio at 90.76% (vs. 96.99% in 2013:H1). The improved direct cost management coupled with 46.44% and 7.52% reduction in finance cost and OPEX respectively soared earnings margin to 6.97% against 1.38% in 2013:H1.

ETERNA’s result was positively reacted to by investors as position taking ensued, gains during the first two trading days of the week were however pegged by profit taking for the rest of the week. ETERNA emerged as the only gainer in the sector for the week, returning 4.84% to close at NGN3.90. CONOIL, OANDO, TOTAL, FO and MOBIL depreciated in prices by 6.23%, 5.83%, 4.41%, 4.37% and 0.57% respectively while SEPLAT and MRS closed flat.

We maintain our positive outlook on TOTAL and we believe the recent result will further solidify investors’ confidence in ETERNA. Insurance: Sector’s Breadth Favours Decliners

The insurance sector could not resist the sell pressure that characterized the Nigerian equities market in the week as its index level pared for the week. The sector’s breadth largely favoured decliners as six counters depreciated as against two stocks that appreciated in price.

CUSTODYINS emerged as the only stock that sustained gains posted in the previous week, appreciating in price by 0.77% WoW. However, the highest price appreciation was recorded by MBENEFIT (+1.92%) to close at NGN0.53.

CORNERST led the industry laggards, depreciating in price further by 10.53% WoW despite the 3.39% loss in the previous week. Profit taking also persisted on WAPIC and ROYALEX, intensifying their losses by 7.59% and 1.72% WoW. Other industry laggards for the week are INTENEGINS, CONTINSURE, and NEM as each trimmed their respective prices by 3.85%, 3.00% and 1.23%.

Our fundamental valuation favours AIICO, NEM and CONTINSURE while we advise cautious trading on CUSTODYINS and MANSRAD as they currently trade

around their intrinsic worth; albeit, they are among investors’ toast in the sector.

Agric Sector: Sector loses -0.45% WtD, pegs YtD return at -14.34%

In line with the negative market sentiments, the sector lost -0.45% in the week; driven primarily by PRESCO’s 0.77% loss.

LIVESTOCK also shed 2.44% to close at NGN3.20. ELLAHLAKES and OKOMUOIL, on the other hand, all closed flat for the week. FTNCOCOA gained 4.00% on Friday to close at NGN0.52 as 56.7mn shares exchanged hands. This renewed optimism on the stock is not unconnected to the special resolution which authorized the directors of the company to offer 1,466,666,666 units of the company’s shares to Transmar Commodity Group at a price not less than 75kobo. Transmar Commodity Group is a US based company. The company held its AGM during the week.

Commodities prices data from the World Bank released during the week showed a downward trend in the global prices of crude palm oil (CPO) and technically specified rubber (TSR) which recorded declines of 8.92% and 1.87% respectively. The decline in CPO prices is not unconnected to seasonality as higher supply during this time of the year usually results in lower product pricing.

Due to the absence of any major trigger to determine the direction of trades as well as technical indicators which show a fairly bought position for sector stocks, we expect a quiet week for the sector.

Healthcare Sector: EVANSMED emerges as only price loser

Following intermittent weekly gains and losses, the healthcare sector closed the week on a marginally positive note, as the MERI-HEALTH index posted WtD returns of 0.03% as well as MtD, QtD and YtD returns pegged at 1.52%, 3.07% and -3.00% in that order. The gainers for the week were FIDSON and MAYBAKER which recorded price gains of 10.81% and 7.75% respectively while EVANSMED closed the week as the only price loser, shedding 4.88%.

As more pharmaceutical companies progress in their efforts to receive certification for compliance with WHO’s GMP, we foresee an increased level of attraction to the healthcare sector in form of investments.

Our top picks for the sector remain FIDSON and GSK whose results are expected to be satisfactory, in line with historical performance.

Services Sector: Positive sentiments prevail against all odds

Despite the negative mood in the market, the services sector continued to trudge forward.

Drivers of the week’s gain include IKEJAHOTEL (29.87% to 1.0NGN), RTBRISCOE (14.94% to 1.0NGN) and TRANSCORP (4.92% to 6.4NGN). ABCTRANS also gained 1.47% during the week ended.

On the flip side, UPL, AIRSERVICE and CAVERTON emerged as the laggards for the week as the stocks shed 4.60%, 4.31% and 6.02% respectively.

South-East

40

BEATS

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Obiano won't quit apga - Associate

Obaino

W

hat actually motivated you to seek the house of assembly seat for Anaocha II constituency when there is already a representative for the constituency?

Well, first of all, I believe in justice and equity. Anaocha II constituency is where my community, Nri town, belongs to.

Before now, we couldn’t have aspired to that position because we had something that was greater, the House of Representatives.

As it is today, our able national chairman, Sir Victor Umeh, is running for Senate and we are from the same constituency. For equity’s sake, the house of assembly slot should go to Nri since the ‘Aguinyi’ people that are in the same constituency with us are taking the higher slot (Senate). Already, they have the local government chairmanship. Therefore, now is the time for Nri to represent Anaocha II in the state house of assembly.

And having been in the system with total belief in Igbo interest and APGA ideologies, I cannot go to any other party to contest for this position. I believe that the best is yet to come because I am going to render practical representation for my constituency.

You once ran for governor and now, you are interested in a house of assembly seat. How do you reconcile both?

Thank you. I was born to serve and it must not be only as a governor. Well, in 2010, I ran in the governorship election in Anambra state under New Nigeria Peoples Party. I contested for that position in order to encourage the youths of Anambra State that the time had come for the good ones to come into politics and strengthen some dynamic issues in the state.

The former governor, Mr. Peter Obi, did well in the state and that was why, after that governorship election, I gave him my full support and consequently joined APGA.

Obi

Umeh

Ogochukwu Egolum is a frontline member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Anambra State and confidant of Governor Willie Obiano. He tells TONY OKAFOR that the governor won’t dump APGA for the Peoples Democratic Party.

Beyond the basics, I am in the race for the state house of assembly just to add more of my support to the current governor, Chief Willie Obiano, whom everybody has confidence in to take the state to another enviable height of development.

I still believe that Obiano, judging from the impact already made in the state, will surpass what his predecessor did during his eight years in office.

We have also joined him in drumming support for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. Actually, this particular support for Jonathan by APGA family could be described as a total commitment to Jonathan’s brotherly tie with Ndigbo and a further push to deliver the full content of his transformation agenda.

So, no going back for Jonathan. That is our stand, my stand.

Coming to my aspiration for the state legislature, I don’t think it is a desperate end for me to be in position. Rather, even if it entails going to the local level to serve my people, with all honesty and moral commitment, I will go wherever the wind of change takes me to. It will eventually better the lives of my people.

I want to show my people what leadership is all about; I don’t pray to be a ruler but a servant leader.

You said that your national chairman, Sir Victor Umeh, is seeking a Senate seat. We learnt that most APGA members are not supporting this project.

You see, there is a lot of gossip in politics.

Chief Umeh is a great fighter and he has

been holding APGA together for more than 10 years. A young man of his type should be encouraged to go and ensure proper representation for Anambra Central in the Senate.

We have supported the Federal Government so much and without APGA in Anambra state, President Jonathan wouldn’t have got the amount of votes he gained from the South-East in the last election.

What are we saying? We are saying that the APGA family has tasted Chief Umeh’s doggedness and that predicated our trust in him.

No matter what anybody says, he is ripe and matured for such a political calling.

Is there anything more exceptional that you have in mind to deliver for your people if you are given the mandate?

Thank you once more for this singular question. As I said earlier, I am a practical person, maybe in line with my academic as a political scientist. I know how policies are gathered, formed and put into full implementation.

Though I wouldn’t like to boast or start building castles in the air on what I would likely do if given the mandate. But what I know that is more paramount in our lives is to deliver life assurances. These involve creating the basic policies on housing, food and shelter.

With these provisions, crime rate in the society will be reduced drastically because life will be worth living when you are no longer dependent on anybody to give you money to do the right thing.

Most of APGA members are so enthusias-

tic about victory at the polls when it seems that APGA’s house is collapsing. About four members of the House of Representatives have defected to PDP and former governor, Mr. Peter Obi, resigned as BoT chairman.

Now, we are hearing that Governor Obiano is also contemplating joining PDP. Where is the confidence that APGA will not lose in the elections?

Gossip and gossip in every nook and cranny. I am here to reassure you that APGA still has a solid foundation even in the absence of those rumoured to have defected to PDP. Ordinarily, we should all know that Governor Obiano is still the face of APGA and solidly behind the party, both in mobilisation and logistics. And by the special grace of God, he is going to take us farther to the next level within the period of eight years expected of him to be in office.

Having said this, considering the shortest time in office, Governor Obiano has jealously shown the propensity to execute his four cardinal developmental agenda within the promised timeframe.

To this effect, he has already taken the bull by the horns by disengaging all manner of criminals in the state. No doubt, this has boosted the business web of the state by creating an enabling environment for both indigenous and foreign investors to come into the state and establish their businesses without any security threat. So, our governor is working and I'm here to tell you authoritatively that our governor is in APGA, and will continue to be in APGA.

41

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

South-East Beats

People saying APC isn't for Ndigbo are liars –Eneukwu L

et me congratulate you on your new position as the zonal vice-chairman South-East of the All Progressives Congress. How does it feel occupying this position?

Thank you very much. Occupying the position of National Vice-Chairman, South-East, some people make the mistake of saying that it is zonal vice chairman. National ViceChairman South- East is like you are the chairman of the party in all the states that make up the South-East. And in that context, you are expected to engineer the party to victory in those states. Whatever the national chairman of the party represents in the party nationally, is what you represent in the party in the zone.

Therefore, you have a very big assignment of turning the tide of the party around, making sure that the party wins elections in the SouthEast. So that is a big shoe and I am doing my best to make sure that a very good story is told of the APC in the South-East come 2015.

That was the reason I started on that premise because I know it is going to be a Herculean task, especially in the sense that a lot of propaganda is being unleashed on our party in the South-East, like what happened during the governorship election in Anambra State in 2013.

The propaganda was that APC is not an Igbo party, APGA is an Igbo party. How are you handling that, with regards to the forth coming general elections in 2015?

You know, initially, during that Anambra governorship election, we thought we had come of age where issues would be discussed. We thought that political parties would come to tell the people how they would flood the state with dividends of democracy. And we brought out a man whose antecedents are well known in Anambra State, Dr. Chris Ngige. We were optimistic that he was going to win the election based on what he did when he was governor.

But you know, when his opponents saw that they couldn’t find any way to fault the man and they couldn’t find anything to label or blackmail the party with, they then resorted to the cheap and

Eneukwu

South East National Vice Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Chief Emma Eneukwu, spoke to some journalists on the fortunes of the party and his plan for the South-East in 2015. JOHNCHUKS ONUANYIM reports baseless propaganda that APC is not an Igbo party, APC is a Hausa party, APC is a Yoruba party. Of course you know these are sentiments. And at the end of the day, they said APGA is an Igbo party. I was always asking myself, if APGA were to be an Igbo party, how come that we have five states in the SouthEast and APGA is not controlling any of these states except Anambra? If it were to be Igbo party, it could have been controlling all the states in the South- East. In Enugu State, there is nothing like APGA. In Ebonyi State also, there is nothing like APGA. But that sentiment came up because Ojukwu incidentally was from Anambra and because of the key role he played in the civil war. They were using it to say that APGA is an Igbo party. The truth has manifested now. It is obvious now that there is nothing like APGA being an Igbo party. Those parroting this view are political jobbers who are taking Ndigbo for a ride and using Igbos to make sure that they actualise their individual, selfish ambitions in politics.

All these gimmicks and political intrigues of the recent past have finally been exposed.

For instance, the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, it is clear to everybody now that he has gone to the PDP. So if APGA were to be an Igbo party, why would Peter Obi dump ‘our APGA’, which is the image and party that Igbos are known for? Why would he dump that party that Igbos are being identified with, to go to PDP, to be called a house boy to the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan? At least I know that the party he is joining, PDP, cannot be said to be an Igbo party. In the same vein, most of their legislators in the House of Representatives, from Anambra State, have all joined the PDP, which is indicative of the fact that there is nothing like APGA being a party for Igbos. Also in Imo State, if APGA were to be an Igbo party, the Governor of the state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who is very deeply interested

in and very much concerned about anything that has to do with the Igbo man, if it were to be an Igbo party, he would not have left APGA to join APC. His leaving APGA to join APC, just like others leaving APGA to join PDP, shows clearly that APGA represents no Igbo interest. Of course, you know that today, APGA is fizzling out fast. So it was just a ploy that they used to blackmail Chris Ngige, who was the only giant, politically, in that Anambra governorship election on November 16, 2013.

They couldn’t find any other thing to label him with, they couldn’t find any other thing to use against him, except to say that he was contesting election on a platform that was not an Igbo party. And secondly, I want to tell you my brothers, that this idea of saying that the APC is - some say is a Moslem party, some say it is Hausa party , some say it is Yoruba party - it does not hold water.

So what is APC? APC is a political party that came up as a result of the merging of political opposition parties which were looking for a strategy to contain and whittle down the menace of the ruling PDP. It obviously has become a huge threat to this hard won democracy in Nigeria.

These opposition parties, after brainstorming for a long time, found out that there is strength in coming together. And these political parties came together and in that coming together, Igbos were there, the Yorubas were there, the Hausas were there and all other tribes were there. It is the only party in Nigeria today where all the ethnic nationalities in the country were fully represented at its formation. When the owners of the ruling party knew and understood that APC was going to be a serious headache for them, they went into their laboratory to research on what they would use to blackmail the party. They came out with such fake claims that APC is a Moslem party or Hausa party or even a Yoruba party. I was watching the television the other day and I heard this man from Osun State, the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode, a literate man like him who had been a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, open his mouth to say that APC is the political arm of Boko Haram. You know there are things you don’t play politics with.

Such lousy talk coming from such a person is terrible. At times you begin to wonder if such a person’s head should not be subjected to proper medical examination. How could any sane mind in this country classify APC as the political arm of Boko Haram? Boko Haram has persistently unleashed terrible mayhem on APC-controlled states in the North-East.

Majority of the casualties that we have from Boko Haram’s attack are from APC states.

Go to Borno State, for instance. All the developmental projects that the ANPP which joined in the formation of APC, every developmental project that the current governor of that state has put on the ground for his people has been destroyed by Boko Haram. In the same vein, Yobe State is an APC state. Everything that they have put on the ground there, from the time of Bukar Abba Ibrahim, till today, is being ravaged and destroyed by Boko Haram. So if Boko Haram were to be the military arm of APC, as was claimed by Femi Fani Kayode in one of his several effusions against this party, why then would we be destroying our own states? Do you follow the logic? If you have troops, they go to fight your enemies. They don’t come to your territory to destroy you.

May be, in the perverted sense of logic by Fani Kayode, Boko Haram could be the military arm of our enemies, who have deployed them to destroy the APC states.

So the simple thing there is that Boko Haram,

if it were to be attached to any political party, it would rightly be attached to PDP because they have used it to cause confusion and mass destruction in APC states. And they have used it to put a state of emergency in these APC states, to the extent that they are even tinkering with the funny idea of not holding elections in those states in 2015 because of the menace of insurgency and Boko Haram. But I can tell you that if our people can look clearly, beyond the propaganda of the PDP and some of its attack dogs like Fani Kayode, they will find out the real patrons and owners of Boko Haram.

So APC is a party that has come to save Nigeria from the total dehumanisation, destruction, corruption and impunity of the PDP that this country has suffered in the last 15 years. And because they know that this party has come and resolute to uproot them in their plan of ruling the country for sixty years, as they had boasted in the past, when they saw that this boast will no longer be actualised, with the APC around, they have to label the party and because they control the Federal Governmentowned electronic media, they are using these to their advantage. This is in addition to our commonwealth that they are stashing away in their private pockets and are using them to work against the people of this country and against the APC and other political parties that are not with them.

Let me come back to the South-East and the issue of dominance in politics.

Whether you like it or not, if you remove APGA, you still have PDP to contend with.

What strategies are you going to use to convince the electorate in the zone to vote for your party?

Our strategies are simple. Politics is all about giving the people the dividends of democracy, changing the lot of the people for good. Politics is like a competitive market. When you bring your own wares to the market, the other person will bring his too. People will look at them and whichever is better for them, they will buy. That is what democracy is all about.

In the zone that we are talking about, look at Abia State for instance, there is a failed government in the state.

The man has not performed. All the roads in that state are in a deplorable state. Tell me, is there any project in Abia State that is working which anybody can point at and say it is being done by the Abia State Government?

The people of Abia State have already been mobilised. They don’t even need any campaign. The government in Abia State itself has campaigned for us. That is why he (Governor Theodore Orji) is fighting terribly against the APC, to make sure that the party does not exist in the state. We know his reasons because he has failed the people of the state. Ebonyi is another state controlled by the PDP. You see what the old man there has done? He has left Ebonyi worse than he met it. That is another place that he has campaigned for APC. The things that they are supposed to put on the ground, they don’t have it. They are busy campaigning on television. They put infrastructure that doesn’t exist on the ground on television and radio. But these things are not there. The issue is that you are elected to give those who elected you dividends of democracy. You have to better their lot. You can make them realise that during your tenure, you brought in something that helped to change their lives. Where are these things in Ebonyi State or any of the PDP states? Of course, the only place where they are making a little impact is Enugu State, where the governor is concentrating on constructing and building roads.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 07, 2014

Abuja Beats

Abuja Beats

Yekeen Nurudeen

T Abuja

raffic jams are a permanent feature of Lagos. Traffic jams have refused to yield to various developmental efforts by successive governments in the Centre of Excellence. Yet, Lagos residents seem to have resigned to fate and carry on with their daily activities with a kind of adaptation.

