Binder9999991111 sunday april 13, 2014

Sunday Edition

Sanctity of Truth Sunday, April 13, 2014

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Vol. 1 No. 54

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CONFAB NOTES

Sanctity of Truth

my wardrobe

I’ll give N12m allowance to Charity, says youngest delegate

ON SUNDAY

Immigration officers identify me by my red cap -Chief Victor Umeh

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Page 15, APRIL 13, 2014

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

No one taught me how to make hats

–Grace Chito Mark

Sexy, flirty & edgy mono sleeves

}49

Boko Haram, herdsmen attacks

Sexy leather wrist bands for men

It’ll take North 50yrs to recover, says Benue Gov

lGunmen kill 16 villagers, burn several houses, conscript youths Ike Abonyi, Suleiman Bisalla, Ibrahim Abdul, Cheke Emmanuel and Cephas Iorhemen

A

rmed insurgency and other violent conflicts in the last few years have taken Northern

Nigeria 30 years back, and the region will not recover in the next 50 years, Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam,

has said.

Suswam, whose state has been wracked by incessant clashes between Fulani cattle

breeders and farmers said he was worried about the future of the North against the background of low economic

indices.

Speaking to New Telegraph on Sunday in Makurdi after a CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan; mother of the groom, Mrs. Edna Edward; the groom, Mr. Godswill Edward; the bride, former Miss Faith Jonathan; father of the groom, Solomon Edward; and First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan at the wedding of the daughter of the President, Faith, and Godswill at the National Christian Centre, Abuja...yesterday.

Photo: Timothy Ikuomenisan.

tight security AS JONATHAN’S DAUGHTER, FAITH, WEDS in abuja NEWS

FIRE GUTS ONITSHA MARKET, TASK FORCE razes }3 MASSOB CAMP

NEWS

Aregbesola, Fayemi pick APC guber tickets in Osun, ekiti }3

abuja beats

National Stadium begs for repairs, one month after tragic NIS exam }60

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News

POLICEMAN, six OTHERS INJURED AT APC’s CONGRESSes IN EDO, Ogun

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APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

News

Abuja stands still as Jonathan’s daughter, Faith, weds Anule Emmanuel

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday at a colourful wedding handed over his daughter, Faith Elizabeth Sakwe, to Osim Godswill Edward, amid tight security in Abuja.

The President was dressed in a royal Ijaw regalia and, was accompanied by his wife Dame Patience, to the ceremony which attracted many dignitaries.

The International Conference Centre, venue of the reception was filled to capacity after the church service which held at the National Christian Center. There was huge a presence of security personnel in and around the central area to ensure that the event went on peaceful.

The traditional marriage rites for the wedding took place in Bayelsa on April 6

inside the personal compound of President Jonathan, located off Nikton Road in Kpansia.

Jonathan danced to the admiration of guests with his daughter at yesterday’s event.

After dancing to the lyrics of Nigerian musical artistes, Jonathan thanked guests for the interest they have in the marriage of his children.

He said giving out his daughter was the saddest moment but joyous as well.

“Today is a glorious day for all of us, as we are smiling, but it depends on how you understand yourself.”

“Our duty is to continue to pray for you. Don’t depend on your parents to solve matrimonial problems. We belong to an analogue generation but you are a digital generation.

So don’t depend on us for advice.” the President noted.

Chairman of the occasion, former head of state

Gen. Yakubu Gowon, while speaking at the ceremony also urged the couple to understand that marriage is about give and take.

He explained that family problems which are certain in marriage can only be re-

solved through prayers.

“It is only you who can make it a success. Take after your parents who have lived together for years,” he added.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the wife of former Nugerian President,

Hajia Shehu Shagari; chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Tony Anenih, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; and deputy, Emeka Ihedeoha, wife of the prime minister

of Chad Republic, who represented the President of Chad; Chief Alex Ekwueme, former speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na Aba, members of the Federal Executive Council and members of the diplomatic corps.

L-R: Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Group Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Champion Newspaper, Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa; Governor of the Year 2013/Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; his wife, Erelu Bisi; and Speaker, House of Representative, Aminu Tambuwal, at the Champion Newspaper Man of the Year Award 2013, in Lagos…on Friday

‘It’ll take North 50 years to recover from Boko Haram violence’ CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 1

peace meeting between Fulani and Tiv leaders with the peace and security committee of the Inspector General of Police, Suswam said the armed conflicts had inflicted enormous cost in human and material terms to the north, stressing that it will take several decades to bring back to normal.

Meanwhile, no fewer than six Tiv farmers were killed yesterday and several houses burnt down by Fulani insurgents atTse Azer village in Kadarko district of Keana local government area in Nasarawa state.

Among the people killed was a popular local chief, Godwin Achim. Two persons are reportedly missing and could not be traced even at the time of filling in this report.

A dependable source told New Telegraph on Sunday that “our chief alongside five others were attacked and killed by the terrorists including our chief, Godwin Achim while others are still missing.”

It was gathered that the insurgents invaded and burnt the villages belonging to the fleeing Tiv farmers, having heard that the farmers were planning to return back to their ancestral homes.

Meanwhile, the Tiv com-

munity in Nasarawa State yesterday lampooned Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura for taking side with the cattle herdsmen terrorising local farmers in the southern parts of the state.

Reacting to the governor’s comments on the military invasion of Keana last week, the community leader, Mr Bernard Ashieka, in a statement, regretted that the governor who was supposed to be a father to all, now prefers to protect others even at the detriment.

Also on Friday, gunmen believed to be of Fulani extraction killed two Tiv farmers and left a third badly injured in Gwer West Local Government area of Benue State.

The insurgents stormed the area in the early hours of Friday shooting sporadically while hundreds of fleeing inhabitants sustained varying degrees of injury.

Several houses were also reported to have been burnt by the invaders.

National President of Tyoshin Development Association (TDA), Dr. Ugbegili Sylvester, and Secretary, Engr.

Joseph Mom, who briefed newsmen yesterday on the attack named the deceased as Aondoakaa Udepev and Jonah Akpete Iordye while one Aon-

dovihi Orban who sustained deep matchete cuts is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Naka, headquarters of the local government area.

Sylvester said the suspected Fulani herdsmen also proceeded to Abiam in Sengev district of the local government in the scorching sun of yesterday where they continued with the attack.

He particularly acknowledged the efforts of Governor Gabriel Suswam and Chairman of the council, Mrs. Eunice Mbajwa, as well as other prominent indigenes of Tyoshin towards alleviating the plight of the displaced persons and urged them not to relent until the carnage if finally put to rest.

Also narrating his ordeal in his local government, Chairman of Guma, Frank Usa Adi said he ran across hundreds of the Fulani herdsmen while touring areas they ravaged in previous attacks at Uhue and Waku settlements near the Torkula home of the Tor Tiv, Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, as well as at Akenyi where Governor Gabriel Suwam was attacked recently.

Adi said they insurgents also invaded Kaambe village, a development that compelled residents to evacuate their household items and children,

but stated that upon siting him at Akenyi, the herders who had over 5000 cows, took to their heels.

“I saw them while on my way to Uhue near Tse Torkula on an inspection tour of the level of damage caused my people by the Fulani herdsmen. In fact, I saw hundreds of Fulani herdsmen in the bush and if I was not provided enough security by the state government, something else would have happened to me.

“I also ran into another group at Waku village as well as at Tse Akenyi where Governor Suswam was attacked.

So when they saw me and other security men they took to their heels with over 5000 cows in number. Also a district head in Agasha informed me that they invaded Kaambe village in large numbers”, Adi explained.

Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, SP Daniel Ezeala, confirmed the killings in Gwer West, adding that the police were investigating the matter.

The outlawed Boko Haram sect, apparently reeling from heavy loss of members from offensives launched by the military, has embarked on the forced enlistment of innocent youths in the border villages of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe

states.

This came in the wake of yesterday’s killing of eight youths in Yasku village close to Alagarno, known to be a breeding ground for Boko Haram fighters located south of Jakana in Kaga LGA of Borno State.

It is not yet clear if the eight were killed because they refused to join the terrorists or for other reasons.

“Some time ago, the insurgents took some of our children by force and left.

This time, they came and there was no provocation in whatever form. The gunmen simply went to Yasku and shot dead the eight harmless people. They also warned the locals not to bury the corpses.

As I talk to you, the bodies are still there,” a resident said yesterday.

Some residents of Mainok, Benisheik , Auno, Jakana, and other villages that have fled Adamawa border areas said in the past three weeks, Boko Haram insurgents have stepped up violent campaigns and forceful recruitment of young men.

“I think they are desperately looking for members and their attitude is affecting the psychology of people,” a youth leader in Jakana said.

He added that many youths

have been indoctrinated by the Boko Haram. “They have a way of changing the thinking and disposition of anyone they catch. On many occasions, our children that were forcefully recruited have turned their backs against us and taken part in attacking our villages,” he said.

He did not give the actual number of those picked but said the process is continuing.

Another cleric in Mainok who escaped being killed by the insurgents also said many of their children had been taken away.

Confirming this development, the spokesman for the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Col. Muhammad Dole, said the military is doubling efforts to hunt down members of the group and secure the release of those that had been forcefully conscripted.

Dole said Boko Haram had razed some villages in the state, taking away young men.

Some women are among those forcefully taken away from the villages, it was gathered.

The military spokesman reasoned that the sect was forcefully enlisting the youths to replace its depleted army.

•Full interview on pages 9-11.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

World / News

UTME: Fewer candidates write paper test in Lagos •As body ends paper test

Mojeed Alabi and Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

I

L-R: Registrar, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Alhaji Garba Kankaorofi; Group Managing Director SO&U, Mr. Udeme Ufot; and Chairman/ CEO, Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh, during Marketing Edge’s 10th year Anniversary/Legacy Awards in Lagos …yesterday. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE.

Fire guts Onitsha market Uwakwe Abugu Awka

A

joint taskforce made up of men of the armed forces set up

by Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, yesterday razed a camp built by the Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) at Oduda Nnewichi, Nnewi in the state.

Besides, an early morning inferno yesterday gutted the Ogboji section of the Ose-Okwodu Market in the commercial city of Onitsha, a development the governor lamented, saying it was re-

grettable the fire occurred at this time his administration was working hard to rebuild the economy of the state using all stakeholders as dependable partners.

The razing of the MASSOB camp in Nnewi on Friday by the joint taskforce of the armed forces and paramilitary agencies appears a continuation of the state government’s programme of ridding the state of suspected criminal elements as vowed by Obiano in his inaugural address last month.

It was learnt that during the operation, the task force set ablaze the camp of MAS-

SOB at Oduda Nnewichi, and raided other flashpoints including a notorious erosion site which was said to be the den of men of the under world in Uruagu quarter, Oduda Nnewichi and Obiofia. The security operatives arrested five suspects at the erosion site, including a woman.

According to a source, before setting the MASSOB camp ablaze, the JTF recovered items like Biafran flags, attendance register, military wears, caps and strange things, suspected to be charms, seven polythene bags of Indian hemp and other items.

Ogun APC: Amosun, Osoba hold parallel congresses Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

T

he crisis rocking the Ogun State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) degenerated yesterday as rival party members held parallel local government congresses across the state.

The congresses, which were marred by late arrival of election materials and sundry irregularities in some local government areas, also witnessed the eruption of violence.

Three persons suffered machete cuts in Ogbere, Ijebu East local government area of the state as suspected thugs stormed the venue of the congresses and attacked

some members.

The injured were later taken to the General Hospital, Ogbere.

New Telegraph on Sunday gathered that the exercise, which held across the 20 local government areas, saw party stalwarts divided along the camps of Governor Ibikunle Amosun and former Governor Olusegun Osoba.

Amosun, who spoke with reporters, said he was doing everything humanly possible to reconcile feuding party members and ensure they close ranks.

The governor maintained that Osoba remained the party’s leader, adding that he would not do anything to underate him.

But the senator representing

Ogun East Senatorial District, Adegbenga Kaka, contended that the State Congress Committee (SCC) had embarked on an exercise in nullity.

He alleged in Ijebu Igbo that party members who paid and had their tellers with them were denied access to the nomination forms “whereas those who did not pay the requisite money were given the forms clandestinely.”

Meanwhile, a faction in the party has instituted two suits against the Independent National Electoral Commission, the APC, the State Congresses Committee and five others at the Federal High Court, Abuja and the Federal High Court, Abeokuta over the conduct of last Saturday’s ward congresses.

In his reaction, the MASSOB National Deputy Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha, said it was unfortunate, maintaining that there was no reason for the raid.

“It is very unfortunate that our camp was raided and there was no reason for that. Even though we support the effort of the security Joint Task Force to rid Onitsha of criminals, it should not be extended to us because we are not criminals,” he stated.

In a statement yesterday, Obiano consoled the traders in the Ogboji Area of Ose-Okwodu Market in Onitsha whose shops were consumed in an early morning fire that engulfed the market.

Describing the incident as “unfortunate,” Obiano regretted the fact that the inferno occurred at a time when his administration was striving to lay the economic fundamentals of the state through the Anambra Wheels of Development.

“Let me also assure you that my administration is determined to change the face of trade and commerce in Anambra State. We shall remodel existing markets to be able to resist the horror of persistent fire outbreaks.

“We are already building modern shopping malls in Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka that will deliver a more wholesome shopping experience than what we currently have in Anambra State,” the governor explained.

t was a clear departure from tradition yesterday in Lagos as many secondary schools usually used as centres by the Joint admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, for the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, were empty without activities.

Visits by New Telegraph on Sunday to major grammar schools around Agege, Ogba, Ikeja, Ojodu and other areas in Lagos including the popular Agidingbi Grammar School, Vetland Senior High School, Dairy Farm Grammar School, Lagos State Technical College, Ikeja, among others were not used for the exam. The development according to JAMB was as a result of the wide reduction in the number of candidates that registered for the paperpencil-test, PPT, mode of the examination when compared to what was experienced in 2013.

The few candidates, who participated in the PPT mode conducted in centres which included but not limited to the Lagos State Polytechnic, Isolo, AnsarU-Islam Girls High School, Ahmadiyah Area, Ijaye, Falomo Comprehensive High School, Ikoyi, among others, said the experience was smooth. There were, however, cases of mismatch of subject’s combinations which invigilators used their initiatives to resolve.

Similarly, the dualbased test mode, which took place at about eleven centres in Lagos yesterday, was also successful.

At Chams City in Ikeja, Lagos, candidates’ experiences were without difficulties as they expressed satisfaction with the situation. The only candidate whose computer system suddenly shut down, Salam Ademola, was quickly attended to by the technical officers who tried to allay his fear about timing, saying the time would return to where it stopped.

Aregbesola, Fayemi pick APC tickets Adeolu Adeyemo, Osogbo and Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti.

TOgbeni Rauf Aregbesola, he Governor of Osun State,

yesterday emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the state at the party’s primary election held in all the 332 wards across the state where he polled a total vote of 269,631 out of 355,729 total votes of delegates from the 332 wards in the state.

The result of the election from the 30 local governments of the state was collated at about 6pm at the Nelson Mandela freedom park, Osogbo. It was conducted by officials of the party from the national secretariat led by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

Mallam el-Rufai who is the interim National Deputy Secretary of the APC while declaring the result of the election commended members of the party for their peaceful conduct during the exercise.

He said: “the election was transparent and devoid of

violence and the party did not deter any of its members from contesting the Governorship election as no other person contested with Aregbesola.

“Aregbesola’s emergence makes him to be the flag bearer of the party in the August 9 election as a consensus candidate.”

In the same vein, Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Saturday emerged the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the June 21 governorship election in the state.

At a primary election conducted across the 177 wards in the 16 local government areas of the state, Fayemi, the sole candidate, polled a total of 192,767 votes.

The exercise was supervised by national officers of the party, led by its National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso.

Fayemi, in his acceptance speech, branded APC as a democratic party founded on internal democracy, saying what the party did was part of the ways to consolidate the democratic culture in the country.

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APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Scenes at President Goodluck Jonathan’s daughter’s wedding in Abuja yesterday

President Goodluck Jonathan (second right) handing-over his daughter, Faith, to the officiating minister and Primate Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh, during the wedding of Faith and Godswill in Abuja...yesterday

L-R: First Lady, Dame Patince Jonathan; President Goodluck Jonathan; the couple, Godswill and Faith, during the signing of the marriage register at the National Christian Centre, Abuja

L-R: Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih; former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark and ex-President, Olusegun Obasanjo at the wedding in Abuja... PHOTOS: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

Some other dignitaries at the event

Moments

L-R: Chairman, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, National Sickle Cell Centre, Prof. Olu Akinyanju; Director, Disease Control, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Jemilade Longe; and Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro, during the award ceremony of the 16th Genetic Counsellors on Sickle Cell Disorder sponsored by MTN Foundation at the Sickle Cell Centre, Lagos…on Friday. PHOTO: SUEIMAN HUSAINI

Pupils of GoldValley School, Ojodu, Lagos, performing during the school’s first Easter Cantata and launching of their Musical CD, in Lagos …on Friday. PHOTO: SUEIMAN HUSAINI

L-R: Member, Goodluck lnitiative for Transformation (GIFT 2015), Ahmed Bature; National Coordinator, Mr. Chinedu Okpalanma; and Hajia Fatima Abdul, at an International Press Conference in Abuja… on Thursday

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Ibom Airport Development Company, Capt. Jari Williams; Chief Executive Officer, FCI International Ltd, Mr. Fortune Idu; and Special Assistant, International Cooperation, Cross River State Government, Ndoma-Egba, during the recently concluded Nigeria Aviation Conference and Award ceremony held at TINAPA, Cross River State

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Executives of the National Association of Women in Colleges of Education during the association’s visit to the Director General, National Women Development Centre, Onyeka Onwenu (third right)

Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Leadership Initiative Yinka Oyinlola (sitting right); signing a partnership on Business Growth and Development in Nigeria with the initiative for Global development (IGD) council recently in Washingston D.C.. With him are; General Colin Powel (left); Secretary Madeleine Albright; IGD Board Chairman, Robert Mosbacher, and Interim President/CEO, IGD, Lisa Nelson (sitting left)

L-R: Secretary, Nigerain Union of Journalists Lagos Council, Mr. Slyva Okereke; Chairman, Mr. Deji Elumoye; Vice Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Jimoh; LPH Analyst, Oando Plc, Mr. Omotosho Omobusola; and LPH Technical Supervisor, Mr. Yves Okpure, during the presentation of 3kg Cylinder, three in One Gas to NUJ Council, in Lagos...yesterday.

L-R: Managing Director, Frontiers International Services, Muyiwa Afolabi; Guest Artist, Shey Shay, and winner, ‘Meet The Executive’, Gbemisola Eso, during a presentation of Cheque to Eso at a ‘Get Ready for Work’ Concert, sponsored by Sterling Bank in Ibadan

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Moments

L-R: Senior Executive Officer, Legal Department, Lagos State Lottery Board, Mayowa Okuyiga; Marketing Manager, Stephen Uwazota; Bedding Centre Manager, Omoye Enyi; Brand Manager, Oluwatooni Odewole; all of Mouka Limited at the raffle draw of “Mouka Sleep Like A Millionaire” Promo held Friday at Mouka Head Office in Ikeja

L-R: Former Chairman, Agege Local Government, Lagos State, Alhaji Owolabi Dada; Mr. Jonathan Obayemi; Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba; Chairman Agege Local Government, Ayodeji Abdulkareem; Mrs. Shade Obayemi and Chairman, Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State Abiodun Mafe during the investiture of Jubreel Abdulkareem as a fellow of Institute of Information Management held in Lagos…yesterday

L-R: National Coordinator, Gender and Constitution Reform Network, Dr. Abiola Afolabi; human rights activist, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite; and President, Woman Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Odumakin, at a stakeholders Forum, in Lagos.PHOTO:TONY EGUAYE

L-R; Managing Director/CEO, Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), Kyari Abba Bukar; Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida; and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema at the Nigerian Capital Markets 2014 Forum, in London

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News

Litigants wait endlessly as Appeal Court undergoes renovation Joseph Onyekwere

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oing by feelers from those who are familiar with happenings in the Court of Appeal, lawyers and litigants in the Lagos Division of the appellate court may have to wait for many more months before normal court activities are fully restored owing to the ongoing renovation in the Courts.

The Courts are currently undergoing renovation and according to a notice pasted at the premises and endorsed by the Deputy Chief Registrar, Stephen Akinyede, court sessions are as a result of the renovation adjourned sine die.

There is no doubt that this development has adversely affected litigants who ordinarily have to wait a longer time before getting their cases adjudicated upon.

A court registrar who would not want his name mentioned said the renovation has actually hampered court sessions. He stated that it would have been actually more suitable to have the renovation done during the vacation period.

He wondered why the renovation is taking longer time than expected, adding that as it is, no one can predict when the work will end. He, however, explained that justices still come to court, as according to him, those justices who have judgments must deliver them within the time permitted by the rules.

When his views were sought, Akinyede declined comment. He stated that only the Chief Registrar in Abuja was in position to respond to enquiries about the development.

But an inside source told the New Telegraph on Sunday that the renovation is likely to take longer period due to the slow pace of work. According to the source, the contractors have only been mobilised with about five per cent of the fees, resulting in the slow pace of work.

APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

I will deliver Kwara to APC -Saraki Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

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ormer Kwara State governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki yesterday vowed to deliver the state to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Saraki, currently the chairman of the Senate Committee

on Environment and Ecology, told delegates and newly elected members of the party’s local executive council in his Ilorin West council area to also get prepared for the battle which he noted should prove to others that the APC has divine backing in the state.

The congress was gener-

ally peaceful according to reports from several of the local government areas monitored by our correspondent.

Apparently elated at the outcome of the local government congress which held inside Pacific Hotel, Saraki made jests at those he described as political pretenders whom he

said are running about to win the council area at all cost.

Most of the gladiators in the face-off between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are from the council area. They include Saraki’s younger sister, Gbemisola, chairman of the Federal Character Commission,

L-R: Member, representing Oron Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Robinson Uwak; Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; and Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Women Affairs, Dr. Glory Edet, at the constituency empowerment programme held in Oron, Akwa Ibom State… yesterday.

APC congress turns violent in Edo Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

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iolence and shooting yesterday disrupted the resche dule d ward congress of the All Progressives Congress in some parts of Oredo council area of Edo Stateand other in the south senatorial district mapped out solely for the exercise.

The process had started on a peaceful note with a large turnout of registered members of the party in the 77 wards and seven local government areas of Edo South senatorial district but for the late arrival of officials for the exercise and materials meant for the congress.

However, by the time the dust of the fracas died down, two persons sustained deep machete cuts on their heads and hands while a policeman, women and children sustained serious injuries in the process at ward 4, Emokpae Primary School on Mis-

sion road in the ancient capital town.

Shots were fired by suspected thugs loyal to one of the groups while over 20 vehicles, windows and, buildings were smashed as residents of Nevis and Idahosa streets where the violence took place fled.

A senior police officer at the scene told newsmen that four of the suspects were arrested with arms.

It was gathered that supporters of two opposition forces in the power struggle over who controls the structure of the party ahead of the state and National Assembly elections had clashed at the venue.

At the centre of the crisis was an argument over late accreditation and late arrival of materials for the ward congress which made some aggrieved members of the party who had stood for several hours in the scorching sun to engage in a shouting match that later sparked

the attack.

A victim of the attack and a businessman, Mr. Emmanuel Ani, whose car with registration umber AV 90 USL was smashed told newsmen yesterday that he drove his friend

Chief Paul Okolie to his shop on Nevis Street when he saw armed men pursuing some people.

An unconfirmed report said one person was feared killed in NIFOR area of the state.

Professor AbdulRaheem Oba, former gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Dele Belgore as well as Alhaja Bola Sagaya, a popular businesswoman and bosom friend of Dame Jonathan.

His words: “As for me I am well prepared for the next political battle; we want them to know that this is where God is. I have heard that they are working hard to win Ilorin West and I ask is it this same Ilorin West?

“For those that still want to learn in history, be rest assured that Kwara is solidly an APC state. Here we are one family; here we are committed in delivering in toto the entire Kwara state to the APC family.

“Those we have today as Ilorin West local government executives, I charge you to go out and begin to work; we have less than eleven months to the 2015 elections and we must start the work now.

“We do not want to give any vote, we want to win total. We want to send a message across Nigeria, we want to send a message to the pretenders that in Kwara state we are not seasonal politicians. What do I mean by seasonal politicians?

People after election they go home and lock their doors and windows. They only care with their families they don’t open the doors to anybody. Then nine months to elections they will come and are looking for votes. We are here day in day out with our people and our people appreciate it. That is why they will come out to vote massively for APC.

DSS frees blogger Ahaoma Kanu and Emmanuel Onani

Aalso known as Ciaxon who

blogger, Mr. Yusuf Onimisi,

was abducted after tweeting pictures of the attempted Boko Haram jailbreak at the DSS headquarters in Abuja has been released. But the Department of State Service (DSS) yesterday denied knowledge of his release.

Onimisi was arrested by men believed to be agents from the DSS after he tweeted live photos of soldiers combating the Boko Haram attempted jail-break on March 30. Onimisi was reportedly released late Friday to his family but because there was no con-

firmation of his release, some activists stormed the Lagos office of the DSS yesterday morning to protest, demanding his immediate release.

The protests for his release were recorded in other parts of the country like Abuja, Benin, Ibadan, Kaduna, Enugu, Port-Harcourt and Okene.

In a brief telephone chat with New Telegraph on Sunday, however, the Deputy Director, Public Relations of the secret service, Marilyn Ogar, said the organisation was not aware of the purported release of the blogger.

She said: “I do not know anything about it (the release).

Thank you!”

The demand for the release of the online blogger and electrical engineer became more intense following a press release from Amnesty International allaying fears over his life and initiated a twitter action on his behalf #Freeciaxon.

According to the release signed by Netsanet Belay, Research and Advocacy Director for Africa at Amnesty International, “Nigerian security forces should immediately disclose the whereabouts and legal status of Yusuf Isiaka Onimisi. If he is in detention, Nigerian authorities must either charge him with a recognizably criminal offence or release him immediately.”

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Police apprehend suspects with human head, body parts Kunle Olayeni

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ive people, including two women were yesterday arrested in Ado-Odo/Ota local government area of Ogun State for being in possession of a human head and pieces of human flesh.

They were nabbed in Joju area of Ota about 9:10am by men of the Ogun State Police Command and the Special Anti Robbery Squad of Lagos State Command.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the suspects were arrested as a result of a follow up of a tip-off from people of the area.

Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, gave the names of those arrested as Kubura Salami, Kafaya Popoola, Tantolorun Abimbola, Wahid Ibrahim and Adamu Rafiu.

He said, “The Divisional Police Officer in charge Otta Division of the command CSP Gabreal Idibie led a team of operatives to assist the SARS Lagos who got the first hand information to Joju area where the five suspects were arrested and the exhibits recovered for further investigation and adequate prosecution.

News

N10bn jet probe: Reps to quiz Alison-Madueke April 28 Philip Nyam

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t last, the investigation of the Minister of Aviation by the House of Representatives over allegations of spending over N10 billion on charter of a private jet is to commence on April 28, 2014 when the lower chamber reconvenes from Easter break.

The Public Accounts Committee of the House headed by Hon. Adeola Solomon Olamilekan (APC, Lagos) saddled with the responsibility of carrying out the assignment had last week raised the alarm over alleged delay tactics employed by the minister to frustrate the inquiry.

But the committee at the weekend decided that it would go ahead with the probe with or without any response from the minister and other stakeholders. This decision was taken at a meeting of the committee.

The committee had on March 26 sent queries to the minister, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the operators of the chartered private jets to furnish it within one week in written form the details of the transaction to enable it carry out its assignments but no response was received.

APC deputy chair faults conduct of Anambra congress Wale Elegbede

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he Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Annie Okonkwo, yesterday faulted the process and outcome of the party’s ward congress in many parts of the country, especially in Anambra State.

Okonkwo, who spoke with newsmen in Lagos, said he was highly disappointed at how the ward congress was carried out in Anambra State, urging the party leaders to intervene in the matter and imbibe true democratic principles.

He said, “I am not particularly happy about what is happening in Anambra State and what I saw. I was actually disappointed with Chief Ezennia Ogbuehi, who was the state congress committee chairman.

The congress chairman decided to sideline some members of the committee and decided to conduct the congress without following the due process and the guidelines of the congress.” Okonkwo who noted that the manner at which the congress was conducted was undemocratic, said, “Honestly, I felt disappointed because I believed that we were emphasising on internal democracy.

Six suspected armed robbers killed in Benue Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

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Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left) acknowledging cheers from his Supporters, during endorsement of his second Term in Office by Iwo Community, in Iwo Local Government, State of Osun… on Friday

Clerics should stay away from governance - Soyinka

NDLEA seizes N240 million drugs at Lagos airport

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Wole Shadare

he Director of Black Culture and International Understanding, Prof. Wole Soyinka yesterday, said religious practices in the country should be private affairs and should not be brought into governance.

Prof. Soyinka who made the recommendation in a press conference organized in preparation for a three-day programme tagged: All-Comers Colloquium at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo,argued that clerics in religious circles should stay away from governance.

Speaking through the Chairman, planning committee of the programme, Prof.1 Wale Adeniran,he maintained that leaders in religious circles should only pray for their leaders and should not be seen participating in the affairs of governance.

“Religious practices should be based on individuals and should not be brought into public domain to prevent conflict or religious war in governance,”he said.

He noted that many leaders in governance use religion to perpetrate atrocities and use it to also manipulate and divide followers to achieve their aims.

“They use it deliberately to dis-integrate and cause confusion in the country and if this is personalized, such things will be discouraged.”

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he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency yesterday said it seized illicit drugs valued at N240 million at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.

The drugs weighing 95.93kg were seized between January and March 2014. A total of 19 suspected drug traffickers were also apprehended. The suspects include 16 males and three females.

NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar gave the breakdown of arrests and seizures in the first quarter of 2014 as follows.

He stated that within the first quarter of 2014, the Airport command seized cocaine 9.060kg, heroin 16.950kg, cannabis 27.235kg, methamphetamine 3.4kg, ephedrine 2kg, morphine 14.96kg,apresoline 3.505kg, pethidine 10.82kg and diazepam 8kg.

The total weight of seized drugs in the period under review is 95.93kg while persons arrestedare16 males and 3 females” Hamza stated. The anti-narcotics agency observed that there was a reduction in quantity of drugs seized in the first quarter of 2014 when compared to 2013.

ix suspected armed robbers were yesterday killed and three others lynched by an irate mob along Gboko Road, Makurdi.

The robbers New Telegraph on Sunday gathered had allegedly attacked their victim and snatched his motor circle at gun point.

The thieves who were reported to have shot sporadically in the air to scare away residents, tortured the victim badly and abandoned him in his pool of blood with several injuries.

Though some of them were said to have escaped, luck however ran out of others as the angry youths pounced on them and set them ablaze.

One of the robber, who identified himself as Jonathan Gbakon, their attack was a planned one that was to be executed yesterday.

An eye witness who identified himself as the neighbour to the gang leader alleged that the gang was responsible for Friday’s foiled bank robbery attack on Skye Bank at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

Emir’s stool: Gov Aliyu vows not to interfere with process Dan Atori

Tvowed never to interfere with the selection process of he Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has

the new Emir of Agaie, saying that he would respect the wish of the people.

Aliyu made this position known on Saturday in Kontagora at a turbaning ceremony.

Alhaji Kudu Abubakar (III) died at the age of 57 leaving the stool of the emirate vacant.

Expectations are therefore rising as the people seek credible successor to continue the good work of the late emir.

While Aliyu is waiting for the decision of the kingmakers, he has called on the people to choose wisely.

“What the people need is a leader that will encourage development, insist on peaceful coexistence through provision of security and advance collective aspirations of the people.

