Binder222 sunday, july 26, 2015 vol 2 no 522

weekend tragedy

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Eight die, 101 injured as chlorine plant explodes in Jos

Big Brother Africa

Shock as Multichoice cancels 2015 edition

SUNDAY Sunday, JULY 26, 2015 Vol. 2 No. 522

Monalisa Chinda I’ve found love again }49

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Sanctity of Truth

/newtelegraph

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

NASS LEADERSHIP CRISIS

Dogara bows to buhari }4

lAppoints loyalists as principal officers lTinubu blasts Waku over Saraki’s wife

WEDLOCK OF THE GHOST

‘Remarry your dead wife or lose your children’ }6

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SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Contents | 26.07.15 BODY & SOUL

Buhari’s US visit President Muhammadu Buhari’s historic three-day visit to the United States will impact on the bilateral economic and military relations between both countries

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BUSINESS

Untapped goldmine Untapped huge potentials of the maritime industry can replace oil and gas as main source of revenue for the country

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FAITH

Good riddance Church celebrates death of bad governance with bottles of wine

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SPORT

‘I’ll vacate soon’ President-General of the Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, says the club is not his father’s property

}59

LIFE

Editorial

Crown of variety Wife, mother, caterer, philanthropist and Chairman, Inner Wheel Club District 911, Mrs. Olayinka Ayanwale, proves you can be anyone, and make a difference

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POLITICS

SUNDAY

From drug to God

Lead guitarist, Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80 Afrobeat band, Pastor Keji Hamilton, recounts the weird life in Kalakuta Republic

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The incessant Arepo pipeline explosions

y now, the residents of Arepo in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State must have lost count of the number of times the pipeline, which runs through the community, has been vandalised by oil thieves resulting in explosions.

However, Wednesday’s explosion appeared to be the worst at least in recent time. Although the official figure of those killed in the explosion was put at five with many more injured, eyewitnesses’ accounts have it that at least 100 people died in the avoidable incident.

The explosion occurred as vandals were siphoning petrol from a ruptured pipeline believed to have been vandalised by oil thieves who usually invade the area in speedboats loaded with jerry cans.

Since then, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has shut the major pipeline which supplies imported products from the Atlas Cove in Lagos to Mosinmi in Ogun State.

The daring vandals who we believe have formed a strong cartel in the area are usually armed with sophisticated weapons whenever they go on their economic sabotage missions thus making it impossible for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to confront them. The NSCDC is the agency saddled with the responsibility of manning the nation’s pipelines.

Also on Thursday, some people suspected to be oil thieves kidnapped two photojournalists who were on legitimate duty in the area where the explosion occurred. Although the photojournalists have been released, their kidnap speaks volume of the level of insecurity in the area.

On April 29, we recalled that a 26-year-old pregnant law graduate of the Ekiti State University was killed by a stray bullet during crossfire between oil thieves and members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) employed by the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan to keep surveillance in the area.

Immediately President Muhammadu Buhari came on board, he revoked the pipeline contracts given to the OPC and other militia groups.

Since then, at least from the Arepo’s experience, it appears there is no viable security arrangement for those pipelines.

Our findings show that the private security guards employed by the community now man Arepo pipeline in addition to their primary duty of ensuring security of lives and property of their employers. The residents of the area now live in palpable fear. Besides, they are worried about the psychological trauma the incessant exchange of gunfire between the vandals and security agents is causing them and their families. We learnt that some of them had relocated from the area due to the problem.

While we acknowledged that giving pipeline contracts to militia groups cannot be right in a country that has its own armed forces, we make bold to say that leaving the Arepo pipeline unmanned by government security agents is equally wrong.

Apart from Arepo, we learnt that in Ishawo, a community in Ikorodu area of Lagos, similar act of sabotage is ongoing on a daily basis. There are also claims that some security agents either covertly or overtly take part in this act of sabotage. It is well established that Nigeria loses millions of naira to oil theft on a daily basis and this portends danger for a country that runs a monolithic economy that depends on oil.

Allowing the NSCDC, an agency not trained in the act of marine, to man pipeline on waterways like that of Arepo is like putting a square peg in a round hole. We suggest strongly that if they must man pipelines at all, they should be limited to those in the hinterland.

Besides, the Marine Police should be overhauled to enable them to police our waterways and keep eyes on the pipelines. Having a joint patrol of the Nigerian Navy/Marine Police in this task of ridding our waterways of criminal elements should also be considered by the government.

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

Funke Egbemode

Editor n Yemi Ajayi

Editor, Saturday n Laurence Ani Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu

Deputy Editor, Sunday n Juliet Bumah

Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins

Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Ag. Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi

Asst. Editor, News & Politics n Biyi Adegoroye

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed

Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun

Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 26 JULY, 2015

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Sunday Telegraph, SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

News

Dogara bows to Buhari over offices Philip Nyam

S Abuja

peaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has capitulated to President Muhammadu Buhari by appointing some of his loyalists as principal officers of the Green Chamber.

Dogara had insisted on having his way in using zoning in the appointment of principal officers of the House. However, his opponents led by Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila had said he must respect the party’s position

on the matter.

Acting under the aegis of The APC Loyalists, Gbajabiamila had met with Buhari twice. Buhari had also reportedly reached out to Dogara to ensure a balance in the sharing of the offices.

The opposing groups: the Consolidation Group led by Dogara and the APC Loyalists Group in a reconciliatory agreement tagged ‘Equity Team’ announced their decision to adopt the zoning formula proposed by the speaker.

At a joint press conference in Abuja yesterday, the

Gbajabiamila Group represented by Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Hon. Pally Iriase and Hon. Mohammed Monguno, while the Consolidation Group represented by Hon. Abdulmumin Jirin announced that the crisis had been resolved in the interest of peace and national unity.

Speaking on behalf of the APC Loyalists, Iriase said, “We looked at it and used it to assess the Speaker’s proposal that Doguwa (NorthWest) be made House Leader, Pally Iriase (South-South), the Chief Whip, Buba Jubrin (North-Central) be made

Deputy Leader and Chike Okafor (South-East) be made Deputy Whip.

“We reflected on it and made consultations and I hereby let you know that majority of the APC caucus in the House have accepted this position. This position was accepted because because it reflects inclusiveness, equity, fairness and justice. This position was accepted because Nigerians’ patience has been overtasked and our sense of responsibility will be called to question if this crisis lingers further. In doing this, we are very indebted and

Chairman, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Olatunde Ayeni and his wife, Biola, cutting a graduation cake with their daughter Abolaji recently

Rivers tribunal: Lawyers tackle DSS Tunde Oyesina

P Abuja

ublic Interest Lawyers League yesterday accused the Department of State Service of harassing litigants and other parties involved in the Rivers State governorship election petition tribunal.

This allegation was contained in a statement signed by the President and Executive Director of the group, Abdul Mahmud and Matthew Zibril respectively.

The lawyers noted that this month witnessed what they described “a rash of Gestapo measures” that were unmistakably aimed at not only interfering with the proceedings of the tribunal, but ultimately defeating the ends of justice.

“We have it on good authority that the Department of State Service has invited from Port Harcourt to Abuja key officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, which is a respondent to the election petition. The invited INEC officials include the state Resident Electoral Commis-

sioner, Dame Gesila Khan; Director of Operations, Administrative Secretary, and Legal Adviser. Some of the officials have been detained beyond the constitutional limits, with no charges preferred against them,” they said.

The group further noted that the Buhari administration was taking recourse to incipient dictatorship reminiscent of draconian military regimes.

“Discerning Nigerians are not fooled by the way and manner the Department of State Service (also known as State Security Service) is striking fear into all persons. This the DSS has done by placing under house arrest the immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), whose international passport was also seized.

There is also the case of Mr. Gordon Obuah, erstwhile Chief Security Officer to immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan,” it noted.

The lawyers also stated “that some governorship election petitions have been struck out, without the respective tribunals going into full trial, having dis-

pensed with pre-trial issues.

This was the case with the petitions filed by the governorship candidates of the People’s Democratic Party in Lagos and Imo. Yet, in the particular case of Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, the tribunals have opted to go into the merits of the petitions, the fate of the pre-trial matters notwithstanding. It should be noted that in these cases of the tribunals going full blast into trial, the respondents are PDP candidates, who were returned as winners of the

elections in Rivers and Akwa Ibom.”

Efforts to get the comments of the DSS was not fruitful as there has not been any identifiable spokesperson for the organisation since the removal of Marilyn Ogar as Deputy Director, Public Relations Similarly, calls put across to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, did not go through. He did not also respond to text messages sent to his mobile phones.

salute the maturity and sense of responsibility, fairness and justice of the speaker, who ceded the major substantive positions to our group, the Loyalists.

“We urge all those who might have wished that this crisis ought to be resolved in a different way to think Nigeria first and embrace peace for the sake of having a respectable and enduring institution of legislature in Nigeria. The three of us, known to be key members and leading lights of the Loyalists group, have stepped forward on behalf of our members to accept the position as indicated in the Speaker’s proposal.

“We remain very committed members of that group, we feel this is a fair arrangement to resolve the crisis.”

In his presentation, a representative of the Dogara camp, Abdulmumin Jibrin, said that “we have commenced the collection of signatures which has reached advanced stage to affirm the Dogara formula. All other interests, including those excluded from the principal officers specifically Hon. Gbajabiamila and Hon. Monguno will be duly accommodated with commensurate responsibility to serve.

Since the speaker has about 200 positions to share out, many members will have the opportunity to serve the country.

“We hereby express our deep appreciation to Mr. President for his fatherly disposition during this disagreement. We also commend our party for its patience and understanding and re-affirm our continued support for the realisation of its objectives.

“We thank Speaker Dogara for his maturity and gentle disposition towards ensuring that the disagreement is amicably resolved.”

Confirming the reconciliation, Monguno who lost out in the race for deputy speaker against Dogara’s deputy, Yusuf Lasun, said, “Ordinarily, I should be the last person to be part of this meeting because both Iriase and Doguwa have maintained their positions under our platform but I am losing

out. I decided to accept the Dogara proposal and consequently lose out just because it is in the interest of Nigeria and peace and unity in the House.”

However, a faction of the APC Loyalists Group led by Hon. Nasiru Zangon Daura has dissociated itself from the purported peace moves.

Reacting to the development, Zangon- Daura in a statement said, “The APC Loyalists Group hereby denies and unequivocally rejects any purported endorsement of a so -called formula on the APC leadership in the House of Representatives. Any member of our group who claims to be part of this arrangement acts on his own and not on behalf of the group.”

In a separate development, APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday slammed a former senator from Benue State and APC chieftain, Joseph Waku, for accusing him of being behind the mastermind of the petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes against Mrs. Toyin Saraki, wife of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

Tinubu in a statement by his media adviser, Sunday Dare. said, “No one should pay former Senator Waku any attention. What he has said is fit for the trash. No one should dignify Waku’s tales by moonlight with any attention or ever take him serious. For any serious individual with a reputation to protect, Waku is a very poor hire. Waku is an individual with no shred of reputation and a political pariah In his home state.

“Tinubu does not run or dictate to the EFCC. And like countless others Tinubu has also been investigated by the EFCC severely in the past. Tinubu has no hand in the travails of any one because he is right now very busy working with others of like minds on how the APC political agenda can set sail as quickly as possible. “ EFCC has invited Saraki’s wife to appear tomorrow in connection with alleged deals while her husband was the governor of Kwara State.

Eight die as chlorine plant explodes in Jos Musa Pam

A Jos

t least eight persons have been confirmed dead as a result of a chemical explosion at the Plateau Water Board treatment plant in Jos, the Plateau State capital yesterday morning.

No fewer than 101 others are currently receiving treatment from poisonous inhalation.

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, who con-

firmed the incident to journalists in a statement signed by his Director of Press Affairs, Nanle Emanuel, said, “There was an excess chlorine inhalation from an exploded chlorine cylinder by residents around the Lamingo Water Board Treatment Plant as a result of which 101 people are receiving treatment at OLA Hospital, Evangel Hospital (Jankwano), Plateau Specialist Hospital and Airforce Hospital, some of which

have been discharged.”

Lalong said the contamination had been contained and would not affect the water supplied to the public.

“Government wishes to commiserate with the families of the victims of this industrial hazard and has taken immediate measures to address the issues of expired components of the treatment plant and to guard against future reoccurrence of this unfortunate

incidence,” he added.

The state government has also offered to foot the medical bills of the victims.

However, the spokesman for the state police command, DSP Emmanuel Abu, confirmed that the incident was as a result of chlorine explosion from a treatment plant at water board.

At the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, little children were seen with bloated stomachs while other adults were seen gasping for air.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

Reps kick against EFCC’s invitation of Saraki’s wife

A

head of the expected appearance of the Wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday 28, members of the House of Representatives have kicked against the invitation by the anti-graft body.

The group in a statement in Abuja signed by Hon. Umar Buba Jibril, representing Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency and Hon. Muhammad Kabiru Ajanah, representing Okehi/Adavi Federal Constituency, on behalf of 25 other lawmakers in the Green Chamber, described the sudden invitation of Mrs. Saraki by the anti-graft agency as highly suspicious.

The group said while it will continue to encourage the EFCC to carry out its legal mandate, it was optimistic that the highly professional anti-graft

body, “will not lend itself as a tool to propagate the political agenda of any person or group.”

It added that it holds strongly that the days of using the EFCC to harass and intimidate political opponents are gone for good, and warned that “We must never return to that dark and dangerous side in our polity.”

The group said it was concerned that the leadership of the National Assembly is being targeted for unnecessary harassment using state institutions. The statement titled: “Curious EFCC invitation of Barr. Toyin Saraki” reads: “We, the concerned Members of the House of Representatives have followed the recent trend of political intrigues since the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki as the Senate President.

“We are acutely aware that certain power blocks are determined to use any

means to mount pressure on the Senate President. It is in light of this that we view the recent sudden invitation of the wife of the Senate President, Barrister Toyin Saraki, by the EFCC with a high degree of suspicion.

“We observe that Senator Bukola Saraki was in office as Governor of Kwara State for eight years from 2003 2011. He left that office over four years ago. In this period of 12 years, not once has any mention been made of his wife as being involved in anything untoward. It is therefore very curious timing that this “invitation” by EFCC is suddenly raised.

“We will continue to encourage the EFCC to carry out its legal duties. Indeed we commend the recent improvement in the Commission’s performance.

However, we hope and trust that the EFCC, being a highly professional organization, will not lend itself

as a tool to propagate the political agenda of any person or group.

“We believe that the era of using EFCC to harass political office holders ended with the last Administration. We must never return to that dark and dangerous side in our polity. The nation wants a genuine war against corruption. At a time when the President has identified places like the NNPC as a significant source of corruption, to ignore that and try and rake up mud against the wife of a public officer would be most unfortunate.

“We are concerned as members of the Legislature that the leadership of the National Assembly is not subjected to unnecessary harassment using state apparatus as an unwitting tool. We will continue to closely monitor this situation. The Nigerian public is also watching,” the group stated.

News

Ambode reaffirms trade relations with western envoys agos State Governor, Mr. in. That is the only way we

L

Akinwunmi Ambode, at the weekend, received envoys from the United States of America, Britain and Australia on courtesy visits, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthen trade relations with their countries.

The Governor, who received the trio separately in his office in Alausa, Ikeja, said that paramount on his administration’s agenda is to strengthen existing trade relations with countries willing to do business in the state as well as attract new investors, Ambode, according to a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna told his guests that it is in view of this vision that an Office of the Overseas Affairs and Investment has been established, whose primary assignment will be to relate with foreign investors and attract new businesses into the state.

“I want you to also recognise the fact that we are building a safer Lagos, we want to do everything as much as possible to make Lagos a more comfortable place for everyone to live

can attract investments into Lagos,” he said.

He further said, “I believe strongly that in strengthening that relationship, I decided that we would set up a new office here, the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investments, that will directly deal with our investors and business interests that we have.

“I also believe that in doing that, we cannot do it alone, so we expect that we would be seeking some kind of expertise from those who are knowledgeable in such areas,” Ambode said.

The governor also said that his administration is poised to strengthen economic ties with their countries, urging them to feel free to offer any useful suggestions that would make investors willing to set up their investment in the state.

He listed energy, power and energy as well as oil and gas sectors as possible strong areas where such bi-lateral relations could be strengthened, assuring that the state is safe, conducive and investor-friendly to accommodate more investors in the state.

Buhari: No Nigerian child will have polio again resident Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, declared that his Administration will do everything within its powers to ensure that no Nigerian child is ever infected with polio again.

The President stated this at a brief event in the Presidential Villa to mark Nigeria’s successful completion of one year without any reported case of the wild polio virus.

President Buhari pledged that the Federal Government will mobilise and deploy all necessary resources to efficiently complete the

task of eradicating polio from the country.

“Today, July 25, 2015, Nigeria has successfully completed one year without any case reported of the wild polio virus. Achieving this feat has placed us firmly on the path to eradicating this paralysing disease from our land.

He said “I seize this opportunity to call on governors, our traditional and religious leaders, the private sector and our mothers and fathers to redouble their efforts to ensure that every child and every new born baby is vaccinated with the polio vaccine and other life saving routine vaccines,” President Buhari said.

Mr. Mohammad Shu clinched the position of the financial secretary of the union after he secured 454 votes to defeat his contender Mr. Ajayi Olugbenga. The post of the National Treasurer went to Mrs. Monica Okechukwu who got 310 votes to defeat two other contestants, namely, Mr. Garba Iliya and Mr. Ambrose Nwachukwu.

The positions of Deputy National President, National Internal Auditor and the Vice-President, North Central were filled unopposed. Mr. Chris Isiguzo was declared winner of the South-East Vice-President

after he defeated Mr. Goddy Okafor, while Aisha Ibrahim clinched the position of Vice-President North-East.

Other officials elected were Opaka Dokubo, Zonal Secretary South-South, Mr. Kenneth Ofoma Zonal Secretary, South-East while Suleiman Ibrahim emerged Secretary, North-East.

Similarly, Mr. Hakeem Olatidoye emerged Secretary, North-Central and Mr. Lawal Afolabi won the post of the Secretary, South-West Zone. Delegates to the conference were drawn from NUJ Councils from the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT.

Anule Emmanuel Abuja

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L-R: Head, Training & Development of Franchise Countries, Sixt International, Mr. Karsten Jaensch; Chairman\CEO, Coscharis Group, Cosmas Maduka; International Junior Franchise Manager, Sixt International, Sebastian Szautner and GM/CEO Coscharis Mobility Ltd, Christian Chigbundu during an event to mark the 2nd anniversary of Sixt Nigeria in Lagos at the weekend

Tinubu, Aregbesola, Obasa congratulate Odusile

A

ll Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola and Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa have congratulated Mr. Waheed Odusile on his election as the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists.

Tinubu in a statement said Odusile’s emergence as the new NUJ President is a validation of his professional stewardship. “It is also an opportunity for you to elevate the standard of journalism and promote ethical conduct. It is tough

assignment,” he added.

Aregbesola, in his message to the new NUJ President, tasked him to strive to set new standards that are capable of giving journalists greater dignity in the discharge of their assignments and commended the NUJ for the peaceful and democratic way its new leaders emerged.

In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola urged Odusile to ensure the promotion of the sanctity of fairness and truth in journalism as a major agenda of his tenure.

The statement said, “Odusile no doubt, has huge task before him. And this is to ensure that he struggles to ensure that journalists discharge their duties with all the fairness, truth and sense of responsibility required in a just society.”

Obasa, who also felicitated with Odusile on his election yesterday, praised NUJ for a peaceful election during its Fifth Triennial National Delegates’ Conference of the union.

In the messaged signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Musbau Rasak, the Speaker said he was pleased with the conduct of a democratic election by the union.

Odusile, a managing editor of the Nation Newspapers was declared winner of the keenly contested election by the returning officer and Director, African Affairs, International Federation of Journalists, Mr. Gabriel Baglow.

He polled 354 votes at the National Delegates Conference in Abuja, to defeat his closest opponent Mr. Rotimi Obamuwagun who got 333 votes. Other contestants for the position of the President included Mr. Dele Atunibi, who got 51 votes, USA Uzaka who received 46 votes and Alhaji Mustafa Lamidi who got 12 votes.

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SUNDAY

The Sunday Magazine SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

Wedlock of the ghost Uchenna Inya

M ABAKALIKI

an and woman, during their wedding in the presence of the clergy, family and friends, vow to love each other ‘till death do us part’. The death of either of the partner is, thus, a natural divorce as it signifies the end of such a union. However, it seems that some traditions allow a marriage of the living and the dead. Such tradition, in Ebonyi State, has reunited a man with a dead wife whom he divorced years ago, when the woman was still alive.

In what sounds unbelievable but real, a man, Onyema Orji of Nwakpu village, Igbeagu community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was recently forced to remarry a dead woman he had divorced while she was alive. This traditional exchange of marital vows with a dead woman was to enable him to claim their children. Orji officially married Blessing, his dead wife, during the burial ceremony.

Orji had married Blessing and the marriage produced children, including twins.

They had both been happy together, sources said, until Orji divorced Blessing on the grounds that her mother was interfering in their marriage. Blessing’s mother reportedly forced her to marry another man, which she did. She took the children she delivered for Orji to the second husband’s home in anger. She took this step to register her grievance at her sudden sacking by her former husband.

Blessing did not give birth to any child in her second marriage and died after a brief illness. After her death, Orji, the first husband, visited Blessing’s family and informed them of his intention to reclaim his children. His meeting with the deceased’s family reportedly ended in a deadlock as Blessing’s family did not allow him to go with his children. They insisted that he did not perform a vital part of the marriage rites on their daughter when he married her. This rite, they said, would empower him to claim his children.

Orji had vowed that no man would claim his children while he is alive and continued making preparations to take his children home.

When he learnt of Blessing’s burial plan, he attended the ceremony. He came with some items for the burial and planned to take the children home after the ceremony.

He got a shocker: Blessing’s relatives told him that he could participate in the burial.

They, however, reiterated that he could not claim the children Blessing had for him as he did not conclude the traditional marriage rites on their daughter that would grant him possession of the children.

Wait for this: Orji was told he had to wed their dead daughter if he wanted to take his children home! He was given a list of items he would provide for the marriage rite. He agreed and got them immediately.

They performed the traditional marriage rites and rewedded Orji and the deceased who was lying motionless inside a casket, awaiting burial. He was subsequently allowed to take the children home.

A member of the community, Oroke Michael, told Sunday Telegraph that Blessing’s family took that decision to protect their dignity and retaliate what Orji did to their daughter by sending her packing.

His said, “The deceased’s family knew

How man was forced to re-marry dead ex-wife

Don’t forget that there was a quarrel and grudge that led to their separation; it would become a legal ground for demons that would use the face of the late wife to torment the man’s life,” he declared

why they compelled Onyema Orji to perform marriage rites on Blessing, which ordinarily would have happened when she was alive. It could be to teach him a lesson of his life or to protect the dignity of their family.

“Don’t forget that he had divorced Blessing, claiming that she was advised by her mother to be maltreating him. So, the family may have been waiting for him to pay him back dearly for sacking their daughter. They knew Onyema would definitely come for the children and waited for that moment. To bear children these days is very difficult and no reasonable human being will bear a child, let alone some children, and abandon the child or children.

That could have made Orji to come for his children on hearing that their mother had died.

“But I must advise that parents should stop interfering in their sons and daughters’ marriages, especially if their marriages are peaceful. It can cause crisis in the marriage which may eventually result to divorce of this nature. Parents should rather serve as mediators, rather than

spoilers in their children’s marriages. If the late Blessing’s mother actually interfered in her marriage, it is condemnable.

However, that shouldn’t have made the man to divorce his wife.

“Husbands, on the other hand, should learn to endure things and that is why they are called ‘Di’ in Igbo land, meaning patience. They should know how to manage any problem in their marriage so as not to make mistakes. I can call this particular one a mistake. What if Orji had lost the children to Blessing’s second husband who might have fulfilled all necessary marriage rites on her to be qualified to claim those children because that is the culture in many Igbo towns?”

To Ekene Nwancho, Onyema Orji was even treated fairly by Blessing’s relatives.

He asked rhetorically, “How can you fail to settle all marriage rites on your wife and divorce her on an unfounded fact that the mother was interfering in your marriage?

Who knows whether he even did common introduction to inform the deceased’s family that he wanted to marry their daughter?

“I think this is a common practice in many parts of this country. You will just meet a girl on the road and it becomes a marriage without at least going to see the parents to inform them of your intention to marry their daughter. What if the girl dies during pregnancy as witnessed in some of these risks people take because it is a risk as far as I’m concerned? Will you tell the parents what happened to their children?

“Today, it is common to see people calling themselves husbands and wives when their parents are not aware of their marriage - no wine carrying, at least, to inform parents and relatives of a girl that you want to marry the girl. All you will see is sudden

pregnancy and that becomes a marriage. At times, when the man decides to visit the parents of the so-called wife as regards the marriage rites, it will just be for formality sake and that is why marriage is no longer honourable these days. It was not like this before.

“Even some parents always waive marriage rites on their daughter(s) for the man because their child is already pregnant for the man or has given birth to a child. That is why their daughter is not usually treated with respect in the house of the man. After all, no bride price was paid on the girl nor wine taken to the parents to inform them of the interest in their daughter. That is why the girl or woman can be divorced by the man, like what we witnessed in our area, because the vital part of the girl or lady has been taken by the man and the relationship is now seen as a taboo.”

A stakeholder in the area, who did not want his name in print, said the family of the late Blessing had been waiting for Orji.

They had not forgiven him for sending back their daughter to them on the flimsy excuse that the mother was interfering in their marriage.

He said, “In my own understanding, the deceased’s family members were not happy that Orji divorced their daughter, especially when he did not perform the vital aspect of marriage rites on Blessing.

They decided to keep calm and waited for when he would come for the children.

They believed he would definitely come for those children as no man would like to forfeit his blood relations to another man.

So, they actually knew he would come for the children and therefore waited patiently.

“So, when that opportunity presented itself, they pinned him down by mandat-

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Sunday Telegraph, SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

The Sunday Magazine ing him to properly marry Blessing before claiming the children. Whether he spent double, more than he was supposed to have spent if he had married the deceased legally while alive, no one could tell. In such a situation, one could be forced to pay for so many things he ought not to paid for, in order to be free from the precarious situation he was forced into.

“I think it is all about understanding.

Some reasonable parents these days don’t bother much about the marriage rites on their daughters, especially when it requires much expenses. This is more so when they know that the man will properly take care of their daughter. All such parents do is take few things from the man as regards the marriage rites and bless the man and

their daughter for a fruitful marriage. But it is regrettable that some men always abuse this privilege. I wouldn’t know if that was what played out in the case of Orji and Blessing.

“Some men who are lucky to get such

in-laws don’t value their wives and the in-laws because they got their daughters almost for free. That is what we see today, which has become a societal problem.

Some parents don’t even question their daughters when they see them with men in their houses as boyfriends or whatever they call themselves; provided their daughter is getting money from the man.

This usually occurs in a family that has a high poverty level.

“Before you know it, the girl is already pregnant and that is how marriage is consummated; no official introduction that you want to marry their daughter, no other marriage rites and they will allow you to be the husband of their daughter so far as the girl is getting something from

you to cater for their needs. The man and the girl’s parents will be enjoying a good relationship without anybody knowing it.

You can only discover this when there is a problem; may be the girl was sent packing by the man like this one.’’

Remarrying a dead spouse is scary and must have spiritual implications for the living. Secretary General of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Musah Asake, described the practice as unChristian and something that should not be mentioned among Christians.

“It should be left to traditionalists. The man should put his feet down and declare his stand as a Christian rather than go back to such a traditional practice or culture,” he said.

husband, many widows are treated as financial burdens by their families,” he said.

The first female Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Williams, spoke on the importance of education. She urged widows to shun the life of dependency and ensure that they give their children education.

“Education is the only tool that can lift you out of poverty. If only you are prepared to work hard, but if you don’t have education, you remain stagnant.

“No matter the circumstances in which you find yourselves in raising money for the upkeep of your children, you should try to educate your children,” she said.

She implored the widows to do everything possible to raise money for their children to go to school. Even if it means lifting wares for traders, they should endeavour to do it.

She said, “Do not depend on your husband’s family to feed your children. If it means to engaged in odd jobs to survive, do it. Do not sit idle because your husband is not alive or complain that there is no food, hard work is what you need to survive.”

Mrs. Dabiri Erewa, who represents Ikorodu Constituency said that she sponsored the bills at the Assembly on violence against widow, adding that they have to put an end to the maltreatment of widows across the country.

Erewa said, “I am glad that for the first time in the history of Nigeria, we have a law of violence against persons; a section of the law deals with violence against widows. If you maltreat a widow, you will go to jail for two years or you pay a

fine of N500,000.”

She advised the widows to report at the nearest police station whenever they were molested, adding that she did not know that there is a national day set aside to honour the widows.

She urged all Nigerians to recognise the day by tasking them to draw out policy that will favour widows in all the states in Nigeria .

The widows were not aware of the bills, the honourable informed the widows and promised to create awareness as regards to the bills.

She said, “The most important thing was to create awareness for other widows across the country that such law exists. So, if you are bereaved of your husband and everything was taken away, you can seek justice, so we are creating awareness.

“A lot of widows that are suffering were affected by gender poverty, they are poor they have nothing, their husbands died, it gets worse for them. So women need to be empowered. There must be policy to ensure that women are economically empowered.”

She promised to resuscitate peoples bank. “We used to have people’s bank where women can walk into to collect small loan to enable them to do business and make returns of the money, NGOs can get cooperatives and work together for a little money that can be available to them.

“So the system must be put in place.

We are making things possible for all the women who are very hardworking but are disadvantaged to have a means

of livelihood for their sustenance,” she said.

She urged women to come together to make life better for themselves and prayed for the life of the widows to get better in future. She urged the founder and president, Hope for Life Initiative, Ms. Aig. Imoru, to liaised with her for them to work together to assist the widows on skills acquisition.

Imoru said that the skills acquisition programmes they have for the widows are not enough because they do not have the financial wherewithal to finance some of the projects meant for widows .

She said, “We work when we have money to carry out the project. We have not been able to raise money, but if the opportunity comes, we will do that. It is very good to support them financially.

“We have widows who are under empowerment skills and those under the acquisition programme. We have been able to train some of them on ‘Tye and dye’ and we need money to be able to give them the resources to start the business.

“We are partnering with the Nigerian Bottling Company and we have been able to empower some of the widows with their products to begin with and are looking for other companies that will be giving the resources and the platforms to do the project.”

Few widows who spoke at the event, pleaded for financial support to boost their acquired skills, the upkeep of their children and also to train their children at all levels of education.

“Don’t forget that he had divorced Blessing, claiming that she was advised by her mother to be maltreating him. So, the family may have been waiting for him to pay him back dearly for sacking their daughter

Now, the widow can smile

Widows who gathered for the International Widows Day celebration at the Ikoyi, Lagos office of the United Nations, recently, went home wiser and happier -there’s actually a law that protects them Flora Onwudiwe

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or most widows, it’s a lonely life, especially those whose husbands died poor. In some cultures, widows are treated as if they committed a crime by outliving their husbands. All the worldly possessions of the dead man are taken from his widow, abandoning her and her children to a life of poverty.

It was, therefore, a joyous occasion for the over 100 widows from Ikorodu, Ketu and Eti Osa, communities in Lagos State who joined their counterparts in other parts of the world to celebrate International Widows Day at the Ikoyi, Lagos office of the United Nations.

There, they realised that some people do care for them, that there are laws that actually protect them from the physical, emotional and mental abuses being meted out to them by their husbands’ relatives. They got to know of the law which prescribes five hundred thousand Naira fine of jail term for anyone who maltreats a widow.

It was a kind of gathering that the widows had been looking forward to.

The presence of Prof. Grace Alele Williams (widow); Country Director, UN, Mr. Ronald Kayanja and Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa relieved them of the shadows of their husbands. These notable men and women vowed that widows of all ages will enjoy equal human rights.

A foundation, Hope for Life Initiative, a non profit organisation concerned with the women empowerment, capacity building and health initiative partnered with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lagos to celebrate the International Widows Day. Kayanja, who represented the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon urged all to end the discriminatory attitudes towards widows.

He said, “On International Widows Day, let us resolve to end discriminatory attitudes and take action to ensure that widows of all ages enjoy equal human rights including the right to shape their own future and to participate fully in the society.”

Ban Ki Moon also urged other partners to joined him.

“In the societies that view women as whole only when they are married, widows are often disregarded. Without the economic and social protection of their

L-R: Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Guest Speaker;Mr Ronald Kayanja, Director, United Nations Information Centre, Lagos; Professor Grace Alele-Williams, former Vice Chancellor, University of Benin and Ms Kendi Aig-Imonu,Executive Director, Hope for Life Initiative during the Commemoration of 2015 International Widow’s day in Lagos.

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SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Financial experts laud Oteh’s appointment

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wo financial experts on Saturday lauded Ms Arunma Oteh’s appointment as Vice President/Treasurer of the World Bank.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria in separate interviews in Lagos that the appointment was in recognition of Oteh’s laudable achievements during her tenure at the Security and Exchange Commission.

Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella of the Department of Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, said the appointment was a good one and urged Oteh to do the country proud by ensuring excellence in her new endeavour. ``The World Bank must have assessed Oteh’s performance during her tenure at SEC because the World Bank does not employ people anyhow. Oteh is qualified for the job and must not disappoint Nigerians,’’ he said.

A founding member of

the Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association, Alhaji Gbadebo Olatokunmbo, said that the appointment showed that the international community recognised the qualities of Nigeria’s personnel.

Olatokunbo said that Oteh should not relent in her new job and must aspire to greater positions in the future.

“This appointment indicates that hard work pays.

So, l urge Nigerians to emulate Oteh and stand for the truth at all costs,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the immediate past Director-General of SEC in Nigeria was appointed Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank on Thursday.

Her appointment was announced in a press statement by Jim Yong Kim, the President of the World Bank.

Kim said that she was selected to the new position through an international competitive search and her appointment would take effect from Sept. 28.

Nigeria, a better country with Ndigbo - Gowon

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ormer Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has said that Nigerians are better off with the Igbos.

He stated this at the burial service of wife of former Sole Administrator of East Central State, Chief (Mrs.) Chinyere Asika, which held at the All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra State. Also, Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano described the late First Lady as a woman who exemplified the virtue of patience charity and humility.

General Gowon’s declaration was borne out of a deep appreciation of the commitment and sacrifice of Late Ajie Ukpabi Asika and his wife to the survival of Nigeria as one entity. The former Head of State recalled that when he proposed the post of the Sole Administrator of

East Central State, Asika told him, “I prefer to do this for the good of Igbo people.”

Gowon said, “I was struggling to get an administrator for the newly created East Central State when the name of the late Ukpabi Asika came up.

He was then a lecturer at Ibadan. When we met, I do not know which of us was younger. But he exuded strength of character and understanding and wanted to start work immediately, though I cautioned him to think about it. I told him, ‘You must consult your brothers and your wife who were there to know if you would accept’. I came away convinced that this was the man I needed.”

“I did not know how to place his wife, Chinyere.

But when she arrived from Kenya, she plunged head-

on into the idea. She was a courageous woman, caring and humble. I remember her efforts in ‘Otu Olu Obodo’- a public service initiative which she used as a tool of empowerment for her Igbo kinsmen and women.”

Governor Obiano advised the children and Asika family in general to emulate the virtues of patience, charity and humility from the late Chief, Mrs. Asika and urged the congregation and Ndi Anambra to remember “her good deeds and pray for the repose of her soul.”

Earlier in his sermon, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese on the Niger, Right Rev. Owens Nwokolo, dwelt on the need for people to live a life of service. He lauded the life of service led by late Mrs. Asika and her noble contributions to humanity.

The Bishop described the quest for accumulation of wealth as a serious malaise in Nigeria. “Desire to get rich by all means leads man into temptation.

What does it take to satisfy a man? Just a little more,” stressing that money itself is not the problem, but the love of money.

“Money can’t buy happiness. We brought nothing, we go with nothing,” the Bishop said.

The service was attended by many prominent personalities including former Minister of Defence, Gen T.Y. Danjuma who represented the President.

Others are former governors of Anambra State -Chief Peter Obi, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife; Chief Achike Udenwa of Imo State, Senators and members of House of Representatives, amongst others.

Saraki decries deaths in Ogun fire incident Chukwu David Abuja

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enate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has decried what he called unnecessary loss of precious human lives as witnessed in the petroleum pipeline fire incident at Arepo, Ogun State.

He said he was shocked that over 100 Nigerians were roasted beyond recognition due to the activities of oil pipeline vandals. People alleged to be scooping fuel from a burst Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation pipeline were trapped without needed emergency response to rescue them.

In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sanni Onogu Saraki, he lamented a situation where

corpses of victims could not be immediately evacuated by relevant security agencies as a result of the inaccessible terrain.

“The incident saddens me because I realise that these are Nigerians who have met their untimely deaths in such gruesome circumstances.

“I must say that the fire incident in that area was one too many at a time one would have thought that we have put issues of pipeline vandalism, blamed for the fire incident, behind us. It is also worrisome that security agencies and emergency rescue workers seemed helpless in immediately swinging into action to rescue the affected victims or curtailing the spread of the fire,” he said.

Multichoice cancels 2015 BBA

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hock yesterday greeted the cancellation of the 2015 edition of the Big Brother Africa show.

Regarded as one of the biggest shows on the continent, the show began airing on May 1, 2011 and has grossed huge earnings since then. A Ghanaian newspaper, Razz, quoted Manager of Multichoice Ghana, Anne Sackey, as saying that the 2015 edition would not hold because the organisers of the show, Africa Magic and Endemol, were unable to get sponsorship for this year’s edition.

Sackey explained that MNET did not give them any reasons as to why they

will not be airing the Big Brother this year, but she suggested it could be due to sponsorship constraints.

“They didn’t give us any reason though, but I think it’s mainly because of cash constraints as we all know the show is very expensive to put up,” she said.

Sackey said since the organisers don’t have a constant annual headline sponsor (s) for the show, it becomes difficult sometimes getting sponsors.

Efforts to obtain comments from Multichoice Nigeria failed as an official, who did not want to be named, said he was not aware of the development.

Terngu Gbaeren (R); his wife, Iember (M), and a relative with the triplets at Benue People’s House gate in Makurdi...on Friday. Photo: CEPHAS IORHEMEN

Father of triplets cries to Ortom for help

Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

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motorcyclist in Benue State whose wife was delivered of a set of triplets has cried out to Governor Samuel Ortom and his wife, Eunice, for help to enable him feed the children.

Terngu Gbaeren, whose 19-year-old wife, Iember, gave birth to the triplets -two boys and one girl - early last month, was seen with the babies at the gate of the Benue People’s House on Friday, making

frantic efforts to see either the governor or his wife.

However, security operatives at the gate ordered him to clear the way for the governor who was about to enter his office. Other security operatives directed him to the Protocol Unit to book an appointment before he and his wife could see the governor.

Speaking with Sunday Telegraph, Terngu aged 27, who hails from Vandeikya Local Government Area but is resident in the North Bank area of Makurdi, said that he is a com-

mercial motorcyclist and is not making enough money to cater for the three kids.

He explained that he married the young lady barely a year ago and was happy when she became pregnant after one month of their marriage.

He, however, said he was not expecting a triplets at a time like this.

“We didn’t even know she was pregnant with triplets because she was strong all through the period of the pregnancy and we did not go for any scanning. I was surprised

when she gave birth to three children,” he said.

Terngu, who thanked God that she passed through normal delivery, said he remits N12,000 monthly to the owner of the motorcycle.

“I am the bread winner of my family. I dropped out of school in SS1 when my mother took ill and eventually died. My father who is over 90 years old now has 13 wives. I have been taking care of my four siblings from my mother’s side and my wife is not working,” he said.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

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OPINION

The phones no longer ring Reuben Abati

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s spokesman to President Goodluck Jonathan, my phones rang endlessly and became more than personal navigators within the social space. They defined my entire life; dusk to dawn, all year-round. The phones buzzed non-stop, my email was permanently active; my twitter account received tons of messages per second. The worst moments were those days when there was a Boko Haram attack virtually every Sunday.

The intrusion into my private life was total as my wife complained about her sleep being disrupted by phones that never seemed to stop ringing. Besides, whenever I was not checking or responding to the phones, I was busy online trying to find out if the APC had said something contrarian or some other fellow was up to any mischief. A media manager in the 21st century is a slave of the Breaking News, a slave particularly of the 24-hour news cycle, and a potential nervous breakdown case. Debo Adesina, my colleague at The Guardian once said I was running a “one week, one trouble schedule”. There were actually moments when trouble knocked on the door every hour, and duty required my team and I to respond to as many issues that came up.

Top of the task list was the management of phone calls related to the principal. In my first week on the job, for example, one of my phones ran out of battery and I had taken the liberty to charge it. While it was still in the off mode, the “Control Room”: the all-powerful communications centre at the State House tried to reach me.

They had only just that phone number, so I couldn’t be reached. When eventually they did, the fellow at the other end was livid.

“SA Media, where are you? We have been trying to reach you. Mr President wants to speak with you” “Sorry, I was charging my phone. The phone was off.”

“Sir, you can’t switch off your phone now. Mr President must be able to reach you at any time. You must always be available.” I was like: “really? Which kin job be dis?”

The Control Room eventually collected all my phone numbers. If I did not pick up a call on time, they called my wife.

Sometimes the calls came directly from the Residence, as we referred to the President’s official quarters.

“Abati, Oga dey call you!”

If I still could not be reached, every phone that was ever connected to me would ring non-stop. Busy bodies who had just picked up the information that Abati was needed also often took it upon themselves to track me down. My wife soon got used to her being asked to produce me, or a car showing up to take me straight to the Residence. I eventually got used to it, and learnt to remain on duty round-the-clock. In due course, President Jonathan himself would call directly. My wife used to joke that each time there was a call from him, even if I was sleeping, I would spring to my feet and without listening to what he had to say, I would start with a barrage of “Yes sirs”! Other calls that could not be joked with were calls from my own office. Something could come up that would require coverage, or there could be a breaking story, or it could be something as harmless as office gossip, except that in the corridors of power, nothing is ever harmless. Looking back now, I still can’t figure out how I survived that onslaught of the terror of the telephone.

Of equal significance were the calls from journalists who wanted clarifications on issues of the moment, or the President’s opinion on every issue. I don’t need to remind anyone who lived in Nigeria during the period, that we had a particularly interesting time. The Jonathan government had to deal from the very first day with a desperate and hyper-negative opposition, which gained help from a crowd of naysayers who bought into their narrative.

I was required to respond to issues. Bad news sells newspapers and attracts listeners/viewers. Everything had to be managed. You knew something had happened as the phones rang, and the text messages, emails, twitter comments poured in. The media could not be ignored. Interfacing with every kind of journalist was my main task. I learnt many lessons, a subject for another day. And the busy bodies didn’t make things easy.

If in 1980, the media manager had to deal with print and broadcast journalists, today, the big task is the dilemma of the over-democratization of media practice in the age of information. The question used to be asked in Nigerian media circles: who is a journalist? Attempts were subsequently made to produce a register of professionals but that is now clearly an illusion. The media of the 21st Century is the strongest evidence we have for the triumph of democracy. Everybody is a

journalist now, once you can purchase a phone or a laptop, or an ipad and you can take pictures, set up a blog, or go on instagram, linked-in, viber etc.

All kinds of persons have earned great reputation as editors and opinion influencers on social media where you don’t have to make sense to attract followers. The new stars and celebrities are not necessarily the most educated or knowledgeable, but those who with 140 words or less, or with a picture or a borrowed quote, can produce fast-food type public intellectualism, or can excite with a little display of the exotic -Kadarshian, Nicki Minaj style. But I was obligated to attend to all calls. The ones who didn’t receive an answer complained about Abati not picking their calls.