The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja created 38 years ago and the nation’s purposefully built city with all the modern infrastructure is now having its share of gridlock. No thanks to the current security challenges on one hand and population explosion on the hand that the city has had to cope with in recent time.

Despite boasting of more good roads than many cities across the country, traffic jams have become a daily occurrence in Abuja. While residents groan under the burden of daily traffic jams, failed appointments, lateness to offices and even schools for students are often the direct consequences of this build-up in traffic.

For residents of Abuja psychological trauma, stress, anger of various degrees, anxiety and frustration often trail their daily experiences each time they have to commute from the satellite towns and suburbs to the city centre.

From any of the entry points to Abuja, Nyanya, Kubwa and Airport Road in the morning, it is a nightmare for motorists. In the afternoon and evening, peculiar Lagos features of traffic build-up and confusion leave a first-time caller to the city bewildered. Many motorists are still devising ways of beating the daily hectic traffic situation across the city.

Many civil servants leave office before the official closing time of 4pm to escape the logjam while some, especially private car owners, prefer to hang around town till about 9pm when they believe it would have started subsiding.

For instance, commuters along KeffiAbuja Road which is the only road leading to the city centre from Nyanya, Karu, Jikwoyi, Karshi, Orozo, Kurudu, Gbegi, Gbagalape and other towns like Mararaba and its environs in Nasarawa State, set out to their offices as early as 4.30am in order to beat the hold up.

The hold-up starts to build up as early as about 5.30am from Mararaba through Nyanya and stretches up to Aso Rock Villa junction in Asokoro, a distance of about 10 kilometres.

The traffic situation on this axis has been worsened by the current security situation in the city, in which men of the Nigerian Army have been deployed to strategic locations. Security agents are stationed at Nyanya area of Abuja conducting stop and search on vehicles from morning to night and this has resulted to additional hours on the road for motorists who hitherto were spending most of the productive parts of their morning driving in traffic mess.

According to a motorist, Dauda Aminu, the situation has compounded the woes of civil servants. Aminu, who lives in Masaka, a suburb of Nasarawa State said those who live in the Mararaba/Nyanya axis were having traffic headache before the April 14 and May 1 bomb blasts at Nyanya Motor Park complicated their woes.

While lamenting the traffic situation in the axis, Anuku Chris who also lives in Mopol Junction area of Nyanya said, “My brother, I spent two hours from my hours to Nyanya, a place which ordinarily

Traffic jams turn Abuja to Lagos

should not take me more than 10 minutes.

The whole thing is frustrating.”

Many places which take about 20 to 30 minutes’ drive in Abuja when the roads are free now take motorists hours during the notorious traffic period.

There is arguably nowhere in Abuja which is better in terms of traffic congestion as those coming to work in the city from as far as Suleja in Niger State through Kubwa which is another exit and entry point to Abuja always lament the traffic jam.

Kubwa Road, like Airport Road, is the link that commuters from Kaduna and Niger states as well as Zuba, Madala, Deidei, Kubwa, Bwari, Dutse and other satellite towns must pass through to get to their offices in the city centre.

Despite the expansion of both Kubwa and Airport express roads to 10 lanes each, road blocks for security checks and the daily influx of people into the city have worsened the traffic situation on the two roads.

The traffic jam on Kubwa Road begins as early as 6am and stretches till about 11am from Kubwa up to Gwarimpa Estate area every day. Commuters lamented that they usually get hooked in the traffic sometimes for several hours before proceeding to their various destinations in the city.

Traffic situation within the city centre becomes chaotic as soon as government workers, students and other categories of workers are set to leave for home. From Wuse to Berger roundabout through to Jabi and Karmo, many commuters who are already exhausted by the day’s job are always seen sleeping in both the minibuses and the popular el-Rufai buses due

to the chaotic traffic.

The absence of traffic wardens and breakdown of most traffic lights in Abuja have contributed greatly to the poor traffic control in the city.

During the traffic congestion hours, hawkers make brisk business as they sell all kinds of items from fruits to GSM phones as well as electronics. Child hawkers of sachet water also run after vehicles to sell water to exhausted motorists and passengers.

Many drivers have had to spend several hours on the road when their vehicles break down in the process due to overheating even as some develop other mechanical faults.

It gets worse whenever it rains. The situation usually becomes very chaotic when motorists approach the junctions. Confusion usually sets in following the absence of police, traffic wardens or road safety officials.

Stakeholders blame the problem on the absence of alternative routes to the city from the satellite towns, which according to them is the lack of foresight on the part of those who planned the city.

While narrating her ordeal in a traffic jam, a pregnant resident of one of the FCT satellite towns, Gloria Ene, said she would not forget the ordeal she went through recently while returning home from Federal Secretariat to Mararaba.

Her words: “I became very uncomfortable, sweating profusely in the bus that was choked up with people. With the petrol and clutch odour, I felt like vomiting. I hadn’t gone even half way into my journey before I told the driver to drop me because I could no longer bear the inconvenience.

“Shortly after AYA I was forced to tell the driver to drop me. When I got down, I had to look for a place to sit down, bought a bottle of Coke with biscuits from the hawkers in the hold-up to resuscitate myself. Afterward, since the hold-up was still very heavy, I began to trek slowly not minding my condition until I got to Abacha Barracks, before I was able to join another bus.”

Apart from pregnant women suffering these inconveniences, she said it had created problems for some marriages arising from suspicion between couples. There are unconfirmed reports that some married people suspect their spouses of using the logjam to engage in illicit affairs, she said.

She also pointed out that the daily traffic problems had affected night fellowship in families.

Motorists who spoke with our correspondent observed that the situation is not often very healthy for vehicles as some of them suffer from overheating, breakdown, dents by reckless drivers, and even serious accidents resulting from brake failure and loss of control by drivers.

Despite various road construction and expansion projects going on in the city, many residents are still looking with reservations that there may not be an end to the traffic problem soon, except government creates alternative roads lead into the city from all the satellite towns.

The fear among many residents about the recurring traffic jam in the nation’s capital is that it will constitute a negative image for the city and turn it to another Lagos, if nothing is done very urgently to correct the situation.

T

he easiest way to look edgy, sexy and wild is to add animal print to your outfit. Animal prints never go out of fashion.

In fact, every season, different prints come up in the fashion radar. Leopard, zebra, tiger and snake prints can add value to your style when worn the right way.

Leopard is one of this season’s

add a touch of the wild to your wardrobe. Enhance your basic black ensemble with a long leopard-patterned scarf or handbag.

You can use leopard print to work magic on your wardrobe. Leopard is one of the boldest animal prints a woman can wear to the office. For a more subdued look, you can wear one piece of it at a time like the leopard print dress, In wearing your leopard prints, there are certain fashion rules that must be adhered to so you don’t look like someone who ran out of the zoo. If used in excess, it can veer off into the trashy. It’s all about keeping it minimal, no more than one piece at a time. Try not to wear it from head to toe, but if you must, make sure that the prints match exactly in all sec-

of the print, creating a mix and match effect.

A new way to wear animal print is to team it with bright colours.

The key here is to go for only one single vibrant colour. One colour that is best to clash against the print and is certain to stand out is green. But shades of pink, red, yellow, orange and pastels work well with leopard print too.

44

SEPTEMBER 07, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

Keep admirers closer, maintain good oral hygiene Vanessa Okwara

T

he condition of your teeth can affect everything-from your smile to your heart. Maintaining good oral hygiene is therefore an essential part of a man’s daily grooming routine. Most men brush their teeth, but some may not do it properly. Not brushing your teeth properly can lead to mouth odour and buildup of plague on the teeth.

White teeth not only look great, it keeps your admirers close r.

Whiter smile and fresh breath highlight personal self-image and boost the confidence in a man. Mouth odour and teeth discoloration can be offensive and make people reel back when you open your mouth.

Dental professionals state that poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing, not flossing, or not rinsing properly is the leading cause of gum disease and tooth decay.

To maintain a healthy mouth and prevent bad odour, you must maintain the habit of brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice daily. You should also consider cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper because germs lurk and linger there as well.

Rinse your toothbrush under cold water and use good toothpaste. If you are aiming for white teeth, use whitening toothpaste.

Change your toothbrush every three months as they become ineffective after that time. Also avoid sugar and starches. They feed bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Good teeth make you look younger and suave. Visit a dentist regularly to help prevent problems before they get out of hand. Even if you don’t suffer from toothache or gum problems, visit your dentist once every six months. A regular visit to a dentist for cleanup or a cavity check will incur minimum expenditure and save you from maximum expenditure in the future.

45

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 07, 2014

Why buy the cow when you get the milk for free?

U

fuoma is getting very restless and jittery. It’s becoming difficult to sit still and watch another year slide to the end without getting a marriage proposal from Biodun. They are not getting younger and her maternal clock is not helping matters as it is ticking to menopause. She has been expecting a marriage proposal from Biodun for over four years now and from the look of things, settling down with her seems to be the last thing on his mind.

She met and started dating Biodun when she went to prospect for business for her bank in a food and beverage company where he worked as the accountant. After the first two years of their relationship, she moved in with him when he said nothing about marriage. She reasoned that taking care of his house chores, cooking his meals, washing his clothes and of course giving him sex whenever he wanted it would make him see her as wife material.

Two years after, Biodun still plays temporarily dumb and elusive when she broaches the subject of their getting married. She has pressured him into proposing and they have had several meltdowns over the issue. No matter how she approaches the subject, he keeps saying “it will happen, just give me time to gather enough finances to start a family”.

Ufuoma is convinced that after four years of being together, he should know

if he wants to marry her or not. The suspense of waiting and wondering WHEN is driving her crazy! Even though his family members know they are living together, it is still not enough. None of them is even putting pressure on him to settle down. The million-dollar question on her mind now is how much longer she should wait for him to marry her.

Waiting can actually feel like working against the tide of biology. The time a woman keeps waiting for the man she loves to make an honourable woman of her creates feelings of helplessness and most times lead to episodes of depression.

One thing women really need to understand is that men are wired differently. A man can be in his forties and still find a girl who just crawled out of the cradle that will accept his marriage proposal. In some cultures in Nigeria, a man can marry a girl when she is just five years old and then wait for her to

grow up, but that’s not the case for a woman.

Ladies should stop wasting their time waiting for a marriage proposal from a man they have been dating for what seems like a lifetime. Two years is more than enough for a man to know whether he wants to spend the rest of his life with you or not. If his marriage proposal is not coming, then something is definitely not right.

From what I gathered, men shy away from proposing to a woman for a number of reasons: he might be the ‘planning’ type who wants to get everything ready before he gets married. Such things include car, house and a money spinning venture. Also, the woman he is dating may just not be his ideal wife; he does not love her and sees her as a sex object or he’s seeing someone else behind her back.

If he is truly the planning type and it is not just an excuse to stall the marriage plans, then thread softly but firmly with

him. Make him understand that when you join forces together, those dreams and aspirations will materialize faster.

But if his motive tilts towards the other reasons, then sit down to critically analyze the situation and decide if you still need to be in that relationship.

One thing you must to do, if you are wearing the same shoe size as Ufuoma, is to stop living with him immediately.

Why should he consider marriage with you when all he has to do to satisfy his sexual urge in the middle of the night is to grope for your body lying next to him? You already do so much for him that a ring and a simple piece of paper called marriage certificate seem obsolete. I mean, why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? Why should he want to marry you when you have freely given him everything a man pays for in dowry?

All the same, when your man is taking forever to pop that important question, “Will you marry me?’’ then you must to wake up from your slumber and ask him exactly which direction your relationship is heading and get a sturdy wedding date from him. No more stalling! If he needs time to think, give him a month. Not another year. You may have to walk away, but better now than in another seven years!

Send your views to the E-mail above!

ALS Challenge and a Bucket load of awareness for disability

N

igeria is probably the worst country to be a disabled person.

It appears all the disabled are either invisible, or no one cares enough for them other than the charities who raise money on their behalf; and even this is debatable. Disability is synonymous with begging or total dependence and inability to socially function.

Nigeria has to be one of the very few countries in the world where you can hardly see a disabled person in politics, business and other economically empowering projects. How, for instance can a disabled person, voted into the National Assembly, get into the legislative chamber when there is no functional disabled access? Tell me the theatre in Nigeria that has ramps for disabled or lifts straight into the theatre? Show me the bank that has brailed signature equipment for its blind customer?

The only time Nigeria takes note of its disabled citizens is during the Paralympics or other games for disabled athletes when the people living with a disability defy the odds and most times out perform their able bodied contemporaries.

Soon after the presidential welcome to elaborately celebrate their success, they go forth into oblivion.

I guess you can say this is how we do it to the disabled in Nigeria. Ignore them until they do something extra ordinary.

The intellectual field is also complicit in the treatment we give out to our fellow citizens who happen to be disabled. I can only remember disability being used as a metaphor for poverty and suffering in most literature, a direct punishment from gods in movies and a representation of evil in songs. We glorify and valorised the perfect body, we forget what is important to us.

However, with the world enmeshed

in one crisis situation after another, it is refreshing to see common folks from around the world come together and focus our attention on a debilitating sickness called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS for short. Using social media to good effect, people all over the world are dumping water on each other and it’s all for a good cause. In a world where the culture of giving and caring is fast giving way to one of individualism and lack of care for fellow man as exemplified by the hoarding of hand sanitizer and other sanitary materials needed to prevent Ebola, the drive to raise awareness for the ALS society world over and raise money to help treat and cater for those affected by the condition, either as patient or carer, is commendable on so many levels. I challenge anyone to prove me wrong.

Basically, the whole concept is a chal-

lenge to raise money and awareness for ALS. Someone undertakes to have a bucket of ice cold water poured over them; then they donate to the charity; then they nominate a friend to either take the challenge or double the amount they donated.

ALS as a disease slowly turns the sufferer into a vegetable by killing off the muscles in the brain and spinal cord that controls the motor activity of the body.

So, the sufferer loses the use of both arms and legs and eventually die within three to five years of the disease being diagnosed. ALS is not a fast killer, which means that it exerts a heavy emotional toll on the person living with it as well as their close family and friends. It is like attending the funeral of the same person for the five years until their eventual death.

Can’t think at the moment of anything

The only time Nigeria takes note of its disabled citizens is during the Paralympics or other games for disabled athletes when the people living with a disability defy the odds and most times out perform their able bodied contemporaries. Soon after the presidential welcome to elaborately celebrate their success, they go forth into oblivion

more heart wrenching for those affected.

While there have been conflicting reports as to the origin of the Ice Bucket challenge, most at least credit its rise to prominence to sports’ heroes and it depends on which sports page you consult for the origin story you get. But, these class of people are often seen as arrogant super rich spoilt brats -until now.

With $22 Million Dollars already raised and still counting, something positive other than entertainment is being accomplished across the globe through sports.

As the video of the challenge goes viral and brings in more participants, we are also beginning to see some people get creative with it. Hollywood actor, Charlie Sheen, poured $10,000 over himself instead of cold water. Some mechanic poured oil, and others are beginning to use the challenge to point in the direction of their own advocacy. Indian Farmers have also started the rice bucket challenge to feed the poor in their country.

Everyone is getting drenched and helping to care for those who sadly are living with the disease and other motor neuron ailments.

In Nigeria, Davido, the singer and actress Genevieve Nnaji, have also taken the challenge. Understandably, it is also in Nigeria that many are voicing their concern. The truth is, the money can be used for other causes related to health or disability (yes, even for Ebola) and social well being as the Indian experience above has shown.

Seriously, anything that gets us talking about disability in a positive light for a change gets my vote and that is why I will take my stand on the side of all those who have taken the challenge. Hopefully, this is the first step in living up to our societal responsibilities to the disabled amongst us.

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SEPTEMBER 07, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

with

Wole Adepoju 08085003746

Stella Oduah aides political ambition A

nambra-born lady of high caliber, Stella Odua, was enjoying life as a top notch in the business world as the owner of Sea Petroleum & Gas Company. There as a time when she was in the news because of her marriage. Also, the alleged romance between her younger sister and popular actor, Richard Mofe Damijo, did not become a news item without connecting the name of Stella. But the robust oil dealer became a national political figure when she was made the Minister of Aviation by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Stella’s appointment as a minister was criticised by many who believed she did not have the wherewithal to hold such a sensitive position. But she continued to relish her position as a federal minister. The woman soon became controversial with her actions and what many regarded as her unprofessional conduct. In no time, she had bitten more than she could chew when she was involved in a financial scandal through the purchase of bullet-proof vehicles. A certificate forgery

scandal also trailed her and she was removed from office unceremoniously after she had battled tooth and nail to retain her seat. Having tasted power, Stella has decided to return to government circle through another means. This time as a legislator! She has signified interest in vying for the Anambra North Senate seat.

The senatorial district in question is being represented by Margery, the widow of a former Senate President, the late Chuba Okadigbo.

Information making the rounds has it that the seat may have been conceded to Oduah, as a form of compensation for her lost ministerial post. Many are eagerly waiting to see in whose favour the pendulum will swing come 2015.

Celeb Lounge learnt that Stella is not depending solely on federal backing, she’s said to be doing everything within her power to endear herself to the people of the area. Based on this, she embarked on an empowerment programme for the people, and the project, it was learnt cost her a fortune to execute.

woleadepoju@yahoo.com

Much ado about Oronto Douglas

H

uge-framed Bayelsa-born personality, Oronto Naite Douglas, belongs to the league of men who are role models in the society. His hard work and consistency of his belief could be said to be responsible for the status the man presently enjoys. Oronto, a man of great commitment to humanity, became an icon of national conscience years back when as a lawyer, he defended Ogoni activist, Ken Saro Wia, who was con-

demned to death by the Sani Abacha government.