“I will not interfere at all with the selection process of the new Emir of Agaie, let the kingmakers choose wisely so that the people can enjoy development,” he said.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

News Airline operators to meet Presidency on aviation agencies merger Wole Shadare

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he airline operators under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria, (AON) have disagreed with the Federal Government of Nigeria on the plan to collapse three agencies (NAMA, NCAA and NIMET) into one agency.

The AON says the decision was totally against the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulation in section 8335.

Meanwhile, the group had indicated its plans to hold discussions with the Presidency on the need for the action to be rescinded in the interest of aviation safety and security.

Some members of the body told New Telegraph that they were optimistic that government would redress the situation which they admitted was in violation of the International Civil Organisation (ICAO) practices.

According to ICAO, “Separation of provision from regulation is consistent with principles of good governance; the regulatory oversight function must be seen as independent and transparent”ICAO which is made up of 197 countries member state over 110 have complied and have moved on with the de-merger of agencies. Germany, UK, France, Russia, Ireland, Canada, Ukraine to number a few are some of the 110 countries that have de-merged Executive chairman of AON, Capt. Nogie Meggison who spoke to journalists yesterday said,autonomy for the air navigation services provider and its separation from the regulatory oversight function was well established in ICAO guidance material.

Poor sanitation: Nigeria loses 100,000 children annually Adesina Wahab

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o fewer than 100,000 children under the age of five die annually in Nigeria due to unsafe water and poor sanitation in the country.

According to the Water Aid State Focal CSO Officer, Mr Kole Adegbite, who stated this in Ado-Ekiti, said the situation was because nearly 63 million Nigerians lacked access to safe water.

He also disclosed that about 112 million Nigerians also lacked access to sanitation.

Adegbite was speaking on the activities that marked the World Water Day in the state.

The event was organised in conjunction with the Justice, Development and Peace Initiative of the Catholic Church.

He added that JDPI as the leading implementing partner of WaterAid programme in the state leveraged on the opportunities provided by the global day to raise awareness about the lack of access to safe water and sanitation and its impact especially on vulnerable and marginalized groups like Persons Living with HIV/AIDS and Persons Living with Disabilities.

The theme for this year’s World Water Day in the state is ‘Access to safe water and improved sanitation- A Healthy Life’.

Kano spends N100bn on road construction Muhammad Kabir

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n a bid to restructure Kano State as the commercial nerve centre of the Northern states, the state government under Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, has spent about N100 billion in the last three years for the rehabilitation and constructions of new roads in and around the city.

Speaking with journalists in his office, the state Commissioner for Land, Muhammad Nadu Yahya, said since the return of Kwankwaso, the state government has been able to construct about 20 to 30 roads, and built four new major roads across the state.

Yahya explained that the constructions of the new roads includes the 5-5 kilometre roads in each of the 44 local government areas of the state, which are dual carriage with street lights, adding that if calculated the five kilometre roads is like a distance of from Kano to Kaduna.

L-R: Director, Christians in Government and Politics, Rivers Converge, Mr. Joshua Barasinipiri; PDP Rivers governorship aspirant, Mr. Nimi Walson-Jack; and Campaign Administrator, Rivers Converge, Mr Amaebi Okara, at a news conference by the PDP governorship aspirant in Port Harcourt …on Friday

APC congress in Oyo peaceful Sola Adeyemo

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lthough there were unconfirmed reports of skirmishes in Iseyin and Ibarapa areas of Oyo State, yesterday’s local government council congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held peacefully in 31 of the 33 councils in the state.

As it was last Saturday, the congress could not hold in the Atiba and Oyo West local government areas.

New Telegraph on Sunday observed that the congress was over in most of the councils within 40 minutes of its commencement, while majority of the candidates were elected by general affirmation.

Security was beefed up with regular police and members of the state security outfit “Operation Burst” strategically placed in all the centres used for the congress.

Aggrieved ex-militants drag Kuku, Amnesty Office to Court •Those in UK protest Chris Ejim, Yenagoa

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cores of aggrieved former Militant Youths from Bayelsa and Delta States yesterday filed a suit before the Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa seeking an order compelling the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Amnesty Implementation Committee,Hon. Kingsley Kuku and the Amnesty Committee to honour an agreement reached with the Federal Government for their inclusion in the Amnesty programme.

The Suit,numbered FHC/YNG/123/2014 filed before the Justice Lambo Akanbi,claimed that the aggrieved ex-militants were former militants that had accepted Amnesty under the third phase and surrendered their weapons to the Federal Government through the Amnesty Office in 2011 under the Peace Initiative of the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, students of Nigerian origin studying in the United Kingdom courtesy of the Presidential Amnesty Programme have cried out to President Goodluck Jonathan over what they described as neglect.

Group trains communities on safe environment Charles Onyekwere

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ommunities in the Niger Delta Region, have been cautioned against involvement in pipeline Vandalism and illegal oil refinery to avoid oil spill so as to ensure a conducive environment for all. The programme manager of Environmental Right Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FOEN), Barrister Mike Karikpo gave the advice while speaking with journalists

at an enlightenment and sensitization workshop organized for communities in Abua/Odual Local Government of Rivers State.

Karikpo disclosed that the essence of the workshop is to enlighten and sensitize indigenes of oil producing communities on oil spill and how to deal with the issue holistically from government regulator, community and oil companies’ perspective.

He identified causes of oil spill as corrosion, equipment failure, oil theft and the operation of illegal refineries going on in the Niger Delta region and called for concerted effort from all the stakeholders such as oil companies, Government, communities, civil society organizations and the media to work together so as to stop oil spill and ensure that the environment is safe for all citizenry.

Power demand needs audit, says Nnaji Isioma Madike

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former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, has said that to achieve efficient electricity supply in Nigeria, there is need to conduct an audit into the power demand of the entire country, just as Lagos State had done.

In an interview with New Telegraph on Sunday, Nnaji said: “We cannot know the amount of power we need unless we do an audit. So, Lagos was right when it said it requires 10,000MW. “If Lagos with a population of 20 million needs 10,000MW, you can imagine what Nigeria with about 170 million people needs. So, that means something has to be done,” he said.

The former Minister also noted that the country would not be able to accelerate its socio-economic growth unless the power challenge was overcome.

He stressed that the top 20 countries of the world like China, which is currently the world’s largest producer of Power, South Africa and Mexico among others generate power in excess of their demand.

GTBank, Avios announce loyalty reward scheme

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uaranty Trust Bank plc has announced the launch of its new loyalty scheme exclusively for GTBank credit card holders. The loyalty scheme is in partnership with Avios, the leading global travel rewards company.

This initiative is part of GTBank’s overall strategy to bring the best in card products to its customers. It will reward international GTBank credit card holders, who are also members of the British Airways Executive Club Programme, for using their cards to pay for purchases using Point of Sale terminals.

Avios is the global currency of the British Airways Executive Club.

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Politics

I’m worried about North’s future –Suswam

Benue State has witnessed its share of the clashes between Fulani normads and local farmers that have ravaged parts of central Nigeria and beyond in many months. Many towns and villages have been deserted, and thousands of rural dwellers are seeking refuge in camps across the state. Governor Gabriel Suswam spoke to Ike Abonyi and Suleiman Bisalla in Makurdi on the situation and the probable impact of the conflict on the economy of northern Nigeria

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our Excellency we understand you just returned from some scenes of attacks, can you describe the security situation in Benue as of now?

Initially, we thought we had the normal problem between Fulani herdsmen and Benue farmers, but I discovered that it was escalating beyond this level. That arouse my curiosity and I decided that I was going to investigate. We then discovered that we had people who were not necessarily Fulanis; people who do not want to interact with the local farmers. Once they sight you, they don’t want to ask questions, they just open fire. They have destroyed houses and some communities completely. They go to the farm to destroy the seedlings that these people have. So, I wrote a letterto the president and told him that these are not the normal herdsmen that we have in Benue; and that this crisis was beyond the capacity of the state. The president then directed the security agencies to act. On investigation, they too discovered that these were not normal herdsmen. The magnitude of destruction is simply unparalleled. They have innocent rural farmers and they do so at random, without seeking to interact with anyone. Once they sight you, they open fire, and that was the experience that I had with my convoy. On sighting us, they opened fire straight. So, I went back to the President and said some urgent steps have to be taken because they were threatening to overrun the state capital, Makurdi. They were getting very close; they were already at the fringes of Makurdi. So, directives have been given and now security operatives are all over in Benue, Nasarawa States and they are engaging them seriously.

They are a very stubborn people, determined not to move but the military are up to their responsibility.

Does it surprise you that this fighting has got to this level of sophistication in Benue, Nasarawa and so on especially that governors buy vehicles and fund security agencies like the police, SSS and so on to take proactive measures?

As much as I will say that there was lack of proper intelligence I will also say that this is a new phenomenon; we never had this experience before. So, nobody within the security apparatus would have anticipated foreign mercenaries moving down to the centre of Nigeria and engage in this kind of wanton destruction.

They themselves couldn’t believe that these were ordinary Fulanis, but by the time they realised in their intelligence report, these people had caused us substantial damage. We’ve never

had this kind of thing since the civil war. We never expected that we will have people who will come in as mercenaries from neighbouring countries to cause the kind of destruction that we have experienced. In Plateau, people thought that it was Fulani herdsmen but it went slightly beyond that. That would have alerted us but we were not until they moved into Benue. I am a very security conscious person so I kept insisting that these were not ordinary herdsmen and this has been confirmed. The Fulanis themselves have accepted that these are not the indigenous Fulanis that they know. So, I am not completely surprised that it took such a long time for our intelligence gatherinb to agree with what I said.

In the ongoing campaign, has it been possible to separate the Fulanis who have been your friends from the mercenaries?

Yes, we met in Government House here, the President of the Miyetti Allah, Alhaji Bodejo came with his secretary; the DIG Operations and members of the security committee put together by the IG came into Benue and we met.

We also have a committee headed by the former governor of Benue State, Brig. Atom Kpera who is heading the committee of elders from Benue.

They met here for two nights and held a joint press conference. The committee also moved to Nasarawa where the the Fulanis also came out. The meeting drafted a communiqué and everyone signed. As I talk to you, the DIG and the President of the Miyetti Allah are in Taraba engaging the Fulanis.

Now we have looked at all the issues raised that have come between the communities. We talked about cattle rustling, but the Fulanis can’t acuse the Tiv man of rustling cows. We had a situation where over hundred cows were rustled here. But a Tiv man cannot rustle even five cows because cows listen to a language. So these same people rustling cows in Kaduna, in Zamafara and other places in the far north will come down here, rustle cows. The Fulanis will believe that the cows were rustled

by Benue people and go and hire the same people as mercenaries. And at some point, I think they started coming on their own. So, a lot of them moved in and were occupying villages in Nasarawa and Benue. But we are talking with the local Fulanis in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba, and I believe in Plateau too.

It is clearly ascertained that some of these guys are

We never expected that we will have people who will come in as mercenaries from neighbouring countries to cause the kind of destruction that we have experienced

Suswam

not Nigerians?

Of course yes, the way they fight shows that they are highly trained people. They told me that they have made some arrests and is obvious that those arrested are not the ordinary Fulanis we know. Even if they are Fulanis they are not the ones that we have here. The Fulanis we have here have not engaged in this kind of fight to give them this level of expertise in fighting. It is only people who are used to fighting that can have that level of proficiency in handling sophisticated weapons and tactics. They (soldiers) told me that these are well organised fighters.

One thing that worried many Nigerians is the suggestion that chemical or biological weapons might have been used. What actually led to this suspicion?

Yes, we became worried because some of the dead bodies that we’ve been carrying had been macheted, cut into pieces or shot b y

the Fulanis. But lately most of the people who died from these attacks have no machete wounds; no gun wounds. And we have been told by the people who witnessed some of the attacks that there is a chemical that have been thrown at them, and once you inhaled it you die.

Presently we have some people at the medical centre where we want them examined to ascertain the type of chemical that affected them.

We haven’t got that result yet but we recovered some canisters from the scene of an attack in Guma Local Government, about three, from the boys who engaged them. Perhaps in the process of running some dropped and our boys carried them. We have been trying to find out where they can be tested for us to ascertain what substance they are. If it is ordinary tear gas it is still chemical, but I believe tear gas does not kill people.

I am not expert in that but I haven’t seen tear gas kill, not to talk of exterminating this number of people. We lost about 30 people as a result of inhaling this substance. So, we have the substance with us and we want it tested. For now, until it is tested, we will not be able to identify what substance it is. The only thing we know is that about 30 people have been killed strangely, and some of the bodies are CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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Most contractors have abandoned sites - Suswam C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 9

still in the hospital being examined for us to determine the actual cause of their death.

In this conflict, have you suspected any motives other than herdsmen/farmers crisis

I am actually at a loss because if it is ordinary Fulanis fighting for space to pasture their herds, why the use of chemicals? Why that level of destruction? They don’t just kill people and leave them, they cut them into pieces. So, there must be an agenda other than just trying to rear herds in this land. It is far beyond that. When you go to the level of using chemicals to kill people; and cut people into pieces after shooting them dead, it becomes something else. I discovered some corpses myself that are still in the morgue, about seven of them, at the point where they just finished an attack and those corpses were decapitated.

And that is the system anywhere we recover dead bodies. They mutilate women; and don’t spare children either. So, I think there is a motive which is not known to any of us and until some of these people are caught, we may not know exactly what they are up to.

If they are using chemical weapons it means they want to exterminate everybody, and if you want to exterminate everybody, what do you want to achieve? I can say that these are acts of terrorism and terrorists kill for pleasure. I think they are killing for pleasure because up till now we don’t know what their motive is.

Some politicians have insinuated that the extension of insurgency into the north central has political motive; do you agree?

I don’t want to input any political motive, but it is possible. There appear to be some political consideration to the whole of this, and people have been saying so. But to me I want to look at it that we have insurgents coming in to terrorise people. Yes, this is a comfort zone for the Peoples Democratic Party in the country, so if people want to destabilise PDP, North Central is a fertile ground for them to do so. So ,if I want to input political motive into this I will say that there are some people who want to destabilise PDP, and they think that if they destabilise North Central, they will substantially destabilise PDP. In as much as I don’t want to input that anything, that is a possibility and people are saying it. In any case, I will say that there is no smoke without fire.

What would you like the ongoing confab to discuss in relation to the security situation in the country?

You know Martin Luther King once said that injustice done anywhere is injustice everywhere. Now the security threat in the North Central is a security threat to the whole country because as soon as they finish with the North central they will move to another zone. They started with the North East; they moved to Plateau, now they are in Kogi, Nasarawa and Benue. When we met, some state governors also expressed fear over what is happening in their states in respect of the activities of herdsmen.

Now the National Assembly is already discussing this issue seriously but I expect that if the intention of the confab is to discuss issues that can further unify the country, then security issue should be top on the agenda of the discussion.

This is something that must be taken seriously because if you are not secured you won’t be able to engage in any meaningful

In some places where I have projects going on, the people left because of the security situation.

NYSC members posted to Borno are camped here development. I am experiencing this here. In some places where I have projects going on, the people left because of the security situation.

NYSC members posted to Borno are camped here, but now we have our own share of the crisis. So, most of them who were posted here were afraid to come.

Therefore, if we must discuss serious issues at the confab, security should be one of those topmost on the agenda. I am discussing with representatives from Benue and they said that the issue of security Aside the threat to contractors working on projects, to what extent does the current security situation affect your programmes?

It is affecting virtually everything; I planned to complete some of my projects before rainy season starts. Most of these workers whom we have paid have left the site. And they are justified. You cannot force them to stay because these people (suspected Fulani fighters) kill any human being that moves. You have no guarantee that they will spare the white men on site.

There are instances they even kidnapped the white people in other states of the country, so when they left the sites I could not blame them.

This has already affected my plan of exiting this year. I structured myself that by this time I would be exiting but that has been affected by the security situation.

Benue State is known to be a major agricultural state with comparative advantage over other states. Now that crisis is ongoing, what fears have you as we are about to enter the next planting season?

It will certainly affect because virtually all the places that have been attacked by these insurgents are farming areas. Now there is no single person that is still living in those areas.

This is the time of planting; this is the time the people make heaps to plant and they are not doing that. So, this is going to have a negative impact on the economy of Benue which is predominantly based on agriculture. This will also impact negatively on the food supply to all parts of the country. Most of the farmers have moved to safety places where they are not farming and are staying idle. This is why I am desperate that our farmers must return to their farms. So, I am happy that the president has acted decisively and the security operatives are doing well to make sure that our farmers return to their farms to recover what they can.

What challenges have you in terms of people displaced from their homes?

I have a lot of them. In fact, where I visited today I was able to give refugees relief materials provided by the state and other well-meaning Benue sons who have come to donate to this people. The refugee situation here can only be compared to the movement of Hebrews out of Egypt. What we have is more than that, if you came here at the height of it you would be amazed by the movement of people to safe

places.

Can you give an estimate of the level of destruction of properties?

The destruction is massive. You need to go there to appreciate what I am saying because I did not really appreciate it until I went there.

It is so massive that I can’t begin to quantify it now. It is so massive; the whole of Guma Local Government headquarters was razed down.

You have Kwande Local Government where they have destroyed a lot homes, and you have Gwer West Local Government. In the northern part of Makurdi here, nobody is living in the affected places because they razed down the places completely. The other part of Logo Local Government has suffered the same fate.

I cannot as a matter of fact say I am going to quantify it but I am hoping that as the military have moved in, we shall be able to send State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to begin to assess the level of destruction so that I can take this to the Federal Government for assistance. It is well beyond the state government. I can’t pretend that I can make an attempt, because the destruction is much. We have never experienced anything like this.

The crisis in the North East and North Central send foreboding signals to the 2015 elections; do you have any hope that the North shall overcome these before then?

I am not worried about this election. I am worried about the future of the North. As you know economically, the North has been backward. With the current security challenge, we have gone back 30 years. In fact, we are worse than we were 30 years ago, and I don’t think we shall recover from this in 30 years to come.

Therefore, I am not worried about election, I am worried about the impact this crisis would have on the socio-economic life of the North in the next 50 years. We will never recover from this even in the next 50 years because a lot has happened. It is difficult to build confidence in investors; foreigners may never go to some of these crises prone areas. Even some Nigerian cannot return there. so you can see how this has

affected the economic growth of the northern region.

The truth is that election is not even an issue now, it is the economic impact of the crisis that I am worried about. On election matter, we will continue doing politics because we have to continue to put people in places of responsibility.

Now the military are more decisive than they were. Even in the North East the bombings have drastically reduced. So, we hope that before election, which is next year, they would have substantially brought this thing down.

We will be able to hold election, but like I said every Nigerian especially those from the North should be worried about the future of the North. In Borno, for instance, children are not going to school, so what are we going to do with those children? What is their future? As it is only those living in the heart of Maiduguri are secured. The same thing is happening in Yobe. You recall the unfortunate incident where school children were slaughtered; one would imagine if those people were normal human beings. In those areas affected in Benue, children can’t go to school too.

You mean there are areas where children can’t go to school in Benue?

Yes, we have the same situation here. In those places that are affected no person can go to school there, that is on one side. On the economic side, like I said, in Benue the farmers can’t go to their farms and the state is an agricultural economy. People depend on agricultural for their sustenance.

So, what is going to happen to those poor farmers? So, we have a big problem. I have said that as present leaders of the North, if we don’t take this serious our children will hold us responsible for failing them. There is no explanation that we can give, because we were leaders and we couldn’t contain this.

If we are not careful a lot of social problems will emerge because in the next 10 years those children who could not go to school can become criminals, and willing tools in the hands of this CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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Suswam: I’ll be the first person to support Jonathan’s re-election C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 0

having issues. Yes this is my son but his tendencies and disposition could be different from my perception of issues. So, once I want to impose my perceptions on him, we might have problems. So, for me, I have allowed people to contest and that is why if you come to Benue, you will see permanent secretaries, civil servants, commissioners contesting because I have allowed a level playing field to anybody that wants to contest to do so. I told them that anybody who is interested to contest should go out and talk to the people, and then we go to the field. Whoever that emerge victorious in the primaries we go with. You can’t hear that I have my candidate, let the people decide. So, anybody that is accepted by the people will win. I am not going to be a godfather when I leave here; whoever takes it from me, and needs my advice, if I am still alive by the grace God I can provide, but I won’t come here to say do this and that.

same people. So, we are undergoing a very dangerous situation in the north and we must take it seriously. In Benue, I have taken it very seriously and I am treating it as a very serious problem.

Are you satisfied with the way leaders in the North are tackling this security situation?

Well, let me say this; there are people who feel genuinely for what is happening in the North. But a lot of northern leaders are keeping quiet and we don’t know why they are keeping quiet. People are threatened in their own region, but leaders that you would expect to talk are not saying anything.

They don’t condemn the situation; they are not taking steps to contain with the situation, but rather some of them are playing politics with it. In normal countries where you have normal people, when you have an unusual situation like this, people come together irrespective of their political or religious differences to fight for the overriding interests of their people.

In our case, people will say well I am in the All Progressives Congress (APC) or All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and so this is PDP’s problem.

It is unfortunate that we are rather playing politics with it. A lot of people who would take steps to curtail this problem are staying aloof and are saying that this is PDP’s problem. In my state, I keep telling people this is not Suswam’s problem, it is the problem of Benue State, and so we must join hands together to fight it.

What do you make of the accusation of the APC that PDP has been unable to manage the country’s crisis?

APC as a party is part of the problem that we have. Like I always say if you go to a country where people are sane, when you have a national security situation, we address it as a national problem but here because APC is fighting with PDP, they feel that this is PDP’s problem.

However, the most affected states are APCcontrolled. Is it PDP that created the problems in those states? It’s not the PDP because those states have never been ruled by PDP. In fact, we can say that APC created these problems because these problems started in APC states.

And they failed woefully to address the problem when it started, so I am surprised that they are accusing PDP. Insurgency started in Borno and Yobe. Since 1999 when we started politics these two states have not been ruled by PDP. So, how would they say that it is PDP’s problem? They started it and are playing politics with it instead of joining hands to address the issue.

Let’s look at the defection of five PDP governors to APC; doesn’t it worry you that PDP is under threat?

Well, let me say that Nigerian politics has no defining ideology, and so people who are playing politics in Nigeria are interested in getting jobs for the boys. In a country where politicians are defined by ideologies you can’t find people in highly places saying they are defecting. You can hardly find this in developed nations, if you belong to the Democratic Party, you have to believe in the ideology of the party. That is why you were there in the first place. But when people oscillate and change party, the way they change clothes, it means that they are not principled. I said this and some people didn’t like it. If you are principled, no matter the internal problem you have in your party you will fight it. But we have a different situation in Nigeria because there is

You want to run for Senate, are you hoping for an easy ride?

Yes (laugh), hopefully.

Have you had some discussion with the incumbent?

No, I haven’t gone out there to start talking about it, but the people from that zone have insisted that I should go to the Senate and I am considering that. So, at an appropriate time I will call the people and respond to their demand for to go the Senate. no principle in the way we practice politics here.

There is also no defining ideology among politicians and so people can jump from one party to the other at will. But there are also people who moved from APC to PDP. It they felt PDP was falling apart but we got our axe together, and now you will discover that the movement is more from APC to PDP. So, they are not likely to achieve whatever they thought they could achieve. After all, we’ve seen sitting governors lose election in this country. There is no guarantee that an outgoing governor must win election simply because he defected to another political party.

So, I don’t see the APC gaining advantage over PDP because of the five governors that defected.

You see what is happening in those states; in Sokoto the former governor has moved to PDP and we have the deputy governor of the state who is still in PDP. In Kano State, we have the former governor who ruled for eight years and has now come into PDP. In Adamawa, just few days ago General Buba Marwa, a strong APC member, defected to PDP. So, they are not going to gain the advantage which they thought they would get by these defections. And, of course, you saw what is happening at National Assembly based on the court decisions. The provision of the constitution is very clear on that but it can go as far as the Supreme Court. Those 37 lawmakers will definitely be out of the National Assembly based on the clear provision of the constitution as relate to what they did.

One of the major issues that led to the defections was President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 ambition; the defectors made a point that the North should have the presidency.

Can you comment on this?

Politics is not an exclusive reserve of only one person. Politics is a game of number and is not like military where somebody will wake up one day and carry a gun to throw another. If President Jonathan is the president that Nigeri-

In fact, we can say that APC created these problems because these problems started in APC states. And they failed woefully to address the problem when it started, so I am surprised that they are accusing PDP ans want, no amount of sentiment can change that, and in politics once you are in a party with someone, that is your family. I am in PDP and so PDP is my family. If the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees that Jonathan is eligible to contest election, and I am in PDP, it is Jonathan that I will support to stand as the president of this country. I am not going to support somebody from APC even if the person is from Benue. I will still support Jonathan who is from my party. If a party presents a candidate that people are comfortable with, they will vote for him. So, if Nigerians are comfortable with President Jonathan, and of course Benue people are comfortable with him, we will vote him. For now the president hasn’t said he is contesting in 2015, but if he does I will be the number one person to support him.

You are nearing the end of your tenure; can you let us know your succession plan?

I am a democrat and I don’t believe in this godfatherism, something which has brought problems in Nigerian politics. Elsewhere when people leave office you hardly hear of them, but here a leader leave office and still want to be heard. It can’t work. If I pass the office to my son and I want to be controlling him, we may be

In politics, there is no permanent friend no permanent enemy. Are we seen that from you between George Akume?

We are not enemies. I invited him for a meeting here recently and he came. Although we are not doing politics together any longer - we are in different political parties - but we are not enemies. I am doing my own political party and he is doing his, and I don’t think I have problem with him. He is not my enemy; I don’t know of him and as a former governor he is entitled to some certain privileges and when he comes here. I receive him as my predecessor who has served this state for eight years. I have no reason to hold anything against him, but we are not playing politics together.

Do you receive enough cooperation from Benue elites?

Well, you know the elite are the biggest problem that leaders have everywhere. They are the ones that are not satisfied with anything you do, and they are the ones that raise issues. So, their problems are not peculiar to Benue, but I have quite a lot of them who reason with me and who we raise issues and we discuss them. But it is difficult to satisfy the elite in any state because these are educated people; these are people who are independent people and so they see things from their own angle, and you have no way of influencing them. When they agree with you, they agree. When they disagree there is nothing you do, but I have a substantial number of them who agree with me because my works are obvious. I have done a lot of infrastructure on ground. I have done infrastructure across the entire state, whether somebody agrees or not those things are there, and at least I have been able to change other negative attitudes that I met on ground. Now, we believe that if government say it will do something, it will do it. I am happy with tghis because the attitude was negative when I came into office in 2007, but now there is a big difference. There is a complete paradigm shift in the way the people reason now.

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APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

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SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2014

A nation’s horrifying penal system

O

ut of about 49,000 inmates in

in the country today are colonial bequeathals

spent far more years than they would have

able and uncongenial system within the

228 prisons nationwide, including

without basic modern facilities, such that

spent if convicted. Hence, the prison which

prisons that makes frequent crisis and

satellite prisons, more than 90

arrested people are kept in dingy rooms lack-

should ordinarily be a place of rehabilitation,

casualties a recurring decimal. Therefore,

per cent are awaiting trial, with

ing the commonest of amenities. It would be

and a corrective centre has more or less be-

there is an urgent need for practicable

less than 10 percent being convicts accord-

recalled that it was as a result of the terrible

come a dehumanising torture chamber, and

prisons reform. A starting point is ensur-

ing to available statistics on Nigeria’s prison

state of affairs in the prisons that inmates

a place where inmates are further hardened.

ing suspended sentences and community

system. This is undoubtedly very disturbing.

some few years back broke down the walls

Prisoners should be entitled to human dignity

services should be adopted for light offences.

The underlying issues have been severally

of Ikoyi prisons in a bid to escape the horrific

as enshrined in the constitution. To make

Also, government should improve funding

discussed in the past with no corrective

conditions. The Ilesha, Abeokuta, Akure and

matters worse, the conditions of service of

for the prison system, while modernisation

action.

Ife prisons were burnt down for the same

staff of the Nigeria Prison Service are not

and transformation of the facilities should

reason, and this has been replicated in the

only horrendous, but nothing to write home

be given top priority. New prisons with top

as long as four to five years or even more,

Port Harcourt and Yenegoa prisons. To lend

about; hence, they vent their frustrations

class facilities for educational advancement,

while arrested persons languish in prisons

credence to the deplorable state of the pris-

on inmates, a clear case of transferred and

skills acquisition, sports development, social

almost ad infinitum. The police frequently

ons, there is an unusual high rate of HIV/AIDS

misplaced aggression.

activities, counseling cum psychological unit

complain of inadequate facilities particu-

pandemic as well as tuberculosis amongst

larly those that are forensic in nature and

inmates. About 75 per cent of the female

government under the former Governor, Bola

should be built in partnership with different

therefore more challenging. Even when it has

inmates get pregnant while behind bars.

Tinubu, for example, wanted to relocate the

tiers of government, the organised private

The process of investigation goes on for

It is on record that the Lagos State

and religious worship just to mention a few,

Ikoyi prison to Epe area of Lagos State. The

sector and foreign investors. It is very pos-

like animals or people that can never be

project which was planned in conjunction

sible for Nigeria’s prisons to be given a human

serve as a bulwark against swift treatment

useful to the society again. The prisons

with a foreign partner would have involved

face and repositioned to perform the duties

of cases.

environment are unhygienic, unhealthy and

the building of a 300 capacity penitentiary as

for which they have been established.

generally dirty. In fact, many of the inmates

well as 1,000 units of two and three bedroom

died while in custody, while others have

quarters for prison officials, but the whole

prison system in Nigeria should be pulled out

plan was politicised and frustrated. The

from the complex government bureaucratic

Ikoyi prison which initiallywas built for 800

set up and made into a quasi-autonomous

inmates, is almost busting at the seams with

institution that can attract foreign funding

over 2000 inmates cramped like sardines.

and donations. While attempts must be

Though sequestered in Ikoyi, the exclusive

made to equip the police and law courts

part of Lagos, they never smell the luxury of

to enhance effective and prompt service

the area; so that, from Kirikiri to Ikoyi, Owerri

delivery. To perpetually keep people on the

to Akwa, Kuje to Jos, the rotten state of the

waiting list for trial and in chains is a gross

prisons remain the same horrifying condition.

violation of their fundamental human rights

to do with general investigations, a number of logistics and procedural encumbrances

The justice delivery system in the country is tardy, and this is attributable to the

Inmates are not supposed to be treated

absence of modern facilities. Most courts in the country are not computerised, judges still write long-hand, with the nagging issue of case files disappearing. Then there is the uncharitable behaviour of indolent lawyers who keep seeking for adjournment of cases they should have otherwise handled with firmness and dispatch. These have made the dispensation of justice sluggish, cumbersome and expensive.

The general appalling condition of Nigeria’s prisons is so obious. Many of the prisons

It has also been suggested that the prison system in Nigeria should be pulled out from the complex government bureaucratic set up and made into a quasi-autonomous institution that can attract foreign funding and donations

The prisons system in the country is one

It has also been suggested that the

and African charter on human rights. The

of the most underdeveloped and neglected

glaring truth is that justice delayed is justice

public institutions. It is the very uncomfort-

denied.

GABRIEL AKINADEWO Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief IKE ABONYI Deputy Managing Director/DEIC FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU Managing Editor, South SULEIMAN BISALA Managing Editor, North AYODELE OJO Acting Editor, Daily LAURENCE ANI Editor, Saturday EMEKA MADUNAGU Editor, Sunday LEO CENDROWICZ Bureau Chief, Brussels MARSHALL COMINS Bureau Chief, Washington DC SAM AMSTERDAM Editorial Coordinator, Europe EMMAN SHEHU (PhD) Chairman, Editorial Board JOSEPH ONYEKWERE News Editor (Sunday) PADE OLAPOJU Production Editor TIMOTHY AKINLEYE Head, Graphics ROBINSON EZEH Head, Admin.