My defence was that most editors in Nigeria have correspondents in the State House. Every correspondent had access to me. There was no way I could be accused of not picking calls, and in any case, there were other channels: instagram, twitter direct message, email, and media assistants who could interface with me. But this was the main challenge: while in public office, people treat you as if you are at their mercy, they threaten to sabotage you and get you sacked, every phone call was a request with a price attached, you get clobbered; you are treated like you had committed a crime to serve your nation.

Relatives and privileged kinsmen struggled with you to do the job - media management is that one assignment in which everyone is an expert even if their only claim to relevance is that they once had an uncle who was a newspaper vendor!

The thinking that anyone who opts to serve is there to make money in that famous arena for primitive accumulation partly accounts for this. And that takes me to those phone calls from persons who solicited for financial help as if there was a tree at the Villa that produced money.

Such people would never believe that government officials don’t necessarily have access to money. They wanted to be assisted: to pay school fees, to settle medical bills, to build a house, purchase a car, complete an uncompleted building, or link them up with the President. Everybody wanted a part of the national cake and they thought a phone call was all they needed. If you offered any explanation, they reminded you that you’d be better off on the lecture circuit. Businessmen also hovered around the system like bees around nectar.

But what to do? “Volenti non fit injuria,” the principle says. There were also calls from the unkind lot. “I have called you repeatedly, you did not pick my calls. I hope you know that you will leave government one day!”. Or those who told you point blank that they were calling because you were in the position as their representative and that you owed them a living. Or that other crowd who said, “it is our brother that has given you that opportunity, you must give us our share.”

The Presidential election went as it did, and everything changed. Days after, State House became Ghost House. The Residence, which used to receive visitors as early as 6 am, (regular early morning devotion attendees) became quiet. The throng of visitors stopped. The number of phone calls began to drop. By May 29, my phones had stopped ringing as they used to. They more or less became museum pieces; their silence reminding me of the four years of my life that proved so momentous. On one occasion, after a whole day of silence, I had to check if the phones were damaged! As it were, a cynical public relates to you not as a person, but as the office you occupy; the moment you leave office, the people move on; erasing every memory, they throw you into yesterday’s dustbin. Opportunism is the driver of the public’s relationship with public officials.

Today, the phones remain loudly silent, with the exception of calls from those friends who are not gloating, who have been offering words of commendation and support. They include childhood friends, former colleagues, elderly associates, fans, and family members. And those who want interviews with President Jonathan, both local and international - they want his reaction on every development, so many of them from every part of the planet. But he is resting and he has asked me to say he is not ready yet to say anything. It is truly, a different moment, and indeed, “no condition is permanent.” The ones who won’t give up with the stream of phone calls and text messages are those who keep pestering me with requests for financial assistance. I am made to understand that there is something called “special handshake” and that everyone who goes into government is supposed to exit with carton loads of cash. I am in no position to assist such people, because no explanation will make sense to them.

Here I am, at the crossroads; I am glad to be here.

Man City’s multi-million pound Sterling gamble (2) TS on Sunday tunsul2@gmail.com 08050498544 (sms only)

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M l a s t w ee k

epay was part of the Dutch under-17 team which won the 2011 European Championship. He made his senior debut in 2013, and the following year was part of their squad which came third at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Besides although he broke into the senior national team a year later than Sterling in 2013, Depay has already made 17 appearances scoring three goals. On his part, Britain’s most expensive player has only scored one goal in 16 appearances for the Three Lions; although

he too has featured for the England age-grade teams.

But then the team from the blue half of Manchester is not new to gambling heavily in the transfer market in a desperate bid to upstage their more illustrious rivals from the red half of the city, United.

Unfortunately many of the attempts have ended as bad gambles without producing the desired effect on the field of play.

In 2008 the club, backed by the billions of its very wealthy Middle East owner, Sheikh Mansour, splashed a then British record £32.5million to lure Brazilian Robinho from Real Madrid.

In the two seasons he stayed he played 41 times and scored only 14 goals, but perhaps more importantly failed to bring any form of silverware to the Etihad Stadium.

In fact since his arrival in 2008, Manchester

City have been dubbed the ‘world’s richest club’ and the accolade is not far off with the club having spent more than £500million on transfers!

Although the club did finally land the Premier League jackpot two years after Robinho had left, the club still had to splash out a combined £90.1 million on three players – Sergio Aguero (£38.1m from Atletico Madrid in 2011), Edin Dzeko (£27m from Wolfsburg also in 2011) and Samir Nasri (£25m from Arsenal in 2011) – to do so.

Which makes Pellegrini’s decision to splash half of this amount on just one player, who is definitely not in the league of the aforementioned, all the more surprising.

But then let me not be too pessimistic as Sterling might ultimately find his calling at the Etihad and might just be the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle that when completed will be

able to return the glory days back to the blue half of Manchester.

In just over three weeks time we shall know if Pellegrini’s multi-million pound Sterling gamble will pay off!

Most expensive British players £85.3m- Gareth Bale (Tottenham to Real Madrid, 2013) £49m- Raheem Sterling (Liverpool to Manchester City, 2015) £35m- Andy Carroll (Newcastle to Liverpool, 2011) £30m- Rio Ferdinand (Leeds to Manchester United, 2002) £27m- Luke Shaw (Southampton to Manchester United, 2015) £27m- Wayne Rooney (Everton to Manchester United, 2004) £26m- James Milner (Aston Villa to Manchester City, 2010).

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SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

OPINION Stemming alarming rate of extra-judicial killings

Fred Doc Nwaozor

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n extrajudicial killing is the murder of a person for an alleged crime or offence carried out either by an individual or a group of persons without any official backing, directive or supervision from a court of law of competent jurisdiction through a legal proceeding.

Extrajudicial killing or punishment also known as ‘jungle justice,’ which is usually carried out either by a government agency or an angry mob or sometimes by an individual, has been on the rampage in recent times in such a manner that it requires a severe and drastic approach by the apt authority. Formerly, extrajudicial punishment was often a feature of politically repressive regimes, but lately even self-proclaimed or internationally recognised democracies have been known to use the measure under certain circumstances.

But the truth of the matter is that, it is illegal and barbaric; hence, unacceptable.

Such actions typically happen quickly with security forces acting on a covert basis, performed in such a way as to avoid a massive public outcry and/or international criticism that would reflect badly on the state or country. Sometimes, the killers are agents outside the government; some criminal organisations have reportedly been employed for such a purpose. In most cases, it is carried out by uniformed security forces in order to punish a victim, but under circumstances that would make it appear as self-defence or suicide. The former can be accomplished by planting re-

cently fired weapons near the dead body, while the latter is observed via fabrication of evidence suggesting suicide. In such cases, it could be difficult to prove that the perpetrators acted wrongly. Because of the dangers inherent in armed confrontation, even police or soldiers as the case may be, who might strongly prefer to take an enemy or a suspect alive may still be tempted to kill under a certain circumstance to protect themselves or the affected civilians, and potentially cross the line into extrajudicial murder.

In some cases, someone may be declared missing, having been murdered by a certain group. A disappearance occurs where someone who is believed to have been targeted for extrajudicial execution is nowhere to be found. Their ultimate fate is thereafter unknown or never fully confirmed. Extrajudicial punishment may be planned and carried out by a particular branch of a state without informing other branches, or even without having been ordered to commit such atrocity.

Other branches sometimes tacitly approve of the punishment in retrospect; they can also genuinely disagree with it depending on the circumstances, especially when complex intra-government or internal policy struggles exist within a state’s policymaking apparatus.

In times of war, natural disaster, societal collapse, anarchy, or in the absence of an established system of criminal justice, as the case may be, there may be increased incidences of extrajudicial punishment. In such circumstance, the police or military personnel may

be unofficially authorized to punish severely individuals involved in looting, riot as well as other violent acts such as massacre, especially if caught red-handed. This measure is sometimes itself corrupted resulting in the death of innocent persons who probably were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. More so, someone whose case is in court may be brutally murdered in cold blood by the aggrieved party or the plaintiff owing to inconsequential and unbearable delay of the court proceeding/hearing. This is why the various judicial custodians must be more proactive in discharging their official duties come rain come shine.

Currently, the most alarming aspect of extrajudicial killing or punishment is the one being carried out by a group of civilians referred to as ‘angry mob.’ It is usually observed on the street, inside a motor park, or in a market arena when one is accused of stealing, pick-pocketing, or any form of jungle crime. The mob often accomplishes its mission by setting the suspect ablaze at the scene of the incident using fuel and condemned tyres, prior to the arrival of security personnel. The most painful part of the illogical act is that, an innocent person is mostly mistaken for the person who actually committed the crime.

It is worth noting that constitutionally if a suspect is allegedly guilty of a certain crime, he or she shall remain innocent until otherwise proven by any court of competent jurisdiction. Prior to the pronouncement of the final judgment by the concerned judicial custodian, the accused person/group is

meant to be free in respect to civil cases or to be kept under the care of the appropriate security agency regarding a severe criminal case. Another fact we must note is that, sparing the life of a culprit would help the relevant security agency to apprehend his/ her partners in crime.

Against this backdrop, and considering the enormous negative implication of extrajudicial punishments, there is a pressing need for the appropriate authorities to look inwards toward eradicating the anomaly, which has caused an unquantifiable damage to countries where it is harboured, particularly Nigeria.

Thus, special courts especially mobile courts ought to be instituted to try anyone accused of any form of extrajudicial act without any fear or favour irrespective of his/ her status or age. For their part, the various security agents must be fast enough while attending to any security call/invitation and should endeavour to live up to expectation at all cost.

In addition, the civil society is required to sensitise the general public on the dangers of taking the law into their hands. They ought to be made to understand that no individual or group is above the law. By so doing, justice would be given its due regard thereby ushering in a country we have longed awaited.

Think about it!

Comr. Fred Doc Nwaozor, (The Media Ambassador) is a Public Affairs Analyst and Civil Rights Activist and writes via frednwaozor@gmail.com +2348028608056

NASS Budget: Between change and executive deception Emmah Adah

T

wo very important issues with serious financial implications for the polity have alarmed Nigerians in the last few days.

One was the revelation by President Muhammadu Buhari that some former ministers had illegally lifted one million barrels of oil daily and shared the proceeds among themselves.

The second one, which equally attracted several debates, was about the President himself: the cost of his visit to the United States, as a guest of President Barrack Obama, was about N2.2 billion. These two scenarios will help us to put into practical context the vexed issue of budgetary allocation to the National Assembly.

The lawmakers have been entangled in allegations that border more on financial issues, such as remuneration, allowances, spending and other benefits. I intend to situate these allegations into two major contexts for the purpose of clarity: excessive legitimate earnings and illegitimate earnings. I will use the two scenarios earlier painted revolving around the President to put these earnings into proper perspective. Maybe this will further allow us to appreciate whether public criticisms against National Assembly members have been fair, not misplaced and truly reflect the reality in the polity. We must not forget that democracy rests on three major institutions Executive, Legislative and the Judiciary.

Although President Buhari did not specify the cost of the crude oil stolen daily, but a moderate estimate could be in the region of N10 billion daily based on the fluctuation in global oil price and the unstable value of naira. Assuming the President was correct with this figure and successfully established this allegation through the court of law, that will amount to a whopping N300 billion stolen monthly by a clique of ministers under the executive arm of government alone. Note that the entire budget of the National Assembly for 2015 is N120 billion.

The second issue was the alleged spending of the sum of N2.2 billion by a delegation of

about 50 persons who visited the U.S for four days. That is an average N40 million per person for 96 hours, minus cost of transportation but including subsidised feeding as guests of America. This figure has yet to be controverted by the Federal Government; but some Nigerians have risen to defend and justify it.

Since May 29, 2015, when we sauntered into the change era as canvassed by the All Progressives Party and President Buhari, public scrutiny has been on the rise while the bar of expectation from the Federal Government is at the highest level since independence.

However, there have been subtle attempts to divert the attention of Nigerians to focus only on the National Assembly for whatever reason. Even when the budget of the federal lawmakers has been reduced from N150 billion to N120 billion in the 2015 Appropriation Act, pressure continues to mount on them.

There is absolutely nothing bad in scapegoating the National Assembly if it will serve public good and further deliver good governance in Nigeria. After all, the legislature is the ultimate symbol of any democratic setting: it is the people’s representative. The legislative arm is unarguably the major institution that distinguishes democracy from military rule in our governance experience. However, provided the clamour to reduce the cost of governance is an all-inclusive fair process for all the arms of government, there shouldn’t be any major cause for concern.

In subjecting the legislature to public scrutiny to reduce or cut the cost of governance, critics must be fair and avoid the trap of what looks like an ongoing deliberate agenda to make the legislative arm suffer public opprobrium alone to cover the recklessness of the executive. For instance, in what could be classified as an attempt to quickly stave off public pressure, some members of the executive arm recently embarked on a deceptive populist agenda to reduce their salary and allowances by 50 per cent. In fact, a particular governor was quick to beckon on his state lawmakers to emulate this gesture. This was celebrated

by some unsuspecting members of the public.

As expected, some Nigerians bought into this contrived agenda without searching deep and asking relevant questions. At the federal level too, the President and the Vice President announced a similar cut in emoluments, giving further opportunity to pile up pressure on the federal lawmakers. Note that there have been a deliberate media and public onslaught against the National Assembly by some Nigerians not pleased with it leadership composition. And in fighting an enemy, sometimes several things come handy. The issue of the National Assembly budget has been seriously exploited to cast aspersions on the lawmakers. Unfortunately, the legislature too has not enjoyed much of public support arising more from its seemingly opaque financial system. Transparency is key.

However, in the collective campaign to cut the cost of governance, it should not be done in such a way that will undermine the functions of one arm at the expense of the other.

For instance, some members of the executive who cut their earnings by 50 percent still enjoy the benefits of free accommodation, free transportation and almost everything free including their immediate families. They are serviced by the government through state house or government house allocations. In essence, if they decide to forfeit all allowances and salaries to the state, nothing has changed? They also have access to security vote that is constant. In reality, a good percentage of this vote is kept for personal use.

Mind you, they also enjoy benefits using cronies to execute contracts.

We must realise that the 2015 N120 billion budget is for: 469 members with a minimum of five aides each; the National Assembly Service Commission and its staff and the National Institute for Legislative Studies. Aside allowances and emoluments, the budget also covers committees work, oversight activities, foreign parliamentary engagements, trainings and other important and sometimes unforeseen expenses. Now, if about 50 persons who trav-

elled with the President to the U.S could be said to have spent about N2.2 billion in four days, it may therefore be necessary to reevaluate the pressure on the legitimate earnings of the lawmakers. Interestingly, the budget of NASS is less than three percent of the entire 2015 budget.

Assuming without conceding that the allegation of illegitimate earnings is true against the federal lawmakers, how can the grievous allegation of financial recklessness now common in the public domain be validated or substantiated? Do the lawmakers have the opportunity to steal 1,000 barrels of oil per day? Are they in a position to award huge contracts to their cronies? Even if some members are interested in securing contracts, they have to go cap in hand to the incumbent executive heads and the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the executive arm.

This is, however, not to justify any corrupt act. Corruption, by any standard, is unacceptable and should be severely punished; but in dwelling on the reality that exists in our nation, the facts must be laid bare.

It is true that as a nation, we have suffered enough from impunity and financial recklessness across the three tiers of government in Nigeria. It is also true that there is pervasive corruption and lack of transparency and accountability in rendering stewardship to the people. But when push comes to shove, there is every possibility that NASS is actually in need of more fund-financial augmentation- if they are to operate and function like other lawmakers in the developed world.

Legislative business is very expensive globally. However, if the campaign to cut the cost of governance must be sustained, it should be holistic through a total reform and not the executive deceptively reducing its salary in order to put pressure on the lawmakers.

The burden of change should be borne by all.

•Adah, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Congresswatch magazine, sent this piece from Abuja.

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Sunday Mail JULY 26, 2015

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

Letters should not be more than 150 words and must have the name and address of the sender Nothing special between Buhari and Dasuki

Dear Editor, I don’t think there is anything personal between Buhari and Dasuki, Dasuki left office as NSA on Wednesday.

Barely a week before then it was in the media that the President had asked the service chiefs to render accounts of how several billions of Naira released to them by former President Jonathan for the Boko Haram war had been expended. It was in that period that Dasuki tendered his resignation letter which the President rejected possibly because Buhari wanted him to be around to explain his role in the war funds “mismanagement”. The President’s request for accountability on the fund was triggered by rafts of petitions from soldiers at the war front (as well as in the barracks) complaining about being ill-equipped for the operation and generally deprived of certain benefits. I suspect the DSS’ storm of Dasuki’s house may be connected with revelations by the service chiefs on disbursement of the funds. Sir, it is noteworthy that the DSS acted legally and professionally because they were armed with a court warrant to search Dasuki’s property. Legally they could be on his property for as long as 48 hours. They were there for less than 24 hours. Nevertheless, I believe more facts will emerge soon for the general public to have a clearer picture of what is really happening. Editor, please tell Nigerians that it is premature to conclude that it is a vengeance mission.

Alex Kanu, Abuja

You don’t stay overseas and chant Biafra

Dear Editor, My Igbo people are bitterly possessed with the spirit of unforgiveness, please use your good office to counsel them that holding on to the past is not good; holding unto the past is a waste of time and the consequence is always full of regrets.

You don’t stay overseas and chant Biafra. When was the last time those chanting for war visited the East?

They need not be reminded that those who fought for independence or freedom did not embark on hate messages nor did they brain wash ignorant people. Look, many of these guys don’t even have strength to go to war but they are good at igniting innocent ones to endanger their lives.

Editor, I see these people to be traitors, snitching on each other just to gain relevance. I pray that God will open their eyes and heal them of all pains because it’s obvious that they are hurt, judging from the way their political system is going and that I believe is the reflection of their state of mind. But the way they are going about it is not the right option.

Abu Kadiri, Kaduna.

Looking for saints

Dear Editor, Please tell Buhari that it is time he started working and stop looking out for things that seem not viable, I wonder how he expects to find saints in the territory of sinners called Nigeria. We are watching. The earlier he commences work, the better for himself and Nigerians.

Indications emerged that the failure of President Muhammadu Buhari to announce ministers after nearly two months of assuming office is connected with the alleged fraud and misappropriation of funds traced to most of the ministerial nominees. The revelations by investigation teams reportedly revealed awful security reports on the alleged fraud and misappropriation of funds by 33 nominees short-listed by Buhari, with only three said to have passed the corruption test out of the 36 ministerial nominees penciled in. of those submitted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) hierarchy and sent to the DSS, EFCC, ICPC, CBN, the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for forensic screening, only three nominees came out unscathed. I doubt if he will find such number of people without questionable character in this country.

Shedrach Achile Lokoja.

Intolerance, the bane of the fight between a bus conductor and passenger at Ikeja

Many of us are guilty of profligacy

Dear Editor, Reports have it that Nigeria is the largest consumer of Champagne only other than France where they make the Champagne. This goes to show the kind of mentality we have in this country. We buy silly amounts of foreign drinks without supporting our local palm wine, and drink overpriced bubbles.

Editor, while the average man in Nigeria gets thinner living on less than 200 naira a day and thinks of turning to become a kidnapper as that appears to be an easy route to wealth, our cabals are there spending our hard earned money on foreign alcohol and all we get at the end is to improve the economy of foreign states at the expense of ours. What do we stand to gain from that? To be tagged second best consumer of Champagne in the world? To average Nigerians who spend their money on foreign drinks, it simply shows that profligacy is not the exclusive preserve of politicians in our country. Many, if not all of us, are guilty of it.

Edwin Timothy Abia.

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Buhari’s appointments Dear Editor, President Muhammadu Buhari should take a good look at the slant of his appointments and ensure that he reverses the glaring lopsidedness against the SouthEast. Even if the South-East gave him few votes, his government is being sustained partly by taxes generated in the region. He should also look into the grievances of the people and address them instead of staying aloof and pretending that they don’t exist. The SouthEast has some of the worst roads in Nigeria and suffers much neglect. It is up to Buhari to change the situation so that he can enjoy a smooth tenure. I wish him all the best but he should be a leader of all Nigerians.

Chinedu Ike Gbagada, Lagos

America’s woes Filth in Ogun State Dear Editor, I write to draw the attention of the relevant environmental sanitation agencies in Ogun State to the mountains of filth in different parts of the state. Though the state government periodically tries to clear the filth, it quickly piles up again. What this shows is that the state government has not done a holistic study of the connection between the huge population of the state and the rate of refuse generation. Also, the state government should consider concessioning refuse management to private operators, just like it is being done in some other states. The state government should take refuse management as s serious business which should be treated like a revenue generating enterprise and an avenue for job creation.

Tonia Johnson Ibafo, Ogun State

Dear Editor, It is quite unfortunate that the United States continues to grapple with rising cases of hate crime, racist profiling and attacks against Blacks by police officers as well as horrific cases of abuse. A country that ought to be a model to other nations is grappling with issues that other countries have since dealt with.

President Barrack Obama’s election as the nation’s first Black president has not done much to improve race relations. There is still a wide gap between the races and it is so sad that such a huge challenge is being accentuated by the increasing godlessness of most Americans. Here is a nation founded on principles if justice, equity, fairness and Godliness. However, it is leading the way in turning mankind against the word of God. Jenkins Peters Lagos

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SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Moments

L-R: Former Minister of Information, Chief Nnia Nwodo; Chairman, Movement for the Actualisation of Adada State, General Godwin Ugwoke; Prof. Lawrence Ocho and Enugu State State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, during a meeting at the Nsukka General Assembly, at the Adada House, Nsukka...on Wednesday

L-R: Project Manager, Ogun State Agricultural Development Project (OGADEP), Rev. Ibikunle Onasanya; Representative of Ogun State governor, Engr. Lanre Bisiriyu; Pastor Bisi Agbolade and Mrs Faith Agbosenu (beneficiaries from Ijebu North East); General Manger, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) Ms. Abimbola Okoye and Mr. Fatai Afolabi, BATNF Technical Committee member, at the Cassava Enterprise Development Project for Ijebu North and Ijebu North-East local governments, held at Community Hall, Oke-Shopen, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State…recently

L-R: Managing Director, FAAN, Saleh Dunoma; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Hajia Binta Adamu Bello and Director, Planning, Research & Statistics, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, during their inspection of Airport in Lagos…on Thursday

L-R: Ogun State Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle; Political Economic Section Chief, Thomas Hines; Acting Consul General, U.S Consulate, Lagos, Ms. Dehab Ghebreah; Governor Ibikunle Amosun; Political Officers, Micheal Imbrenda; Ann Hacic-Vlahovic and Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, during Ghebreah’s courtesy visit to the governor in Abeokuta...on Thursday

L-R: Members, Rivers State Lawmakers in the National Assembly, Hon. Betty Apiafi; Leader, Senator George Sekibo and another members, Hon. Chinda Kingsley, during a press briefing on the indiscriminate arrest security agencies in Rivers State over Election Petition Tribunal, in Abuja…Thursday

L-R: All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Hon. Kayode Olowu; member, House of Representatives, representing Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, Hon. Jide Jimoh and Otunba Tayo Oyemade, during a press conference on the leadership crisis in the House of Representatives in Lagos…on Thursday

L-R: Member, Oyega & Oyegbemiga Descendant Family of Ikorodu, Mr. Lateef Shiriki; Gen. Secretary Oyega & Oyegbemiga, Igbodo, Mr. Sharafa Rasaki; family lawyer, Barrister Tunji Busari; Mrs. Fatimoh Jimoh; Mr. Segun Orisan and Honourable Saheed Animashaun, during a press briefing on land dispute at Gbodo Village, Via Abule Eko, Ikorodu, Lagos...on Thursday

PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

L-R: Coordinator, Zone D, South West, National Association of Nigerian Students’ (NANS), Comrade Sunday Asefon; Vice President, Comrade Ogunkuade Oluwatosin and Chairman, Joint Campus Committee, Lagos, Comrade Solomon Sanusi, during a press briefing on the state of our campuses and vote of confidence in the leadership of Yaba College of Technology, at the schools’ premises, Yaba, Lagos…

Thursday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 26 JULY, 2015

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SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Benue varsity students deposit corpse at VC’s office

Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

M

edical students of the Benue State University on Friday, deposited a casket containing the corpse of their mate, Nicholas Itodo Inalegwu, in front of the office of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charity Angya, in protest against his demise.

The students numbering more than 100, made bonfire and obstructed vehicular traffic along the busy Makurdi-Gboko Expressway. They had an inscription on the coffin, alleging that the student committed suicide following his expulsion from the university after spending over 10 years.

One of Inalegwu’s mates, who pleaded to be anony-

mous, told Sunday Telegraph that his colleague, whom he described as an outstanding student, had questioned the rationale behind his expulsion by the school management during his clinical, noting that the trauma of the expulsion forced him commit suicide.

“How can they expel a student at the stage of clinical? This is why we have quack doctors. A student who has spent over 13 years and just at the verge of completion of studies with clinical was expelled by the school.

This is the cause of his death,” he said.

Another female student who also bared her mind to our correspondent said, “He had been talking about it, that he wish he died a painless death,

that the school had finished him, that there was no where in the world a medical student was suspended after spending over 10 years”.

When Sunday Telegraph visited the scene of the incidence, dozens of anti- riot policemen loaded in more than 10 trucks were deployed to the scene to dispel the protesting students.

Dean of Student Affairs of the institution, Dr. Gowon Doki, debunked the claims by the students, and explained that the late student met his untimely death in a road mishap yesterday along the new George Akume Road in Makurdi.

Dr. Doki added that the deceased had been withdrawn from the university having failed his clinical examination. He said: “So

his mates felt that it was improper to withdraw a student at that stage. They claimed that could be the cause of his death and so, decided to embark on this protest with a coffin.”

He said normalcy had been restored to the institution after the Vice Chancellor addressed the students.

The university had been shut down close to five months now following the failure of the state government to pay salaries of lecturers.

Governor Samuel Ortom held several meetings with Academic Staff Union of the institution to resolve the face-off but all to no avail as they insisted that all their outstanding salaries must be paid before they would suspend the strike.

Be magnanimous in victory, Rep tells Dogara Temitope Ogunbanke

A

member of the House of Representatives, representing Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, Hon. Olajide Jimoh, has advised the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, to be magnanimous in victory.

He said the general interest of the public should be paramount to the members of the lower chamber of the National Assembly and therefore cautioned the speaker and his group, ‘Consolidation Group’ against being overzealous in the affairs of House.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos, Jimoh, a member of the Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila-led APC Loyalists Group, said there is nothing like zoning or House caucus in the House of Representatives’ rules, therefore Dogara should obey the decision of the leadership of All Progressives Congress on who becomes the Majority Leader,

Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip of the Green Chamber.

He said, “Nigerians are witnessing what I call display of legislative parochial interest as a result of selfishness on the part of winners, who are not magnanimous in victory. The Speaker should be magnanimous in victory and allow the House to be run in accordance with the Nigerian constitution and the rules of the House of Representatives.

“The other positions in the House are principal positions which are party positions. Order 7, Rule 27 is very explicit. In our rules, there is nothing like zoning or House caucus. Without being a party member, you cannot be elected not to talk of being a member of the House of Representatives.

The general interest should be paramount to the members of the House of Representatives for posterity to judge us.”

Don’t heat up the polity, Abia govt warns group

A

bia State Government has cautioned a group, Save Abia Initiative for Change, to refrain from acts capable of causing tension in the state.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Godwin Adindu, in a statement, said having submitted petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), against the out-gone government of the state, the group should wait for the findings of the regulatory body and stop

President Barack Obama and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, during Elumelu’s visit ahead of the President’s keynote at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Nairobi, Kenya…yesterday

Ambassadors urge unity against terrorism, insurgency

A

group under the aegis of African Ambassadors Forum has called on Africans to unite in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

The Dean of the group, Mr. Oubi Bachir, who is the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic ambassador to Nigeria, made the call at the weekend in Abuja on the occasion of Africa and Mandela Day. According to him, terrorism and insurgency have become monumental threats to the growth of the continent. He expressed the group’s commitment to pooling resources to support the international community in its quest to combat terrorism in Africa.

Also speaking, Mr. Abdou Abarry, Head, AU Liaison

office to ECOWAS, said that African countries had made lots of progress in democratic governance given the high number of democratically elected governments in the continent.

“We have to consider this day as a call to action, to free our continent from poverty, insecurity, terrorism and extremism in order to achieve the AU goals.

“Like Nelson Mandela who fought for 67 years, we Africans have to continue the fight individually and collectively to honour his memory,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Amb. Bulus Lolo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said peace and security remained Africa’s major challenge.

Lolo, who was represented

by Director, African Bilateral

Affairs in the ministry, Amb. Ozo Nwobu, said the situation had been exacerbated by the purveyors of hatred and extremism.

“I commend and endorse the AU initiative, `Silence the guns in Africa by 2020’, among other numerous other initiatives.

“They are structured to institute political dialogue and tolerance in Africa’s governing processes as a necessary step towards the long journey to our political and economic freedom,’’ Lolo said.

He said to achieve the aforementioned objective, Africa should commit to the ethos of democratic governance and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

He said that Africa’s dream for a sustainable economic renaissance should

transcend being tagged the fastest growing economy and include a substantial capacity for self-reliance.

The day commemorates Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to serve, not only his country or African continent, but humanity.

In a related development, a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress in Sokoto State, Dr. Jabbi Kilgore, on Saturday advocated for dialogue a solution to ending insurgency in the country.

Kilgore said that the Federal Government should parley with the Boko Haram insurgents ``in order to end the senseless killings of innocent Nigerians.’’

He observed that the activities of the insurgents posed a threat to the nation’s hard earned unity.

heating the Abia polity through unnecessary media campaign.

The CPS said the current government, on assumption of office, received a handover note from the immediate past government which documents the assets and liabilities of government and obligations being owed third parties by government. He noted that the current government is presently studying these papers and has not come up with a clear position.

Group seeks active engagement of women in Politics Wale Elegbede

I

n a bid to improve the participation of women in politics, a group, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), has called on political parties to tackle the cultural, attitudinal and religious obstacles to women’s equitable participation in politics.

Speaking at a one-day thematic dialogue on Mobilising Women for Active Engagement in Political Parties held in Lagos, the Executive Director of the Centre, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, noted that the dialogue was meant to advocate a rebalance between men and women in politics.

According to AkiyodeAfolabi, Nigerian women make up over half of the Nigerian population and even with their great potentials

continue to be faced with lots of obstacles preventing them from participating in decision making and political participation.

“This project intends to build the capacity of not less than 40 young women between the ages of 18 and 25 who will possess the knowledge, skills and ability to mobilise human and material resources required to compete successfully with their male counterparts in electoral contests for party positions.”

The dialogue, which identified issues like sexual harassment, discrimination on the basis of indigeneship, cultural and religion ideology, as well as political violence as some of the factors mitigating against women’s participation in politics, instituted a joint action plan team to address the issues ahead of the 2019 elections.

SUNDAY

Fashion

Stun in shift dresses 22&43

Bed, Work & Life

Sudden burst of sunlight 20

15

Body Soul SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

My husband, my greatest supporter - Olayinka Aduke Ayanwale

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SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

heart y m m o r f Straight

ly, a mother, . Unfortunate erian Sexual ia er ig N in x sored the Nig was passed legally have se rded could r Chris Anyanwu, who spon ga re an m hen the bill en instrue w t on to Sena her ches an issue d er er be ov ov m a’ u ly ar th nt p l, ce il ng that she had be ei sB p re got worked u n someone said I was ‘bas hallucinating Offense . She probably felt fulfilledurage paedophiles in the as ‘trivial’. The that the guy meant I w all a full grown into lawto a law that would encorima to lower their creakrides. nni Ye ting when r mental it. I got to know girls-turned-b tor Ahmed Sa celebrating he roof. Hallucina mold of Sena tween immature thighs of o unfortunately ocand I hit the a picture of an innocent girl dies be elor, wh in y. I ed the ing bo man could see was that ‘she’s ripe’?

-year old bachin an oil and gas companally ad 36 lo r p u ou d to ha k r ac n be ay B xu io em se it hd e rt m os p ar bi ay A l . ho 12th ghter’s) birthd ckberry group d a manageria that people w tal It was in a Bla vely daughter on her (daue all ‘commented’ cupiehim in no uncertain terms ld be locked up in men n, lo ou w re r sh d ld e, il he s to rs rl u ch of gi co le d re f re efi an tu O d rs atu pic e sadists that photo gallery. ed more of praye acted to imm on the group’srm. These comments were le girl’s beauty and attr es. They are the perverts, thame the devil. After a heatold bl m tt li no oo d ho e e ‘t an e th th es th ch as ed , bi u ir es m as w months-old ba bers took sid -she’s pretty, sages. We adm ally goodwill mas our individual verdicts telligent...blahblah. even ment in which other memid his comment was actu ve in gu sa s ga e ar d ok H . lo e an ed r; th n is he ed mie beautiful mot chelor ’ apolog ined he zoom any men saw more than herspoilt it all for me. I imag smile and shy look a ba nt as a joke. dered why m came across, on nt w ea y ce l m il gu no st a in I n , e he th ey T med gh’! the flat chest, ery female th Apology welco al value in ev picture, took ins comment: ‘She’s ripe enou rs later. u xu se ho t 24 bu g an in th men out and posted hi for what? I asked, more ” I felt the air leave noth atter what age. favour from sensible, a r fo k m e. gh as no ag ou ld ri r mar Ripe en ’s still e and see g if I cou ipe enough fo changed -she I’m wonderin ble that you look at a femalgs, who could also He replied, “R the picture and it hadn’t e, that figure could si in os be p it le there. Is d and reasonab ’s entourage to me. I zoomed ith reed-like figure. To m igent, educatedent Muhammadu Buhariresident Barack ll w te in ed st d he -c an ... flat been on Presi old’s. to America’s P and he said 36 be a five-year the guy how old he was ld he get married to haveU.S. White House on a visit d the . Cou o female Then I aske dent found n ade that still a bachelorHis response? “Why not. Obama recently? si re p r ea d r m d that ou uld have such a girl? te has pegged age of conI felt really ba to Govssional that co Even the Sena 11. “You wan claim say intellectually sound profewould have preferred that went on I at cial level. who though urage. sent to sex our lawmakers?” trip on an offi to s ill-clad wife, you sabi pass rise in me. On this issue, ernor Adams Oshiomole’ e only female face in the en ough to I felt the bile pass those lawmakers, unofficial platform, was th en voted! We are good en the life of e change wom ent.

I believe I sabi een chopping t lifestyles This is not thresident Buhari’s governmWe thank God for He tw be in o, h en w P u y. of ad affl t re ar ng p al vi be d li nday in July their heads anr collective wealth, gathIt’s the last Sul. tou n te by n ed co u nd in hf fu remains fait ouse, belched ered in the H ptuous meals and vintage Juliet m ment after su ted that an 11-year old girl vo d wines an

I

Contents 26.07.2015 COVER My 11year old daughter comes home with a 50-year old man?

God forbid!

I will never take such news lightly. I revoke and reject such news

} 18-19

BEAUTY

FASHION For every woman who wants to look her best from day to night, you can never go wrong in a shift dress

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

} 22&43

Biwom Iklaki (Correspondent) Abiola Alaba Peters

MY PASSION

From pops of green on the outer edge of the eye, to a bottom lash line of blue, there’s a shade...for everyone

I chose music because you can speak to the world through it and make a difference

GLAM DUDES

BED, WORK & LIFE

} 17

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

} 21

Give yourself that signature look and rock an all-white traditional ensemble the next time you have to go for an occasion

} 44

You go searching for a virgin and you get a recycled one.

Take out abortion and condom, if every sexual activity results in pregnancy, you will be surprised at the number o f children s o m e saints wo u l d h a v e bor ne,” she said

} 20

Associates

Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

Body&Soul

I’m major force that changed Nigerian music - Ruggedman When did you know you were going to become a musician?

I didn’t know I was going to become one. It all happened in stages. I loved music so much; I started by writing down lyrics. I always desired to follow music to wherever it would take me; now here I am.

What inspires your various creations?

Life and all the things that happen in it inspire me.

Tell us about your songs.

I have three albums and a ‘collabo’ album. Listing the songs will take too long. Instead, the title of the albums are Thy Album Come, Ruggedy Baba, Untouchable and Money Making Music (MMM ).

What was growing up like?

Growing up was not easy because my parents separated when I was six years old. My siblings and I moved to Lagos with our mum and all we had was each other. But I thank God for family togetherness and strength that are keeping us going. Now they are all abroad and I am doing my thing in Nigeria, all thanks to God. Who do you look up to as a role model?

I look up to God and every successful legendary artiste.

What is your personal style?

My personal style is casual and free.

As a young and vibrant musician, what is your area of specialisation?

My area of specialisation is music and grooming young talents. I host talent shows and support a lot of young talents who have become big today.

Tell us about your family and educational background I am from a Christian family of five.

All of my educational background is in Lagos State; I am a graduate of political science from Lagos State University. I love movies.

What are you doing presently?

Presently, I am working on my TSW clothing line and a second collaboration album with my artiste, Mbryo.

TSW? TSW stands for Twentieth September Wears, named after my birth date. I am about to have an event to officially launch it. The collaboration album features artistes like Terry G, Wande Coal, Ice Prince, Reminisce, Olamide, Korede Bello, Victoria Kimani, Dammy Krane, Jaywon, Milli Mill and it will be dropping soon.

Do you consider the Nigerian environment perfect for your kind of job?

Yes it is.

Why? Well, I have been doing this job for over a decade. There are those who have been doing this job longer than I too and there are no regrets. We just need to put piracy

Michael Stephens, the Nigerian rapper popularly known as Ruggedman, has performed worldwide alongside international artistes like KC & Jojo, Guru, Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Akon and many others. He tells DEBORAH MAKOJI how it all started in check and the environment will become better, if not perfect.

say it here because I don’t want to remember it. Laughs.

What do we expect from you this year?

Expect new designs from my TSW clothing line, a hot new album and hot new videos.

Is there anything you wish to change about yourself?

I don’t think I want to change anything about me; I love the way God made me.

One has to pay through their nose to get your service. Does that encourage patronage?

Business is business. We talk and agree on a fee that suits both parties and I deliver on my services. That is what encourages patronage.

Tell us about your perfect holiday destination.

My perfect holiday destination is anywhere I can be myself without the fear of anything I do getting on a blog or TV. Anywhere I can have fun like everybody else. It can range from a 5-star hotel in Barbados to my room in my home.

How do you handle female fans’ excesses?

I am naturally a nice guy.

I party with them; I don’t give them the wrong impression and never lead anyone on.

What fashion designers occupy the most space in your wardrobe?

Phillip Plein, Versace, Richard Mille, Tom Ford, Givenchy and my own Twentieth September Wears.

Apart from music, which other businesses are you into?

I am into fashion. I compere events, host TV shows and other small businesses.

Do you have anything you don’t like to remember?

Yes. I guess that is why I can’t

Are you meeting up with your fans’ expectations?

I was a major force in the revolution that changed the Nigerian music scene for the better, paved the way for the great music they are listening to today. They had better say I am meeting their expectations.

What is your advice to other guys who

wish to attain the height that you are now? Any challenges so far?

The game has changed now. When I came onto the scene, it was all about your talent and music, but now, it’s mostly about your money before your music and it’s sad though. So apart from the talent, they need to see music like any other business and come with the capital needed to bankroll it. There are so many talented people out there wasting away just because they don’t have the money to pay to promote their music. So you need to embrace the industry fully ready.

What are your favourite style choices?

My favourite style choices are anything casual I feel good in and also look good on me.

Why did you choose music?

I chose music because I love music. I chose music because you can speak to the world through it and make a difference.

What is your philosophy in life?

My philosophy is ‘everything in life is about choices. Make yours and be responsible for whatever the outcome is.’

What will you never be caught wearing?

I will never be caught wearing a Gstring.

What is your first line in toasting a woman?

Hello.

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SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

My husband is my greatest supporter Mrs. Olayinka Aduke Ayanwale is the wife of Kola Ayanwale, founding partner and CEO of Centrespread, the FCB network agency. She is a caterer by profession and has engaged in philanthropic services, especially in women empowerment and vocational training. Today, she will be installed as the chairman of the Inner Wheel Club District 911. In this interview with VANESSA OKWARA and CHIJIOKE IREMEKA, she talks about how her love to help the needy got her to where she is today As the new Chairman of the Inner Wheel Club, how do you wish to effectively drive your agenda. Some of the issues on the agenda are includes vocational training and empowerment.

This is something I love doing. It is the main reason that I am in the Inner Wheel Club. I love to reach out to people. Now that I have the larger opportunity of being the chairman of Inner Wheel, it is another way for me to perform my aims and ambition on a larger ground. At Inner Wheel, we organise these vocational trainings for such people. All these will depend on the financial capabilities that we have. What I have in mind is to have seven to eight courses running for the vocational training, then the empowerment will be to help women who are doing petty trading of which I know that if they get a little help, such persons will do much more. I have done that even before now; sometimes, if I see a woman doing petty trading on the road, I will stop and ask her to join us at a particular place.

In most cases, we will help her to set up the business

with some financial assistance and afterwards she will go home with tears of joy.

So now that I have the official capacity of doing more of this, it gives me great joy.

For this vocational training, are there particular sets of women that will benefit from this programme?

For the Inner Wheel, District 911 covers Lagos and Ogun states. So we are going to pick our candidates from our different clubs. Already, I have asked the clubs to give me the names of four women from each club.

What do you think of the recent law passed by the Senate where the legal age for a young girl to have sex is 11 years? Do you think that is right?

For me, I am not in favour of that law because it does not favour the girl-child.

How can you say that a young girl of 11 years should go and have sex? This is a child that does not know her right from her left. This has been the culture of some tribes but if we are to argue it, I will never be in support of it. This is because you are not helping that girl.

The one that we hammer on in my club is the girl circumcision, which we made a lot of noise about before it was passed into law. Both nationally and internationally, the Inner Wheel Club is happy we were able to pass it into law. I am on the district level internationally.

Take for instance, your 11-year old daughter comes to you with news that she is going to marry a man of 50 years.

What will be your reaction?

God forbid! I will never take such news lightly. In fact it cannot happen. I revoke and reject such news.

The Lagos State Government has declared a clampdown on rapists.

What is your organisation doing to help the government in terms of creating awareness on this?

The passing into law of the rape law is a very good development. We all embrace and are happy about it. I know definitely in the course of my year as the chairman of the Inner Wheel Club, we will take up causes on girl-child education. We are going to have a programme with secondary school girls to throw light on the importance of education for young girls.

Is Inner Wheel also concerned about women who are being abused in their matrimonial homes by their husbands?

For us at the Inner Wheel for about three years or more, this has been part of our programmes. We always have lectures and awareness on this issue. I think the women in such cases should cry out. Thank God we now have all these NGOs that are now taking up these cases and fighting

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Body&Soul

- Olayinka Aduke Ayanwale for these women. I will tell women in such situations to cry out. Immediately any lady experiences such acts in her own home, she should cry out. Women should be educated on this.

As the current chairman of Inner Wheel, what are your plans to help women in your district?

Inner Wheel is a service-oriented organisation. That is why I’m bringing in vocational and empowerment programmes.

How will the finances be generated to fund these projects?

Generally, the way the organisation is funded is through individuals. Also, my installation as the chairman (coming up today) doubles as a fund raising event.

We are looking forward to seeing great Nigerians come out and join us to raise funds for these projects.

You will be installed as the chairman of Inner Wheel Club on Sunday (today).

I believe there were other people who wanted that office. What qualities got you this coveted position?

In Inner Wheel, for you to get to this position, it is by election and then your activities in the organisation. In fact, before you can get to the stage of district level, you would have passed through some offices at club level and become the club president. Your performances at the district level will now bring you the right of being elected at the officer’s level in the district before you can now be part of a serious election to elect the chairman.

Is your husband supporting you in this great assignment?

To the glory of God he has always been my greatest supporter. He has been there for me so many times, so it is not new.

Like he always says, this is a year Inner Wheel will need his wife more so he will have to stay behind. So his support has always been there.