Douglas, who is a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Bayelsa State, has over the years made himself a force to be reckoned with, at home and on the international scene as an activist of repute. His resume has no doubt played a vital role in making him a leader in the South- South part of the country, and by extension a voice in the cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan. The man in question currently serves as the Senior Special Adviser on Research and Documentation to the President.

With all the influence and powers at his disposal, Oronto cannot but be envied by some. What has set tongues wagging about the lawyer, according to sources in the know, is his regular trips to the United States. Celeb Lounge was informed that the man spends more time in Obama’ s country than Nigeria where he’s engaged on a national assignment. Unconfirmed report has it that the trips, which take him out of town always, may not be unconnected with his health matters.

GNI’s guber hope rescued Lara Abati remembers aborted dream T V he Peoples Party of Nige- his governorship ambition ria candidate in the last which has now become his own governorship election in project through good will.

Ogun State, Gboyega Nasir IsiaSuccour may have come his ka, entered the political arena way as a financier is said to as a protégé of the immediate have emerged. The new finangovernor of the state, Otunba cier, Celeb Lounge learnt, is a Gbenga Daniel. But it was learnt man with deep pockets and that there had been a gap be- he’s said to be a Senate hopeful tween them since the purpose on the same political platform. for which Gboyega was culti- He is believed to be Olumide vated could not be achieved; Oshunshina, the man behind even though the former stuck Megabound Estate. He recentto his boss. ly donated 10 Sienna buses to As the 2015 elections ap- GNI’s campaign while he is said proach, gladiators are taking to have also been helping him position and this does not ex- out financially on a large scale. clude GNI. A First Class graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, GNI has since moved to the Labour Party with his boss, with the intention igeria-based Lebanese, Tony Sabat, is one guy who could claim to be of becoming the party’s a Nigerian. This is not just because governorship candidate.

However, information the dude has been in Nigeria for a very from those in the know long time but the fact that he’s been able to is that his supposed fi- mingle very well with sons and daughters of nancier, OGD, has since the soil. He was at a time an integral part of drawn back from bank- the Lagos social and business scenes. Those rolling the governorship who are in tune with happenings on the Isproject for obvious rea- land part of Lagos will remember him and sons - he can’t afford to his fun spot that was a place for big boys spend like when he was and girls on the island.

Tony’s fun spot, Ynot, which was on loa governor. This, it was learnt, has been nega- cated on Ademola Alakija Street in Victoria tively affected GNI’s Island, Lagos, used to boast of patronage projections. GNI, it was from well-to-do Nigerians as well as exfurther learnt, floated patriates. The place used to appear like a

ocal and controversial mouthpiece of the presidency, Dr. Reuben Abati, long before he was appointed as the spokesperson of the highest office in the land, had been able to keep his marital life and family in the background. Only a few can tell about his immediate family. The world got a peep into his private life in a controversial manner when he locked horns with another media guru, Chief Dele Momodu, sometimes back.

The presidential spokesman, Celeb Lounge can reveal, is currently engaged to carnival scene, especially on Fridays. The Lara (nee night club was also known as a rendezvous O m o l o l u ) . for sex workers. The presence of sex work- Reuben and ers in droves made many who were protec- Lara met in tive of their names to shun the place and Lagos about gradually, Ynot became a shadow of itself. four years Things nose-dived and resting the business ago. They appeared to be the only alternative. became Information available to Celeb Lounge has friends and it that Tony has long returned to the night before anyone club business, but he’s said to have chosen knew it, Lara to be in the background this time; so many was pregnant. don’t know he’s back. We learnt on good au- The rest is thority that Sabat is the man behind the fun now history spot, Troy, located by Lekki toll gate. Troy, as the needful which is said to be an upscale fun spot, is be- had long been ing run by Tony’s younger brother, Ruddy. done; they

Tony Sabat is back afterall

N

now have two kids. Sources revealed that the two met when Lara was recording her talk show, Yes or No, after she returned from abroad where she was living. Information filtering to Celeb Lounge is that Lara may have decided to return to her talk show which she rested immediately she became pregnant for Abati and had to face motherhood.

Efforts to revive t h e show a n d pick it up from where it was dropped before she relocated to Abuja are said to have begun.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 07, 2014

Body&Soul

with

Wole Adepoju

About Biola Okoya’s low profile M ulti-billionaire businessman, Chief Razak Okoya, readily comes to mind when we talk of a wealthy person who loves to live life to the fullest and multiply in many folds as well. This is evident in the polygamous nature of the wealthy man of Eleganza fame.

With a handful of wives, Razak Okoya cannot but be grateful to God for the offspring he’s endowed with in large numbers.

One of the most prominent among his children is his look-alike, Biola.

Light skinned and beautiful, Biola at a time was a regular face at social scenes and in the society. Suddenly, all that became a thing of the past; she had become a rare commodity on the social radar. It was later discovered the lady was hibernating overseas and making herself happy. After all that, Biola resurfaced with a new tale. Biola, it was said, had become a born-again Christian.

A version of the news in the mill then had it that Biola actually went away so that she could practise and enjoy her newfound faith, which her father was alleged to have been against. Other sources alleged that Biola left home and moved abroad because of the differences she was having with her father’s youngest wife, Shade. It was alleged that Chief Okoya took side with her beautiful wife when the issue broke out.

Sources, however, revealed that the whole issue might have become a thing of the past. Many people, however, are wondering why Biola is still largely in the background in the running of the family’s affairs as Shade has become the face of Okoya’s business and even in Razak Okoya’s dynasty. As the face of Eleganza industrial city, Shade was recently given an honorary doctorate degree in Business Management and Cooperate Leadership by the European American University.

Growing influence of Oye Ojo

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he national leader of APC, Asiwaju Tinubu, has been ceaselessly attacked over the accusation that he

THINKING ALOUD

paulhelenproductions@yahoo.com; 08072709777

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imposed his son in-law, Oyetunde Ojo, on the people of Ekiti State to represent them in the House of Representatives.

But from what is on ground, many who were antagonising the young man are having a change of heart and joining his camp. The reason is no other than the growing influence of the footballerturned-politician.

The former president of the Association of Nigeria Students in the United Kingdom, worked for his slot in the House of Representatives and he’s said to have lived up to expectation in his duty. This has made him to be well loved by his people at Ijero/ Efon West, which he represents. Evidence of his popularity is how he delivered his territory for the party in the last governorship election where his party eventually lost. The politics graduate of Greenwich University, United Kingdom is a force to be reckoned with in the political arena of Ekiti State because of his good works which include recommending Ekiti indigenes for job recruitment at the federal level.

Aside his popularity and influence, which it is believed will see him return to his seat in the next election, his influence in the House of Representatives is reported to be sending jitters down the spines of his detractors.

with Helen Paul

Choose right (2)

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hich university did former President Olusegun Obasanjo attend? We must give enough respect to him because he has a savings culture. Even before he became the President, he had been running Ota Farm, a move that other people who want to be President would not think of. Rather, they would be looking for a place on the Island which they can turn into a classy farm. But Obasanjo turned Ota, a place that wasn’t see classy or developed, to where even the high and mighty eat chicken. So what are we talking about?

Would you like to be praised when you’re nobody than not to be praised but knowing that you are somebody?

Most people are being praised out there but they are nobody. It is a pity because when such a person falls sick, may be with a terminal ailment, people will refuse to raise fund for him because they will assume that he is wealthy enough to take care of himself.

I know of this young Nigerian artiste who came from a very poor family. But today, he has joined the gang of artistes who spend lavishly on drinks and women. He didn’t invest, and to make the matters worse, his family members are still living in the same condition – he can’t even help them! Anybody who doesn’t have a saving culture will find it impossible to rise again when he or she falls on bad times.

But if you have a savings culture, you can easily fall back on the things you have done when you had the money.

That was what Obasanjo did. In fact, it was after he became President that he enrolled to study at the university. For instance now, if there is a new law that only those with certificates can rule Nigeria, it is guaranteed that Obasanjo would still be relevant. He has met up with the standard.

We have many secretaries in government houses and other organisations who got employment with SSCE, but now, many of them are graduates. They go for evening classes and they combine it well with work. So who says he is bigger than schooling because he is making money?

Some of my colleagues in the entertainment industry are not going to school because they are making money.

Look at how Dangote’s business empire grew from producing just ce-

ment to what it is now. A saving mind is always thinking. He didn’t assume that he had arrived and was making enough money. Some people still abuse him that despite how rich he is, he hasn’t given anything back to the society. Is it by dashing out millions of naira that you give back to the society?

Giving to the society is exchange. He has provided sugar, salt, pasta, cement and other things. Above all, he has created employment.

Last week, I talked about a cobbler who misused the opportunity he had by buying a car. As funny as that true life story might be, many of us have in one way or the other made such a mistake. It necessarily don’t mean buying a car. It could be something else. Some people have had the privilege of building a house of their own, but they will miss it because they want to stay in a posh area. That area you called ‘bush’ five years ago is now a city, and you can’t even afford to buy a plot of land there anymore!

I discovered that most times, pepper sellers and other petty traders become landlords and landladies easily more than bankers or other elites who get fat salaries in corporate organisations.

This is because most petty traders have a good savings culture, and they don’t mind buying land in a remote area. It is only a learned person that will ignore the chance of buying land in Mowe, Ogun State because the place is too far and local.

At the end of the day, the most learned people end up becoming the tenants of the uneducated. What an irony!

But let’s be realistic, how many people with corporate jobs can afford a plot of land in Mowe now?

A stitch in time saves nine b ecause time waits for no one.

My fellow Nigerians, let us learn to make hay while the sun shines by making the right choices at the right time. We also need to pray for God’s intervention in directing us in our endeavours. I pray that all our lost glories will be restored in God’s name, Amen.

We have many Secretaries in Government Houses and other organisations who got employment with SSCE, but now, many of them are graduates. They go for evening classes and they combine it well with work. So who says he is bigger than school because he is making money.

Some of my colleagues in the entertainment industry are not going to school because they are making money

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SEPTEMBER 07, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

GLOBAL fashion

Where fashion meets M technology Biwom Iklaki

any of us are ardent fans of the classic charmer and international mystery man, James Bond. It doesn’t matter that the people who play the character have changed several times over the years, his name remains “Bond, James Bond” and we love him.

His movies always had some fantastic, albeit futuristic cars that many of us coveted… some till date.

I can bet that to many, that was part of 007’s charm, gadgets, devices and cars that could do his bidding to meet an immediate need.

Today, technology is taking such strides too. It is taking the charm and style factor of a person to another level while meeting their functional needs.

Fashion meets technology daily. Take a look at something as common as a mobile phone. That phone you are using says a lot about your fashion, status and functional tastes. From the layman on the streets to the science, technology and fashion gurus, everyone’s life has a piece of ‘fashion meets technology’ in and around them.

Who remembers Katy Perry’s whipped cream bra,

or her famous light dress, the iwatch or Baumel’s ‘invisible membrane’ which visualises the bacteria that covers our skin.

There is also the Human Dynamo, which is clothing with builtin kinetic energy harvesting capabilities.

Phillips has a LED dress!

Recently, we were introduced to the Google glasses, which the world met with mixed feelings.

From catwalks to red carpets and private parties, models, stars and fashionistas alike have spotted a piece. Spray-on clothing? The list goes on and on. The truth is, in every beautiful dress, fabric that falls seductively or flows over the hips, cups nicely and so on, we realise that fashion met technology. In the process of that cotton ball that is spun, dyed, and later made into that epitome of gorgeousness that sashays down the catwalks in Paris! And if that is true, then fashion and technology already fell hopelessly in love a time ago, made mad, passionate love, eloped and are off on an endless journey…

USB rose brooch

Katy Perry’s light dress

Futuristic Model using eye band with commands for laptop

Glow in the dark bikini bra

Sarah Jessica Parker with google glasses

SEPTEMBER 07, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

49

Wine & Dine

Body&Soul

Sweet palate friendly Strawberry (1)

Ibukunoluwa Kayode

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re you planning to change your regular drink? Want something refreshing to cool off the palate? Well, try replacing it with a glass of strawberry juice. These fruit berries do not only look good and delicious, but they are also loaded with anti-oxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, potassium, folic acid, calcium, iodine, mag-

nesium, manganese, potassium and healthy omega-3 fats.

While nobody can resist the charm of the rich red colour of the strawberries, it’s a perfect drink when blended into juice. Juicing is a delicious way to enjoy strawberries.

Strawberry juice is perfect for all meals and can be served at any occasion.

These tempting red fruits hold so much natural nutrients that help boost health.

They are as follows: Antioxidants: One of the primary antioxidants present in strawberry is allergic acid known to protect the body against cell damaging free radicals. Studies show that the Vitamin C and fruit pectin in this juice help to activate proteins in the body. They increase the internal antioxidant production and also help in removing toxins from cells.

Vitamin C, Foliates and allergic acid: These substances present in strawberry juice are known for preventing cancer development. Foliates regulate gene mutilation, while Vitamin C and allergic acid protect the body against cancer promoting free radicals.

Immunity Boost: For those who fall ill very often, treat strawberry juice as your best friend. The high vitamin and anti-oxidant content also promotes immunity and helps to protect the body against infections.

High Manganese: Adding this delicious juice to your diet will help in promoting tissue strength and enhance the healing process of the body. The Vitamin C present in the red berries helps boost collagen production that will keep your skin young and healthy, prevents skin tearing and weakening of bones. The high manganese content on the other hand supports collagen production and helps the body to heal faster.

Go healthy with Tomato juice Esther Odili

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hat can be as tasty, affordable and rich in nutrients as the tomato juice? It promotes digestion, contains antioxidants, promotes healthy bones and healthy skin. There are endless benefits of tomato juice.

Tomato is consumed in diverse ways - raw, as an ingredient in many dishes, sauces, salads, drinks, and cocktails. While it is a fruit by botanical standards, it is considered a vegetable for culinary purposes. Tomato

is rich in lycopene which is beneficial to the health.

Often prepared and canned, using a pressure canner and canning jars which come with new lids, your tomato juice is ready for consumption later or served immediately.

To make tomato juice, you need the following: • Jar funnel • Jar grabber • 1 large pot • Large spoons and ladles • 1 water bath or pressure canner •canning jars, lids, rings and lid filter (optional)

• Lemon juice Preparation Select the tomatoes, wash the jars and lids. Cut up the tomatoes, put into the pot and bring to the boil. Pass the heated tomato and juice through a sieve or food mill to remove skins and seeds.

Heat the strained tomato juice again, add lemon juice and seasoning to it. Fill the jars, put the lids and rings on and finally, refrigerate or serve hot if you prefer.

Fuel your body and stay healthy!

Salt of the earth…and more!

Biwom Iklaki

T

he earth is certainly blessed with many minerals, most of which can only appeal to a certain few. There is, however, a mineral that is needed and used by majority of people. Salt played a huge role in human history from wars, to economics and yes, religion. This mineral is now only remembered when talking about meals. A little of it adds taste to meals, while too much of it reports badly on your doctor’s diagnosis (gall stones, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc). Let’s improve our knowledge of this power mineral and how we can use it better or differently…

Kosher salt: This coarse crystal textured variety is packed full of flavour which disperses quickly.

It is used to cook everything from barbecue pork roasts to sauces. Its rough texture makes it easy to achieve that perfect ‘pinch’ for flavouring.

Rock/Himalayan salt:

Crystalline sea salt:

Commonly sold in its unprocessed form, hand mined and popular in spas, it is powerful enough to be used for deiting. It ranges in colour from pure white, shades of pink to deep red and is the go-to salt when making ice cream. You know that subtle taste of salt you get from your favourite chocolate ice cream? Blame it on the rock salt! Because this slab of salt can hold a specific temperature for a period of time, it is often used as a serving surface for foods from ice creams to vegetables and meats. When next you need your meats to thaw quickly, spray the rock salt on it.

A very tricky variety could be coarse or fine and may have a dark to pinkish hue depending on the amount of mineral in it. The irregular crystals affect how fast it dissolves which makes it a fun choice for your salads or grilling your fillets. Another interesting thing about this crystal mineral is the natural impurities it contains which can give it a briny, sweet and sometimes bitter flavours.

Pickling salt: This is a highly concentrated variety of salt.

So it is your best bet when you need to brine anything.

It is not fortified with iodine does it contain those nor chemicals that prevent salts ing. It is the purest of salts from cakwith a concentration of 100% sodium chloride. It is fine in texture which may easily be confused with table salt.

You must remember to use much less of it at every point.

Flaked sea salt: The fastest dissolving of all salts, flaked sea salt has pyramidlike crystals. It is guaranteed to bring complex flavour to steamed vegetables or shellfish. A pinch of it can be used on freshly cooked food. It adds a hint of briny flavour which lingers on the tongue.

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SEPTEMBER 07, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul Beauty . Accessories.

Hygiene for teens in puberty Biwom Iklaki

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he young adult today has so many issues to grasp and juggle fast, all these while getting used to this constantly-changing body that they have been saddled with.

How so? Think about it, image issues, eating disorders, peer pressure, bullying, academic markers, parental influence/the computer age. Do we really need to pile them on? These alone are enough to set an average teenager on edge.

Puberty is such a period in their lives that is met with mixed feelings, but come it must. So, how to deal with it?