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APRIL 13, 2014

Life 13

2010 flood victims to Fashola

Give us President Jonathan’s N.7bn intervention fund

A building in Ajegunle still bearing scars of the flood

By Ahaoma Kanu

T

he announcement by the Lagos State Government that the state is expecting 263 days of rainfall this year and for which reason residents in flood prone areas should relocate to the upland have irked some community leaders in Ikorodu, a sururb of Lagos State which was affected by an unprecedented flooding incident four years ago.

The prediction presented on March 27, 2014 by the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, forecasted that the rains would be accompanied by strong winds, lightining, thunderstorms, flash-floods and ocean surges which would affect people living in the coastal areas. The warning, coming on the heels of the 2014 annual seasonal rainfall prediction by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), urged all residents living along flood plains and

wetlands to relocate to the upland pending the predicted rainfall.

But to the people living in Ajegunle, Idogun, Irawo, Ajiwole and Thomas communities in Ikorodu area of the state, the rainfall prediction is least among the worries they have despite experiencing the devastating effects of the 2010 flooding disaster. They are aggrieved that four years after they were promised assistance by President Goodluck Jonathan to help them rebuild their lives, nothing has been done in their community even after Jonathan paid the promised intervention fund.

“The Lagos State Government needs to develop our community following the flood we experienced in the past. We are yet to see what President Goodluck Jonathan promised us when he came here about three years ago and promised us that he would release money that would be used for the communities espe-

cially those affected by the flood. Since then, we have not seen anything and we have been told that the money has been paid to the state government,” Mr. Eniola Alabo, a resident in Ajegunle said.

In October 2010, unprecedented flooding occurred in parts of Ogun and Lagos states.

Due to the excessive rainfall witnessed during the rainy season that year, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority discharged excess water from Oyan Dam. This caused catastrophic flooding that affected many communities, displaced thousands of people with not less than 1500 homes affected. People living in Owode, Agiliti, Ajegunle, Agboyi-Ketu, Irawo, Ajiwole and so on were displaced from their houses; lives were lost, school pupils had their schools closed down and pupils relocated while businesses and goods worth billions of Naira were lost to the disaster.

The magnitude of the disaster was so much that the Lagos State Government had to relocate all the persons displaced to a relief camp at Agbowa . In Ogun State, internally displaced persons were recorded in Isheri Olofin, Denro, Ajuwon communities. The extent of devastation made President Jonathan to pay a visit to the affected areas and after inspecting the damage and suffering inflicted on the people, approved the sum of N2.1billion as Federal Government assistance to the governments of Lagos, Ogun and Jigawa states to alleviate the suffering of victims of flood disasters in the three states.

The President also promised to work with the state governments to carry out a comprehensive survey of the affected areas using satellite imagery and geographic information systems to find a permanent solution to the CO NTINUED O N PAGE 13

14

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Life

Another affected home

Front of Ajegunle High School that has been closed down

Give us Jonathan’s N700m flood intervention fund

Oladunjoye CONTINUED FR O M PAGE 12

problem.

In April 2013, the Lagos State Government said it had received the money promised by the Federal Government following the 2010 flood incident. While announcing the receipt of the money, Bello said the fund was drawn from the Ecological Fund and was being utilised by the state government to build houses for the enumerated victims of the flooding to ensure only the victims benefit. That decision did not go down well with many of the residents in the affected communities as they maintained the money should be used to develop the areas.

According to the traditional ruler and Baale of Ajegunle, Chief Moyosola Oladunjoye, the state government did not consult them or invite them over when the President made good his promise. “”If people are to talk about that fund, I believe I should be that among the people that should be conferred with. We know that N2.1billion was released and we have N700 million but the governor did not invite me, he does not listen to me and I don’t know if I will be allowed to see him if I visit,” he told our correspondent.

When New Telegraph on Sunday visited some of the affected areas, the environment still bore scars of the flooding four years after. The area is at the back of the lagoon and therefore witnessed the annual ocean surges before the flooding occurrence in 2010. Many of the roads are untarred and littered with dirt; some streets have drainages which are blocked while in

many, the gutters are stagnant and help in breeding mosquitoes which increases the risk of health hazards. Many of the buildings bear the marks of the flooding incident; some have improvised windows, discoloured wall paintings, and a great number has makeshift bridges constructed by wooden planks leading into their homes. There is stagnant water surrounding their homes and they makeshift paths lined with used tyres to avoid the wet marshy ground by throwing used tyres in front of such houses. The residents feel not much have been done for them by the state government considering the fact that they were all victims of the flooding for which the funds were made available by the Presidency.

“It is because of that flood incident that this fund came to Lagos State. Instead nothing has been done for us here. The only secondary school that both our junior and senior students were attending was moved to another area that requires us to spend more money on transport sending our children to school,” reiterated Alabo.

Ajegunle High School still remains closed by the state government four years after the incident. The many classroom blocks have been overtaken by weeds and the school field which many students have passed through is no longer in use as a police order bans usage of the field for any form of recreation. The people feel that the government should re-open the school to alleviate the stress their wards go through by attending schools at Kosofe and Ajelogo which are far from their localities.

But the state government maintains that the people residing in the affected communities should have moved away from those areas since 2010. Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola sounded the warning in 2010 when the flooding incident occurred, saying that the area is a flood plain and nobody should be living there. He urged them to be ready to move as no building plan has ever been granted to anybody whose building is in the area. Subsequently, the state government, through the Ministry of Environment, has kept sounding the warning every year, a warning the people say they will never heed.

“I am 72 years old and was born in this place. My great grandfather died at the age of 105 years and rain has never driven anybody away from Ikorodu. We have been here for a long time and what the government keeps warning about are just predictions; they are not God,” Moyosola said.

He clarified that the problem of the community is not the rains as they pose no threat to their lives and remaining properties salvaged during the flooding of 2010.

“Our problem used to be the release of the excess water from Oyan Dam which led to the flooding experienced that year. We had to go to OPIC and discuss with Ogun State government officials and they agreed that they would be

Alabo

discharging the water gradually so that by September and October which are the peak periods during the rainy season when we normally have the ocean surge, the water from the dam will not add to the surge and overwhelm us. For the past three years there has not been any flood here in Ikorodu,” Moyosola said.

New Telegraph on Sunday gathered that the Lagos State Government is using the intervention fund in constructing homes for the enumerated displaced victims of the flood in housing schemes across the state. But the residents are yearning for direct impact on their community that was ravaged by the natural disaster. Top on their demands from the state government is the immediate relocation of the secondary school back to their community.

“We want the school to be rehabilitated and our students recalled from other schools they were transferred to. We want the government to construct drainages for us; if the gutters are there, we don’t have any problem. We are a part of Lagos State and voted in the elections that brought this government to power. We have been told the money President Jonathan promised has been paid but we don’t know what they are doing with it without us. They believe that those of us living here don’t have a voice to say anything but we want to say it out that we have not seen anything from the government and we are the ones affected by that flood; we are the victims,” Alabo pleaded. New Telegraph on Sunday tried to contact the Lagos State Commissioner for Information but calls placed to his phone and text messages sent to him were not answered.

Sanctity of Truth

ON SUNDAY

Page 15, APRIL 13, 2014

No one taught me how to make hats

–Grace Chito Mark

Sexy, flirty & edgy mono sleeves Sexy leather wrist bands for men

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Body&S

FASHION

TELE 4 NEW IL 13, 201

You may not have been born with big eyes or the thickest eyelashes, but simple makeup techniques will make your eyes stand out

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Pg. 50

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GLAM DUDES

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Designed to mimick the luxury light fixture, chandeliers’ (the earrings) intricate designs are arresting

} 21

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The monostrap is a fashion statement on its own, so avoid adding accessories that compete with your neckline

ACCESSORIES

BEAUTY

Pg. 45

NDAY

Contents 13.04.14 COVER

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O he G on t Y I D

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y&S

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4 Pg.

l Juliet Bumah (Editor)

BED, WORK & LIFE

“Darling, darling, guess what?”

Patra was

breathless.

Richie couldn’t remember the last time his wife was this excited.

Joy flooded through him

} 20

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

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Body&Soul

Accessories

Get the celeb look with Chandeliers Biwom Iklaki

F

ew things light up and frame a woman’s face like the earrings she wears.

Best of these are the chandelier earrings. De-

signed to mimick the luxury light fixture, chandeliers’ (the earrings) intricate designs are arresting.

They lend a dainty, elegant and glamorous appeal to any woman’s look. The

more flamboyant and sparkly ones are often saved for occasions and when you are out on the town at night, while you can rock the muted ones with beads and twisted metals or fewer layers during the day.

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Body&Soul

APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

No one taught me how to make hats

The history of millinery in Nigeria will not be complete without mentioning Grace Chito Mark, the Creative Director of Grace’s Hat Galleria. The hat maker, who has garnered many awards, both locally and internationally, told VANESSA OKWARA how she started her business How long have you been in the business of hat making?

I am 34 years in the business of hat making now. I started this business in 1980.

Why hat making?

When I was still in secondary school, I used to do a lot of needle works with my hand. One day, my sister came in and saw me working and told me that she believed I could also make hats. At that time, I didn’t know how to make hats, neither had I seen anyone who was into it here in Nigeria. So when I finished my school certificate examination, I started fiddling with the idea.

That was how the whole business was birthed.

market the hats. I went to Surulere and I walked into Aunty Abba Folawiyo’s shop, the owner of Labanella fashion house. She looked at my hats and said, “Young lady, I think you have great ideas and I believe you can make this look a lot better”. She gave me her materials to try out new designs. She used to sew for the ‘Who is Who’ in Nigeria at that time. That was how I made hats for her and she started wearing them. She also encouraged her customers to patronise me and soon people started embracing my hats and made orders for them. Mrs Folawiyo is truly a mother. She encouraged me when a lot of people did not believe in my creativity.

How did you raise the capital to start the business?

You didn’t go to any fashion school to learn the art?

No, not at all, because there was nothing like that then. You could say I went to the school of heaven to learn it because no one taught me how to do it. I am regarded as the pioneer of hat making in Nigeria today because there was nobody I could recall who was into hat making in Nigeria in the eighties. In those days, people used to bring in hats as an imported item. It was after I started that other people came into the business. My creativity comes from God and within me. It is something God called me to do. I was born to do hat making.

How does it feel knowing that you are regarded as the pioneer of hat making in Nigeria?

Well, I thank God for the privilege. It is not something I go bragging about because it is a gift from God. I know I can do nothing on my own expect God helps me. God has been my help so far in this business, I must tell you. It gives me great joy that I can do something people will appreciate and I also exchange it for money.

After your secondary school education, did you attend any institution of higher learning or you just went into hat making?

No, I furthered my education. I went to the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, and I studied Economics and Management. I have managed to incorporate the managerial part of what I studied into the business; otherwise, it is in no way related to what I am doing now, which is more about creativity.

When you started initially, what was the reception like?

Before I started, there were no made in Nigeria hats.

The hats we saw then were all foreign, so my hats were unacceptable then. In fact, people laughed at me.

Some even mocked me, saying that my hats looked like woven baskets; but I was never discouraged. I was determined and because God knew what He had prepared for me, He kept me focused. Hat making is a passion, I find joy doing it. It is something that comes naturally and I don’t feel stressed doing it. It wasn’t as if everybody didn’t like it, there were a few people that admired it. After a while, they embraced the idea of buying made in Nigeria hats.

When I finished my secondary school education, like I said earlier, I kept fiddling with my hands and came out with things that looked like hats. I started wearing them and a girl noticed them in church and asked where I got my hats. When I told her I made them myself, she said I should not tell people I made them so they would not look down on them. She then asked me how much it would cost to make them for her and I told her N10. She quickly counted N30 and asked me to make three for her. It was then it dawned on me that this business could fetch me money and could be turned into something big. Before then, I was using left over materials from Madam Folawiyo’s shop.

That was how I started this business with just N30 and I kept turning the money over to become the big business it is now.

In those days, were hats a popular trend for Nigerian women?

I will say there has never been a time Nigerian Ladies were not wearing hats. This is because Nigerian women love to cover their hair. In those days, people would buy their hats from abroad. It wasn’t until I started making hats that people started buying them from here. There was also a time hats were in vogue.

In fact, if you were not wearing hats then, you were not fashionable. People are still wearing them even till today to church and weddings.

Is the business of hat making really lucrative?

Yes, there is money in hat making. I am encouraging the younger generation to go into it. People like us would have been out of business if there was no money in it. This is what I have been doing for 34 years. So if it had not been sustaining me, I would have opted for something else.

Do you have a training institute where people can come in and learn this craft?

Yes I do. A lot of people have passed through me and started their own businesses. Right now, we are building a place exclusively for the training school. When we are done with the building, we will start a proper school where there will be certification. But right now, people come into our factory and just learn the craft.

How did you get your breakthrough?

Do you take your craft to international fashion shows?

When I finished secondary school and came to Lagos, I started going from one shop to the other to

Yes, we have done a lot of shows both locally and internationally. We have

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Body&Soul

-Milliner, Grace Chito Mark also been invited to different art shows organised within and outside Nigeria.

Have you won awards?

Yes, quite a lot of them actually. I have won the City People Awards several times. In Atlanta, USA, they gave me the Best Nigerian Entrepreneur in 2003. Also at the Kentucky Derby Ascot Hats show in America, my hats won the first, second and third positions at the same time in 2006.

Are your hats accepted internationally?

There has never been a time that anybody were my hats to any of those Ascot shows and went unnoticed. The first time I wore my hat to an Ascot show in London, people applauded it a lot. There are quite so many, I cannot begin to list them here now. About three years ago, I went to the United Nations for the World Hat Luncheon Day. We were about 29 ladies at that event and I was the only black lady among them who was making hats. It was at that event that I met Susan Rice, the US Ambassador to the United Nations and through her, I got my hat into the hands of Michelle Obama, the first lady of USA. She wrote a personal letter to acknowledge receipt of the hat and that it turned out to be one of her best collections. Two years ago, CNN featured Michelle Obama wearing my hat and they wrote, ‘Hat by Grace Mark of Nigeria’. That was how Grace’s Hat received international acclaim.

I am sure it has not always been rosy. Have people criticised your work and how did you handle it?

Just like every other business, there comes a time you must experience criticisms. Some people come in and tell you they don’t like the hats because they are crazy about imported hats.

They may not like the material used. The material I use mostly is the crinoline. I was the one that turned it into what you see today. It used to be used for decorations, but I translated it, by the help of God, into a proper hat. Initially, they didn’t accept it, especially the high class ladies, because that is the kind of materials they usually see in the market. But when they saw the creativity behind it, with time and a lot of convictions, they accepted it. So, there have been a lot of criticisms, but I learn a lot from them.

we are help mates, we are builders of the home. It is the woman that builds and sustains the home. Men are like babies, they are our own children too. They way we treat our children, if we open our hearts to treat our husbands like that, I think women will have fruitful marriages and long lasting relationships. But most women are impatient and they cannot condone some of the things that men do. But if they have God in their lives, they will know that God has given them a responsibility to build that home.

There are women who are passing through some marital challenges right now; some are even considering divorce as we speak, what is your advice to them?

I would advise them to pause and have a rethink. They should go back to their creator and find out the values in marriage and receive grace though it is not easy; that marriage can still work. Women should stop taking rash decisions at times. Don’t be too quick to decide to quit. With prayers and trust in God, you will be able to win back your marriage. The truth is that most people who have been successful in marriage would have called it quits at one time or the other, but they chose to sustain that marriage.

What is the place of romance in marriage?

Well, if there is no romance, there is really no marriage.

When I talk about romance, it is not only in bed. It involves loving your spouse, adoring him, respecting him and accepting him despite the fact that he might not be what you want him to be.

Define your style.

When it comes to my style in terms of fashion, I put on what fits me because of the uniqueness of my shape. I don’t go for what is in vogue. I go for what is suitable for me. I love perfumes, but I am not too particular about brand names but I love men’s perfumes.

This is because they are strong. The particular fragrance I love is Job and it is my best. I have used it for years.

Can you name some Nigerian celebrities and top personalities that have worn your hats.

Does any of your children show interest in your business?

There are so many of them. I mentioned that Abba Folawiyo wore my hat a lot in those days and that brought my business to a lot of classy ladies. Personalities like Folorunsho Alakija have won my hats, presidents’ wives have also worn my hat, and (Lagos State Governor Babatunde) Fashola’s wife has also worn my hats. A lot of gospel ministers’ wives wear my hats as well.

Yes, my second son and my baby girl have shown interest in the business of hatmaking. I encourage them.

What inspires your designs?

It is God’s creativity that inspires my ideas. Just looking at someone’s face, I already know what fits you. People’s eyes and objects I see around me also inspire me. Colours inspire me, leaves and flowers inspire me a lot. Most often, when I am praising and worshipping God, that is the best time I get inspired.

You are married. How many kids do you have?

I have two boys and a girl. My first son is in the university and my last baby is in the secondary school.

Has your husband been supportive of your business?

Yes, he has been very supportive. Without him, I am sure I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am today. He has encouraged me a lot both emotionally and financially and in every other way.

When it comes to marriage, what have you done to sustain your home so far?

First of all, women need to know that they are builders; in as much as God says

What is your beauty secret and the things you have done to sustain the beautiful looks you still have?

B e cause of the number of years I

have been in the business, people just assume that I am an elderly person. I am not that young though. I am in my early fifties actually. What I did when I was younger was that I ate right. I eat a lot of vegetables, fruits and do lots of exercises and I’ve not stopped. When I approached my late thirties and forties, I started taking a lot of food supplements. This is because you cannot get all the nutrients in the food that will sustain you. I try as much as possible to eat right. I try to eat what is suitable for my blood group so that I will not introduce poison into my blood system. That is what I have done over the years and I have confessed with my mouth that I will look young even at a very old age. Most importantly, the God in me has kept me looking fresh and young.

What do we expect from Graces’ Hat in the next five years?

In the next five years, we are hoping to grow from glory to glory. We desire to get better. I hope to still be very relevant in the business of hat-making.

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Body&Soul

with

Juliet Bumah +234 81 1 675 9770 chibumah@yahoo.com

It never rains, it pours P

ius and Patra were at the departure hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Patra was about to board a flight to Lagos. The ‘honeymoon’ was over.

They held on to each other, oblivious of the people milling around them. Some spared them a stare or two, but they were past caring.

“My love, I want you to understand that what happened between us was not a mere fling. For two years, my heart had mourned and searched for happiness. You came and filled the emptiness in my life. You gave me a genuine reason to laugh again. I want you to know that you are leaving with that part of me that can love a woman, you are leaving with my strength.

You can kill me if you chose,” Pius’ voice had gone hoarse. He couldn’t go on.

“Baby, I promise you, I’ll be back soon.

You don’t understand how I feel about you.

I don’t feel like leaving but you know that there are ties that cannot be broken by a mere wish,” Patra replied just as the Lagosbound flight was announced.

Another long kiss, exchange of words of endearment, and she hurried to check in.

Pius stood and watched as she walked away, every step she took etched in his mind. When he could see her no more, he walked to his car, turned on the ignition and waited. The plane took off and he felt a twinge in his heart.

“I’ll see her again and again,” he told himself. He was so sure. ************ As Patra fastened her seatbelt, she rued the happenings in the last few days.

“What made me come to Abuja? I wanted to clear my head of the agony of knowing that Richie had been cheating on me.

Now I have cheated on him. What moral right do I have to be angry at him now? Can I look him in the eyes and accuse him of infidelity? Oh, how I wish he didn’t scatter his maker’s image in his bid to prove that I was responsible for our childless marriage.”

She settled more comfortably into her seat and closed her eyes.

Immediately, the image of Pius, strong and handsome, chased Richie’s away. Her heart fluttered.

“If this is not love, then I’m not capable of loving,” she told herself with a smile.

“Pius! Virile, gentle, caring...” she dreamt of her days with the man who had suddenly taken over her heart.

She was startled when the landing announcement was made.

She opened her eyes, surprised that she didn’t know when they took off.

Immediately the aircraft taxied to a halt and it was safe to turn on the phone, she did and called Pius.

“Baby, I’m in Lagos.”

“Oh, thank God! I can now go home. Been waiting, thinking you would come back. Of course, I knew it was a childish dream, but it was worth it,” he said with a little laugh.

Patra felt as if the air was sucked out of her.

“I love you, my baby. We’ll see very soon,” she told him.

She didn’t divulge the details of her flight to Richie. She didn’t want him to pick her at the airport. As the cab took her home, she wondered how she would manage her secret.

She was surprised to meet Richie at home. He looked so disheveled. The house was in a mess.

“What’s the matter?” She asked sharply.

“Nothing. I’ve not been feeling too fine,” Richie replied weakly,

moving towards her for a hug. It was without passion on her part.

“How was your trip? Hope it was successful,” he asked.

“Yes, it was”, she snapped in response and added, more kindly, “Have you seen the doctor? What did he say?”

In bed that night, there was no passion. Patra was glad it was over so quickly. She heaved a sigh of relief as he spurted so weakly. The sticky fluid irritated her. She noticed that his body was flabby, it didn’t excite her. She longed for Pius’ strong arms and felt ashamed.

Richie was alarmed, he could not attain full ‘stand’. As much as he willed himself, it came up as cooked muscle. He was grateful that Patra was too tired to notice but prayed silently that it was a passing phase.

******* Four days later, Pius made an unscheduled visit to Lagos. Patra was beside herself with joy. She had him lodged somewhere between her home and office. She would dash there and back during lunch break and pass through there on her way home in the evening. She had a perfect alibi for getting home late -been away from office for one week and had a backlog of work!

Richie didn’t notice a thing. He was too preoccupied with his worries to notice that his wife came home with flushed face.

He avoided her at nights, claiming he was working on a project. In actual fact, he didn’t want a repeat of that unmanly show the night Patra returned from Abuja. He noticed that his man rarely got excited anymore. It was even a good thing his wife was working so late and getting home tired. They kept to their separate rooms.

That arrangement suited Patra. She could talk with Pius on the phone for hours every night. She didn’t even notice that her husband never looked in as he used to do when, for any reason, they had to sleep apart. ********* Pius left for Abuja after five nights in Lagos and had to travel to the US for business. He would be gone for two months as he would spend some time in his Texas home where his mum was holidaying with his kids.

The two lovebirds kept in touch through the phone. ************ Life, somehow, returned to normal in Richie’s home. They communicated better. Richie apologised once again for his misdemeanor and promised that no woman would usurp on Patra’s

rights in their home.

However, the nights were a disaster. He could hardly will his man to stand up. They blamed it on the fact that he was working too hard. Of course, Richie knew his ‘impotence status’ was the cause. Patra was secretly relieved. She really didn’t want to tango with him and encouraged him to see the doctor and rest more. Mating with him had become an anticlimax. She longed for Pius each night. ********* About a month after Pius left for the US, Patra went for her regular medical check up. That Thursday morning, after the tests, her doctor called her into his office and offered her a seat.

He observed her with solemn eyes and Patra’s mind flew in one million directions.

“Mrs. Williams,” he began slowly, “going by the result of the tests conducted on you,” he flashed the paper, his eyes twinkling with smiles, “you are six weeks pregnant!”

Patra sat, stunned. “Me? Pregnant? Impossible, er...I mean, unbelievable,” she stammered.

“Doctor, please I don’t like such jokes. Cut it out, what exactly do you want to tell me?”

She fought to keep her feet on the ground, she felt them sailing under her.

“Congratulations ma’m. I’ll advise you register for anti natal immediately so that we keep a tab on your progress,” the doctor said, pushing the papers towards her.

She mumbled something, picked the ‘result’ and walked out of the doctor’s office.

The doctor shook his head in joy. “Thank you Lord for putting joy in her home,” the doctor said.

When Patra got into her car, she brought out the paper again and scanned through it and screamed.

“Me pregnant? Oh my God, I worship you, Lord! Where’s Richie?”

She picked her phone and dialed his number, engaged. She kept redialing it. This great news would not wait. She dialed Pius’ number but it didn’t go through. *********** Richie was on the phone with Ruth. She had just been delivered of a baby boy. Whose baby? He was confused. He didn’t know what to think. She sounded very weak.

A call kept interrupting them. It was his wife. He told Ruth that he would call back and picked Patra’s call.

“Darling, darling, guess what?” Patra was breathless. Richie couldn’t remember the last time his wife was this excited. It reminded him of their lives before February 14th. Joy flooded through him.

“Tell me, my jewel,” he said.

“The doctor just confirmed that I’m pregnant; six weeks gone!

Where are you? I have the result,” she screamed excitedly.

“You are what? Pregnant? Er....er...er I mean, you you mean you are pregnant?” Richie stuttered into the phone and sat down, hard, on his table. He was in his office. He managed to say the right things to his wife and waited for her. She had told him she was coming to his office.

“Patra pregnant? By whom? Me? Ruth delivered of a boy? My son? Are the doctors wrong? Are Ruth’s children mine? Lord, let me wake up from this dream!”

His head ached and he held it with both hands.

It never rains, it pours!

The series continues next Sunday!

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APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

Vanessa Okwara

T

Make those eyes pop!

he eyes, they say, are windows to the soul.

Some individuals have stunning eyes and makeup makes them extra beautiful. You may not have been born with big eyes or the thickest eyelashes, but simple makeup techniques will make your eyes stand out. Your eye shape determines which makeup tricks will create the most pop for your eyes.

With the right technique, beauty products such as mascara, white eye shadow and highlighters will make your eyes pop. The colour of the eye shadow you use is also a factor to consider when trying to make the eyes stand out.

To make those eyes pop: 1. Play with mascara on your bottom lashes.

Depending on the size and shape of your eyes, lowerlash mascara can either open up or close your eyes. First, experiment to see if lower lash mascara opens up your eyes. If it doesn’t, don’t use it.

2. Apply a tiny amount of white eye shadow just at the inside edge (by your tear duct) of your eye. The white shadow brightens the whites of your eyes, allowing the colour to pop.

3. Curl your eyelashes -an eyelash curler could

very well be called a girl’s best friend.

4. Use highlighter along the brow bone and the inside of your eyes, just along the tear duct.

5. Use light eye shadows. Darker eye shadow colours, while perfect for smoky eyes, make many eyes appear smaller. Lighter colours can brighten the eyes, allowing them to appear bigger.

Apply eye shadow that brings out your natural eye colour.

6. To make your eyes appear wider, line the top lash line from the midpoint of your eye to just beyond its outer edge.

Continue the line from the outer corner about 1/4 inch into your lower lashes to draw attention to the outside of your eyes.

7. To make your eyes appear bigger, line the top lash line with a dark eyeliner all the way to the inside corner. Next, line the very outside corner of your bottom lash line.

This gives the appearance of fuller eyelashes and deepens your eyes.

8.

Wear mascara.

Place the mascara wand near the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand up as you apply the mascara to cover each lash and separate them.

Body&Soul

22

T

Vanessa Okwara he mono-sleeve dress -one arm bare with another swathed in beautiful fabric -is demure and bold at the same time.

Although the mono-sleeve dress has been in fashion for several seasons, it still maintains its fresh and unexpected look. Mono-sleeve dresses always give the wearer a chic look.

If you’re attending a formal occasion and want something dramatic and ethereal, then try a mono-sleeve long formal gown.

Accessorising this style of dress requires a little thought.

Here are a few tips to bear in

mind when you want to rock a mono-sleeve dress.

• The mono-strap is a fashion statement on its own, so avoid adding accessories that compete with your neckline. Instead, opt for earrings, bracelets or a cocktail ring as you don’t want too many accessories. But if you really fancy a necklace, go for a simple choker that won’t interfere with the dress.

• A pair of trendy shoes is also chic. Make sure they are not flats but high enough to bring out the beauty of your dress.

• Pair your dress with a strapless bra. Even if you have bras that have colourful or fashionable straps, they will ruin the monosleeve style. If the dress has a low backline, consider using stick-on pasty bras, which you can find in most lingerie stores.

• Style your hair to complement your exposed shoulder. If you want to wear your hair down, have it lay behind your shoulders or pull it forward over the shoulder with the strap. Any ‘hair up’ will work better to show off this look. * Remember, don’t force this trend on your body. If you don’t have the right body structure to carry it through, try something else!

Sexy, flirty & edgy mono sleeves

APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

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Hardball Oditah: Many judges are lazy, unfit p.26

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

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Tel: 08033024007

APRIL 13, 2014

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Politics ON SUNDAY

Jonathan’s endorsement and matters arising President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid has continued to gain more currency by the day, especially with the endorsement by the SouthSouth zone of the Peoples Democratic Party. In this analysis, JOE EZUMA brings into focus the many hurdles he must cross before this ambition can be realised

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hough President Goodluck Jonathan may not have openly declared his interest to seek re-election come 2015, every iota of doubt about his keen desire for the job is eroding by the day. His regional solidarity rallies, public utterances, subtle campaign in churches and visits to traditional rulers in many parts of the country bear eloquent testimony to this latent desire to contest.

A case in point has been his evasive response to questions on the subject either at his monthly media chats or at other fora. He had not only denied that he promised not contest the 2015 presidential election, but also put a lie to claims that he signed an agreement with some Peoples Democratic Party governors to spend only one term in office. He has severally challenged anybody with a copy of such agreement to produce it.

Typical of a strategist with a game plan, the President, who is believed to be an adherent of Fabianism, a concept popularised by late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe for out-smarting his political foes, might be utilising the same strategy of losing the battles and winning the war in the current bid to seek re-election.

His endorsement for a second term last year by South-South leaders, the Peoples Democratic Party and his kinsmen under the aegis of the Ijaw National Congress, is another factor. The INC’s call on Nigerians to give their support to Jonathan in agreement with the principle of reciprocity did not come to many as a surprise.

But this is one ambition that has not gone down well with the North, which believes that Jonathan is not cognisant of the fact that providence has taken him thus far. Many believe that he should be satisfied with his meteoric rise to President after the death of President

Jonathan

Umaru Yar’Adua, and should just bow out of office in 2015.

For instance, a former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Adamu Aliyu, boasted recently that the North would use its enormous voting strength to ensure that Jonathan does not return to power in 2015. This is coming just as the South-South has threatened that the country will burn if Jonathan is not allowed to return to Aso Rock.

But Aliyu who described himself as one of those who worked for the Jonathan Presidency with the Save Nigeria Group, when opposition was mounted against the President’s inauguration as acting President boasted, “We in the North will take over from Jonathan through the ballot box and not through the barrel of the gun as some elements threatened recently. By the grace of God, we shall take over from him.”

But former militant and leader of the Nigeria Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Alhaji Mujaheed Dokubo-Asari, threatened that “blood

Mu’azu

would flow in the streets if Jonathan is not reelected president in the 2015 election…The way things are going, there is no sitting on the fence in the battle before us.”

In apparent reaction to similar tantrums, Dokubo said, “When some people say they have a right to rule and others don’t, then there is no sitting on the fence. All of us will have to be in the ring and fight. We cannot leave Goodluck (Jonathan) alone. My support for Jonathan will be biased, because charity begins at home. Monkey no fine, but im mama like am. Goodluck, na my person. 2015 is already a settled matter. Goodluck Jonathan will be President in 2015.”

Aliyu, however, took a swipe at Niger Delta campaigners for Jonathan’s re-election, regretting that he had allowed his kinsmen to insult and intimidate other Nigerians because of his 2015 ambition.

The vehement opposition was hardly new, since it was part of the conditions laid by the G-7 such as Rivers State Governor, Rotimi

Amaechi, before some governors defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. Among other things, they sought the resignation of Bamanga Tukur as the PDP national chairman.

To the antagonists of Jonathan’s ambition, the argument is that another term will give Jonathan and indeed the South an unfair advantage over the North. A chieftain of the PDP in Adamawa State, Umar Ado, in an interview with New Telegraph on Sunday said, “All elective offices are for four years, and… if he contests the next election… that means he is going to exceed eight years in office. If Jonathan is allowed another four-year term, by 2019, he would have served as the nation’s president for about 10 years.”