How did your husband woo you?

We were both young then. I was 15 years and he was 19 years. We started off as friends and courted for about seven years. Today, to the glory of God, it is just as if we just started.

What attracted you to him?

Well, everything about him. My husband is a handsome man. From the beginning, he told me he wanted me to be his wife and not even a girlfriend. We met through my sister’s friend. He is a cousin of my elder sister’s friend. That is how we met. He even went straight to my sister’s friend and told her I am going to marry this girl.

When you were in courtship with your husband, can you remember a particular poem or love letter that he wrote then that makes you smile when you remember it?

Funny enough, my husband is not that kind of person to write love letters. From the beginning, it was total dedication to me. We started our courtship before he entered the university.

His letters from the university were straight to the point; only asking about my welfare and my family. There was a time he wrote me a letter and sent to my house and my oldest brother was the one that got it. Coming from a strict Muslim family, it was unheard of for me to get such a letter at that age. At the end of the day, when they read the letter before my mother and older sib-

lings, they did not find anything in it.

They realised that whoever the young man was, he must be a serious person because he kept encouraging me about my education and welfare and nothing incriminating. There was nothing loving in it except maybe at the foot note and greeting. He is just the type that shows his love by caring.

How then did he propose to you?

Like I said earlier, his first approach was to ask me to be his wife even at our young ages.

How many children is the union blessed with?

We have four girls and a boy. Now we also have three grandchildren.

What is your fashion style?

I am a simple person. I just love good things and not a designer freak. I go into a shop and pick what suits me.

So how do you think a woman should dress to command respect from society?

A woman should dress to suit her and not the society or go with the fashion craze. Sometimes, they wear these things and end up messing themselves up.

What kind of jewellery do you like?

I love simple jewellery, gold precisely. I am not a beads person, even my friends know that.

And your wristwatches?

For me, a good wristwatch is important, but I don’t follow designer names. I don’t follow a particular brand. I generally do not follow fashion, but my girls do that.

With the age gap between you and your husband being so slim, how have you been able to maintain your looks?

I think it is God’s doing. I also watch my diet. My mum was very fat so I knew from the beginning that I had the tendency to be on the fat side. I know I have that hereditary trait, so I watch what I eat. I exercise but not on a regular basis.

Give us a brief background of your growing up.

My parents are late. My father is from Osun State while my mother is from Abeokuta. My father was the Chief Imam of Ahmaddyya Mosque, Mushin.

My mum was a younger wife. I have three older siblings and we are 11 in number. My mother had eight children.

I come from a very strict, humble Muslim home. You can never see any child of the Imam’s children roaming about the street.

How have you been able to handle being a mother, your business and also concentrate on the activities you have at the Inner Wheel Club.

It has all been by the grace of God. God helped me also in raising up my children, even while I was working. By the time the second one was coming, I was working in a hotel , but my husband insisted that I quit and start a business at home. That was when the idea that I could still do the catering business I was doing at the hotel on my own came.

That was how my own business was created.

Your educational background?

My secondary school was at Reagan Memorial Baptist Secondary School.

Like I said earlier, we were raised in a strict Muslim home, but my father in-

sisted on giving us the best education.

We didn’t school around Mushin even though we were living in that area.

Our exposure was more urban Surulere than the suburb of Mushin.

Even when I was growing up, it was like living in Mushin without mixing up with the girls of my age in that area. Most of them thought I was proud, but it was a case of seeing things differently from their own perspective. After my secondary school, my uncle secured a job for me at UBA as a clerical officer. After spending three years in the bank, I got restless and wanted to further my education. I was able to secure admission to the Lagos State Science and Technology to study Catering and Hotel Management.

After I finished my diploma, I formed my company, YINKON Enterprises, which comprises my name and my husband’s n a m e , K o l a .

Before I finished school, I had alr e a d y started that company and didn’t go back for my HND. Now I have a franchise with Mr. Biggs.

What is your advice to young women on how to take care of their families and be good wives to their husbands?

My advice to them is to first understand the person they want to marry. They should first understand each other. Secondly, it is important for them to communicate. When I first got married, I didn’t talk much because I was a very quiet person. But my husband would insist that I had to communicate.

Even when we had issues, he would force me to talk until I learnt to communicate with ease. This is because if you don’t communicate, many things may go wrong and before you know it, it will become something you cannot manage. So I believe so much in communicating. You should call each other friends even before you say you love each other; friendship first. You should be able to communicate and talk to each other. There is nothing my husband does not discuss with me and this helps in building the home.

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SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

with

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770

julietbumah@gmail.com

I

Sudden burst of sunlight

t’s nine days since the accident. Kim is back home. But for a short thread-like mark on her forehead, no one would know she had a brush with death.

Sam has been doing everything to ensure her happiness.

Kim’s still so confused. She isn’t sure she wants to continue with the relationship, which, going by Sam’s calculation, is already altar bound.

If it doesn’t work out, what will she do with the pregnancy which is sneaking into its 19th week and peeking out gradually?

Somehow, she wants to believe that it’s the attempt to get rid of it that caused that avoidable accident. It must be the gods of Sam’s ancestors at work. What was the driver thinking! Just a little patience and the two vehicles would have gone their separate ways and she would have been in the hospital the next day and everything about this pregnancy would have been forgotten!

But then, she wouldn’t have met that handsome Dr. Sam! Yeah. She wished she met him five months ago...yeah, before this pregnancy made the marriage to Sam the almost only sensible thing to do now.

Oh no! Hope she’s not thinking like her late mum. She recalls her grandma’s favourite words anytime she was cross with her.

“I’d swear you’re my daughter and not my granddaughter. You took all the bad sides of your mother. I pray you don’t end up like her...pregnancy without an owner,” she would say and spit.

Hmmmmmmmmmm! How were they sure her mother didn’t know who got her pregnant? Is it possible? Was she raped by many men? She shudders. She has so many questions to ask her mum. She would have given an arm to know her father. Is he alive or dead? Rich or poor? Handsome or ugly?

Is he a Nigerian or a foreigner? So many questions, but no answers...not exactly. The answers were buried with her mum, many, many years ago. But come to think of it, her mum must have been very headstrong.

Why name her after her mum? Any particular reason? The only thing grandma told her was that her mum refused to have her named, so they called her ‘Kim’s baby’.

When her mum died three months after her birth, they just called her Kim, and Kim she became.

Well, today, Kim junior is pregnant. She knows the man that is responsible and the man wants her ‘like yesterday’! It’s just that she’s being stupid about the whole thing... yes stupid and maybe undecided.

Sam wants her. His mother may be an ogre, but does it matter?

Give it to the old woman, though, she’s been trying to be nice these few days, calling and wanting to know how she’s feeling, praying for her and...is she really bad? Are all mothers not like that? Wanting the best for their children? Which mother wouldn’t want the best wife/husband for their children?

And Sam is cool! Aside his mother’s overbearing attitude, his thumb-like pee is another issue. But with her pregnancy, it has proved that a HB pencil-sized pee can produce results that a ‘rod of Moses’ sized pee may not produce. Hahahahahaha.

Moreover, Sam’s the only man that has proved that he can stick her crazy ways.

Other men lose interest after sometimes, even when they found her interesting at first. If she loses this Sam, it may be difficult to get another like him, a man that can love her, warts et al.

Suddenly, she realises that a man who has a challenge, like Sam, will prove a faithful husband.

Sam barges into her thoughts “Honey, Dr. Sam called earlier. You were having a nap. He wanted to know how you’re doing. He said he’ll look in later in the week,” Sam said.

Kim sits up immediately as sunlight flashed into her soul. The mention of Dr. Sam’s name does that to her. That name has a woozy effect on her. As if it’s a part of her that’s missing.

“Dr. Sam’s coming here? Oh, great.

When? So nice of him to want to see me...I mean, us,” she stammered.

Sam observes her silently. She’s been so moody of late, not showing interest in anything. He is surprised at the sudden burst of sunlight.

“Did you know him before now?” Sam asked.

“Who?” Kim replied, keeping a straight face. Of course, she knows exactly who he’s talking about. Even she herself is surprised at the way the strange man is affecting her senses.

“You jolly well know who I’m talking about! Look Kim, since you came back from the hospital, you’ve not allowed me to get intimate with you. I understand that you need rest and all that, but for how long?

You weren’t like this before. It’s as if I’m forcing you to marry me. I’m getting tired.

Is this how we’re are going to live together?

Every time, I bend over backward to ensure your happiness but you don’t care how

I feel. Mama is trying to get close to you and you’re pushing the old woman away with your behaviour. I’ve been pleading with you to return her calls. She calls you everyday and you have never bothered to dial her number, not even once! Look, as much as I love you and want to get married to you, I wouldn’t want to live in hell with a woman that doesn’t love and care for me...”

Sam said quietly to a stunned Kim. Yes, stunned because she has never seen him like this. Sam has always been the docile sort, avoiding problems as much as he can. For him to get this worked up, he must be ready for the worse.

“So, what happens to this pregnancy?”

Kim asked, testing the water.

“One thing. You have the baby for me.

I’ll take full responsibility till you give birth and are ready to hand the baby over to me. Abortion is not an option...that’s if you cherish your life. I won’t lift a finger, the gods of my ancestors have a way of dealing with such issues,” he said.

An alarm rings somewhere in Kim’s brain. She’s on the verge of losing this man!

This is about the only man that has taken her tantrums without getting overworked up.

Hmmmmmmmm she needs to do something fast.

“And where are you going,” she asked.

Sam has gone inside his room and is out in a Jeans and T-shirt. He picks the car key and is moving towards the door.

“Going out. You lock the door and drop your keys with the security, if you feel like.

I can always change the lock, anyway, if you feel like going away with the keys,” he said.

This is the first time she’s seeing him in such a mood.

She rushes to the door and stands there, arms akimbo.

Men are babies. The strongest men are just babies with the right women. She has heard many women say that a number of times. She’s about to find out how true that is.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Sam asked.

“You ain’t stepping out of this house,” she said.

“Look, Kim, you don’t want me. You’re probably looking for a richer man. It’s okay.

I’m not going to kill myself, I’m gonna find me a heifer that will be mine, and mine alone,” he said, almost sadly.

“You will be disappointed, Sam. Many women you see out there are overused. You go searching for a virgin and you get a recycled one. Take out abortion and condom, if every sexual activity results in pregnancy, you will be surprised at the number of children some saints would have borne,” she said.

He pulls back and stares at her.

Kim gently unbuttons her silk blouse, throws it on the floor and slides off her skirt. Sam swallows hard and his Adam apple bobs as he takes in her creamy flesh... the white lacy brassiere and red G-string...

His loins stir.

Sam stands, rooted to the spot.

Kim steps out of her thong, takes two steps to him and rubs her racks against his chest. She knows very well that a provoked pee has no conscience...and Sam’s, as minute as it is, is very, very senseless when faced with such tantalisers.

She unfastens his Jeans belt and buttons in seconds and he steps out of them without a word. She pulls up his T-shirt and he raises his arms and it’s off his head. His eyes are rooted to her racks that have increased in size since the last time. They’re pushing against her brassiere and the flesh peeping out of the lace holes are driving him insane. She has reduced him to a blabbing baby in minutes.

She feels his body shiver and smiles. Sam is horny and in this state, he can be mawkishly sentimental.

His hands go behind her and unhook the strap, releasing two huge melons. Eyes glazed, he fastens his mouth on, first, one, then the other nipple. He smothered her with slobbering kisses and in minutes, they’re on the rug. She goes for Sam’s tiny nipples with her tongue - his weak point - and he grunts. Few minutes later, he’s screaming. Meanwhile, his fingers, working her cave of wonder, make her throw her legs wildly apart like one frantically trying to position a television antenna for better network...

The buildup to that volcanic eruption is interesting. Kim can’t say at what point Sam’s tiny pee takes over from his fingers.

Suddenly, she starts squirting and screams.

Sam joins and they scream and scream until the waves wash over them and they lay... spent. ******* Did this volcanic tango heal any pain?

Did suave, handsome Dr. Sam show up?

Did he sweep Kim off her feet? Let’s find out on Sunday.

•Send your observations to: julietbumah@gmail.com

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

Body&Soul

‘Extra amazing’ colourful eyeliner Vanessa Okwara

I

f there’s one beauty trend this season, it’s the bright colour eyeliners that are popping up everywhere. They look so pretty and flattering; just a flick of the pencil and you are ready to go!

When it comes to eye makeup, a lot of ladies have done the same basic routine for years -primer, tan eyeshadow, black liquid liner and black mascara and you are done. Now it’s time to shake things up a bit, live on the edge and breakaway from the norm, by colouring up your life a bit.

From pops of green on the outer edge of the eye, to a bottom lash line of blue, there’s a shade and shape of coloured eyeliner for everyone. For instance, line your under eye with heavy blue eyeliner for a great anytime look — day or night. To keep the focus on the bright blue, leave your top lash line without any colour. When using an unusual pop of colour, like red, try combining it with black to add a darker dimension and make your eyes really stand out.

Eyeliner is great to define your eyes and create various make-up looks, but sometimes, application can be tricky. Here are some hot hints to get your eye make-up looking like it was professionally applied.

Step One: Find out which colour suits you the most and then use it to subtly accentuate your eyes, rather than creating an entire look around that hue.

Step two: Apply it to only the inner or outer corners, so that it adds interest to an otherwise neutral eye, or smudge a tiny bit on the outer edges of top lashes only.

Step Three: Go easy on the rest of the face if you’ve chosen to accentuate your eyes with coloured liner, choose a softer shade in lipstick, or wear a very subtle stain. You don’t want your look clashing.

Body&Soul

or every woman who wants to look her best from day to night, you can

Biwom Iklaki

slinky styles, you could throw over a blazer for work and statement necklace, if the neckline permits, and simply take off the blazer after work.

accordingly with statement necklaces, statement footwear and bags. Or you could choose sneakers which will give you a sporty appeal, simple two strap

Stun in shift dresses

SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

22, 43

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SundayBusiness SUNDAY

SUNDAY JULY 26 2015

News

Nigeria oil, gas to play major role in world’s energy need

p.24

Interview

Nigeria can learn a lot from Singapore’s success story –Ambassador p.25

Market&Mall

KAI raids traders at Iyana Ipaja, cart away goods p.30

Paul Ogbuokiri Head, Business paulogbuokiri@newtelegraph online.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Experts task govt to tap maritime potential A

Paul Ogbuokiri t a time the Federal Government is looking to raise it revenue outside oil and gas and deepen the diversification of the economy, notable maritime expert, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, has tasked the government to direct its attention to the maritime industry, saying it is an untapped goldmine.

He told Sunday Telegraph that the shipping sector is one unexplored industry capable of generating more revenue if given the necessary attention in the next few years.

“If government gives the industry the kind of attention it is giving to the oil and gas sector and effectively enforce all extant laws of the industry, the economy will soon witness a boom,” he said.

The Director-General, Nigerian Indigenous Shipowners Association, Mr. Oliver Ogbuagu, said there is no reason why Nigeria cannot survive on shipping alone if advanced nations like Singapore and others with lesser coast territory care doing so.

He said if the Cabotage Act is fully enforced and Nigerians allowed to take over the operation of the country’s coastal trade, “over N3.5 trillion will be realized. That is what this government is looking for to restart the economy.”

This is coming as the President of NISA, Capt.

Olaniyi Labinjo, told Sunday Telegraph that if Nigerian shipowners are allowed to take over the lighterage of 1.88 million litres of petroleum products imported into the country daily, “it will take off the streets 500,000 Nigerian youths and also recover N5.4 billion monthly earnings.”

He added: “Government gave us the assurance to conduct lighterage operations. That was what informed our going out to secure ships for the lighterage through collaboration with Greeks, Turks and Americans. Our bankers are strongly in support and the ships shall be acquired by Nigerian shipowners after the bareboat charter period.”

Labinjo noted that the Nigerian Content Development Board had put the Marine Vessels Requirements by international oil companies for the period 2015 to 2020 at 900 vessels.

“The NCDMB Executive Secretary, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, before he left office served notice to foreign owned, crewed and registered vessels that their contracts would not be renewed on expiration.

“The IOCs are obliged to engage Nigerian vessels in line with the provisions of the Cabotage Act and the NCD Act. We are therefore gearing towards providing the required offshore vessels. When this is fully operationalised, another 700,000 direct jobs shall be created with an annual spend of $15 billion (about N3 trillion) saved from the capital flight,” he said.

He lamented that the Nigerian maritime domain is “infested by foreign ships despite the prohibitions in the Cabotage Act. Worst still, the foreign vessels fail to obtain waivers as required under Section 9-11 of the Cabotage Act. Those ships are fully manned by Indians Koreans, Philippines, Pakistanis etc onboard product tankers and offshore support vessels engaged in the Nigerian Cabotage trade.”

President Buhari

The NCDMB Executive Secretary, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, before he left office served notice to foreign owned, crewed and registered vessels that their contracts would not be renewed on expiration Labinjo faulted a claim by the sacked director-general of NIMASA, Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi, that they issued only five waivers to foreign ships trading in Nigerian coastal waters. He stated that an independent investigation carried out by the association showed that most of the vessels trading in Nigerian coastal waters, do so with receipts which is an evidence of payment of the waiver fees.

He said what Nigerian shipowners need are contracts so they can get the ships for the jobs.

This revelation is coming at time the three agencies in the sector, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigeria Ports Authority and NIMASA, are being touted as important points for revenue generation for government.

While NPA and NIMASA have always kept

their total annual revenues secret, the NCS’ inflow into the Federation Account in the last three years has hovered around N1 trillion.

But a revelation at the National Conference last year that NPA failed to remit over N713 billion to the Federation Account since 2009, gave an insight to the capacity of the organisation in revenue generation.

This statement was made by the committee on public finance of the National Conference in a report submitted to the summit. According to the report, the non-remittance of the authority’s revenue to the Federation Account is in contravention of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

But the AGM Public Affairs of NPA, Musa Iliya, had in a reaction, said that under the NPA Act, Cap N126 LFN, 2004, the organisation has the power to construct, equip, operate and provide seaport services to the general public.

He said essentially, the authority is supposed to serve as the commercial arm of government.

It has to operate almost like any other business and make profit before remitting its operating surplus to the government, being the owner.

This is net of all cost of undertaking operations (including development /maintenance CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Business/ News

Nigeria oil, gas to play major role in world’s energy need A

By Ahaoma Kanu

s the oil and gas industry experiences one of its most challenging periods with global oil prices in an all-time low, industry practitioners and stakeholders are increasingly getting worried what the future holds for Nigeria which derives 80 per cent of its national income from the sector.

An April 2015 International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook projected that the slump in crude oil prices will have a severe impact on the Nigerian economy as well as other oil producing countries in the continent in 2015. Growth was put at 4.5 per cent from five per cent in 2014.

Already the impact is being felt first hand with dwindling revenue and the continuous fall of the Naira leading to calls for it to be devalued a record third time within six months. Several state governments, who were hitherto unable to pay salaries, just got bailout funds for payment of salaries of workers.

While analysts are suggesting that the Federal Government, make some adjustments in its fiscal policies as well as strengthen the diversification of the economy from its dependence on oil, the Robert Gordon University (RGU) believes that oil and gas will continue to play a key role in meeting the primary energy needs in the world and will do so for decades to come.

Speaking during a recent formal launch of the institution’s Aberdeen-based Oil and Gas Institute in Nigeria at the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, the Director of RGU’s Oil and Gas Institute, Professor Paul de Leeuw said the world demand for oil and gas will increase substantially over the next few decades and Nigeria will have a key role to play in providing that need.

“While recognising the current issues in the oil sector, there is a general consensus from independent analysts such as the International Energy Agency that the world demand for oil and gas will increase substantially over the next few decades. Nigeria has substantial oil and gas resources, both onshore and offshore and will need the appropriate future skills and capabilities to develop these,” he said.

In its efforts to build strong links with Nigeria, the RGU is committed to develop the next generation of oil and gas professionals to explore its significant deep water potential by launching the RGU Oil and Gas Institute.

Meanwhile, Sunday Telegraph learnt that RGU has been working successfully in partnership with Nigeria for over 25 years with a network of agents across Nigeria, including an in-country representative since May 2014 and a large RGU Alumni community, many of whom are in key roles in the industry and government.

The creation of the RGU Oil and Gas Institute is aimed at leveraging the capabilities of an internationally recognised institution to address specific industry challenges and will focus on providing world class capabilities in the areas of drilling & wells, asset management, subsea, business excellence and decommissioning which are areas highly relevant to the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Prof. de Leeuw disclosed that currently around 750 Nigerian students are studying at the university, either on a full time, a part time or distance learning basis with over 4000 Nigerian students having completed studies in different disciplines over the last 10 years.

“Of the around 750 students currently

at RGU, approximately 50 receive full scholarships through our close relationship with scholarship bodies in Nigeria.

In addition, 100 students benefit from RGU’s partial merit scholarships (which recognises students’ achievement in their prior studies) every year. RGU also has a great track record of delivering this for the North Sea and other similar basins around the world and we feel we have a key role to play in Nigeria as well.

“We want to ensure a strong dialogue with oil and gas stakeholders in Nigeria

to ensure that we can respond to their particular needs,” Prof. de Leeuw said.

To further demonstrate its commitment to providing excellence to the Nigeria oil and gas industry, the RGU strengthened its links with Nigeria in July 2014 by signing a partnership agreement with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) a federal state research university, Zaria and the Yobe State University, Damaturu.

“ABU is one of the largest universities in the North of Nigeria and this agreement was the result of visits by RGU academics

Professor Alex Russell and Dr Labaran Lawal to investigate how both universities could benefit from collaborative activity. The Vice Chancellor from ABU, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha visited RGU’s Garthdee campus with three other highly placed staff of ABU to represent the commitment of both universities to cooperate across a range of courses and activities. A similar MOU has also been signed with Yobe State University in Damaturu. RGU will also be looking at other collaborations in the future,” he said.

L-R: President/Chairman, Council of Board, Institute of Directors (IOD), Mr. Yemi Akeju; President African Corporate Governance Network (ACGN),Mrs. Jane Valls; President, African Securities Exchanges Association(ASEA),Mr. Oscar Onyema; Vice Chairman/CEO,ICON Stockbrokers Limited, Mr. Chike Nwanza and Director-General, IOD, Mr. Victor Banjo during the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between ACGN and ASEA on effective corporate governance and ethical leadership in Africa in Lagos. GODWIN IREKHE

Experts task govt to tap maritime potentials CO N T I N U E D F R O M PAG E 2 3

of facilities /purchase of equipment) and administrative expenses.

In pursuance of the foregoing, NPA was given financial autonomy under section 13-14 of the Ports Act to apply its revenue to itsoperations, development of ports and purchase of equipment before remitting the surplus to government.

Section 14 (1) of the Ports Act allows the authority to maintain a general reserve fund into which it sets aside appropriate amounts for replacement, contingencies and other purposes. The monies are to be applied for purposes of the authority with the approval of the supervising minister as provided under section 14(2). By virtue of section 81 of the constitution, appropriations in respect of the authority are approved by the National Assembly.

Section 15 allows NPA to apply its surplus revenues for its own purposes as it may determine. With the coming into effect of the 1999 Constitution, the surplus revenues of the authority were made subject to the Consolidated Revenue Fund established under section 81(1) of the constitution. This supersedes section 15 of the Ports Act in order to bring it in line with the constitution.

“It should be noted that what is remitted are the revenue surpluses after meeting all operational, maintenance, development and administrative cost as appropriated by the National Assembly under section

81 of the constitution in each year. The authority therefore deals with the revenues only as appropriated,” he said.

NIMASA also claims that it has legal authority to spend from what it generates so far as there is due appropriation by the National Assembly for the projects. It is expected to remit only the surplus to the Federation Account.

But Sunday Telegraph learnt that it is because the management of the agency has access to too much funds outside its appropriation that it allegedly engaged in the financing of hate campaigns against the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the April election, Muhammadu Buhari.

Amiewero said he welcomes the idea that all revenue generated by government agencies must be paid into the Federation Account. He said that from there, they would draw their appropriations like nonrevenue generating agencies.

NCS is permitted by government to reserve seven per cent of the revenue it generates to finance its operations.

But the question is: Why has the revenue generated by the agency not been improving in recent years? Amiewero said the failure of all efforts to reduce human contact and totally digitalise the operations of the agency is the root cause of the poor revenue generating capacity of the agency.

He said if all leakages are blocked and the agencies’ revenue activities are computerised, corruption would reduce. Also,

he said, “revenue will rise to over N2 trillion next year and will continue to rise in years to come as the Nigerian economy is set to witness a boom after the current crisis.”

Amiwero insisted that the country can run on its maritime sector alone if government can give it the right attention.

“If government realises the fact that the oil and gas industry is increasingly becoming maritime-based, and that over 90 per cent of all import and export goods is by sea, then President Buhari should put maritime first before agriculture in his order of priority. “Ask countries like Singapore, Hong Kong how their access to the sea made them wealthy nations. Even an emerging market like Dubai is booming because it is the hub of maritime business in the Gulf region,” he said.

According to him, with Nigeria’s strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea, over 900 nautical miles of navigable coastal waters, huge cargo and intimidating population, the country is supposed to be an economic super-power.

Amiewero further challenged the Buhari administration to raise its ante in the regulation of the maritime industry, stamp out corruption and entrenched interests in the sector and adequately mobilise Nigerians to invest in the industry. He said if that is done, revenue from the sector will surpass what the country is currently earning from oil.

25

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

Business/ Features

Nigeria can learn a lot from Singapore’s success story –Ambassador What is the idea behind the Nigeria – Singapore business and investment forum?

The idea behind the Nigeria –Singapore business and investment forum came when I got to Singapore in 2012.

Then I discovered that a lot of the Singaporeans are actually ignorant of the great opportunities that lie in the Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria. Some of them when you say that you are from Nigeria, they will ask you if that is Ghana and I got so offended on that and I dawned on me that there is a lot of ignorance among them about Nigeria I felt that people need to know Nigeria, and what she has and what she can boost of. Nigeria being the giant of Africa, I believed it is not a country that can be mixed up with other countries like Ghana or Kenya. So, I said to myself that what we should do in such a situation is to hold Nigeria –Singapore Business and Investment Forum.

We started by sensitising the various private sector in Singapore and their government. We saw their desire to come to Nigeria for business. They want to make Nigeria their hub foothold in Africa but they don’t know how to start. So, we saw that this is the best platform to engage the Government of Singapore and the private sector coming into Nigeria. We hosted the forum and we saw in our attendance over 67 ministers, governors from Nigeria and Singapore, and their high ranking private sector operators.

Singapore actually acclaimed that the forum was the largest and biggest bilateral event they have ever held in the 50 years history of its existence.

From then on, we started to see a lot of Singapore companies coming to Nigeria to do business and our visa issue to business and travelers has doubled in the last two years.

What was the level of trade between Nigeria and Singapore before the forum started and what was the environment for business in Singapore?

There was a lot of desire to do business in Nigeria by Singapore and there were some businesses that were already here but they desired to do more business with Nigeria, so we thought that we should equally encourage more Singaporeans to come to Nigeria. Singapore is a country we have seen that they have maintained a very stable economy and they have made themselves almost like a giant of the Asia region. And we believe that Nigeria should key into the success story of the country. So we thought that there is a lot Nigeria would learn from interacting or partnering with the Singapore government and their private sectors.

Have you be able to trace improvement in terms trader relationship with Nigeria and Singapore since the first edition of the business forum, so that we can really say, these are the tangibles Nigeria is building and consolidating on?

During the first business forum about four Memorandum of understanding was signed and as I speak to you, they are in the process and not abandoned just like in the past. Most of the MoU and agreements we signed are there 10 to 15 years nothing happened, so we have seen the conclusion of those MoU and the agreements. Since then, there are a lot of Singapore companies that have come into Nigeria to establish their business and for that we are very grateful.

Looking at attendance in this second edition you only invited 26 governors and

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Mrs. Nonye Rajis-Opara, in this interview with STANLEY IHEDIGBO, speaks on the forthcoming Nigeria –Singapore business forum, the benefits of the first edition of the forum to Nigeria and other issues. Excerpts; what about the other governors in the country?

It is not only the 26 governors that we invited; this is actually a private sector driven thing and while the governors were actually invited because every investment is domiciled in a state. Business function should not be a thing of the Federal Government thing.

So, our focus actually is more on the private sector, if you listen to our jingles and advertisement that is going on, most of the people invited are from the private sector and governors. Because we believe that the resources of Nigeria that we are talking about actually belong to the states, they don’t belong to the ministries at the Abuja. Whether it is oil and gas, solid minerals or human resource, they belong to the states and we believe that is will be good a opportunity for governors and state governments to come and display what they have, as well as look for partners from the Asia region through Singapore because this forum is not just for the Singapore but the region because Singapore is the hub of the Asia region.

Multi-million dollar companies and investors are in Singapore and when you are partnering with Singapore, you are actually reaching out to the Asia continent. As I am speaking with you, Singapore business Federation sent delegates to Nigeria and some of the state governments and private sector are discussing with them now.

There still exist a lot of trade imbalance between Singapore and Nigeria because data show that the volume of trader is in its favour with over USD200 million, while for Nigeria it is USD5 million.

How do you intend to bridge this gap and is there the possibility of this investment forum to bridging the gap?

One of the reasons the Singapore busi-

Rajis-Opara

ness delegations that are right now in Nigeria are to see the area where they can invest in the country. And most Singaporeans have come into the country than Nigeria going to Singapore. It is a great opportunity for Singapore and Nigeria.

Singapore does not produced oil but she has the third largest refinery is in the world. Just because its citizens took a decision that though they do not have mineral resources, they decided to use their human capital to build their nation to among the most industrialized in the world. They invested in their human capital, now Singapore is the third largest producer of wheat, also the largest loading offshore rigs.

There are many Nigerians that buy offshore support vessels from China and other places in the Asia, and Singapore manufactures them in large quantities and Nigeria can benefit from that. Singapore is the fourth financial center in the world and there is a lot experience Nigeria can learn and partner with the financial institutions in the country. They are known to have a very good record education and Nigeria is interested to harness the educational system of that country. Singapore is a very small country but Joint International Commission accredited eleven hospitals and three medical centres, so there is a vest opportunity for Nigerians to tap from.

Also in housing 85 per cent Singaporeans in their own houses and it is not free of charge but government provide d the

enabling environment and the policy for the private sector.

I was overwhelmed when I got to the Singapore seaport, you think that you are in a studio, it is so clean, and it is very efficiently run. I want to see the Nigeria Ports Authority turns around our ports into something, we can be proud of. And Singapore has shown that they want to partner with Nigeria in various areas and they are looking at investing in various areas. Also they are willing to come to Nigeria and help government.

Looking at enabling environment for sustainability of the investment, do you think that the investors will not back off from Nigeria, looking at the power sector which is one of the most important infrastructures needed for industrilisation?

It is a very serious issue and it makes me shed tears whenever I think about it.

After the first edition of the forum some of them like the Singapore Stock Exchange came to Nigeria and for one year they were pursuing an investment that worth over USD2 billion in Abuja and one of the thing that will make Nigeria to lose that investment right now is power, water and roads. I don’t know how long they can wait for us to build these things.

They even want to build these things which will be upset it on the land rate , somehow , somewhere, I don’t know what happened we are having serious issue on that development because they are saying that it will no longer be viable by the time they put money in power, road and water . And we are telling them that it will be viable for them and my prayer is that this administration will concentrate in building the enabling environment especially in the area of infrastructure.

When Akwa Ibom State made their presentation to Singapore investors, I was very proud because they showed the investors the network of road that has been built, the stability of their power, the seaport they are looking for investor and they have created the enabling environment which is extremely wonderful. We can replicate that in most of our states and it will be easily for investors coming with money will be able to be comfortable and have confidence in the country that they are investing in.

So, deficit in infrastructure in Nigeria is a huge problem and I believed that what the past administration has done and the present government will continue to build on it.

Government have a lot of incentives for business to thrive in the country for investors to do business and Nigeria is the only country investors can own their businesses 100 per cent. Investors have free and confident way of repatriating their funds. In the business forum, we are going to sign Basal agreement; we are looking forward to sign Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) and IGA business Guarantee agreements. These are things that give investors’ comfort and confidence to invest in Nigeria and if we can conclude on some of these pending agreements

26

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

MPC maintains status quo

D

espite uncertainties in the financial market in recent times, the All Share Index appreciated by 0.15% Week on Week (WoW), whilst YtD return settled at -10.29%.

29 stocks advanced against 44 stocks that pared to skew the market breadth (0.66x) in favour of decliners. Volume traded and value of transaction increased WoW by 0.45% and 0.15% respectively.

NEIMETH led the outperformers for the week, witnessing a price appreciation of 19.69% to close at NGN1.52 for the week. Other counters that featured on the gainers’ chart were BETAGLAS (15.50%), CAVERTON (14.91%), HONYFLOUR (10.71%), and TRANSCORP (8.49%) in that order. Conversely, TRANSEXPR topped the underperformers for the week, shedding 20.72%. Other top losers were CONTINSURE, EVANSMED, CCNN, and ETI which trimmed by 19.42%, 16.44%, 15.64%, and 10.00%% respectively.

The week also witnessed an avalanche of corporate releases, with BERGER, TRANSCOHOT, FLOURMILL, UBN, CCNN, UNILEVER, LINKASSUR, CORNERST, FBNH, DIAMONDBNK, FIDELITYBK and COURTVILLE releasing their Q2 performance scorecards. While LINKASSUR, UBN, FIDELITYBK, FBNH and BERGER posted some good showings, all the other afore-mentioned released unimpressive results in line with our expectations.

With more corporate releases anticipated, we opine that this might further drag returns.

Given the relative stability in interbank rates, the CBN’s ability to manage liquidity, and the fact that some leakages are being plugged, 8 people voted against four to maintain status quo during the 245th MPC meeting. Consequently, no changes were made, and MPR and CRR were retained at 13%, and 31%.

We opine that with the outcome of the MPC meeting, investors’ sentiments and skepticism might cause an increase in market activity in the coming week.

In this report, we review event in the economy laying emphasis on performance of different segments of the financial market while presenting our expectation for the rest of the month.

Fixed Income: Liquidity level exerts upward pressure on rates Activities in the Treasury bill and bond markets started off the week relatively bullish, in contrast to the previous week. This momentum was maintained in the bond space whilst the Tbills’ run was short-lived, lasting only the first trading day with mixed sentiments prevailing thereafter. Consequently, the week’s average yield on T-Bills stayed flat at 13.77%, while the average yield in the bond space closed the week at 14.99%.

The OBB and OVN rates both soared to 14.17% (+6.09% WtD) and 14.67% (+5.92% WtD) respectively, a trend mirrored by the average NIBOR tenors rates which closed the week at 17.20% (+2.92% WtD), spear-headed by the Call rate, 19.21% (+9.75% WtD).

We opine that activities on the debt instruments were tempered during the week, as investors remained relatively cautious in anticipation of the MPC meetings’ outcome. While we attribute the increase in money market rates to low system liquidity.

The Naira remained stable during the week, closing at mid-price of NGN197.80/USD. We do not expect any volatility in the interbank rate in the short-term, while it is anticipated that the parallel market rate might continue to weaken against the greenback.

Agric Sector…OKOMUOIL inch up by 0.70%.

Despite the lackluster performance in the equities market, the agric sector remained resilient, as the sector performance as measured by our MERIAGR index advanced by 0.29% WoW. The marginal growth was larger driven by a higher price appreciation of the lone stock that gained, as against the lone stock that waned in value.

OKOMUOIL appreciated by 0.70% to close at NGN26.00 (vs. NGN25.82 in the previous week), and emerged as the sole gainers for the week. On the flip side, LIVESTOCK waned by -1.99% while PRESCO, ELLAHLAKES and FTNCOCOA all traded flat.

We expect discerning investors to take position in some of the counters given their relatively low prices ahead of a probable resurgence in the coming week, as we anticipate Q2:2015 results in the agric sector.

…as 7-week bearish WoW trend ends

Banking Sector: Start of Earnings Season doesn’t stop fall The week was largely negative for banking stocks, as 11 stocks pared in value against 4 advancers. The top gainers for the week included STERLNBNK (4.88%), ACCESS (3.18%), and UBN (1.55%), while the decliners were led by ETI (-10.00%), UNITYBNK (-6.56%), and WEMABANK (-4.26%).

FBNH, UBN and UNITYBNK released H1:2015 numbers during the week. FBNH grew Gross earnings, Profit-Before-Taxes and Profit-After-Taxes, by 27.97%, 7.9% and 7.7% YoY respectively. UBN grew gross earnings by 5.81%, while PAT grew by 1.81%. UNITYBNK recorded top and bottom-line growths of 8.79% and 11.10% accordingly.

The losses in the sector are partly due to the general consternation pressuring down the general market, and also partly due to the expectations that sector-wide financial performances will be weak in 2015. We advise taking position in cheap fundamentally justified stocks as prices bottom out.

Consumer Goods: Scorecards spun investors’ reactions During the week, the sector, as measured by our Meri-Consumer Goods Index, returned 0.54% WtD. HONYFLOUR (+10.71%) recorded the highest market price appreciation while AGLEVENT (-9.09%) recorded the highest decline. Sector breadth was 0.70x with 7 advancers against 10 decliners.

UNILEVER’s Q2 results showed 1.91% decline in revenue; while Cost of Sales and finance costs increased by 3.78% and 137.38% respectively. Accordingly, profit after tax declined by 94.16%, in spite of the 98.61% decline in tax payable. FLOURMILL’s FY2015 results showed 5.23% and 5.23% respective declines in revenue and cost of sales. Consequent upon the NGN14.29billion gain on disposal of investment in associate and tax rebate of NGN0.74billion, however, profit after tax increased by 57.66%. Investors’ reactions to these earnings releases saw FLOURMILL and UNILEVER recording price depreciations of 0.65% and 1.35% in that order.

Recent earnings releases have mirrored our expectations from companies, given current economic realities. In spite of recent performances, however, most of the component companies hold potential upside for investors with me-

dium to long term horizons. We advise investors to take position only in fundamentally justified stocks.

Healthcare Sector: Bears continue to growl The sector, as measured by our MERI-HLTH index, closed the week 0.01% down, which dragged Year to Date return to 8.39%. Only one stock recorded price appreciation, while two stocks declined, leaving market breadth at 0.5x for the week. All other counters traded flat.

NEIMETH emerged as the only price gainer in the week, advancing by 19.69% to peg price at NGN1.52. Conversely, EVANSMED and MAYBAKER recorded price declines in the week, paring by 16.44% and 8.55% to close at NGN0.61 and NGN1.39 respectively.

As we do not expect striking results from companies in the sector, we advise investors to continue to tread cautiously. In view of the abatement of current risk factors and resurgence in the economy, we advise investors with medium to long term horizons to take advantage of stocks trading below their fundamentally justified prices.

Industrial goods: Berger and CCNN results, a mixed bag The bearish mood in the industrial goods sector appeared to have subsided slightly during the week, as three stocks closed positive as against zero advancers in the previous week.

Subsequently, the sector index appreciated marginally by 0.96% in the review period.

BERGER, which released an impressive H1:2015 results during the week, emerged as the highest gainer with a 4.67% WtD growth in share price. ASHAKACEM and DANGCEM followed suit with 4.13% and 1.21% increases in share value to close the week’s trading at NGN21.92 and NGN170.04 respectively.

CCNN shareholders continued to dump the stock, as the ticker led the sector laggards for the second consecutive week, declining by 15.64% to NGN8.79. Other decliners were DNMEYER, CAP and WAPCO which recorded respective losses of 3.95%, 1.22% and 1.00% WtD. BERGER declared a 50.20% YoY growth in Profit-After-Tax (PAT) for H1:2015, on the back of 14.91% and 48.75% YoY growths in revenue and other income from the prior year. CCNN on the hand, witnessed a 6.98% decline in sales during the period, coupled with a 13.57% increase in finance expense, resulting in a 17.98% YoY drop in PAT.

We expect more H1:2015 result releases from industrial goods companies in the coming week.

We are, however, not bullish on the performance of these companies given the performances recorded as at Q1:2015, and the unconducive operating environment in Q2:2015. Based on this, we predict a somber mood in the sector, as we do not anticipate sufficient drive for positive trading activities in the coming week.

Insurance sector: LINKASSURE releases Q2:2015 results The apathy towards insurance stocks was sustained during the week, as the NSEINS10 index pared by 2.00% WoW to peg the year to date return at -6.78%.

CONTINSURE recorded the highest loss, as the counter pared by 17.48% to close at NGN0.85 compared to NGN1.03 in the previous week. NEM and AIICO trailed with losses of 4.55% and 3.16% respectively. Following a 1.82% price appreciation on the last trading day of the week, MANSARD ended the week with a price of NGN2.80 (vs. NGN2.75 in the prior week). All other tickers traded flat.

Linkage Assurance Plc. and Cornerstone Plc. released their Q2:2015 financial results in the course of the week. LINKASSURE grew Gross Premium Earned (GPE) and Profit after Tax (PAT) by 29.23% and 10.90% to NGN2.38bn and NGN0.48bn (compared to corresponding NGN1.84bn and NGN0.44bn in Q2:2014). CORNERST on the other hand, grew GPE by 15.57%, while PAT waned significantly by 60.18% down to NGN234mn from NGN587mn in the corresponding period. The drag in CORNERST bottom-line was engineered by an upsurge in combined ratio (Claims & expenses) to 98.57% up from 72.51% in Q2:2014.

We expect the outcome of the MPC committee to have a positive effect on the stock market in the coming week, and by extension, we expect it to bode well for insurance stocks.

Oil & Gas Sector: Sector returns +1.55% WtD Coming from a low ebb, the Oil & Gas sector returned to positive waters in the week, with the sector performance as measured by the NSEOILG5 index settling its WtD change at +1.55%. Four stocks closed positive, while one counter waned in value. Other counters traded flat.

OANDO led the advancers by 7.94% WoW to close at NGN13.60, while MOBIL, ETERNA, and TOTAL followed suit, gaining 2.12%, 1.37%, and 1.31% in that order. FO was the sole decliner in the sector, paring by 1.12% to close at NGN186.00 for the week.

Queues for PMS (Petrol) at filling stations are gradually resurfacing within the country, as the scaling down on product imports by major marketers become more evident. We however note that as challenges of reduced product importation and increased costs of operation linger, we do not expect Q2:2015 earnings releases by the companies to be any different from their first quarter releases.

Following the decline in volume (-31.98%) and value (-52.96%) of transaction WoW, we do not envisage major activities in the sector in the coming week, bearing in mind the present equities market mood. Though we anticipate except for some bargain hunting when opportunity avails.

Services Sector…CAVERTON remains resilient; gains 14.91% WoW The services sector continued its bearish mood in the week. A sole stock emerged as the only advancer, against five (5) stocks that trimmed in share prices to skew sectoral breadth (0.20x) in favour of the underperformers. The MERISER index pared by -1.20% WtD, further dragging the Year-to-Date return to -7.78%.

CAVERTON was the sole advancer, appreciating 14.91% WoW to close its price at NGN4.24. On the flip side, TRANSEXPR led the decliners, as it shed 20.72%. REDSTAREX (-4.84%), AIRSERVICE (-4.81%), IKEJAHOTEL (-4.26%), and NAHCO (-2.94%) all followed suit in that order.

In another development, Transcorp Hotels Plc. released its Q2:2015 scorecard with topline and bottom line declines of 10.22% and 16.50% respectively.

We believe that the services sector might not witness a rebound in the coming week given the high degree of correlation between the services sector and the state of the nations’ economy.

27

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

SundayBusiness

Okwudirism – My Success Quotes (3) Success Nuggets Victor Okwudiri 08037674300 (SMS only)

62. You are not too small to make an impact.

63. Irrespective of your AGE, you can be on the world STAGE. 64. Saving per se does not make one rich; it only affords financial security and stability, and can be a ‘springboard’ for financial elevation.