Smells: brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day. Shower every day, even if you don’t feel like it. Use good sponges, soaps, lotions, anti-perspirants and body sprays or perfumes. Stay away from harsh products that are for bleaching and other such cosmetic alterations.

Shaving often reduces sweating and trapping of dirt and grease in hair which can cause body odour.

Cleanse and moisturise the face daily, using products that are suited to your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive). This will help keep the acne at a minimal. Cut you nails short or keep them clean and without bite marks.

Clothes: Stay away from cigarette smoke as the smell will get into your clothes and hair. Ask your family not to smoke in the house or car. If you

have to wear a school uniform, take it off as soon as you get home and hang it up to air before you wear it the next day, or better still, invest in at least three pairs so you can wash them after every wear.

Even if you’re not heavily into puberty-style sweating, clothes can get stained, dirty so you need to change them often. Keep them freshly laundered and ironed. Wear breathable fabrics like cotton, polyester Underclothes are right next to your skin and collect dead skin cells, sweat, discharges and possibly other unmentionable stains.

Overnight, bacteria start to work on these stains so your clothes do not smell as nice on the second day of wearing. Girls especially should take care of their panties by washing them after every wear (sometimes more, in the case of blood-stained panties). When not menstruating, you have other discharges that come as a result of the uterus doing a ‘self-cleaning’. You may want to use panty liners for your convenience during this period.

Boys should invest in and keep their inner vests clean.

The girls should wash their braziers after three wears and not longer than four days.

For boys, keep your hair well shorn while the girls have more

choices (braids, corn rows, low cut, etc).

Sermon Roving Worshipper Christians are sorely Joy radiates as Motailatu marks afflicted Good Women anniversary p52 p.53 TAI ANYANWU, titus.anyanwu@newtelegraphonline.com titusanyanwu.2012@gmail.com 0706 438 0029

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Sermon Covenant gateways to supernatural restoration! p.57

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Faith ON SUNDAY

Nigeria must fulfill its destiny-Onyeka Senior Pastor of Victorious Peoples Assembly, Pastor Mike Okwundu Onyeka, in this interview with TAI ANYANWU on his 10th anniversary, urges Christians to pray for Nigeria’s destiny to be actualised.

May we meet you sir?

I

am Mike Okwundu Onyeka, the Senior Pastor of Victorious Peoples Assembly a.k.a House of Praise. The church came into being as a result of a divine call on myself and other colleagues to start a new work for God. We have our headquarters in Aba, Abia State and many branches within Nigeria and outside Nigeria. I studied law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and was called to the Bar in 1985. I have practised law for 25 years. I was called into the ministry in 1997.

I am married; my wife’s name is Rehoboth Onyeka, and we are blessed with children.

What challenges did you encounter all these years?

I am glad that you called them challenges. Every challenge is designed to become a stepping stone for a higher level of manifestation. We had our challenges. The first was that, some pioneer members rather than move the church forward, began to act in a manner that actually threatened to pull the vision down, two years after the Victorious Peoples Assembly was established. We are thankful today, that God fortified the vision and helped us to overcome. We’ve been handling projects that are larger than what we seemingly could handle.

For example, we are working on our camp site which is quite a large area of land. Another good testimony we have enjoyed is that God enabled us right from the start, to take off as a church from our own property. Likewise, all our branches commenced from landed properties bought by the branches.

The church has just marked its 10th anniversary. Would you like take a look at how well it has accomplished the vision?

We are happy because we have seen confirmations, that GOD indeed asked us to start this commission. We have actually moved from just establishing the headquarters church to setting up nine branches. One striking thing is that God took us to specific places where we planted our churches.

Some of the branches were planted at places where one would have thought was impossible through human wisdom. They were also at periods that would be considered as most inappropriate. Let me give an example. We started in 2004, and after one year or two we established a branch very close to the headquarters church, within the next local government.

When we were trying to plant the next branch, God said, ‘Go to Ghana an plant a church’. Ordinarily, there was no way we would have thought of going to plant a church in Ghana at that point in time. It obviously would be easier to plant a church in Nigeria. Few years after, God said to us ‘Go and plant a church in India’. As I speak with you, we have two churches in New Delhi, India. We also have two branches in Ghana; one is located in Adenta, on the outskirts of Accra, and the other in Aburi. We have seen God’s hands in all these branches. There are testimonies of healing and deliverance.

In fact, in some of our churches, we’ve heard testimonies of people who come back to life, after they had been confirmed dead. So in terms of strength, anointing, testimonies of divine intervention, we can say that in the last 10 years we have a lot to talk about and celebrate and that’s why we called it ‘10 years of exceeding grace’.

What’s the theme for the anniversary?

The theme is ‘By My Spirit’. It’s not possible to accomplish anything for God by human strength. We quite appreciate that it is the power of God’s spirit that has kept us for these

10 years. God speaking to Zerubbabel said, “It’s neither by might, nor by power but by my Spirit.” And we want to give God the credit for everything that has happened to us in the last 10 years. We couldn’t have done anything by human strength, and so we say it is by the spirit of God. And as we praise the Lord in this season of celebration, the earth will yield its increase. We know that when we celebrate God for what He has done, He goes ahead to do more. Anyone who participates in this one-week celebration would receive special grace in their area of needs. It is a week of out pouring of blessings and grace of God upon his people.

What does this 10th year anniversary signify?

Thank you. Ten is the number of fullness; it’s also the number maturity. Because of its significance, 10 brings to an end childishness, foundational issues and launches the church into a new season of working in the manifestation of adulthood. And I prophesy to everyone that is part of this celebration that this season ushers in a new season of new things, greater manifestation of destiny in all areas of life, in the name of Jesus Christ.

How has your ministry blessed your immediate society?

First, the primary job of the church is a spiritual assignment. I know that in this particular environment where our church is situated, our contribution has been the spiritual covering of this environment and intercession for our city, our state and our nation. Our church is situated in a riskprone terrain, where the people connect to the major highway; trailers coming from factories sited within the area go through a narrow road to get out to the main road. I want to point out that God has protected many men and women in this environment because of our prayers. I say it with all humility. Times without number, accidents that ordinarily should have claimed many lives have been averted. Recently, a trailer that was climbing the hill had brake failure and started a backward slide into a nearby roadside market. But divinely the tyres got stuck in the gutter, and that was how lives of many people in the market were saved. We have lots of welfare packages which will help our immediate environment. Part of the programme for this celebration is community work, where we went to the rural areas to work on roads, gutters and much more. In the estate where we are, we are responsible and corporate citizens. We participate in security matters and sanitation exercises. We also visit motherless babies’ homes, the prison and less privileged from time to time. We don’t only go with the word of God, we also go with material gifts.

Would you say the church in Nigeria has excelled in the delivery of its societal roles?

The church is not doing enough; there is still a very large room for improvement, in the ability of the church to influence the moral direction of the society. But I want you to understand that the church is also located within the society. The same people in the school, market, offices are also the same people that come to church. But I believe that if the church was not doing the little it’s doing the situation would be worse. The church needs to pay more attention to the discipline of its members. The church should understand that the life of a Christian is not divided either into the secular life nor the spiritual life. The life of a Christian is the same, the Christian is a Christian, in the bank, church, market place, in the school, and everywhere he finds himself.

zzOnyeka

The Christian is the same person, Jesus said we are the salt of the earth, and so we need to spice up, primarily spice up our environment. The Christian is like a lamp that cannot be hidden. The church needs to do more to help its members know that we are moral agents that have been recruited by God to influence the morality of our environment. I believe if any Christian first deals with his or her personal life and takes a decision to positively influence everybody that he or she comes in contact with on a daily basis, it’s going to impact the society and over time you will see the difference. I believe that the primary way in which the church can influence the society is through intercession.

WhatisyourcounselforChristiansregardingsocietalandpolitical challenges in Nigeria today?

My advice is that there is so much work to be done and so, we should rise up. This is not the time to spend energy on the things that don’t unite us. It is a time to come together as one body and intercede for Nigeria. This is a time to ask God to fulfill His destiny for Nigeria. I am convinced in my spirit that God has a purpose for a big Nigeria, that the kingdom of God has a need for a big Nigeria. Christians need not be unconcerned about what is going on; let us pray that the forces of darkness will not succeed in disintegrating Nigeria. It doesn’t matter what is on ground; God has the capacity to handle it.

What is your take on the Ebola challenge and governments’ effort at curtailing its spread?

In fact, the government of Nigeria has done very well in the handling of the Ebola incident. Many of us are crying and cursing Sawyer for bringing Ebola into Nigeria, but I see it the other way. If Ebola hadn’t come into Nigeria ‘officially’ through Sawyer and it came in unofficially through our borders, it would have been more disastrous. The government was alerted at the appropriate time, and appropriate measures were taken. I also insist that Christians must continue to pray.

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Faith

Not playing victim

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he times are dangerous in Nigeria, but these times are proving more dangerous for some than for others. We all are praying: “Let God arise and all his enemies scatter.” Boko Haram has declared a caliphate in North Eastern Nigeria and its bloody conquests, rather than abate, seem only to aggravate. Being a Christian and therefore of the ‘hope industry’, I stand firmly with the positive thinkers that evil shall be defeated. Although Boko Haram declares itself an army of Almighty Allah and Islam, I believe that the criminal sect is as much an embarrassment to many good Muslims as they are to good Christians. We have heard courageous condemnation of the sect from top Nigerian Christians and fortunately from notable Muslims. Perhaps a more eloquent voice in Nigeria and beyond for balanced action against terrorism has been the Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onayekan.

His Eminence has rightly objected to making the violence in the North East of Nigeria sound like a disaster only for Christians. Muslims die and suffer just as well in the madness which the insurgency causes. However, if the search for a solution to Boko Haram will not be worse than the disease it is important to call a halt when like now, the audacity of hope is really and truly threatened.

The Calvary in Christian Life Looking through Christian history we must agree that the cross,

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here are powers representing the kingdom of darkness that satan has designated to occupy the most fertile portions of your life; and his evil intention is to hinder you from fulfilling your destiny. This is why the word of God charges us to fight the good fight of faith. Perhaps, you often dream and see yourself trying to escape an impending danger but you are transfixed and being restricted. Of course, you should know that there is an invisible personality behind this. Anyone troubling your destiny shall be put to shame in the name of Jesus.

“LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me; many are they who say of me, ‘There is no help for him in God’.

Ps 3:1-2 You were born as a shining star and this invariably acquired for you both conscious and unconscious enemies. These enemies increase as you grow and if care is not taken, you will soon be overwhelmed by their wicked-

Christians are sorely afflicted Firm faith: right reason

the king refused to demonstrate courageous leadership when it was most needed. Having publicly and foolishly promised to give even half of his kingdom to reward the delightful dance by of Herodias’ daughter, he chickened out when the daughter conspired with her mother to ask for the head of John the Baptist.

Herod, to preserve his dignity and o.com revodege@yaho Email: Tel: 08039494219 because of what “people might say,” sacrificed the life of John, choosing cowardice and weaktrials and tribulations are often persecution has really come out ness over justice and courageous part of Christian life. Going the there whereby Christian men are leadership. (Mk.6:17-29). Herod way of Calvary up to Golgotha caught and simply beheaded and had company in this. Pilate did is in the DNA of every Christian their women forced to become exactly the same with Jesus. Rathbecause Jesus, the Way who said, Muslims and given out in mar- er than set an innocent man free, “I am the Way the Truth and the riage to the terrorists. He was Pilate, to save his friendship with Life,” also went that way. His quoted in media reports as saying: Caesar, washed his hands, and alpromise: “You shall know the “The houses of Christians that lowed truth to be crucified. His “I truth and the truth shall set you have fled are now occupied by the have no hand in the death of the free,” (Jn. 8:32), in practice often terrorists; their cars are used by innocent” (Mt. 27:24) stands as an sounds like “you shall know the the terrorists.” All Catholic par- ironical certification of his infamy truth and the truth shall send ishes along that axis have been as a weak and cowardly leader. you to the gallows.” That espe- closed down and some Muslims Sadly, such leaders still abound cially is the way it has been since are said to be pointing out the in our country.

Boko Haram upped its violence Christians among them to be exCan this government be trusted? towards the elimination of Chris- ecuted or conscripted into Islam.

“I trusted even when I said, I am tians in the North-East as has been Of cowardice and weak author- sorely afflicted. And when I said recently reported. Last week, ity in my alarm, no man can be trustBoko Haram took over the CathoIn all this, our leaders’ attitude ed” (Ps.116:10-11). The Federal lic Church, the parish rectory and reminds us of Herod in the times Government has simply not done the homes of many Christians in of John the Baptist. That fellow enough to earn the trust of NigeriMadagali, Adamawa State. Rev. was king when John the Baptist ans in the security of human lives Fr. Godwin Obasogie, director as herald of Jesus had spoken and protection of human rights in of Social Communication of the the truth, rebuking him for mar- the land. More damning allegaCatholic Diocese of Maiduguri, rying his brother’s wife. Herod tions have emerged that powerful which has pastoral care over that really liked John and loved to government organs and officials territory, lamented that a time of listen to him. Notwithstanding, are behind the Boko Haram in-

surgency and are responsible for the scandalous mess-up of the recovery of the Chibok girls. That the Federal Government seems to go on with business as usual while Boko Haram becomes bolder, claiming more territories and hoisting its flag is, to say the least, increasing widespread mistrust.

It gets even worse now with allegations of blatant persecution of Christians and seizure of their rights and property.

To see federal resources and energy directed towards advertisements on foreign media, the collection of signatures for another presidential term or rallies to support the current regime in this environment without much reassurance that blatant murderers will be stopped in their tracks and brought to justice is irresponsible and heart-breaking. Fr. Obasogie appealed to the Federal Government to be more proactive in addressing the dwindling security situation in the entire North-East of Nigeria. He will not be the first to cry out this way. The ultimate worry however remains: Can this Nigerian government be trusted to act and put the security of its citizens and the protection of their fundamental rights before personal interests and political power games? Or will human lives continue to be wasted as pawns in political negotiation and self-serving scheming? May God save His people!

form of opposition against their rising in life.

• Life’s circumstances that make you cry secretly in your closet.

Whatever is making you cry incessantly that you cannot share with anybody is a troubler that you must quickly deal with so as not to be overwhelmed by its negativity.

• Night caterers are subtle satanic devices of bondage and oppression. If you are a candidate of this satanic ploy, then it is time you rise to the occasion by confronting the strongman behind your night misery. In life, your face might be like that of a lion but a coward in the realm of the spirit. Little wonder you are being fed with the food of affliction.

Satanic (night) caterers feed their victim with strange food which later results into bodily affliction or sickness. I could remember vividly the travail of a sister who suffered from hepatitis. Prayers soon revealed that she had been eating in the dream for 13 years which got her organs damaged, though they were later restored by the mighty hand of God. • Some people, when they sense any form of progress around you, can go any length to bring you down. For some, it is simply because they are never-do-good and enemies of progress while some may possibly see you as a threat to their existence. They see life as a competition and therefore initiate moves aimed at truncating your purpose. Anyone who has taken your name for any negative purpose, both the person that

multiply. I would be foolish to think everyone around loves me.

Stop going about with the mindset that you did not offend anyone, hence, no one is after you.

Do you know that your waking up each morning is a positive step towards the fulfillment of your destiny and this constitutes a threat to some people? Don’t take it for granted when people project words negatively into your life.

Any life that has been cursed by seeming word of mouth, I break the curse by the blood of Jesus. A man had two sons; the younger one seemed to be doing well while the older was a total failure. This man would always tell the older son that he was dull and his brother would supersede him in everything; but he took it with levity and his case grew from bad to worse until he clocked thirty two years when he came in contact with me. I sent him back to his father to reclaim his rightful blessing. Unknown to anyone, the man was actually using demonic medium to address him.

Anybody troubling you no matter their hiding place, the Lord will expose them in the name of Jesus.

To be continued……

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.

Most Rev. Emmanu el Ade Badejo

Oh Lord! Trouble my troublers

ness while they will be feeding fat at the expense of your glorious destiny.

As God increases you in all facets, these troublers of your destiny will also increase. People close to you might think that God has forgotten you, though they may be right because you have not provoked God to arise on your behalf and terminate every appointment you have signed with the troublers of your destiny. Instead of your enemies to increase, God’s pre-ordained blessings for your life will increase and manifest in the name of Jesus.

Life is not a bed of roses and unfortunately the nature of what is embattling the destinies of men in this part of the globe is such that can only be fully dealt with by the help of the Holy Spirit. Until you are serious about the state or condition of your life, God will not be serious with you.

WHO ARE THOSE TROUBLERS OF YOUR LIFE? God is most interested in men who are ready to take the bull by the horn and vanquish every

took your name and the person that collected it would be judged in the name of Jesus. * Problem expanders: These are problem elevators; the problem with which you are embattled could ordinarily be handled but the intrusion of these cruel beings would further complicate the problem beyond the ordinary.

They are often deceptive and will take you from one spiritual home to another thereby entering into satanic covenants that end up in multiple afflictions. Thus, there are people with whom you are sharing your case that are positioned by the devil to expand the problem.

• Those caging your entitlement: Have you noticed that there are times in your dream you struggle with a particular door and it refuses to open? This could be the aftermath of the troubler of your destiny and it is your responsibility to fight against such satanic insurgency. * People cursing your destiny with satanic tongues: This is another category of troublers of men’s destinies. If you don’t do anything to stop them, your destiny can be shattered through their evil acts. How can you stop them? The Bible says, “Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel…” Num 23:23 The Bible also tells us that Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature; likewise as you grow in stature physically and spiritually, the troublers of your destiny also

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Joy radiates as Motailatu marks Good Women anniversary

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Tai Anyanwu t was with pomp that the first Good Women anniversary of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Restoration Parish, Akute, Ogun State was marked last weekend.