For such reasons, the ambition is believed to be tearing the nation apart. Former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, (retd) pointed out that much recently when he said, “2015 elections are among other things exCONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Politics / National Conference

Delegates want FG to stop sponsoring pilgrimages

I

slamic and Christian leaders attending the National Conference have canvassed the scrapping of all religious privileges in the Nigerian Constitution, in order to allow adherents of the different faiths to practise their religion without government’s interference.

In a presentation at the conference, the clerics, Mallam Sani Hanga and Prof. Andrew Haruna, were unanimous in canvassing for Nigeria to be truly a secular state where government at all levels would hands off issues of religion.

Hanga said that rather than Muslims and Christians bickering over which of the religions was favoured by the 1999 Constitution, all issues of religion should be taken away from governance and politics.

He added that they were made to believe that religion constitutes a major impediment to the development of this country.

Hanga said it is not only on religion that Nigerians clash.

“We clash on so many other grounds but I believe if we are able to remove that, we should be able to move forward. We agree with the Christian Association of Nigeria delegates that support the withdrawal of religious privileges in the constitution if they are there, which appear to be visibly contentious to the Islamic religion.

“We do agree with this, and it must be across board. We support the withdrawal of privileges on public holidays, Christians or Muslims, sponsoring of Muslim or Christian delegates on holy pilgrimages, dress code and matriculation into the universities, the

removal of crosses and other insignia in our hospitals and convocation in our academic institutions.

“All these privileges, we don’t need them at all; remove them. If this will make this country move forward,” he said.

Hanga added that in the alternative, the Muslim community would not object if Christians want Christian laws to be inserted into

the constitution.

In a separate presentation, one of the six Christian leaders at the conference, Prof.

Andrew Haruna, noted that a lot of things in Nigeria were based on religious sentiments.

Adding that, though President Jonathan responded to the situation in the North to build Almajiri schools, it has been viewed in some quarters as a separatist policy.

According to him, such a policy is dangerous and should have been avoided by the government.

Haruna, however, urged the government to remove all discriminatory policies towards religion from the constitution. He said religious privileges such as festivals, pilgrimages, schools, places of worship in federal or state government institutions should be stopped.

L-R: Delegate members - Mrs. Eunice Igwe; Mrs. Victoria Akanwa; and Chief Remi Kuku; at the National Conference in Abuja...

Jonathan’s endorsement and matters arising C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 3

pected to determine where power will reside in the next four years. The North is determined to have it back and its leaders are pulling all the strings to see that that happens.”

More intriguing was the entry last week of a former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, into the fray. Sylva a few days ago advised Jonathan to forget his alleged reelection bid because Nigerians will send him packing from Aso Rock in 2015. Sylva even boasted that Jonathan’s kinsmen from the South-South would lead the struggle against his re-election bid because the President has divided the region with his” anti-people policies.”

PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Prince Uche Secondus, however, is one man who believes that the ambition will be a reality despite all odds. At a party function in Port Harcourt recently, he stated that Jonathan has the party’s full support.

Also, the party’s South-South Zonal Working Committee unanimously adopted him as its sole candidate. The committee in a communiqué signed by the PDP National Vice Chairman, South-South zone, Dr. Steve Oru, and the Publicity Secretary, Imo-Owo Okpokpo, at the end of their deliberation, endorsed Jonathan for the 2015 presidential election.

The committee also passed a vote of confidence in Jonathan for the success of his transformation agenda, stabilisation of the national economy, enhanced security of

Amaechi

lives and property as well as the fight against terrorism and other related crimes in the country. While expressing satisfaction with Jonathan for the recent commencement of the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, the committee commended the new National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mua’zu, and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, for repositioning the party.

PDP Chairman in Rivers State, Felix Obuah, for his part, gave the assurance that the PDP would win the forthcoming governorship election in the state as well as deliver over 90 per cent of the votes to Jonathan in 2015.

Speaking with New Telegraph on Sunday, he declared, “Rivers State is a PDP state.

Some of our members who are currently

in Amaechi’s government and claim to be members of the All Progressives Congress, are doing so because of the need to survive.

At the appropriate time, they will rejoin us in the PDP where they all really belong.”

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Bayelsa , Col. Samuel Inokoba, (retd) applauded the recent endorsement by the Party’s South-South Zonal working Committee , of Jonathan for president in 2015, on the basis of his “excellent performance in the various sector of the economy.

He said it was noteworthy that the ZWC also passed a vote of confidence on the President for the success of his transformation agenda, stating that no opposition in the South-South can stop Jonathan’s success in the election, In an interview with New Telegraph on Sunday, Inokoba said no president in the history of the country has recorded the “monumental achievements of Jonathan amidst daunting and distracting security and political challenges.”

‘Jonathan is a gift of God and he is equally God’s Gift to Nigeria No other President could have faced the attacks and disobedient from some party members and sectional interests successfully. But for his divine ordination this Country, the country would have been set back 20 year backwards gone to the rocks, given the challenges of the past two years,’’ he said, He described Jonathan as ‘’ quiet, calm and easy-going ‘’, attributes which he observed

had endeared the President both to teeming population of his fellow countrymen and the international community, adding that this is the basis for which the South-South will continue to support him.

Similarly, Acting President of Ijaw National Congress, Mr. Charles Ambowei, supported the endorsement of Jonathan for re-election.

He said: “Our position is that whether President Jonathan is an Ijaw man or not, it would not have changed anything, First of all, he has constitutional grounds to seek a second term in office. He is somebody who comes from a minority background, who is doing a good job in the country, since he has set the country on the path way to restructure and we can create true federalism under his watch and co-operation of all Nigerians, why should he not be given a chance?”

According to him, “We at the home level have asked him to actually seek re-election.

And we want to use this opportunity to thank all Nigerians. In 2011, there was no ethnic nationality in this country which the Ijaw National Congress did not interact with in its bridge building exercise, and it was their understanding of our issue that made them to vote for him. That was round one, and this is the second round, hence we are asking them to support him again.”

While Nigerians wait for Jonathan to state clearly whether he intends to seek a second term or not, it is clear that he and his party must take cognisance of issues that will determine the 2015 election.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Politics / National Conference

Jonathan misled Nigerians on referendum - Mohammed Hon. Zakari Mohammed is the chairman House of Representatives Committee on Media and public affairs. He is one of the 37 Peoples Democratic Party members that defected to the All Progressives Congress, in December, 2013. In this interview with PHILIP NYAM, he addresses a wide range of issues including the national confab, and politics in the lower house

Y

ou have been in the House for the last three years and speaking for the House. How does it feel being the spokesman for the House?

It has been a tasking assignment and at the same time it is a job that requires tact because you are speaking on behalf of 360 people. I am happy to say that so far there has never been a time I issued a statement and the House had cause to refute it. But as spokesman for the House, you need to concentrate and also study the mood and learn not to speak off guard.

You also have to use your sixth sense and I am lucky because the leadership has made it so easy for me; the leadership is always there for me. So, whenever I need clarification, the leadership is on hand. My colleagues have also been very cooperative and supportive.

Hon Victor Ogene, the deputy chairman has been there providing the needed stability. All the same, I would say it has been so exciting.

Many had expected that when you defected to the APC, you would step down as chairman of media and public affairs committee. How do you marry being in opposition and speaking for a House controlled by the PDP?

There is precedence in this House. During the fifth House, Hon. Abike Dabiri, was in the Alliance for Democracy, an opposition party but she was the spokesperson for the House under Hon. Aminu Masari as speaker, who was in PDP. I must say that it is the convenience of the leadership; if they feel that you are doing well or they are satisfied with your performance then there is no problem. But I believe that I was elected by my people to come and represent them and anything outside that is just complementary. So, for me I believe that it is the leadership that decides who heads which committee and at what time.

A Federal High Court recently advised the 37 of you that defected to the APC to vacate your seats and also barred you from changing the leadership of the House. Do you feel threatened by this ruling?

Much as I feel tempted to speak on this, there is no way I will express a personal opinion that would not contradict our official position. But I want to say that the seventh House

as the bastion of democracy in the country has always been on the same page with the judiciary in terms of their rules and rulings.

However, any case that is before a competent court, we have an attitude in this House not to discuss it. Anything I say will be subjudice.

The only people that can talk about it are our lawyers and our leaders in the defecting group.

So, I would like you to excuse me.

As an elected representative, your constituents expect you to provide certain basic amenities. What have you been able to do to your constituency?

I have about 85 boreholes sunk in the last three years and these came through appropriation. Out of these, 35 are motorised boreholes and they are scattered around my constituency. What I intend to do is to identify the needs of my constituents. If you go to my constituency, and you mention my name, it is synonymous with water because I believe that the intervention fund is not enough so you have to plough it back into a particular area. I have also provided furniture for some schools and examination centres. Some I have done in conjunction with MTN Foundation.

At the same time, I have provided 109 computers. I have instituted bursary and to my credit most of the indigent students in my 21 wards, at least six students each have benefited from the registration of WAEC and UME. Then of course, in Kaima particularly I sponsored extra mural classes for 150 students and at the end of it, we buy forms for 35 of them to different schools and many of them have made it. Then our students in law school are also benefiting from the bursary. I instituted a free fertiliser distribution programme for the communities in my first two years; every ward has at least about two to three trailer load of fertilizer. This is because my constituency is primarily an agrarian one.

Of course for communities that are rav-

aged by natural disasters I am always the first person to come to their rescue. I remember when Gbajibo community’s entire farmland was submerged by water. In conjunction with NEMA, I organised relief materials and tried to get grains from them. In the area of employment, I do the little I can because government’s ministries, departments and agencies would tell you that they do not have vacancies. But I have a community centre and a skill acquisition centre on going, in both Barute and Kaima local government areas. It is a solar- powered centre and it is captured in the 2014 budget.

Another area is the road from Kaima to Kishi and Kusubusu and New Bussa to Kaima.

Kaima community particularly is a very sad case because it is being cut off from the rest of the state and it is because of the non-implementation of budget. The bulk of the food that is eaten in Lagos, Osun, Oyo comes from Kaima. So, if these roads are done well, the farmers will be better empowered.

The seventh House is known for activism and being proactive but many Nigerians were disappointed when the motion on the immigration tragedy came up. It is alleged that money exchanged hands and that was why the motion was weak.

For us, we are not new to this type of allegation. Anytime there is an investigation on the floor of the House, these allegations usually come up. Yes, money is good but money at the expense of blood; at the expense of what we are sent here to come and do? At least, there are some honourable and decent lawmakers among us. I am not saying all of us are good but there are some extremely honourable, honest and decent members among us. As far as I know, no money was given to anybody.

But what we have done is to take a back seat in the immigration recruitment scandal since the Senate has already taken up the matter. If you remember that day, the speaker gave a lot

Anytime there is an investigation on the floor of the House, these allegations usually come up. Yes, money is good but money at the expense of blood; at the expense of what we are sent here to come and do? No

Mohammed

of latitude to people to speak and I remember that part of the resolution was that the man (Abba Moro) be sacked. The House should therefore be insulated from any blame. We did not ask for or collect money from anyone to water down the motion.

What has become of the investigation by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges into the allegations of corruption against Farouk Lawan? Hon. Hema Hembe has been discharged and acquitted by the court but what about Lawan?

The ethics committee was mandated to look at the allegations against Farouk Lawan and see if he had done wrong. But the issue suddenly became a court case and if you have issues in court you have to tread softly. There is nothing we will say that would not affect the outcome of the case. However, the House has taken a decision on Farouk; we cannot recall him but he has been stripped of his chairmanship of the education committee. But we also believe that those prosecuting Lawan are not doing anything because in the case of bribery both the giver and taker are liable. They said it is a sting operation and one person is being investigated and prosecuted and another being spared. Let the courts do their job because we are a parliament that believe in the rule of law.

What is your take on the ongoing national confab?

Mr. President has invited people to come and talk. There is nothing wrong about talking. We in the National Assembly are not threatened by the confab. The only thing that disturbs me is the reference to referendum by the President. There is nowhere in our constitution and even the ongoing review that there is provision for referendum. The National Assembly is made up of House and Senate. We believe that the statement the President made with reference to referendum was misleading.

I don’t know who advised the President to say that. If he wants a referendum, he can sponsor an executive bill to the National Assembly. I think the President was not properly briefed because without fear of contradiction, I want to say that in our template of constitution review and amendment made up of 42 items, there is no provision for referendum.

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APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Politics / Hardball

W

hat is your opinion on Nigeria’s civil justice system?

My opinion on Nigeria’s civil justice system is that it doesn’t actually work. Often, people say that there is a problem of access to justice, but my own limited experience of the Nigerian civil justice system tells me that the real problem is not access to justice but exit from justice. Cases stay far too long to be disposed of. The civil justice system is set up in such a way that certain procedures are interminable.

There is a persistent misuse of interlocutory applications such that you can be embroiled in interlocutory skirmishes for a considerable number of years. But the most annoying aspect of the civil justice system is the widespread misuse of the so-called preliminary objection or the so-called jurisdictional challenges. Of course in Nigeria’s civil justice system, every challenge, every conceivable defence is leveled jurisdiction, such that they will insist the issue is trashed first before the merits are considered; except something proceeding brought by originating summons whereby the court takes the jurisdiction objection with the merit.

In all other forms of proceedings - whether based on petitions or based on writ of summonsthe jurisdiction is taken first, the ruling is delivered and that becomes a whole new litigation. Whoever loses goes to the appeal court and from there to the Supreme Court. And meanwhile, the case itself gets bogged down, because the case would not be tried until the question of jurisdiction is resolved. And often times, it might take as much as 10 years because it goes from the appeal court to the Supreme Court on this same jurisdictional challenge.

For many litigants, that is just too long, and often times, they abandon the proceedings. It is only a very few people who are dogged enough who want to continue with the struggle after 10 years of delays and legal expenses. That is one big aspect that needs to be looked at. Without this, I don’t think there will be any progress, no matter what rules we operate under, unless we resolve this misuse of interlocutory skirmishes and the so-called jurisdictional objections.

How do we resolve this problem?

It would require the courts having to write new rules which say that just as it happens if the case began by originating summons, these jurisdictional objections should be taken alongside the merit. After all, in most of the civil procedure rules operating in Nigeria, the plaintiffs are required to front-load their documents, issue writ of summons, file a statement of claim, file witness statement and submit the documentary evidence which is required. So the defendant who has a jurisdictional objection could file his defence, take his objection and the matter could be tried immediately. But instead, you hear the court saying jurisdiction is foundational. A court that has no jurisdiction is wasting his time; that you cannot build something on nothing. All that is just playing to the gallery! In other systems, there is no reason why you cannot take those jurisdictional challenges in a front-loaded system with the case on merit and save everyone the time and trouble; and save the court, especially the lower court the trouble of having to write a lot of rulings on these interlocutory skirmishes. That is one aspect of the problem.

The second aspect is the wholesale failure to award proper adverse cost. When I looked at the law report in the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s, Nigerian courts were awarding substantial costs. I saw cases in the early 80’s where the courts awarded N120, 000 as cost. A N120,000 case in 1981 was more than 120, 000 British Pounds. It is a modern

Oditah: Many judges are lazy, unfit Erudite Queen’s Counsel and leading arbitrator, Prof. Fidelis Oditah, (SAN) in this interview with JOSEPH ONYEKWERE, examines the nation’s judicial system, judges’ poor work ethics and other issues day equivalent of at least N30 million. I know of no court in Nigeria today that would award you N1million as cost. Very often, you get cost of N50, 000 to N100, 000 at every level of decision making; not just only in the high courts, but even in the Supreme Court. In doing that, they completely misunderstood the system of cost. Every regime that has a procedure for awarding cost does that on one or three basis.

One is what we call standard taxation, where you recover 66 per cent of your reasonably incurred cost. The second is a cost on full indemnity basis where they pay you all your reasonably incurred cost and the third is the jurisdictional award of wasted cost. And that is often against lawyers themselves because in many cases you find out that the delays and wasted cost in the civil justice system are caused by lawyers. And if you have delays caused by lawyers, it is right that those lawyers pay for the cost and sometimes, the courts in other jurisdictions award wasted costs against lawyers. But a system where you have no proper adverse cost, and you have no power to award wasted cost; it is a recipe for irresponsible litigation. I know that I can take litigation against you for 10 years, and at the end of the 10 years,

all I am liable to get is just a cost of N100, 000. I will do so! I will not allow you to get your money for ten years. And even when you get the final judgment at the Supreme Court, you now start the process of enforcement. It might take another ten years to come and by that time everyone is tired. It is so unsatisfactory and the problem lies in the hand of three actors – the lawyers, judges and the litigants and you need the co-operation of the three to make any civil justice system work.

But the Chief Justice of Nigeria gave a practice direction to judges to ensure that they have at least three judgments in a year. Is that not also a way of fasttracking the process?

I believe that specifying a minimum number of judgments to be written by a judge is like ticking the box; it doesn’t address the substance of the problem. It is a cosmetic solution. If I sit in Osogbo for example and I have between 50 and 100 cases allocated to me in a year and I can write rulings and judgments up to half of those cases, you will say that I am doing very well because I have done at least 50 per cent of the cases. But if I sit in a jurisdiction where I have about 200 cases allocated to me, and I write the same 50, you will

say that I have only done 25 per cent of my job.

So in percentage test, it looks like I have not done anything. The person who did 25 has done 20 per cent of his 50. I that have done 50 have done only 25 of my own 200. The system might reward the person who did 50 per cent better than me.

They will say he was more diligent because he has done 50 percent of his cases. So those things are just ticking the box. Yes there is some merit in ticking the box because you have to get the judges to actually focus in doing their work. Many of them are very idle! With all due respect, some of them are extremely hard working – they sit on time, they dispose off their cases quickly and get their work done that way.

A number of them simply have no idea of what being a judge involves. Some of them come to court by 10 or 11 am; some of them will list stories by 11am and they won’t come until noon. And you wonder how a public servant being paid by a public tax should turn up for work at noon and in most cases they do not apologise to anyone for coming late. So there is need to discipline these judges for them to know that they are providing public service for which they are being paid. It is CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Rovin’ Worshipper Adherents remember CCC founder, Pa Oshoffa p.29

Interview Many pastors are crazy over worldly things – Primate Ayodele p.30

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

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

www.newtelegraphonline.com/faith

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

APRIL 13, 2014

Sermon A true sign that is overlooked p.35

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Faith ON SUNDAY TITBITS

CMR holds Easter convention

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he Christian Ministry of Reconciliation will hold its annual Easter convention from Thursday April 17 to Sunday April 20, 2014.

According to the church, the convention will hold at its Bethlehem Campground at Kilometre 14, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (beside PUNCH Newspapers) at Wasinmi, Ogun State.

The theme is ‘In Remembrance of Me - 1st Corinthians 11:24-25).

Services will begin at 7am daily.

The convention, which will be hosted by Pastor John Nyamadi, is expecated to attract ministers from within and outside Nigeria.

They will speak on various topics while there will be prayers, baptism, Lord’s Supper, feet washing and counselling.

CMR is a non-denominational End-Time Message church, with members spread across various local assemblies worldwide.

...Deeper Life holds retreat

Dannual Easter retreat from April 17 -

eeper Life Bible Church will hold its

L-R: Senator Babajide Omoworare; Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Cathedral Administrator, Paul Awowole; and former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, at a recent morning service at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Osogbo …

Forum tackles Fashola over taxes on churches Tai Anyanwu

T

he ECWA Victory Arena, a predominantly Hausa church situated in Ajah Lagos, took over management of the perpetual traffic gridlock in the area.

But the community service lasted for only one day. It was actually part of activities marking the church’s 20th anniversary celebration.

It all began with a prayer and fasting session on Monday, March 24, leading to a revival service the next day.

On Wednesday, March 26th, Dr. Olufemi Oluniyi, outgoing presiding minister, led members of the church to control traffic along the road, for which a resident, Paul Okpe, testified, “It is a job well done.

“If that momentary community service was received with such appreciation, then more commendation awaits the church, following the insightful discussions and revelations at its public lecture, ‘Places of worship and Taxation in Lagos State,” said Jide Jaiyelo who attended the lecture.

The Guest Lecturer, Mathew Chiedu, proved equal to the task. Quoting from the

Lagos State Land Use Act 2001, the guest speaker contended that it was illegal for the state to tax places of worship.

Oluniyi, also a veteran journalist, expressed shock that the state would do as much as collect land use charge from places of worship as if the state authorities were ignorant of the unique roles that religious organisations play in the state.

He said, “That is illegal; places of worship are exempted from land use tax. That is the position of the law. The tax is illegal because it is illegal in Lagos State law 2001.

“And anything contrary to that is an illegality and if you want to quote me, I will say it is shameless robbery,” Oluniyi stressed.

The cleric explained that the state government had been sending bills and teams of revenue collectors to demand land use tax from his church.

“For the commissioner to now send bills and teams to churches, I am shocked. But I should not be shocked because this is Nigeria,” he said.

That aroused Oluniyi’s interest in the matter, consequently the public lecture.

He further explained, “I was shocked

when I received the letter that we had so much arrears. So I challenged the commissioner in writing and the ministry brought a much lower figure. But even then, in principle, I was interested.

“The British people began missionary work here in Lagos and throughout colonial rule I would be shocked to hear that the colonial government taxed any church.

“But now places of worship are being taxed. I would imagine that they tax our neighbours (Muslims). I don’t know.

“And I wasn’t sure what informed it. Are other states charging that tax? If not why is it so important for Lagos State?

“Is it that Lagos is so poor? Or is it so in other states? If not, is it that they don’t recognise the place of worship in Lagos State?”

The cleric pointed out that Lagos State had benefitted so much from the unique services provided by religious organisations, adding, “If there were to be the other one, Lagos is most vulnerable.”

According to him, in the United Kingdom when the churches close their books at the CO N T I N U ED ON PAGE 30

20, 2014 at DLCC Kilometre 42/43, LagosIbadan Expressway, Mowe, Ogun State.

The General Superintendent, Pastor William Kumuyi, will preside during the four-day retreat.

The themes of the retreat are ‘Living in His Victory’ and ‘Destined to win.’

Highlights of the retreat include worship, counselling, deliverance and testimonies.

All is set for Dominion Word conference The magnificent worship centre of House on the Rock Church, known as The Rock Cathedral, will play host to distinguished ministers of God from different parts of the world who will converge on the magnificent Rock Cathedral, headquarters of the House on the Rock Church, in Lekki, Lagos.

According to the organisers of the conference, the conference will feature three different programmes namely, Dominion Word conference from April 23 -25; Dominion Worship Concert, on April 26; while a special conference for men is slated for 11am to 2pm on the same day.

Dr. Mike Murdock and Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo are expected to speak on the great allure of power, money and sex at the conference christened P.M.S. “We all agree that the allure of Power, Money and Sex has never been stronger than it is now.

“However, what is true power and how do I get it?

What is the real purpose of money? What do men do with the passions raging in their members?

“Get answers to these questions and more at the Men’s Conference. If you are a man you can’t afford to miss this,” the church’s poster announces.

Free buses will be avaiable at various locations listed on the dates: • Wednesday 23rd – Friday 25th, April 2014: boarding from 3pm and departs at 4.30pm • Saturday 26th April 2014 (Men’s Meeting): boarding from 10am and departs at 11.00am • Sunday 27th April 2014 (Super Sunday Celebration): boarding from 7am and departs at 8.15am.

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Faith

Power of the WORD by

Izuchukwu Chukwude belu izuchukwudebelu@yahoo.com or phone +2348028390885, +2348056027044.

‘O

nly a prodigal generation toys with the voice of experience.’ Bishop David Oyedepo.

Though Laban was Jacob’s employer, he never denied the impact of his employee cum son-in-law Jacob.

In his own words, the experience he had was unquestionable and undeniable. Friend, you cannot beat experience. In the school of victory, experience is a major course. ‘God will do nothing with you until He gives you experience.’ Morris Cerrulo.

Our behaviour changes according to our experience with various people. If we have a positive experience with a person, our attitude towards him is likely to be positive and conversely negative experiences tend to make us cautious. Experiences and events become reference points in our lives, we draw conclusions which serve as guidelines for the future.

Education Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim 3:14-17 Education refers to both formal and informal education. We are drowning in information but starving for knowledge and wisdom.

Strategically applied, knowledge translates into wisdom which in turn translates into success. The role of the educator is vital. A teacher affects eternity. The ripple effect is immeasurable. Education ought to teach us not only how to make a living but also how to live.

Positive Attitude, A Wisdom Wing Now there was at Joppa a certain

Winning Attitude disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. Acts 9:36-42 Dorcas was a good example to the church, particularly women, as it has to do with attitude towards

• Increases productivity • Fosters team work • Solves problem • Improves quality • Makes for a congenial atmosphere • Breeds loyalty • Increases profits • Fosters better relationships with employers, employees and customers • Reduces stress Consciousness of A Negative Attitude And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

Remember your altar

A

n altar is a place of spiritual transaction; a place of exchange and spiritual transfer - either positively or negatively. Destinies are decided and altered at the altar. Likewise, destinies are restored at the altar.

As a believer, you must always remember your altar because your life revolves around it.

Before your mother conceived you, she must have come to the altar to request for a child from God like Hannah did when seeking for Samuel. Thereafter, she visited the altar several times in order to have a safe delivery. Even after she gave birth to you, she brought you to the altar to be dedicated. When you were sick, afflicted, you ran to the altar. Even when the enemies pursued you, you took solace at the altar. At the altar, you were joined in holy matrimony. The Bible says those that know their God, shall do exploits but those who do not shall suffer (Daniel 11:32). At the altar of God, yokes of poverty and hardship are broken through your covenant seed. You cannot make anything meaningful and sustainable progress until you locate your altar.

“And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” (Luke 16:8). Your unbelieving contemporaries are not left out in this. They seem to understand the mystery and power at the altar more than believers do. They know how to approach their altar; hence, seem to be dominating because the devil has perverted the ordinances of heaven and taught his children. When they desire anything such as healing, money, victory, vengeance or baby, they consult and sacrifice at

the needy. Just as the absence of ill-health does not equal good health, in the same way the absence of negative does not make a person positive-minded. People with a positive attitude have certain personality traits that are easy to recognise. They are caring, confident, patient and humble. They have high expectations of themselves and others. They anticipate positive outcomes. A person with a positive attitude is like a fruit of all seasons. He is always welcome.

Benefits of Positive Attitude In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. Pro. 14:23 There are many advantages to having a positive attitude. The advantages are easy to see. But what is easy to see is also easy to miss! A positive attitude benefits you the following: • Makes for a pleasing personality • Is energizing • Increases your enjoyment of life • Inspires others around you • Helps you become a contributing member of society and an asset to your country • And for the organisation

their shrine/altar and demons are mobilised in their favor, this they renew from time to time and things ‘improve’ for them. They don’t joke with their altar, where they drop their treasures. As it is written, ‘where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’ (Luke 12:34).

Many have become prayer warriors, yet they languish because they have neglected their altar. They only remember the altar when they’re in trouble and life has frustrated them.

Even when they approach the altar, they go empty-handed with excuses, they call down fire on an empty altar (IKings 18:32-33). Hence, they are consumed, you see them wallowing in poverty even though they can pray. If you want to be fulfilled in life and destiny, locate your altar.

Charm or ‘juju’ doesn’t work for everyone except those who pay the price/sacrifice. So also prayers don’t work for everyone or in all situations but for those who are able to pay the price/sacrifice. Presently, you will observe there are things happening in your life – poverty, joblessness, barrenness and so on. It is

because some people sacrificed before an altar and demons were released to fight your heath and finance. It is time for you to approach your own altar and nullify all machinations against you.

Your father serviced the altar and brought about captivity which you inherited. You’ve got to begin to mobilise the angels by servicing the altar of God so as to crush all satanic altars.

For how long will you continue like this? You have prayed and done all sorts yet you have nothing to show for it. “Turn again our captivity, O LORD…. They that sow (sacrifice) in tears shall reap in joy.” Psalm 126:4 (Emphasis mine).

Your captivity was initiated by sacrifice and it can only answer to sacrifice (tearful seed) and not to tears. Everyone has prayed for you, and the Bible says ‘…the kingdom of God suffereth violence…’, but where is your violence in giving sacrifice? Never approach the altar empty, no matter how ‘poor’ you may be. You must drop something that will touch you at the altar. Until your prayer touches your purse or bank account, you are not ready for divine intervention. Your money is your blood, your weapon of spiritual warfare.

You are so prayerful, but stingy. The Bible says, He will open to you the windows of heaven when you drop your tithe (and seed/offering) not when you pray and scream. In II Sam 24:1-25, the plague surrendered to sacrifice on the altar. Go to the altar and settle God, until you settle God, life will not settle you and your future and destiny are not secure. You must

activate your altar by prayer, praise, worship and sacrificial giving. Praying and fasting alone cannot answer to this. The help you are looking for is waiting for you right at the altar of God. Don’t allow strange altars to destroy your life.

The altar of God surpasses all other altars; it is an altar of solution and can undo all that has been done against your life on those altars. Abraham, Samuel, David raised altars and offered sacrifices thereon. Solomon’s destiny was decided at the altar of sacrificial giving; God appeared to him. All that you desire are on the altar – children, visa, contract, husband/ wife, job, promotion, but you must exchange it with sacrifice.

Life is spiritual and so is the answer to it but you cannot go into the realm of the spirit.

It is your money that represents you there.

When you drop anything on the altar, be it tithe, offering or even sacrifice, you are not helping anybody. Your family (ancestors) offered cow, goat, new yam festival, on satanic altars now that you are born again, you also must service the living altar for your own good.

The deity you sacrifice to on a particular altar must come to your rescue. As you remember and approach your altar, I see God come to your rescue and your sacrifice will turn against every satanic altar in Jesus name.

I know you have been blessed.

Write and share your testimonies, comments, etc., with me.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Roving Worshipper

Adherents remember CCC founder, Pa Oshoffa

Yetunde

Tai Anyanwu

T

he roads leading to the precincts of the refurbished Tejuosho Model Market, Lagos, were congested as usual.

Meandering through the gridlock, Roving Worshipper traced his way to the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in the neighbourhood.

At the entrance of the impressive place of worship, a large poster with the life-size portrait of the late founder of the Celestial Church of Christ, Pa Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, announced that a special occasion was ongoing.

It was the occasion of a book launch in honour of the departed prophet. The day’s event recaptured the moments of glories and the controversies of the enigmatic spiritual leader.

Lots of his followers clad in the customary flowing white garment, hung outside the cavernous auditorium.

And that vividly conveyed the impression that every sitting space inside had been occupied.

Since one must get into the worship hall to get the story, I had no choice than to get my advance. There was one hurdle to contend with. Beyond the gated church premises, grains of corn covered the ground.

But no one was allowed to enter the church with their shoes on. That made it impossible to walk through the gate into the premises without risking stepping on the grains.

The event had gone halfway by the time Roving Worshipper found a vacant seat at the rear of the church.

At the left flank of the front row, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and his lovely wife sat gracefully. The author of the book and Papa’s daughter, Edith Oshoffa, and her aides perched on raised seats on the opposite side.

The officiating ministers took their turns to moderate the proceedings from the centre stage.

The introduction of high table personalities, initial worship and prayers over, the presentation of the book, ‘SBJ Oshoffa, The Enigmatic Spiritual Leader of Our Time’, was the next item on the agenda. It was presented for review by a visiting member of CCC, Ibadan, simply identified as Yetunde.

The book is a daughter’s passionate recap of the moments of glories and controversies that trailed Pa Oshoffa’s origin, call to ministry, mysterious powers

and large following.

Pa Oshoffa’s spiritual powers were given a pride of place in Yetunde’s preamble: “This wonderful spiritual power enabled Pastor SBJ Oshoffa to pilot Celestial Church of Christ for 38 years, successfully performing healings, miracles and raising dead souls. At least 14 souls were raised from 1947 to 1980.