65. In an economy with the history of currency devaluation, money kept at a place cannot add to someone. It can only lose value.

66. SAVE! 67. You need to save so you can have something to fall back on in the event of a suspension in cash flow 68. You need to save to afford you a ready capital base for investment, especially impromptu (sudden) investment opportunities.

69. Saving does not really make one rich.

70. The secret to the multiplication of anything is INVESTING that thing, whether it is money or a God-given talent (ability) or idea.

71. To invest simply means to put something into profitable use.

72. Whereas saving will keep your cash intact (albeit subject to the realities of currency devaluation and applicable exchange rates per time), INVESTING releases the reproductive potentials of your money (or talents or ideas).

73. One major reason people cannot save is indiscipline.

74. Money has a ‘spirit’. It propels a drive to spend or give, sometimes beyond what is necessary.

75. Discipline is key to saving, but the truth is that discipline may not be enough for some people. Staying off the credit card may be better.

76. If you are not sure to be financially disciplined, you can help yourself by operating a ‘special savings account’ isolated from an ATM card.

77. Plan with what you have per time, not what you hope to get.

78. Though there is no rule as to what percentage of your income to save, 10% to 20% is recommendable.

79. Saving is not a function of the size of your salary. It is ‘a DISCIPLINE’.

80. Bigger money comes with bigger challenges or responsibilities.

81. Aside the fact that money is a medium of exchange, it has a ‘spirit’. It triggers spending, either by virtue of its owner’s will or of necessity.

82. One who cannot save when he earns N1, 000, cannot save if he earns N5, 000.

83. Saving can also be a matter of ‘per centage’. If Mr. A saves N10, 000 of his N100, 000 salary and Mr. B saves only N1, 000 of his N10, 000 salary, both Messrs A and B have saved just 10% of their respective salaries. So, it doesn’t matter how much you earn, saving is a ‘Statute of General

Application (SOGA) - nobody is excused from it.

84. Anyone who thinks he is unable to save because his income is not enough is getting it wrong. No income is enough. Even the rich want to get richer.

85. In the school of financial prosperity, discipline is a 24-UNIT course on its own, and failure of that course may not just result in a ‘carry over’ but a ‘spill over’ in life, that might run into generations.

86. For every income, not everything is to be flushed down the drain in the name of spending. You need to pay God (the TITHE and other kingdom commitments), pay yourself (your SAVINGS + INVESTMENTS), and give to others (CHARITY).

87. If you think your income is too small to make savings from, there are people who earn less than you, yet have savings.

88. If you cannot save when you earn N30, 000, you cannot save if you start earning N100, 000. This is because when there is an upward shift in one’s income, responsibilities and challenges increase as well. Also, spending drive increases, because an increase in income is ‘power to spend more’.

89. You must not buy everything.

90. TREND has led some people to their untimely and inglorious END. 91. Trying to be in VOGUE has turned many to ROGUES. 92. Life is not a competition. If you must compete, compete with yourself.

You will succeed.

Overcoming rejection The Big Picture Julian Atufunwa 08032810713 (SMS only)

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ejection is part of life. Everyone at some point has been rejected in business, career or contest.

Sales people are the most turned down.

Lots of business proposals have ben rejected, It can be depressing to believe you have a mind blowing idea only to be rejected by those you thought should have encouraged you. Some writers wallow in self-defeat when publishers reject their works. In relationships, nothing hurts more than unrequited love. It also bruises our hearts when we offer our best services to our organisations only to be laid off at the end of the day for no just cause.

If you have suffered any form of rejection, know that you are not alone because underlisted are people we celebrate today. They at some point in their lives were ridiculed and rejected. a. ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: She once said: “My second book was rejected by 36 publishers. I strongly believe that we are not put on this earth just to accumulate victories and trophies and avoid failures rather to be whittled and sand papered down until what’s left is who we truly are.” b. ALBERT EINSTEIN: He was rejected from school because he

was seen as slow and lazy. He never spoke until he was four years old and never read till he was about seven. He opted out of school and later moved on to become one of the greatest scientists of his time. Rejection is never extinction. c. STEVE JOBS: Steve Jobs was booted out of the company after too many failed projects. He started a new company called NEXT. Fortunately, his software division blossomed. Apple’s acquisition of that division appointed him to work. He bounced back. d. STAN SMITH: He was rejected as a ball boy for a Davis Cup tennis match because he was too awkward and clumsy. He went on to win the Wimbledon and US Open and eight Davis Cups. e. WALT DISNEY: Walt was fired by a newspaper editor because he was told he wasn’t creative. He was resilient and also persevered. He formed his first animation company which was called ‘Laugh-O-Gram’ and Mickey Mouse. Many thought his idea of a mouse was one of the dumbest things ever heard. He was turned down by several bankers before someone agreed to give his ideas a trial. Today, he is celebrated as one of the richest men in the world. f.

MILTON HERSHY: Milton started his candy production career as a nobody after being fired from an apprenticeship with a printer.

He started three separate candy related ventures and was forced to watch all of them fail. On one last attempt, he founded the Lancaster Caramel Company and started seeing enormous results. Believing in his vision for milk chocolate for the masses, he eventually founded the Hershey Company and became one of the most well-known names in the industry. https://www.entrepreneur.com/ article/240492 To overcome rejection, do not take it personal. We must shift our eyes from ourselves being the cause of rejection.

As a sales person, you must understand that it is your products that were rejected and not your person. I know how painful it is as a marketer, when you approach about 15 people only to have two say ‘yes.’ Sometimes, you begin to doubt if you are truly a good marketer/salesperson. Most times, I had to reassure myself that I’ve been told many times that I am a good salesperson. I had to reassure myself that it was never about me.

Learn to focus on the positive side of the rejection. Remind yourself it’s not the end of the world, but for a moment.

I remember Pastor Tunde Bakare thanking God that it was good he was rejected by Gani Fawehinmi Chambers. Maybe he would not have founded his church, Latter Rain Assembly.

Rejection sometimes is a blessing in disguise. Always, people rise to become more successful than where they were rejected. Most successful people thank God that they were rejected at some point.

NB, others’ woes not over yet – RenCap Paul Ogbuokiri

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enaissance Capital has said that across the board poor performance of Nigerian Breweries (NB) numbers in its second quarter 2015 report released last week didn’t come to it as a surprise.

It also said the pain is not yet over for the brewing giant.

This is coming as the investment banking research firm on Thursday said it had lowered its beer industry growth forecasts to 0 per cent from 4 per cent for FY15 and to 2 per cent from 6 per cent for FY16, it stressed.

“We have lowered our industry and company growth forecasts for FY2015 and FY2016 as the consumer remains severely constrained,” it stressed.

In a report made available to Sunday Telegraph, RenCap said it expects further downside to margins given pressure on the naira.

“Furthermore, we believe Bloomberg consensus estimates remain high and that a FY15E P/E of 24.5x, on our estimates, without growth, is not justified. We maintain our ‘sell’ rating and lower our TP to NGN118 (from NGN138) on our revised forecasts and disappointing results,” it said.

It also said that it finds little evidence that Buhari’s victory has helped consumer sentiment and spending thus far, adding that things will get worse before they get better.

RenCap also said that NB’s 1H FY15 results were a testament to this, with margins and earnings having declined QoQ and YoY. “It was clear to us from NB’s results that the standalone business is facing pressure. In fact if you strip out Consolidated Breweries, NB’s top line declined by ~6 per cent. This leads us to believe that its mainstream product Star has been losing market share to the spirits RTD segment, specifically Guinness’ Orijin. Further, as part of our channel checks we found on Nairaland.com, an online social forum in Nigeria, that many consumers prefer Orijin to Ace Roots. Though we believe this will not hamper the long-term growth of Ace Roots due to NB’s superior distribution, it could limit near-term growth,” it said.

Natures Gentle Touch launches campaign

Edwin Usoboh

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s part of its corporate social investment initiatives, personal style brand, Natures Gentle Touch, has launched a healthy hair campaign aimed at educating the society on how to live and maintain healthy hair and scalp.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Daniel Komlan, Field Education Manager of Recare Limited, manufacturers of Natures Gentle Touch range of hair care products, stated that the campaign was borne out of the need to empower women with the knowledge to make informed choices in the face of frequent and persistent hair and scalp challenges.

He said the common hair and scalp challenges faced by Nigerian women include hair breakage, dandruff, receding hairline, split ends and hair loss.

“The benefits of the exercise are immeasurable as more women will enjoy the opportunity of getting to know their hair and the required treatment to keep it healthy,” he said.

He further said the campaign allows women to have a one-on-one consultation with hair consultants and receive professional hair care tips and practical demonstration on ways to maintain healthy hair.

Since its launch, several corporate bodies, individuals and communities have benefited from the campaign.

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Markets&Mall SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

KAI raids traders at Iyana Ipaja, cart away goods T

Stanley Ihedigbo raders in Iyana Ipaja market of Lagos State have strongly condemned the incessant raids they have suffered at the hands of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials in the state.

The traders who after recent raid in the area last week, said the activities of the KAI officers were becoming, in their own words, problematic.

A representative of the traders,

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Mrs. Agnes Michael said that they had suffered colossal loss to the officials of KAI and that this indeed was a very bad situation for them.

“What is happening to us here is very bad and it leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Can you imagine how much goods we have lost to these people? The women among us are crying every day. It is really sad, I tell you. I don’t know what we have done to deserve this.

“Even if the state government is trying to beautify the state, does that mean that the common man

while trying to quickly clear our goods when the KAI officials who are usually accompanied by mobile policemen, storm the market.

They are often very rough during their raids. We are appealing to the governor to please help us because we have nowhere to go and we all have families to feed,” Mrs. Michael lamented.

When the traders were asked if they think the way they displayed their goods by the roadside is proper, and if they realise that activities at the road sides impeded

free flow of vehicular and human traffic; one of the traders, Mr. Ike Ani said; “What do you want us to do? If they give us alternative place to go, we will go.

We only sell here because we don’t have another place to go to”, he said.

Ani, who spoke in support of Mrs. Michael, said they appreciated what the state government was doing to sanitise and beautify the state. However, traders in the state were not having it easy in these trying times.

Ambode’s pledge to reconstruct Ikotun road excites traders

raders in the Ejigbo market have expressed their joy over the recent pledge by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode to reconstruct the dilapidated Ikotun-Ejigbo road.

Ambode made the promise during his visit to the Ejigbo area, saying the state of the road is unacceptable. He assured residents that the road will be given a face lift soon.

Speaking with Sunday Telegraph on the development, a traders in the market, Mr. Ogechukwu Okechukwu commended the Governor for keeping his campaign promises of visiting every roads in the state to assess whether they are motorable.

He said customers have deserted the Ejigbo market because of the poor state of the Ejibgo-Ikotu road.

“My brother most time when, when we go to buy goods and products outside to stock our shops, truck drivers impose huge charges on us because of our bad road and that make it difficult for to break even as prices cannot compete with what is obtainable in other markets around,” he said.

Okechukwu expressed the hope that the economy which have been dull for a while now, would pick up once the Buhari administration resolves the issue of fuel and foreign exchange rate.

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will not eat again or be able to feed his family? It is a shame and we all here are really disappointed. They’ve been coming to raid us here every week now without warning. They cart away our wares worth hundreds of thousands of naira. As if that is not enough, they destroy our shops, kiosks and tables,” she said, adding that in most cases, some of the traders who put up any form of resistance will be arrested by the KIA officials.

“Some of the traders have also suffered various degrees of injuries

SAP Africa bolsters Leadership Team

AP Africa on Friday announced that after seven years of successfully leading and growing the Africa business, current CEO, Pfungwa Serima, has been promoted to the role Chairman of SAP Africa. As a result of this development, current SAP Southern Africa Managing Director, Brett Parker has been appointed as Managing Director for SAP Africa. Both appointments are with immediate effect.

Serima’s new role will see him take on increased responsibility for the strategic direction of SAP’s business in Africa. He will focus on a number of initiatives critical to SAP Africa’s success, including the direction of SAP head-office’s investment plan in Africa, the development of SAP’s focus industries across the continent and the ensuring of scalable and sustainable growth in emerging markets in Africa.

Strengthening relationships with African governments and international financial institutions investing in Africa will also form part of Serima’s new portfolio.

In this role, Serima remains close to the day-to-day business as Head of the SAP Africa Executive Committee. He will now also chair the SAP Africa Advisory Channel Council.

As the new Managing Director of SAP Africa, Parker takes on operational responsibility for the company in Africa, with particular emphasis placed on delivering innovation to SAP customers and partners. All regional Managing Directors of the SAP Africa team, as well as the other members of the Africa Leadership Team, will report to Parker.

“As we aim to make the world run better and improve people’s lives, nowhere does this mission hold more weight than right here in Africa. With more than 1,300 customers across the continent and a robust partner ecosystem, SAP is enabling African businesses and governments to grow, scale and globalise, while making the transition to the digital economy,” said Serima.

“SAP Africa’s people and solutions are as strong as ever. With this expanded leadership partnership, SAP Africa is even better positioned for flawless execution. We will continue to win in Africa and we look forward to becoming an increasingly important contributor to SAP business from a global perspective.”

The first group of volunteers from Shoprite’s Head Office with some of the Stop Hunger Now parcels they packed. In total, 36 228 meals were packed and donated to the needy in Cape Town, South Africa recently

Shoprite employees honour Mandela

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o honour Nelson Mandela on what would have been his 97th birthday, the Shoprite Group celebrated the legacy of South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela by mobilising some of its 130,000 staff and providing resources to assist needy organisations across the country on International Mandela Day on July 18, 2015.

Shoprite’s Mandela Day activities are an extension of the company’s ongoing work to bring positive socio-economic change in communities which it serves.

Shoprite in a statement rationalised the helping programme with one of Mandela’s quotable quotes which says that “what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

Sunday Telegraph learnt that over the last few days, hundreds of staff members from the group’s head office in Cape

Town and its seven divisional offices in other main centres of South Africa started work on 17 major projects.

This year, the group aims to alleviate hunger in the poorest of communities by supporting sustainable projects that provide meals for those in need beyond Mandela Day. Some of the activities include planting vegetable gardens, aiding community feeding schemes and schools offering pupils meals, food security and hygiene training, renovating of soup kitchens, purchasing of new cooking equipment, construction of sheds for feedings schemes that offer shelter from hot summer and rainy winter days.

Furthermore, smaller initiatives from more than 320 stores nationwide focused on local projects within their own communities that aim to contribute in a positive way to the lives of the elderly, abused and destitute women and children, disabled

adults and children, and those who find themselves unemployed and homeless.

The group also partnered Stop Hunger Now, an international organisation that coordinates the distribution of food and other life-saving aid worldwide.

Shoprite staff volunteered with enthusiasm as they tag teamed to pack 36 228 meals over two days at the head office in Cape Town.

The meals were donated to five Early Childhood Development programs in Crossroads, Cape Town, to feed 250 children for 12 months.

Caring for the communities it operates in has always been a priority for the Shoprite Group.

The group appreciated the loyal support from the community and is continuously looking for ways in which to give something back to its customers.

Also it stated that in the footsteps of Mandela they encourage all individuals to, “Take Action!

Inspire Change;” it only takes 67 minutes to make a difference.

Life SUNDAY

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SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

My life with Fela, drugs and God –Hamilton

How can you be introduced?

Oh! My name is Keji Hamilton, former keyboard and guitar player for the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti of the Egypt 80 band.

I was born to an Imam father, the last of six children. So that makes me a Muslim at the beginning. I am married with two daughters; my first daughter is in the university and my younger daughter is about to go to secondary school. I am a pastor and founder of Tabernacle of Payer Global Ministries. I am also the Coordinator of House of Joy Rehabilitation Centre, the hospitality arm of the Apapa family of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Pastor Keji Hamilton was the lead guitarist of Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80 Afro Beats band. After 13 years of doing drugs, he now coordinates a rehabilitation centre for drug victims. He spoke with TAI ANYANWU

Some years ‘Beyond Music.’ What were you trying to communicate?

I was just trying to let people know that music is spiritual and it is not just entertainment when you come to church music. It is about connecting with the father of all spirits, which is the Almighty God. The scriptures say that God is a spirit, those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. I was able to share my story too for them to know that apart from church music there is so much spiritism involved in secular musi. People may not be aware of that fact but it was based on my experiences in Egypt 80 band and my personal experiences too. Those were the things we were trying to tell the audience that day.

Could you let us into some of your experience with spiritism with Fela Kuti and beyond?

While I was at Kalakuta, trying to be an instrumentalist, a musician, I tried to get people to teach me. Nobody was ready to teach because I didn’t have money to pay them. So, I actually learnt music through spiritual means. I have said it a couple of times that I undertook what we call ‘Astral Projection.’ My spirit left my body and I travelled to the realm of the moon and stars where I was welcomed by a beast with arms and legs like human being covered with fur.

And the beast took me into a room where I met three other beasts that were sitting across a table and I was sitting on the opposite side. And I was instructed on guitar and keyboard and bass. I learnt these in less than three hours; but my shocking realisation by the time I returned to my body and came out of the room where I did telepathy I was told that people had been looking for me for three days. I went to check the calendar and discovered that it is truth. It had been three days; but I just kept quiet. Then I went to meet Fela and told him that I wanted to play in the band. That was how I became the lead guitarist of the ‘Egypt 80 Band.’ So, I learnt music through spiritual means. And playing in Kalakuta and seeing all those things we worship, the idols in the Shrine we worshipped on Saturday nights: Ogun, Sango, Yemoja, Sopono. I mean, nobody needed to tell me that all those things were being used for empowerment for the music. And today when you hear things like illuminati and baphomet in modern entertainment, it is the same thing. So, it is more than music. You might actually be romancing with demonic forces that you will not be able to explain.

Keji on a typical day at work with drug victims

That is why most of the time, funny things happen in the lives of musicians.

What was life in Kalakuta Republic like?

Well Kalakuta was a place that some of us called African Theological Seminary. For me, Kalakuta was just a community of its own where people were being educated to know their rights and also the history of the black man. But notwithstanding, there were a lot of vices around also that could influence the mind of a total man even as we learn those things about African mythology, theology and then the music itself. Of course, the smoking was just there, the drinking and the freedom. The freedom was... I like to quote a man that said any freedom that is without control is a higher bondage. The music was good, the information was good but the lifestyle was not normal. That is how I can explain it.

How true is it that you smoked hemp with pages of the Bible?

Oh yes! This happened during one of our tours to Europe. I got to Belgium and brought out the Nigerian grass that I took along with me to smoke it. When I cut the package open I discovered that I didn’t have cigarette paper (rizzla) inside. In looking around for what I would use, I saw a copy of Gideons International bible by my bed-

side and flipped through the pages. I felt the pages were light. I tore one out and wrapped the grass with it. I smoked with it and felt nice. And you know it also the spirit of rebellion and all that information we heard about churches and all that negative information.

As somebody living in Kalakuta Republic, I just felt like this was a rebellious act. So from then till i got saved, the last smoke I took at night was with the pages of the Bible. Some of the Bibles were actually got from beating up people who usually did the morning cry in the area. Then Kalakuta was located at Tinuke Olaanji Street. Yeah.

So why did you leave Fela and Kalakuta Republic?

I believe it was God again. It got to a point in the shrine, while I was on the keyboard, watching Fela, I would start to feel that this guy was getting inspiration from the way we were living with him. Anytime Fela was singing on stage the lyrics of the song: Country of Pain, I would start crying.

A couple of times, he turned round, looked at me and said ‘spirit don catch you.’ But it was a deep cry I could not understand.

One day, I just felt that I needed to go higher, but i didn’t know how to do it. But a little fracas happened between me and him that made him order his boys to beat me up. I was beaten up seriously. My right eye was

closed and bleeding; and so I was absent from the shrine for a couple of days. And by the time I tried to come back, there was a policeman from Area F Police Station who came and told me that I needed to leave Ikeja area. He said a DPO had said that the next time they arrest me they should try and get rid of me. I asked for his advice, he said I should leave Ikeja area because most of the boys that were committing crime in that area when they are caught, they would say that I was the one that sent them. I was with a prostitute girlfriend of mine who left us in the midst of the discussion and came back about three hours later. By then, the policeman had gone. I was just there thinking and she said into my ear: ‘Keji, there is a place in Ojuelegba that I want you to come and see. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.’

All my life, I had stayed in Ikeja. So I came to Ojuelegba and saw this guest house called Meelord Guest House. It was a place where prostitutes lodged. We started staying there.

From there, I was going to the shrine to play.

It was there I had an encounter with Christ on May 7, 1994 in the night. I was trying to smoke some hard drug and I heard a voice saying that if I don’t stop living that kind of life I would not live after that year, 1994.

Of course, I ignored the voice and still inhaled that smoke and I vomited blood. Not knowing what made me to do it, I eventually took my clothes inside that woman’s house. I lifted up my eyes and said: ‘You this Jesus Christ that they are always talking about, if it is true you can save, deliver me from drug addiction.’ I actually prayed that prayer because I felt that the reason I became a nuisance was because I went into drugs.

Before I left home, I was a calm person. I don’t know how to hurt a fly, but as at this time I am talking to you, I had become a very violent person, very destructive to myself and people around me. So that was it. I said that casual prayer, I didn’t know what happened. It was around 11 in the night, by the time I opened my eyes, it was 8a.m the next day. And that was the first time in close to 13 years that I had been doing drugs. It was practically impossible for me to sleep without doing drugs. That night, I had a sound sleep. And I left.

How did Fela feel when you left?

I was a key player in Egypt 80 Band. I was practically leading the band. For instance, if I travelled abroad, most of the musicians would pull out. I was the one that would train a new instrumentalist and lead the session free of charge for Fela. So, I became like an asset to him. When I left, I received several messages from him to come back.

But when I looked back, it was practically impossible for me to go back because my leaving was a salvation experience. I had an encounter with God, after all that fracas; and I knew it was practically wrong for me to belong to that setting. At a point I visited CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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Sunday Telegraph, SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

Life

CO NT INU ED F R O M PAGE 29

Kalakuta, when one day I met with that my prostitute girl friend; because after the salvation I had to go through vigorous spiritual training. God must train you. I was broke, homeless, jobless and I was looking like a shadow of myself. And I met this girl, and the girl was trying to turn her face away from me. I called her but she spat on me.

She said: ‘Look at you, how dirty and rough you look. Are you still following this your Jesus? You better go back to Kalakuta.’ Tears of course rolled down my face. That day I wanted to go back to Kalakuta. When I got to Maryland, the Holy Spirit ministered a scripture in 2Corinthians 4:16-18: “Do not faint, this momentary affliction is working out a great glory. Though our outward man waste away, the inner man...” That encouraged me. I had wanted to go to Surulere. I heard the Holy Spirit say to me: “Go to Kalakuta and show yourself.’ It was less than about a year or so. I went to Kalakuta. They were offering me cigarettes, beer and I told them that I was not interested. Everybody was like what has happened to him. I entered into the big living room in Kalakuta and sat down. Then I called one of the boys that usually attended to Fela, Tubo by name.

I asked him to tell Fela that I was around.

They told him and he said he was coming.

He came in and said; ‘Where is Keji?’ I said, ‘I am here,’ and he said: ‘I knew you would come back.’ I said: ‘Fela, on the contrary, I didn’t come back. I just came to let you know that I am in a safe hands, a higher power.’ He said: ‘What do you mean?’ I said, ‘I mean I am born-again.’ He said, ‘Shut up.

What do you know about Jesus?’

I walked out of the room and began to share tracts. He came back and said: ‘Will you stop that?’ I did and took a walk.

Could you tell us about your salvation experience beyond the prayers you said that night?

Before then there was a guy that was coming every Sunday morning. Remember, on Saturday nights we worshipped the idols in the Afrika Shrine. There is a shrine inside the Afrika Shine. Fela was called the Chief Priest of the Afrika Shrine. He would lead the procession, pour libation with palm wine, Schnapps and red oil. After that, I would collect the goblet containing it and every musician would sip it on stage. So this Sunday morning, there was a knock on the door and there was a guy standing, putting on white Guinea brocade. He said to me, ‘Young man let’s go to church.’ I gave him a dirty slaps; saying: ‘What is my business with church?’ I jammed the door. Before he left, he left tracts under the door. I kept gathering the tracts.

After some time, he disappeared. So that morning after that May 7 incident, I got up in the morning and decided to take a walk to a place called Texas in Ojuelegba, where they sell drugs. It was like scales had been taken out of my eyes; I was seeing dirty gutters and all the drug addicts. I was like ‘Ah! Ah! Are these the people you hang around with?’ By the time I had spent five minutes, there was no urge to take anything there. It was just gone supernaturally. I went back to the room, picked one of those tracts the guy left behind and read one of them. I said the salvation prayer, saw the address: Assemblies of God Church, Ilasamaja. I dressed up and went there. I was Women’s Day. I was putting on ear rings and everybody was staring at me; as in who is this guy that came into this church and sat down.

Those days Assemblies of God was not as modernised like it is now. I sat down and the pastor started preaching. He is Rev. S U Oji. That is Henry Soul’s father. Henry Soul is the current gospel artist making waves.

My daughter called from Ghana and told me that she had just watched Henry Soul and asked if he was Gospel Wizkid.

His father was the pastor of the church. As he was preaching, I was getting angry because he was saying everything about me, of my past. So I was like if he finished preaching I would grab him outside (laughs). But

‘Why my ex-girlfriend slapped me’ by the time he made the altar call, I didn’t know when I found myself there. I was the only person and I was weeping. The whole church started weeping with me. They prayed with me and the journey started.

The pastor announced that there would be a four-day revival and that we should attend all. On the fourth day, the man of God preached on ‘Avoid Power leakage,’ using Samson’s story as text. When he was through with preaching, he told everyone to stand up and pray for Holy Ghost Baptism.

Prior to that time when I close my eyes I see myself standing in half light and half darkness. I knew something was wrong and didn’t tell anybody. So, I just said, ‘Jesus, I don’t know what the baptism of the Holy Spirit is. But one thing I want to ask you now, after this prayer the next time I close my eyes and see myself as half light and half darkness I will drop this Bible and go back to the shrine.’ I didn’t know what happened but by the time I opened my eyes the church had closed a long time. It was an evening programme. I was slain in the spirit and speaking in tongues. But I had an experience while I was on the floor and I saw strange creatures leaving my body based on my fetish involvement as a member of the Afrika Shrine. At the end of the day, I was healed of asthma. Since then I have not had a single asthma attack. I used to have asthma from childhood.

Did you ever want to be a pastor?

No, I started having revelations. I saw myself preaching to crowds but I didn’t to be a pastor. I also didn’t want to play music because I knew exactly how I learnt music.

The first thing I destroyed was my international passport because that was what made me travel abroad with Fela. I also knew it could make me compromise. I didn’t learn any other handwork and going back to the shrine was out of it. When people woke up by 5a.m to have their bath and go to work, I would take tracts and my Bible and go on street evangelism, bus evangelism, Danfo and Molue. I will leave from 7a.m and round up at 5p.m. I would come to church in the evenings. All this time I was trekking as I had nothing. I would take off from Ilasamaja, do house to house preaching through Aborishade Street, Bola in Idi Araba and get to LUTH. From LUTH, I would come to Atunrase, pass through Bishop Street and minister at some brothels there.

Then, I would get to Empire area to minister to the

Keji, wife and daughters

drug addicts there. By the time I had made the round, it would be evening, and then I would leave. I did this for about eight months; and on the road I heard a voice saying to me: ‘My son, I have seen you faithfulness. From today I put you in the hearts of my people to plan programmes; and I will also put it in their hearts to stand for you.’ I didn’t quite understand. While I was standing there, somebody shouted from a Mercedes Benz car, he was a shrine fan: ‘Ha! Keji where have you been? We are missing you at the shrine. What happened? Come back, we are around. We will be paying if Fela is not paying you well.” I said: ‘No, that is not the issue. I can’t come to the shrine.’ The guy asked me why and I said: ‘Look at me well.’

The guy saw my Bible and tracts and said: ‘Ah, you are born-again.’ I said: ‘Yes.’ He said he would be praying for me. He told me that he just did some interior decoration work for the then governor of Osun Sate, Isiaka Adeleke, now a senator. The guy ran back to his car and gave me N20, 000.

That night I heard a revelation that I was invited, that one little boy came to where I was squatting and brought me an envelope.

It was the invitation. From that time till now, I have been on invitations. While evangelising, I go mostly to beer joints, drug addicts and prostitutes. As I ministered to them, I tried to plant them in church; but I was not encouraged seeing the church was sending such people away. One day, when I went back to see some prostitutes I planted in a church near Empire, the pastor told me he does not need such people. I started weeping. On my way back home, the Holy Ghost spoke to me; that I should start a base and launch out from there and come back; that many pastors would not work with me.

That was how I set up a church, Tabernacle of Prayer Global Ministries, on Adeshina Street, Ijeshaedo, Lagos.

We preach the undiluted word of God. We believe that you will not just dance into the kingdom of heaven. We believe that you can do so much here and everybody will think that you will go to heaven but God will reject you, because of the doctrines of the Bible. We preach the fear of God, holiness, righteousness. We also teach principles of prosperity; we talk about rapture, baptism, we also preach suffering. It is part of the gospel.

Our gospel is not commercial, we say it the way it is. The church has raised a lot of people who stand out wherever they go across the globe.

You are also rehabilitating drug vic-

tims. How do you manage that with running the church?

I believe strongly what 2 Cor 1:4 says: “God who has comforted us has sent us to go and comfort others who are passing through the same situation where we are perfect with the same comfort that we received.” I was a drug addict. I know that every drug addict wants to stop; those who are still enjoying it are not yet addicted. Those who are addicted that cannot perform without it want to stop but they can’t. First, I think they need help because I was in that situation. Second, because my coming out of addiction was supernatural, that does not mean that I was not treated. A couple of times, I was treated abroad. When I had drug issues, Fela paid in Munich, San Francisco, because I was missing in action; the music was lacking. He had to make sure, but despite all the treatments, I kept relapsing. So, it is God and I know that God can still do it. Earlier, I mentioned Empire. That was the original Kalakuta empire; it is a drug and prostitute zone. There is Akala Mushin which is the communities where I get my clients for rehabilitation from. I was just visiting those communities, preaching the gospel to them and telling them they can stop drugs. Some followed me and were rehabilitated and they reconciled with their families through me. Some actually went back to school and got their degrees. But that was not a fantastic result. Somehow, I developed this passion that drug addicts should be helped. One thing led to the other, and today I am the coordinator of this rehabilitation centre. It is owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God. It is the hospitality arm of the Apapa Family. It started running since 2009. We have graduated six sets and this is the seventh set. It is a 45-bed capacity.

What process do you follow to rehabilitate an addict?

I like to stress here that we don’t use medication. It is prayer, Bible and we have 38 courses and 21 lecturers. They are strictly religious and motivational; to revive their spirits to connect them back to God. Drug is not of God. The motivation is to help them renew, rebuild a positive mindset for progressive living. Of course, they are not allowed to live here for the first five months.

We train them in leather works and catering.

Essentially, what we are doing is try to clean our society of different vices that have drug undertone. For instance, drug is the power behind terrorism, armed robbery, cultism even prostitution. Drug starts from alcohol, which is the modern drug. But unfortunately, people under 18 are drinking it. Once a young boy starts drinking, he is going to climb higher.

We have marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other stuff that are all present here. But then cocaine and heroin are fast becoming something for the old school. Kids of between 12 and 22 now do what is called prescription drugs made popular by various artistes and stars across the globe. Such substances include Codeine, Sinone, Tramadol, Refnol, Parkalyn cough mixture, Benelyn and several others.

What symptoms should parents look out for in a child that might be doing drugs?

When you see cooking bottles, foil papers burnt with lighters, bottles of cough syrup or when you notice that the cough syrup in your first aid box is finishing fast. And when you see that the kid’s dressing is rough and he or she is staying away or coming at odd hours and licking sweet; and when the grades start to drop in school that is drug symptom.

How does it make you feel being able to help drug victims?

In the past I was introducing a lot of young people to drugs. I was intentionally getting involved with daughters of rich men and getting them into drugs so that they could help me finance drugs. I was destructive. But today, God is using me to take people who are in drug out of street life, out of violent life, and out of stealing.

SUNDAY

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Politics SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

The Sunday Interview

If politics is all about blackmail, I don’t want to be part of it – Igbeke p.32, 33 Why Gbajabiamila can’t be House Leader – Hon. Jibrin p.34 Sagay: Buhari needs US’ support to recover stolen $150 bn p.35 Presidents Buhari and Obama in a handshake at the White House during the visit

Buhari: From Washington with dignity p.37

Harnessing benefits of Buhari’s US visit After President Muhammadu Buhari’s historic four-day visit to the United States, BIYI ADEGOROYE reviews the trip and its possible impact on the bilateral relations between both countries

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

arring all hitches, Nigeria would begin to reap the numerous benefits of President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent three-day visit to President Barak Obama of the United States of America in the next few months. Critical areas where better strategies are being formulated to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries are diplomacy, trade relations, security, especially as regards the war on terror.

For this reason, Buhari had on his entourage during the trip some state governors - Rochas Okorocha, Imo; Adams Oshiomhole, Edo; Tanko Al-Makura, Nasarawa; Kashim Shettima, Borno, and Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo. Others were Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emiefele and permanent secretaries in the ministries of Defence, Finance, Foreign Affairs as well as Industry, Trade and Investments.

The visit, reception, publicity, accolades and promises which emanated there in attested

to the level of goodwill, trust and confidence President Obama has in the new government in the country.

Besides meeting with Obama, Buhari and his 32-man team also had audience with Vice President Joe Biden and conferred with the US Attorney-General, Loretta Lynch; the US Secretary of Treasury, Jack Lew; the US Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker and the US Trade representative, Michael Froman on United States support for his administration’s war against corruption as well as fresh measures to boost Nigeria-United States trade relations.

Already, the trip has paid off with the World Bank’s promise to release about $2.1 billion interest -free loan for the rebuilding of the warravaged North-East, besides a $300million grant to the country for the immunisation of kids against deadly childhood diseases. Also, Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation pledged to join the battle in concert with Dangote Foundation.

Coming after the general elections which witnessed the defeat of the Goodluck Jonathan’s government, during whose tenure NigeriaUnited States relations sank immeasurably, the visit and expectations are expected to open a new vista in all areas on national development.

Hitherto, the Obama administration made little fuss about the need for serious improvement in the manner the nation was ran, curb impunity in governance, corruption and the expediency in prosecuting the war on Boko Haram which had left over 20,000 dead in Nigeria. Beyond this, however, is the imperative of examining the status quo in the various sectors

and the prospects.

The economy Given the near collapse of trade relations between both countries, with trade volumes (export and import) falling from $22 billion in 2008 to less than a billion dollars in 2014, there is no gain-saying that America is no longer Nigeria’s big trade partners. Investment watchers have attributed that to America’s discontinued purchase of Nigeria’s oil, commencement of local refining of America’s crude and the former’s divestment into alternative energy sources.

Nonetheless, America remains Nigeria’s strategic partner with the presence of such oil explorations and producing giants as ExxonMobil and Chevron. To shore up investments volume, President Buhari addressed the United States Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Council for Africa before leaving Washington DC. Buhari did not fail to woo them to see various investment opportunities especially in the on-going privatisation of government entities, soon to extend to the aviation and solid mineral sectors. Already, power generation and transmission, agriculture, gas, manufacturing and telecommunication sectors have been thrown open for private sector participation.

He assured the business forum organised by the United States Chamber of Commerce and The Corporate Council on Africa, of the creation of “necessary environment for future investment in Nigeria.” Against the backdrop of its status as the most populous nation and largest market in Africa with vast human and CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015 S

The Sunday

If politics is all don’t want to b Former Senator Alphonsus Igbeke is not a neophyte in politics, having been a member of the presidential committee appointed by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999; one-time House of Representatives member for Anambra East and West and also a former senator for Anambra North. In this interview with PAMELA EBOH, Igbeke speaks on his roller-coaster through the courts and National Assembly, his businesses, etc

Igbeke

What was the attraction that made you leave your lucrative property business for politics?

Well, actually, first thing is that I considered the generality of my life. where I started and and where I am at present. The thing is that I started from nothing and got to something because of the family I come from, My parents were peasant farmers but by the grace of God I rose to where I am today. As a result, I decided to commit myself to serve humanity.

I started by doing those things that would impact on the lives of others positively. It got to a stage that I thought about the sustenance of the programmes I had already started; like giving scholarships to people, building houses for people and I knew I needed a kind of machinery in place to be able to sustain the tempo. This was because I realised that it was not something the proceeds from my business could sustain alone. If I went on that way, the programme would die halfway. In my mind, I was not very comfortable with that because I wanted it to be a long lasting programmme. I know my first constituency is here where I lived a primitive life and know that there are still people living in that condition, even beyond what I went through in life. There is a need for those whom God has blessed in one way or the other to make their own contributions to help reduce the sufferings of such people. That was actually how I started sponsoring politicians but it got to a stage and I realised that most politicians are after their own pockets. That was what led me into politics. I never at any point in my life knew I would be a politician, I never planned it but I believe it was God’s design. It is all about one’s commitment to serve humanity and that was what happened. One thing in life is to achieve success but another thing is the sustenance of the success. In everything one does, especially on the political side, it’s good to always think of sustenance. I have this empathy for those who are passing through what I went through as a child and even as I grew up until God answered my prayers. It is also important to always remember that death is inevitable; it must come when it will come.

So, the question is, what do you stand to achieve while alive? To me, I see a legacy, a good one as the best footprint anybody can leave on earth. I see what I’m doing as one the things I would leave behind when I’m gone. So, I’m not in politics to make money or name. With my position before I joined politics, I would say God has done it for me. The first thing you have to look at is your level of contentment. I am contented with what I have. I must not own the whole world for me to know that I am contented.

You know, if you have all the money in the world and you are not contented, as far as I’m concerned the person is still as wretched as an ant. The way I look at it is that when you are contented with what you have, God will

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Interview

l about blackmail, I be part of it – Igbeke create more opportunities for you. That is a way for to look into other people who are suffering.

The truth is that people are still suffering while we eat, wine and dine. We really need to commit ourselves with some percentages of our wealth to assist them.

You are described as a politician who doesn’t win elections but uses the court to win. What is your reaction to that?

This is one of the things I discovered in politics. I have constantly said that if blackmail is what will make one succeed in politics, then I don’t want to be part of it. I have said this several times, I don’t want to learn how to blackmail people, how to defame other people’s character.

But people keep saying that it is part of politics…

I don’t want to believe that. A situation where you assassinate other people’s character all in the name of politics and people say it’s all part of politics, I don’t want to be part of that. Let me start by telling you that in 1999 when I first ran for Senate, then it was under Option A4.

Obasanjo is still alive, Atiku is still alive, Solomon Lar is late and he happened to be the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party then.

But the then national secretary, His Excellency, Okwesilieze Nwodo, is still alive. They can attest to this and so many others. I stood for the primaries against late Chuba Okadigbo and won him because the delegates stood behind me; but the party wanted late Chuba Okadigbo who happened to be my brother. They cancelled that first election and the second time I won again.

I beat him the first time and the second time.

Then later the party pleaded with me to take the House of Representatives seat. That was how the party at a later hour gave me the nomination for the House of Representatives and I stood for the election and won. In 2003, all these things are on record, I stood for the primaries, won the primaries and my name was submitted by the party as a successful candidate for Anambra East and West. Then, some of the politicians in their usual way, I don’t know what they discussed with the then national secretary who went and used his pen and cancelled my name from the list of successful candidates to be submitted to INEC. In the Electoral Act, it is provided that the national chairman and the national secretary shall sign the list of successful candidates of which the national chairman and the national secretary signed and my name was number four in the list. So, when they met with then national secretary, he used his pen to cancel my name and now countersigned without the national chairman also countersigning. They then used a pen to write the name of my opponent who lost the primary election to me. That cancellation of my name from the typed list and substitution was what took me to court because it was illegal. I challenged that cancellation, I challenged the illegality of that cancellation because the national chairman did not sign. If the national chairman had signed, I would have lost at the court but unfortunately, he did not sign. They wanted to rob me of my victory so I saw the court as the last hope of the common man. I have no godfather or godmother in this business but I have my God. What else do you expect from a man who was robbed of his hard earned victory because someone there believed that I must pass through his or her cartel to succeed? But I said ‘no’ to that.

What God has given me, He has given me and you cannot say no to that. When He says yes, you cannot say no. What I always challenged in

court was illegality, people trying to undo me; people who believe that I must pass through their dynasty to excel in politics. I am very well on ground; of course you know my name is a household name. So, what are we talking about? This is why I have been clamouring for the introduction of Option A4; that will make it a lot easier so we can know who won and those who don’t. I don’t follow the crowd, I follow my conscience, I follow my dream and that’s why I prefer to serve God than to serve man. In politics, so many people believe that without following the crowd, you won’t excel. No. The crowd I will follow is the crowd that is genuine. You cannot ask me to clap in a situation where you are singing with my mother’s name. You don’t expect me to do that. I have to first of all find out why they are clapping and if it is justified, I will join but if it is not justified, of course I will keep my hands still. The difference between me and some politicians is that I have a fall back, I can do with or without politics; my businesses are there. In one of my businesses I have more than 100 graduates on my pay roll. I have so many other businesses that I do. Some of them will tell you this man is a 419, some will tell you this man is a cocaine pusher, they will say all manner of things. There is a saying in my place that when you go on a firewood hunt with other people, if you fetch more than them, they will say you have fetched your firewood from the forbidden forest. Meanwhile, all of you were together. That of 2007 was a very clear case…a case that was decided four times - the tribunal decided it and the court of Appeal decided for the first time contrary to the provisions of section 264 which gives the Court of Appeal the final say as far as election petitions that have to do with the Senate is concerned. Even the Supreme Court has said it several times that whether the Appeal Court did it rightly or wrongly, that it remains final in the sense of finality. So, when the Appeal Court decides on such a matter, you cannot appeal. In my own case, it was appealed in the same Appeal Court. As a result, they called it interpretation of the judgment. As a result, the then president of the Court of Appeal set up a five-man panel of Justices. They sat over the matter again and gave another judgment in my favour after the first one. Even after that, the case went to the Supreme Court and judgment was again delivered in my favour. It was a very clear case; the case bothered on polling unit results and not results that came from the blues. Results that were written contrary to the results that emanated from the polling units. That was all the case was about.

I don’t want to stress more on this. I am not a lawyer but all I want to tell you is that the 2007 case bothered on polling unit results. I won the election based on the results that emanated from the polling unit. If you tabulate them, you will find out that what the total figure gave was different from what they arrived at and what they used to make the earlier declaration. That’s it, there is no hullabaloo about it.

There is an allegation in some quarters that you forge documents for your court cases. Any truth in that?

What court cases? If you ask me this question that I forge documents for my court cases, let me also ask you; how about the allegation that I give judges money even when I don’t know them?

I was actually coming to that before you cut in.

How about those cases I lost? Or do I have

money more than them? I am happy you used the word ‘allegation.’ I always win my cases through the courts. I forged this, I forged that; all those things are allegations that are false, trying to give the dog a bad name in order to kill it. It happened when these people wanted to steal my mandate. They believe I am not loyal to them. I know no judge. The judges on their part are not fools or idiots. The judges look at what you present before them and besides all that, what about INEC which has always been on my side? When they make any mistake, of course, I would counter it with facts. In every court case, you have to prove your case. If you do not prove your case beyond every reasonable doubt, forget it, there is no magic there. What makes you think that I, Senator Igbeke, the son of a farmer, I have no uncle, grandfather or father who has ever been in politics; I’ve had no criminal record all my life. My first experience in court was political cases. Have you asked yourself: if this man has a bad record, do you think I will be where I am today? I served this country as a member of the House of Representatives despite their cheap blackmail. I served this country as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria despite their blackmail. I stood for the Senate seat again for the second time and won. Where are their facts? I have never started any case and stopped half way. Don’t you think that if I have a skeleton in my cupboard, by mere flash of one document, I will tell the position and let me have my freedom? Don’t you know that if these people have their way, they will jail me?