The parish, dedicated on February 2, 2013, witnessed a huge crowd as female members, with their families and loved ones, rejoiced before God for sparing their lives and answering their prayers “as of old.”

Decked in white and blue gowns, they radiated beauty as they reiterated the wonderful things God has been doing since they joined the church.

It was also an opportunity to pray for their families, the church and the country.

Central to the event was the dedication of the new ‘Neon Sign’ of the church, with the photograph of the founder, His Most Eminence, Archbishop Dr. I.M. Akinadewo.

The founder, in his spiritual message, advised members of the church to shun vices associated with worldly women.

To him, the virtues of good women in the Bible must be emulated by all to have a good family, church and country.

The event was presided over by Senior Superintendent G.F. Akinadewo who stressed the role of women in the With the anniversary cake society, the challenges of motherhood and how to overcome them through prayer.

Aside the prayer session, the event was also a festival of thanksgiving, dancing, singing, drama and choreography.

The periodic shouts of ‘Halleluyah’, ‘Iye’, ‘Hossana’, added colour to the joyous occasion.

The drama presentation was educative as the audience was told that any woman who refuses to respect her husband will not enjoy the favour of God. The choreography was also superbly presented and the special song, ‘Surely, Goodness and Mercy shall follow me’, was captivating.

Some of the speakers were Mother-in-Israel, Esther Akinadewo; Prophetess Olusesi; Rev. Bukola Sipeolu; Mother Kenny Joe-Sode; and Senior Lady Leader Ajayi.

They all dwelt on duties of women in the home.

To them, it is only a virtuous woman who will have the total trust and confidence of her husband.

They also reiterated the urgent need for every woman to avoid the traits of the Biblical Jezebel who endlessly pushed her husband, King Ahab, to evil and which eventually led to their destruction.

Ajayi said, “Once you have a good woman, you will have a good family and a good country. No matter what, you must stand by your husband. A woman who doesn’t know how to Members in a group photograph cook will soon lose her husband to others. Also, you must be patient and wait for God’s time the way Sarah waited for God’s time in Genesis 21:1.”

Joe-Sode urged the women to always behave like the Biblical Esther who saved her people from the wicked Haman, adding, “Esther was a virtuous woman who was not selfish. She saved her people from the wicked Haman. There is a Haman in every family and with prayer, a woman can play a critical role to save her family. Once the family is saved, we will have a good church which translates to having a good country.”

Mother-in-Israel Akinadewo, who thanked the women for sacrificing their time and resources for the memorable anniversary, urged them to remain faithful and be kind always to neighbours.

She said all praise must go to God “for sparing our lives, protecting our husbands, children and loved ones. Since the day the church chose August 31 for our anniversary, preparation had been going on and we thank God that we are alive to witness this day. Committee members were wonderful. I am sure, by the Grace of God, which we are going to witness more decades of this anniversary in the land of the living.”

Everybody was enraptured when the ‘seven prayers in seven minutes’ session was led by Senior Superintendent Akinadewo.

Verses such as Esther 7:10; Judges 16:20; Genesis 21:1; I Kings 17:16; Judges 5:1; Matthew 2:18 and Matthew 1:21 were used for the prayers bordering on protection, victory, blessing, mercy, During thanksgiving long life and happiness.

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Faith

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Faith

There is no replacement for my wife –Rev. Abina

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Tai Anyanwu he remains of the wife of the General Overseer of Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Matron Felicia Oluremi Abina, who died after a brief sickness, was committed to mother earth yesterday.

She was buried in her Lake View residence, at Elijah Oludele Abina Close, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

Prior to the internment, a special service attended by various Christian leaders, church members, friends and relations was held at the International Headquarters of GOFAMINT, Asese, on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.

At the service titled: ‘Celebration of His Goodness,’ various people testified to the late Mrs. Abina’s life of commitment to the things of God. “She was a woman with a large heart, very hospitable, humble and thankful. She was a generous giver, prophetess, an exemplary leader, author, composer and creative writer, who was generous to a fault,” said one of the officials.

Emmanuel Abina, her first son, said that she would always be remembered for the legacies she left

behind. “My mum is a prophetess.

I am alive today because on several occasion, she foresees what would happen in my life and she prophesied into the lives of every one of us.

“When things were very rough, she would say to every one of us, things that would strengthen our faith, and motivate us to put our confidence in God. Most of her predictions came to pass; so I am going to miss that aspect of her.”

For her daughter in-law, Odalisa Abina, “she was a very loving, caring and prayerful woman. For me, I will remember her legacy as a woman who is a worshiper; she is a woman of praise.”

As for Rev Elijah Oludele Abina, (her widower) there would be no replacement for Prophetess Abina.

“I had always prayed that she would outlive me; but God has not made a mistake. I know that I am not losing her. No other woman can replace her,” he said.

Resident Pastor of the Church at Aseese, Ogun State, Pastor Olanipekun Boboye, in his remarks referred to her as a God-fearing, faithful and honest woman who supported and cooperated with her husband in the discharge of his duties.

General Overseer, The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Pastor (Dr.) Elijah O. Abina (left) and National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev, (Dr.) Felix Omobude

L-R: First Son of late Felicia Abina, Elder Folorunsho Abina; Husband, General Overseer, The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Pastor (Dr.) Elijah O. Abina and Deputy General Overseer, Pastor (Prof.) Samuel Ewuola.

L-R: Christ Gospel Mission Int’l , Lagos, Pastor Emmanuel Oladeinde (left) and Dr. Kenneth Iwashokun.

L-R: General Overseer, Christ Chapel Mission, Rev. Victor Ogunkanni; Rev. Sola Kehinde; former General Secretary, The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Pastor A. O. Kute and Administrative Officer, Pastoral Affairs, (GOFAMINT), Pastor Samuel Okomolehin.

L-R: Pastor Peter Ewenla; Pastor Joshua Kolawole Akinola and National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev, (Dr.) Felix Omobude.

Cross section of the ministers

Zonal Pastor and Coordinator, TREM South West Region, Rev. Sola Kehinde; former General Secretary, The Gospel Faith Mission International, Pastor A. O. Kute and Former Aso Villa Chaplain, All Christians Fellowship Mission, Rev. (Dr.) William Okoye.

Cross section of the family of late Matron Felicia Oluremi Abina

Photos: Tony Eguaye

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Prophetic Insight with

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

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hat a wonderful time in His presence. We cannot stop appreciating God for the wonderful things He has done in our lives. Thank God for the testimonies. I charge you to keep on glowing in His presence.

As we grow daily, we are wired to face battles and challenges but the solutions are always there.

There are battles of life we must face to become whom God wants and steps must be taken (I mean the right steps) to get to our destination of glory.

To succeed, you must employ survival strategies and skills to win the battles. Mind you, inside that battle is your promotion and testimony – without tribulation, there is no promotion.

Either physical or spiritual, you need to take some steps according to the principles of Heaven – order is the first thing in Heaven. That informs our teaching today – winning the battles of life.

Inspiration In the hymn book of the Cher-

ubim and Seraphim Church founded by Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase, a song titled Jesu ni Balogun oko, e mase je ka foya (Jesus is the captain of the ship, let us not be afraid), dwells extensively on the battles of life and how to overcome them.

The first African woman bishop who was a warrior for Christ in the then Western Region, Bishop Christianah Olatunrinle, was fond of using this song in her evangelistic journey across Africa, preaching powerfully on the need to believe there is a testimony inside that tribulation.

Without examination, there is no promotion. The examinations are the battles you face daily; with your persistence and obedience to divine principles, you overcome them and move to the next level in life.

Brethren, you have no problem.

What you are facing are challenges, without those challenges, you cannot be celebrated.

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown of achievement. Before

perience – wise, financially etc.

It will be a loss to God, and it will be a time of jubilation for Satan if somebody like me or you dies! The Lord will forbid.

I know I will live long. I know also that you will live long.

A man discovered that his life insurance was worth N50m (or $34,000.00 or £200,000). He started crying and pleaded with the insurance executives not to reveal to his wives and children, because they would kill and claim the money. The Lord will not let you die for others to claim the reward of your labour.

He has pledged to ensure you reap the fruit of your labour. So when you sow, tell God, “I want to start reaping the fruit in 20 years’ time, or 50 years’ time or 10 years’ time.”Be sure you will stay till then to enjoy the fruit.

This is a pact between you and God. This assures you to stay till that number of years.

Regard your seeds as a fixed deposit account. Here you tell the bank, “I will allow it mature for collection in six months, one year, five years, etc. Until that set time, you are not expected to withdraw it. When you sow, give God a set time you will like to start reaping it, and He will ensure you stay till then to ‘long enjoy’ the fruit of your labour.

If, however, you say you are ‘planting’ it for your children, then you can die and your children will enjoy it. Which one do you prefer? Both options are okay but it depends on you.

6. Sow, sow and sow, and you will live to reap and reap and reap. The more you sow (by giv-

Faith

Winning mentality

you got to that level, you knew what you passed through. Without those challenges, do you think you will be known today?

Ask that woman the pains and joy of her nine months course before carrying her baby and you will have a complete book to write.

No matter what you are passing through now, don’t look back. It is for your betterment, your miracle is on the way. To be a winner, follow these steps and it shall be well with you.

Positive mind Winning the battles of life starts from your inner mind. You must possess a positive mind to excel in life.

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Eat and drink, saith he to thee, but his heart is not with thee -Proverb 23 verse 7 You must do something about the way you think. The word of God is direct, active and punchy.

As he thinketh – if you think success, you get it and if it is negative, you equally get it.

Before you can travel on the outside, you must first travel in the inside of your life. You cannot be thinking like a chicken and fly like an eagle. The scripture says you cannot rise beyond your thinking. What you think, you become.

Someone with a slave mentality will never become a president. A winning mentality will produce a

What my seed does S eed makes way for me in future When I give, the ‘seed’ goes into the far future to germinate and bear fruit for me, which God has pledged I must enjoy before I die.

A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men (Proverbs 18:16).

Whenever I go for an occasion, the ushers will ask me to wait a little, then go in and make a place for me to sit before ushering me in. So my gifts do to me.

The gifts go far into the future to make way for me to sit before great men. I have sown a lot and all these gifts have gone into the future to make way for me. In fact, I am sure of the future. I know what the future holds for me. I also know who holds the future. Some persons do not know what the future holds for them, and also do not know who holds the future, but I know what the future holds for me, and also know who holds the future. I am very fortunate.

What of you? Do you not know from the word of God, what the future holds for you and that Somebody you can trust holds the future?

I have a very bright future.

You also have a very bright future. I will disappoint God if I decide to die now. It will take God over 50 years to produce someone like me. How old are you now? That is exactly the number of years it will take God to produce someone like you, yet not exactly. I know what God has invested in me – academically, spiritually, ex-

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ing to God, to His ministers and to others), the surer you are to live and live and live to reap the fruit of your labour. After sowing, try to lay foundation of a building, and God will ensure you complete it, and enjoy it for a long time. Why you are still enjoying it, sow and sow and sow and start building. You must complete it. You have a very bright future. I am going up but the ‘grave’ is downwards. I still have many decades more before I start moving towards my grave as mentioned in Job 5;26. I know I will live long.

His blood speaks for me The blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ always speaks good things about me.

Before I entered into this de-

winner while a loser thinking will produce a failure.

Jesus Christ never believed in impossibility. God Almighty created the world (everything, including man) in six days. I mean six days – what a positive mind.

You were created in the image of God, not of a locomotive, why the negative thinking?

Shake off that negativity, it is of the devil and come out of your shell. You are the next person to be celebrated in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Right thinker You must win your battle. It is your cross and your victory will be earth-shaking. Know very well that the battle is either won or lost in the mind.

The spiritual controls the physical. The moment it is won in your mind, the job is 90 per cent completed. The rest 10 per cent is just the move you make in the physical and success is yours.

Miracle of Damman A world record was set in 1989 in Damman, Saudi Arabia by Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the World Youth Championship when the team came from four goals down to defeat Russia in the quarter final which is still known till today as the ‘Miracle of Damman’.

The team, coached by Tunde Disu, was down with four goals and with 15 minutes left, equalised

and won the match in the ensuing penalty shootout.

Their morale was down after the first 45 minutes but the coach gave them words of encouragement, telling them they can do it, it is possible.

Charged and inspired, the team led by the enigmatic Bawa Abdullahi ably supported by the likes of Christopher Ohenhen, Christopher Nwosu, Dimeji Lawal, Mutiu Adepoju, Phillip Osondu and Samuel Elijah fought like wounded lions, scoring 1, 2, 3 goals within five minutes.

When Nduka Ugbade scored the fourth goal, the referee ran 100 metres round the stadium in ecstasy because it was unbelievable and unheard of in world soccer but it became real and happened live.

Why? – The boys won the match in their mind before entering the soccer field for the second half and it became a reality. Whatever you can conceive, you can become. They did it and their names entered the Soccer Hall of Fame.

Nobody can help you beyond your mind level. Your mind controls you. What you think about yourself is what controls you, not what people say. I see you becoming a winner but change the way you think. Like begets like.

Run from sin. Jesus loves you. See you at the top and God bless Nigeria.

Text – 08037188392. motailatugrow@hotmail.com

WORD OF LIFE by

Bishop Moses Kat tey Tel: 08087707486, Email: moseskattey@yahoo.co.uk

cade, the blood had 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 sprinkled 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 says 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 have spoken very good and gracious things about me, which our God can never refuse. I believe.

Showers as church holds revival Ayorinde Durojaiye and Shadrack Yusuf

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hrist on Throne Solution Centre, Ogiji, Ogun State, witnessed yet another communion with God, as showers of blessing coincided with its just concluded two-day revival.

The spiritual exercise, which took place at Idanre, Ondo State, featured physical and spiritual upliftment.

The Minister-in-Charge, Pastor (Mrs.) Victoria Omolayo, said described the revival as a great programme, which went

beyond her expectation. She also expressed gratitude to the huge turn-out for the event.

The revival, which took place at the Mountain, Commercial Road, behind Sabo bus-stop, before MTD police station, Idanre, Ondo state, had the theme: ‘Be A Light’.

Other ministers present at the revival were Pastor Rotimi Adeyemo; Pastor Isaac Adegbola; Lady Evang. Omotobola Adedokun; Lady Evang.

Bisola Falilat Adekunle; Lady Evang. Gloria Obot; gospel artiste, Tolu Adeyemi a.k.a Ranti Abule; and other anointed ar-

tistes. A member of the church, Bola Ahmed, explained that the revival was one of a kind although it was his first. Another member, Temitope Adewale, said that the only way for Christians to overcome is by taking their problems to God. The church urged members of the public to come and worship with them on Sunday (today) as it will be a thanksgiving service for the just concluded revival.

The church is located at block 1, Besides Red Roof building, OgedeRroad, Imoro, Ogijo, Ogun State.

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Faith

MYSTERY OF ANXIETY with

Bishop John Ogbansie gbe

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he contemporary English word ‘faith’ is derived from the Latin word, Fides. Today, faith denotes trust. Faith does not function as a verb in contemporary English; the verb ‘to believe’ has replaced the verb ‘to have faith’. The English noun ‘faithfulness’ denotes trustworthiness or dependability. Faith is the trustful human response to God’s self-revelation, through His words and His actions. God initiates the relationship between Himself and human beings. He expects people to trust Him; failure to trust Him was in essence the first sin as enshrined in the book of Genesis 3: 17; “And unto Adam, He said, because thou hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and has eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee saying, thou shalt not eat of it, cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life.”

Since the fall of humanity, God nurtures and inspires trust in

Tel:08033416327

man. He does this through what He says and what He does for the benefit of those who need it in every area of life. On His own side, he provides the evidence of His trustworthiness by acting and speaking to humanity as recorded in His words. Through His written words and the operation of the Holy Spirit, He made Himself known to a reasonable extent. The most significant Hebrew word for faith is ‘AMAN.’ ‘Aman’ is a root word that denotes reliability, stability and firmness. ‘Aman’ concretely means to support or to uphold. Just as the strong arm of a parent would uphold the infant, the arms of God are sure, certain and firm.

By my own definition, faith is trusting and believing God for His omnipotence and ability to solve your problems. It is trusting and believing God even when you have not seen it. This was why St. Paul defined faith in Hebrew 11:1, as the “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things

No pleasure in the faithless not seen.” Faith therefore pleases God and challenges Him into the demonstration of His omnipotence and power. Every prayer lacks life and existence without faith. The power of faith is without limitation. It does the impossible and moves mountains. This is because, faith moves God into action. No wonder why our Lord Jesus Christ said to His disciples, “Therefore, I say unto ye, whatsoever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them.” – Mark 11:24.

The operational clause there is, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. This is the introduction and rewarding faith.

He is the uncreated creator, the beginning and the end. When you exercise faith in God, He gives you all that you want. The earth was without form and void, yet God spoke a word of faith and everything was formed. If God can express His faith on a void formless world and created the whole earth, then there is nothing impossible with Him. God said

Watch it, he’ll soon break your home

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here is a throne for you to occupy in Christ Jesus but my prayer is that the cravings of inordinate things, the power of hell and the evils of lust will not deny you of your place of glory.

Lust is the only reason for stagnation and redundancy. When lust is at work nothing beneficial works anymore. I am writing this epistle to warn you against every threat of the enemy. Satan does not want you to hear this message. But this is the only way God wants to build you.

Where lust is there is no spirituality. And if you check around, every business that is booming thrives under the spirit of lust.