“The book also contains the tenets and landmark guidelines of keeping the spiritual flag of the Celestial Church flying for the benefit of mankind and for faithful commitment to the doctrine and injunction of God Almighty as regards acceptable ways of worship befitting the glory and grace of God for earning eternal life,” she said.

The author traced Pa Oshoffa’s origin to Imeko in Ogun State of Nigeria as well as the fact that he was raised in Porto Novo, Republic of Benin. With this, the author tried to resolve one of the controversies about the late Oshoffa.

Some people believed that the spiritual leader was from Republic of Benin, where he was raised and also received his strange powers after he got lost in a mangrove forest during one of his wood transaction business trips with the locals.

“The old man Monchon Clement, when interviewed told me that Papa, whom he called Choffa and described as a tall, slim, light complexioned man, was truly doing business with his father and that he Monchon only followed his father to the forest to meet up with Choffa,” the author narrated.

One day, after one of such business meetings, Clement and his father left ‘Choffa’ to gather his logs in the mangrove forest. But when they came back the following day, ‘Choffa’ was nowhere to be found.

After a futile search of the forest, the locals went back, believing that he had returned to his country. (In those days, the villagers regarded Porto Novo as another country).

“The old man said that after a very long period, one day they came into the forest and met ‘Choffa’ seated, with his back against a coconut tree. He was unkempt and was a totally different man to the one they had always known. So they left him alone in the forest and went home. It was later that they heard ‘Choffa’ had founded a church in his country and that his members wore long white robes,” the author disclosed.

Back in Nigeria, a mad woman was healed at the

early stage of Pa Oshoffa’s ministry.

When that happened, people started to patronise his celestial ministry.

According to Yetunde, a certain woman having won possession of a disputed piece of land in Makoko area of Lagos mainland, gave the property to Oshaffa where he built the church’s headquarters.

Following a stunning miracle of raisng one Madam Olusola from the dead, his ministry began to witness an influx of new members. In her review, Yetunde these new members included witches and wizards.

“Witches confronted Papa, they joined the church. Papa became very bold then. Papa was performing miracles with fun,” Yetunde added.

Apparently reacting to allegations that the late spiritual leader used demonic powers to perform miracles, the author in the book insisted that Pa Oshoffa led the church without fetish powers. She declared that Oshoffa operated by the power of the Holy Spirit.

“The main case is that people don’t really know Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshofa. People just know him as the founder of the Celestial Church; even members don’t know the history Baba told us about his biological family and we never came out to paint the real Oshofa. I am 60 years this year. Very soon, I will go with every bit of that history that I have got. That’s why I feel I should just write the book.

“I think having known my father for 31 years before his transition, I owe it to my father and to the world to tell them about my father, the real Samuel Kunle Oshoffa,” she explained.

The second reviewer of the book, a superior evangelist in the church, had this to say; “The book told us the truth; Papa was a Nigerian to the core.

“Papa lived an exemplary life as a

man of God and husband. In 1947, he was 37 years. God gave him another 37 years as shepherd of the Celestial Church on earth. Those who did not believe that ended up being herbalists in the Celestial Church.”

Explaining what inspired her to write the book, the author said, “I pray to God that anybody joining Celestial Church of Christ should not fall into wrong hands because we have lots of babalawo (witch doctors) wearing sultana (white garments). When the church was growing, a lot of people joined the church from different places.

“But this church is a church of Christ. That’s why I am writing this book for people to read. I will go back to the preaching inside the church which we have just listened to. The word is love.

“And if we love ourselves we are bound to have prosperity and peace in this country,” she counselled.

In his remark, Senator Ashafa described Pa Oshoffa as one phenomenon, whose influence during his youthful days he would never forget. “When I was growing up, it was so powerful. I want to salute the courage of the author. I dare say the word Omo papa mi ni.”

The senator said that CCC came at a time Nigeria needed redemption.

“On the streets of Lagos, everywhere had people wearing white garments. This is a world movement, it will never die. CCC is God’s gift to Nigeria and Africa in general,” he added.

The senator however observed that statistics shows that old people now attend the church more than youths.

He therefore advised the church’s leadership to work hard to see that youths become part of the movement.

W O R D S E A R C H

Some books of the Old Testament

GENESIS JUDGES KINGS

EXODUS PROVERBS ESTHER

LEVITICUS DEUTERONOMY JOB NUMBERS NEHEMIAH PSALMS

SAMUEL CHRONICLES RUTH JOSHUA ECCLESIASTES EZRA

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

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Interview Interview

Many pastors are crazy over worldly things - Primate Ayodele The Spiritual Head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Ejigbo, Lagos State, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, gives a prophetic outlook on the political and economic landscape of Nigeria, in this interview with TAI ANYANWU How do you feel when you are referred as the Nostradamus of Nigeria?

Well, you said that; but I am just a very simple person. I humble myself before everybody. But as a prophet of God, I appreciate God at all times, especially when he speaks through me and it comes to pass. The other side is, if the prophesy is not a good one, and you have to mention in advance or the person involved even tries to write, then through the person’s ignorance it now comes to pass, I feel bad. I don’t want any prophesies that can be prevented to come to pass. But I don’t have power of my own. When God says, go and tell this person to be careful about something. We pass through this paper to that person and the person fails to take it serious, you now write to the person and the person does not show interest. Then what do you want me to do? As a prophet, you don’t talk anyhow. You watch what you say and talk at the appropriate time.

New Telegraph has published for few months now; we have not said New Telegraph come.

But when the time comes I said Ok, let’s get New Telegraph. We met. I don’t know what Nostradamus is all about. It is not a Biblical word and when it is not Biblical, I don’t appreciate it. It is a word that emanated from humans.

So why should my head swell up? What I know is that I am a prophet. A prophet as a title is above a national honour; it is higher than GOC or whatever. But most people don’t value the importance of a prophet. When they say this is a prophet, people are afraid. They are very careful because every time, a prophet is in the spirit. I know that as a prophet of God Almighty it is an opportunity and grace upon me for me to be called to be used in God’s vineyard. My position is higher than that of the president of a nation. By working in God’s vineyard, I am not answerable to anybody, but to God. In the Bible, the government would invite prophets to discuss issues and enquire from God: ‘should I go or not?’ And it is a privilege because you can’t do it on your own. What I am saying in a nutshell is that it is time to honour prophets, if we believe in the words of prophets. But there are people who sleep and wake up and say they are prophets. What are the procedures?

What are the steps to it? How do you know you are a prophet? I can be a dreamer; that does not make me a prophet. I can also see, it does qualify me to be a prophet. A prophet has lots of qualities. The way you think, your moral attributes, how you comport yourself.

God is always your director. A prophet does not do whatever he wants because he has God. When a prophet wakes up in the morning, he tables his plans before God and enquires if he would go on or not; because you are working in God’s vineyard. You are not placed on salary by any human; but God takes care of His prophet exceptionally. You are not concerned

to their members.

As you pointed out, what is your take on the flamboyant lifestyle of pastors?

about worldly things.

Why do we have many prophets and quality leadership is still missing in the nation?

God still appoints prophets to the nations but quality leadership is not adhered to because of conspiracy and discrimination in Christendom. It’s due to lack of understanding of what the word of God is all about. I don’t know if you remember, we had some prophets who used to speak to the Nigerian nation such as Okonzua, Adewole, Olabayo, Oyewole and Adeyemi. You can rival them when they speak and people know them. After their time, it is now our own era. But now there is a lot of competition; and every one of them wants to speak like this person or that person. But some are prominent among them who know and treat national problems with deserved seriousness. Nigeria has her prophets even now despite the fact that there are sycophants. I am part of the prophets to the nation of Nigeria.

Others include Prophet Olabayo. TB Joshua is also there and a few others. When there is the need, people look unto them to seek the mind of God. Could you also tell us a bit about the church itself?

The church is not like Cherubim and Seraphim or Celestial Church. It is a white garment church of substance, where God dwells. We believe in the Holy Trinity, the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. We teach people about the Bible, not the way people know it. Many don’t know anything about the Bible. That is why many people go to Bible school. But the only

person who can teach the Bible is the Holy Spirit. So the Holy Spirit teaches us what we teach our followers, not what people tend to turn the Bible into. Some pastors turn the Bible the way they want for selfish purposes, not as God wants it. So we teach originality, the supernatural ways of God as they are. As a church, we believe so much in assisting the poor, helping the widows, the orphans and the less privileged. We also believe in every season.

We celebrate Christmas, Easter in our church and we pray. You can see me now. We believe in fasting and praying and in having a close relationship with God. Many Christians are concerned that they can’t send their wards to schools set up by churches due to the high fees they charge.

What is your view on that?

In those days, people loved to send their children to missionary schools because they think it is free. These days, people don’t want to do so because missionary schools are very costly. These are the areas where churches are supposed to help. As it is now, things have changed because pastors want to live flamboyant lives. They want to have what every person can have; they believe that these are evidence of the blessings of God. And that is why to send one’s child to missionary schools is very expensive. Besides, these schools are built with monies collect from their members. I may be wrong, but in any case it will be wrong to neglect their feelings regarding the high cost of educating their children in such schools. The churches should be able to grant some waivers

I am a prophet of God. I am not a pastor.

There is a lot of difference between reverends, evangelists and pastors. There is a classification. We have a level before God. A prophet doesn’t need to live a flamboyant life because God can tell him to go to the desert and stay there for one month. See me here now. I have to close this entire place. I will just stay here and be praying. I will not go downstairs. When it is time to break, they will come up with something. I will not be taking many things like meat, salt, paper. For the past few months, I only live on fruits. How many pastors will be able to do that? I cannot criticise pastors living flamboyant lives. But I know that many pastors are conscious of worldly things because they want to live like politicians, like a president, a governor. Many pastors of nowadays by their own teachings believe that if you want to serve God you think about prosperity first. They don’t teach about morals in their churches again. It is hard to see Pastors now talking about heaven nowadays. That is why we many books written to teach you about prosperity, to teach you about how to use N5 to make N500.

Some pastors at their own level have turned Christianity to business because they want to achieve their desires in life. They don’t talk about heaven; we don’t talk about death and mysteries of life. The result is that we are lacking the knowledge of what is in the Bible. Despite the fact that we have many churches, we have many bible schools that award BSC, MA and PHD in Biblical studies, yet they are not manifesting in our spiritual lives. The church is more or less a social gathering. When you tell some Christians to fast, they will tell you, ‘oh, I can’t. I don’t want my mouth to smell. I have to take chewing gum.” You see different kinds of acting. Some churches don’t believe in fasting again. So we don’t really understand what Christianity is all about. Some pastors just go into pastoral work just because of their education. That is why they live flamboyant lives; they even own private jets while their members are living in penury.

How is INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church different from other churches?

It is different in the way we serve our God. Our doctrine was divinely received and we follow the procedure directed by God. I am not the founder of the church, God is. I am the spiritual head. He just called me to lead the church, like he called Moses. If a Pentecostal or orthodox comes into the church, he will feel the presence of God in the church. Some pastors are crazy about worldly things. They have acquired numerous properties. When CO NTINUED O N PAGE 36

Golf Willy dumps Senate President for Gabonese tourney p.34

Football Nkwocha: Not winning FIFA Player’s Award my biggest regret p.32

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

www.newtelegraphonline.com/sport

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

APRIL 13, 2014

Dapo Sotuminu, Deputy Sports Editor dapo.sotuminu@newtelegraphonline.com 08099400190, 08038154192

Eagles need Ike Uche in Brazil -Ladi Babalola

By Dapo Sotuminu

F

ormer Super Eagles star defender, Ladi Babalola, has declared that Nigeria’s current best striker, Ike Uche, will be a big boost to the team if invited for the forthcoming World Cup in Brazil He told New Telegraph on Sunday in an exclusive interview from his base in Bangladesh that, “Ike Uche is needed for the national team at the Brazil 2014 World Cup. If you check properly you will see that among all Nigerian players in the big leagues abroad he is the most proficient as he score goals effortlessly for his club in the Spanish La Liga.

“Uche is the best thing to happen to Nigeria at the moment.

This is the Nigerian team, personal interest takes the backstage. We can’t go to the World Cup without our best player.

“Tell me why Keshi should drop Uche and the criteria for his invitation.

Somebody who is playing and

scoring regularly in the biggest league in the world, if he comes to camp and doesn’t perform everybody knows the coach has done his job without being biased. How on earth do you drop such a fantastic player, then who do you want, players who play in the lower standard league and those who are constantly warming the bench in their clubs.

“So you want to leave a player in the best league in the world for players based in Denmark, Scotland, Sweden and Israel.

These are the things he should look into.

K e s h i

should let aside personal conflict with any player, he should not think about that, he has done well in the Nations Cup and his goal should be to do well at the World Cup.” He stressed that, Nigeria should be mindful of the opposition from Iran. “The problem the Eagles would face at the Brazil 2014 World Cup won’t come from Argentina, as they are a known devil and if they beat us or we play a draw with them it is not a big deal, the truth is that the Eagles will face a very big problem against Iran.

“We are always too sure of ourselves underrating other teams.

What most Nigerians don’t know is that the Iranian league is very good; it is almost at the same level as the European league.

That is the truth of the matter and again most of their

Sp rt

Former Super Eagles defender,Ladi Babalola

players ply their trade in Germany. And when these players combine with those at home, they get a formidable team.”

H e a d vised that N i geria

should b e

very careful playing against Iran, because if they beat us, our chances of going further in the World Cup from the group stage would be impossible.

“The Eagles should be focused and the coaches too should work on the players’ psyche, I know Nigerian players, once they are well motivated they sacrifice everything to give you victory.”

The former Flying Eagles World Cup star noted that another thing the Eagles coach should ensure is to take the right players to the 2014 World Cup. He also advised the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to permanently shelve the idea of emcontinues on page 34

Ike Uche

Did you know?

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi

That the Brazilian national soccer team has scored the highest number of goals in the history of FIFA World Cup finals.

They have scored a total of 210 goals

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APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Sport / Stars of Yesteryears

Nkwocha: Not winning FIFA Pla

Will you still play in the next edition of the African Women’s Championship?

With God by my side, I will be there to play and as usual represent my dear country Nigeria with the hope of winning the championship once again and proving that the Falcons remain the best in the continent.

But this time around, I will be in the team to motivate the younger players who will take my position in the nearest future.

category of the award at the 2013 edition which took place in Lagos early in the year, I would have won it for the fifth time. CAF is yet to give any excuse f o r

When did you break into the main Super Falcons team?

I broke into the Falcons team in 2000, ahead of the African Women’s Championship in South Africa. It was a great moment for me as I was the superstar of the competition. Before this time, I was good to join the team earlier but the Falcons chief coach, Ismaila Mabo, kept saying that I was too young to play in the senior team because of my age. If coach Mabo had allowed me joined earlier, I would h ave p l aye d at the USA 99 World Cup where the Falcons got t o the quarter finals of the competition. Aside from playing at the AWC in South Africa I also had the opportunity of playing at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games the same year I joined the team, so for me it was a triumphant entry into the national team.

Nigerians were angry that you were not nominated in the 2013 edition of the FIFA Women Player of the Year Awards. How do you feel about this?

Perpetual Nkwocha in Super Falcons colours

How do you feel winning the CAF African Footballer of the Year Awards four times?

I feel great and blessed, though I would have been happier winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup title for my country. Nevertheless, I’m happy how much God has blessed me. If CAF had not dropped the

The reason given by FIFA was very clear, as they stated that players who were nominated were the ones whose national teams went far in the FIFA World Cup finals or the Olympics. The best I got in the history of the FIFA Player’s Awards was a fifth position. I don’t feel bad about this, life continues.

Which club side do you play for at the moment?

Perpetual Nkwocha is arguably A all times after winning the Africa Award for a record four times. Sh if CAF had not dropped the categ Awards in Lagos. She spoke to D issues on her career support?

The NFF is trying; I know that when the right things set in for them they will do more.

Truly speaking compared to the male counterpart the Falcons deserve more than they’re getting, but there was an improvement at the last edition of African Women’s Championship. We look forward to more improvement when the Falcons are viewed from the position of being the first to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in China 91 ahead of the Super Eagles which only qualified in 1994. We have been to the FIFA World Cup six times against the Eagles four, while we have won the African Nations Cup titles six times in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010. While the Eagles won only three times in 1980, 1994 and 2013. We deserved to be treated better by the Nigeria Football Federation. And individually, it is only a Super Falcons player who had won the African Player’s Award four times, while the highest for any Super Eagles player was twice.

Are you still desirous of winning the FIFA World Best Player Award?

I play for Sunnana SK in the Swedish Women’s Premier League. I am having a nice time in the club playing the best of football and helping my club win desired trophies.

Over the years, the Falcons only shine in Africa but had failed to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup since inception. What do you think is the problem?

The truth is that among all African teams, Nigeria has been the closest towards winning the title and no other African country has been able to match the Falcons’ record at the FIFA World Cup. We shall keep trying hard to achieve the feat, but of course you know that this is not an easy task. We play good football at the World Cup, but our efforts have not been good enough to win the cup.

We are still looking forward to the nation that will make the history.

Well even God himself said “in everything there is a season” although my strength still tells me I can do it but you know how it is my brother.

Even at the occasions when I won the awards, I never knew I was going to win as I played my football helping Nigeria to win in competitions and ensuring that I played regularly in my club abroad. If I am good to win the awards again, CAF will surely nominate me as usual, no worries.

Can you name all the clubs you have played for in Europe and Asia?

I played for Beijing FC women’s team, Tianjin FC Women Team both in China and my present club Sunnana SK Sweden. their action.

My concern was that all the four awards I won were outside Nigeria, and the only one I should have won in front of my people was cancelled. But what I can say on the matter is that, African women footballers were not treated well by CAF with this decision. We have been told over time by the FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, that the future of world football is feminine.

Are you still hot to win the CAF Awards again?

Oga this one na WAEC question oooh!

You once played in the Chinese League, can you share your experience with us.

The Chinese League is full of physical and hard training but well organised. It was very interesting as top soccer stars across the world moved to the league to play and earned good money. I stayed in China for a long time even at a time we were told to leave the country because of an internationally publicized pollution, but we stayed back until the problem was solved. It was about dedication and commitment, as the clubs were good to me and I enjoyed playing there. I set some goal-scoring records in China which today still stand in the clubs. I was loved by the supporters.

Do you think that the Nigeria Football Federation is giving the Falcons enough

Perpetual close marking an opponent in a Swedish league game

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

ayer’s Award my biggest regret

Africa’s best female player of an Woman Player of the Year he would’ve won a record fifth gory at the 2013 edition of the DAPO SOTUMINU on salient

I am sure this is a JAMB Question. Truth be told, my age of glory as a soccer star is out. I came, I saw and I conquered some but couldn’t conquer all. I regret not winning the FIFA Player’s Award when I was very hot as a player. Now I can only win it as a coach. Most great players who missed the FIFA Award in their playing days come back to win the award as a coach, that is what I am hoping for now.

You won a number of AWC titles for Nigeria, which was your most memorable?

It was the 2010 AWC in South Africa where I had two hat-tricks, won the highest goal scorer award and the African Footballer of the Year award. It was the peak of my career and I felt good being rewarded for my efforts.

The achievement in that edition of the AWC was also made possible by the Falcons chief coach, Eucharia Uche, who ensured I rediscovered my scoring form. It was the first and the last time the Falcons had a female coach, and we were out to make her proud which we eventually did.

In most games played by the Falcons since you made the team in 2000, the attention was always on Perpetual to help Nigeria win. Were you always under pressure when you wear the green and white colours of Nigeria?

Not at all, no pressure whatsoever. In as much as I love winning it’s never a do-or-die for me. I just try to catch fun on the pitch, that’s who I am. I am not the only player on the pitch, it is a team with all players having specific roles to play, the difference may be that I score vital goals when the game is tough, but the truth is that as the saying goes ‘a tree cannot make a forest,’ we all work as a team to achieve success.

There was a time a man disguised as Perpetual and was extorting money from Nigerians. How did you arrest the situation?

Bros no be small thing ooh. I got harassed on the Internet many times when some people said they gave me N100,000, while another person said he gave me N200,000 when I asked for help. Some said they helped me when I was stranded. I heard he got caught many times and was released soon after. It was that bad that I had to embark on media tour of newspaper houses in Nigeria to inform the public on the situation of things. It has been long I last heard about him. Funny enough, he would dress like a woman to convince those who fell for his tricks. He was dark just like me but did not have any resemblance of me when I saw him in one of the occasions he was arrested. But the lessons learnt from this are two; the first being that Nigerians love me so much that they were ready to help when it was believed that I was stranded, and the second being that, despite being one of the country’s superstars, most Nigerians did not know my face at close range. This made it easy for the guy who disguised dressed like a woman to obtain them by false pretence.

The last one he did was at the commissioning of Chief Segun Odegbami’s Soccer School in Abeokuta, where he told them he was Perpetual Nkwocha and was given a VIP Perpetual Nkwocha’s profile Nigerian Clubs: Pelican Stars of Calabar.

Foreign Clubs: Beijing FC of China, Tianjin FC of China, Sunnana SK Sweden.

National Team debut: 2000 National Team caps: 49 Nations Cup Appearances: 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012.

World Cup Appearances: 2003, 2007, 2011.

Commonwealth Games: Melbourne 2006.

Nations Cup titles: 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010.

Olympic Games: Sidney 2000, Beijing 2008.

Individual Honours: Four times African Footballer of the Year, FIFA Player’s Award 5th position, four MVP wards at the Nations Cup.

Perpetual Nkwocha and Messi during the 2008 Olympic Games

treatment. Before that day, he was kept in a five-star hotel ahead of the event. The ‘fake Perpetual’ was exposed when he was introduced to sit on the high table and some sports journalists who cover women’s football raised an alarm. He was arrested and taken to a private room where it was discovered that he was a man. His fake breast and buttocks were removed disgracefully.

Ten years after Pepsi withdrew their sponsorship of the Nigerian Women’s League, no sponsor has come up to bankroll it.

What advice do you have for the NFF on this?

Lack of sponsorship is affecting the quality of the Women’s League in the country. The NFF should try to get sponsors to improve the league. The conditions at some of the clubs are deplorable. Nigerian club football though the best in Africa in terms of standard but the conditions of service are not the best.

Players are not properly motivated, yet they give their best out of passion and love for the game, but that is not the best way to do it.

You once announced your retirement from the national team, but later changed your mind. Why?

When I made that announcement I was convinced I had served my country diligently enough to say goodbye, but I changed that

decision when I realised that I still have the strength to carry on, moreover, I didn’t want to end with a bad result as we didn’t do well in the last outing that followed the announcement. I wanted to put smiles on my people’s faces for the last time as I humbly bow out.

For now, I can’t say I will retire from the national team at a particular time; I am dedicated to serve more as long as I am relevant, just as Florence Omagbemi did during her time. She served from 1990 to 2003 playing in four FIFA World Cups and three Nations Cups before bowing out. Today I have played in three FIFA World Cups and seven Nations Cup and still ready for more.

Can you remember how many games you played for the Super Falcons?

Really I have lost count, bad enough we were not keeping the records but I have played majority of the games for Falcons from 2000 till date. I am sure it is more than 49.

When will Perpetual get married?

Soon my brother, I mean very soon, maybe sooner than you can imagine. It was nice hanging out with you in this interview. God Bless. But one other thing, I love my family so much whenever I am in the country nothing else matters to me than my family. I stay with them a lot and then go for off season personal training and still hangout once in a while.

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E-mail: ifeanyiandrewibeh@gmail.com Tel: 08085973490

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

APRIL 13, 2014

WITH IFEANYI IBEH

Eagles need Ike Uche in Brazil -Babalola

Golf outfit to take golfers to Dubai, Cyprus

I

continued from page 31

ploying a foreign Technical Assistant for the Eagles chief coach ahead of the World Cup. “We don’t need any foreign assistant in that team. At least Keshi won the 2013 African Nations Cup for Nigeria, why has the NFF suddenly lost confidence in him. He should be encouraged and the NFF should develop our own coaches.

“How many times do the Europeans come to Africa to pick coaches? They are not better than us, it is only the colour. I have been in Europe with them; they have nothing special to offer, the attraction just comes from the colour.

“Keshi can do the job, he has proved himself worthy, so why doubting him. Must Nigeria employ a foreign coach? At the last World Cup in South Africa, the NFF employed a foreign coach from Sweden Lars Laggerback.

Why should a whole Nigeria descend so low to employ a Swedish coach whose country does not have any pedigree in top world football.

“We keep ridiculing ourselves because of what people want to make. Give half of that money to Keshi and see if he won’t perform wonders. I read in the papers that Keshi is being owed salaries, how do you want him to work well.

“What the NFF should do instead is to appoint some top Nigerian coaches to work with Keshi at the World Cup, because a tree can’t make a forest. It is not possible for Daniel Amokachi, Ike Shorunmu and the assistant from Togo to see everything, Keshi needs more coaches.

“What stops the Eagles coach from inviting Samson Siasia, Amodu Shaibu, Paul Hamilton, Henry Nwosu and Adegboye Onigbinde to assist him at the World Cup? He should take a cue from the Brazilian team that has a consortium of six world class coaches, all former handlers of the national team.

There is a way we do things in Nigeria that I don’t understand, everybody wants to say I did it, I, do not work in football, but it is we that works, Keshi should know that now.”

HOLE IN ONE

L-R: Tayo, Evelyn Oboh and Police woman Alaba Adetunji

Willy dumps Senate President for Gabonese tourney T op Nigerian golfer, Gift Willy, has explained why he has decided to head to Gabon and take part in the Moanda Golf Championship instead of remaining back home and competing in the David Mark at 66 Charity Tournament.

The David Mark at 66 Charity Tournament, in honour of the President of the Nigerian Senate, comes up between April 16 and 19 in Otukpo, Benue State with $10,000 up for grabs.

Gift Willy

A number of top players on the Nigerian PGA tour will take part in the tournament with eyes on a share of the tournament cash prize, but Willy has opted not to compete against the best on the Nigerian tour and has instead set his sights on finally securing a much elusive win in Gabon.

Since 2010, when the late Ali Abdullahi registered the country’s only win at the Moanda Golf Championship, a win has been hard to come by for Nigerian golfers at the championship with Willy coming closest with two second-place finishes.

As a result, he is out to finally end his near-misses in Gabon by taking one more shot at the title.

“Playing at Otukpo would have been a good challenge for me, but not the sort of challenge I am likely to come up against in Gabon,” said Willy, in an interview with New Telegraph on

Sunday. “I have come close to winning in Gabon on two occasions and I am hoping to finally win it this time around.

“It’s not like I am jinxed or anything like that but I just feel that I can do it this time around,” said the Port Harcourt-based pro.

nternational Golf Management and Development Company (IGolfMDC), will be organising a weeklong, out-bound golf tour for its customers from May 6 to Tuesday 13th May, 2014.

The tour, tagged ‘The Mediterranean Swing’, will see its subscribers play 72 holes of golf in the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus.

As at last count close to 30 golfers, and members of their household, have registered to take part on the tour which the tour’s Promoter, Sola Lawson, says would see subscribers playing 18 holes at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, including the challenging Nick Faldo Course, before flying to Cyprus for an expectedly thrilling 54-hole golf challenge at three of Europe’s most scenic golf courses: Aphrodite Hills, Menthis Hills and Elea Resort golf courses.

In addition, the tour will provide opportunities for those interested in investing in real estate in Cyprus. To this end, IGolfMDC is partnering with Sold-On-Cyprus Ltd, the official Real Estate Agents to the Cypriot government.

Also, the Cypriot government is offering EU Residency and Passports to investors.

IGolfMDC is the brainchild of Lawson, pioneer CEO of the PGA Nigeria Tour, an astute golf administrator and manager who functions as CEO. The Directors are Ali Magashi (Chairman) and Akin Areola, both equally passionate about the development of golf in Nigeria.

European Tour event moves to Singapore from South Korea

T

he European Tour has been forced to move one of its events from South Korea to Singapore just three weeks before the start of the event.

The Championship was due to be staged at Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon from May 1-4, but will now take place at Laguna National Golf and Country Club in Singapore.

Tournament organisers cited “staging issues” for the change in venue of the £900,000 event.

“We are delighted to announce that The Championship will be played at the Laguna National Golf

and Country Club in Singapore,” said Keith Waters, chief operating officer and director of international policy for the European Tour.

“This is a venue we have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with in the past and one that I know our members will enjoy returning to next month.

“It shows the strength of our relationship with Laguna National that they have been able to help us out at relatively short notice and we would therefore like to put on record our thanks to owner Peter Kwee and all his staff for their assistance.”

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

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Faith

Encounter with The Voice of Dominion Turnaround Favour! (2) by

Bishop David Oyedepo

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

P

rayer and fasting are veritable platforms for provoking the release of turnaround encounters with favour. Last week, we saw that in quite a number of examples in the Scriptures like Esther, Mordecai, Nehemiah, Jesus, etc. Also, I taught on love as the platform of access to favour.

This week, I will be showing you the demands of turnaround favour and the blessedness of divine favour.

Demands of Turnaround Favour: To encounter divine favour that engenders turnaround, take note of the following demands: The love of God must be at work in our hearts: (1 Corinthians 2:9): You don’t know favour until you know the love of God. The knowledge and the operation of the love of God in a man bring him into realms of strange favour.

We must love the Word of God: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2). Grace means divine favour. Divine favour and

divine peace multiply by knowledge (Proverbs 13:15).

We must love His Kingdom: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). Seek ye first the advancement, enlargement, establishment, growth and wellbeing of His Kingdom, and all that others are dying to get shall be added to us. We can’t love God and lack gold. Today must mark the end of every form of lack and want in our lives!

We must love His people: Jesus was telling a parable, that when He was hungry they did not give Him food. He was naked, they did not clothe Him; He was sick, and they did not visit Him. They asked, “When did we see you and we did not take care of you?” Jesus replied, “As long as you did it for any of the least of My brethren, you have done it for Me.” (Mathew 25: 31-40). So, every seed you sow into the life of a believer endears you to God. You must love humanity: Every seed

THE Oracles of God by

Frank Oboden Olomukoro

frankolomukoro@yahoo.com, 07033621866

I

n Matthew 24:3 “The disciples came unto Him privately, saying, tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” The Lord’s response was a prophetic insight into the future events that will happen among the nations politically and the natural disasters that would be pronounced and profound heralding the judgment of God. Be that as it may, there is the prophetic sign that is commonly overlooked even though scripturally true. That will be our focal attention. It is the sign of a prophet sent by God with a warning message.

A scriptural prophet himself is the most notable sign before judgment. When God sends a prophet, look out, judgment follows it. After Noah came the destruction by flood.

After Lot came fire and brimstone on Sodom. Moses was a judgment to Pharaoh and Egypt as well, to name a few examples. It always has, it always will be; there is no way around it. Most times, the

presence of a sent prophet goes right over the top of the people, and they never know it until it’s too late. Why? Hear what Jesus said?

“An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the Prophet Jonas. Jonas was a sign pointing to Jesus Christ. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, John the Baptist were all dispensational or major prophets sent by God at certain junctions in human history to unfold God’s secret plans and warn the people of impending judgment. “Surely the Lord will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets” Amos 3:7.

Major prophets are not comparable to prophets or prophetesses with prophetic gifts. The latter are local assembly ministers while the former are dispensational. Apostle Paul was an example of a Dispensational Prophet sent to the Gentiles while Agabus was a Local Ministerial Prophet with a gift of prophecy.

“Every man is given according to

of Abraham is ordained a global citizen (Genesis 28:14). God won’t bless us beyond our capacity to bless the world in which we live.

We have the priority of helping God’s people, and then we have the covenant responsibility of helping the world (Mark 12:30-31). That is what opens a man to a world of turnaround favour.