Have you ever seen any person that has come up with one record against me even from a police station to say this is what this man committed in his life? Anybody can say anything. Like they say, blackmail, character assassination is part of politics. But I don’t want to be part of that.

I am a successful man. I have my businesses and to the glory of God, they are doing very well …then you expect me to be part of such blackmail. God will definitely punish people according to what they have sowed. I don’t want to be part of that dirty game. Sometimes, they use the Federal Government against me, yet they have not been able to prove anything. I have never abandoned my cases, I always fight to a logical end. Anybody that has skeletons in his or her cupboard cannot put with the kind of struggles I have gone through. Nobody. Look at all my cases, these are things Nigerians should look at… severally they have tried to intimidate me but I rebuffed them. Nobody can intimidate me. While they are busy with their blackmail, I am busy doing the right thing and anything I say behind anybody, when I see the person, I say it three times more. You see, in life it is said that it takes discipline for a man to take a stand and stand by it. I am a very disciplined person though some will tell you that Senator Igbeke is very stubborn. But that’s a different thing. What I want to tell you today is that everything in life is about discipline. I cannot close my eyes and someone will take over what belongs to me, what God has given me. I will fight back. If you feel I don’t deserve it, then we will fight it out. I don’t go for what does not belong to me. That’s why you can hardly hear that Senator Igbeke is having problems with Okeke or Okafor except for politics. Outside politics, you can’t hear anything. Those are fighting against me know that I am more popular than them. I am more on ground than them. Don’t you see how people cheer me wherever I go? Call these people, let

us go to some of our markets, you will know how popular some of us are. Or go around the streets or even drive around. My popularity is from God, it’s not by my power or money, it’s by God’s grace. People do tell me that by the mere mention of my name, even a child in the womb will begin to celebrate and they know this. The name is there and people are happy with it because of my kind of person, I don’t know why it’s like that or why it is happening but I believe that God had already designed it to be so. It has been like this for over two decades.

You are regarded as a controversial politician who doesn’t care about rules. How do you react to that?

What are the rules? Like I said before, the court has the final say. A man who has gone through all the processes of primaries and general elections to the court that has the final say as far as I am concerned, what rule is that? You want to generate your own rule? Don’t do this interview based on opinion already formed. Which rules are you talking about that are contrary to the rules we have and that are outside the constitution? The answer is ‘no.’ Both the Electoral Act, guidelines, all those things are under the constitution and the constitution is superior. I have gone through the due process, I have gone through the rules of this country to win my elections. It is those who blackmail that do not follow the rules because they muscle people out, silence them, tie their mouths so that they will not talk. Nobody can do that to me. Now, what do you call controversy? Controversy when you are fighting for your right? If you tell me that I am regarded as a controversial person, good and fine. Controversy started long ago, even Christ Himself was controversial. If you look at all the great men in this world, they were all controversial in one way or the other. One of them was late South African President, Nelson Mandela. Was he not controversial? What did he do? He was fighting for his right and fighting for the freedom of his people. Let me quote him.

He said, ‘If you want to be great, you will not be afraid of being controversial.’ That must come naturally and you will see it as part of the sacrifice you must make to enable you to move from the level where you are to the next level. Who is the leader today that is not controversial? Once you have contested with one or two persons and you later became victorious, what do you think will be coming from your opponents? Of course they will definitely blackmail you. Obasanjo won his election against some people, was he not blackmailed? Former President Jonathan the same thing. That’s why we have opposition, so what is controversy? Some use words they don’t even understand the meaning. Why in the world would I be afraid of being called a controversial person? The first question is what have I done? I fought for my own right. If they had intimidated and I went back and folded my hands, then today, they will see me as a coward. They are the criminals, we know ourselves. In which other way can those blackmailers challenge me rather than blackmail? If I want, I can go into that, use newspapers against them and use all the social media against them. But I haven’t got such time.

In everything I do I remember God because it is the end that justifies the means. That was why I told you earlier that I don’t follow the crowd.

I follow my dreams. You want me to become cheap blackmailers like them? I cannot.

Is it true that politicians kill people and use them for rituals in a bid to get power and acquire wealth?

Maybe, this kind of blackmailers may know about that. I became rich before I joined politics.

This estate where we are now was built 19 years ago before I joined politics. Anybody that knows me know that I acquired wealth before I joined politics. Politics was rather what drained me because I have not benefited anything from it.

The only thing I can say I benefited from politics is those people whose lives I’ve touched. That’s all. I had built my factory before politics. Everything I have done in life, I did it before I joined politics. You know, sometimes people ask how I acquired all this wealth. These are people who have forgotten that I am a member of the World Trade Centre and I have been to over 19 counCONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

Why Gbajabiamila can’t be House Leader – Hon. Jibrin Over one month after the inauguration of the Eighth National Assembly and election of Hon. Yakubu Dogara as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Green Chamber has remained in crisis. Former Chairman, House Committee on Finance and spokesman for the Dogara Group, Hon. Abdulmumuni Jibrin Jibrin in this interview with ONWUKA NZESHI gives reasons why Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, APC’s candidate for the position, may not make it Jibrin

The House of Representatives is still enmeshed in a leadership tussle. Can you give us an update on the efforts your party is making to resolve this crisis?

As you are aware, our party, the All Progressives Congress has taken several measures to ensure that we have an amicable resolution of the misunderstanding among ourselves in the House of Representatives and by extension, the National Assembly. The latest of such efforts is the directive by the National Executive Committee of the party where certain committees were constituted to look into the issues. The one that directly affects us is the committee headed by the immediate past Speaker of the House who is now the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal. He has been mandated to liaise with the two groups in the House namely the Femi Gbajabiamila Group and we in what I will call the Yakubu Dogara Group.

But let me also make it very clear that Dogara is the Speaker of the House and therefore, the leader of everyone of us in the green chamber. But for the purpose of dealing with this crisis let us say that there is the Dogara Group.

What has been the outcome of this intervention?

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has met with Femi Gbajabiamila and his group. Of course, the following day, he met with us and we also had a lengthy meeting. At some point, we had heated arguments and we wish to express our appreciation to the former speaker for tolerating all our actions at that meeting and for being able to stand firm to ensure that certain concessions were made which were completely against the original plan. We had that before going to the meeting.

Shortly after that, we received lots of phone calls. Under normal circumstances we are not supposed to make a public statement on this to allow the process to be consolidated. But because of the vari-

ous information that are going round, and in order to put the record straight, I have been mandated as the spokesman of the group to make some few comments as regards some of the things that transpired at the meeting. Of course the details would be made public when the entire process is concluded.

We went to the meeting and you’ve always known our position on this matter.

We believe that we did not go against any provisions of the laws of the party or the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in electing Hon Yakubu Dogara as speaker and the rest.

We also believe that there should be a level playing ground for everyone in terms of the occupation of the principal offices; that has always been our position. But after a very lengthy meeting with His Excellency, the immediate past speaker and the Governor of Sokoto State, we were able to make a very far-reaching concession and this is to allow for peace to reign in the house. It was very tough and of course the wise counsel of the Governor of Sokoto was on the need for us to make compromises if peace must return to the house. I think that Governor Tambuwal succeeded in convincing us to make concessions.

What exactly did you agree to do?

We agreed on three things. One, we maintain the position that we do not recognise the letter written by the party in quotes and I give you reasons. We have utmost respect for the chairman of the party, but that letter did not pass through all the relevant organs of the party. It was neither approved by the National Working Committee nor the National Executive Council. Not even the caucus of the party was consulted and it was a product of one or two governors and of course, the National Chairman. Let me maintain the fact that we respect the National Chairman, but we will only respect a letter that is processed through the relevant legal organs

of the party. So, our position is that we do not recognise the existence of such a letter.

Secondly, we resolved that the principal officers of the House must be in tandem with principle of equity and federal character as prescribed in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The six positions that are usually occupied by the majority party - the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, House Leader, Deputy House Leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Whip must go to the six geo political zones to reflect the principle of equity and fairness. To that end, after a very lengthy deliberation, we conceded the position of the House Leader to the Femi Gbajabiamila group and we took this decision bearing in mind that we need peace in this house and we want to get down to work. We took this decision bearing in mind that Nigerians are watching.

We are already in the second half of the year and we should be busy with the review of 2015 budget. How much have we made? How far has the budget been implemented? We need to get ourselves prepared and the executive arm of government also has to get itself prepared for the engagements towards the 2016 fiscal year. We all need to get prepared for the discussions that would form the component of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework. Of course, the MTEF would have to come in in the next few weeks because you need to have extensive deliberations on the MTEF before you talk about the budget. We are going to have a very loaded year and we need to get these things right because we are part of the APC government and we need to make a good impression with the 2016 budget. We have a lot of work to do and we cannot continue to waste more time talking about positions. We expect the Femi group to accept this concession so that we can move forward.

What if they don’t accept your conditions or concession?

In the event that they do not accept, we have also provided our last position. The only alternative that would be left if for us to be allowed to choose the principal officers of the house in line with the standing rules of the house. In that case, we have to go back and hold an election.

The entire APC members would hold an election to elect the house leaders. If someone says he has 174 members, fine; let’s hold an election and see if he actually has that majority that he is claiming.

Even for the other principal officers, let’s hold elections in line with the standing rules of the house. That is our position.

We have to make these clarifications to avoid a situation where the public will be fed with false information.

Do we take it that Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila would automatically become the House Leader?

Well, there is something I failed to mention earlier on and this is very important. While conceding the office of the House Leader to the Femi Gbajabiamila group, we actually added that whoever they choose to nominate for the position must not come from the South -West or the North -East. This is in line with our strong belief in the principles of equity and federal character as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

We all understand the role of the Deputy Speaker if you go through the Standing Rules of the House and that of the House Leader. It would be so unfair to combine the position of the Deputy Speaker and the House Leader and narrow it to one particular geo- political zone.

Let’s go beyond individuals and let’s promote institutions. We need to promote the legislature as an institution.

There is no way we can have a Speaker from the North-East and again you give another principal office of the House to the North-East.

So we have made this concession but CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

Politics

Sagay: Buhari needs US’ support to recover stolen $150bn Prof. Itse Sagay is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the Former Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Benin. In this interview with CHIJIOKE IREMEKA, he looks at some national issues including moves by US government to assist in recovering Nigerians $150 billion stolen fund The National Assembly says that President Muhammadu Buhari has no powers to grant bailout to insolvent states without its approval. Is there any constitutional basis for this?

The Federal Government has every right to do that without seeking National Assembly’s approval. NASS has no control over that because the issue around bailout is that the states are to be funded from federation account and not federal budget. The NASS has no control over the federation account because there is already a formula that was laid down before return to civil rule in 1999 to determine what the state and local governments get from federation account. So, it’s not as if there is any legislation now to do otherwise, except for the agitation that the oil producing areas should get more than 13 per cent, but as it is, it remains13 per cent. Also, other parameters, such as population, size of territory and internally generated revenue among other factors are all taken into consideration. So, we don’t need NASS approval because the money is not being taken from federal government, rather the federation account. If the funds are being taken from Federal Government, then we need NASS’ appropriation, but that is not the case here. They are taking money from federation account, which in any case, belongs to states and the federal government.

This account include money accruing from Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited, money from Sovereign Wealth Account, money from Excess Crude Account.all these are federation account money and has nothing to do with National Assembly.

Once the money in those accounts is divided, and states get their shares, there is nothing the national assembly can do about it. NASS only comes in if the money has been allocated to federal government and is being taken and given to the states. This is when the NASS comes in. There is no section of the Constitution that says that government shouldn’t take money from federation account and bailout the states.

Concerning the crises in Port Harcourt, does National Industrial Court have power to restrain Federal High Court on election matters as done in Bayelsa, recently?

Yes, the industrial court has the same powers and jurisdictions with that of Federal High Court but not in the same subject matter. They are both represented in the Constitution and they have the same degree of power to make orders. There is no superior, there is no inferior; they are of the same status. It’s the subject matters that differ. The industrial court is limited to matters related to disputes between workers and their employers and things of that nature. Regarding the Rivers State’s crisis, the question I always ask is who made the first order? And from my own enquiry, industrial court was the one that made the first order, which the Nyesom Wike’s government was restrained from doing anything like dissolving any government

and so on. So, the Federal High Court that came in after the industrial court order is the one that is trying to nullify the order of an equally superior court because of its judicial hierarchy. As long as I’m concerned, it is the federal high court order that is illegal, in the sense that it attempted to overtake an earlier order of the industrial court. They have equal status.

One is limited to industrial matters, while the other has high scope of jurisdiction but they have the same status and powers to make orders whose orders carry the same strength.

What do you make of the current use of exparte motions and judicial clashes in Rivers State, given its history of crises?

Well, the office of Chief Justice of Nigeria has always discouraged the rampant use of experte motion. In fact, those orders have the lifeline of one week so that the order can be put on notice. It doesn’t extend seven days except renewed. That is automatic as long as the expert motion is concerned. Then, on the case of crises in the judiciary in the Rivers State, my personal view is that the National Judicial Council exceeded its grace in the sense that state government recommended two people but stated its preference – this is number one, this number two. There was no reason at all for NJC to have ignored the number one and had gone to number two without any explanation. NJC should not be showing unexplained bias or preference in things like that. And we begin to trace the matter; we found out that certain members of the NJC are related to one of the parties.

The whole thing is beginning to take a very suspicious institution, which is contrary to the rule of law.

How do you see the U.S pledge to assist Nigeria recover N150billion stolen wealth?

It’s very encouraging because the United State of America has the intelligent capacity to fish out where people are hiding Nigerian money, not only in US but also all over the world. They have the tentacles and most of the money is hidden in U.S. banks.

If they come in, they are going to get back a lot of our stolen wealth with the names of the people behind it. So, it’s going to be the beginning of change to the impunity, recklessness and irresponsible looting that has bedeviled this country for many decades.

And that will be the beginning of the end of the looting, not only for the country to have enough money to manage the country and develop but also redeem our image and culture from the practice of stealing in office, where public officers steal from Nigerian treasury.

To what extent can U.S. go about recovering the stolen money?

A lot of these money are in U.S. banks under all sorts of fake names but the U.S. government has the intelligent capacity to fish out these money and those behind the account that have been created. Once that

Sagay

is done, they will freeze the account and identify those, who opened them. Then, it will give us an opportunity to have them expedited to Nigeria with full information and documentation. So, we will recover the money and will prosecute the culprits and put them in the prison, where they belong because they have wrecked this country completely. Look at the number of unemployed, look at the civil servants that are being owed salaries by the government, look at all our infrastructure, look at our hospital and roads; these people have destroyed this country and from what President Muhammadu Buhari is doing is mind boggling. People steal one billion barrel of oil every day. It’s so frightening and so inhumane. Something has to be done. We have to fight back.

How would you react to insolvency of some states in the country?

I have what I call long term reaction and immediate reaction. Immediate reaction is that we must be aided to be able to pay.

We need soft and extend loans. Banks should be able to give them loans, which will take a much longer time for them to pay back. The federal government can now lend them some money and in this case, if the states are to borrow from the federal government, then, the approval of the NASS will be needed because it is coming from federal government budgeted money. Those are two immediate options.

Then, the long term option is that we need to restructure this country to create stronger federating units, which will be able to generate their own resources to meet their responsibility. The situation in which the Federal Government powers and resources concentrate at the centre has to be reduced considerably and some resources transferred to the state. We must insist that more autonomous states have to internally generate their own revenue and become productive as was in the case of the First Republic, where the states were funding the Federal Government. At least,

20 per cent of their annual resources were being sent to the centre. We need to go back to that state again where the state must be competitive to get to the level development needed in the country. They need to get to that position, where they will be so strong that they don’t have to be crying and begging for bone at Abuja every month. This is when we will have true federalism and have a strong state. We need to go back to true federalism.

President Buhari said Goodluck Jonathan’s ministers were involved in various oil thefts in the country. How would react to this weighty allegation?

I believe him. One, he is the President and he has access to information that can never be available to me. From information and evidence he has seen, we also know that these people are milking this country dry.

We all know that things are not right. A lot of our earnings are being carted away by few people. For instance, the former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala used to saying that 400 million barrels are being stolen every day. How can you be in the government and you are talking like that?

How can anybody be in government and say that? Where were you and other security agencies? So, you could see that the whole thing about the stolen oil has been an arrangement for those in power to enrich themselves. Those who are supposed to be protecting and providing for us are the ones sucking us dry. I, therefore, call all Nigerians, civil servants, private sector, and politicians among others, who have any information about the looting in the government to give this administration vital information that would help us to sanitise this country because they can’t do all those without the knowledge of the junior servants. We need to be whistle blowers to this government so that we can clean up the government and the system and recover our wealth so that the country can move forward, get richer and get more developed.

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Politics

‘Why Gbajabiamila can’t be House Leader’

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 4

we are being realistic. As it is now, you all know that some zones have already gone to court over this issue. The NorthCentral is already in court because they are insisting that you cannot deny them having a principal officer in the house.

So these are some of the issues we have resolved. We did it in a very patriotic way. We placed national interest at the back of our minds and we hope that this will bring the crisis to an end.

From what you have said, it seems that this crisis still persists because you have in your concession excluded Gbajabiamia, the preferred candidate of your party from the position. Where

Obaze

does that leave the much talked about party supremacy?

I am surprised that you are saying that no progress has been made. I’m sure that you have been following the events right from the time the race for the speakership started up till the day we had the elections. I’m sure you’ve never heard our group saying that we have conceded the position of the Hose Leader to the Gbajabiamila’s group. This is a step forward and we also expect you in the media to also help diffuse this tension. This is a huge success. It should be headline news that we have conceded the position of House Leader to the Gbajabiamila’s group. It is not a joke; we have actually done it. We are

being realistic and that is why we said that in conceding the seat, we should not lose sight of the need to maintain equity, fairness and federal character in terms of the distribution of offices.

Yes, President Muhammadu Buhari has always said that the party is supreme but you know that even that statement in itself can be very subjective, and must be viewed from the context in which it was made. The President did not directly make that statement that it had to do with the letter the party wrote to the House of Representatives and the Senate. I believe that the President made that statement within a wider context of party supremacy. We all agree and we all abide by it but there is no specifica-

tion in terms of context. I am completely convinced that when the President made that statement, he was not talking about the letter the party sent to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Don’t also forget that there is also a court injunction stopping the Speaker from reading that letter on the floor of the house.

Your group’s position appears antagonistic to the position of your party.

Don’t you think there could be consequences for disobeying the party?

Well, I think that I have said enough in that regard and the question that you should be asking now is whether the said letter sent to the Speaker was approved by the National Working Committee of the party. Was it written in the Consultation with the National Executive Committee of the party? Was it written after consultation of the National Caucus of the party? Who were those who took the decision to write that letter? I think these are the questions that those who are interested in resolving the crisis should be raising. These are the kind of questions we expect you to ask the leaders of the party. Like I said earlier, we hold the National Chairman of our party in high esteem but we need to put these issues in proper perspective. I think that we should all be patriotic. The most important thing now is for us to resolve this issue of the house leader. We believe that once you resolve it every other thing will follow.

It does seem that your group does not want to have Gbajabiamila as one of the principal officers. Is that the bottom-line of your group’s position?

No, that is not the case. Please be a bit fair to us. There is no way we are going to look at it that way because Gbajabiamila contributed his own bit in building this institution. In other words, if you really ask me, I would rather say that we are trying to plead with him to place national interest above personal interest. This is the point we are trying to put forward.

What should be the priority now? It is national interest and not the individual interest. I’m sure that Gbajabiamila would have realised by now that it is important for us to have equity, federal character and fairness in the distribution of these positions.

As someone who likes to abide by the constitution, I don’t think he will have any qualms accepting our proposal.

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Politics

Buhari shouldn’t take South-South for granted – Ugolor Reverend David Ugolor is the Executive Director of African Network on Environment and Economic Justice and key facilitator of the Development Alliance for Niger Delta, two non-governmental organisations which focuses on issues affecting lives and welfare of people in the oil rich region. He spoke with CAJETAN MMUTA Some people are of the opinion that Amnesty programme for ex-militants in the Niger Delta region should be scrapped on the premise that it has not met the aspiration for which it was set up. What is your view on that?

Let me say that I am one of those calling for the probe of the amnesty programme. It is not to question the principle behind it because it was a genuine initiative aimed at addressing the concerns of those ex-militants who were agitating for the redress of the injustices the region has suffered in the hands of past administrations. I am not supporting any idea that will create different sets of youths in the region, particularly, any government policy that will motivate youths to go into violence. I think amnesty was mismanaged under President Jonathan; it has created different sets of youths in the region; some youths who did not go to school who trade in violence, armed robbery, kidnapping suddenly became very rich in our region and this is not good for our own society. This inequality caused by wrong government policies cannot be sustained.

The total population of youths in the Niger Delta region is huge, the percentage that is benefitting from the amnesty programme is less than three or four per cent of the entire population of Niger Delta region. Take for example, Edo and Delta states, the people that benefit from the amnesty are less than 10,000 and you are talking of about 2, 000, 000 youths. How do you support that kind of policy when government ordinarily has no policy in place that takes care of the unemployment level? So if government continues with amnesty that supports young men and women who patronise violence approach to resolving governance issues, what signal are you sending. You signal that hard work does not pay; you signal that merit does not pay; creativity and innovation do not pay and a society where there are no innovation and merit, how do you ensure economic growth? And once there is no economic growth in a society, how do you expect prosperity? So, it is the absence of economic growth and prosperity in the Niger Delta region that has led to where we are today and the cynicism we have today in the region has to do with the fact that government continued policies that have not helped to provide an enabling environment for young men and women in the region to take advantage of government policies to advance their own development. That is why I am of the view that the amnesty programme needs to be probed. We need to know those who have benefitted from the programme, we need to do a mapping of how these benefits have translated into better opportunities for those who opted out genuinely from the militancy struggle. And if you were involved in the struggle, it was not for the individual, it was for the region. So, I cannot reconcile those who are currently agitating for the continued sustenance of the policy with the fact that over 90 per cent of the youths in the region are still suffering.

If you go to the creeks, for example in Ijaw communities in Nikoroha, Bayelsa, Rivers states, the level of poverty among the Ijaws is still very high. So, what has happened is that there were pockets of individuals who were

privileged to have access to Jonathan and were benefitting and you can see the response of the ex-militants so far since President Jonathan left power. Again, it shows clearly that the amnesty programme was mismanaged, it only benefitted few people, it is not an appropriate policy that will help the region. So, that is why we, particularly, as co-conveners of the Niger Delta Alliance for Development, an organisation that is also promoting public policy that will advance the wellbeing of the people, articulate policies that will attract concrete development that will impact on the peoples’ lives, are calling for a change of style.

Our position is very clear; we condemn any attempt by Buhari’s government to patronise these conflict entrepreneurs. We want to see a situation where government will invest more money in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, restructure the NDDC to make it more functional. This is because the NDDC is a statutory body that will dispense concrete development that can be monitored easily. And the way to disincentive government that is willing to translate federal allocation to concrete development for the people should be given support. I therefore suggest that Buhari should create a kind of Niger Delta Infrastructural Fund that will complement state government efforts and bridge the gap that currently exists between the rich and the poor and also help to reduce unemployment in the region.

What is your take on the drama that led to the emergence of the present leaderships at the two arms of the National Assembly even against the desire or expectation of the leadership of the APC? Well, we were not surprised. As you know, APC was an emergency vehicle created to achieve a goal of removing President Jonathan. Whether it was a goal to ensure development that will impact on the peoples’ lives remains to be seen. Some of us saw the commitment of the leadership of APC but as you know, APC is a coalition of different interests that it will be difficult for you to conclude that they were all driven by the principle of change and whether they share the principles and motives or principles of the party’s manifestoes, is a different thing entirely. And what happened in the election of leadership of the National Assembly reinforced the doubt that it is not everybody that joined APC that meant well for the party. This is not surprising. There are those who are motivated by private interests; there are those who are motivated by the common good of the people. As we proceed, the characters of individuals in APC will be unfolding. What has happened has its own merits and demerits, particularly, as regards the new leaderships in the National Assembly.

It was good in one way that at least those who wanted to appropriate every position in the country for their families and children, it has signaled to them that the country does not belong to them.

In another way, it has sent a very strong signal that there is strong internal crisis in the APC and that is what led to the outcome of the whole thing in

the National Assembly. It has been able to put in the public domain and that for me raises why we should all be concerned because I don’t see a situation where Buhari will be able to achieve his goal of transforming this country or translating the change mantra to reality in Nigeria without a cohesive political structure. The fact that he said he would not interfere in whatever goes on in the leadership of the National Assembly again needs to be seen within the context. You can only achieve meaningful impact in democratic environment when you have a cohesive political party that is able to back any policy even though the policy probably is discomforting at the initial stage, you need a political vehicle that is cohesive that will be able to stand behind the President.

Let’s talk about the petroleum industry as a key sector of the economy. What do you expect the President to do to save Nigerians from the recurring problem of scarcity and shortages?

Firstly, I hear people are recommending that the President should be in-charge of the Petroleum Ministry. I think those who are making that recommendation do not mean well for Mr. President, they still feel we are living in a conquered territory. That kind of advice is even more insulting when one reflects on what has happened. So far, particularly, I am neither a regional nor tribal activist but one has to be careful and cautious how you manage a country with different ethnic backgrounds and with historical facts that Niger Delta region where oil is produced has not only suffered in the hands of majority tribes in the country, they have been disadvantaged because of the issue of population and the constitution of the country was structured by the majority tribes in a way that they place the minority at a disadvantaged position.

You can see the way the constitution is crafted in a way that the past heads of state and Presidents who were in privileged positions created local governments across the northern part of the country that naturally if there was a real criteria for creation of local government areas there would have been no reason why Kano state should have a number of local governments that is more than that of Bayelsa state. There should be an economic criteria, but a situation where you use the number of goats and cows to be creating local governments and using the number of population to be sharing the resources of the country tells you that those who drafted the constitution do not mean well for the country and those are the features of a resource country. Any merit where innovation is not encouraged, that country will not progress until that aspect of the constitution is reversed so that country, state and local governments can begin to encourage innovation.

Ugolor

There is not any single local government across this country that would not have something to rely on to survive, but the way constitution was crafted by past military dictators and few political elites who wanted to create a central government so that they can have unhindered access to oil resources has become a major obstacle to progress in the country. For example, if you look into the Nigerian constitution, you see the way the resources are shared, it makes it impossible for Niger Delta where the oil is coming from to have benefits. To worsen this situation when the APC won the last election, some of us believed that the PDP under the leadership of President Jonathan was incompetent to manage Nigerian economy.

I do hope that what informed people like us to support a change in government will not be abused, particularly, when you have Buhari as President of the country, you have the President as a northerner, you have the Speaker of the House of Representatives as a northerner; you have all sensitive positions across the country which President Jonathan never did. I am afraid that these guys should not overstep their bounds and they should not take the South-South for granted. The fact that the leadership of the South-South people, and this time around I am talking about my friend Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi are keeping silent, they should not take the people of South-South for granted. The northerners, Buhari and his government under the APC administration; those who control the APC should not take the South-South people for granted.

God has made it possible for oil to come from the South-South; I subscribe to the idea that the oil should be used for the good of the entire country. But I will not be a party to a situation where you allow some primitive political elites to use the vehicle of government to engage in primitive acquisition that has not contributed to the country’s economic backwardness in the past 30, 40 years again.

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Politics

Harnessing benefits of Buhari’s US visit C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

natural resources and abundant young skilled workforce. He said his Nigeria was “a proud candidate to become the destination of choice for United States investments in Africa,” and promised to “work assiduously to welcome new investors to tour country.”

War on terror Buoyed by US decades of experience in fighting terrorism, especially since the September 11, 2001 attacks, and its involvement in squaring up with the Taliban in Pakistan, it was obvious that soliciting support for the war on terror would top Buhari’s agenda.

Buhari’ spared no efforts in intimating Obama with the progress made by the regional operations of the Multinational Joint Task Force against the insurgents.

He articulated the release of $21 million to the efforts, even as he acknowledged US’ $5million donations for which Obama hailed him for working to restore “safety, security and peace” to Nigeria.

Obama commended what he called Buhari’s “very clear agenda in defeating Boko Haram and extremists of all sorts inside of his country. And he has a very clear agenda in terms of rooting out the corruption that too often has held back the economic growth and prosperity of his country.”

On his part, Buhari expressed readiness to negotiate with the Boko Haram insurgent and terrorist’s organisation to pave way for the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls, if genuine and confirmed leaders of the militant sect came forward and convince the FG of the current conditions of the girls, their location and the sect’s willingness to negotiate.

Buhari pointedly tasked the United States government to assist Nigeria in its current efforts to defeat the Boko Haram insurgents operating in the North-Eastern part of the country, lamenting that a blanket application of the United States Leahy Law denied Nigeria access to sophisticated arms and ammunitions from the United States.

The law states that where a country’s army is involved in human rights abuse, the United States should never sell arms to such countries. Buhari made the call in his chat with newsmen at the United States Institute of Peace co- hosted by the US Institute for Peace, the Atlantic Council, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.

Striking the inhibitions to successful execution of the war, he said: “Unwittingly, and I dare say, unintentionally, the application of the Leahy Law Amendment by the US Government has aided and abated the Boko Haram terrorist group in the prosecution of its extremist ideology and hate, the indiscriminate killings and maiming of civilians, in raping of women and girls, and in their other heinous crimes.

The President urged the US government to ignore the allegations of human rights violations against the Nigeria Armed Forces and review its stand on providing assistance to the military in order to defeat the insurgents as quickly as possible.

He alluded to current initiatives at combating the activities of Boko Haram, wherein the new government has sought and obtained the support of neighbours, other international friends and partners. “Regrettably, the blanket application of the Leahy Law by the United States on the grounds of unproven allegations of human rights violations leveled against our forces has denied us access to appropriate strategic weapons to prosecute the war against the insurgents.

He said the objective was to get the over 200 girls kidnapped about 450 days ago

JIde Owoeye

Governor Okorocha, Presidents Buhari and Obama at the White House during the visit

Mike-Ejiofor

back, alive and returned to their families and rehabilitated. Despite the accolades he gave Buhari for his efforts, however, Obama failed to commit his country to specific military or other assistance in the area of sales of weapons.

for, who is also a lawyer, however, believes that the tour and discussion Buhari had with Obama and some American congressmen will open a window of opportunity to revisit the law.

“The Leahy Law of the United States which prohibited sales of military weapons to countries whose soldiers are accused of human rights violations has to be revisited.

It was on the basis of that that arms embargo was placed on Nigeria’s military. There is an unproven allegation of human rights violations against our forces in the battle against the insurgents. In his view, Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies, Jide Owoeye, said that since the visit was at the instance of Obama himself, it will promote better trade and investments relations between the two countries. “By describing Buhari as a man of high integrity,” he said, “the American President’s was a way of marketing Buhari to the American business community, and galvanizing them to work with their Nigerian counterparts.”

Insisting that the trip will open a vista for better diplomatic, economic and military relations, Owoeye, who is the Pro-Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan, added that it will also enhance political rapprochement.

He said besides the endorsement by the American President, Buhari’s anti-corruption stance will also build the confidence of the country in Nigeria. “Buhari’s promise to cut down on corruption and his integrity will shore up military assistance to Nigeria, because no country will sell its sophisticated weapons to a country it cannot trust,” he said.

While trade volumes between both countries, especially in the area of oil export from Nigeria, owing to America’s recent peace deal with Iran which will possible increase inflow of Iranian oil into the US, Buhari’s visit will no doubt raise Nigeria’s image in the international arena. As Nigeria waits for Washington, consolidating on these interim gains is vital for sustainable maximum economic, military and diplomatic benefits to both countries.

Loot recovery In tandem with his anti-corruption mantra, Buhari’s talks with Obama on recovery of stolen funds in the neighbourhood of $150billion stashed away in various countries was of interest during the visit. The disclosure that about a million dollar worth of oil was stolen daily by ministers of the past administration was shocking and his ability to enlist the assistance of the United States in tracing and tracking the money was a major achievement.

He said: “Some former ministers were selling about one million barrels per day. I assure you that we will trace and repatriate such money and use the documents to prosecute them. A lot of damage has been done to the integrity of Nigeria with individuals and institutions already compromised.”

Lamenting the level of corruption, Buhari told a gathering that “Corruption in Nigeria has virtually developed into a culture where honest people are abused… 250,000 barrels per day of Nigerian crude are being stolen and people sell and put the money into individual accounts,” “Following 16 years of bad government by the Peoples Democratic Party which ran down the oil refineries and had the treasury in their pockets,” but he expressed confidence that the United States and other developed countries were helping them to trace such accounts and return the funds to the country.

The President, who expressed skepticism on the existence of oil subsidy during an interactive session with Nigerians in Diaspora, which has gulped trillion of naira, said if subsidy was removed, transport, housing and food prices would go out of control and the average worker would suffer untold hardship.

Expectedly, observers are optimistic about

the ability to trace such funds, even though they were laundered and layered in all manners of phony investments. With the assistance of the International Police Organisations, the American National Intelligence Agency and sundry other security agencies, the nation may soon enjoy the repatriation of billions of dollars akin to what obtained at the dawn of democracy in 1999.

The President had earlier met at the same venue with a group of young professionals in the United States and assured them of his government’s resolve to fight corruption, remain steadfast and invest heavily in education which he said was the answer to taking the youth out of poverty and ignorance.

Interestingly, Buhari rejected, point blank gay marriage, an issue which featured during the visit. As he took off from the country, the Christian Association of Nigeria had warned against the dangers of any acquiescence in this regard, stating it is permissive and manifestly unscriptural.

The President said “sodomy is against the law in Nigeria, and abhorrent to our culture.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan had in January 13, 2014 signed the anti-gay marriage bill into law. The law prohibits gay marriage and same-sex relationships and prescribes a 14-year prison term for offenders.

Jonathan’s action was a defiance of western governments’ pressure, where they urged Nigeria to respect gay and lesbian rights. The law, which also proscribes membership of gay rights groups, was passed by the National Assembly in May 2013 but Jonathan had delayed signing it into law.

Reflecting on the benefits of the trip, security expert and former Director of the State Security Services, Mr. Mike Ejiofor is one analyst who believes America was not forthcoming with assistance to Nigeria especially by lifting the wild ban on sales of arms to the country for the prosecution of the war on terror.

Acknowledging that the US has been collaborating with Nigeria in the areas of “training of military personnel, sharing of intelligence and monetary assistance,” Ejio-

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Politics

‘If politics is all about blackmail, I don’t want to be part of it’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 3

tries all over the world on trade exhibitions.

That’s where I usually pick products which I bring into this country under franchise. As early as 1994, I had started bringing in Centurion wine and Centurion brandy from Spain, fruit juices. That was when I set up my factory. The records are there but when you see the fools blackmail you, do you now have to bring yourself down to begin join issues with them? What you know is what you know, the facts are there, you don’t join issues with blackmailers. You allow them, when they are tired, they will keep quiet. Except they bring proof, just see it as their trade.

Have you ever in the process of your political sojourn visited any shrine like Okija shrine to acquire power?

I have no business with shrines. I am a child of God. I am building a church as we speak at the top of the hill over there and I will end up serving God. My wife herself is a pastor.

I have no business with shrines. To look for what? I have been rich before now so, what will I be looking for? What God had already done for me, what would any shrine or whatever that is in the bush, a gory place do for me than what God has done for me? That native doctor, won’t he like to be like me? No, no I don’t have business with shrines and I will never for any reason.

What is the highest amount you have ever spent to run for an election?

I don’t know how to calculate that because I don’t know where to start from. It runs into millions in cash.

Are you saying that to run election in Nigeria is expensive?

Very expensive.

What do you think made it so?

It is because of the system. The system has made it so because apart from doing the needful, you need to also maintain those who believe in you. You know, otherwise you will see them because of money go against their wish. That is why I said the system made it very expensive.

As a stakeholder and someone from Anambra North, words are going round that Governor Obiano will only serve one term because that was the agreement before he was picked to serve as governor of the state.

What’s your take on that?

Well, first of all, let me correct this impression. The governorship slot was not given to Obiano as a person. The slot was given to Anambra North and the people of Anambra North gave it to Obiano on trust for the people of Anambra North. On the so-called agreement that he will only serve for one term, I am not aware of that. He has not said that to my knowledge and I wouldn’t want to say what I do not know. What I believe in is what the law says.

You did mention that the people of Anambra North picked him and gave him the governorship slot on trust. Are you saying that it was the people of Anambra North that picked him and not erstwhile Governor Peter Obi who saw him as a better hand that will continue with his legacy and not waste the state’s resources?

The issue of Peter Obi’s contribution cannot be overemphasised. He was the governor and he told the people of Anambra North to produce a candidate. But eventually they know each other and he came out. Then the people of Anambra North supported him to hold that position but not as his personal possession or town’s possession but for Anambra North people for Anambra State. Governor Obiano is a person while Anambra North as the people supported him to hold the position. So, Peter’s role to his becoming the governor cannot be overemphasised. He did so much.

Igbeke

Are you as an individual nursing the idea of contesting for the governorship of the state?

You mean if I’m nursing the idea?

Yes, you, Senator Igbeke.

Well, if you recall, during the last governorship election, I actually declared to contest.

The former governor, Peter Obi, was here in person when I made that declaration. But when Obiano approached me, I considered him based on the fact that we come from the same place and it will not make any sense if both of us queue for the same position… that will only open doors to external forces to come in and exploit but that of course is if they are allowed in. Being my kind of person and going by my track record, once I lodge into something, I fight it to a logical end. So, that was how I withdrew my intention to give him all the support he needed. I even decamped from my party just to make my stand known to our people as a grass roots politician. I did all that with my money, not money from either the former governor, Peter Obi, Governor Obiano himself or the party.

Everything I did, including the transformers I donated, the money I gave out to people on daily basis, I did that with my money.

Do you think Governor Obiano will still have the massive support he has now after his four-year term from you and the majority of Anambra populace?

It depends on how he performs. If he performs very well, of course he will enjoy my support. If he doesn’t perform very well, I will stand out clearly to make my mind known.

One thing I know is that I can never be afraid of anybody. I wish he will continue with the good works he is doing. Any day the wagon changes its direction, I will come out and tell our people, especially those that believe in me and where I stand. Naturally, your good works will endear you to people so, all I can say is that he should keep up the good work he is doing.

Have you ever had to borrow to run an election?

Haaa! I have sold so many of my properties to contest an election several times. Sometimes I run out of cash and I sell my property. Even recently, I sold a property to support one or two businesses I am doing.

If politics is something you do to support humanity like you said, how do you recoup the money you spend to sponsor people?

Well, I don’t know how one can recoup from politics. Politics is so dirty that sometimes you come out wholeheartedly with all your resources to do politics and support those you

believe in but those people may end up paying you in a different kind of coin. Sometimes blackmail. There is absolutely no way you can recoup such. You let it go and look for another means to get life going. It’s a game and it has happened severally. You get people empowered using your hard earned resources and you end up being blackmailed.

That’s the only way to push you out, use and dump…for such people they think they are smart but God is watching everybody. I can never pay evil for the good anyone has done to me. Good should be paid with good and vice versa but when someone has come out with his resources to support you in politics and you turn your back on him, how then do you expect to recoup such money? Most times in life, you get favour from someone you did not even do anything for. It does happen. Some people are naturally good and good things come their way. Those who are bad and good things come their way, watch them and see how they end up.

You said politics is dirty, is that synonymous with Anambra State or its universal?

I think it’s everywhere except that Anambra State has its own peculiarities.

Peculiarities in what sense?

Peculiarities in the sense of the type of the struggle we have here. The struggle here is too dynamic unlike other states.

How do you think the big masquerade in Anambra can be unravelled?

The first thing is divine intervention. We have to pray hard. Another thing is attitude, change of attitude. You give to Ceaser what belongs to Ceaser and give to God what belongs to God. When you give God what belongs to Ceaser or give Ceaser what belongs to God that is where the problem begins. We should learn to accept situations when they occur as the will of God. We should learn how not to regret whatever situation we find ourselves and see it as God’s design. This is because today, you are alive, tomorrow, you don’t know what will happen. No matter how highly placed or influential you are, you can never tell what will happen in the next hour and what it would bear. You don’t know so, in whatever you do in life, you must learn to have some reservation. This is the kind of attitude our people must learn to have and it will bring about the necessary change. It is said that tomorrow is pregnant and nobody knows what it will bring. Like when you talk about leadership, it’s not all about being a professional, you can be a professional in one field and there are many things you do not know… versatility and experience are the keys. Experience is not about what happened to you but what you did with what happened to you. So, as you are good in one profession, there are people who are good in other professions. The need to tap makes good sense. If leadership is run like a one way traffic, well, I don’t know how that will end.

What relaxes this man with many accolades?

What relaxes me is when I am working. I only sleep three hours in a day and the rest I use to work. What am I working for? Is it to be rich? No. I’m already very comfortable. Is it to be known? No. It’s simply to affect lives, put smiles on the faces of people and maintain what I have. It’s easy to acquire but maintenance is where the main task is.

Some people stay in politics till old age. Do you have any plans of retiring from it?

Well, I am retiring already. I have a lot of businesses to look after but even at that, I still have a lot that have the vision and what it takes to give our people that quality repre-

sentation at various levels. I think also that the experience I have garnered is required for them to achieve this aim. It’s still part of that commitment I have to serve humanity and how to better the system for ourselves and our children both born and unborn. When you talk about retirement it’s relative. What type of retirement are we talking about? Is it that one is going to close his eyes and sit on the experience he has? No. You have to spread it so that others can also tap from that. You need to give that knowledge to those who are willing and ready to tap from you and also instill in them the culture and mannerism that brought you to where you are. Life is like a relay race. When you run, run and run, you hand over the baton to another person. I’m still very energetic to do so many things and I still have a lot in me. Nobody will teach you wisdom, you conceive it by the grace of God. It takes wisdom to understand wisdom. So, I am here to render services apart from my businesses. I cannot wait to see the elevation of my people. For me if life is a permanent place to live, I think I have acquired enough to say I am very comfortable. But it is not. It’s like a market, you buy and you go. I may retire but will not be tired.

What do you think is the place of the Igbos in President Buhari’s administration?

Igbos you say….well, we have our own problem, one may call it a fundamental one and what is that problem? Disunity. The Igbos need to come together and it is very important. I cannot elaborate more on this. Disunity is the major challenge the Igbos have. There is need for the Igbo people to come together as one body and have a voice. It doesn’t matter whose voice is being heard, it doesn’t matter where it is coming from. What matters is that the Igbos have come under one umbrella where they take decisions and implement the decisions without anybody going contrary to the decision. Once this is done, the Igbos will see themselves on the supposed track nature put them. All of us know our supposed track but unfortunately we are not on our supposed track. When we talk about Igbos, it’s a great nation. People see only the five South-Eastern states as the Igbos but it goes beyond that. Our brothers are there in Benue, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta states, even Kogi State. There is need for us to come together and relate. In other ethnic regions, they come together. When all of us come together we form one indivisible body and by the time we get to the general sitting room, people will identify us as people with one voice. But in a situation where one person is wearing white, the other person is wearing black and the other one wearing yellow, how will you match them? They have become different people.

Before your advent into politics, did you have a role model?

Well, I remember people like late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, late Awolowo, late prime minister, Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello. These great men of wisdom came together and fought for our liberation which gave us independence and they still went back to their respective zones to bring them together under one umbrella called Nigeria. Those who have promoted peace in the past before all this kill and dump came up. These are actually the people I see as my role models. There are some I cannot remember their names now but Mandela is also a role model. Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King, these are all great men. Not those who will only be after their pockets as if others do not exist. Mandela in his great memory will remain a great man as far as this world is concerned. He served in prison for 27 years and what kept him in prison was discipline. If he had made a pronouncement of pulling out from supporting apartheid, of course he would have been released. He was asked to do that but he said: ‘No, I cannot do that for the interest of my people.’ These are the kind of people I look up to. These are the few people that when I remember, I continue to be pushed to say I want to serve my people.