Every advert in the print and electronic media thrives under seducing spirits using naked women. Even when musicians sing, they go naked to perform their songs. All the adverts are targeted at arousing your feelings. Everyone is just looking for a way to work on your feelings and then take undue advantage of you. The world thrives under lust, and every one that allows lust to reign and rule over his or her spirit will soon be lost like the world.

The Bible says that he that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down without walls. Therefore, it is your responsibility to take charge of your feeling and control your emotions or else you will be heading to the rocks for eternal destruction.

I have made a covenant with myself this year that nothing will touch my throne. I won’t

allow inordinate emotions to override my sense of judgment. And this is an individual choice. You have a right to choose what you want out of life. But I cannot dash my salvation on a sentimental cliff of emotions. I pray that God will give you the grace to choose what is right.

Lust has a strategy and method of operation. Lust comes through the gates of your eyes, the gates of your ears and the gates of your mouths. What you see, what you hear and what you say do arouse your feelings. Lust operates through the sensory system: through the gates of your eyes, your ears and your mouths. Satan uses what you say, what you hear and what you say to arouse your feelings and temper your emotions.

The devil gets you to lust after the things you should lust after. A tree was set apart in the garden and the Lord said to His children don’t touch but the Devil in his subtlety made them desire it as the one that will make them wise. In our world today, he has designed some other measures to trap you unto condemnation. And these three elements are engendered by the following: Inappropriate dressing – Today, everybody in the world wants to go naked, particularly the ladies. Even when they talk about music and musicians, I still find that male musicians wear their clothes

but the female ones do not wear their clothes. And this is so because the devil knows that what you see influences your feelings. If not, why would a woman dress and reveal part of her breasts, if not to entice? Anybody who does this is only engineered by the devil. The devil does this to lure your attention and what you see influences your sense of judgement. And unfortunately, what you give attention to will give direction to your life.

And this trend is dangerous.

As ministers of the gospel, we have seen many young ladies come for counselling half-clad. When such people come to me, I often ask them to explain why they have to come to naked. I want to know your intentions: what is your motivation for revealing your private parts? I know that the devil is still using the same method to drag men into perdition. People don’t want to be covered because the enemy is using fashion to drag men to hell because of what they se.

I want to tell you young ones that any marriage built on the foundation of lust will not last. If you lust after a woman, by the time you have carnal knowledge of her once, that ends the desire because you have achieved your aim. So lust must not be the foundation for any marital relationship but the love of Christ which is agape. When you build your marriage on

by faith, “Let there be light in the midst of thick, gross darkness, and there was light.”

To this end therefore, the word of God also recorded, “Through faith we understand that the world was framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” – Hebrew 11: 3. Faith is the lubricating oil on which our blessings flow smoothly. Grace is God’s hand reaching man from heaven while faith is our hand reaching out and receiving those blessings from God’s hands. The Bible said that, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” – Hebrew 11:6. The feelings and message your sight conveys to your brain may be very deceptive. This is why the Bible also said, “So then, faith cometh by hearing and hearing the word of God.” - Romans 10:17. Just as faith comes by hearing the word, this faith grows and increases as we receive and practise the word which we have heard.

In the book of Genesis 14:6, God

told Abraham in his childless condition that He would make him a father of many children. The Bible said, “And Abraham believed the Lord.” Aforesaid, the Hebrew word for ‘believe’ is ‘AMAN’.

From this Hebrew word, ‘Amen’ was derived. Abraham, having believed by faith, said Amen to it; he began to call himself by a name, “father of many nations.”

This was a great demonstration of faith. Faith cannot come before the word of God, in other words, the word of God must precede faith. Noah did not start building the Ark till he heard the word of God. Abraham did not move until God spoke. Faith works by the knowledge and consciousness of the word of God, as well as absolute obedience of the same word. No matter the amount of our problems, we are bound to work by faith hence, the divine injunction declares, “Now the just shall live by faith, and if any man draws back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” – Hebrew 10: 38.

Taming your Emotions by

Apostle Clement by Ogbonna Bishop Lawrence Osagie apostleofgraceinwo Tel: 08063250667, mail:powerlineministries@mail.com, www.powerlineministriesinc.org

a foundation of love, it does not matter the fire that will come or the storm that will rage against it, it will stand the test of time.

This is because love suffers long, bears no grudge, and love never fails.

Inappropriate dressing is seductive in nature. Satan designed it to lure your mind away from the glory of holiness. It is obvious that what you see draws a mental picture in your inner mind and makes you begin to crave for inordinate affection. David, a highly respected King of Israel, saw a woman naked in the bathroom and he lost control of his emotions. He sent for the woman and did not care that she was married to a committed soldier who was on the battlefield representing Israel.

He did not only commit adultery with her but also plotted for the death of her husband. What an evil lust! – Read 2Samuel 11.

Inappropriate compliments – The second factor is inappropriate compliments from the opposite sex. This is another subtle strategy of the enemy.

People are influenced because of their corrupt state of heart to make subtle statements that are capable of tampering with your emotions. When a woman

comes to me and tells me that my wife is a lucky woman, it is obvious she is already comparing me with her husband.

She indirectly desires me to take over and compliment her husband’s weakness. But most people are not sensitive to such inappropriate compliments.

When a married man continually tells you he wishes his wife was like you, watch it because he has an evil intention. If you allow him, he will graduate and whip up your sentiments as he tries to gain your attention. It is not normally justified for you to keep applauding every appearance of another man’s wife. ‘Oh! I like this dressing’; ‘Oh! You look so sweet and charming’; ‘Oh! I wish you were not married’; and such compliments. The more she listens to you, the more she feels your husband does not love her enough; but you who sees everything good about her appearance. You will soon break her home if she does not control her obsession and illusion of your so-called kind words.

I write to invite you to fellowship with us at Poweline Bible Church, Glass House, Odo-Olowu B/

Stop, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Ijesha-Tedo, Lagos; on Sundays at 9.00AM.

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

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57

Faith

Covenant gateways to supernatural restoration!

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very move of the Spirit is always accompanied by a strong restoration wave. We must also recognise that supernatural restoration is a vital aspect of the endtime agenda.

Every lover of God is a candidate for His restoration agenda.

His lovers are His priorities in executing His restoration agenda. So, anything that belongs to you cannot be successfully held down by any man. The release is mandatory and it is dangerous for anyone to hold back what belongs to you. God’s lovers will not just get back what they have lost, they will also get them back with supernatural extras.

When Abimelech returned Sarah, he returned her with extra treasures, male servants, maid servants, a thousand talents of silvers, and any land of Abraham’s choice (Genesis 20:14-18). Everything came back with supernatural extras. Yours is coming back today!

We have some outstanding Biblical testimonies of restoration that will help see this light:

The Voice of

Dominion by

Bishop David Oyedepo

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

operates in the love of God as a lifestyle is entitled to supernatural restoration. Abraham was God’s friend. Are you a friend of God?

• JOB: He had a heart for God. When he was challenged, his wife told him to curse God and die, but he refused. The more difficult things were for Job, the hotter his love for God. In Job 42:1014, God visited Job with a strong wave of supernatural restoration. As long as nothing shakes your relationship with God, your restoration is •ABRAHAM: Abraham was sure. in love with God, so, he was called God’s friend (James 2:23). • DAVID: He was a man When Abimelech took his wife, after God’s own heart. In 1 God said to Abimelech, ‘You are Samuel 13:14, the Amalea dead man, restore to the man kites came and invaded the his wife.’ The enemies are not city and took away all their permitted to hold back anything wives, children, and belongthat belongs to His lovers. ings. And David inquired at Every seed of Abraham that the Lord, saying, Shall I pur-

THE Oracles of God by

Frank Oboden Olomukoro frankolomukoro@yahoo.com, 07033621866

Restoration

W

hy did God send Elijah? For what purpose is his ministry in God’s plan? The Lord Jesus told his disciples that Elijah must first come to restore all things (Mark 9:25). ‘Restoration’ means to restore, to bring back a situation that existed before. Also it is the act of returning something to its correct or former place, condition or position.

Israel as a nation was chosen by Jehovah God from amongst all the nations on the face of the earth to worship only Him. Deut. 7:6, “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.”

Israel was in a wonderful relationship with God until the leadership of Jeroboam led Israel into idolatry and it got to its peak in the reign of Ahab (1King 16:31). ”And

Ahab made a grove: and Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the Kings of Israel that were before him. And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal which he had built in Samaria.” This led Israel into a backsliding and apostate condition. The original worship was perverted and Jehovah God was substituted for the idol, Baal. The combination of the reigns of Jeroboam, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri and Ahab in Israel steeped Israel in an idolatrous and perverse organised system for over 80 years. It was against this background that God brought the ministry of Elijah on the scene to restore the nation back to its original and correct spiritual place and state for true worship. This is the essence of the spirit and power of the Elijah ministry.

Elijah’s ministry revealed the importance and primary purpose of Restoration. First,

sue after this troop?...he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all (1 Samuel 30:8).

Every addicted lover of Christ cannot be robbed; whatever is taken from them must be returned. When you are truly in love, you are not permitted to suffer losses.

Love entitles you to the miracle of restoration, any day.

Covenant Gateways To Supernatural Restoration: ü New birth (Romans 6:23): New birth is a fundamental requirement for every candidate of restoration. Being born again means restoration of life to one that was already dead. Until you are saved, you are not a candidate for restoration. ü You must be baptised in the Holy Ghost (Isaiah 61:1-3): It is not enough to be saved; you must be empowered to in 1 Kings 18:31, “He took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be thy name, with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord.” The altar was rebuilt because it had been desecrated by idolatrous sacrifices. Elijah prayed in 1 Kings 18:36, “….

Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.”

Second, the recognition of God as their God according to the first commandment was restored. It was the subject of Elijah’s prayers. Coupled with this is the fact of recognising the messengers of God sent to the Israelites as God’s custodian of His Word, in Elijah and other future prophets as well.

Third, the authority and power of the word of God was restored back, so that the people once again would look unto the word of God as their absolute. Elijah concluded his prayers thus in 1 Kings 18:37 “Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.”

God responded instantly as the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice and the restoration occurred

qualify for restoration. You need baptism in the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in new tongues, to qualify for full-scale restoration.

• The Blood of Jesus (Zechariah 9:11-12): You can engage the Blood of Jesus in warfare against the forces holding back what belongs to you (Revelation 12:11).

The Blood is God’s last card in the battles of life. You can engage the Blood of Jesus in warfare, against the strong man sitting on your belongings.

• Kingdom stewardship (Job 22:21-25): Every true steward is God’s candidate for restoration. Kingdom stewardship is one of the gateways to supernatural restoration. God is not looking for whom to use; He is looking for whom to bless.

(Psalm 65:4) • Prophets: They are agents of restoration, any day, anytime and anywhere.

So, God has positioned men to command restoration (1 Kings 17:8-24). They are called prophets as proven all through scriptures.

When you open your heart to the ministry of a prophet, you have opened the door of your life to a life of resin 1 Kings 18:39, as the hearts of the people were turned back again to God. “And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, the LORD, he is the God, the LORD, he is the God.” The judgment of God followed immediately. The false prophets of Baal, the instruments of perverse worship and idolatry, were ordered killed by the prophet Elijah.

It was restoration from ungodliness to godliness. The land was cleansed of sin and wickedness. Elisha’s double anointing consolidated and ensured full blown restoration to the worship of Jehovah and the laws of Moses. The altars of Baal, the grooves, the high places, Queen Jezebel, the importer of the foreign Baal worship from Zidon and the 70 sons of Ahab were wiped off the face of Israel.

Four hundred years after the prophecy of Prophet Malachi in Malachi 3:1 and Malachi 4:5-6, concerning the forerunner to the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, Israel slipped into apostasy, sectarianism, organised religion and denominationalism, departing from the laws of God by Moses into traditions of men and of the elders.

“For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands off, eat not holding the tradition of the elders”. In Mark 7:3, “For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and

toration.

Friend, accessing the gateways to supernatural restoration is the preserve of those born again. You are born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. You can do so now if you haven’t been, as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. From today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know I am a child of God.” I will be with you again next week.

Be Blessed!

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

cups: and many other such like things ye do”Mark 7:3.

The doctrines and the leaven of the Pharisees, the scribes and the Sadducees held sway.

John the Baptist came to wrest the hearts of the Jewish fathers from these traditions to childlike hearts to embrace without question the message of grace the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was coming to introduce (Malachi 4:5-6). “Behold, I will send you Elijah the Prophet … and he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children.” This meant that all teachings and doctrines of the Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, Herodians, which is synonymous with today’s denominations, has to be swept away for the teachings and doctrines of Christ in line with the church Jesus Christ said He would build upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets (Matt. 16:18).

John the Baptist said, “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” John 1:29, the altar of God that was broken down by false doctrines of the organised Pharisees and Sadducees was rebuilt by the declaration of God’s sacrificial lamb for the commencement of the New Testament oracles, grace, grace God’s grace, Mark 9:12.

“Elias verily cameth first, and restoreth all things.”

Frank Oboden Olomukoro writes from Christian Ministry of Reconciliation Km. 14, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (beside PUNCH Newspapers), Ogun State

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

News

No missing fund in Gateway Holdings, says Isiaka Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

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Labour Party (LP) governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, yesterday said no money got missing in the state-owned Gateway Holdings Limited (GHL) when he held sway as the Group Managing Director of the company.

He said this while reacting to the criticism of the immediate past administration’s management of GHL resources

by Governor Ibikunle Amosun during a radio programme in Abeokuta.

Amosun had, while giving his stewardship during the programme last week, alleged that the exGovernor Gbenga Daniel regime approved funds for the construction of GHL headquarters and neither the building nor money could be located.

But in a statement issued in Abeokuta, Isiaka, who served as the company’s GMD before resigning to contest the 2011 governorship, debunked the governor’s allegation, describing it as “unfounded.”

He explained that the forensic audit and due diligence review commissioned to certain firms by the Amosun-led administration had failed to establish any missing fund in Gateway Holdings.

Isiaka, however, challenged officials of the

state government to open debate on the matter.

According to him, GHL applied for a N1.5billion loan from Sterling Bank Plc in 2008 to augment its working capital, especially to enhance the operation of its subsidiaries.

He said, “The loan was subsequently approved and a sum of N1.5billion was drawn in two tranches of N1billion on 29th September, 2008 and N500million on 17th October, 2008.

“Out of the amount drawdown, only a sum of N483million was disbursed on account of construction of head office project including fees to professional firms.”

Isiaka stated that the remaining amount was utilized on acquisition of quoted shares including refinancing of existing share loan, infrastructure and working capital funding of subsidiaries as well as fees, interest and oher charges by the bank.

He added that the contractor handling the project put the value of the work done on the site and other claims at N652million as at October 17, 2011 against a total disbursement of N483million earlier mentioned.

He, however, pointed out that the initial projections of GHL to pay back the loan from capital market gains fell flat as a result of the crash of the capital market.

Waku joins Benue governorship race, says APC’ll win in 2015 Cephas Iorhemen

T

Makurdi

here were clear indications yesterday that controversial Senator Joseph Kennedy Waku, has joined the governorship race in Benue State in a bid to succeed the Governor Gabriel Suswam.

Senator Waku who represented Benue North/West in the Senate between 1999 and 2003 is contesting on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, (APC).

New Telegraph on Sunday gathered that already, posters of Senator Waku have

adorned strategic places across the state with bold inscriptions: “Solution 2015”.

It was learnt that the Waku, the traditional holder of the ‘Wanbegha-U-Tiv’ is greatly favoured by the political zoning arrangement of the governorship election, having come from the MINDA political bloc which is likely to produce the next governor after Suswam.

His decision to join the governorship race, New Telegraph on Sunday gathered, was because of intense pressure on him, since according to Governor Suswam, age does not matter

in any position an aspirant wishes to go for any political office in the state.

The entry of Senator Waku into the governorship race has brought the number of APC gubernatorial aspirants in the state to four.

They are the party’s governorship candidate in the 2011 election, Prof. Steve Torkuma Ugba; House of Representatives member representing Makurdi/ Guma Barrister Emmanuel Jime and former Permanent Secretary in the Bureau of Internal Affairs in the George Akume’s administration, Mr. Akange Audu

already making consultations on their ambitions.

A political pundit told New Telegraph on Sunday that with the divided interests bedeviling the ruling People’s Democratic Party and its possible break-up over disagreements on who flies its flag at the moment, the APC may have upper hands if it does proper homework and put its house in order in the election next year.

Close associates to Senator Waku who spoke with our Correspondent yesterday quoted him as vowing to ensure that the APC form government in the state next year.

Vice-President, Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Jani Ibrahim (left) and Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, during the presentation of paper to the participants of senior Executive Course N0. 36. of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Plateau State

Ihejirika’s aides, friends to sue Davies for libel Traders laud Obiano over moves Ahaoma Kanu

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gainst the backdrop of the accusation by Mr. Stephen Davies, an Australian contracted by the Federal Government to negotiate the freedom of the abducted Chibok girls, that the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, was among the sponsors of Boko Haram, friends and associates of Ihejirika have expressed readiness to sue Davies in either Australia or the United Kingdom.

Davies had, in an interview granted to Arise Television Network in the UK, accused Ihejirika and the former Bornu governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, as being among the major sponsors of Boko Haram.

According to Mr. Christian Kanu, an aide to Ihejirika, following the exoneration of Ihejirika’s alleged involvement with the sponsorship of Boko Haram by the Department for State Security (DSS), some friends and associates of the former COAS have commenced the process of taking Davies to court.