If God knows that we will be a blessing to the world, He will bless us on a global scale. If God knows that we are going to be a blessing to His Kingdom, He will bless us on a Kingdom scale. Until we think it, we can’t have it. So, start thinking the blessings. Start thinking you sending people to school, helping the orphans and the homeless. Start thinking it first; it all starts with a thought. Understand that favour is our portion, but the love of God is a demand on our lives to access it.

The Blessedness Of Divine Favour: Favour is the highway to fortune (Exodus 3:21): Favour is the platform for supernatural breakthroughs. We do not beg for things to happen; things open up on their own accord (Psalm 44:1-3).

Favour secures our future generation and posterity: Every time God remembers Abraham, He shows favour to Israel (Psalm 105:4244, Psalm 22:30). We can pray to remind God to give us the favour that He reserves for His people (Psalm 106:4).

Miracle Marriage: (Proverbs 18:22) Isaac did not go about looking for a wife; the servant prayed that whosoever comes first to that water, that is the wife (Genesis 42- 47).

Supernatural Conception and Child Birth: Favour visited Mary. A child was born without a man (Luke 1: 27-30).

We must be on the platform of unchequered love for God, unreserved love for God and His affairs, and then we qualify for turnaround favour.

Friend, the power to access turnaround favour is for those saved. You are saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. If you are set for it, please say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge.

For further reading, please get my books — Born To Win and Walking In The Miraculous.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m. and 10.45 a.m. respectively.

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

A true sign that is overlooked the proportion of faith.” If we may ask, why do the people reject these God-sent prophet messengers in their day? Always, history repeats itself as a reoccurring decimal. Noah as earlier mentioned was a true sign that was overlooked in spite of the many years he was on ground building the Ark, gathering the species of animals into the Ark and entering the Ark with his immediate family and daughters-inlaw, the few that believed him. The people stuck to their personal opinions, others their religious creeds. As Noah was overlooked, so today too, the religious world will overlook the prophet messenger that is sent to them except a minority to whom God will reveal the prophet by scriptural understanding. But the majority will lack the revelation to recognise their dispensational prophet because of the tie to their denominational doctrines and systems. Noah was God’s divine revelation for that day but the people stuck to their religious creeds. This way, the sign that Noah was, was overlooked and they all perished. Similarly, the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the scholars in the time of Christ condemned Him outrightly because he did not come out of them or their Sahindrine Council. Jesus didn’t have the polish and shine of ecclesiasm, Jesus didn’t have the educational stand point, the tinsel and the stuff that the ecclesiastic should have, a great hood on a turn-around collar. They reckoned that Jesus was a glutton and wine biber because of his unpolished mix with sinners. Matt. 11:19 “The son of man came eating and drinking with others, and they say behold a glutton and wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and especially wicked sinners.”

Yet scripturally, Jesus was a true sign that was overlooked. He was the Son of Man, meaning a

prophet messenger. The ability to hear, recognise and receive a prophet message of your day is predicated on divine revelation to one. Although Jesus Christ had been on ground with his 12 disciples, yet the disciples and the people could not identify who He was. He asked them in Matthew 16:13 – 18, “Who do men say that I the Son of Man am?” The disciples replied, “Some say that thou art John the Baptist, some Elias and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” The scripture says that those who know their God, shall do great exploits. The religious Jews in Christ’s day did not know their long expected messiah, the result of spiritual blindness and ignorance of the knowledge of God’s programme. Isaiah captured this spiritual condition in his prophesy in Isaiah 6:9-10, which Christ referred to in Matthew 13:14-15, “In them indeed is a process of fulfillment of a prophesy of Isaiah, which say we shall indeed hear and hear but never grasp and understand; and you shall indeed look and look but never see and perceive. For this nation’s heart has grown gross (fat and dull), and their ears heavy and difficult of hearing, and their eyes they have tightly closed, lest they see and perceive with their eyes, and hear and comprehend the sense with their ear, and grasp and understand with their heart, and turn and I should heal them.” No wonder they overlooked Christ. “But whom say ye that I am?”

He asked the disciples. They too couldn’t figure out who Christ was until God revealed it to Peter and he said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” This was not Peter’s intellectual ability but God revealing who Christ was to him. Jesus said, “Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my father which is in heaven.”

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Faith

Revelational LOVE

And they walk about naked….

It would appear that somebody is flaunting their best parts. It gives a wrong signal that says “come Franca Anyanwu take me.” How can somebody go around every day 08033408354 or email: assaulting the senses of people with almost bare tops francaanyawu@gmail.com and bare bottoms?

May be some young woman wants to hear the catnd he said, I heard thy voice in gins, cultures, class, lifestyle etc just calls, enjoy the stares, animal attraction and advances the garden, and I was afraid, from what men put on. Lawyers and of a vulgar nature. because I was naked; and I hid their wig and gown; bankers, doctors, But Surely You Are More Than These… myself… Unto Adam also and to his engineers, clergy, ‘agbero’, hawkers of Surely a woman is much more than her body. She wife did the Lord God make coats of all grades and more, are identified is brains, beauty, brawn and a lot more. She is a spirit skins, and clothed them” by their set of dressing. Commercial man, intelligent specie of God’s creation who needs I have wondered severally and sex workers have their own special not debase herself to get attention. My take is that any today I wonder aloud over this era of number. guy that has to appreciate you because you are a nude half nude parades.

Recently, however, you begin to show is not telling all the truth.

I don’t know whether the original wonder why people especially ‘ladies’ And if a guy pretends not to appreciate you because plan of God was to leave mankind na- do not respect the social delineation you are not flaunting your wares, he is way down your ked for life or whether He wanted to of the dress code. Some have really ladder. clothe them sometime later. veered off the handle in their choices.

Young lady, you are a harbinger of divine deposits.

But is so happened that a situa- Some say it’s a free world, and I agree Do not force yourself down the throat of anyone, it tion occurred in the Garden of Eden but we all know the true tag and price would be a mistake. Long after the show is over, the which made God to quickly kill some of ‘freedom’. intellect remains. animals to produce a kind of clothing, Freedom of choice supports the My counsel is that a woman should invest in knowla cover for their naked bodies. original idea of the moral agency of edge and engage wisdom. A wise woman’s value is far Henceforth, mankind began to man. So, to be half naked is a choice above rubies. cover their nakedness, and it became that has turned out to be quite expenIt’s a total disrespect of womanhood to de-emphaa way of life. sive, having taken its talk in rape and sise their intelligence, gifts and God-given talents and In all generations till now, clothing moral degeneration especially on the emphasise the body. and accessories became a big deal. dignity of womanhood.

The God of all creation is also being insulted beDressing became a measure of status When you see a body really un- cause He did not create a play thing in a woman. He symbol. Then, it rose to high fashion der pressure, bulging with contours is a God of purpose. and styles began to distinguish people here and there, you are left with no The truth, however, bitter is, that the guys will only of different trades and profession. choice than to begin to see the body take ‘home’ decent girls. I am yet to see a young man Over the ages you can now trace ori- on parade. take a half nude woman to see his mother or family

by

“A

for introduction. So, why all the charade?

What really got me writing was the provocation I got when I went o the immigration office recently in Abia State. As I drove in, a pretty lady was also walking down to her vehicle. She caught my attention and I looked in admiration face to down. I stopped short in shock! She was just dressed like someone who mistakenly wore a blouse (long top) for an outing. The gown was so short that as she made to put down her bag across the seat of the car, we saw the undies!!!

You see this was broad day light and it was not a party scene. Serious minded individuals were there to do their business just as I was. More than 10 pair of eyes stared, I moped.

The lady with me in the car was livid with anger as we watched her struggle with her embarrassment.

When she eventually managed to enter her car, she cast her eyes our way and our eyes met and held.

I concluded that if she had a decent space in her consciousness, she would never even show up in that dress without wearing leggings or trousers to complement.

That same day, I remembered when Senator Chris Anyanwu sponsored a motion against indecent dressing. She was attacked from all sides; their major reason being that hunger and hardship was taking its toll on the nation whereas she was busy with the question of indecent dressing.

But as it is, the chicken has come to roost. You know what; these ladies do not fall from the sky on a daily basis. They come from homes, institutions; have friends, relations, loved ones and even enemies. I’m just saying that all hands should be on deck to condemn evil and not pamper it in the name of fashion.

‘Tax on places of worship is fraudulent’ CON TINUED F R O M PAGE 30

end of the year, they would submit it to an auditor.

“Once an auditor checks their books and everything, I mean the receipts, is alright, the British State has to give a quarter of the church’s revenue to the church; as a contribution of the British State to the church, for what the church does for the British people which the government cannot replicate.

“They feel that the church is making a contribution without which that country cannot be what it is.”

He hinted that officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Finance might be guilty of sharp practices with the land use tax on places of worship.

He explained, “So when I received the much reduced tax bill, I even made several attempts to pay it, but there was a remark.

“There was something for us to provide and after sometime I put it down. And then I wrote them. I said you sent this thing blank; you filled all the other indices and you left this one.

“What do you want me to do? So they said, ‘If you get to the bank tell them that this is the first time you are paying.

So the bank will generate a code for you.

“This is rubbish; it is rubbish. How can? The whole thing is fraudulent. Quote me; it is a fraud, it is illegal.”

Commenting on the church’s anniversary celebration, the cleric noted that the Bible recognised such.

He explained that it offered Christians the opportunity to review the past and thank God. He added that it was an opportunity to review the past and plan for the future.

He stated that the church had planned to organise a comprehensive anniversary, adding that it would build an auditorium along the expressway.

“We will also build a social centre and set up a radio station,” he said.

The previous day, the church had visited the Arrow of God Orphanage in the vicinity and donated food, clothes, toiletries

and cash for the up keep of the inmates.

Also speaking at the thanksgiving service and the celebration grand finale, Pastor Wale Adefarasin commended the church for its fortitude and vision.

Many pastors are crazy over worldly things - Ayodele CO N T I N U E D F R O M PAG E 2 9

God; but excess of it is not good.

What is your relationship with CAN and PFN?

Well, do they exist? Are they teaching the word of God? Do they understand what they stand for? Is it Biblical? Hey! They are an association, a human association which has no spiritual ingredients.

I don’t think we should talk about these political associations when we are talking about what matters most. We are talking about God here. These are political associations. People like us shouldn’t be talking about them; it is a mere waste of time and energy.

You will agree with me that this is a time Nigerians are anxious to know what the future holds because there is trouble in different sectors. What is the prophetic outlook for the nation?

I like the way you put that question.

We have said what the Lord has about the country earlier in the year. This is the first quarter, not even the middle of the year.

We are going to release the full prophe-

cies in July. But before then, let’s look at some of the prophecies, beginning from the political landscape: APC will disagree over who would be chosen as the party’s presidential presidential candidate in 2015, and will break up eventually. Rebel PDP members will go back to PDP. It is not time for APC to win the presidency of Nigeria. They are ganging up against Jonathan now because they don’t see; otherwise the APC would concentrate on grooming the party to send PDP out of the presidency in future. But the APC is doing it in a wrong way. PDP must watch it and be very careful. A lot of drama is going to happen in PDP. But it would still retain the presidency in 2015.

I don’t see PDP continuing in power beyond that tenure. Two parties will be the order of the day. Delegates to the ongoing confab will not do their job the way there are supposed to do it.

Whatever the confab presents will be part of government’s agenda; Jonathan’s administration will try implementing it but there will be a time the government

will not be able to do so completely.

Take note, Nigeria as a nation is under a threat; we need serious prayers. I am not seeing Nigeria as a one nation in the next 60, 70 years. The confab delegates know this; they cannot put it because government said confab should not discuss that. But the confab wanted to change the existing presidential system of government. And that will not even help; as a matter of fact, one Nigeria will not be in existence. In 1993, I said that the motto of Nigeria would change; that will still change. The Green - White Green will also change but it might not be now.

They are not seeing it now. What Jonathan’s government has done, Nigerians will not realise it now. But in the nearest future, maybe in the next three years, I am telling you, Nigerians themselves will vote Jonathan’s government as the best. We will not realise it now, we will not; but we will mark this government as the best. I am talking as a prophet. I am not talking as a politician or analyst.

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Faith

Word of FAITH by by Apostle Clement Apostle Clement Ogbonna Ogbonna apostleofgraceinwof2010@gmail. apostleofgraceinwo com, 08036774737

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our family is a strong contributor to your future. If your parents are wise and attentive to your questions, actions and reactions, they would have been able to dictate your future career and channel your life training towards that area. The reason many people suffer and wallow in ignorance is that they do not have people who can guide and direct their affairs. They do whatever comes to their minds without the direction of anybody.

But this is not an excuse. It is not a good reason why you should always stumble. It is for one of these reasons that I said that you should not die in silence. Make your visions known to people who will help you. My own parents did not guide or direct my affairs. They did not know it until I discovered it myself.

When you know your area of calling, do not delay communicating it to people who can help you. Your family may not know it before you.

So, if you discover it look for reliable people you can share it with so that they will help you realise it. However,

parents and relation are advised to always find out the gifts ad talents their wards or children so as to help them grow in the area.

Meanwhile, the issue of the family and your future should be discussed in various ways. One of the ways is that any man or woman that is single and wants to marry should endeavour to marry a woman or a man who has the same talent or gift or ministry he or she has. This is one of the easiest ways of actualising any goal in one’s life. The Bible says that two cannot work together except they agree. If there is no agreement with regard to your area of calling, there will be a breach of peace, harmony and future anticipation. If a man who likes politics, for instance, gets married to a woman who does not like it, there will be trouble in that family.

The family is the centre of peace when a husband and a wife have the same calling. Without this, there will always be misunderstanding. The Bible says, “He that finds a wife, finds a good thing.” This means that you are given the freedom of choice to

Your family and your future select a woman that will help you realise your dream in life. So, if you make any mistake, you will suffer the consequences alone. The Bible calls wives ‘helpmates’, which means that they are created to help men. When Adam saw Eve, he called her the bone of his bone and the flesh of his flesh. This is because he said that she would be of help to him. Therefore, he called her a woman, meaning she was made out of a man.

If your wife is not created out of you, you will find it difficult to live with her. Marry a woman or a man who understands your feelings and the reasons for your actions and reactions. The choice is there for you to make. If you marry a man because he is rich, the thing that attracted you to him will be the same thing that will send you out of his house. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows that shall he reap. Adam saw all the things God created but was not comfortable with them until God created a woman for him. There are many women in the world, but not every woman is capable of being your wife. Take time to select a woman who will help you in life. Solomon made a mistake; Samson made a mistake; David also made a mistake. They selected the wrong women and therefore did not live to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Let that not be your portion. Avoid their mistakes and look out for the best woman. You are created to succeed, but a bad woman can destroy your future.

A bad woman will give birth to the worst children, and they will dig a big hole for her. It is always stated that behind every successful man, there is a woman. But many people looked into the matter and discovered that some successful men did not live to reap the fruits of their labour. So, they changed it to, “behind every successful man, there is a good woman.” In other words, behind every fallen man, there is a bad woman.

Mystery of the kingdom A

sower went out to sow his seed and he sowed. Some fell by the way side and it was trodden down and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock, and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. And others fell on good ground and sprang up and bare fruit an hundred fold.

Introduction: We need to realise in our lives that the successes and growth we want to see, the fruitfulness we yearn for, and the abundant life that is the right of a child of God will begin to manifest when we begin to apply scripture directly to our lives. When we receive messages from this altar, every Sunday from this stable, as it is indeed the word of God to us personally and begin to make use them i.e. apply them directly to our lives, blessings will pursue and overtake us naturally.

The Christian fellowship is a call to come and celebrate.

This I say because His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Compare the burden of serving the Lord with the burden of serving the devil as committing your life to being a native doctor or growing through the ranks in the occult kingdom. The Christian life is smooth, simple, unencumbered and light. You simply need to know the word of God, live by it and enjoy the three Ps of divinity.

Luke 8:5 A sower sowed his seed: Group 1 - Those that by fell the way side, Men trod upon it and birds came and picked them up and ate them away. The seed was devoured by birds; a complete waste of the word.

These ones hear the word of God, the devil comes and takes away what they heard so that they will not believe what they heard and be saved. They are unable to be saved from their challenges. The target of the devil

is to make sure this type of person is not delivered from his or her situation. Each time men ridicule the word, argue over the word, and try to reduce the impact of the word of God in your life, family, church or nation please quickly recognise that it is your salvation that is the target. Salvation means a lot more than our ordinary application of that word. See it from the real meaning of that English word as it applies on a generic basis. The salvation a hungry man needs is food; the salvation a poor man needs is deliverance from poverty; the salvation a man covenanted to spirits needs is breaking the power of those covenants and the salvation a nation needs from bad governance is deliberately imposed good government. When therefore in a nation the word of God is not given a pride of place, such a nation will continue to aimlessly float around, unable to be saved from the challenges of bad leadership, decaying in infrastructure, mass unemployment, failure in food and social security, continuously reducing life expectancy (today in Nigeria, life expectancy is about 42 years). Reason is, it takes knowing and committing to a way of life controlled by the word of God for there to be promotion, protection and provision to be a reality (The three Ps of Divinity).

History confirms this sequence as taught by scripture in John 1v 4-5, “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

When the life of God is allowed to penetrate, it generates light. When the light of God’s glorious gospel shines in a family, community, or in a state, you notice that lives are affected; a true revival breaks out and God’s nature breaks out among men. His creative nature is unleashed and everybody and everything comes alive. It was after Martin Luther, the German monk, protested against the prevailing norm that he began translating the Bible

If we know all this, we should try to avoid the misfortune or trouble of tomorrow from befalling us. God created us for His own pleasure, and we should live our lives in such a way that when He looks at us, He will be glad. Make your family ‘a heaven’ on earth. Marry a good woman that will give you a happy home. Marry a woman who will have time to discuss, ask questions and make suggestions that will help you realise your future dreams.

This is also applicable to women. I have always advised young ladies that when a man comes to marry you, you should find out why the man came. You should be able to know what attracted the man to you. If you are a young lady, and a man comes to you for a marital relationship, if you like and love him, and would want to marry him, find out why he came. Find out what attracted him to you. Ask him questions. For instance, you may ask him, “Mr. Man, what actually attracted you to me? Why did you leave all the beautiful young ladies in your street, office, business area, community, school, and the world, and decide to come to me for marriage?” He should tell you this. This is because the earlier you know this, the better for you. If you find out that a man married you because of the way you speak, dance, sing, walk, discuss ideas, dress, cook or do other important things, then do not forget to continue with that even when you are officially taken to his house. This is one of the things that will help you maintain peace in the family and also realise your goal in life.

So, any man that fails to tell you why he is attracted to you, does not want to live in peace with you. He will shatter your company with him. Do not fail to ask him this question. Some men will be frank to tell you that they are not seeing what they saw and got married to you after a while in your matrimonial home.

CHURCH && Politics by

Oscar Ossai

Email: info@cityofrefugministry.net.

Phone:08033065892

from Latin into common language and began to make it available for all. The printing press was discovered the following year and the press first publication was the Bible. What followed this invention was the industrial revolution which happened the next year. Thus, Western Europe took a lead in the industrial revolution and better life for all became a reality. It began with giving the word of God a pride of place in our lives as individuals, as family units, as a community of people and as a nation. And I dare to add that darkness cannot overwhelm light. Darkness is not an entity; darkness is simply the absence of light. Little wonder then that no man can generate darkness.

Introduce the light of the gospel into Nigeria indeed and watch how every work of darkness will naturally vanish. We have churches everywhere, large structures of people seeking what God can do and not God Himself. We have preachers using a strategy of enticing people with an offer of the finger of God. Many project themselves as solution centres. On

a macro level, we see the nation falling more and more into the abyss of moral and institutional decay. Let’s accept that it is not working 2 Chronicles 5 v 17 says, “If my people that are called by my name shall humble themselves, turn away from their wicked ways ... I will heal their land.” Change will come when we make the word of God our basis for action or inaction in everything we do. I hear people clamour that religion be de-emphasised in Nigeria so we can move forward. This they opine is consequent upon so-called religious and ethnocentric violence which indeed has been much. The question that is yet to be confronted boldly is, which religion is violent? How many churchrelated operatives throw bombs into markets, churches, schools and even offices of international organisations?

The worst part is that fear is creeping in gradually by which freedom of expression is impaired. Christianity as a religion brings light everywhere.

Hope is made alive, encourages good citizenship and love for all, including your enemy.

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Sermon & Faith

Hour of LIBERATION by

Chidi Anthony Tel: 08124284979

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want to read from the book of Number chapter 13: 30-33: “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are (stronger) than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search, it (is) a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it (are) men of great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, (which come) of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”

Today, I want to minister on a message titled, ‘It’s wrong information.’ Can you tap your neighbour and say to him or her, “The information, the very negative ones you

have been hearing concerning me, they are wrong information.”

And the Bible remarked that Moses selected two men from each tribe of Israel to go and conduct a search on the land which the Lord had promised to give them as an inheritance. When the search team returned, the Bible records that some of them brought a negative and discouraging report to the children of Israel. They said to Moses, though the land is very fertile, we cannot go there because there are giants in the land. They concluded that they could not possess the land.

They did not say that they looked like grasshoppers. They said that in their own eyes, they were like grasshoppers before the inhabitants.

Talking about information, if one is not properly informed he could become deformed. We live in a world that thrives on information.

The level of information you gather determines how far you can go in life. One major difference between a rich man and a poor man is that

Am I talking to somebody? when you see a rich man you see a man that has ways of gathering positive information.

The search team came back with negative information. I don’t know the type of information has given to you. I don’t know the information you have received concerning your business, family. May the enemy have told you that your womb cannot carry a child? May be you have been told that since your sisters could not marry, you too would not see any man to marry you.

But I stand this day as a prophet of God. Every wrong information, I prophesy to you every wrong information concerning you, concerning your business, from today I destroy that information in the name of Jesus. Information you have can kill within a twinkle of an eye. For instance, look at me very well. I am healthy now and maybe I have a slight headache. I need to find out why I have a headache. I’m referred to the medical laboratory to do some checks.

When the result comes out, the doctor says, “Please, I want to see you in my office.” In the doctor’s office, his face was gloomy as he tried to break the information. The doctor says, “Young man, this is not the

end of life. But we found out that you are HIV positive.” Anyone that sees me at that point will notice that I will instantly lose weight. The truth is it is not the HIV the doctor said I have, so to say, that is killing me, but the impact of information I received. Information can kill your career.

Maybe you want to marry. And someone tells you, “Oh, you want to marry into Obi’s family. No, you can’t do that to yourself. Don’t you know that members of that family often give birth to imbeciles?” The moment you put that in your memory, you begin to ask yourself, “Me, give birth to imbeciles?” You allow worry to consume you. If you go ahead to marry into that family with all that worry, when you give birth to your first child, you will most likely give birth to an imbecile. That your elder sister is not yet married does not mean you will not get married.

Her case was just a circumstance; it does not follow that you will suffer the same fate. I don’t know what information that you have been given.

Whose report shall we believe?

Has someone said you would be struck down by a strange sickness?

Have they said no one will marry in your family? Have they said that no one will rise in your family? I stand

Family

The power of marriage Today we conclude our discourse and series – The Purpose Of Marriage.

As we conclude today, I want to elaborate on the second purpose for which God established marriage.

Fruitfulness or procreation When a holy God talks about fruitfulness or increase (Gen. 1:28), He is not just referring to the multiplication of children biologically, but the procreation and the raising of Godlike children. Remember that God made Adam (mankind) in His image and likeness and that the mandate of procreation was given to Adam before he fell in sin and the corruption of nature).

Anybody can have children who are matured, sexually married or unmarried but not everybody can have Godly children.

A tree produces after its kind not another, so God expects the Godly man to produce after his kind – Godly, righteous children. As God’s will was then, so it is today.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday,

today and forever.” (Heb. 13:8).

For Adam (mankind) just having children before the face would have been enough. But that does not suffice for humanity today because of the corruption of sin that has been in the world since the fall. (Rom. 5:12).

So far, man in the present dispensation having children is not just enough and does not fulfill God’s mandate except those children are raised in the face and admonition of the Lord who is the maker of heaven and earth. These are children who like their parents will live to fulfill God’s purpose and mandate in their generations.

In our world today, unlike in the Garden of Eden before the fall, multiplication places a higher demand on the family because of the corruption of sin and the prevalent evil. Raising children was made more difficult than it would have been without sin because sin corrupts. This accounts for why families, even Christian families, have consciously worked hard to raise their children to meet God’s standards. Children who are morally and spiritually upright.

And of course this cannot be accomplished outside of a marriage or an environment that is established and run on Godly principles and

purposes.

And more of such marriages in our world today that do not know understand and let alone live these principles and purposes God has given for building successful marriages.

This failing in most part accounts for most of the world’s problems today. This should change our focus in marriage from that of having children to that of not just having but raising quality children. Quality is the word – spiritual quality. The reason God unites man and woman in marriage is because “He seeks Godly offspring” (Mal. 2:5-6). This understanding should shift our efforts from many distractions of the church today to the raising of a truly righteous and Godly offspring in every generation. This is the second purpose of God for marriages and it is a no mean task.

How to achieve God’s purposes in marriage • Remember that this is the major key to a blissful successful marriage.

• Make God’s purpose you main pursuit. This will release God’s blessing and power in your life and marriage. “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His Kingdon and His

this day as a prophet of God and declare it as wrong information. Who said that you will die with that sickness? Who said that that sickness is incurable? I declare it as wrong information. Hear me; that sickness that is ravaging your life, after this ministration, you shall see it no more. Every sickness that operates in your marrows, in your blood, in your system, I command that sickness to die, in the name of Jesus. Any wrong information concerning your health, your business, your career, your marital life, note this day, I declare them wrong information and of no effect, in the mighty name of Jesus.

The Bible says that the search team came to Moses and said, “Moses, the land is good; the land is beautiful; but Moses, there is a problem. We can’t go there because there are giants in the land.” Hear me, any time you are afraid of giants you will not go far. Whenever you are afraid of trials, you will not go far. If a student is afraid of examination, the pupil will not achieve much.

Remember, examination is a time of trial; if you are under examination, one day you will graduate. Who told you that your child would die as a sickler? He or she is a liar. Am I talking to somebody?

Matters by

O.C. David

Tel: 08033409221 righteousnes (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things together will be given to you besides.”

(Matt. 6:33 Amp) You must set it as your priority.

It must be planned for and sought after not accidental and occational.

• Make God your source not your spouse. Know and understand that your satisfaction in marriage does not come from your marriage partner but from God who ordained marriage. God is the source of your joy, happiness, fulfillment, peace and even your supply in life. Look to God not your spouse who is only a channel – only a channel.

Many know the words Phil. 4:19 and can quote it easily, but not many live it in reality.

God meets all your need when you are connected and joined to Him and believe and trust Him to. Begin to trust Him today and beyond the resources of your spouse husband

or wife He will meet all your need.

• Make God your pursuit not another. Marriage is only a means to an end not an end in itself. God is your true destination and end even in marriage. His will should be your uppermost desire not anybody’s. Jesus says “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the father, but by me” Any marriage that does not help you get closer to God is either on the wrong footing or in the wrong direction.

Your fulfillment in life will only come from your heir in Christ and God. • Make patience your watchword.

Your spouse is not perfect and none else anywhere is. No matter how Godly any man is, as long as they are in the flesh, they are subject to error and fallible.

“Therefore him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

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Politics / Hardball

‘Our criminal justice system is a disgrace’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 6

a voluntary work. There is no conscription! They are the ones who lobby to be judges. So they must do the job well so they can help the system grow.

How do you attract investment to your country when your dispute resolution mechanism does not work? Who is going to invest in your country when they know that in order to get judgment, you might be in court for 10 years?

Is this the reason most foreign investors always add arbitration clause in their agreements?

Absolutely! But arbitration is a partial solution to it. People see the civil justice system in Nigeria simply as one that doesn’t work. Not that it is incapable of working, it can work! I have had cases start and finish in one year. So it can be done! I earlier said that arbitration was a partial solution. It is so in the sense that in many cases you get the result and an outcome quicker and everyone is satisfied that that system works very well. But if the judgment debtor refuses to pay the award, you are then forced to return to the court system to enforce the award. Very often, you start the litigation all over. So arbitration provides a partial solution if the judgment debtor is willing to pay. But in Nigeria, the lawyers will tell you, ‘don’t worry, we will keep the case in court for 10 years’!

Don’t you think that lawyers are major culprits in this problem?

Of course, they are the major culprits. Many judges are very lazy. Many of them don’t believe that they can give extemporary. If someone applies to me to amend pleadings for example, I could decide whether to allow it or not immediately and give you reasons for doing so. I don’t have to adjourn for one month to give you reasons why the document would be admitted or not. Many judges are incapable of judging, they have no business on the bench. Also, the lawyers are culpable because they are the ones that make the frivolous applications and the judges accede to them to waste everybody’s time. The case management system which is supposed to be used to ensure that the cases are conducted as efficient manner as possible doesn’t work.

What of the criminal justice system?

The criminal justice system is a complete disgrace. The prisons are over congested. The criminal justice system simply doesn’t work across board. Why does it not work? Often times, the prosecuting authorities charge so many cases and the judges will tell you that their dockets are full and are incapable of finding time to handle these cases. If you look at the cases of former governors who finished their tenures in 2007, not even one of them has gone into the witness box in their so-called trial. But those trials should have been concluded within two or three years. On the issue of minor cases, many people are kept on remand and they stay on remand longer than they would have served if they were convicted immediately. So the criminal justice system is a disgrace and entirely laughable. It has also been hijacked.

You saw the example of a former governor of Delta State who was discharged and acquitted on the basis that he was not even allowed to take a plea. The court said he has no case to answer but on the same facts in England, he pleaded guilty without a trial. It tells you something about how the courts here have been hijacked and the courts should be ashamed of that.

Who hijacked them?

It was hijacked by special interest - politicians and rich people! They hijacked it and make it a subject of capture. And it is at every level of decision making. As a practicing lawyer,

Many judges are incapable of judging, they have no business in the bench. Also, the lawyers are culpable because they are the ones that make the frivolous applications and the judges accede to them to waste everybody’s time. you are bound by what courts say, but have to query the understanding of some of the judges in the decisions they make. You have to really worry whether the judges understand the law or whether they have been captured by the parties involved in giving some of the erroneous judgments at every level of decision making. If you are a first year law student, you will find out that some of those judgments do not make sense and to say that they are coming from the highest court is a tragedy for the country.

But judges cite authorities in taking their decisions?

You have to ask yourself whether the authorities they cite support what they cite them for. The judges often misinterpret the facts; whether deliberately or inadvertently. And so you don’t actually know where incompetent ends and corruption begins. The issues are more complex and I believe that the process for the selection of judges needs to be looked at. It is no use for us to complain about the failure of our civil and criminal justice system without confronting the basic issue about the selection of judges. Don’t get me wrong, some of our judges are very good, but the vast majority of them are not nearly so good and that is the weakness in the selection process. As you know, judges lobby to be appointed. And if you lobby, there will be no merit in the system. When you are nominated and sponsored by someone to be a judge, you will have no independence because when they want anything, they come to you. If you don’t do their bidding, you will soon need promotion.

And you will need someone who will help you get promotion to the Court of Appeal. It is the same people you will need to lobby to nominate you.

Based on these, will you subscribe to the argument that senior advocates should

be appointed to the bench as it is done in other jurisdictions?

Absolutely! There is no doubt that the very best lawyers are senior advocates. Yes, you might quarrel with the system for the selection of senior advocates, and there are few of them who might have question marks. But by and large, it represents by far the most formidable set of practitioners at least in court room advocacy in Nigeria. So they provide a ready pool of very able lawyers from which you can select. But there are also non senior advocates who are formidable practitioners. And I know a few who are as good as many senior advocates.

How do you react to the dismissal of some judges by the president on the recommendations of the National Judicial Council (NJC)?