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SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics From the

Red Chamber chukwudavid68@yahoo.com

Senate Rules: Between law and resolution

Chukwu David

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ocieties, groups and organisations are governed by laws and resolutions.

Laws are rules and regulations which guide or direct behaviours of individuals to ensure peace, harmony and progress in human systems. The whole essence of putting laws or rules in place is to avoid anarchy in human communities.

A resolution is a decision taken by members of a group to solve a prevailing or budding problem. It is a statement which provides how a problem can be solved. The difference here is that a law is a regular, standard code of conduct while a resolution is a decision taken to solve a particular problem at a given time.

Whenever and wherever members or some members of a human group decide to start disregarding the generally accepted rules guiding its existence and operations, that is usually the simplest way to lay foundation for social conflict and strife within the affected group.

In the National Assembly, the two Chambers (Senate and House of Representatives) captured in their separate Standing Orders what they call the ranking rule, to regulate how presiding and principal officers of the Chambers should emerge. In the Senate, the rule was not in its rule book from 1999 to 2007 but the lawmakers in their wisdom at a time, decided to insert it perhaps to tackle a perceived problem.

Therefore, at the expiration of the Sixth Senate, the legislators resolved to amend their standing rules to accommodate what they thought would be for the advancement of the parliament, by entrusting pow-

Saraki

ers only in the hands of those who have acquired cognate experience in the business of legislation.

The Senate Leader in the Sixth Assembly, Senator Teslim Folarin, was the one who moved the motion for the provision of a new Order 3(2) of the rules and also sought for the deletion of Order 97(1f) of the existing rules, to enable the Senate insert the new rule on ranking Rule 2, of the Order, which was captioned, “Election of presiding and other officers,” states that in determining rank-

ing, the following order shall apply: (i) Senators returning based on number of times re-elected; (II) Senators, who had been members of the House of Representatives; (iii) Senators elected as Senators for the first time.”

The new Order 3(2) further states, “nomination of senators to serve as presiding officers and appointments of principal officers and other officers of the Senate or on any parliamentary delegation shall be in accordance with the ranking of senators.”

The ranking rule came to effect at the in-

auguration of the Seventh Senate in 2011.

That was why senators who were elected as first timers in that Assembly were not allowed to contest for any of the leadership positions. It was only on rare cases that new senators were considered to head standing committees of the Senate in that dispensation.

However, the Eighth Senate appears to have failed to adhere to this principle without any formal amendment to the document.

For instance, about a month ago, the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, read a letter from the South-South Caucus of the All Progressives Congress, in which they appointed Senator Francis Alimikhena, a first timer as Senate Deputy Majority Whip.

Again, it is being speculated that the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, is being considered for adoption by the South-South PDP Senate Caucus as the Senate Minority Leader. Some senators who reacted to the development argued that, as long as what is happening is the wish of the people, such changes are welcome.

Looking at the scenario in the Senate as it affects the ranking rule, one can conclude that the Chamber is bending its rules with resolutions as a pragmatic means of providing political solution to its unfolding internal political problems. Some senators feel that this is a breach of the rule since there was no amendment to the document.

However, in the current euphoria for change in the country, some people are of the view that, if the ranking rule has become regressive, it could be dropped but the lawmakers should do that through a proper amendment to the rule, and not just put it in abeyance by mere resolution.

Borno Central bye-election and insecurity INEC Diary

Section 76 (2b)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) states that an election to fill a vacancy in the National Assembly shall not be held “not later than one month after the vacancy occurred

ezekatchy@yahoo.co.uk

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Onyekachi Eze

ome 70 days after the seat has become vacant following the death of the occupant, Senator Khalifa Ahmed Zanana (who was also a senator-elect), under normal circumstance, the Independent National Electoral Commission would have by now conducted a byeelection to fill the vacant Borno Central Senatorial seat.

Instead, the commission announced and subsequently released the timetable for the conduct of a bye-election into Katsina Federal Constituency of Katsina State but was silent on that of Borno Central.

Like that of Borno Central Senatorial district, the Katsina Federal Constituency seat became vacant as a result of the death of Sheik Umar Abubakar. Sheik Abubakar, a House of Representatives member-elect, died on June 3, about two weeks after the demise of Senator Ahmed Zanana. The bye-election has been fixed for August 8.

The two legislators were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

If not for a reason yet to be explained

by INEC, the conduct of Borno Central Senatorial bye-election would have come before that of Katsina Federal Constituency, or the two bye-elections would have been conducted the same day.

Section 76 (2b)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) states that an election to fill a vacancy in the National Assembly shall not be held “not later than one month after the vacancy occurred.”

Therefore, in compliance with this provi-

Zakari

sion, INEC fixed the conduct of Katsina Federal Constituency on August 8, even though it will be over two months after the vacancy occurred.

This could be explained to the fact that the tenure of former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, expired on June 30, some 27 days after the death of Sheik Abubakar. And Mrs. Amina Zakari who was appointed Acting Chairperson has to be given some time to adapt, which probably the constitution did not envisage. It may be wrong to expect that Professor Jega to conduct the bye-election before his departure or for Mrs. Zakari who was just appointed given the problems associated with the handing over and taken over of office!

But what reason can be given for the delay of Borno Central Senatorial district bye-election, which is now over two months? Again, section 76 (2b) (i) of the Constitution states that such bye-election shall not be held “more than three months before” the date “on which the House

stands dissolved.”

Therefore, for those who would want to crucify INEC for failure to conduct the bye-election, the electoral body is not yet in breach of the constitution. The National Assembly is just over a month old with over 34 months before its dissolution.

When the Nangere state constituency of Yobe State became vacant in 2012 with the death of Hon. Adamu Degubi, it took INEC nearly two years to fill the vacancy.

Degubi was killed in June 2012 but INEC conducted the bye-election sometime in May 2014.

Before the postponement of the just concluded general elections by six weeks to allow for military campaign in the North East, former INEC Chairman, Professor Jega, expressed fear of the possibility of elections holding in some states in the zone.

He said “a place like Borno State, unless something is done about those that have been displaced, even return for

the governorship might be difficult, if not impossible under the circumstances. ”To be realistic, we must say that it may be impossible to do elections everywhere, in every local government, in every constituency in those three states (of the North East).”

Thank God the Boko Haram insurgency was able to be curtailed after the military campaign and elections were conducted in the three insurgency prone states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States. But unfortunately, there is a relapse and the insurgents are gradually making inroad to these states.

Borno State is one of the states in the North East where there have been series of bomb attacks of recent. This may be one reason why the conduct of bye-election into Borno Central senatorial seat is delayed.

INEC has been concerned about the safety of its personnel and materials during the conduct of elections. And for the fact that the commission fixed the byeelection in Katsina without that of Borno which occurred earlier, is a confirmation of this.

The commission has equally expressed reservation that free and fair election cannot be guaranteed where there is insecurity. This is because of the belief that electoral violence such as physical attacks on her staff and facilities, intimidation of voters, ballot box snatching and destruction of elections materials are exacerbated by insecurity.

One can therefore understand why the commission reluctant to release the timetable for Borno bye-election until security situation the zone improves. INEC wouldn’t want its superlative performance in the last general elections to be tainted.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

Politics

I

Femi Adesina t was an official visit that attracted not only national, but also international attention. President Muhammadu Buhari was going to visit the United States of America for four days, on the invitation of President Barack Obama. Was this going to be just another jamboree, or truly an event that would reset the buttons in the relationship between the two countries?

Sure, there had been some cooling of passion between the two erstwhile allies during the dying days of the Goodluck Jonathan administration, and American experts sent here to train our military had even been asked to leave. She had also refused to sell us Cobra helicopters and other armaments, which could have made a lot of difference in our fight against insurgents in the North-east of the country. America had cited some reasons, including alleged human rights violations.

The then President Goodluck Jonathan was thus forced to look towards South Africa for arms. He loaded millions of dollars in a private jet as if going to Oyingbo market, and got his fingers burnt in the process. South Africa seized the cash, and also impounded the aircraft for some time. The Nigerian government could only huff and puff for a while, and then licked its wounds quietly.

No doubt, the kiln of passion needed to be kindled anew between Nigeria and America, and the invitation extended to President Buhari during the G7 Summit in Germany in June, was a much needed elixir. The Nigerian leader accepted the offer, and so was in Washington between Sunday, July 19 and Wednesday, July 22.

But another whiff of controversy had presaged the meeting. America, through its Supreme Court, had recently legitimized same sex relationship. A man could marry a man if he wanted, while a woman could also marry a woman. It was against the laws of God, but heck, what did America care? God was either dead due to old age, or now belongs to the old school. What matters now are rights, and people with homosexual or lesbian cravings must have their rights protected under the law.

It was into the eye of this storm that some Nigerians felt President Buhari would be flying, on his trip. True, he had been asked to bring a ‘wish list’ by his host, but is there ever free lunch in America? Yes, your wish would be granted. America would help you decapitate Boko Haram, would help you trace and repatriate billions of dollars salted away in foreign banks by past rulers, would help boost your economy and generate employment, but at what price? At a price of endorsing same sex marriage, which would be contrary to our laws as a country, and to the laws of the God that majority of Nigerians believe in, and serve? Would President Buhari capitulate simply because America would help him fulfill promises he made during election campaigns?

To America we flew last Sunday, arriving after a voyage of 12 hours. Our President was accommodated along with some members of the entourage at the historic Blair House, just a peeping distance from the White House. A good number of meetings were to hold at that Blair House in the next four days.

You would be permitted if you had jet lag after 12 hours in the air, punctuated only by a one hour technical stopover at a Portuguese island called Santa Maria, to refuel your plane. But President Buhari was still spry enough to settle down to business immediately. We have heard of the work rate of former Army General and later civilian president, Olusegun Obasanjo. Now we see another retired Army General now civilian president, exhibiting the same horsepower work ethics. Could it be true that they give them some injections in the military, which makes them go on and on? Well, I did not say so. I only heard of it.

After a briefing of what was to come in the next four days by Professor Ade Adefuye, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, the President played host to former American Ambassador in Nigeria, Thomas

Buhari: From Washington with dignity

Presidents Buhari and Obama in Washington

Pickering and Professor Jean Herskovits.

The man who has been quite outspoken about Nigeria, and who had doubted if the country would survive the 2015 general elections, Ambassador John Campbell, also came, among other people.

The day was not done until Madeline Albright (remember her? A large number of people across the world were mad about Madeline years back when she was American Secretary of State. She did the work admirably). Well, Madeline came to dinner with our President. She has aged, but rather gracefully.

Day 2 was the day the world had been waiting for. Day of meeting with the world’s most influential president, Barak Obama.

But not so fast! First, breakfast with the Vice President, Joe Biden. Venue was the Naval Observatory, which is the official residence of the American number 2 man. What did he tell our President?

Biden gave an overview of the objectives of the entire visit, assuring Nigeria of the goodwill and support of America. He shared perspectives on the terror war, drawing from America’s experiences after the September 2001 assault, in which thousands were killed

by Al-Qaeda inspired terrorists. He said Boko Haram, which has now pledged loyalty to ISIS, should not be battled with just military option. There was also the need to combine the war with strong socio-economic programs. He said the U.S would be ready to work with Nigeria in that direction.

On the Nigerian economy, Biden bade the leadership to tackle the issue of corruption, strengthen the institutions, and appoint tested hands to man critical sectors. If all these were done, he assured that investors would flood Nigeria in droves.

President Buhari thanked his host, and added that the role played by America prior

to general elections, sending Secretary of State John Kerry to convey that America would not tolerate the subversion of the people’s will, went a long way to guarantee fairness and justice.

Having served as Minister for Petroleum Resources for over three years in the 1970s, President Buhari did not forget to mention the oil sector. He said between 10 to 20 billion dollars may have been lost to oil theft in the past one year, and pledged to sanitize the sector. He welcomed American assistance.

The much awaited meeting with President Obama came up a while later at the White House. American leaders have been known to be fairly parsimonious with praises, particularly when talking about leaders of other countries. But Obama was effusive. He described President Buhari as a man of integrity, needed for such a time as this in Nigeria. He congratulated him for winning the March 2015 presidential election, adding that Nigeria was very important to Africa. The destiny of the continent was tied to Nigeria’s, he said, pledging that America would continue to support, as long as Nigeria does the right things.

Every patriotic Nigerian must have stood several feet taller, as Obama eulogized our President. It served to rekindle confidence in our country. With the right leadership, Nigeria can, and will get there. Sure.

The American president charted the same course as his deputy on the issue of Boko Haram. According to him, economic and social programs must run concurrently with military option, to conclusively defeat insurgency.

Obama said the diversity of Nigeria, rather than be a centrifugal force, must be a centripetal one. The disparate parts of the country should be harnessed to become source of strength, adding that no part of the country

should be left behind, or alienated.

Buhari, the American president observed, was hugely popular, judging by the enormous goodwill that surrounded his election.

He urged him to use the goodwill to serve Nigeria, alongside the governors that accompanied him. The governors are Rochas Okorocha, Imo, Adams Oshiomhole, Edo, Tanko Al-Makura, Nasarawa, Kashim Shettima, Borno, and Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo. Speaking on behalf of the governors, Okorocha assured Obama that the states’ helmsmen would back up Buhari to bring enduring change to Nigeria.

President Obama made pledges. America would help Nigeria in diverse ways: checkmate insurgency, train and equip her military, recover monies siphoned out of federal coffers, and many others. And with no strings attached.

The bilateral meetings/ audiences with the Nigerian president at Blair House, and other venues, were worth their weight in gold. The American Secretary of Commerce met with the Nigerian team, so did Loretta Lynch, U.S Attorney General, Jack Lew, Secretary of the Treasury, the Barker Group, potential investors in the Agriculture and Power sectors.

There was an interactive dinner hosted by U.S Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Council for Africa, and captains of industry from Nigeria and America were there, among others.

What of the meeting with Dr Pate of the World Health Organization, representatives of the World Bank, and of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation? Refreshing. WHO unfolded plans to spend 300 million dollars to fight malaria in Nigeria, while the World Bank, subject to ratification by its board of diCONTINUED ON PAGE 42

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SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

Buhari: From Washington with dignity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

rectors, will make available the princely sum of $2.1 billion for the rebuilding of infrastructure in the North-East, a region beleaguered by insurgency in the past six years. The fund, under the auspices of International Development Agency will be made available as loans for Nigeria, at very low interest rates. The first 10 years would be interest free, while an additional 30 years would be granted at rates lower than that of the capital market.

A delighted President Buhari said priority would be given to the resettlement of more than one million internally displaced persons (IDPs), and directed that a team be set up on the side of the Federal Government, which would meet and harmonize plans with the World Bank team as soon as possible.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation also disclosed plans to work with the Dangote Foundation to ensure that Nigeria gets a clean bill of health on polio. Already, no case of polio has been recorded in the country for a full year, and if the position subsists for another full year, Nigeria would be declared polio free.

Cheery news also came from the session between the Nigerian team and the American Attorney General. The host country would track illicit money from Nigeria in all their jurisdictions, including the U.S, while training would also be provided for our judicial officers, prosecutors, police, and other security agencies, to track and recover stolen funds.

There were other bilateral meetings with John O. Brennan, Director of the CIA and Deputy Secretary of Defence, Robert Work, and Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Martin Dempsey.

Oh, the courtesy call by the Class of 1980 of the United States War College, in which the then Col Muhammadu Buhari participated, and got glowing recommendations. It was a time to go down memory lane.

Same sex issue enters the scene. On Tuesday afternoon, President Buhari was in his right elements, as he attended a joint session by the Senate and House Committees on Foreign Affairs at the Capitol Hill. Many issues came up for discussion, ranging from foreign relations, to growing democracy, human rights, and many others. Then a senator brought in the clincher. What does Nigeria think of the

Professor Adefoye, Governors Al-Makura, Okorocha, US Vice-President, Joe Biden; President Buhari; President Obama; Governors Oshiomhole; Ajimobi; Shetima in a group photograph during the visit in Washington

rights of homosexuals and lesbians.

Sodomy or anything of such kind is against the laws of Nigeria, and, indeed, the Nigerian society abhors such practices, the President declared. Pastor Tunde Bakare of The Latter Rain Assembly was in the audience, and from the delight on his face, he could have carried the President shoulder high, if protocol had permitted such.

To cap that delightful day, the president headed to the Chancery, Nigeria Embassy. He had two assignments there. A Meet and Greet session had been packaged by Mo Abudu of Ebony Life TV, in which Nigerian youths, who are professionals, had been invited from across America to greet President Buhari, and share their dreams of a greater country with him.

The young people were really happy to have their president and father figure in their midst.

Next was the meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora, who also came from across America.

Biodun Ogunjobi had driven 12 hours to attend the event. He alo had waited for four hours outside the Embassy gates, till the programme commenced. Such is the fervor Nigerians in America have for their country, and for a president they see as symbol of change.

For about two hours, the President interacted with them, answering all the questions.

The night did not end without the president meeting with the All Progressives Congress members in USA and Canada. The previous day, the party members had massed at the gate of Blair House, bearing different placards hailing President Buhari. When he saw them, he got down from his vehicle to greet them. The gesture drew sustained applause.

On the final day of the visit, it was an interactive event at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). It was jointly organized by the National Democratic Institute, International Republican Institute, Centre for Strategic Studies and Atlantic Council. Ambassador Johnny Carson, who coordinated the session, described the guest as a man of honour and integrity. The event included a question and answer session, a round table discussion, and a presentation by the Nigerian president. And did the man sparkle? In fact, so remarkable was that outing that Pastor Bakare told this writer: “He obviously left the best for the last.

That was simply brilliant.”

President Buhari went to America, he saw, and he conquered. As I watched him signing

the Visitors’ Register as he attempted to leave that historic monument called Blair House, I wondered how many people in the world would ever have such privilege. Not many.

An American official had given him a pen, and the president wrote for about three minutes. He also must have been effusive in his appreciation. When he finished, he read over what he had written, put the pen back in its casing, rose, and handed it to the American official. That one collected it, and solemnly handed it back to the Nigerian president as a gift. Very solemn. And moving.

As President Buhari strode out of Blair House for the last time, with his entourage in tow, one could see that an invisible Nigerian flag had been hoisted in the American sky, and it was fluttering proudly. The Nigerian president had come with dignity, attended all the sessions lined up for him, not missing a single one, and was returning home with an enhanced reputation, not just for himself but also for about 170 million of his country men and women. Who says change will not come to Nigeria?

•Adesina is Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to President Buhari

We won’t be distracted, says NAFDAC Biyi Adegoroye

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hese are not the best of times for the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control following allegations of corrupt practices in the media attributed to its former Director of Finance and accounts, Mr. Ademola Mogbojuri, currently on transfer to the agency’s Training Institute Director in Kaduna.

Mogbojuri alleged that the frauds include frivolous “contract awards and supplies, manipulated publicity efforts, donations, international air travel racketeering, and compulsory recertification by bottle and sachet water producers.” He allegedly listed 14 companies that are being used in the money games at NAFDAC. He cited contracts, supply and installation of furniture for the NAFDAC Isolo office at over N370m, for example, which he described as inflated from the original price not more than N180m.” He also stated that “the sum of about N400m had been illegally withdrawn from the Agency’s purse between March 2013 and December 2014.”

However, the agency, through Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, its Director, Special Duties, described as “very spurious such allegations, coming especially after the recent transfer of Mobgojuri to Kano on June 24, 2015. He said the current claims are in sharp contrast with the director’s earlier position that

NAFDAC is very compliant in the area of financial matters.

Jimoh added that Mogbojuri, the agency’s in-house magazine, NAFDAC NEWS, Issue 3, 2012, pages 28 and 29 where he interviewed about his directorate said that “NAFDAC is one of the most compliant agencies as regards government financial regulations.”

When asked about compliance with the Procurement Act, he said: “NAFDAC has been complying with the requirements of the Public Procurement Act, and ensuring that things are done according to laid down laws. Any time we have top management meeting, we always ensured that such things are discussed and brought to the knowledge of the staff.”

Jimoh said it was therefore curious that the same man is sending wrong information into the public domain, thereby making members of the public and its stakeholders to express concerns. He reiterated that these allegations “are baseless, false, misleading and frivolous because nothing of such has happened under the watch of Dr. Paul Orhii as Director – General of NAFDAC.” According to him, it is a curious paradox that the former Director of Finance and Accounts who has been superintending over contract awards, payments and other due processes since 2010 would now turn

around to make such false and disparaging allegations against the chief executive just when he was redeployed to another directorate.

Stating that “redeployment and movement of officers in civil service are a normal routine, he said this was not the first time since the creation of NAFDAC that directors are reshuffled. In most cases, some directors have been redeployed up to five directorates within three years in the agency. “This is why we are at a loss to decipher what the hullabaloo is all about and we don’t want to believe that he is being used as a willing tool in the hands of counterfeiters to derail the focused administration in its quest to safeguard the health of the nation.”

NAFDAC, according to Jimoh, was aware of an orchestrated plot to throw mud at it by certain interests whose trade in unwholesome food and counterfeit drugs had been affected by proactive actions of Dr. Orhii towards ensuring that unwholesome food and counterfeit drugs become history in Nigeria.

NAFDAC urged members of the public to ignore the allegations and assured that management will not lose focus under the might of these frivolous allegations, even as the agency’s branch of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria described the allegation of corruption as “mere tantrums,

Paul Orhii

blackmail and mudslinging.”

He said that NAFDAC under the able leadership of Dr. Orhii has recorded monumental achievements in areas of infrastructural transformation, regulatory and enforcement activities, prosecution of offenders, capacity building and international collaborations which launched the Agency into the league of 20 medicine regulatory authorities in the world.

While the agency expressed its commitment to transparency, accountability and adherence to the anti-corruption mantra of the current administration, it stated that the battle against counterfeit and fake drugs witnessed series of resistance in the past leading several attacks on its late boss, Prof.

Dora Akunyili.

Meanwhile, there are indications that the director has resumed at his new duty post in Kaduna to discharge his duties.

Styling such a classic as a shift dress is very easy. A shift dress is like a plain canvass waiting for you to splash it with your personality. Go bold with graphic print or floral shifts in bold colours or minimalist with muted/neutral colours. Accessorise

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never go wrong in a shift dress. The clean lines, simple silhouettes and flattering styles of shift dresses determine you will stand out whether in the boardroom or sipping happy hour cocktails at your local lounge. For the more

F heels for sex bomb or flatforms for chic comfort while running errands. Court shoes or sandals work better for a formal look. Remember, it’s all about your personality and what you want to portray, so go ahead and give it your own spin.

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SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Dazzle in all-white

’t rad ’

Vanessa Okwara

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raditional outfits are so popular with men. It is now the standard to go for when it comes to weddings and other important occasions in Nigeria.

The desire to touch base with our root has given rise to a lot of men embracing this way of dressing.

Nigeria’s creative designers come up with unique and well tailored traditional clothing perfectly made to fit.

If you are looking for hot traditional styles for men that feature a modern twist, Nigerian brands such as Mudi, Kola Kudus and

House of Greg can provide you with fantastic variety.

The all-white traditional wear is an all season affair for men. They are made with different types of clothing ranging from brocade to ‘plain suit’ material. Let your tailor make unique designs that can ensure you stand out at any occasion.

You can add a tribal touch to your ensemble with a cap. Accessorise the traditional attire with slippers or lovely sandals made with genuine leather or suede. Give yourself that signature look and rock an all-white traditional ensemble the next time you have to go for an occasion.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

Body&Soul

Money is love’s friendly enemy in relationship

M

oney answers all things but is the root of all evils. Isn’t it quite ironic that something as harmless as a piece of paper can rule the life of humans who created it?

Love is a powerful force in the universe, but so also is money. Love paints a beautiful picture when it is expressed by couples truly in love. Love becomes even more exciting if its rough edges are smoothened by affluence. Money oils the wheels of love, making it freeflowing, romantic and magical. Money, indeed, is a friend of love when it is used positively to make that love last forever.

Most of the popular love stories we read while growing up all had their tales starting with “Once upon a time a guy met a beautiful lady and they fell madly in love with each other and lived happily ever after’’.

We usually get thrilled and tickled while reading through such stories; building fantasies in our heads that it will surely be like that when it’s our turn to fall in love. Then reality hits you right in the plexus when that relationship hit the rocks and you wonder why your own love story did not end up in the story book fashion.

The truth is that in this modern time, not all love stories that began with “once upon a time” end up with “… and they lived happily ever after’’. Marriages these days are falling like packs of dominoes and what has been identified as the main culprit for most breakups? Money!

True love has taken quite a beating from money as this generation struggles to find a balance to what really matters

CONNECT NG vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com in a relationship. Men often accuse women of being materialistic, while women fall over themselves with accusations that most men are either gold diggers or downright stingy!

Love has virtually flown out of the window and has been replaced by greed and materialism; money has become the enemy of love. It has replaced love in the hearts of men and women in a world where acquisition of wealth has become the only thing ruling humanity.

To love and be loved back in return is virtually the heartbeat of anyone in search of a soul mate. Yet for most people this has eluded them as they have been thrashed by their partner’s preference for money over real love. In Nigeria today, nobody wants to suffer.

The average young lady wants to get married to a rich man that will take care of her bills. Some don’t care to find out the exact source of the money they are enjoying so far their account is credited on a regular basis.

Men are also not left out in this greed and quest for money instead of love in relationships. These days, men want to be sugar boys to women who are old enough to be their grandmother! I re-

ceive all sorts of relationship requests from readers of this column on the kind of women they want to date. Topping the list are those requesting to be hooked up with sugar mummies who will take care of them. This worries me greatly because I’m beginning to believe we are breeding a future generation of spineless and lazy men who are not ready to lift a finger to do an honest job in their life but are waiting to be spoonfed by a woman.

Money is important for love to bear

Love has virtually flown out of the window and replaced by greed and materialism; money has become the enemy of love. It has replaced love in the hearts of men and women in a world where acquisition of wealth has become the only thing ruling humanity

fruits but it is also not the main reason to love someone in the first place. Being so fixated on money colours up true love. It messes up the true meaning of love. It feels so cruel to find out that the person you love was only using you as a permanent ATM machine!

It’s true that money oils the wheels of love and makes the spin even more exciting, but money can’t buy you love.

Don’t get me wrong. Money is actually very important in a relationship, but it shouldn’t be the yardstick to measure a person’s love or whether they deserve to be loved by you. Love your partner for who she/he is and the joy they bring to your life. Get fascinated by their personality and total makeup and not what you think you are going to gain from that person.

As men and women continue to swing accusations of who is more money conscious in relationships, it will do us good to pause and think what true love is actually about. Do you love a person based on what you perceive is in their bank account or what they possess on the inside? True love is when you love your partner for who he/she is and you are willing to be a part of that person’s life; whether they come with a fat bank account or not.

Money only becomes love’s friendly enemy when we begin to shift the criteria of what true love is to mean the person that comes with the fattest bank account. Learn to appreciate and love your partner based on who they are and not what they have and you will surely see them loving you back unconditionally.

•Send your views to the email above!

The role of recreation in a sound society

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erman scholar, Jurgen Habermas, has given a gift to the world of discourse -the fact that we all now consider the public sphere to be something of importance and significance in our daily activity. Thanks to Habermas, the world now knows that the space where people gather for discussion, is indeed a powerful place where political actions can be influenced.

However, I do not intend to go indepth into the Habermasian theory. My intention is to extrapolate from it with a view to shedding light on an important aspect of our social life that is beginning to suffer; the open square of play and public discussion. Prior to people gathering around the newsstands desk to discuss the news of the day, every native locale had a ‘village square’ which is no different from what Habermas postulated. It was a place where people gathered and played. But it was not just play, from play, they came to make decisions that affected them socially or moved them to action. That village square also housed the spot where children gathered to listen to their stories in the evening and learn valuable lessons that would serve them for the rest of their lives.

Sadly, that open space for play is fast disappearing and giving way to a sprawling urban jungle. Our architectural aesthetics is now overflowing with brick and concrete that it is hard to find that spot for relaxation outside a bar or club. No green spaces to sleep and enjoy the cool afternoon or evening breeze or just take a rest from pressures of the day.

Particularly in Lagos, it seems that it

is a sin to have a space dedicated to recreation when houses or shopping complex could be built on the same parcel of land for a profit; big shame. I have already been called nostalgic, but I cannot help but look back and see that this was not always the case. Growing up in Ebute metta, we had that huge land mass called Evans Square on Simpson Street. Man, that place was the meeting point of green grass and sharp sand but it provided the necessary spot to relax and play hard as kids. Remember, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and did we play in that square space!

From football to athletics, we played.

I even remember when my primary school field at St. Judes was undergoing renovation and we had our Inter

House Sports Festival at Evans Square.

When I inquired about that place, I was told it no longer was in existence. I actually asked a twenty something-year old guy and he didn’t even know what I was talking about. Big shame to all our urban developers for neglecting such an important aspect of our social existence. Thanks to such an open space, we did not have to play our football on the streets or next to a refuse dump and get killed by moving vehicles or the stench of rotten tomatoes. Our playing ground was guaranteed.

That place also served an intellectual purpose as it was the meeting point for debates and inter-school competitions.

It was the place where sporting as well as academic excellence was nurtured

Our architectural aesthetics is now overflowing with brick and concrete that it is hard to find that spot for relaxation outside a bar or club. No green spaces to sleep and enjoy the cool afternoon or evening breeze or just take a rest from pressures of the day

and groomed for the future. And since such accomplishments cannot be measured in naira and kobo, it has given way to a shopping complex I was reliably informed.

Even where the space is also made of bricks and mortar, it seem to also attract the same kind of fate. I equally enquired about another building that was part of my childhood, the famous Oyingbo Library, later re christened Mainland Library. It provided an avenue for young men and women to rub minds and discuss issues that we felt were of concern to us. Yes, Habermas spoke of the printed text as the main catalyst for the discourse in the ‘public sphere’ and in that library, he could not have been more correct. We devoured books and argued about them. We were respectful and we built on the stories heard in the square and I think I can boast that my generation had a well rounded and balanced education. It was thanks to these structures that provided the recreation with which we complemented our formal education.

It is now time to arrest the situation.

Time for dedicated green and open spaces to be opened up, maintained and accessible to everyone. Time for play to form a part of our education as much as books. A Yoruba proverb states that “Idi ere la’ti mo’to” (Truth comes out during leisure), a clear indication that those space being destroyed for commercial purposes have an important role in our lives, our politics and indeed our future.

Recreation is as important as any hard work we may put into the society. For a sound mind to exist, it must be complemented by an healthy and playful body.

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SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul with

Wole Adepoju 07037763410

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Fani Kayode in fresh battle C Adeneye

Dayo Adeneye embraces new life

B

ack in their days at Ray Power FM, handsome and purpose-driven On Air Personality, Dayo Adeneye, with his artificial twin brother, Kenny Ogungbe, began to build a name and identity for themselves. Along the line, their vision led them to float an entertainment outfit, Kennis Record, through which they have been established and deeply rooted. It will amount to stating the obvious that their exploits in the entertainment world have paid off because it’s evident they are a success and a brand with a large base of followers.

The self-acclaimed world famous duo is waxing stronger as best of pals and colleagues but vision and fate is fast coming into play by defining a new journey of life for them. While Kenny has returned to radio proper, Dayo has delved into partisan politics even though they still run their show as Prime Time presenters. This new defined journey of life, sources say, has made American-trained broadcaster, Dayo, to embrace a new lease of life. Although, D1, as Dayo is fondly called, aside being a television face, has never been known to be a loud person even as a celebrity OAP, he still holds onto his calmness and simple nature. Information reaching us, however, has it that the amiable dude has become a new creature. By virtue of his personal involvement and close affiliation with Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Dayo is said to be more cautious in whatever he does. Meanwhile, it was learnt that his new way of life may have been born out of what might become of his status in no distant future as he’s said to have been pencilled down for a position when Amosun eventually constitutes his new cabinet. Easy going and amiable Dayo, it will be recalled, tried his hand at securing a seat in the Ogun State House of Assembly in the last elections but couldn’t achieve his dream.

Le Fahts boss celebrates

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ark skinned and handsome dude, Segun Bada, who is behind one of the most popular photo studios in the city of Lagos, Le Fahts Photographs, belongs in the league of the rare and self-made folks.

He got familiar with the art of photography through his uncle who was running a talk of the town photo studio, Studio D Best.

He was quick to identify his strength in the

Ayomide and parents

all him controversy personified and you may not be wrong. His utterances and deeds have given him away as one who may have seen and cherished controversy as a way of life. As the aide of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, many had reservations about how he handled his assignment. Leaving that post, he still managed to be in the public light. One of the things that did the magic for him was when he let out details of his alleged romance with Bianca, former beauty queen and widow of war lord, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. The emergence of the political season eventually presented the avenue for him to talk and be heard.

Barely coming out of the dust generated by his acquittal in the court on money laundering charges and staying away from his daughter ’s wedding, the handsome lawyer and politician, who is currently savouring a sizzling romance with a beauty queen, Precious, may have been enmeshed in a fresh controversy that has pitched him against some of his family members. According to a source, the former aviation minister who has changed his name to Oluwakayode is said to have been at logger heads with members of his family over certain issues. The latest issue which is causing a serious crisis is said to border on a property their father left in Apapa area of Lagos.

Details are sketchy but Oluwakayode is alleged to have sold off the property without the consent of other members of the family. In the same vein, his family members were said to have left him alone in his decision not to attend the wedding of one of the girls borne for him by Yemi Wada recently as some of them were sighted at the event to support their brother ’s ex-wife.

art and swiftly delved into it. This brought about Le Fahts Photographs.

His services became the best in town that people from different walks of life turned Le Fahts into the main thing in Lagos.

Young Segun, with his great looks, finesse, swag and fortune, which had smiled at him, became a celebrity city photographer and the toast of his peers and target for female folks. This soft-spoken and creative dude would later relocate to the United Kingdom where he sojourned for some years before returning home to continue with the trade he’s best known for on a bigger scale. The thrust of this piece, basically, is that the handsome power dresser, who now enjoys a low profile, is currently over the moon. The reason for his jolly mood is that he just recorded a great feat as a father. His daughter, Ayomide, few days ago, graduated from the University of Kent in United Kingdom and those who are in the know revealed that Segun is very excited.

He has been basking in the euphoria of his daughter’s achievement. He jetted out of the country to stand by his daughter on her day as a proud father and share the joyful event with his family.

Romance tale trails Elfreda, Frank Okamigbo

E

do State-born beauty, Elfreda Edewor, sure has a place among society faces that makes party scenes tick. She has a penchant for the good life. Unlike some of her peers, life for her is not based on living it to the fullest alone. It entails engaging in things that will better her lot as well as working hard and diligently too. Elfreda runs a thriving spa on the island part of Lagos. However, many never knew about her until she was romantically involved with fellow Edo-born international footballer, Osaze Odemwinge. They were an item

when they were dating but for reasons best known to them, they went their separate ways.

The lightskinned Super Eagles striker, Okamigbo Osaze, has since found his missing rib, leaving Elfreda in the cold. But good days may be here for Elfreda, if information in certain quarters is anything to Elfreda go by. She’s alleged to have found solace in the arms of frontline and popular man behind an upscale night club in highbrow area of Lekki, D Place night club, Frank Okamigbo.

Hard times hit Okorocha’s son in-law, Uche Nwosu

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f there is one man who ought not to be eternally grateful to his creator for the kind of favour he has found, it’s Uche Nwosu, the Chief of Staff to the Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha. Nwosu doubles as the son in-law to the same governor and his ascension to fortune and opu-

lence is one that is very uncommon. There is no doubt that his contact with the multibillionaire businessman-turned governor has impacted him positively.

Nwosu, in the last elections won the governorship ticket of APC, but relinquished it to his father in-law when the latter failed to pick the presidential ticket of APC. Okorocha has since been re-elected as the governor of Imo State, but in readiness for 2019 when another election will hold, Nwosu has started work in earnest. He’s said to have floated a political outfit, UGWMB Movement, to aid his governorship ambition, which the first family in the state is said to be pleased with. Meanwhile, this singular act has brought Nwosu under fire from a group of people in the state. Tagged as a gold digger, the Urban and Regional Planning graduate of Imo State University, who is married to the governor’s first daughter, Uloma, in a controversial piece that is all over Imo State, was disparaged, belittled and insulted. Meanwhile, the negative effect being generated by the crusade against Nwosu a n d some allegations p u t against him, according to a deNwosu pendab le source, have become a source of worry to him that he regards all of this as a trying period.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

Body&Soul

Thinking

Erelu Obada plans to fete high society he movers and shakers of high society may have started in earnest to prepare for the shindig being planned by former deputy governor Erelu Obada of Osun State and ex-Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada. The shindig will be nothing less than what befits her status, Celeb Lounge has gathered.

Two of her children are going to quit the singles’ club soon to start a family. While her son, Toyin, will be taking a wife, her daughter, Darasimi, will be walking down the aisle with her lover.

when he was positioned by his party, the All Progressives Congress, to become the speaker of the house. This could not be achieved as Hon. Yakubu Dogara was elected. Of course, there remains a leadership tussle ravaging the house and Hakeem has remained at the centre of it all.

Perhaps because of this, many would have thought all he would be engaged in is how to come out triumphant in the battle. But that is not to be as the lawmaker seems to have demonstrated that all ‘struggle’ without play may make Hakeem a dull man. On this basis, Hakeem and his wife stepped out to cool off as they celebrated with the wife of S e g u n Awolowo, Bola, who clocked 50, recently.

Gbajabiamila

Good tidings for Annie Okonkwo

Kola Abiola steps out

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n the league of those who make the society scene tick at the highest level, the man called Annie Clement Okonkwo cannot be shoved aside. When the business world is up for mention, his stake in that respect cannot not be measured. He has a track record that gives him the leverage of a businessman of note and a good reputation. Those who are close to the Anambraborn businessman and politician often tells those who care to listen that his involvement in the political world, unlike some others, was not to enrich his pockets. He says it was borne out of his quest to break new grounds and contribute his quota to the development of the country as well as impact people favourably.

The Okaaka of Ojoto in Anambra State, who served as a lawmaker in the Sixth Assembly, may not be holding an elective office at the moment, but his political influence has not diminished one bit. He’s still being reckoned with as a society face.

The bulky chairman of Clemco Industries has been having it so good in recent times according to information available to Celeb Lounge. He recently staged a big birthday party for his grandchild where some society big wigs were on hand to celebrate with him. The Okonkwo most recent from the stables of dependable birds is that he just landed a mouthwatering deal that has kept him and his household excited.

Gbajabiamila takes time off

L

agos-born politician, Hakeem Gbajabiamila, who represents Surulere federal constituency in Lagos State in the House of Representatives, sure has been one of the most popular members of the hallowed chambers since he was elected in 2011.

What many will agree has put him in the spotlight is not just his vocal ability, but his flawless expression as well as his populace oriented positions.

His popularity rating shot up recently

K

ola, the eldest son of the late business mogul, Chief MKO Abiola, sure has a lot of things in common with his late father.

These include Kola a striking resemblance and business acumen.

One area it has been established Kola does not take after his father is the area of socialising. Aside high network business fora where Kola is sometimes sighted, it has almost become like a taboo to see him at social functions for reasons best known to him.

Based on his antecedents, it is always very surprising when Kola Abiola is spotted at social engagements. It was the same scenario when he showed up at the 50th birthday of Segun Awolowo’s wife recently. The submission of many was that Kola must hold Segun Awolowo in high esteem or that he shares a strong bond with the celebrating family for him to have honoured them with his presence.

Yomi Casual makes new move

O

moniyi Makun, celebrity fashion designer and the brain behind bespoke outfit, Yomi Casual, is the younger brother to the popular rib cracker, Ayo Makun a.k.a AY. The Delta State-born fashion designer has not looked back since he hit a fortune few years back. He has bought a house in upscale Lekki, Lagos State just as he recently took delivery of a multimillion naira wonder on wheels.

He may have been on the verge of breaking new ground as Celeb Lounge learnt that the dynamic young man will anytime from now open an outlet for his business outfit in Lekki.

Yomi Casual

Aloud

) 0807 270 9777

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with Helen Paul

I

Stealing in the name of God

have tried as much as possible to the leaders in government. The avoid this topic for a very long President has not done this, that time, but the blunt person in me senator is not fulfilling his promwon’t just allow me rest. Something ises, and governors are being critikeeps telling me ‘you can do it, you cised daily as well. Of course, the have done it before.’ Well, I know yearnings of the people are justifithat some people will ask for my able, considering the nonchallant head after reading this article, but attitude of our leaders.

I really don’t care anymore.

The same way pastors are expected I would rather please God and dis- to mediate between their followers please man than do it the other way and God, so also are they expected round. If the things I’m about to say to speak with politicians or leadtouch you, kindly make amends ers who are making life difficult for where necessary. Don’t take it per- their followers. Pastors can be sent sonal. I feel that many churches ex- to meet and correct government ist, with pastors claiming that they leaders in top places. are ‘called’ by God. We are simply But when our pastors get there, in a phase when businessmen pa- once they sit comfortably, they forrade themselves as ‘men of God,’ get that their mission is to complain thereby misleading about what the sociand stealing by trick ety is facing. Before Our pastor is a from their innocent you say Jack Robinfollowers. son, they are already powerful actor, For a very long time, narrating visions to I have waited to see and he is famous the president. That is that servant of God when you hear false than Ramsey with genuine Christprophesies like ‘Mr like attributes. Or President, I see you Noah. When have you seen one? going for a fourth Not likely. We no term...”

Angels enter the longer have servants We no longer have of God. What we servants like Samuchurch, nobody have are partners of el, Elisha and Moses.

God. It is more worknows. But when Most of our pastors risome because worare like Judas Isour pastor is shippers now fear cariot – they keep their pastors more betraying the trust coming, you will than God! of their followers by In my imaginary the day. We should first see like church, service starts always pray to God by 8am. The angels to save us from passeven hefty men of God would have tors who will lead us arrived by 7:30am astray. Well, they are in suit pushing (they actually come all part of end-time people to make before everybody signs. You should else). We, servants know that in the last way for the of God - ushers, chodays, there will be risters, deacons and very difficult times. pastor. That is deaconesses - arrive For people will love by 7:45am. Then we only themselves and when I realised proceed to praise their money. and worship. Our that our pastor is They will be boastful pastor is so powerand proud, scoffing a very powerful ful that angels wait at God. They will for him to arrive. consider nothing saman Our pastor is a powcred. They will beerful actor, and he is tray their friends, be more famous than reckless, be puffed Ramsey Nouah. When angels en- up with pride and love pleasure ter the church, nobody knows. But rather than God. They will act reliwhen our pastor is coming, you gious, but they will reject the power will first see like seven hefty men that can make them Godly. in suits, pushing people to make They are those who work their way way for the pastor. That was when into people’s homes and win the I realised that our pastor is a very confidence of vulnerable followers powerful man. In fact, he is not a who are burdened with the guilt of servant of God. He’s God’s partner. sin and controlled by various deOur men of God and Judas Iscariot sires. But they won’t get away with have something in common. Unlike this for long. Someday, everyone Judas, our pastors did not sell Jesus, will recognise what fools they are, but they have commercialised Him. just as with Jannes and Jambres.

None of them has what is close to See you next week my people. Have the humility of Jesus Christ. a blessed week ahead.

Nigerians complain everyday about

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SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Wine & Dine

Body&Soul

Why most wine goes bad Ibukunoluwa Kayode

T

he most common way a wine goes bad is when acetic acid bacteria consumes the alcohol in wine and metabolizes it into acetic acid and acetaldehyde. This causes the wine to have a sharp vinegar-like smell and a spicy, bruised apple-like taste that is very unpleasant.

I’m sure no one wants their sweet, refreshing palate friendly turn sour or flat. All wines can be stored depending on the type. Fortified wines can last, open, for up to a month, but most other wine last only about three to five days.

Not to worry, for every type of wine, there are suggestions on how to store and preserve them after opening.