“Gen. Ihejirika is a man who always wants to explore all the options before he comes out with a decision. I am assuring you that this unfounded allegation is not going to be swept under the carpet. In furtherance to that, we around him (Ihejirika) have seen a need for Dr. Stephen Davies to be taken to court so that a court of competent jurisdiction, most likely in Australia or the United Kingdom, should look

into these allegations and make pronouncement. And I believe that during the court process, all the allegations and evidences that Davies have can be brought for the world to see,” he said.

He said the services of lawyer who is a Queen’s Counsel (QC) in the United Kingdom has been contracted to file a case of defamation of character against Davies.

“A lawyer and Queen’s Counsel in the United Kingdom have been contacted and he is very versed in defamation of character, slander and libel. Terrorism is a global issue and we are not going to overlook this allegation or let it go. We are taking a step and there are also other groups in UK, USA and Ireland that will be part of this action,” he said.

Women group assures Jonathan of re-election Tony Anichebe Uyo

N

ational Woman leader, House-2-House, Mrs. Funmi Nnaji, has assured President Goodluck Jonathan of the women’s support of his second term ambition.

Speaking at a sensitisation programme organised by the group in Akwa Ibom State, over the week-

end, Nnaji said that the essence of the programme was to pull women all over the country to support Jonathan in his second term ambition.

“This is our mission and our mission is to bring back Jonathan in 2015. I gave only two days notice for this visit, but the South-South Woman coordinator was able to gather all the women leaders of the six states of the South-South for the programme. “she said.

Mrs. Nnaji said: “We are going to move from house to house, neighbour to neighbour, father to son, mother to children, governor to deputy governor, commissioners to commissioners, House Member to House member and so on to achieve the objective.”

She called various women leaders in the federation to do their best in furthering the group’s vision in their various localities.

to restructure markets Paulinus Onah Awka

O

ver 16,000 traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market yesterday reiterated their support to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, saying the governor is on a rescue mission in the state.

The traders who renewed their pledge at a solidarity forum, said that recent appointment of a care taker committee for the market by the state government was designed to save the state from imminent breakdown of law and order, as was planned by some mischief makers whose stock in trade was to cause crisis among trade unions.

The traders who spoke through the Chairman Caretaker Committee for the 27 market units, Chief Ambrose Onyibo Osakwe, said that a group of individuals were ganging up against the state government, and reiterated his committee’s resolve to resist any attempt by anybody or group of persons to cause a breach of law and order in any of the market.

Osakwe said all the misunderstanding in some of the units had been resolved and assured them that the care takers committee will conduct election into the markets before the end of October.

He said government set up the committee to reconcile all aggrieved factions in the market, conduct market election and as well withdraw all litigation pending in court against the last market leadership to ensure sustainable peace.

According to him, the removal of the last caretaker committee of the market was not illegal as claimed in some quarters, but due to various allegations of corruption, mismanagement of public funds and intimidation of traders that culminated in the emergence of various fractions in the market.

“We have been given three months to resolve these problems and we are one month old in the process, and as I am speaking to all of you, we have resolved at least two third of our assignments, conducted line elections and are preparing a level playing ground for the general elections as directed by the state government “the chairman said.

The chairman of tools and allied product dealers union who is the former secretary to the immediate past caretaker committee told journalists and traders that he resigned his appointment to work with the new committee for various reasons.

Henry Amike: I’m not happy my 30-years record still unbroken p.60-61

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

www.newtelegraphonline.com/sport

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

SEPTEMBER 07, 2014

Bafana vows to upset Nigeria in Cape Town p.62

Dapo Sotuminu, Deputy Sports Editor dapo.sotuminu@newtelegraphonline.com 08099400190, 08038154192

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Sp rt

Gaya: Giwa can’t hold Nigerian football to ransom

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he House Committee Chairman on Sports, Honourable Godfrey Gaya, has declared that the present leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, led by Chris Giwa cannot hold Nigerian football to ransom the more reason he must do the needful by ensuring that nothing is hoarded away from the country’s football stakeholders who should be allowed to take part in a flawless fresh Elective Congress.

Gaya told New Telegraph on Sunday in an interview that all football stakeholders have agreed for a fresh election to be conducted under a free and fair atmosphere.

“The field must be opened to all eligible Nigerians who are interested to run for the post of the NFF presidency and there should be no way of hoarding what should have been opened to all.

“It is the view of the House of Representatives that something transparent and fair should be done concerning the election.

Football is all about fairness that is why we have referees and arbiters. We have seen ourselves as referees in this situation that is why we are calling for fairness.

“September 4 was the date earlier given to us by FIFA but the NFF could not

Chris Giwa

meet that date, and now FIFA in its magnanimity has given us September 8 to organize ourselves, a situation that gave rise to a new date of September 25 picked for elections.”

Gaya noted that failure to comply with this third opportunity given by FIFA would mean that Nigeria has continuously shifted the goal post when a goal was about to be scored and that is not good for our image. “So, we want to respect that date as all machineries are on ground.

“The eligible candidates must be known before the date of the Elective Congress so that the electorates would k n o w t h e right cand i date t o vote f o r a c cording to

their conscience and desire to see the best for Nigerian football.”

Surprisingly, Chris Giwa was in Calabar as NFF’s president during the 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers game between the Super Eagles and Congo which was just 48 hours to the expiration of the September 8 deadline given by FIFA for him to vacate the office to enable ousted president Aminu Maigari take charge.

FIFA has warned that if by Monday morning Giwa failed to vacate the NFF office, Nigeria will be automatically banned from international football.

This would mean that the Super Eagles will not defend their Africa Cup of Nations crown in Morocco next year as they would automatically be disqualified from the qualifying series which also has Congo, South Africa and Sudan.

Giwa said at the weekend that: “I remain the president of the NFF, a legitimate congress elected me and that is how it is.

“What I have said at a public

hearing is that anyone that is aggrieved has the right to appeal to the NFF Appeal’s Committee. If an Appeal Committee or the Court of Arbitration for Sport sits today and quashes my election, I will humbly vacate office.”

Nigeria was banned from global football for nine days in July for government interference in the running of the football federation when Maigari was forced out of his post by a court ruling.

After his reinstatement, he was voted out of office by the NFF’s executive committee a few days later. However, FIFA did not accept this and Maigari was once a g a i n back as president in August.

T h e foreign

Godfrey Gaya

technical adviser of the Congolese team, the legendary Claude Leroy said he thought the Nigerian would be banned before their September 6 game in Calabar.

He said Nigeria should have been banned after disrespecting the orders of FIFA, even as much as he desired to win Nigeria on the pitch than by disqualification.

“I was surprised that FIFA says it was Monday, I would have been happier to hear the result on Friday. I think Nigeria didn’t respect the decision of FIFA. “I think sanction is normal.

But I think in football it’s always better to qualify on the pitch. Even if we qualify outside the pitch, no one can be against it,” he said.

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SEPTEMBER 07, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Sport

Henry Amike: I’m not happy my Henry Amike is one of Nigeria’s athletics legends after winning medals in World Championship, African Games, and Olympic Games. He also reigned as National Champion for eight years. He told DAPO SOTUMINU in this exclusive interview that he’s not happy that his 30-years record in the 400metres hurdles is still intact

Henry Amike

When did you start active participation in athletics and how did you come into the sport?

I started track and field in the year 1977 in Lagos while I was in the secondary school.

I was introduced into athletics by one Lagos state coach then, Tobias Igwe, popularly called ‘Toblow’.

Before then, I was a member of the ‘Greater Tomorrow’ youth football team put in place by the Nigeria Football Association, NFA. Then there was nothing like the Flying Eagles or the Golden Eaglets, it was called the Greater Tomorrow’.

We were training at the Practice Pitch of the National Stadium, Lagos, when I was approached by coach Toblow who saw the way I was moving with the ball during the training session. He asked me if I would like to compete in athletics and I said no. Fortunately, for me that same day, the Lagos state athletics team was doing a trial to select top athletes for a competition and I was asked to join, which I did.

I competed in the 100metres and came first and the coach was impressed. Then I was in Saint Finbarrs’ College, Akoka. The coach came to my school to tell my principal that he would want me to start coming for training three times a week and my principal agreed. That was how I started gradually.

When I resumed training with ‘Toblow’ I realized that we were doing lots of long distance races from the National Stadium to Costain and back, and I said to myself, why don’t I try the 800metres in the Lagos state competition. At the competition, I finished in second place. From then I started running 4x100m relay for my school in invitational Inter House sports and we kept winning prizes every time, while football wasn’t like that. This was how I decided to pay more attention to athletics.

In 1978, I represented Lagos at the National Schools Sports Festival in Calabar where I finished in second place overall in my race. And in 1979 I represented the state at the Oluyole 79 National Sports Festival where I competed in the 800metres and the 400m Hurdles. I finished fourth in the 800m Intermediate final and placed second in the 400m Hurdles behind Daniel Ogidi who won the race.

That same year, I was given an admission into the University of Lagos, where I was until 1981 before I travelled to the United States to continue my studies.

In 1980, I placed second in the National Senior Championship in the 400m Hurdles and I was fifth in the 4x400m. With these, I was selected to run for Nigeria at the Moscow Olympics ‘80. It was at Moscow that I realized that I must take athletics and sports generally very seriously, which I did afterwards.

When we came back to Nigeria after the Moscow Olympics, I intensified my training. In 1981, another coach, Lee Evans started handling me and told me my potentials but made it very clear that these cannot be achieved in Nigeria, so he decided to take me

to the United States.

My parents objected to my movement to America as they refused to see the rationale behind the option to leave the University of Lagos for America, thinking that if I get to America I may probably not go to school again.

This delayed my trip to the USA for one year until 1982 when they were convinced that I was on a school scholarship.

Can you give us a rundown of the international events you competed in the colours of Nigeria and the laurels you won?

In 1983, I became the National Champion and the National Record Holder in the 400m Hurdles. Ever since then the record has not been unbroken. The last time I reset the record was in 1987 when I ran 48.50 seconds.

Apart from that, I competed in several other competitions for Nigeria and won lots of laurels at the All Africa Games, African Championships, the Commonwealth Games, The World Championships where I ran in the finals and the Olympics where I also ran in the finals. I won the National Championship titles eight times in the 400metres hurdles and twice in the 400metres.

In the National Sports Festival, I won the Senior category in 1981 and the Intermediate in 1979 in both the 400m and 400m hurdles respectively.

You finally hanged your spike shoes in 1991 when you were still doing well, why that?

Yes, I took that decision and it was personal. A lot of people frowned at that decision, but it was okay for me to quit when the ovation was loudest. I was still the national champion then, but I looked at it and said that I was 30 years old and needed to see if I could change my career. That same year 1991, we were in Cairo, Egypt during the All Africa Games when the former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida came and called myself and Yusuf Ali to come to Nigeria and see how best we could put what we do in America into Track and Field in Nigeria.

So, in 1992, we agreed and returned to Nigeria and ever since we have been in the country doing what we know best in athletics.

Why is it that all our great athletes in Track and Field had to get to America before they become superstars?

I don’t think you must get to America to become a success in athletics. But I must tell you that the kind of attitude Nigerians put for sportsmen who were most often tagged dropouts is very sad. And when you have that kind of mentality and people look at you in such manner, there no way anything good can come out of you. When you are abroad you are treated as equal humans, you will definitely galvanize yourself to bring out the best. But in Nigeria, where you are not appreciated there is no way you can bring out the best in you. It is not about better facilities, but the only difference is the condition and appreciation of service. We need to have these in our country so that we can bring out the best in athletes.

What is your greatest moment in sports?

Well, my greatest moment in sports was in 1989 in Barcelona, Spain when I came out of sickness after winning the African Championship and was dropped from the team.

I was in my house dejected as the African champion who couldn’t represent the continent in the World Cup. I was told in clear language that I wasn’t going to participate because of my ill health.

But I resolved to go with the contingent to

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30-years record still unbroken watch the event from the sidelines and support my teammates. At Barcelona I was so frail. In one of the events I saw the late Chief MKO Abiola at the stadium while he was Africa’s Pillar of Sports. He was so surprised I was not one of the competitors.

He asked me why I wasn’t running and I explained to him that I was ill and on that premise I was excluded from the 400metres hurdles. Chief Abiola approached the President of the African Athletics Association, Lamine Diack, and queried why Nigeria who won the African Championship won’t be allowed to run in the World Championship. He insisted that it was the country’s slot and we should be allowed to participate.

MKO Abiola came back to me after some deliberations with Lamine Diack and he broke the news to me that I was going to compete. He promised to reward me handsomely if I do well in the event. Believe me I didn’t know the spirit that came upon me and I competed and came second winning the World Championship silver medal.

Abiola who watched me ran that race eventually gave me $20,000 for placing second, but it wasn’t the money that propelled me but the fact that somebody believed in me. And I would tell you that was the greatest moment of my career. After the race, I ran another 400metres thinking that I hadn’t finished simply because I was overwhelmed and my spirit was so high as it was at a time I was thinking of quitting the sport.

What about your low point in sports?

The saddest moment of my life in sports was in 1984 when on paper before the Los Angeles Olympics I was one of the best in the world having competed against the best.

I made it to the finals of my event. And during the final race of the Olympics, I was on the Hurdles stick 8 when I bumped on the stick and fell. I sat on the track for few seconds before I told myself that I must complete the race. I stood up and ran to the finish line recording the slowest time in my career, I wept after the race.

How will you compare athletics during your time to what obtains today.

There is no room for comparism as we still have the quality athletes today. Compared to our own time, there is more money in athletics today and the mistake the young athletes are making is that they tend to be more glamorous and less successful. These are two different things. To be successful you put in a lot of hard work and to be glamorous you just win one race and everybody knows you and you don’t win again. That is what Nigerian athletes of today are doing.

Most of them allow glamour to becloud their sense of reasoning and when this happens, definitely you will not get to your destination. That is the problem most of these athletes are going through. Some of them don’t even listen to the advice we give them.

When we tell them to do ABC before getting to D, they don’t listen. If you don’t follow due process and you take banned substances to enhance you to get to D you are doomed forever, because those substances will not enhance you for long as you will soon be caught. And once you stop you cannot go back again.

The major problem we are facing today is that most of these athletes take unnecessary performance enhancing substances despite their talents. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and work very hard, and the sky is your limit.

Talking about your main event which is the 400metres Hurdles, we only have one international star Ameachi Morton who is a US-based athlete, do you think this is proper?

I don’t think we have Ameachi himself; we don’t have him fully as a consistent runner. The athlete has been talking to me to assist him develop beyond the level he is at the moment, but I said no. After I explained the

reasons behind my action to him he understood. Believe me if I handle Ameachi he would become a bigger international star and easily break the national record that has remained unbroken since 1987. Ameachi has the height better than I do but his speed is slow, so he needs somebody he can listen to and respect that can take him to the next level.

On the local scene, if the government was willing at a point, Aniefok Udo Obong could have been a great hurdler and possibly a world champion. I tried to work with him before he became a medallist at the Sydney Olympics 2000, but when I realised that I was spending my money, I stopped. And those people who continued with him did not benefit anything today. And I am not ready to do that because I went to school to the highest level and I did my sport to the highest level and whatever I want to give back must be appreciated.

If we do the right thing, the 400metres hurdles is the easiest event Nigeria can win Olympic medals and produce world best athletes because we have a lot of quarter milers and half milers who could be converted to become champions.

In the 400m hurdles, if you can run 48.47seconds you are in the league. But in the 400metres flat before you can be in the league you must run 43seconds, how many Nigerians can run 44 seconds let alone 43.

Your 400metres hurdles’ record remains unbroken since 1987, how do you feel about this?

To me, I don’t think it is the best for the country as I set that record in Rome, Italy in 1987. I started setting it in 1983 and 1987 was the last time I put up that performance. To me it is a great dishonor to the country if at this time after 30 years we are still having that same National record.

As I said there are events Nigeria can be winning Olympic medals regularly and 400 metres hurdles is one of them.

Some people are not too comfortable with the naturalization of some American athletes who now wear Nigeria’s colours in international competitions, what is your opinion?

I don’t s e e

anything wrong with that. A Nigerian is a Nigerian, either from Ghana or anywhere in the world as long as they are bona fide Nigerians. I still believe that what is happening now can ginger our home-based athletes to be more determined and say you Americans cannot come from abroad to beat us. This should bring out the best in our athletes.

And now that we have the High Performance Centre in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, I don’t think the guys from America would take too many slots again. Back in America they are layback and here in Nigeria we can be hustlers. And determination is the name of the game. So if we are determined here, those who are coming won’t come again.

The only way they can be sacked is through performance, if you perform well there would be no need to bring them.

There was a time the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, set a standard and Nigerian athletes refused to take part in competitions meaning that they are already saying that they cannot make it. And the AFN cannot wait for them. So I don’t blame the AFN for challenging the athletes.

In the past we used to have array of stars in athletics, but today it’s only Blessing Okagbare. What is really happening?

Blessing Okagbare is a very talented and hard-working athlete. She tried very hard looking for greener pastures. She left Sapele for Warri, Warri to Lagos, and Lagos to Spain and now she is in America. What that means was that she was eager to become somebody and she believes in herself. She has trained under a lot of coaches, Yusuf Alli inclusive and she has never come back as a super star to look down

on these people.

The problem is that most of our athletes as soon as they become National champions they think they are more than what they were. As the saying goes, pride leads to destruction. Once you are over pompous about what you are, and you start making mistakes nobody will tell you.

Blessing Okagbare brought her high shoulders low and she listens to people. She has not allowed success to becloud her sense of reasoning. That is why I want to advise out athletes at home to always look beyond any of their successes. When you win the National Championship you should look ahead towards winning the African championship and after that the World Championship, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.