The NJC found sufficient evidence of incompetence or lack of candour on the part of the dismissed judges and when you are so grossly incompetent or lacking in integrity, you should be dismissed. I don’t think that there is much difference between an incompetent judge and a corrupt judge. If you are incompetent, you have no business administering justice; if you are corrupt, you have no business administering justice.

They were right to dismiss them. Having said that, I also want to add that we must defend the judges because they are doing a difficult task.

Very often where a judge makes a decision, whoever loses will attribute corruption to the judge.

Judges are the subject of very unfair allegations because they make difficult decisions. Against that background, one has to be very careful in criticising judges and attributing corruption to them. Nigerians are very quick to accuse people without any evidence. Having said all that, I still believe that many judges are very incompetent; some judges are corrupt and have not been caught yet. The system has refused to catch them and root them out.

The elections are around the corner. What is your view about the electoral system?

Everyone knows that the electoral laws are stacked against the challenger. In every democracy, election is the principle mechanism for selecting the peoples representatives, whether executive or as legislators, so that when people are exercising it, they do so because they have our consent or mandate to do so. But this mandate is only valid if the electoral process has integrity. If the electoral process is hijacked and manipulated such that it no longer delivers on the wishes of the people, the result cannot be said to be representa-

tive of anybody.

In terms of form and substance, there is no difference between a coup d’état and an electoral fraud. In either case, is the will of the people reflected? In one case, governance is obtained by force; the will of the people is vitiated by force. In the other case, governance is obtained by fraud; the will of the people is vitiated by fraud. In both cases, there is a vitiating factor, whether by force or fraud, the result is always the same. That is the challenge that we have and why we all have to be concerned about the electoral process. Unfortunately, in Nigeria middle class doesn’t show enough interest in elections and politics. They should! These people who claim to exercise power on our behalf also expend our commonwealth.

So in order to reform our electoral process, we must ensure that our electoral system is credible.

The electoral laws themselves are heavily stacked against the loser because when you lose, you have a very short period to file your petition and frontload all your documents. If you take the presidential election for example which takes place within the 36 states of the federation and you are required to file your petition within 30 days; and file all your evidence showing that there was fraud in what must exceed 6,000 polling units, it’s simply not easy. So it favours the person who has been nominally declared the winner.

Another problem is the time limit for giving judgment in respect of electoral matters. They said to the tribunals, you must give your rulings within ninety days and some of them gave theirs outside 90 days, the Supreme Court said those judgments were invalid so that the appeals brought to them in respect of those rulings were incompetent. I have argued this position with some members of the Supreme Court that they completely misunderstood the function, but said to me that there were forced into that decision by the constitution. But I don’t believe so. There is no way you can say to me, a litigant who filed my case on time and argued it on time and the judge decides for his or her own reasons not to give judgment for 180 days and then you visit the judge’s wrong on me and dismiss my appeal. So whatever opinion the judge gives in the appeal becomes invalid. I then have no competent decision against which I am appealing to the Supreme Court. It doesn’t just make sense. My view is that those decisions disappointed the expectations of the people and compounded the difficulties which losers face in trying to get those who have stolen their mandate removed. The Supreme Court has erected additional hurdles, in addition to the evidential difficulties that they presently face. That is why it is easier to be declared a winner than to try to challenge the person who has stolen the mandate.

What is your view about INEC’s call for the establishment of electoral offender’s tribunal?

That is not the issue. Instead of Nigeria trying to solve its problems, it is trying to create so many specialised tribunals. Soon every subject matter will have a special tribunal. The problem is not whether it is a special tribunal or not but the slowness with which the course of justice grinds. In other countries such as England, they don’t have special electoral offences courts. If someone commits an electoral offence, you take them to regular courts because those courts work. You will get a verdict in the time you expect. In Nigeria, the courts don’t work. The reason those courts don’t work will also ensure that those special tribunals don’t work.

40

APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Politics / National Conference

I’ll invest my N12m allowance in foundation, says youngest delegate Miss Yadoma Mandara, 24, is the youngest delegate at the ongoing National Conference. In this interview with ONWUKA NZESHI, she relives her experience at the conference so far.

Y

ou are the youngest delegate at the National Conference. Can we get to know you?

There have been speculations that since your nomination many young men have been flocking round you like gold diggers, wanting to have a share of your allowances. How true is this?

I am a Nigerian from Nigeria but I was born and brought up in Borno State.

Where were you before this conference?

Well, I don’t know about that. Sincerely, I just read it in the newspapers. But I don’t know about gold diggers.

I have lived much of my life in Borno State.

Where did you school?

Are you married?

I went to the University of Maiduguri.

What course did you study?

I am not married.

Are you planning to settle down soon?

I studied Environmental Biology.

Have you undergone the one-year National Youth Service?

What sort of question is this? Of course!

Who is the lucky man?

Yes.

Name withheld. Thank you.

In which of the states did you serve?

Are you a Christian or Muslim?

I served in Kaduna State and I am currently working with one of Nigeria’s commissions, name withheld (laughter).

I’m a Muslim.

The conference has been on for about three weeks and you have seen it all. So what are your impressions of the conference?

How were you nominated?

Well, I was nominated by .... I don’t know. I just found my name on the list.

Well, I haven’t seen it all because we have not broken into committees. No serious matter has been discussed so generally I wouldn’t say anything about the conference for now.

What are your impressions of this conference?

You have become an instant millionaire by participating in this conference. How do you intend to spend your allowances?

The National Conference is entirely another world. But then coming here, I’m learning. It’s been quite an experience and I’m glad to be here. There is not much to say because we have not started serious business. We have not broken into committees yet and so I do not have much to say about the conference.

Actually, I am proposing to start a foundation for the vulnerable women and children in Borno State. I have already commenced the process of registration at the Corporate Affairs Commission and hopefully the name would soon be out.

Do you see this conference coming out with recommendations that could take Nigeria out of its present predicament?

Have you lost any dear one in this insurgency crisis in your state?

Yea. I’m certain that there would be good recommendations. But we hope that our recommendations would be implemented because that has been a major obstacle in this country.

Could you throw light on one of your presentations at the plenary?

Well, I basically said that I am a Nigerian from Nigeria. I just turned 24 years old and I lost my dad exactly a year today (last Monday).

For all the years he lived, he was always preaching to us that whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa or whatever tribe you are, we are all one.

He also said that whether you are Muslim or Christian, we are all one. So this is the kind of background I grew up in and I feel that every Nigerian is a part of me and every Nigerian is for me. So, I find it very sad that some of the delegates are actually talking about religion, region and ethnicity. It breaks my heart as a young person but then we have common enemies like poverty, corruption, insecurity and a host of others and the more space we give between ourselves, the more space we give these common enemies to grow among us. So we have to form an army of united Nigerians to fight these common enemies.

When last did you visit Maiduguri?

Some four weeks ago.

How was Maiduguri before the current security challenges?

Maiduguri, as the slogan says, Home of Peace was actually peaceful. It breaks my heart

tion, I said to myself that instead of sitting back and talking about the problems alone, why not go in there and try and see if collectively we can proffer solutions to the problems? That’s basically why I am here.

I have lost a lot of dear ones. I have lost about five relatives.

Which of these losses has been most painful to you?

All of them have been very painful. These are my relatives. I lost my aunt’s husband, my cousin’s husband and so on. These are people with young children below the age of five.

Mandara

and that of every Borno person. It is really sad about what is happening. It was really the home of peace before now.

Do you feel a sense of insecurity whenever you visit home?

Yes. Of course making the journey especially now that there is no flight to Maiduguri, I feel very unsafe. But with prayers and everything, we thank God.

Are you discouraged about Nigeria with what is going on in the North-East?

I am actually very sad about what is happening. I actually speak my mind on different online platforms and other places. I am so bitter about what is happening in Nigeria, especially the insecurity aspect. This is causing serious problems in my state in terms of its economy. I am really sad. But then when I got this nomina-

From your own assessment as an indigene of Borno State, what is really the cause of this Boko Haram crisis?

Actually, I can’t tell. But really the problem is that nobody knows what the problem is. But so many people would say that it was caused by unemployment and poverty. So I think it is poverty. It is glaring that there is poverty in that region.

Why insecurity persists in North-Central –Emir

M

eanwhile, the Emir of Gummi, Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, has given an insight into the worsening level of insecurity across Nigeria. Gummi, who spoke while contributing to a debate at the national conference, said massive unemployment was responsible for the insurgency in the North-East, kidnapping in the South-East, ritual killings and other crimes taking place across Nigeria.

On the communal clashes in the North-Central states of Plateau, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa, the royal father said it was due to the frustration of the Fulani herdsmen who have no pasture for their cattle.

He explained that in the past there were designated cattle routes and grazing areas across the old Northern Region. Over time, he said, these grazing areas and routes have been appropriated by the governments and people in some states, leaving the herdsmen with no pasture for their cattle.

“You can abuse and do whatever you like to a Fulani man, but if you say he is not going to have grazing ground for his cattle, then it becomes a problem. That is the problem that is happening in the North-Central states, particularly in Kogi and Benue. There is the need to engage the Fulani to properly delineate those routes for them.

I think that will bring some peace in the North-Central,” he said.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Politics

Another view on scrapping of NAPEP

N

igeria with its huge and abundant human and natural resources unfortunately houses two-thirds of the world’s extremely poor. In fact,in the words of Jim Yong Kim,President of the World Bank Group, Nigeria is among four other countries in this category, including India, China, Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Sadly, despite acclaimed increasing growth levels in the economy as indicated in the recent released Gross Domestic Product figure which totalled N80.3 trillion, (about £307.6bn: $509.9bn), economists argue that a solid GDP without sustainable and viable jobs only equates to a time bomb. What is needed, according to most observers, is that such improvements should translate into improved living conditions for the ordinary Nigerian.

The Federal Government’s decision to scrap the National Poverty Eradication Programme and other agencies has come with some criticism, considering current poverty indices in the country.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, who was appointed to head a 10-member White Paper Drafting Committee on the report of the Steve Oronsaye Presidential Committee on the Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies submitted the 105-page document to President Goodluck Jonathan last week and government accepted the recommendation to scrap NAPEP as well as some other organisations.

Besides the fact that NAPEP has not fully lived up to the objective for which it was established, the programme appears to have impacted

Anule Emmanuel emmyanule@yahoo.com

directly on a greater number of poor Nigerians.

What seems lacking in it over the years is the realisation that developing a productive and sustainable private sector as well as helping Nigeria to modernise the skills and production processes of its artisans is imperative.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had launched NAPEP in 2001 with the mandate of developing and coordinating all poverty eradication initiatives while improving the skills of the less privileged in the society as the basis for eradicating poverty in various communities.

It is the more reason that, now that government is beginning to realise the critical role of the private sector as the main engine of growth and is already creating the needed favourable environment, rather than scrap NAPEP, technical and financial assistance from all tiers of government should be accorded it.

Given the posture of government on addressing issues of poverty, it is surprising however that even at the level of the Federal Executive Council, no objection was made in regard to retaining this particular programme and strengthen it to complement the role of other agencies like the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, National Directorate of

Employment and the recently launched Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria.

When a critic visited Mr. President Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of Aviation under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, no doubt, has remained a harsh critic of President Goodluck Jonathan and his administration’s policies.

His visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday where he held a closed-door meeting with the President sparked off speculations in the media and reactions especially from FaniKayode’s opposition All Progressives Congress.

The belief is that he may have gradually commenced steps to pitch tent with President Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.

Fani-Kayode, who obviously was being sighted around the vicinity of the Presidential Villa for the first time since he left government, was clad in a sparkling white caftan and walked in about 4:45pm. He left around 5:55pm but not without addressing journalists.

This visit reminds one of the essays he wrote criticising the President. In one of them, FaniKayode wrote; “Who will deliver us from this

Goodluck? Can someone please tell me precisely what has happened to this man and what has got into his head? This government is not only weak, it not only lacks direction but it is also insensitive and callous.

“The removal of the fuel subsidy is the final straw: President Jonathan, the King Rehoboam of our time, has hardened his heart unto destruction, just like Pharaoh once did, and he has fallen into the trap that has been set for him by God and by his enemies. May the Lord save Nigeria from this mess and from this weak man and may the Nigerian people themselves wake up from their accursed slumber and take their destiny in their own hands.”

But the sound changed when he visited the President last week. He said, “This is the Presidential Villa. The President is the President of Nigeria and every single person in this country that is a Nigerian is entitled to come here from time to time, when the doors are open, to come to pay their respect to the wonderful people that are here. As a Nigerian, I have done that today and I am delighted to be here.

“Every right thinking and responsible Nigerian should be able to visit the President from time to time and help to move the nation forward.”

What an irony? But it appears at the moment that Aso Rock needs the APC chieftain and he also needs Aso Rock to survive. There are fillers in the Presidency that the former aviation minister is being considered for a plum jobs critical to the 2015 elections. The important thing is that there are no permanent enemies or friends in politics but permanent interest. What is important is that the APC chieftain paid a visit to the President.

Disturbing revelations in Ekiti, Osun voter register

I

f for anything, Ekiti and Osun states’ gubernatorial elections holding this year will serve as a critical test for the Independent National Electoral Commission as it prepares for the 2015 elections. This is because the elections present the opportunity to amend and correct what the commission failed to do right in last year’s Anambra State governorship election.

From all indications and given its public programmes and activities, it appears the electoral umpire is not leaving any stone unturned to ensure it delivers acceptable and credible elections in the two states.

The first step the electoral umpire took was the issuance of Permanent Voter Cards to eligible voters, whose names were already on the INEC register during the 2011 nationwide voter registration.

For those who missed the exercise or who attained 18 years between 2011 and now, they have the opportunity of voting in the forthcoming election if they took advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration conducted by INEC and put their names on the register.

On the cause of cleaning up the voter register, INEC said it uncovered instances of multiple voter registration. In Ekiti State, for instance, INEC said a staggering 77,609 persons were discovered to have violated the rules through multiple registration. Similarly in Osun State, the commission uncovered 37,273 of such cases.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, told media executives in Abuja last week that out of about 766, 599 registered voters in the INEC con-

INECDiary Onyekachi Eze

But that after the AFIS exercise in Osun, 37,273 multiple voters were discovered solidated voter register in Ekiti State, the figure came down to 688, 950 after the commission applied Advanced Finger Print Identification System. He however noted that the commission recorded 76,091 new voters under the CVR in the state In Osun, he revealed that upon the consolidation of registered voters, a total of 1,355,393 registered voters emerged. But that after the AFIS exercise, 37,273 multiple voters were discovered. He added that in the same Osun, 149,755 voters were registered under the CVR. Disturbing as these figures may appear, for analysts following political trends in the country, the expositions made by the electoral umpire were expected. Even INEC was not surprised at the discovery.

During the voter registration in 2011, a lot

ezekatchy@yahoo.co.uk

of the Direct Data Capture machines were declared missing. From what happened then in parts of the country, one could hazard a guess as to where these machines were taken to and for which purpose.

The discovery of multiple registrants on the INEC register was one of them. It, however, remains for the commission to tell us whether some strange names were discovered; whether they were even dead people on the register and whether as they say, palm kernels or other substances were used in place of fingers.

This could be possible given the fact that the likes of ‘Mike Tyson’ and ‘Nelson Mandela’ were once named as ‘registered voters’ in Nigeria.

Back to INEC’s preparations for Ekiti and Osun states’ elections, the commission has so far encountered no problem except for the demand for the removal of Osun State Resident Election Commissioner on the ground that he was a member of one of the registered political parties. Such allegations have become common place among politicians. But from all indication, Jega has asked those making the allegation to furnish him with the particulars of their claim.

Taking the activities of the commission further ahead, it should be recalled that it had monitored and supervised the primaries so far conducted by it.

Although there were little hiccups during the issuance of PVC and the conduct of the CVR as pointed out by the Inter-party Advisory Council, there is nothing yet to suggest that INEC is incapable of conducting free and fair, transparent elections in the two states. At least, it is better to hold them by their word.

However, this is not to suggest that there are no challenges lurking around INEC that could put to the test the commission’s preparedness for the general elections.

Ekiti and Osun states are under the control of the All Progressives Congress. Analysts believe that the outcome of the elections will point the direction the 2015 polls will go.

This is because the elections will be the first time the Peoples Democratic Party and APC will be meeting in a governorship real electoral contest since the APC got registered last year.

It could be reasonably argued that PDP was not so much interested in the Anambra State governorship election, which was won by the All Progressives Grand Alliance last year. That is not to say, the party would not have preferred to clinch the state, but intractable internal party squabbles had thrown a spanner in the works.

INEC should be on the guard to avoid giving room for any of the contesting political parties to doubt its neutrality and readiness for the 2015 elections.

42

APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Politics

Senators move to save AIDS patients from discrimination

S

ince the discovery of the dreaded human immuno-deficiency virus, HIV and its traumatising terminal disease condition, called the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, AIDS, in the last three decades, the world has been thrown into serious agitation because of the devastating consequences the problem has posed to humanity.

Till date, science is yet to find a permanent solution to this enigma. Innumerable attempts have been made by orthodox and native medical researchers to invent drugs that could cure the affliction but without success. For now, the highest feat recorded by scientists in their quest to find a permanent treatment for HIV/AIDS stops at preventive and management level.

In other words, what science is able to offer for now are facilities for prevention and some drugs for the management of the ailment at its inchoate stage. Consequently, in the first 20 years of the eruption of the terminal sickness, many countries, particularly in Africa, out of ignorance and recklessness have lost productive segments of their population to the infection.

However, beyond the agonizing effects of the disease on the affected persons, and the vicarious tormenting consequences on the relatives of those living with HIV/AIDS in terms of financial and emotional burden, the greatest problem being faced by HIV/AIDS carriers is the societal stigma on and discrimina-

T

he no love lost between the House of Representatives and the Securities and Exchange Commission continued unabated last week, when the lower chamber for the second year made a zero budget allocation for the commission. In concurring with the Senate on the N4.695 trillion 2014 appropriation bill, the House, consistent with its resolution on the agency, excluded SEC from any allocation.

Clause 9 of the appropriation bill as passed by the House reads, “All revenue however described including all fees received, fines, grants, budgetary provisions and all internally and externally generated revenue shall not be spent by the Securities and Exchange Commission for recurrent or capital purposes or for any other matters, nor liabilities thereon incurred except with prior appropriation and approval by the National Assembly.�

One had thought by now this issue would have been laid to rest but it seems not much effort is invested to solve this troubling development. SEC, which is directly affected by this legislative punitive measure, has of late been indifferent on the matter. Not much is heard on what the commission is doing to wriggle out of this legislative cobweb, which many analysts have said poses a threat to capital market regulation.

Although one is not privy to how the commission has been able to weather the storm in the last one year, the fact that an agency of government is starved of funds over a disagreement that could be resolved is worrisome. Perhaps, SEC is better off without appropriation and so is not feeling the impact of such an adverse

From the Chukwu David chukwudavid68@yahoo.com

tion against these unfortunate victims of the menace.

It is common knowledge that HIV/AIDS carriers in Nigeria are neglected, despised, victimised, rejected and discriminated against in their families, places of work and other public places. They are, to say the least, treated as abominable elements in the society. Some of them have lost their jobs, been denied jobs or access to certain places or rights and / or privileges when their benefactors discovered that they were infected with the stubborn virus.

But as the representatives of the people and their various interests, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria did not lose sight of the plight of this category of less privileged Nigerians. Therefore, they rose to help and deliver this set of stigmatised and discriminated people through legislation.

This is why the Senate, through its Committee on Health, sponsored a bill to put to an end the discrimination against and stigmati-

sation of those living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, by making it an offence to subject them to such traumatising experiences in public and private places.

Accordingly, the Senate on Thursday, passed the bill and prescribed sanctions against defaulters. For instance, the bill stipulated a sanction of either a two-year jail term or a maximum of N1 million fine on any institution or organisation which discloses the status of an infected person. This is aimed at protecting the infected persons from possible ridicule or discrimination of any kind in the country.

The senators did not stop at the corporate level; they also stipulated in the bill that any individual who disclosed the status of an infected person which he or she obtained in confidence shall be liable to a fine of N.5m or one-year imprisonment. The bill further stipulated that every person living with HIV / AIDS shall be assured of freedom from un-

lawful termination of his or her employment by reason of his or her status.

Therefore, in his statement after the passage of the bill, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, explained that the bill was essentially designed to protect the human rights and dignity of People living with HIV / AIDS. He also made it clear that the bill was packaged to encourage those that were infected to declare their HIV status in a more friendly Nigerian community. Okowa further argued that signing the bill into law would reduce the risk of transmission.

To provide succour for the virtually rejected citizens of this country, the legislation further made it an offence for any employer, institution, body or individual to require an HIV test as a precondition to an offer of employment, access to public/private services or opportunities. It also made it an offence for any educational institution, private or public, to demand HIV / AIDS testing as part of its routine medical testing requirements for admission or accreditation of learners.

It is imperative for Nigerians to know that the affliction under discussion is a sickness just like other sicknesses. Though the symptoms are overwhelming to the carriers/ patients as the full blown condition has disfiguring and terminal effects, as long as they are alive, their fundamental rights, freedoms and dignity ought to and must be protected.

Time for Presidency to end Reps, SEC feud From the

GreenChamber

Philip Nyam The Presidency should also wake up to the reality on ground and constructively engage the lawmakers decision of the House. SEC may pretend but feelers from the grapevine indicate that the commission is already facing some difficulties in carrying out some of its regulatory and oversight functions in the capital market.

The House had refused to appropriate funds to SEC in the 2013 budget as a result of the face-off that ensued between the lawmakers and the Director-General of the commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh, during the investigation into the alleged near collapse of the capital market.

Oteh had run into a crisis of confidence with the House when she accused the Chairman of the House Committee on Capital Market, Hon. Herman Hembe, and his deputy, Hon. Chris Azubogu,

ternyam@gmail.com of demanding a bribe as well as taking money from the commission for a trip, which they never made and yet kept the money. These allegations forced Hembe and the committee to withdraw from the investigation, paving way for an ad hoc committee headed by Hon. Ibrahim ElSudi, which eventually carried out the assignment and subsequently found Oteh guilty of serious infractions and recommended her sacking.

This was a position endorsed by the whole House, which passed the recommendation to the Executive. Apart from the infractions, the El-Sudi committee had also submitted that Oteh lacked the requisite experience to be appointed as DG of the commission, going by the Act establishing it.

But since the recommendation was approved by the House, President Goodluck Jonathan has been silent on it. He has also declined to sack Oteh. This made the lawmakers not to appropriate any money for SEC in the 2013 budget and subsequently the 2014 budget. Both

Hembe and Azubogu were also picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for prosecution.

However, there is no better time than now for this knotty issue to be resolved.

Fortunately, Hembe and Azubogu have been discharged and acquitted of the charge hung on their necks as a result of the allegations by Oteh. The Presidency needs to step in and lobby both chambers of the National Assembly to find a confluence position, because as a regulator of one of the most sensitive agencies of government, the continued face-off between SEC and the legislature is not good for its image.

SEC should not go to sleep because it is getting funding from somewhere to meet up some of its needs. It must not be contented with the illusion that it can do without the National Assembly. It should constantly remind the Presidency that there is something missing in SEC’s activities, which must be fixed.

It is axiomatic that appropriated funds would serve the organisation better. The Presidency should also wake up to the reality on ground and constructively engage the lawmakers. If the President feels he cannot relieve Oteh of her job as recommended by the House, he should take appropriate steps to convince the lawmakers on the rationale behind his decision. The lawmakers should also look at the long term effect of their action and chart a way out of this impasse.

44

APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

Sexy leather wrist bands Vanessa Okwara

W

ho says men cannot wear bracelets? A leather bracelet on the wrist says a lot about his character. It gives the wearer a wild male image and draws attention to those welltoned sexy arms you have spent

so many hours in the gym to build up; bringing out the stud in you.

Men can also accessorise their clothing by adorning one of these leather wrist bands.

It could be worn casually when donming a pair of jeans and T-shirts or even when you

wear a blazer for a cool evening date.

Dare Art Alade, Uti Nwachukwu and Lynxx are known to showcase their well-toned arms in sexy wrist bands.

Join this trend and explore your inner sexy side.

45

APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

Grooming the future grooms Biwom Iklaki

G

rooming, as we all know, is a very important part of human social existence.

Even animals do some form of grooming. Have you ever watched a cat lick itself off ?

That is a classic case of animal grooming. Humans, on the other hand, have to take it a notch higher with more rigour.

It is even more so important for boys, especially the teenagers who are very active and are just experiencing puberty.

If the situation is not handled correctly at this age, the boy has been set up for a lifetime of off-putting BO (body odour).

Here are a few tips to fix

this issue: 1. Get a system in place as boys respond better to systems than having to piece things together for themselves. There should be a day set aside for hair care, say, every two weeks. Get him a salon that is mainly for men. He will enjoy the vibe of a manly experience with sports on the TV and manly massages.

2. He is always on the go; active in sports, school events, and socialising. Get him products that are easy to pack, possibly the travel-size packaging.

3. To ensure he uses the products, be sure there is a wholly male message on the product rather than a ‘sissy’

one. They are very sensitive at this age where they want to show how much of a ‘man’ they are. Offer products with no ‘poof’ or frills with mansavvy packaging.

4. Never compromise on things like brushing his teeth morning and night, taking a shower after every sporting activity to clean up his pores (this may even guard against bad cases of acne), and using his deodorant! When you begin to notice strong odour, it is time to introduce antiperspirants and deodorant soaps.

5. He must clip his nails and keep them clean. Always appearing with washed and neatly ironed clothes should

be his trademark. When they are younger, parents should start this tradition with them and they will feel out of place later, if they don’t do this. It may seem hard but you need to be firm and tackle personal hygiene and grooming patiently, but relentlessly!

6. Remember to lead by example!

7. Teaching your son good grooming habits takes sensitivity and consistency, but remember that by teaching these habits, not only will you and your son get immediate benefits, but someday, your son’s future wife is going to thank you!

46

APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

Anambra governor’s wife’s love for children

J

ust like her husband, the new First Lady of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebele Veronica Obiano, has swung into action and is showing her love for children throughout the state.

Celeb Lounge learnt that since the new governor was sworn in, his beautiful wife has been visiting maternity hospitals and health centres. At those places, she counselled pregnant and expectant mothers on safe delivery. She also encouraged them to take advantage of the new government’s free delivery assistance programme. Mrs. Obiano visited the home of one Mr. Princewill Oluchi, whose wife was delivered of quadruplets. She presented assorted products and food items for the upkeep of the mother and children to the family.

Willie Obaino and wife

Isabella Ayuk debuts with Cross River Most Beautiful Girl

W

inner of the 2012 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant, Isabela Ayuk, is set to launch the maiden edition of the Cross River Most Beautiful Girl.

The pageant will double as a humanitarian event that will create a platform for young girls between the ages of 18 and 25 at home and in the Diaspora to express their innate talents and live out their dreams.

The winner of CRMBG will champion charity campaigns and represent Cross

River State at the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2014 pageant. The lucky winner will also go home with a cash prize, a brand new car, one year scholarship grant, a trip to the United Kingdom, a well furnished apartment, special delegate to MBGN and other packages.

The first and second runners-up will get cash prizes and attend the MBGN 2014 grand finale, while the top 10 finalists will become the Faces of Bellesabel.

With the support of the

Biola Okoya reappears on social scene

L

agos big girl and daughter of Eleganza founder, Alhaji Razak Okoya, Biola, once created much ripples on the social scene.

She was one of the major socialites that organised and attended some of the biggest parties in town some years back. She was the talk of the town and no party was worth its salt if she was not present.

However, the beautiful daughter of the billionaire dropped off the social radar. Many people wondered what could have happened to the Lagos socialite. Some rumour mongers alleged she had taken ill, while some others said she had relocated to the UK. Therefore, many people were pleasantly surprised

Biola

Isabella

National President of Cocoa Association of Nigeria, the grand finale of the CRMBG will hold on May 24 in Cala-

bar, at the Venetian Hall where the contestants will also be camped.

with

Bayo Adeoye 08014867475

Why Quincy Ayodele’s daughter took over her mum’s business

I

t is no longer news that foremost herbal slimming expert, Quincy Ayodele, has handed her thriving herbal treatment business, Quincy Herbal Slimmers, over to her first d a u g h te r,To b i Ayodele Keeney.

Since the young lady took over the business early this year, it has recorded immense growth. The Abeokuta, Ogun State-born woman was said to have expressed joy that she didn’t make a mistake in handing the business over to her daughter.

“I decided to hand over my business to my first daughter because she is a trained scientist. Her administrative ability is very sound. She is very effective and efficient and I am not. She is young and energetic and it will be easy for her to relate with the younger

P

rince Tijani Oniru made sure he made a statement in the minds of people, penul-

P to see the mother of two recently at an event. Now matured, Biola made a comeback to the social circle with her friend, Ronke Ademiluyi, last month and has been frequenting events ever since.

Celeb Lounge has met her at three events lately with some of her friends.

Quincy and daughter

generation. I am going to step aside only when I have to. I believe strongly that she can handle it so my mind is at rest. They were born into the herbal business; they know the in and out of it, so they wouldn’t have any problems at all. When I started Quincy, I was younger and I was able to attract my age mates then.

So for her now, she is already attracting her age mates,” Quincy told Celeb Lounge.

Prince Tijani Oniru celebrates

Deji Doherty intensifies governorship ambition eoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Adedeji Doherty, is intensifying his ambition to govern the state.

The multi-millionaire and socialite told Celeb Lounge that he would positively change the face of tourism in Lagos if voted in as the governor of the state come 2015.

“Whenever I consider the immense tourist sites and attractions which Lagos State is bountifully blessed with, and the gaunt attention given to them by past and present administrations in the state, I pity the state and the country at large,” he said.

According to him, Lagos State is a paragon of tourism, which deserves a good policy and strategy. Doherty said that Lagos State should be a preferred tourist destination by virtue of all the products of tourism that abound in the state and the indisputable hospitable nature of the people of Lagos.

bayoolunla@yahoo.com

Doherty

He noted that had there been a well horned and implemented tourism policy and strategy, Lagos would be reaping meaningfully from tourism and empower people and also create wealth.

“Not only that Lagos State lacks a sustainable tourism policy, but also lacks campaign for tourism. People do not see any reason in recreation and relaxation, they do not see any reason for visiting the few developed tourist sites in the state,” he said.

timate Friday, when he threw a lavish birthday party at his Oniru Estate residence in Lekki, Lagos.

It was indeed a gathering of children born with silver spoons as well as notable big boys and celebrities.

The colourful birthday, Celeb Lounge gathered, was a celebration of class as choice wines, whisky and Champagne flowed freely. The Lagos prince made mouthwatering dishes from Nigerian, African as well continental available to his guests.

Those who added class to the birthday bash included Oba Saheed Elegushi, Oba Dosunmu, Hakeem Oniru, Segun Oniru, Mustapha Oniru and many others.

47

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Body&Soul

with

Bayo Adeoye 08014867475

bayoolunla@yahoo.com

Bayelsa First Lady bags doctorate degree

M

any people are not aware that the Bayelsa State First Lady, Rachael Seriake Dickson, is in love with education and has fulfilled her dream of becoming a doctorate degree holder. Celeb Lounge gathered that the dark-

Rachael

skinned wife of President Goodluck Jonathan’s home state governor was among the students that graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, penultimate weekend.

The governor’s wife bagged the much coveted doctorate degree in Management after a rigorous academic exercise that took her six years.

Her husband, Governor Seriake Dickson, feted friends to celebrate her achievement.

Dr. Rachael Dickson was a part-time lecturer at the Bayelsa State University before her husband became the governor of the state.

Classy wedding for Awo’s grand-daughter

L

agos social circle will be literally shaken to its foundation as the daughter of political sage, Obafemi Awolowo, Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, holds a superlative wedding for her only daughter, Wemimo. The beautiful lady, Celeb Lounge learnt, will be walking down the aisle with her long time lover, Olufemi, a Harvard graduate, on May 10 this year.