The Sparkling Wine One to three days in the fridge with a sparkling wine stopper is the most.

The sparkling wines lose their carbonation quickly after opening. Only the traditional method sparkling wine, such as Cava or Champagne, will last a little longer than a tank method sparkling wine such as Prosecco.

Light White, Sweet White and Rosé Wine Most light, white and rosé wines will be drinkable for up to a week when stored in your refrigerator with a cork. You’ll notice the taste will change subtly after the first day as the wine oxidizes. Some wines will even taste better after the first day, including minerally cool-climate wines like Northern Italian Pinot Grigio, French Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.

Full-Bodied White Wine Full-bodied white wines like oaked Chardonnay and Viognier tend to have much less acidity which will cause them to ruin more quickly than light white wines. Be certain to always keep them corked and in the fridge just for five days at most. If you drink a lot of this type of wine, it’s a really smart idea to invest in vacuum caps.

The Reds The more tannin and acidity the red wine has, the longer it will last open. So, a light red with very little tannin, such as Pinot Noir, won’t last open as long as a bold red like Petite Sirah. Some wines will even improve after the first day open. Store open red wines for three to five days in a chiller or a dark cool place after opening them. If you don’t have a chiller your fridge is better than letting the wine sit out in a 70°F (21°C) room.

Fortified Wine 28 days in a cool dark place with a cork, Fortified wines like Port, Sherry, Marsala, and Madeira have very long shelf lives because of the addition of brandy. While these wines do look marvelous displayed on a high shelf, they will lose their wonderful flavours more quickly from exposure to light and heat. The sweeter the fortified wine, the longer it will last. 28 days in a cool dark place with a cork isn’t a bad idea.

Raspberry almond shortbread Biwom Iklaki

A

fter sticking to healthy choices as our meals for a long time, one needs a reward.

You can choose any decadent pudding to do this, but a personal love is the raspberry almond shortbread.

Sometimes, you can trick yourself into believing the raspberries and almonds in the cookies qualify them as healthy options. Whatever your

choice of trickery, this is how I like mine.

INGREDIENTS 2/3 cup sugar 1 cup unsalted butter, softened ½ teaspoon almond extract 2 cups flour ½ cup raspberry jam GLAZE: 1 cup powdered sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons almond extract 3 teaspoons water PREPARATION In large mixer bowl, combine sugar, butter and almond extract. Beat at medium speed until creamy (2 to 3 minutes). Reduce speed to low; add flour.

Beat until well mixed (2 to 3 minutes). Cover and chill dough for at least 1 hour.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. With thumb, make indentation in centre of each cookie (edges may crack slightly). Fill each indentation with about ¼ teaspoon of jam. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let stand 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl with wire whisk, stir together all glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cookies. This recipe make 3-1/2 dozen cookies.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

RazzleDazzle

Body&Soul Abiola Alaba Peters

with

G

orgeous screen goddess, Monalisa Chinda, is not only beautiful and attractive, the divorcee and mother of a pretty daughter is very frank and humble. The University of Port Harcourt Theatre Arts graduate, who recently launched her TV talk show, told RazzleDazzle that her column in one of the national newspapers inspired her into producing ‘YOU & I.’ She said, “I started out by writing for a column in one of the national newspapers, every Saturday. I was writing on social issues that affect all of us. While feeding the column, I was amazed at the number of the messages I got, over 500 to 1000 messages and phone calls. You need to read or listen to some of these people, things that are despicable, things that one can’t even phantom. People are really suffering. I am not talking poverty, people are really crying with so much pain in their hearts, having realised this coupled with the experience and some of the challenges I have had over the years, ‘YOU & I’ was created. Most people always feel, oh because she’s pretty, shinning, there’s really nothing, she’s happy. But the truth of it is that, as a human, with a face and a personality, I have been through a whole lot. So in a bid to inspire and encourage these people, I decided to start the ‘YOU & I’ movement. I strongly believe it is also a way of giving back to the society, I considered the need to sensitise the youths. Thank God for the large turnout of guests, the support was massive, I sincerely appreciate everyone.” she said.

On her love life, she said, “Oh well, I am in a relationship,” with a lovely smile on her face. She added that her man is a Nigerian based in Nigeria, but refused to go further.

“Like I told you earlier, I am in a relationship. He’s a Nigerian based here in Nigeria. I am a proud African babe. I think that’s all you need to know for now. The rest is private, she told RazzleDazzle.

Years after the crash of her marriage to Dejo Richards, the father of her daughter, the light skinned actress was romantically linked with Lagos-based socialite, Lanre Nzeribe. Both parties broke up in 2014. In 2011, Monalisa Chinda debuted as Executive Producer in the Royal Arts Academy movie, ‘Kiss & Tell’, which she and Emem Isong co- produced and Desmond Elliott directed.

T

R

08028101185

baby mamas (2)

ABIOLA ALABA PETERS brings you the concluding part of the hottest Nigerian celebrity baby mamas

About Beat The Nigerian fashion industry of Lagos 2015 is growing - Mai Atafo concert enown and ever smiling fashion designer, Mai Atafo, sets the bar high when its comes to fashion in Nigeria. His designs are not for the fainted hearted and he’s never afraid to mix and match. RazzleDazzle recently

Edwin Usoboh

Hottest Nigerian celebrity

I’m in a relationship - Monalisa Chinda

he much awaited Beat of Lagos 2015 concert is set to hold in August. Its maiden edition, which was held in 2011, was headlined by PSquare, 2face, Wande Coal and several other A-list artistes.

The event, which has also played host to the likes of Skales, Eldee, Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Solidstar, Dammy Krane, Iyanya, Dr. Sid, Lynxxx, Durella, Sheyi Shay, Tillaman, AjebuTter22, Jaywon and several other acts, has got a nod from the Lagos State Government through its Ministry Of Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations.

The ‘Beat of Lagos Award’ was introduced last year. The award saw music lovers voting online for the song that kept them dancing the most all year round. The hit single from the Mavin’s Crew ‘Dorobucci’ went home with the prestigious award.

The CEO, OmoToye Benson, who spoke exclusively to RazzleDazzle, said ‘Beat of Lagos’ concert provides an atmosphere for networking “and also serves as a time-out to celebrate entertainment icons and songs that has kept us dancing the year round.”

Beat of Lagos 2015 will see a command performance from it’s official talent sponsors - Chocolate City Records - a label that boasts of acts like MI Abaga, Iceprince, Jesse Jagz, Ruby Gyang, Victoria Kimani, Dj Caise and a host of others. The event is supported

by Razzledazzle, Cowbell Coffee and Buttermint.

08062622328

quizzed the Edo Stateborn proud father of one on what he feels about the current state of the Nigerian fashion industry.

“Believe me, fashion in Nigeria has become a real business and it is growing like a wild fire. The reason why the Mai Atafo brand is still here and will still be here is because the business is not only paying, it is growing. It is definitely growing,” he said.

On three things that can be helpful to the upcoming and already made fashion designers in Nigeria, he said, “Firstly, if you aspire to do fashion and you want to be a successful brand, you must be trained; you must acquire the right skill from the right people. Get a formal training so

you can understand the business. Secondly, you must realise the business side of the profession.

Fashion is not just a hobby or a skill, it’s a real business, and so you must come to terms with this.

“Thirdly, make sure you have an area you are specialised in and stay focused on that; be known for something. It will help you to be outstanding and unique.”

Mai Atafo journey into the Nigerian fashion industry started with the establishment of MAI ATAFO INSPIRED in 2007. It specialises in suits, red carpet dresses and wedding dresses. His designs are versatile, timeless and notably classy.

His clientele cuts across various fashionistas in the fashion, beauty and entertainment industries.

He has been identified with big names such as Omowunmi Akinifesi, Adaeze Igwe, Dbanj, Stephanie Okereke, Kemi Adetiba, Tee Bills, Desmond Eliot among others.

Oluwabukunmi Okeowo Oluwabukunmi Okeowo, who is currently into business, is also the lover and long time girlfriend of one of Nigeria’s finest indigenous rappers, Olamide aka Baddo. The young, aspiring couple welcomed their daughter, Miliano, on January 30, 2015.

She is a native of Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun State and is also the last child of Mr. and Mrs. Soji Okeowo. The mass communications graduate of Babcock University deals on expensive perfumes and men’s shirts.

While her mother resides in the United States, her father, a businessman cum socialite, is resident in Nigeria. He is the CEO and founder of an up-scale lounge at the Ikangba Housing Estate, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Bimbo Babatunde

Although she wasn’t Ice Prince’s real girlfriend, Bimbo Babatunde cheated on her real lover, Jesse Jags, with Ice Prince Zamani. Their affair gave birth to Ice Prince’s son, Toluwalashe, in March 2012 in Abeokuta.

The Lagosian was an off-campus resident while studying at the North American University before dropping out of school due to some challenges.

Most of her friends describe her as quiet and fun loving. Bimbo was into smoking, clubbing and other acts before being expelled from school in 2011.

Esse Kakada Brymo and long-time girlfriend and mother of his son, Waju, Esse Kakada, welcomed their first child together on March 27, 2015.

The graduate of Tai Solarin University of Education hails from Delta State. Esse and Brymo are said to have kicked off their relationship few years back and interestingly got themselves similar tattoos.

50

SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Celebrations!!!

Two friends and the bear

O

nce there were two fast friends in a village. Their names were Raju and Ramu. One day, both of them set out on a journey.

They-promised to help each other in trouble. Their way lay through a forest. As they were passing through a forest, they saw a big bear. The bear was coming towards them. They were much frightened to see such a deadly sight.

Ramu at once climbed up

a nearby tree to save his life. He was unaware of his friend’s safety. Raju did not know how to climb up a tree.

But he was wise and intelligent. He had heard that bears do not touch the dead. So he lay on the ground, held his breath and appeared to be dead. The bear came near him and sniffed the whole body of Raju. Thinking him dead, he went away.

When the bear had gone

quite far, Raju got on his feet. Ramu also came down the tree. He asked Raju to tell him what the bear had whis¬pered in his ear. Raju said that the bear had advised him to beware of false friends like him.

Moral: Beware of false friends or do not lose your wits. www.preservearticles.com

Ewomazino Great Uriri turns 5

He is a very opinionated little man who likes to act like his favourite superheroes, Superman and Ben 10. Have a fabulous year little dear!

Gags Why don’t you see giraffes in elementary school?

Ans: Because they’re all in High School!

Why do golfers wear two pairs of pants?

Ans: In case they get a hole in one!

Which is the longest word in the dictionary?

Ans: “Smiles”, because there is a mile between each “s”!

Why did Goofy put a clock under his desk?

Ans: Because he wanted to work overtime!

Which month do soldiers hate most?

Ans: The month of March!

Why did Johnny throw the clock out of the window?

Ans: Because he wanted to see time fly!

What did the painter say to the wall?

Ans: One more crack like that and I’ll plaster you!

When do you stop at green and go at red?

Ans: When you’re eating a watermelon!

SUNDAY

Faith 51

SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

Sermon Humility, sacrifice connect you to grace p.54

Church celebrates death of bad governance

M

Tai Anyanwu

News UK clears Oyedepo, church of corruption allegation p.58 Interview

How I became a pastor - Ojigiri p.63

Chidi

embers of Kings in Christ Church recently popped bottles of wine to celebrate the ‘death of bad governance’ in Nigeria.

The presiding minister of the church, Rev. Chidi Anthony, had declared a special fasting and prayer for Nigeria fpr four straight Thursdays and Sundays in the month of July.

According to the cleric, the spiritual exercise, celebrated with the theme ‘Lagos Let’s Pray,’ was a call to all Christians to pray for the success of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and people of the church’s host community, Lagos State.

“We also used the opportunity to seek for God’s blessings to enable the new dispensation in Nigeria, under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari, to succeed in its war against corruption and bad governance.

“So we embarked on the spiritual journey because we received inspiration from the spirit of God that in spite of the political will to stamp out corruption, prayer needs to be offered to dislodge the spirit that promotes bad governance, corruption, impunity and disregard for the common man in Nigeria,” he added.

He explained: “God tells us in the Holy Book that if my people who are called by my name will turn to God,

repent from their evil ways and pray, God will forgive their sins, hear their prayers and heal their land.

“This is instructive. If Nigerians want good governance and progress in the land, we should be ready to turn away from our bad conduct and get committed to a life of righteousness, Godliness, fairness and regard for positive virtues in our society.”

The cleric quotes scriptures and condemned the culture of impunity, corruption, killings, terror and other vices which he said had become endemic in the country.

He also condemned indecent dressing and loose life style which he said was prevalent among ladies. He described foreign cultural invasion as a threat to sound morality that Nigeria is known for.

He later went prophetic in his prayers for Nigeria, Lagos State and members of the church. There were also great testimonies by some attendees.

At the end of the session, he asked the congregation to bring out bottles of wine and celebrate the defeat of enemies of Nigeria.

Having been told earlier to come to church with their drinks, the people cooperated joyfully, and cursed all manner of affliction confronting them.

The highlight of the programme was the financial empowerment of an indigent member of the church.

Cleric calls for seven days of prayers Tai Anyanwu

E

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

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

nd-time preacher and Overseer of Global Ace Church, Lagos, Prophet Samuel Daniel, has called on religious leaders to organise a seven-day fasting and prayer programme in order avert ‘looming bloodshed’ in Nigeria.

He sent the passionate appeal while explaining a revelation he said he received concerning the month of August to his congregation in Lagos during the week.

The cleric, who has been fasting and praying to God to guide the new dispensation in the country and help President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration succeed, warned that there might be unprecedented bloodletting in the month of August unless fervent prayers

are offered in churches and mosques for seven days.

“God told me that Nigeria would witness danger in the coming month (August) and that people should pray to stop what might go down in the history of the polity as the most deadly month,” he said.

Explaining the revelation during the a special prayer session in his Olorunishola Church headquarters in Ikeja, the prophet said the problem would begin in the North and spread to the South-East. He said it would lead to killings, general disorder and a state of emergency in different parts of the country.

Daniel enjoined Nigerians to rededicate themselves to God and start a seven-day prayer beginning from July 31, in churches and mosques.

“God said that pastors

should organise a seven days prayer in churches for Nigerians. The prayers should start from July 31. Everybody, both Christians and Muslims, should be in church or mosque. Nobody should sleep at home.

“Even those who go to club houses should endeavour to abstain that day. God told me that if Nigerians observe the prayers and fasting, he will turn that crisis into peace,” he said.

The prophet added that his church had already started a one-month prayer for peace in the nation and the success of the Buhari administrations since July 1.

“As a prophet of God, I am prophesying that there shall not be any crisis in the East, South and West. There shall not be further escalation in the

Daniel

North. Our country shall witness divine intervention. The hand of God will uphold our President, governors, senators and the cabinet with wisdom to rule this country properly in Jesus name,” he declared.

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SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Faith

Reverberations from The Lord’s Chosen Crusade in Enugu A two day Holy Ghost International Crusade of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries titled; It is God’s

Time’ was held recently in Enugu, Science writer, Stanley Chibuihem Amalaha, captures the event in pictures

A sign post in front of the state headquarter’s church in Enugu

Pastor Lazarus Muoka, General Overseer, The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries

L-R: Pastor Muoka; Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Deputy Governor, enraptured in heavenly bliss at the event

Brethren rejoicing as a madman (in chains) was healed

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his entourage during prayer session at the event

A sister testifying of her healing

Principal, Chosen Int’l. Sec. Sch. Mgbidi, testifies how the school won International laurel

Some women leaders of The Lord’s Chosen Church, Enugu

Enugu State pastor of The Lord’s Chosen, Ernest Ekeigwe (sitting middle) and leaders

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

Faith

How I became a pastor - Ojigiri How did the journey into the ministry start? What were the signs that manifested in your calling?

Well, what I know is that while I was in school, I saw a lot of revelations that made me to know that God was calling me to serve Him. And by the time I was doing my youth service, God again showed me a revelation that made it too obvious that I should not bother postponing the calling of serving God. It was so serious that from that revelation to reality, I had to call some of our Christian leaders and discuss the development with them. I remember that after my youth service, I didn’t go into the ministry immediately, but worked with some law chambers in Lagos. One day I was invited by the corpers fellowship. During my ministration at the programme, a man of God was also invited to the event. While I was preaching, the man who was inside the office asked one of the youth corpers about me. He told them that I was supposed to be an evangelist and teacher of the gospel.

How did you got saved? Was ot through an altar call or somebody preached to you?

I got saved through a drama programme in 1986. I loved drama while I was in secondary school. Due to the love I had for drama, I attended one of Kwara youth corpers fellowship’s drama nights. After the drama, there was an altar call and I came out and gave my life to Christ. After the altar call, I was handed over to a Christian youth corps member, who incidentally was a lawyer. I had a dream to be a lawyer. I was inspired that a lawyer was serving God because some people believe that lawyers don’t really serve God. Did you have any remarkable childhood experience?

There are many experiences like struggling to get an education. This made me to do so many things. I had to labour to be educated as I lost my father at an early age. I usually went to the farm to work for people. I also worked on building sites and some times, we joined the electricity company to dig holes to erect their poles. I did other forms of manual labour. Although it was very tedious, I enjoyed it because of the dream I had for myself.

That also helped me to understand that if you have God on your side and you are determined to work hard, the sky cannot be your limit.

Senior Pastor of Everwinning Faith Ministries International, Pastor Solomon Julius Ojigiri, is a successful legal practitioner and former deacon in Apostolic Church. He spoke with STANLEY IHEDIGBO on his passion for the ministry and other issues. went to the ministry because they want to make a living. But some time, it is an erroneous view of people. They just conclude because the person is not doing well. In my own case, I had already known before going to school and with my dedication in the school fellowship, even people were asking if this boy will ever graduate. I was into full-time pastoring already in the school fellowship.

I remember that the dean of our faculty always called me ‘my pastor.’ Sometimes, I would have lectures but instead I will attend a Christian programme to minister. But one thing that kept me on and I made sure that I graduated and was called to the Bar. It was because of the erroneous view that those who don’t have a job are the ones that go into the ministry. I want to prove people wrong in that perception with my life and it is about knowing what God has for that person. I remember the day I left my law office to go into full-time ministry; I was crying because I felt that I had put too much into this thing. I knew that it was not certainly what God wanted me to live my life for.

What are the challenges in the ministry?

If I say that the ministry is rosy, you will think that I am not telling you the truth. But certainly when you have God on your side and you see challenges, you will see them as one of those things. You will also be happy facing them. Just like I said, when I used to go to work on people’s farms to make money, sometimes it would be raining and we would still be working.

That was because we knew that if we didn’t do the work, our target of educating ourselves would not be achieve We worked in the rain or sun with joy and looking at

What has been your experience in the ministry after being successful in your chosen career as a lawyer?

In the past people thought that only people who are failures in business or those who don’t have goals or a job go into ministry. We cannot rule it out that there are those who actually

Ojigiri

our goal. Now in the ministry, it is still the same thing. I know that God has called me and it is an assignment I need to do for my God. What are the special programmes in your ministry this year?

Every year we have some programme like the regular fasting and prayers to prepare ourselves for what God has in store for us. We do that at the beginning of the year. Then every month of June is usually our month of glory. We usually have fasting and prayers from day one to the last day. It is a programme that has brought testimonies to the church.

In the month of July which is our month of thanksgiving, we set it aside for families in the church to thank God. Also, we have our annual convention coming up in August and our camp meeting in November. But we have a periodic programme called Singles of Purpose, which the church is known for. It is an outreach for singles and youths and we have one for those who are married.

Also, we are known with a relationship programme. We do hold our prorgamme in various institutions in the country, hotels and outside the country like the United Kingdom, USA, South Africa and many other places.

What should we be ex-

I did other forms of manual labour. Although it was very tedious, I enjoyed it because of the dream I had for myself.

That also helped me to understand that if you have God on your side and you are determined to work hard, the sky cannot be your limit pecting in the upcoming convention of your church?

This 2015 convention, we are looking at how to combine the convention with the church camp meeting of November.

Sometimes, we hold them separately but for this year, we are thinking of holding the convention and the camp meeting together. We are doing a building project and we want to dedicate that building around that time.

You made mention of holding your programme in USA and other countries.

Assuming you are invited to the United States, what will your be, looking at the legalisation of gay marriage in the country?

When God has given a message, I don’t think the message of the word of God is limited to anywhere. God’s message is a general message for the whole world. There is nowhere I preach the word that I will not preach the message or whatever God has given to me. We are not preaching your own word but preaching the word of God, So I cannot go to USA and say that gay marriage is good and come to Nigeria and say gay marriage is evil. God created everybody and He has the same plan and purpose for everyone.

In Nigeria, religious activities are on the high side but the level of wickedness, corruption and other evil devices in the country is increasing every day. Is it that religious leaders have failed to give the right message or the people have refused to live the right way?

I will not say that the leaders have refused to preach the right message or the people have not taken the right message. Research has shown that 70 per cent of the people in the society don’t go to church even on Sunday.

So, with the 30 per cent, we still expect that they will be agents of change.

They also live in the larger society and sometimes, people are populated by their environment. Some people when they get out from the church forget about everything they have learnt in the church. They just believe with the slogan that if you don’t beat them you join them. I know we have a lot of churches in this nation, preaching the truth and raising Godly people. They are making a difference in different ways. We have cases of children of God who really want to make a difference but they are being frustrated in some establishments because they don’t dance to the regular tune of corruption and other ungodly devices.

It bothers me that there are countries that are not so religious like us, yet they keep their laws

ON PAG E 5 6

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54

Faith

Humility, sacrifice connect you to grace Taming your Emotions Bishop

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

S

imon In spite of all his frustration said to Jesus; come on, go ahead. Jesus sat and minister from that boat; he taught other people the word of God. Jesus never did anything without first of all teaching, he majored on the word of God. And peter for the first time heard that wonderful sermon, the sermon that first began establishing his faith.

And is the most potent and solid foundation any life can be built on.

By the time Jesus had finished using the boat, He only turned around and gave instructions.

The master’s instruction is also directive and clear with every sense of finality. Launch into the deep for a draught. Jesus was certain of the place and sure of the harvest. He is indeed the master.

Launch out into the deep, Jesus said to him, and let down your net. The man who had suffered all night, the man who had struggled didn’t work for him any more at the time that he needed it. The man who failed miserably even

in spite of all the equipment and all the things that were on ground turned to Jesus and said to him: “Master, I appreciate your kindness but I have been here all night, have worked all night. My children, my family, nobody has seen my face since yesterday because I have been laboured in the same river all night and I had no result.”

Listen to me, life is not all about how much you have failed but leaning on the word of God can make a lot of difference. That Peter failed did not stop him from lending his boat to the master. That he failed did not make him refuse to try again. He said, ‘We have toiled all night without result but at your word suggested counsel, we will try again.’ His next attempt brought the miracle that transformed his entire history and genealogy.

What a grace? When grace comes into your life, every little effort produces abundance. Anything that you produce out of your sweat, your struggle, your labour, your effort, killing yourself, your sleepless night, is not grace but your effort. Just imagine a little lad on his mother’s back and you can get a clear picture of what grace is all about.

God wants to put you on His back, grace wants to carry you through this journey of life. That was why Jesus said: ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all other things

That is what grace can do.

Peter gave his boat to the master and that paved way for his eventual turn around will be added to you.’ Joseph got it right, he refused to compromise the standard and grace made him a governor throughout the land of Egypt. That is what grace can do.

Peter gave his boat to the master and that paved way for his eventual turn around.

Romans 9:16 says: ‘It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.’ Your running has no value until the mercy of God is revealed in your life. Your struggles are of no value until the grace of God waters your effort. No wonder the Bible says the battle is not to the strong nor the race to the swift but of God that sheweth mercy. And they got a great harvest and their boat began to sink.

Beyond the harvest of business boom, Peter got a lead to a better career - the honourable call of God to ministry. At the peak of his new career, his shadow was reported to have healed the sick – the cripple was made whole, people were baptised in the Holy Ghost at the laying on of hands, the dead were called back to life. He became the famous apostle that Jesus handed over to. “And Jesus answered and

said, blessed art thou, Simon BarJona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto you the key of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bind in heaven: and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” – Matthew16:17-19. What a glory!

The grace of God is bestowed upon those who open their bowels through humility and reasonable sacrifice. When God appeared to Jeremiah before his commissioning to the prophetic ministry, the Bible reports how incapable Jeremiah felt as a small lad. Jeremiah said: ‘Ha Lord God; I am but a child and I cannot speak well.’ God turned around and said: ‘Say not that you are a child for I have ordained you for my ultimate use and wherever I send you, you will go and you will succeed because I will go with you.’ The Bible says humble yourself before God and He will exalt you. Jeremiah felt small and magnified Him. If this message has blessed you, you can get more at the Powerline Bible Church. We invite you; worship with us Powerline Bible Church Glass House, Odolowu Bus Stop, Ijeshatedo, along Mile 2- Oshodi Expressway, Lagos.

Overwhelming blessing (2) Power Arena Rev.

Chidi Anthony

0808 757 6773

W

hen arrived at his residence, I didn’t know when I told him about the intrusion into my property. After hearing me out, the brother casually said, “This thing is not a problem. Go and start a structure on the land. When you start building the trespassers will leave. I told him plainly that I do not have the capacity then, especially because the land is swampy. The brother said to me: “Wait, I am coming.”

He climbed upstairs. When he came back, he dropped a light envelop on my laps. He said, “Take that envelop and go and start a structure on the land. “

It was very light envelope. So I thought that this brother had added more problems to my problem; but a voice said to me open this envelope and another said why not pretend as a Pastor and when you get into your vehicle you open it. Then the first voice prevailed and I took the envelope and opened it before him. Inside the envelope was a Zenith bank cheque leaf made out in my name with the sum of N20 million. That voice said to me, “Chidi Anthony, see it now.”

My brothers house was chilled with extra efficient air conditioners in place, but at the same time, sweet

dripped down my body because I was seriously overwhelmed. Since I was born, I had never seen that kind of money before, how much more handling it. I hear about million on television. When I saw the money, the brother invited us to the dinning for some refreshment.

I reply, which food is greater than this, let me go. Inside me, I feared that he might change his mind while I was eating. I left that place immediately.

I went to the nearest Zenith Bank branch and lodged the money in my own account.

With that money, I started my building. The brother was solidly behind me until I packed into that magnificent building. Now I am sure that you are interested in knowing how the man made such stupendous money, after the prayer. He just executed one oil business and made millions of dollars.

Today is another time of impartation with the same prophet that prophesied into the life of that brother. When I prophesied to that brother, I never knew he would build a house for me. I never expected that he would make me so proud. You may be the next beneficiary who will bless my ministry with the latest model of a choice car. Can I prophesy on you? Whatever has been pursuing you, after today you will pursue them. After this prayer session you will be the first person to take your miracle in the name of Jesus.

And the Bible said that on that day, Elisha and Gehazi went to eat

Today is another time of impartation with the same prophet that prophesied into the life of that brother. When I prophesied to that brother, I never knew he would build a house for me. I never expected that he would make me so proud. You may be the next beneficiary who will bless my ministry with the latest model of a choice car in the woman’s house. They ate and were overfed. After they took their bath and later went to sleep in a well furnished apartment. When it was time to be on their way, the woman did have to make a prayer request. There is something you do to a prophet and the prophet by his own volition will ask you to make your prayer request.

Elisha directed his servant to ask what the woman would want them do for her. And she said, “I dwell among my people.” Elisha said to the woman, “You must make a request; I can’t leave here without affecting your life.” He turned to Gehazi and said: “You must think of something we have to do to bless her life.” Gehazi then remembered

that the cry of a baby had never been heard in the woman’s house.

At that point, Elisha called the woman, and the scripture recorded that Elisha did not call God while he was praying for the woman. He simply said: “According to the time of the season, by this time next year there shall be a cry of a child.” The Bible further records that it came to pass.

Let me tell you something, today I will use my office as a prophet and prophesy to your situation. Every ugly circumstance around you after today, you will look for them and you will never see them again.

This is the month when people celebrate. My family was crying for a voice, and according to the season, a voice landed in my family.

Everywhere I go people say I am a native of Nkwerre in Imo State.

But get this, Nkwerre is my local government, not my village; but for my sake my village will come to limelight. I come from Umuwala in Nkwerre, a town where Pentecostal churches are treated as taboo, a town where the people believe in only the Catholic Church. But today, the story has changed. And I prophesy that in your family and kindred you will change their story in the name of Jesus. After today, men and women will celebrate you. ...to be continued next Sunday.

Come and experience the power dimension as we worship God at Kings in Christ Power Ministries International, 17 Jubilee Close, off Taiwo Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos.

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Obey God, harvest outpouring blessings Mystery ofAnxiety Bishop

John Ogbansiegbe

0803 341 6327

T

he situation at the lake was quite discouraging.

Peter’s several years of experience with the same lake and all the proven techniques they employed failed. There was no new wave that could have driven in fish from larger waters. Peter therefore concluded that it was over. Don’t conclude yet, child of God. Your miracle is on the way.

Peter concluded by saying, “Master, you know, I am not a novice in this business. I grew up here. These men here are my apprentices. We have toiled (not played, joked or trifled) through the night and have taken nothing.

We have done all that everybody could have done and have washed these nets more than ten times now, yet we have caught nothing.

Never-the-less at thy word, I will let down the net.

“Though all efforts have failed, though nothing seems to have improved, at thy word. I will let down the net.”

In the life of every man, there is always ‘the never-the-less of life.’ There is no need removing

the nevertheless in your life or circumstances before God’s divine intervention in your life. Don’t act on the word only when conditions are encouraging. Even with the dryness, conflicts, opposition, victimisation, marginalisation, dying minute obstacles, disappointments, incompatibilities and impossibilities around you; because God has spoken positively about your situation, by faith, your response should be ‘nevertheless, at thy word, I will let down the net.’ Have you tried all you could?

Prayed, fasted, and gone to the best of preachers and prophets in the world? Have you tried every recipe men have suggested? Have you tried modern philosophies?

Have you washed your nets over and over again? And yet no result, or has the result been the same; that you caught nothing? You can take a step, to believe and act on the word today. The point here is nevertheless, the opinions of men notwithstanding, God has spoken; the consequences notwithstanding, the key reaction which will trigger your long awaited expectation is obedience to his command.

God is the one who calls into existence those things that are not, as though they were.

Note the emphasis in this verse, “And when they had this done”... when they obeyed His word.

You may have been doing other thi9ngs, trying many other methods and ideas; and exploring many other possibilities, every other thing but not “This2. What

“Though all efforts have failed, though nothing seems to have improved, at thy word. I will let down the net

is this in that verse? Obedience to His word: “Launch into the deep for a draught.” This is more than a formula or another similar trial.

It is distinct! It is wonderful, it is spiritual, and it is life. And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes.

This is what will always happen if men obey and have this done.

If we will only let down our lives at His words, it may look bleak, it may contradict reason, but it will surely bring an encounter of great multitude of fishes and our nets shall break.

You must have a permanent catch in your life’s pursuit; you must have ‘this done’ obedience to His word which is the condition for the manifestation of your expected miracle. You must obey His word and launch out, no longer out of your physical abilities and mental calculations or on men’s promises, but on His infallible word. Whenever you are faced with any situation concerning your life, the first step to sure victory and true prosperity is to seek the word from His mouth, and obey, have it done. It is not the casual hearer that will be blessed,

but the doer of the word.

Simon must have looked foolish to everyone around, when he decided to obey. Some may have mocked and questioned “What is he trying to prove now? Does Jesus want to prove that He knows fishing in our traditional lake more than we do? We the sons of the soil, who have undergone professional training for years?

They could have wondered what was particular about what He said; “Launch out into the deep.”

It is not the peculiarity of the language, or the principles that matter – what matters is that God has spoken.

The word spoken may not look different from what men are capable of saying. He may have spoken to you through dream, vision, and prophetic revelation or through the mouth of his anointed servant.

The Holy Spirit being the great witness bearer will impress this divi9ne message in your heart.

When God speaks, the natural divine expectation from God is absolute.

If we must receive things from the Lord, we must uphold the principles of living by the word of God and placing bold nevertheless at thy word on every contrary thing that seeks to undermine the power of the word in our lives. As you obey His word, may God give you an oversize blessing which no room can contain in the name of Jesus.

Giving: An ordinance of God the of

Oracles God

Frank Oboden Olomukoro frankolomukoro@yahoo.com

0703 362 1866

T

he issuance of an ordinance as a rule or an order by God runs through the entire Bible. God’s authoritative way of communication is by ‘commandments;’ by virtue of His position as an authority with all power. There are various forms of giving practised in the scriptures that were commanded by God as an integral part of worship and fellowship. All forms of giving done with the right attitude cheerfully, obediently and generously creates open doors for the inflow of the promised blessings of God under the law of return.

Some of such giving come in the mode of an obligation, others are at the discretion of the faithful; that is, as freewill or voluntarily.

Tithing was practised by our Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) under grace then. It was an unwritten order operated by revelation. The Patriarchs were not instructed anytime by God to give to Him a tenth of their possessions. It was voluntarily as they were inspired both as a means of showing their gratitude for what He has done and a way of committing God to their adventures in life. But, under the law, tithing became mandatory and specified so that the priestly tribe of Levi could conduct the services in the

temple. The tithe offering was a special contribution of everything the Israelites had (Numbers 18:21-24).

Other modes of giving besides the mandatory ones include alms giving, vows and freewill offerings. They also attract God’s corresponding reward when done under the right attitude. These offerings provide the giver the opportunity to give without any limit unlike the tithe of a tenth.

ALMSGIVING It mainly involves giving to men (not God) as an act of virtue, either materially or in the sense of providing capabilities such as money, clothes, food and other things to the poor or needy as charity (Luke 11:41). “But rather give alms of such things as ye have: and, behold, all things are clean unto you.” Alms is a word derived from the Greek (merciful) and used to denote the offering of charity to the needy, from a feeling of both compassion and righteousness.

The scripture has identified the poor, the needy and strangers as recipients of this gift of kindness.

Though labour enables the poor to win their daily bread, accidents, illness, old age, labour difficulties, plagues, war, etc. frequently interrupt their labours and impoverish them.The responsibility of succouring arises in God commanding “give and you shall be given…” (Luke 6:38). If giving of alms is done out of pity and without regard to the permanent relief of the recipient, then the giving has lost its Godly purpose and is devoid of attracting any reward from God (Matt.

6:1). Alms are not restricted to just the material. There are many that are spiritu-

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving but ye only ally poor, needy and strangers to the commonwealth of God. They are in dire need of the Word of eternal life to bring about salvation to their lost souls. The poor shall never cease out of the land (physical or spiritual), says the law giver.

He commands: “Thou shall open thine hand wide, unto thy brother, to thy poor and to thy needy in the land” (Deut.

15:11).

The practice of alms giving in the New Testament was managed on a larger scale, a practice that was integral in the fellowship of the saints in the early church age. The common denominator was to ensure the needs of the saints were met, not to promote the apostles to a state of stupendous material wealth, leaving the laity in abject want and poverty reminiscent in today’s Christendom.

Children of God have a desire to express their gratitude to the Lord in very practical ways by the voluntary provision for the less privileged.

Whoever reads in particular chapters 2:43-47 in the Book of Acts, gains a deep insight into the devotion of the believers in the early church. They were of one heart and one soul; no one considered the things he possessed to be his exclusive property. There we read that “for as many as were possessors of lands or

houses, sold them and brought the prizes of the things that were sold and laid them down at the apostles’ feet.”

It was clear to the saints of the early church that one needs only one house to live in, not several houses. So they sold all the things that were not needed for their personal use. It has to be emphasised that the apostles did not force or cause anyone to do so. Incidentally, the expectation of the promised return of Jesus Christ was so great and alive, that the earthly realm was not their main focus.

Instead, they were freeing themselves from it.

Alms giving or freewill offering as a form of giving is not mandatory as practised in the New Testament. Therefore, no law should be imposed commanding the people what they should give. Paul wrote in his epistle to the Philippians 4:10-20, about giving and receiving: “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving but ye only.” In 2 Corinthians 9:7, he stated that “every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” A special offering is something different. In that regard, the instruction was as follows: “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (I Cor. 16:2).

Giving to God or man as commanded

by God is a huge blessing in human relationships.

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AIFENT: Protect your world Firm Faith:

Right Reason Most Rev.

Emmanuel A. Badejo fradebadejo@yahoo.

0803 949 4219 (SMS only)

Of Stakeholders and Zombies Far too many people live in today’s world like passive observers. Though not everyone can be a leader, I wish more people would get involved as stakeholders in the destiny of their world. The famous poem, ‘Desiderata’ ought to be taken seriously. It reads, “You are a child of the universe, not unlike the trees or the stars, you have a right to be here.”

Yoruba folklore identifies three groups of people on earth: the stakeholders, the spectators and those who simply wonder what is really going on. Even mere spectators are better placed than these last ones who are little better than zombies, simply thrown around like flotsam and jetsam on life’s waters. The book of Revelation addresses such people: “You are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, so I will spit you out of my mouth” (Rev. 3:16). In truth, the takeover of trivia in most areas of essential human life can practically make zombies of people. In fact, it has shortened the attention span of most people such that the things that really matter no longer get deserved attention.

Serious matters of public and moral importance such as sexuality, the right to life, child rights, human dignity, cultural values and freedom of religion, are often

altogether relegated to the sphere of mere personal pleasure, preference and choice. Ours is an age of chronic relativism and fanatical subjectivism. The truth however is that no human society or civilisation can ever survive on those two principles. Discerning individuals must prepare themselves to salvage moral good sense and the sanity of values to survive the current global tsunami of flimsiness.

Where do I go from here?

I often sense in conversation with people, this unspoken query which has a debilitating effect on many people confronted with modern ideologies.

How do I deal with these new, strange ideas around? What can I really change?

Putting myself in their shoes I crafted for myself some steps which have proven helpful when confronted with these new ideologies. I have made an acronym out of those ideas which I call AIFENT. Here they are: Awareness It is so important to be aware that life today is often not business as usual. So much is actually going on around us.

Very little of that happens by chance. It is critical to be aware that aggressive efforts are being made to recreate the world in which we live not only technologically and scientifically but more importantly, culturally and morally. This is where the ongoing American lobby to redefine sexuality, marriage and family life must be collocated. With Western countries seeking to strip Africa of morality and socio-cultural decency, it is especially germane to Africans to know that these efforts are based on atheistic humanism.

This is an ideology which sees man as

the measure of all things. It seeks to disestablish God and religion from the society and enthrone instead as sovereign, the State and whatever powers would usurp its place. One can only imagine the disaster this would mean for African religions and cultural identity. It also seeks to blackmail religion as the cause of evil in the world. Of course, nothing could be more misleading. It is the exploitation of religion that is the culprit. Pristine religion does nothing but good all through history, preventing man from being an animal to fellow humans.

Information Once aware of the siege being laid to cultural and religious values and ideals, today we have an obligation to be correctly informed about the strategies and methods of the lobby. A related obligation is to source for such information from helpful and credible sources. This is not an easy task because most powerful means of media today seem to promote more the wayward new ideologies. They are simply not the best channels for wholesome information.

Formation Next to being informed is the need to be formed in the skills and strategies of engaging with the army of new ideologies.

It might not be possible to avoid contact with them in daily life but getting formed by positive and knowledgeable sources reasonably equips and insulates the individual from unwholesome effects. No one knows it all and credible formation is not easily accessed without due effort. It must be sought for.

Engagement We live in a world of encounter and

interaction. Having been formed, Chri stians especially must not wait to be pressured before positively affecting their society. “Do not live as the unwise do but as responsible persons. Try to make good use of the present time because these days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16).

It is important to reach out and engage even the wayward lobbies on the turfs which they have chosen to possess. Such enterprise is not impossible for those who are prepared.

Networking Notwithstanding so much evil, the world of today is still replete with groups and individuals committed to keeping the sanity of a value-driven world. It is necessary to seek out such partners to share ideas and strategies with. Much psychological and structural strength is derived from such link-ups. As the old saying goes: “Travel alone, travel faster; travel together, travel further.”

Transformation The whole purpose of the foregoing is that we all become stakeholders in a real cosmic transformation for a better world.

Our faith in this possibility must be unshaken. With faith we become invincible.

Faith is evidence and assurance of the hope we have (Heb. 11:1). That hope does not disappoint us. (Heb 12:1). So, when faced with contemporary corroding ideas, teachings and ideologies all around you, do not withdraw into navelgazing, focusing only on your issues of bread and butter. Open up and play the stakeholder! Then perhaps, my humble AIFENT principle could help you affect your world.

Ordained for exploits (2) Insight Rev.

Femi Akinola

www.thehebrewsng.com

01-790 3163; 0808 584 5864

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very action brings about a commensurate reaction. There are things you must fight against if you must experience testimony in every area of life; these I call anti-testimony agents. You must watch out and pray for divine enablement to deal with them. I will continue from where I stopped last week. My prayer for you is that if any of these is at work in your life, the power of the Living God will crush them and the name of the Lord will be glorified in your life.

• Evil comparison “Not that we [have the audacity to] venture to class or [even to] compare ourselves with some who exalt and furnish testimonials for themselves! However, when they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely.”

2Corinthians10:12(AMP) This is another testimony-killer. It is sheer foolishness for you to compare yourself with another. It is common to hear comments like ‘this person has gotten this or that, and I’ve yet to get it.’ If only you know what God has in store for you, you will be mindful of your actions and utterances. When you see someone rejoicing, you ought to also rejoice with the person and thank God.

As you are doing that, you are simply reminding God that you are next in line.

Note that the good you fail to appreciate God for cannot happen to you. The Bible says, eyes have not seen what God is preparing for you, and this is why you must never use the blessing of anyone as a yardstick to measure/compare yourself. If you are going to see exploits, don’t doubt and don’t compare. Don’t become suddenly moody because you attended the house warming ceremony of someone you are older than. Don’t be discouraged because someone around you just received what you have been praying to God for. Keep faith and hope alive that God hasn’t forgotten you. By the mandate of heaven, your testimony will surely come to pass in Jesus name.

• The spirit of discouragement “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (GNT) Being discouraged simply means you are giving up. Unfortunately, people who are often discouraged are not far from dangerous decisions. I am always happy and celebrating even where there seem to be no tangible reason to celebrate. Daily, I celebrate His love, mercy and grace because of His unfailing faithfulness. Just in case you are already discouraged and at the verge of quitting, I encourage you not to give up, especially if you have the backing of heaven and the word of God on what you are doing.

• Wrong timing “Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me.” Psalm 31:15 (MSG) Many people have become victims of

Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones wrong timing in the school of exploits and testimony. In the pursuit of God’s promise, many have missed it simply because of wrong timing. You must understand that there is time for everything. Your testimony cannot come outside your appointed time and this is why you must be sensitive not to miss your time. Testimony moves with time; it doesn’t come before its time. Every testimony that comes before time is the one you force and it is often short-lived. Your times are in God’s hands and you must not have what God has promised before its appointed time except you want to kill yourself.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” Eccl 3:1 There’s a time to marry, time to build, time to travel and time to do everything and anything you have or want to do, if they must last. Your time is your turn and your turn is your testimony, so don’t be in haste. When it’s your turn, all attention is given to you. What you never thought you could become, very soon God is lifting you to that place in Jesus name.

• Hidden pride “But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (GNT)

Pride precedes destruction. Proud people end up being humbled in life because God detests the proud but gives grace to the humble. The reason many don’t have a testimony is because of pride. Perhaps, you’re an instrument of exploits in God’s hand but you fail to humble yourself or you despise (church) authority. It is just a matter of time, none of those guilty of this end well. This will not be your testimony in Jesus name.

•“Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones.”Luke16:10(GNT) God rarely gives you all you need at once; rather He gives you what you’d need per time. One who isn’t faithful in small things will never be faithful in much. So many people use the opportunity they are given to work in other people’s business to enrich themselves. If you are not faithful in another man’s thing, who will give you your own thing? Unfaithfulness is the reason many lack testimonies.