You are the President of the Nigeria Olympian Association, NOA, what are the programmes you have for athletes?

The purpose of the NOA is for the welfare of the athletes both present and past, but we have a problem in this office, a lot of bottlenecks different from the way it is run all over the world where the norm is that the office is run by athletes but funded by government. As I am talking to you, we have written severally to the federal government for support, but we never got any response.

No support has been given since inception of the Olympian Association in Nigeria.

Once in a while, when there are international championships, they take one or two of us along to serve as mentors to the young athletes who are competing. But aside from that, this office needs funding to be able to support all our programmes and if government does not take then lead, the private sector cannot come in. From government we need subvention, we need grants.

Practically I use personal funds and other monies from friends and well-wishers to run the office. The NOA is something that I believe in and I know that sportsmen and women must have something to fall back to after their active days. And we have been using this office to campaign to athletes on the need to combine sports and education. I don’t care what performance level an athlete gets to or how rich you are while performing, I know that a day would come when you stop and you have nothing to fall back to and after sometime the funds would finish if not properly invested and you become a lay about.

Our watchword in the NOA is that while competing, invest well and always have education.

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Sport Dapo Sotuminu

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he Red Devils of Congo yesterday at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar recorded an unpleasant shocking result against defending champions, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, in the 2015 African Nations Cup qualifiers as they ran away with a 3-2 victory thus breaking a 40-year jinx.

The last time Congo recorded a victory against Nigeria was in 1970 when they won the game 2-1. This was only the second time Congo would beat Nigeria.

The Eagles opened scoring in the 14th minute of play through Celtic of Scotland defender, Efe Ambrose, who nodded in a cross from Nnamdi Oduamadi’s set piece near the Congolese penalty area beating the diving goalkeeper Chansel Massa.

The Congolese handled by Africa’s legendary foreign technical adviser, Claude Leroy, levelled scores in the 15th minute after they stole the ball from a sloppy Eagles central defender, Kenneth

Di Maria: Real ordered me not to play in W/Cup final

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anchester United new boy, Angel di Maria, claims that former club Real Madrid asked the Argentina FA to consider not selecting him for this summer’s World Cup final because they did not want him to aggravate an injury.

Di Maria was left out of the starting XI for the match against Germany because he was not fit enough to play, but the 26-year-old admits he was unhappy with Real’s request.

The Argentine joined United for around £60million last month with the Spanish club’s president Florentino Perez saying the winger’s demands for a new contract were too high.

And now Di Maria has hit back at the European champions, saying they tried to influence his national coach Alejandro Sabella ahead of the showpiece occasion at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro in July.

He said: “There was a letter from Madrid that arrived at 11 in the morning of the match day and we were due to play at four in the afternoon.

“I was putting ice on my leg to be in the final, so I tore up the letter as soon as it was given to me and didn’t take any notice of it. I didn’t care what might happen but it was Alejandro Sabella’s decision.

Congo shocks Eagles in Calabar, breaks 40-years jinx Omeruo. Thierry Bifouma went past the Nigeria defence from the right flank and team captain Prince Oniangue easily slotted home from inside the box.

The obviously more determined Congolese team took the battle to the Eagles penalty area and this paid off in the 41st minute when they scored the second goal to shot into lead at 2-1. The goal was scored by Thierry Bifouma after a brilliant combination before he picked his spot with the left foot.

Nigeria’s efforts at getting the equalizer before the end of the first were frustrated by the agile defensive formation of the Congolese. The first half ended 2-1 in favour of the visitors.

The second half started with the Eagles asking lots of questions, but these were thwarted

by Congo who instead of succumbing to pressure consolidated their lead through Bifouma who scored Congo’s third goal in the 54th minute from the penalty spot after he was brought down inside the box by Ogenyi Onazi to keep the scoreline at 3-1.

The goal margin against Nigeria was reduced by the home-based star that played in the game.

Gbolahan S a l a m i of Warri Wo l v e s w h o substituted Italy-based Nnamdi Oduamadi pulled a goal back a minute to full time off a goalmouth scramble, but it was too little, too late for Nigeria to get a result in front of their fans despite the 6 minutes extra playing time given.

Super Eagles goalkeeper and captain, Austin Ejide, said the Ni-

gerian team was overconfident against Congo, a situation that led to the shocking loss in Calabar.

He noted that, after they conceded the third goal his teammates were impatient as they played uncoordinated football that gave the Congolese the opportunity to hold on to the lead. He stressed that, the Eagles still have the chance of leading the pack on Wednesday when they play against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Cape Town.

“We have the chance to beat South Africa at home and get back the three points we threw away against Congo. It is possible as we have a very good team.”

Meanwhile, Congo’s two goals hero, Theirry Bifouma, said his team respected the Nigerian team and they only came to pick a draw, but this came out to be a win.

“We knew the capabilities of the Nigerian team. We were warned by our coach to be very careful against the Eagles and despite recording a victory against the Eagles, I can tell you that it wasn’t an easy task and we also know that they can turn the table anytime that is why we must try as much as possible to win our game on Wednesday against Sudan.”

Bafana vows to upset Nigeria in Cape Town

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he chief coach of the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, Shakes Mashaba, has said that his team is ready to give the Super Eagles of Nigeria a shocker in Wednesday’s Nations Cup qualifiers scheduled for the Cape Town Stadium.

The 64-year-old coach stated that his team will play with confidence in their next game against African champions Nigeria on Wednesday night.

The new looking Bafana Bafana side defeated Sudan 3-0 in their opening match of the 2015 Afcon qualifying campaign at the AlMerrikh Stadium in Khartoum on Friday night although coach Shakes Mashaba admitted after the game that some of the boys never thought beating the Falcons was possible.

“Going into the Nigeria game, the boys will be confident because some of them never thought they would win here,” said Mashaba after the match.

“I have been saying that we need to win this game in order to put wheels under our feet. This is a good thing for us to have happened,” he added.

Mashaba admitted that his charges nearly allowed Sudan to punish them in the first half, but he was impressed with the way goalkeep-

er Senzo Meyiwa and his defense played on the night despite being put under pressure.

“Things worked according to our plan, though we nearly fluffed it in the first half,” said Mashaba.

“We told the boys that the first 20-30 minutes were going to be tough because they would throw the game at us. Our defense stood very well at the back and the goalkeeper did very well.

“In the last 10 minutes of the first half you could see fatigue was taking its toll on the Sudan

team because they doubled their efforts in the first 35 minutes and they couldn’t get a goal,” he added.

The coach went on to commend the home side’s support at the Stadium, and he urged South Africans to get behind the team when they take on Nigeria in Cape Town next week.

“If you look at the crowd here, even when the score was 3-0, they were still cheering for their team, and you look at the stands they were fully packed, which is what we need to start doing at home,” said Mashaba.

Ayew penalty salvages point for Ghana

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hana were forced to come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Uganda in their opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.

After a dismal World Cup, riddled with off-field problems, Kwesi Appiah’s men made an unconvincing start to their qualifying campaign in Kumasi.

Without Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng - suspended indefinitely due to disciplinary problems - the hosts toiled against their opponents, ranked 45 places below them in the world.

After Tony Mawejje had given Uganda the lead at the end of the

first half, Ghana were grateful to an award of a controversial penalty which Andre Ayew confidently dispatched as the hosts earned themselves a point.

Ghana made the brighter start, and captain Asamoah Gyan was twice denied by fine saves from Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango.

Those stops proved crucial on the stroke of half-time as Mawejje gave the visitors the lead with a shot from the edge of the area that bounced awkwardly in front of Fatau Dauda and flew into the corner.

Ghana reacted strongly at the start of the second half and were level in the 50th minute.

Serena a step away from equaling Evert’s, Navratilova’s records

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Serena

erena Williams is steaming at full speed toward a sixth US Open triumph, but Caroline Wozniacki isn’t conceding anything in her quest for a first Grand Slam crown. The two friends meet today in the championship match of the last Grand Slam of the year.

World number one Williams is vying to become the first woman to win three straight titles at Flushing Meadows since Chris Evert won four on the trot in the 1970s.

With a win she will join Evert and Martina Navratilova on 18 career Grand Slam titles - a pursuit that has been stalled as she failed to make it past the fourth round in any other major this year. Her third-round singles exit at Wimbledon was followed by a bizarre departure from doubles, Williams looking weak and woozy before sister and playing partner Venus led her from the court mid-match.

Following on from her second-

round French Open exit, it sparked immediate speculation not only as to the state of her game but also her psyche.

“There are always skeptics,” said Williams, who says she was suffering from a virus in London. “I worked really hard for Wimbledon.

I was disappointed and sad - and shocked - that I wasn’t able to win.

“I worked hours, more than I worked before. Maybe it’s just paying off now.”

Crisis rocks Cricket Federation, as GM resigns

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resh crisis is brewing in the Nigeria Cricket Federation,(NCF), with the resignation of its General Manager, Prince Endurance Ofem, at the weekend.

It was gathered from the troubled federation that, things have fallen apart between the NCF president, Enema Onyeama, and the federation’s board members as they alleged that the cricket boss had been running the affairs of the sport alone without carrying them along in his decisions.

Since the establishment of the new cricket board, two General Managers had resigned. The first was the veteran player, Okon Ukpong before Ofem later threw in the towel on Friday.

Information had it that both administrators cited similar reasons for quitting the stage before the expected international hammer fall on Nigeria.

Cricket stakeholders in the country are not excited that one man could run down the credible image that took them many years to build in just few months in office.

The board members said they have never met after initial meeting to deliberate on the way forward for the sport. “No annual meeting, no general meeting.

The last time we met, there was no agenda. The president didn’t know what to say, the former GM, Ukpong confirmed this.

“We were afraid that ICC, the world governing body could sanction Nigeria after reading negative stories about the federation, but we never knew it would later get uncontrollable.

All Stars, Lagos SWAN file out for Onyeanwuna s the countdown to the final A burial of the late Albert Onyeanwuna gathers momentum,

the All Stars International of Lagos will today, September 7, take on the Lagos SWAN Team in a Novelty match in honour of one of Nigeria’s best footballers of all time. The match will hold at the Eagles Club, Surulere, Lagos starting from 9.30am.

The event has the full backing of the Anambra State Government.

The late Onyeanwuna has been variously described by ardent followers of Nigerian football as the best dribbler of his time from 1950 to mid-60s.

Onyeanwuna died on April 22 in Lagos, aged 78.

The midfielder, who thrilled Nigerian football fans in the 1950s and 1960s, was the then pivot of the senior national team, then known as the `Red Devils.’ He had 26 International caps and was credited with six goals during his time.

Today’s match would see the Executive Governor of Lagos state, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, leading the Ex-Internationals such as Segun Odegbami, Henry Nwosu, Friday Elaho, Friday Ekpo and others against the Lagos SWAN Team that has not lost a match in the last one year.

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

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SPORT Congo shocks Eagles in Calabar

POLITICS KAI, LASTMA must go, says Branco-Rhodes

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Stephen Davies: Negotiator or whistle blower

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he exposures by Stephen Davies, the Australian cleric did not come to me as a surprise.

He pointedly called Ali Modu Sheriff, former Governor of Borno state a Boko Haram promoter and cash donor; also accused was the former Army Chief, General Ihejirika. An unnamed Central Bank official similarly stood accused.

Long before he made his startling revelations, they were already in the public domain. Personally, I have heard even worse things from Ahmed Salkida who knows a lot about Boko Haram.

Ahmed Salkida for those who do not know is a news reporter of extraordinary talent. He was my pupil reporter at Crystal International Newsmagazine where I was the founding Editor in 1999. When Crystal closed shop, he followed me to New Sentinel where I was Managing Editor.

It was at New Sentinel that he filed the first ever news report on Boko Haram that was carried in the media. Since then he has gathered a frightening store of information on Boko Haram. He has developed contacts with them beginning from Yusuf the founder of the group who is now late, to the present helmsman Shekau. I have often written that there is no greater authority on Boko Haram in Nigeria than Ahmed Salkida. I am not in this alone, other gentlemen who have unsuccessfully tried to broker talks with Boko Haram share my view and have said so publicly.

It is the measure of the efficiency of our security network that even though my views have been expressed in public, nobody from that sector has ever asked me why I am playing the devils advocate. And I have often wondered (not silently) why me a Christian and a poor reporter without a kobo can get Ahmed Salkida’s confidence on Boko Haram and yet the security forces funded with billions of dollars can not utilize this young man who has all the answers to the Boko Haram scourge.

The popular belief, (I do not share it) is that Salkida is a Boko Haram man. Suspected and despised by his professional colleagues, he was also hunted and bullied by security agents. The young man then embarked on what I referred to in my piece - widely circulated in April last year as ‘Ahmed Salkida’s Hijra’. He fled Nigeria.

When news of the revelations by Stephen Davies broke out, I got in contact with Ahmed in his hiding place abroad. My discussion with him led me to the conclusion that a government which rejects honest patriotic advise soon becomes a victim of tricksters and conmen. That is the problem of Goodluck Jonathan. He is poorly served and I have said this elsewhere.

The President may be in the habit of acting on impulse without consulting his security chiefs. We saw this in his spontaneous pronouncement on October 1 2010 when he exonerated MEND over the bombing of that day even as MEND kept insisting that they did it. On what authority was he speaking? What was his reaction when a MEND leader who was caught in the dastardly act was convicted in South Africa? Why didn’t he appeal the judgment since he believed MEND was innocent?

The danger of a leader taking an ill informed position as he did on the MEND bombing is that his close advisers take a cue. They withdraw into their shells and instead of guiding their principal with facts and figures, they wait for him to state his position. After this, no matter how ill informed that position may be, they clap and adopt it as holy writ!

A leader who pigeon holes himself in that

“The popular belief, (I do not share it) is that Salkida is a Boko Haram man. Suspected and despised by his professional colleagues, he was also hunted and bullied by security agents” manner deserves pity. Soon, he becomes victim of all kinds of schemes. Salkida told me last week that the man from Australia is a schemer who ingratiated himself to the Presidency to become an authority on Boko Haram. He says the Boko Haram people detest men of Davie’s background – not only is he a Christian, he is a Priest and a whiteman. Boko Haram he argued is at war even with black Muslims who do not share their faith, talk less of a white Christian Priest. He must have made contact with some fake Boko Haram men who fed him with concocted stories, Ahmed said.

As usual, I am tempted to believe his side of the story. When some people posing as Boko Haram leaders declared a cease fire in February last year, Ahmed immediately called me to disregard the story. He said they were fake and impostors. The government however went ahead to celebrate them in the media as authentic leaders of the sect. Today nobody in government is talking about them and their ‘ceasefire’ anymore.

An angry Ahmed still holds strong views on Ali Modu Sheriff, the former Governor of Borno state and his role in the crisis but says the fund raising process in Boko Haram has no room for his contribution. He

MAMA LASISI

Sheriff reminded me of the order given by the former governor for his summary execution in Maiduguri while working there as a reporter for Daily Trust. He has told me that blood chilling story of his near execution at the Governors office in Maiduguri many times over: The gun was cocked, the bullet was to be released and Ahmed’s pant was already wet when an order came from the governor that that he did not want to see a corpse in the Government House. Divine intervention saved him from the order which was to be carried out elsewhere.

His venture with Boko Haram has caused him a basketful of problems. He took an unbelievable risk this year to get the Chibok girls released. His report to government on how to solve the problem was carelessly thrashed and while he thought he was acting anonymously and in good faith, somebody in government released his name to the media. Again afraid for his life, he fled.

Last week he cried out to me; “When will Nigeria take me seriously and listen to me? Why are our elites playing politics with human lives? Any serious person will listen to Salkida and not Davies. Will I protect SAS (Ali Modu Sheriff) who wanted to kill me?”

It is like the Biblical voice, crying out in the wilderness. The fact is that everything works out against Ahmed Salkida and the road to resolving the Boko Haram mess.

Ahmed is young, black, poor and diminutive in stature. You can easily underrate him and when you do so, you do it to your disadvantage.

On Boko Haram, the Nigerian government will prefer an engagement with Ali Modu Sheriff, a wealthy man who flies around in a sleek private jet which lands at the Maiduguri Airport. The Airport opens for him even when it is closed to everybody including the sitting governor and pilgrims. Not only is he a former governor, he is filthy rich and his money is said to be like a sea that never dries.

The Nigerian government will also prefer to deal with a white man, a PHD, a Reverend gentleman in this case. All the odds are staked against Ahmed Salkida.

And exactly because our leaders are so blinded by appearances, the Boko Haram thing has been allowed to blossom into what it is today.

Again exactly because we are blinded by appearances, here is the man who was originally employed by our President to negotiate the release of our abducted girls.

He has suddenly become a whistle blower who has spilled the beans on the President and his friends – Sheriff, Ifijerika, Obasanjo, Aziza - all. Certainly something went wrong somewhere.

The damage done to our President, to our political system, to our security agencies is grave. Even the best of the government’s spin doctors have been sedated.

As I write this piece on Friday afternoon September 5, none of them has responded.

In the circumstances, it would have been nice to say to the government – you asked for it. But this crisis will not only destroy this government; it will destroy all of us.

In the build up to the civil war, I was a village lad with little knowledge of what was going on. Suddenly soldiers just appeared in our village with guns looking for Ibos to kill. Not knowing what the hell was going on we tried our best to protect the Ibos. We saved many but the country still fought a bitter war.

Today I see a more dangerous scenario. I know the issues at stake and my son who is in the army was shot by Boko Haram at Sambissa forest. He managed to survive.

Still everywhere I turn, I see big trouble looming and a government that is helpless.

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By Aliu Eroje