True riches come from genuine faithfulness in managing what belongs to others.

This year, all your inputs will yield maximum results (testimonies) in Jesus name.

Prayer points Spirit of doubt delaying the manifestation of my testimony, lose your hold over my life.

• You spirit of pride, come out of my life and die.

• Every anti-testimony spirit operating in any area of my life come out and die.

• Everything in my foundation that is resisting my testimony, die.

• Rain of testimony, fall upon my life. in Jesus name.

•

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Don’t create counterfeit miracles Wisdom of God’s World

Pastor Nnadiaso Promise Jomo

Email: info@wisogc.org

+2347044799358 (SMS only)

I

believe that today something different will happen here. If you have any sickness in your body after today go for a test to see the good result. I understand we are talking about miracles but before the miracles come let’s first of all know the source of the miracles. The Bible says that “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

When we talk about Jesus, we talk about the messiah, the Saviour of the whole world. The scripture in Philippians 2:8-11 is talking about Jesus Christ and His humility. Jesus who humbled Himself to the core that even as God (John 1:1) He was humble enough that the same people he created flogged him and did all manner of things to him, but He never retaliated nor did anything to them. If He had wanted to kill them all it would have cost Him nothing to do because He had the power but He never did. God gave him a name that is above every other name. God gave Him that name,

and He didn’t give it to the whole earth. Names have power. A person must look at his foundation which is 40%; upbringing 20%; association 20%; and name 10%. So, in this life the name you bear has its effect on you.

God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name, which is above every other name. It has become the licence for everyone who wants to succeed in life. It doesn’t matter if you mention it but as long as you see that name every knee shall bow.

1. His name carries power and authority: the only name one mentions and powers begin to be destroyed is Jesus. When we have heard many stories of people being taken to the kingdom of darkness and when the person captured calls on that name ‘Jesus,’ they will begin to ask who brought these person that call that strange name. The name of Jesus is strange to the kingdom of darkness.

2. His name works out miracles.

You will be disappointed if you expect Pastor Promise to pray for you and a miracle just comes. You better look to Jesus who carries that miracle. Where there is a scarcity of miracles, people begin to doubt God. Where there is no proof of the message you are preaching, people begin to doubt your God. The day a pastor starts chewing the word of God is the day he falls. People don’t want to pray for miracles to come again so they begin to counterfeit miracles. Any miracle that does not

have a trace is not ordinary. When you are healed the signs must be there until God makes you whole.

A miracle is an act or event that does not follow the law of nature and is believed to be caused by God. It is a lucky thing that happens that you did not expect or think that it was possible.

3. The name of Jesus is given to save all men, which is the centre of all gospels. Acts 4: 11-12, 1 Corinth 9:10.

No gospel is complete outside of Jesus Christ. If you have been preaching and nothing happens, look inwards yourself and find out if you are at fault. The centre of the gospel is salvation and power.

The full meaning of GOSPEL is : G

Grace of Jesus Christ

O

Object of his coming

S

Simplicity of his message

P

Power of his word

E

Estate of God’s plan

L Listen and lifting power of everyone.

The gospel is not complete without a miracle and salvation. Any good preacher must be able to preach in a way that everybody understands so that they can receive His salvation. You

Faith

cannot speak the word of God without seeing power in it. God has a plan for human beings on earth; that was why He sent Jesus to die for us on the cross of Calvary.

4. We do all things in His name. That means in His name, all things are possible. Col. 3:17. You must understand that whatever you need in the name of Jesus will come.

5. Whosoever will call on the name of Jesus shall be saved. Blind Bartemeus did not know Jesus but he heard about him. While Jesus was passing, he kept calling on Him. Though people were trying to stop him, he never stopped calling until he received his healing. Rom: 10-13. Whosoever that shall hear his word and obey them and shall call upon his name shall be saved.

Things that hinder miracles in today’s church 1. Lack of the word of God: Miracles can never manifest without a solid knowledge of the word of God. 2. Lack of faith: When there is a lack of faith, miracles will not work.

3. Sin among pastors or believers: Matt: 15-26. God does not design miracles for His children in a crusade ground. God does His miracles for His children at all times.

Why I pray in the night (3) Word of Life

Bishop

Moses Kattey

moseskattey@yahoo.co.uk

0808 770 7486

David spared sleeping Saul. Your own enemy may not spare you if you are caught sleeping.

Let this sound as a warning to you: Make allowance / arrangement to have enough sleep in the day, and pray at night. Just kneel at night and win. It does not really matter much what you do, but be in the mood of prayer. Say something walking about or kneeling.

Make a noise or repeat syllables, and do what the Lord brings to your mind.

Even if you kneel and find yourself sleeping on your knees, as soon as you wake up again, begin to pray. You can also take something that can keep you awake for about two to three hours for a start.

Sleep in the day and pray at night.

PAUL AND SILAS: Deliverance came in the night While the keeper of the prison himself was asleep and while other prisoners were sleeping, Paul and Silas were awake, praying and singing praises to God, and had their deliverance and breakthrough.

25. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

26. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed (Acts 16:25, 26).

Never dare fight those who do not

sleep at night except you too do not sleep. Christians who pray at night are more dangerous to fight than others.

They escape at night and also capture at night “while men slept.”

Deliverance of israel form egypt was at midnight The Lord, even the Most High God does not joke with night battle.

4. And Moses said, thus saith the LORD, about midnight will I go out into the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts (Exodus 11:4, 5).

29. And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, (Exodus 12:29).

4. Egypt was sleep, but Israel was preparing to escape at midnight as instructed by God. What do you think will happen if the Lord tells you to be awake most of the nights and you disobey? The scriptures commanded that night.

It is a night to be much observed unto the Lord for bringing them out from the Land of Egypt: this is that night of the Lord to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations. And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, this is the ordinance of Passover- - - (Exodus 12:42, 43).

I want to keep this part of the ordinance of Passover. The Lord is still delivering people at night. Only those who pray at night will bear witness to this statement.

Night demons and problems Some animals live with mankind and they go to sleep when men sleep, and wake when men wake but they are few.

Animals that constitute a risk to human beings go to rest alternatively with hu-

man beings.

You can get such animals only when you go out at night. Night animals that come out in the daytime, you will observe, cannot see well. They see better at night but poorly by day, as human beings see better in the day and poorly at night.

It seems to me that demons that constitute problems to people today are mostly those that operate at night while men are asleep. They come and operate that time. To make this point clearer, see Goliath versus David’s battle. Goliath came out 40 days, morning and afternoon to rebuke and challenge the army of Israel.

Imagine in your heart one day after Goliath had challenged Israel and gone back, Saul getting up to do so. He did not challenge Goliath when he came out, just to come back when he had gone. It will be ridiculous.

Challenge Goliath when he is operating. Do you challenge armed robbers in the day when they operate mainly at night?

It will be ridiculous for anti-robbery police to patrol in the day and sleep at night when armed robbers mainly operate. So, challenge these demons that operate in the night by praying at night.

David came out when Goliath came out to challenge. Listen to this: A man lost his golden ring in the dark where there was no light, but he went to where there was light to look for it.

Night prayer confronts the enemy directly. Even our Lord Jesus knew this and woke up “a great while before day.” And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed (Mark 1:35).

GOD works at night Have you noticed that the miracle of

the Red Sea drying up to make way for the deliverance and escape of the children of Israel took place “all that night?”

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided (Exodus 14:21).

Heaven is more busy at night than you think. Even, human beings in one part of the earth sleep while others are awake. Heaven and earth are busy at any moment of time. Therefore, watch your house, watch your affairs and plans in the night while the enemy thinks you are sleeping.

5. Anointing and night prayers Nobody can wake up and pray in tongues for at least three hours a day for three months without having breakthrough.

NOTE 1. Praying only in tongues 2. Praying for at least 3 hours a day in the night 3. Praying for 3 months If you see anybody who has done this and remains the same in his ministry, please inform us.

The greatest prayer and greatest weapon available to man is praying in tongues, especially when used in night prayer.

CONCLUSION The two best payers 1. The best prayer is praying in tongues.

2. The best prayer is night prayer.

(See the book by the author titled. Why I speak in tongues).

And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? Couldest not thou watch one hour?

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Faith

The Voice of Dominion by

Bishop David Oyedepo

7747546-8 (SMS only)

S

ince the month began, we have been exploring the powers inherent in our tongues.

Last week, we examined the creative, prophetic and reproductive power domiciled in our tongue (words). This week, I will conclude this series by discussing how powerful our tongues can be from the scientific perspective.

From the paper of a renowned Neurosurgeon as captured in Pastor Yonggi Cho’s book, Ministering Hope For 50 Years, the expert stated that the speech area nerve that allows humans to speak has the power to control other parts of the body. For instance, if a person says, “I am gradually getting weaker,” other nerves in the body im-

Commanding the supernatural by the power of the tongue (4) mediately receive that command from the speech area nerve and obey it, saying something like, “Let’s get weak.

We need to get weaker; that’s the message from the command tower.”

That is how a person gets weak and becomes ill. In other words, those nerves can weaken an individual.

Also, he said if another person says: “I am not capable. I cannot do this.” Then, all the nerves in his body respond accordingly, almost as if they say to each other, “We are not capable; that is what the speech area nerve commanded; that is an order; we need to prepare to become incompetent, we must give up all means of utilizing our capabilities.”

Furthermore, he stated that if someone else says, “I am too old; I am too tired to do anything else,” the speech area nerve will exercise its power and take command over all the nerves. The nerves will then respond as if they

We are not capable; that is what the speech area nerve commanded; that is an order; we need to prepare to become incompetent, we must give up all means of utilizing our capabilities

were saying, “Yes, we are all old. Let’s prepare to die – to rest in the grave.”

However, if an individual says, “I’m healthy,” then the speech area nerve sends its command to other nerves, effectively saying, “You’re all healthy.”

They respond, “We’re all healthy, very healthy.” They then process the command and become healthy. That

way, even sick people can regain their health.

Spiritually, these speech area nerves can be likened to the angels of God, who are sent to minister to us who are heirs of salvation. They are ever on guard to deliver us from evil and carry out our orders, precisely (Ecclesiastes 5:6) Thus, spiritually and scientifically, it is proven that our breakdowns and breakthroughs are absolutely at the command of our tongues. Therefore, we must watch what we say, because what we say determines what happens to us.

Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.

Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

For further reading, please get my books: Releasing The Supernatural, Walking In The Miraculous, Commanding The Supernatural.

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., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 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

UK clears Oyedepo, church of corruption allegation Mojeed Alabi

I

n response to the allegation of fraud and financial mismanagement leveled against the Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, otherwise known as the Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo and his United Kingdom chapter of the church, Winners Chapel International, the UK Charity Commission has exonerated both of all the accusations, commending it for sustaining the standard set for charity activities in the country.

In a recently published report, the agency said the church, which is also known as World Mission Agency, showed “good financial controls” for an organisation of its size.

According to the report, it was not unusual to identify what it described as minor infractions, but credited the organisation for providing “satisfactory responses” on all the queries concerning honorariums, transfers of funds, expenditure categories and gift aid. The report reads in part; “Our review of the charity’s financial information identified minor discrepancies. However, the trustees were able to explain and resolve these. We found no evidence that £16 million or any other amount had been misappropriated.

“We were satisfied the charity could demonstrate good financial controls appropriate for a large and expanding charity.”

It added; “We assessed the charity, including by examining the charity’s accounts, carrying out a books and records check and meeting with the trustees to put our concerns to them.

SUNDAY

Sport 59

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

2018 World Cup

Eagles to battle Djibouti or Swaziland p.63

Football

The growing influence of Nigerian stars in the MLS p.60&61

Golf

August 29 date for Okowa 100 days tourney

Ladipo: I won’t die in office as President-General

p.62

Emirate Cup

Arsenal demolish Lyon 6-0 p.63

T

Dapo Sotuminu

Deputy Sports Editor Dapo Sotuminu daposotu@yahoo.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

he President-General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, has declared that contrary to wide spread speculations that he is holding tight to the highest position much that he intends to rule for life, he would vacate the position when God says it is time for another Nigerian to take over.

Ladipo, told Sunday Telegraph in an exclusive interview that: “I won’t die in office as the President-General of the Supporters Club, I will surely leave one day when my time is up in the club, but nobody can force me out of the group I worked so hard to give international prominence.”

He noted that lot of people make the mistake thinking that there is money to be made in the Supporters Club. “I want to say categorically, that there is no money in the Supporters Club. If you want to be the President-General of the club, you

must be ready to spend you own money at will to sustain the club, because there is no funding from anywhere.

“Our members pay an annual dues of N6,000 each, that means if one thousand members pay their dues, that amounts to N6 million, this is not enough to do anything tangible to move the club forward. For the Brazil 2014 World Cup finals, the Supporters Club spent N189million thanks to the backup from philanthropic Nigerians, the corporate bodies and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Other monies came in from our private pockets from people like me. We are happy spending our money for the goodness of Nigeria.”

He stressed that the Club has not been in existence without crisis. There has been a lot of it but we thank God that He has given us the wisdom to be able to surmount all those challenges. We call it challenges because of the large size of the club membership that is over 50,000 all over the world.

“We expect people to come in and be ambitious. But we have

been asking our members not to get over-ambitious as such is capable of destroying the good house we have strongly built over the years. The club is like a big family and God has given them Dr. Rafiu Ladipo as the leader as at now. And if it pleases God that Rafiu Ladipo will continue to lead them until God says he should go and sit down for somebody else to take over.

“The fact remains that when that happens, people that must lead should understand what Rafiu Ladipo did that has brought the club from grass to grace, which has made the club a worldwide phenomenon, a club that FIFA, CAF and everybody around the world respect.

But some people, must accept the bitter truth that you must learn the rope before venturing to take over the mantle of the leadership of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club worldwide the way Rafiu Ladipo has done so far. I know there are people who want to be leaders of the club, there is no problem, this is allowed but they must learn how to crawl before venturing to run the one hundred metres race.”

Ladipo, who believes that the

Cup of Nations should be Super Eagles’ birthright looking at the caliber of Nigerian players plying their trade in overseas clubs, revealed that for not going to the last edition of the Nations Cup, the Club lost millions of money as thousands of printed t-shirts, face caps and other souvenirs that would have been sold at the venue of the Nations Cup were wasted. We have been giving out the souvenirs free of charge. “It was a big loss for the Supporters Club.”

He disclosed that the Club has started planning the formation of a soccer club that would start from the lower league. “On this, newly recruited players have been training at the National Stadium, Lagos three times weekly in readiness to stage a bold move into the country’s football league. This is to prove a point that we are top stakeholders who must be taken serious in everything we do.”

Ladipo said the Supporters Club despite being self-sustaining with no financial support from any quarters, has been growing in leaps and bounds because of the commitment of the club’s leadership and the astuteness of the members who are always ready to sacrifice.

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Sport

The growing influence of S

Dapo Sotuminu ince the formation of the Major League Soccer in 1993 as part of the United States’ successful bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup, with the first season taking off in 1996, Nigerian players have been playing dominant roles in the league which has 17 teams from the United States and three in Canada.

Players from the West African country had preference over those from other parts of the African continent, following the brilliant display of soccer artistry by players of the Nigerian national soccer team, the Super Eagles, which took the world by storm at the USA 94 World Cup finals with classical star players like Rashidi Yekini, Peter Rufai, Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Amuneke, Chidi Nwanu and Samson Siasia among others.

At the moment, we have top Nigerian stars in 12 of the out of the 20 club league format, making rave headlines, with their various clubs depending heavily on their form to do well.

In Seattle Sounders, we have Obafemi Martins who was signed as a designated Player in 2013. He has asserted himself as one of the League’s most electric talents.

He was the 2014 MLS MVP runner-up scoring seven goals, four assists in 11 appearances for Sounders FC this season.

Prior to joining Seattle, Martins spent four seasons with Italian giants Inter Milan and three seasons in the English Premier League with Newcastle United. He has scored 18 goals for the Nigerian national team and made two appearances at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. This marks the second consecutive year that Martins has won the AT&T/EA SPORTS “More Than a Vote” Tournament.

His career in the green of the Sounders has flourished, while it has faded in the green colours of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The 30-year-old was the fifthjoint top scorer in MLS last season and, in tandem with Clint Dempsey, will be hoping to add to his trophy cabinet in the current season.

Defensive midfielder, Fatai Alashe, plays for San Jose Earthquakes after he was drafted to Major League Soccer in January. Another Nigerian player in the club is former Sacramento State forward, 22 years old Chimdum Mez .

Nigerian-born Switzerland international, Innocent Emeghara, is the third Nigerian star in the MLS club. He has said openly that he is happy to help the team do well in the league. Perhaps not a player with a marquee name, Emeghara marks the first significant signing of a rising international player since the Earthquakes returned to MLS in 2008. After turning professional as a teenager, the Nigerian-born but Swiss raised Emeghara played for three Swiss clubs over the first five years of his career. While a member of the Swiss U-21 national team, he played his success into a move to France and Ligue 1 side FC Lorient. His progress continued with appearances for the full Swiss national team and a high-profile move to Italy’s Serie A and time with Siena and Livorno. A brief sojourn with Azerbaijan Premier League club Qarabag marked his last European stop before signing with San Jose.

In Chicago Fire Football Club, we have an all-Nigerian strike force; the rapid Kennedy Igboananike partnering Quincy Amarikwa up front terrorizing the goal area of opposing teams.

Igboananike turned 26 years old in February. He played in Sweden since 2007 for Vasalunds, Djurgårdens and AIK. He

has dual citizenship in both Nigeria and Sweden. “Kennedy is a dynamic goal scorer with a track record of producing.

He’s young and exciting, a player with incredible pace, and we look forward to adding him to our roster to bolster our attack,” Fire head coach Frank Yallop said in a club statement.

A product of Dynamos Football Academy in Nigeria, Igboananike made his professional debut with Djurgårdens of the Swedish Allsvenskan on June 19, 2007. In 2008, he transferred to lowerdivision club Vasalunds and scored a league-high 18 goals, garnering the Division 1 golden boot in 2008. After scoring 12 goals in 2009, the Nri-Igbo, Nigeria native returned to Djurgårdens in 2010 and later departed for fellow Stockholmarea side AIK in 2013. He scored 14 goals that season and five goals in 26 matches during the 2014 Allsvenskan campaign.

At Montreal Impact FC, Nigeria international defender, Gege Soriola became the club’s superstar when he helped improved the one time leaky defence line of the club which had over the years made it the jokes of Major League Soccer with their hopeless, leaky defence. Soriola improved immensely in South Africa since leaving the Nigerian Premier League. It is hoped that the 26-year-old can make the most of this tough brief in Canada.

At Portland Timbers FC, we have Fanendo Adi whose move to the club from FC Kobenhavn a Champions League team for Major League Soccer was tagged a wise one. The penchant of the former Super Eagles chief coach, Stephen Keshi’s for the United States encouraged Adi that he might take the ‘Bright Dike’ route to the national side by moving across the Atlantic. Adi has looked great in the CONCACAF Champions League-scoring two in four-but his real value will surely be judged by the goals he scored in MLS. Amobi Okugo never dream of playing club football side by side with world soccer icon, Kaka, until he joined MLS club Orlando City FC. This actually made his last season at Philadelphia Union non-regrettable. Both Kaka and Amodi featured in Orlando City’s MLS several tough league games. Despite starring regularly in defence for the Union last season, Okugo was reinstalled to his preferred position as defensive midfielder against New York City.

When Toronto FC fans thought that the team would never be stable again after the departure Jermain Defoe, the Canadians had the luxury of depending on Nigeria hit-man Bright Dike to replace

Amobi Okugo

Tesho Akindele

Fatai Alashe

him. The powerful striker hasn’t been seen in action for the Super Eagles since the early part of 2014 when he tore his Achilles tendon. The injury ruled him out of the World Cup and he hasn’t been seen for Nigeria since.

His comeback at Toronto was sooner than expected but he soon faded out of the first-team picture with doubts raised about his fitness. It remains to be seen what role he will play this term considering his peripheral part last year and the arrival of both Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore.

Formerly of New York Red Bulls, 26-year-old Andre Akpan moved to New England Revolution at the end of last season after few opportunities came his way due to competition from the likes of Tim Cahill, Peguy Luyindula and Thierry Henrry.

Akpan, is a hard-worker, a proficient target man and boasts a decent turn of

Jalil Anibaba

pace.

He was born in Grand Prairie, Texas to a Nigerian father and an American mother.

In 2013, the 2010 MLS Cup winner was traded to the New York Red Bulls in exchange for a conditional 2015 Super Draft pick.

In his first season with the Bulls, Akpan played in seven regular season matches, recording two assists. He was also the team’s top scorer in the MLS Reserve League scoring 10 goals. He was a member of the United States U-20 team for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He scored a hat trick in qualifying and appeared in the quarterfinals. The 27-year-old attacker has also defended the colours of Westchester Flames, Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Real Maryland and FC Tampa Bay in his career.

In Sporting Kansas City, Ike Opara, is one of the heroes of the MLS club. On return from a six-month ankle injury, Opara became a better scorer. He was born in Durham, North Carolina and has featured for the United States at U-20 and U-23 levels. His showing against NYRB saw him included in the Goal MLS Team of the Week.

Former Chicago Fire and Seattle Sounders defender, Jalil Anibaba, is another Nigerian in the club. He joined the Chicago Fire FC in the offseason and raised the possibility of Sporting fielding an all-Nigerian centre-back pairing. He is another former USA youth international.

At Real Salt Lake FC, Nigeria-born, Boyd Okwuonu, is embarking on his first season with Real Salt Lake and will look to provide competition for the right-back position.

Sam Adekugbe, who grew up in London and Manchester- before emigrating to Canada when he was nine years old plays for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. He is a Manchester City fan and, according to the club’s official website, models himself on Ashley Cole who, like Adekugbe, is a left-back.

Kay Banjo, the second Nigerian star in the club was selected in the latest MLS Super Draft. He is a powerful striker with an eye for the spectacular, and the Canadians will be satisfied to have acquired this fine raw talent.

Tesho Akindele, is a Nigerian-born striker, who plays for FC Dallas in the

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Sport

Nigerian stars in the MLS

Andre Akpan

American Major League Soccer (MLS).

He has committed his international future to Canada after months of persuasion by the Canada coach. Akindele, it was learnt, was born in Canada to a Nigerian father and a Canadian mother and moved with his family to the United States at the age List of Nigerians in the MLS from 1996 till date Ade Akinbiyi - Houston - 2009 Fanendo Adi - Portland, - 2014- till date Michael Augustine - New England - 2011 Celestine Babayaro - Los Angeles Galaxy - 2008 Perek Belleh - New England - 2004 Kasali Yinka Casal - D.C. United - 2007 Bright Dike - Portland, Toronto - 2011- RCTID Connally Edozien - New England - 2005 Emmanuel Ekpo - Columbus – 2008-11 Michael Emenalo - San Jose - 1996–97 Kennedy Igboananike - Chicago - 2015 Benedict Iroha - San Jose, D.C. United - 1996-97 Obafemi Martins – Seattle- 2013- 2015 Obi Monome - Columbus - 1996 Manny Motajo - Los Angeles, New England - 1996, 1998-99 Uche Okafor - Kansas City – 1996–2000 Francis Okaroh - New England, Chicago, Miami – 1996-2000 Patrick Olalere - New England - 1997

Obafemi Martins

Gege Soriola

Innocent Emeghara

of eight. He played four years of college soccer at the Colorado School of Mines, where he became the school’s all-time goals leader with 76 goals scored, and was a four time All-American. In January last year, Akindele was drafted in the first round - 6th overall - of the 2014 MLS Super Draft by FC Dallas, becoming the highest drafted Division II player in MLS history.

According to Canada coach, Benito Floro, the 23-year-old MLS Rookie of the Year, who scored seven goals in twentysix appearances, is “99 percent committed to playing for Canada.” Floro had last November called the Akindele into camp ahead of a friendly against Panama.

But after initially accepting Floro’s offer, Akindele then changed his mind after interest came from the United States, for whom he is also eligible to play. “He needed to choose and I think he committed a mistake, because he first agreed to attend our camp,” the Canada coach said.

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Golf Weekly

August 29 date for Okowa 100 days tourney

A

Stories by Ifeanyi Ibeh golf championship to commemorate the first 100 days in office of Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, will take place at the Ibori Golf and Country Club, Asaba, on August 29, according to the president of the Evergreen Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, Hon. Daniel Mayuku.

The tournament, which is expected to feature over

300 golfers, will be co-sponsored by Levant Construction Ltd. Mayuku, who is also the Chairman of the Delta State Golf Association, was a member of the organising committee of the recently concluded Uduaghan Pro-Am Championship, won by Emos Korblah, who got the lion share of the N8 million prize money.

Sunday Olopade finished in second place while Elisha markus was third.

And Mayaku informed Sunday Telegraph that the Delta State Golf Association would endeavour to sustain its sponsorship of golf tournaments for both amateurs and professionals to aid the development of the sport in the state and Nigeria in general.

Bae returns to South Korea to join Army

S

outh Korean golfer Bae SangMoon has been forced to return home to complete his military service after losing a legal battle to defer his conscription.

The 29-year-old, granted US residency in 2013, was charged in February with violating South Korea’s military service regulations after failing to secure an extension to his overseas travel permit.

Bae was allowed to remain in the United States while his lawsuit against that decision was pending but it was reported on Wednesday in South Korea that a court in his home city of Daegu backed the Military Manpower Administration (MMA).

Bae, who was contesting the MMA’s assertion that he had not spent enough time out of South Korea in 2014 to qualify as an overseas resident, said he would join the army soon.

“I completely respect the court’s decision, and I humbly accept the judgment by the law,” he told the South Korean news agency Yonhap.

Spieth targets third major after Open disappointment

D

espite falling agonisingly short at the Open, Jordan Spieth will look to etch his name into the record books in August by winning the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

Spieth finished just one shot outside the play-off between eventual winner Zach Johnson, Louis Oosthuizen and Marc Leishman at St Andrews.

The 21-year-old Masters and US Open champion will now head into the final major of the year with high hopes of becoming only the third player - after Ben Hogan in 1953 and Tiger Woods in 2000 - to win three majors in a single season.

And he is already in exalted company given that Arnold Palmer in 1960 and Jack Nicklaus in 1972 both won the Masters and US Open but came up short in the Open.

“I don’t know how many guys have done three majors in a year.

I’m sure there’s only been a few,” Spieth said. “I know Tiger has

done it, and I’m sure Jack has (Nicklaus won two majors in a year five times, but never three). So that would be the next goal as far as the history goes. Sights set on the PGA Championship.

“I made a lot of the right decisions down the stretch and (have) certainly closed plenty of tournaments out, and this just wasn’t one of those. It’s hard to do that every single time.

I won’t beat myself up too bad because I do understand that.

“I think the way that I played this week and especially today would have won the US Open by more than just a shot. I didn’t play as well there. It’s just that’s the kind of golf that was played by the field this week, it just took some special golf.”

Jordan Spieth

US Open to return to Brookline’s Country Club in 2022

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rookline will host the US Open for the first time in 34 years when the tournament returns to the Country Club in 2022.

The United States Golf Association has also announced the Los Angeles Country Club will host its first US Open in 2023 and Pinehurst will hold the event for the fourth time in 2024.

Brookline has also hosted the event three times before but is perhaps best remembered for the 1999 Ryder Cup, which became known as the ‘Battle of Brookline’ after the United States fought back from 10-6 down to regain the trophy.

The Massachusetts course last hosted the US Open in 1988 when Curtis Strange beat Sir Nick Faldo in a play-off to claim the first of backto-back championships.

“The Country Club has a longstanding, valued partnership with the United States Golf Association, so our membership is very excited and proud to have been chosen as the host site of the 2022 US Open,” said Will Fulton, the Country Club’s general chairman for the 2022 US Open.

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Sport / News

Mohammed, Iheanacho may get Eagles invite

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uper Eagles chief coach, Sunday Oliseh, it has been gathered is considering capping Flying Eagles stars Musa Mohammed and Kelechi Iheanacho in an AFCON qualifier in Tanzania in September.

A source in the Nigeria Football Federation,NFF, stated that, Oliseh is rebuilding with the future in mind and as such he wants to start working immediately with Musa, Iheanacho as well as Moses Simon, who has already been capped by the Eagles.

“The top three Flying Eagles stars under consideration by the Eagles coach are Musa at rightback as well as Iheanacho and Moses Simon in attack,” the NFF source disclosed.

“Oliseh already is very much abreast of the exploits with Moses Simon at Gent as he followed him last season. He has also followed Musa and Iheanacho when he was on the FIFA study group for the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup, which Nigeria won in style in Abu Dhabi.”

Incidentally, Musa and Iheanacho were in Tanzania last year for a 2015 AYC qualifier, which they won home and away.

Iheanacho, 18, has continued in pre-season where he left off with Manchester City in the last close season with some sparkling displays for the top English Premier League outfit.

Musa has already settled down at his new Turkish club and looks set to enjoy first-team football sooner rather than later, while Moses Simon is a fixture at Gent, who recently won the Belgium Super Cup to add to their historic league title from last season.

Jordon Ibe wants first team shirt at Liverpool

J

ordon Ibe is hoping he can continue to have an impact in the Liverpool first team after scoring a stunning equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Malaysia XI. The Reds fell behind after Patrick ‘Ronaldinho’ Wleh netted the opener, but Ibe struck a powerful equaliser with his left-foot before the half-hour mark in their preseason clash.

“I was pleased,” Ibe told LFC TV. “The coach has been working with me in training to make sure I have an end product and get a shot off.

I was lucky enough to cut inside and get a shot off and get a goal.”

Ibe made 12 Premier League appearances for Liverpool during the second half of last season, and has impressed so far on their preseason tour.

The 19-year-old has been earmarked as a replacement for Raheem Sterling, but knows the arrival of Danny Ings, Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke at Anfield means he will have to produce to claim a place in Brendan Rodgers’ side.

“In the front three, you need to have an end product so to get assists and goals is important. It’s good to get them in pre-season, now I want to get them in the Premier League.

The number one aim for me is to get goals when I get the chance.”

2018 World Cup: Eagles to battle Djibouti or Swaziland N

igeria have been drawn in the second round of the 2018 World Cup qualifying tournament against minnows Djibouti or Swaziland in a two-legged knockout clash in their opening qualifier for the 2018 finals in Russia following the draw made in St Petersburg on Saturday.

Easy as the draw looks, Super Eagles striker, Ahmed Musa, has warned that his teammates should not joke with their dream of featuring at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Musa noted that the overall winners of the match-up between Djibouti and Swaziland must not be taken lightly by the Eagles when they clash in November.

He said: “Going by the ranking of Djibouti and Swaziland, they ought not to be a match for us, but such opponents are more dangerous than the known teams.

Personally, I know nothing about

Oliseh: Eagles won’t underrate any team

S

uper Eagles Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh is happy with results of the 2018 World Cup preliminary draw held in St. Petersburg, Russia on Saturday.

Drawn bye from the first round of the African qualifiers, Nigeria begins her campaign for a place at the 2018 finals in Russia in November away to the winner of the Djibouti vs Swaziland first round playoff.

While appealing for caution, the Super Eagles handler stated that there are a number of rea-

sons for him to be happy.

“Of course, I am happy with the draw. We are not playing the first round, which is a preliminary round and which we knew before the draw. We will also be playing the first leg of the second round away which means we have an advantage of playing the more crucial return leg at home, in front of our fans.”

The coach also warned against complacency, revealing that there are lots of dangerous teams around that could hurt if taken for granted.

“Djibouti and Swaziland need to be given the respect that they deserve and either of them that we face in the second round will not be underrated. We respect every nation and will battle anyone that emerges with our full strength.

“With the draw now concluded, we can safely say that the race to Russia has officially started. I am optimistic we will run this race very well, we will give it our very best and pray it will be good enough to get us one of the five slots available for Africa,” Oliseh concluded.

Arsenal demolish Lyon 6-0

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our goals in just nine breathtaking first half minutes helped Arsenal to a 6-0 win over Lyon in the Emirates Cup. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the 29th minute before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alex Iwobi and Aaron Ramsey all added strikes to send the Gunners in at half-time four goals to the good.

Arsenal continued to dominate their Ligue 1 opposition after the break with Mesut Ozil making it five in the 62nd minute before Santi Cazorla completed the scoring with a free-kick just six minutes from time.

The win sends Arsene Wenger’s men top of the Emirates Cup table and they continue their preparation for the new season against Wolfsburg on Sunday.

The home fans were left disappointed when new Goalkeeper Petr Cech was only named on the bench by Wenger but the Frenchman still named a strong side, with Iwobi the only untested member of the starting line-up, although the nephew of Jay-Jay Okocha looked right at home.

Cech may have been on the bench but his deputy for the afternoon, Emiliano Martinez, proved

he can provide competition for the former Chelsea stopper. He did well to beat away Clinton N’Jie’s effort as Lyon looked for the early opener.

However, Arsenal started to take control of the game and Ozil was unlucky as the Germany international danced through the Lyon defence after collecting a long ball forward, only to see his shot cannon off the unwitting Giroud.

The pair combined more effec-

tively moment later as Giroud opened the scoring, converting Ozil’s free-kick to open the scoring in the 29th minute and it took Wenger’s side just five minutes to double their advantage with Giroud releasing Oxlade-Chamberlain, who raced into the box before finishing in fine style.

Less than two minutes later the Gunners had a third thanks to a first Arsenal goal for the lively Iwobi after excellent work from Ramsey.

Arsenal Giroud celebrates his opening goal against Lyon

both countries. But we have to take them very seriously and prepare adequately well for them. All the same, I see the Eagles going past any of them to reach the minileague stage of the qualifying tournament.”

Nigeria has featured in five World Cup finals - 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2014 - reaching the knockout rounds thrice.

The teams paired on left make up the 26 lowest-ranked sides and will playoff in Round One. The winners will progress to face the 13 highest-ranked teams on the right in Round Two. All ties will be played on a home and away basis The 20 Round Two winners will advance to Round Three, which is a group stage of five groups of four teams each. The winners of each group will qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The Draws Djibouti/Swaziland v Nigeria Somalia/Niger v Cameroon South Sudan/Mauritania v Tunisia Gambia/Namibia v Guinea Sao Tome & Principe/Ethiopia v Congo Chad/Sierra Leone v Egypt Comoros/Lesotho v Ghana Eritrea/Botswana v Mali Seychelles/Burundi v Congo DR Liberia/Guinea-Bissau v Ivory Coast Central African Rep/ Madagascar v Senegal Mauritius/Kenya v Cape Verde Tanzania/Malawi v Algeria

Rugby: South West League resumes

S

outh West League coordinator, Olatunji Fasimoye, has announced that the CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Company Limited sponsored League will resume its final round of matches on August 1.

Teams have swung into action as they intensify preparation in their quest to improve and consolidate their positions on the log with three games remaining.

After weeks of break occasioned by the national team engagements which were primarily prosecuted by predominant home-based players and saw the Black Stallions book a place in the 50th edition of the All Africa Games in Congo and the Olympic qualifiers ticket in South Africa later in the year, Fasimoye expressed optimism that with the experience gathered by the players after mixing with their foreign-based counterparts, the last 3 sets of matches promises to be explosive with a lot of technical and tactical improvements.

Three matches will be played at the National Stadium main bowl on August 1 starting at 11:00 am.

Third placed team, Police RFC will take on Eco II RFC who are still searching for their first win this season.

Lagosians are enjoined to come all out to support the league on August 1.

SPORT Ladipo: I won’t die in office as PresidentGeneral

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L

LIFE

Sanctity of Truth

SUNDAY

Keji Hamilton:

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

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My life with Fela, drugs and God }29

Buhari and serious issues of governance (Part 2)

ast week, we wondered whether PMB met intimidating gargantuan challenges such that he never envisaged, on the ground. Did his minders do serious research during campaigns, or were they simply hoodwinking unsuspecting Nigerians? This week, we continue with the many missteps of PMB, which question his readiness for the job at hand.

PMB’s OTHER SHOCKING APPOINTMENTS THAT LATER FOLLOWED If Nigerians were taken aback by the disingenuousness in the appointment of Adesina and Shehu, they were shocked to their bones and marrows with the next seven appointments made, all from the Northern geopolitical zones of the country. Wait for it…

Lt Col Muhammed Abubakar (ADC) from Kano, North West. For engaging in a supremacy battle with this chosen one, Mr Abdulrahma Mani, another Northerner, was fired. The next is Lawal Kazaure, State Chief of Protocol (North), Ahmed Idris (Accountant General, Kano state, North West); Mordecai Baba Ladan (North West), and Mrs Amina Zakari (from Kazaure, Jigawa state, North West, as Acting Chairman of INEC).

Never mind that in sections 153, 154, 155, 156 and 157 of the 1999 constitution, there is no provision for “Acting Chairman”; but a Chairman before whose appointment, the President, under sections 154 (1) and (2), must “consult with the Council of States” and the Senate must confirm.

Finally, Lawal Daura (from Daura, PMB’s home town, North West), was appointed Director General of the State Security Service (DSS). Ita Ekpeyong from Cross River state was made to kiss the dust to pave way for Daura.

Thus, of nine appointments so far made by PMB, eight are from the Northern parts of the country, leaving the entire Southern parts with only Femi Adesina (South West). Many are wondering whether this is a carefully crafted odeon of Northernisation of the Government of the Federation. Nigerians are aghast.

NON-APPOINTMENT OF MINISTERS Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution provides for the appointment of Ministers by the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The word “shall” which enjoins a mandate, is carefully and advisedly used by the makers of the Constitution. There shall be at least one Minister from each of the 36 states of Nigeria, with one from the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.

The Ministers are to help the President discharge the duties of his office effectively. It is said that even God himself, as Almighty, Omniscient and Omnipresent as He is, still requires the assistance of Angels and Saints.

Not so for PMB. Well over one and a half months after his appointment and well over three months after he became aware he had been elected President of Nigeria when GEJ conceded defeat and congratulated him, PMB is still without Ministers, operating alone, like a lone ranger, in the mould of a Military dictator. His slow, nay sluggish pace, has become worrisome to most Nigerians.

Commenting on his lack lustre performance within the first 30 days in office, especially on the non appointment of Ministers, an economist, at Capital Economics, London, Mr John Ashbourne said: “Every week that Nigeria goes without a Cabinet increases the chance that it will face a dangerous shock – whether a revenue collapse or a currency crisis…leaving the Federation without a Finance Minister would be a questionable choice at thebest of times; doing

The

Nigerian Project

MIKE OZEKHOME san, ofr mike.ozekhome@yahoo.com 08094777755 (sms only) so during a period of economic instability is difficult to explain.”

Nigeria Labour Congress President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who admitted that 30 days was too short to assess PMB’s performance, had however, declared that Buhari was yet to face the realities on the ground. He argued that the slow pace of the administration (one month after being declared the winner of the Presidential election on March 28), was a pointer to the fact that the President was yet to acquaint himself with the situation on the ground.

A RETURN OF THE OLD ORDER As captured by Vanguard Online of June 22, 2015, in an article written by veteran Eric Teniola, a former Director in the Presidency, he graphically captured the return to the old order of lone ranging, thus: “FROM January 15, 1966 till June 3, 1967, Nigeria had no Ministers. That is a period of over fifteen months. The two military rulers who ruled during that period——Major General Johnson Thomas Umanakwe Aguiyi Ironsi(1924-1966) and General Yakubu DanYuma Gowon (80) constituted permanent secretaries as members of the Federal Executives Councils.

As for General Ironsi, the following were appointed—Mr.Ige (Agriculture and Natural Resources), C.O. Lawson (Communications), Alhaji Musa Daggash (Defense), Allison Ayida(Economic Development), S.S. Waniko (Education),T. Eneli (Establishments), Edwin O. Ogbu (External Affairs), Abdul Aziz Atta(Finance), B.N. Okagbue (Health), Phillip Asiodu (Industries), Grey EronmoseleLonge (Information), Alhaji A. Mora (Internal Affairs), M.A. Tokunbo (Labour and Welfare), H.A. Ejeyuitchie (Mines and Power), Alhaji Abdulrahman Howeidy (Special Duties-Internal Affairs), Alhaji Sule Kolo(Trade), H.O. Omenai (Transport), S.O. Williams (Works and Housing), Alhaji Sule Katagum (Chairman of the Federal Public Service Commission-Civil Service, A.E. Howson-Wright (Chairman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, A.I. Obiyan(Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority)and the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Gabriel Onyiuke.

There was also the all-powerful Chief Fran-

President Buhari

cis Nwokedi, who was Permanent Secretary, Special Duties and of course, Chief Pius Okigbo. Mr. S.O. Wey was in all but name the Secretary to the government.

As for General Yakubu Gowon we are all aware of his preference for Permanent Secretaries. The Permanent Secretaries were the ones that paved the way for his coming to power on July 29, 1966 during the historic meeting held at Ikeja Cantonment. So for the first ten months of his administration he had no Ministers. He relied heavily on the counsel of Permanent Secretaries and Judges who administered the country.

They include Sir Adetokunbo Ademola(Chief Justices of the Federation), Alhaji Sule Katagum(the head of the Federal Civil Service Commission),the Solicitor General-Biliaminu Oladiran Kassim. Others are Mr. Phillip Asiodu, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, Mr.Eneli, Mr. B.N. Okagbue, Mr. Allison Ayida, Mr. Phillip Asiodu, Alhaji Abdul Aziz Atta, Mr.Buba Ardo who later became Supreme Court Judge, Alhaji Musa Daggash,Prince Festus Adesanoye who later became the Osemawe of Ondo and Mr. S.O. Williams. Some of them were referred to later as “super permanent secretaries.”And Mr. S.O. Wey who later be-

BUSY BODY

came the Secretary to Government. There was also Mr.Ime Ebong who later became Permanent Secretary, Ministry of National Planning.

It was not until June 3, 1967 that General Gowon brought eminent Nigerians including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Joseph Takar, Mallam Aminu Kano, Mr.Wenike Briggs, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Alhaji Shettima Mongunu, Chief Okoi Arikpo,Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, Chief A.Y. Eke and Chief Edwin Clarke into his cabinet. Chief Obafemi Awolowo left the cabinet in 1971 for personal reasons. He later appointed some Military officers into his cabinet. They include Major General Emmanuel Eyo Ekpo (Agric) and Natural Resources), Brigadier Olusegun Obasanjo (Works and Housing), Brigadier Emmanuel Abisoye (Health), Lt. Col. Ahmadu Alli(Education), Captain Olufemi Olumide (Transport), Brigadier Murtala Muhammed (Communication), Brigadier Henry Adefowope (Labour) Col. Dan Suleiman (Special Duties) and Brigadier Mohammed Shuwa.

Even then General Gowon did not make them members of the supreme military council yet he allowed the Permanent Secretaries to attend the meetings of the Supreme Military Council as observers. Worse still, Ministers could not pass memo directly to General Gowon. This arrangement created problems between his Ministers and his Permanent Secretaries till he was removed on July 29, 1975.

Now forty –years after, the same scenario is being played The recent appointment of Alhaji Ahmed Joda as Chairman of transition committee and the submission of his 800-page report to President Muhammadu Buhari is to emphasise that retired and serving civil servants will play key roles in the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari. Even though he is now a turned democrat, the military blood in the President is still alive. I am of the view that the Military trusts the civil servants more than the politicians and the civil servants in turn trust the Military than the politicians. The role to be played by the retired civil servants will become clearer in the months ahead. Let us keep our fingers crossed”.

NOW THIS I cannot agree more with this intellectual analysis of the challenge at hand. It is a clear and present danger. PMB needs to act swiftly.

Very swiftly.

AND THIS Are PMB, APC, Nigerians and the former “Super Permanent Secretaries” still alive and kicking, reading this weekly Sunday sermon on the mount of the Nigerian Project, by Chief Mike A. A. Ozekhome, SAN, OFR? Please, keep a date with the final tranche of this discourse on PMB’s many challenges.

• Follow me on twitter @ MikeozekhomeSAN

By Aliu Eroje

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