The wedding, which is expected to be a gathering of the super-rich, government officials and captains of industry, will take place at Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church, while the reception will be hold at Haven Event Centre, all in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Tokunbo

Donald Duke, Funsho Amosun, others grace Airtel Premier Club

F

ormer governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke; and wife of Ogun State governor, Funsho Amosun, were among other important personalities that graced the launch of Airtel Premier Club penultimate Sunday at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

A l s o, the c ast of popular Television soap op era, Tinsel , led other celebrities including Bovi, Ik Osakioduwa, Tuface Idibia, Annie Macaulay and Buchi to the unve iling of the Airtel Premier Club.

The high profile event attracted several other important dignitaries including the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwunmi Adesina; Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Shri A. R. Ghanshyam; foremost British economist, Jim O’neill; and Arsenal legend, Ray Parlour.

Feron opens fashion campaign with birthday bash

I

t was an atmosphere of merriment as the multi-talented fashion designer, Aaron Feron, celebrated his birthday amidst family, friends and the media on Monday at the Celebrities Eatery in Ikeja.

The celebration was also a platform to launch a nationwide publicity campaign for his new collection coming up in June, 2014.

A pre-launch show and dinner is slated for May 25, 2014 in Lagos to unveil the campaign programme and pre-launch collection.

The fashion campaign, which will last for one year, will feature a nationwide tour, fashion shows and product launch. The Feron brand is strategically designed for modern fashionable women desiring stylish and sophisticated couture.

Duke

Aside the Tinsel cast, popular comedian, Bovi, during the main show, thrilled guests with his jokes. Considering the fact that the hall was packed with over 500 High Networth individuals comprising CEOs of corporate bodies, top government officials, leading entrepreneurs and other bigwigs, not too many people gave Bovi a chance.

Tuface Idibia also gave a good account of himself as he thrilled guests. BBA compere and popular broadcaster, Ik Osakioduwa, lived up to

Amosun

expectation as he guided the guests through an engaging event that lasted for more than three hours.

The event, however, hit a high point when the Airtel Premier logo was unveiled. With a wellcoordinated pyrotechnics display, fireworks and special lighting effect, the Airtel Premier logo literally rose in a slow and stylish fashion from the depth of the hall to assume a most prominent position in front of the stage, amidst thunderous applause from an appreciative audience.

Between Ndoma Egba and Peter Obafemi S

Ndoma

enate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, is a third time senator from Cross River State under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Pary, while Dr. Peter Obafemi has struggled to emerge the governorship candidate twice in Ekiti State under the same party without success.

The business man was screened out of the race in February by a committee led by the Cross River

senator. Well, that is not the story. The story is that these politicians are neighbours.

Celeb Lounge gathered that Ndoma-Egba and Obafemi have beautiful mansions beside each other at Tony Eromosele Street in Park View Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. Our source hinted that they are so close that they sometimes eat and drink together whenever they are both in Lagos.

Peter

Has Segun Awolowo quit politics?

H

e shares the same name with Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s grandson, Segun Awolowo, and he is from Ikenne town as well. Otunba Segun Awolowo’s name will definitely ring a bell in Nigeria’s political scene, especially in the South-West.

The businessman came into the limelight when he contested for a senatorial seat under the Peoples Democratic Party, but never moved beyond the primary election. Since he got his fingers burnt times, it seems Segun has quit swimming in the murky waters of Nigerian politics. He has now faced his hotel business squarely.

Otunba Segun Awolowo is the boss of Country Hotel as well as De-Skyline Hotel, Ikeja. Souces say he has just completed his Heathrow Airport Deskyline Hotel in London.

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APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

DIY on the GO

Gele: How to knot the ‘Back to Front’ style Abimbola Sodeke

T

he ‘head tie’ or gele is a popular fashion accessory used by women in West Africa, especially Nigeria. Fashionistas make a statement with the head wrap at churches and social events, especially weddings and birthdays. The Gele, an accessory that goes with traditional attires, can be knotted into mind blowing designs.

A lot of creativity is required while knotting the Gele around the head.

Here is how to create the ‘Back to Front’ style that gives a smashing look on all kind of faces.

1. Stand in front of a mirror or a friendly guide.

2. Fold the Gele once horizontally.

3. Place the material over your

hair/head with the tips facing forward.

STEP 1: Make sure the Gele is equal at both ends and flip it over your head. Take both ends to the back of your head and swap sides as though you are knotting a scarf.

Left goes to the right and vice versa.

STEP 2: Take one side and flip it across the head to the other side, while one finger presses down on the Gele for a firm grip.

STEP 3: Before knotting, open the Gele at the middle so that it opens at the centre.

STEP 4: After knotting the Gele, pull it backwards to free it of wrinkles. Use your finger to squeeze the Gele down – it will form natural pleats, which you flatten by pressing them down with your fingers.

APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

49

My Wardrobe

Immigration officers identify me by my red cap -Chief Victor Umeh Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Victor Umeh, talks about his signature long red cap in this interview with JULIET BUMAH

Body&Soul

me a chieftaincy title, I request for this long one. Last Christmas, I got five chieftaincy titles from five different communities in Anambra State - Ozubulu, Enugu Ukwu, Akweze and others, and I ensured they gave me this particular type of red cap.

Do you wear suits?

Why this preference for long red cap?

It is a symbol of my chieftaincy titles. In fact, I have 23 chieftaincy titles. In the beginning, I chose this long red cap as my identity so that anywhere I pass through in Nigeria, Europe or America, I will be unique, even in a crowd. Right now, the immigration officers in Europe and America are used to me. Once I come out, they identify me. I believe it is also part of my cultural identity.

Red cap is the colour used by high chiefs in my place. Our kings and High Chiefs wear that.

Where do you buy them?

I get them from the market, of course. I think each sells for about N5, 000 each. Each time they give

I wear suits, especially as an estate surveyor. They are usually splendid. However, I have been wearing this red cap since 1999.

You know that I am a Nigerian and I wear all sorts of dresses but I must put on this cap. I have achieved a national identity as a Nigerian with this unique look and people from all parts of Nigeria identify me with this cap.

Which of your chieftaincy titles do you cherish most?

I have many of them, and I cherish them all. But there is one preponderant attachment to my name -Dike. This means ‘strong man’. Hence, I have such titles as Ohamadike; Dike Ejiejemba; Dike Anagbaluizu and the rest. I think our people love how I carry on in politics; they have come to believe that I am someone who cannot be swayed by little things. I am very firm and very bold without minding the punishment that comes to me for saying the truth.

It seems as if our culture is taking second fiddle these days…

It is important we promote our culture, both in our choice of dressing and language. Culture is a people’s way of life; it is manifest

also in our choice of food, dance pattern and our traditional marriages.

Without promoting our culture, our people will go into extinction.

And at a period when the world is a global village, when cultures are being eroded and we have an advent of cultural imperialism, we must make deliberate efforts to promote our culture.

What does fashion mean to you?

I am not a stickler for fashion. I don’t do designer’s collections. That is the habit of rich men and I am not one. I had a humble background and that upbringing taught me to be prudent. Fashion to me means clean clothes, national dress- Agbada or Isiagu, depending on the event I am attending in Igbo land.

Of course my dress is incomplete without my red cap. When I was very young, I wore suits, but since I joined politics, it has been this way.

For instance, I have not worn a suit in the past 15 years. I wear dresses that identify me first as an Igbo man and second as a Nigerian. I wear national dresses with my unique cap, just like Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Festus Okotie-Eboh were popular in the first republic with their cap and long wrapper respectively.

Are you into designer shoes and wristwatches?

I wear good wristwatches, good in the sense that they tells time accurately. I don’t wear Cartier, Rolex and stuffs like that.

What about perfumes and shoes?

I wear good perfumes, but not expensive ones.

I don’t wear perfumes that cost more than $60 (about N15,000) per bottle. I also do not wear anything that is expensive or smacks of affluence. I would rather spend that on my foundation or other projects.

As for shoes, of course I will not go barefooted. I wear black or brown

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APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Body&Soul

Capturing The Moment with Stanlee Ohikuare stanlee@stanleeohikhuare.com

Gesture

G

esture means the position of hands. In an image, gesture can also mean what is said by the positions of inanimate objects that mimic our hands or faces.

Most of the time, gesture refers to facial and hand expressions. However, gesture could come in the form of someone making a funny face in reaction to something else

going on in the frame. For instance, when you first notice something odd in a photo, and then notice someone else in the photo reacting to it – that is gesture with a powerful punch line.

Gesture applies to inanimate objects too - every time you can find arrangements of things that resemble things that can be expressed facially

or with hands.

Animators know how positions of hands and eyebrows can say everything. If you find compositional elements which mimic these, your photos can express the same emotions.

In a composition of several people, attention is always drawn to the person with the strongest gesture!

Sunday Transport Importers lose N2bn to PAAR in four months p.53

NTWEEKEND ONLINE AT

www.newtelegraphonline.com/politics

News GTBank boss: We want to remain one of Africa’s best p.54

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

APRIL 13, 2014

Market and Malls Tejuosho market may reopen soon p.58

51

Business AZUBIKE NNADOZIE, ASSISTANT Editor, SUNDAY

azubike.nnadozie@newtelegraphonline.com

ON SUNDAY

How Nigeria became Africa’s biggest economy Paul Ogbuokiri and Chijioke Iremeka

P

opulation size, improve economic calculation, which was long over due and speedy growth of the economy have been identified as the factors that

made Nigeria Africa’s biggest economy and 26th in the world, a sharp jump from 36th biggest in the earlier data.

Despite Nigeria’s endemic corruption, grinding poverty, and sectarian violence, it was officially confirmed as the Africa’s biggest economy.

Under the revised data announced on Sunday by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Nigeria overtook South Africa to become the biggest African economy. Its GDP estimate is now nearly N80.3 trillion ($510-billion), a jump of 89 per

cent from the previous estimate of an increase of N42.3 trillion estimated before the rebasing.

The increase is far beyond the forecasts from economic analysts, who expected that Nigeria’s economy would rise by 40 to 70 per cent under the new data.

Population size

The simple fact is that Nigeria has more people — many, many more people: The population of Nigeria is 169 million, compared to a slim 51 million for South Africa.

Of course, South Africa is a far more developed country than Nigeria, with good infrastructure and banks, and a diverse and sophisticated economy. Nigeria, the biggest oil producer in Africa, remains heavily reliant on the oil industry and is plagued by corruption and inequality.

For these reasons, South Africa has a much higher average GDP per capita, at $7,508 compared to $1,555 in Nigeria (it is now $3000). Some 100 million Nigerians, according to the World Bank, still live on less than CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

Inside

L-R: Chief Financial Officer, GTBank Plc, Mr. Banji Adeniyi; Head of Investor Relations Group, Mr. Muyiwa Teriba; Managing Director, Mr. Segun Agbaje; and General Manager, Communication and External Affairs, Mrs Lola Odedina, during the GTBank 2014 Business Editors’ forum in Lagos...recently.

Common standards, catalyst to Africa’s industrialisation -ARSO President Azubike Nnadozie

P

resident of the African Organization for Standards (ARSO) Dr Joseph Odumodu has urged African countries governments to develop a common standard policy so as to curb the influx of sub-standard goods into the region.

Odumodu said during a recent ARSO Council meeting in Accra that governments in the region needed to share their successes

and failures together to attain industrialisation.

He said that African countries need to address the problems of industrialisation standards harmonisation and ensure that their teaming youths were gainfully employed in order to build a better future for their children.

“ARSO seeks facilitate intraAfrican and global trade through providing and facilitating the implementation of harmonised stan-

dards,’’ he said Dr. Odumodu, who is also the Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, expressed concern that trade among African countries amounted to less than 10 per cent, declaring that African countries need to see to their economic independence, by increasing the volume of intra-African trades.

On the way forward, he said “Africa need to speak with one voice to stop the dumping of substandard

products on us.’’

He also said that low literacy levels, coupled with poor infrastructure, are hampering efforts to achieve standardisation in Africa.

He said without standardization, Africa will not be able to develop rapidly and provide employment for the teeming youth, adding that policy makers in Africa do not understand the importance of standardisation very well, which is CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

Chidoka

FRSC, Shell train volunteers on auto crashes pg 53

Akinrinade

‘Social media, a challenge to traditional channels’ pg 55

52

APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Business / News

Economists stress need for CBN autonomy Chijioke Iremeka

A

utonomy for the Central Bank of Nigeria would translate to separation from government; and enable the CBN to work in the interest of the country without

being sucked into the incumbent regime, say some economists.

According to a former Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Chief Phillip Asiodu, the apex bank’s autonomy will help the CBN Governor to manage

and exercise professional control over the country’s monetary policies for desired result.

Asiodu said, “What I refer to as autonomy, is autonomy in managing the monetary policy of the country, defending instability and managing the devalua-

tion of naira but not separation.”

He noted that the present CBN’ Act is well structured and has no quarrel with the longsought autonomy of the apex bank for express implantation and execution of the powers allocated to it, but needs coordi-

L-R: International Draught Master, Franck Evers; Marketing Director Nigerian Breweries Plc, Walter Drenth; and the Senior Brand Manager, Heineken, Ngozi Nkwoji, at the unveiling of Heineken Draught Beer Innovation, the first of its kind in Nigeria, at Heineken House, Lagos... Wednesday.

NAICOM, NCC warn against patronising unlicensed auto-tracking companies Abimbola Sodeke

D

isturbed by the increase in bomb attacks in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and managing directors of licensed autotracking companies, have warned insurance companies to utilise the services of licensed vehicle tracking companies.

This, they said, would arrest the ugly threat to the auto- tracking industry by some criminally-minded people who carry out dangerous activities and ensure a secured society. They also want private companies and individuals to desist from patronising unregistered auto-tracking companies According to a statement issued by the Managing Director, International Systems Network Ltd, Mr. Gbemi Oyeneyi, the warning was borne out of the increasing bomb attack and other security risks which also threaten the tracking of vehicular movement and monitoring of terrorists.

The statement warned that the law on obtaining the NCC licence made of mandatory since 2012 for companies operating the GPS/ FPRS auto- tracking systems in Nigeria to obtain such. He said it is illegal for existing companies to continue to operate without one.

He said operating without a licence is a serious security breach,

and regretted that some insurance companies have continued to patronise unlicensed vendors across the country.

Alluding to the rigorous licensing process, he said all directors of every auto-tracking companies applying for the licence usually go through security checks undertaken by the State Security Service at

their headquarters in Abuja.

This include, serious background checks like bio-metrics analysis and crime records among others of such directors, adding that NAICOM may soon ban its members from patronising such unlicensed and unaccredited tracking vendors and ensure that recalcitrant ones face severe sanctions.

nation and planning.

A professor of Political Economy and a director at the Centre for Applied Economics, Lagos Business School, Prof.

Pat Utomi, said CBN autonomy is needed for the bank not to be sucked into ‘groupthink’ phenomenon – the idea of group reasoning and taking decision, not based on professionalism.

He said, “The cabinet can get into ‘groupthink’ scenario, when there is no autonomous CBN. It gets dragged into the groupthink scenario and everybody suffer, it. But autonomy does not mean separation or disconnection. It means bring simply detached from a general thinking style and answer administrative hand of the government.

“Nigeria has a weak system, so what you get is not so much autonomy per se, rather separation. There is the need for harmony between the government and the CBN. CBN should make efforts to institutionalise right processes instead of becoming another vestige of the strong man,” he said.

For Utomi, CBN should be a knowledge centre for institutional memory for the character of the Nigerian economy, focusing on its core functions; and among the core functions of CBN is to contain inflation.

“Every economy has people who react to movement in different ways. CBN has to work on loss of confidence in consumers, prudence and investor confidence, deep institutional memories and make choices that spur bank responses from movement in the consumer pricing index.

“It’s important that initial and qualitative analysis of CBN is world class. It’s also important that we have decision makers, who are motivated more by professional skills. We have had the history of strongmen in the CBN instead of strong institutions,” he added.

Lafarge plans dialogue on building collapse Siaka Momoh

L

afarge will hold the second national dialogue series as part of its contribution to concerns on the menace of building collapse in Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja, a statement from the company’s head office in Lagos said.

The theme of the workshop, which is being held in partnership with Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigeria Institute of Architects is ‘Building Collapse: an

assessment of building practices in Nigeria and the imperative for sustainable construction’.

The one-day national dialogue is expected to bring together policy makers, professionals and other key stakeholders in the construction industry to discuss critical issues associated with building collapse and proffer lasting solutions in the overall interest of the entire nation.

Explaining the rationale for the initiative, Lafarge said that “nonadherence to established build-

ing practices and regulations in construction has been a source of concern to well-meaning Nigerians, particularly as it relates to the problem of building collapse.

As a reputable company which gives top priority to the health and safety of our stakeholders, Lafarge has continued to put the issue at the front burner. This is with a view to ensuring that the issues are thoroughly examined and fully understood, and appropriate prescriptions that will make building collapse a thing of the past in Nige-

ria are provided by the concerned stakeholders” Lafarge organised the first national dialogue with the theme ‘Building safe, living safe: curbing the menace of collapsed building’ in December 2010 as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Lafarge WAPCO. The ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Works, Land, Housing and Urban Development, Mines and Steel Development will play hosts to participants at the second national dialogue.

SundayTransport

53

PAUL OGBUOKIRI,

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNRDAY

paul_ogbuokiri@newtelegraphonline.com 0802-779-0557

APRIL 13, 2014

Importers lose N2bn to PAAR in four months •It’s time wasting–NAGAFF

Paul Ogbuokiri

N

igerian importers paid over N2 billion as storage/ demurrage charges to terminal operators and shipping companies from November 2013 to February.

This was contained in an independent research carried out by Maritime Advocacy and Action Group. The group in the document made available to New Telegraph on Sunday, said the charges were resulting from delays the issuance

of the Nigeria Customs Service new Pre-Arrival Assessment Report for clearance of goods at the ports.

MAAG noted in the document that the Webb Fontaine’s platform for PAAR administration in Nigeria is defective and its server breaks down 20 hours a day.

Since the introduction of PAAR in November last year, clearing process takes place for only four hours a day at the Western ports. But shippers pay for the extra days their consignment stays in the ports as a result of the delay caused by the new clearing process.

MAAG further noted that the to-

tal number of days the PAAR serve break down add to the clearing process, is 20 days per twenty footer equivalent unit.

According to the study, the minimum demurrage the shipping companies charges per TEU, per day is N4, 000 and the minimum storage is N6,000. This means that the importer pays a total sum of N10, 000 per day, which will translate to N200,000 for the 20 days the container is delayed in the ports due to the delay.

Meanwhile, the factional President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs

Agents, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to cancel the PAAR because of the delays and huge loss it is causing shippers. He said that shippers are losing the money to storage/demurrages charges they are paying to the terminal operators and the shipping companies.

He said that the shippers are seeking alternative to the confusion in the Western ports, by diverting their imports to the ports of Nigeria’s next door neighbours, Benin, Togo and Cameroon.

Founder of National Association of

Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Dr Boniface Aniebonam in an online statement on Wednesday, threatened that the group would in due course call for “total cancellation of PAAR because it is time wasting and does not add any value to our foreign trade and Customs formalities.”

He said that the use of provisional release under Customs Examination have shown that containers can be cleared within 48 hours, saying the Customs authorities and the government are yet to explain to the Nigerian shippers the benefits of PAAR/ RAR/CRI etc.

New Telegraph on Sunday learnt that the NCS has already started blaming ‘untrue declaration’ as the cause of the failure of PAAR to achieve all they claimed it would achieve when they were trying to convince all and sundry to accept it as not only the alternative to the Destination Inspection Service Providers’ Risk Assessment Report, but the only answer to the challenge of achieving 48 hour clearance time in the country.

‘APM Terminals is the largest in West Africa’ Paul Ogbuokiri

W L-R: Acting Director General, National Information and Technology Development Agency, Dr. Ashiru Daura; Chairman, Digital Africa Global Consult Limited, Dr. Evans Woherem; and Managing Director/CEO, Red Sapphire Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Phil Okoroafor, during a working visit to NITDA in Lagos...Thursday

FRSC, Shell train volunteers on auto crashes

Taiwo Jimoh

T

he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) have entered into an agreement to reduce road accidents and other traffic mishaps.

FRSC Lagos State Commander, Chidi Nkwonta, said this on Friday while addressing volunteers of the National Community Post Crash Care training programme at the Lagos Command.

Nkwonta said the training, which is a social partnership scheme between the corps and Shell, would equip the volunteers with adequate skill in handling

road crash victims, adding, “This pilot project is an initiative of the FRSC and is today being realised through a collaboration with Shell, which singlehandedly sponsored the project.

The sector commander explained that the programme was designed to increase involvement of communities along the highways where crash usually occurred in other to enhance road safety and save lives during crashes.

He further explained that the volunteers were engaged to render selfless service in form of first aid, treatment to road crash victims before the intervention of emergency agencies such as FRSC, NEMA,

NSCDC, Police and other agencies.

Nkwonta said at the end of the training, the volunteers would be expected to acquire skills in the administration of first aid treatment to road crash victims while they would be exposed on how to reach out to emergency agencies such as the Red Cross and Fire Service at crash sites.

Some of the participant who spoke with our correspondent after the training thanks the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Shell Development Corporation for given them the opportunity to save lives.

According to Mr. Abraham Osobhamisiole the programme is unique and it is good if the

programme is spread across the country.

Refresher courses should also be introduced to refresh the memory of the participant on what we have learnt to properly utilize them in the right way.”

Another participant Havilah Udebhu said also initially before this training was orgainised am the type of person who is afraid of corpse and seeing blood.

But with I have learnt here today, this would go a long way in saving lives on the highways. Even some time when am driving on the road and see accident I would just drive past them, but now that cannot happen anymore.”

ith the capacity to handle almost half of the total volume of containers passing through Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre; Lagos, APM Terminals Apapa Limited has been described as the largest terminal in West Africa.

Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Apapa Limited, Mr. Neil Fletcher, told delegates at the 12th Intermodal Conference and Exhibition held in Lagos last week that the leading terminal operator is a multiuser facility having 10 shipping lines calling at its terminal.

He said the terminal is fully ISPS compliant and is the first container terminal to introduce RTGs (Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes) operations in Nigeria.

He said when APM Terminals took over operation of the Apapa container terminal in 2006, vessel waiting time was up to 30 days while the container yard had no markings, was waterlogged and filled with debris.

54

APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Business / News Azubike Nnadozie

G

uaranty Trust Bank Plc, GTBank, has maintained its top position in the global banking scene. At a recent interactive session with the media in Lagos, Managing Director, Mr Segun Agbaje stated that the bank had intensified its drive to remain one of the biggest banks in Africa.

“We don’t want to be the biggest bank in Nigeria, we want to remain one of the best in Africa,” he said.

According to a recent Blumberg report, with an impressive return on equity (ROE) of 34.1 per cent, the bank became arguably the most profitable bank in Nigeria, Africa and the BRICS countries during the 2013 financial year. The nearest in ROE in Nigeria was UBA with ROE of 32.5 per cent and Zenith Bank with 23.5 per cent.

In the African region, First Rand Bank of South Africa recorded a ROE of 20.7 per cent, while the National Bank of Egypt recorded 20.3 per cent.

For the BRICS banks, Sberbank had 24.3 per cent while ICBC recorded 22.9 per cent.

GTBank recorded an improvement in the profit after tax, PAT, of N90.02bn for the 2013 financial year, compared to N87.30bn for the 2012 year.

In pursuit of its 2013 goals, and the drive for continued operating efficiency, the bank deepened its retail franchise to keep funding costs low, was quick to re-price assets as needed, and implemented innovative ways to curb operating costs.

GTBank boss: We want to remain one of Africa’s best

It overshot its goal for 20 per cent growth in quality of risk assets by recording a strong growth of 28.58 per cent during the year. The bank’s strategy was to grow its risk assets to offset drop in yields on risk assets.

In the area of drive for expansion in the West Africa region and subsidiary development, the bank acquired Fina Bank, giving it entry into three key countries in East Africa. According to Agbaje, the bank’s goal is to attain a contribution to PBT of 10 per cent from international subsidiaries.

With the initial goal of achieving 25 per cent ROE during the year under review, which was driven by anticipated increase in quality assets as the economy expands; he said “the back was still able to deliver 29.32 per cent on ROE, a testament to our returns.”

The quest for continued drive in the Nigerian market through retail focused products; the bank’s retail customer base grew from 4.3 million in 2013 to the current figure of 5.2 million.

Agbaje disclosed that the bank has put in place adequate structures to accommodate twice its current retail customer base.

In its pursuit of enhancing investor returns, investor relations, risk management and a central focus on the customer, the bank recorded improvement in its NPL ratio to 3.58 per

cent from 3.75 per cent in 2012. This, Agbaje said was a testament to the bank’s continued focus on risk management and corporate governance.

In the area of expansion and the need to deepen market penetration, Agbaje revealed that the bank had concluded plans to open 25 new branches during the 2014 financial year. According to him, the bank was also going into partnership with petrol stations in the country.

However, it was not all money making for the bank during the financial period. In the area of Corporate

Social Responsibility, CSR, it took out time to engage in community improvement and support activities. As a way of identifying with the aspirations of various sections of the society, the group donated a total sum of N632 million to charitable, educational, arts and cultural organisations during the period.

Its highest donation of N300 million went to the Federal Government’s Flood Disaster Relief Fund, while its sponsorship of the Principal’s Cup soccer competition for secondary schools got over N78 million.

Common standards, catalyst to Africa’s industrialisation C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5 1

compounding the problem.

The ARSO chief said due to poverty and low literacy levels in Africa, most people tend to patronize substandard goods from Asia, which do not last long and in the end, the accumulated cost of frequent repairs and replacements are much high compared to buying a high quality standard one.

Odumodu said over the years, Africa had been exporting labour to the rest of the world, and im-

porting poverty, pointing out that by buying inferior goods from Asia, Africa was providing employment for the citizenry of those countries and thereby becoming poorer and poorer.

He said goods produced locally are of high quality standards than those imported from Asia, because of the enforcement of strict standardisation regulations, questioning also that why should the Asians manufacturers label some of their products “for export only”.

How Nigeria became Africa’s biggest economy C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5 1

$1 a day.

But in terms of sheer economic weight, there’s just no competing with the most populous country on the continent.

‘Rebasing’

It is merely an improved calculation of the economic data, which was long overdue because it hadn’t been properly reviewed since 1990.Nigeria’s gross domestic product was $292 billion last year, compared with $354 billion for South Africa, according to International Monetary Fund figures.

In just one example of the new data, the Nollywood film industry – one of the most prolific in the world – is now believed to be a $6-billion sector, worth about 1.2 per cent of the economy. In the older estimates, it had been given a value of virtually zero.

The leap isn’t unprecedented.

Neighbouring Ghana’s GDP estimate increased by about 60 percent in 2010 after its figures was rebased. Many other sub-Saharan African countries also think their GDP is underestimated. And so other countries will likely follow suit.

Speedy growth — and lack of strikes

Nigeria’s economy has been growing at a rate of around 6 to 7 percent per year, compared to just 2 to 3 percent for South Africa.

South Africa is starting from a

much higher base, of course. But its economy has been limping compared to many others on the continent, not least due to labour unrest in the mining, transport, and auto manufacturing sectors.

Pravin Gordhan, the South African finance minister, said recently that the country can’t afford more strikes, warning that they would further hurt investor confidence and damage the economy.

Nigeria’s growth may yet be hampered by its many problems. The army is fighting an insurgency in the North East against the Al Qaedalinked Boko Haram militant group. In the South South, there is persistent violence and banditry in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. Corruption remains a huge drain on the economy.

Measured by per capita income, even with the new data, Nigeria still ranks only 121st in the world, with an average income of about $3,000 per person.

“We should not get carried away by this exercise,” Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told a press conference on Sunday after the new data were announced. “We’ve been growing in an unequal manner.

We need better quality growth.”

But President of Association of Small Business Owners (ASBON), Dr. Femi Egbesola wondered the impact of the rebasing if Nigeria’s economy

is the biggest in Africa and the 26th largest economy globally when other indices, such as poverty level, epileptic power supply and unemployment rate among others are pointing contrary.

He said, “As long as I’m concerned, the rebasing was largely an academic exercise rather than economic realities, which the government can take advantage of and translate it into reality to speak on better living standard for the people. South Africa and Nigeria are two analogous lines of the opposing poles.”

Mr. Charles Ndukwe said that because the economy has been high growth over the past decade, rebasing of the GDP will boost the economy.

He added that diversification of the economy to increase non-oil GDP, encouraging public-private partnership and investing in infrastructure and social development will definitely engender economic development.

Director-General of Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture said should compel the government to invest heavily in infrastructure, saying the so called Nigeria’s big economy has not translated to industrial growth.

“Government should worry that the performance index of industries dropped from 46.08 per cent to 25.81per cent while service industry doubled to 50 per cent from 23.03per cent. This certainly represents a sig-

nificant change in the economy, a negative change that points to consumption to the exclusion of production,” he added.

The president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Remi Bello, said that there is need for caution in celebrating the new GDP figure because of the weak revenue base of government. “The rebased GDP has revealed issue of growing inequality in the Nigerian economy, which has insinuations for economic and social stability.

He added that there is an urgent need to address the issues of investment climate as well as welfare of the citizens so that the country’s performance in GDP would be appreciated by the business community and the generality of the citizens.

The Chairman, Capital Market, Bayo Olugbemi, “I hope what happened before will not happen again.

And this will be determined by the politicians. They will help to keep this report flying but I have not seen the returns that will make me say this will be sustained.”

“To think that Nigeria is today better than South Africa going by this figure will be greatest deceit of oneself, especially when the economic realities of the both countries are not similar.

Nigeria experiences epileptic power supply, while South Africa can boast of over 18 hours power supply,” said Samuel Chukwunulu, a banker.

Among other sundry beneficiaries, it’s Orange Ribbon Initiative for Autistic patients and Tate Partnership received over N29 million each.

Faajihub.com launches website

Fcently for those planning any

aajihub.com was launched re-

type of event to generate their free event website which can be used to tell people about the event, amongst many other benefits, the website also makes it easy for the event planners to contact caterers, photographers, find event halls and other vendors right from the comfort of their home in the vendor directory.

According to the PR officer of Faajihub.com, Miss MotunrayoJaiyesinmi, the site is an automatic event website where once you click ‘Post Your Event’ and fill in your event details and upload pictures, your event website is generated for you, which you can then share to various social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or you can send invites directly to specific contacts if you don’t want everybody to see your event.

She said” “It is quite interactive, once people visit your event page, they can then see the map showing your event address and automatically offer you any items you listed on the website, confirm their attendance, vote, comment on the event, can also view your pictures, and even help you share the event if you allowed them to.

Censors Board to review distribution framework

Nsors Board (NFVCD) has taken ational Film and Video Cen-

steps to review the New Distribution and Exhibition Framework (NDEF) in order to reposition the film industry in accordance with the best international standards.

The NDEF review would infuse adequate structure and accountability in the business processes of all stakeholders that distribute to film and video works in the country.

The Director General of the Board, Ms Patricia Bala, who disclosed this at her first stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos, admitted that she is aware of the complaints of the stakeholders concerning the NDEF, stating that the Board has finally agreed to review it, with input coming from the stakeholders.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Business / Media

Social media, a challenge to traditional channels–Akinrinade Soji Akinrinade is a former Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch magazine. He and three colleagues collaborated to found MayFive Media. Akinrinade spoke with PAUL OGBUOKIRI on the future of MayFive and the Nigerian media industry

W

hat are you doing at May Five?

As the name suggests MayFive Media is into media work. However, at the moment we are into book publishing.

We write and publish our own books but we also publish books written by others. And we have done a fair bit of publishing since we started the company in 2012. We produced and published a book on Odumegwu Ojukwu after his death. We did the book within two months to make sure it was out before he was buried. We have also put together a book of some of our columns too, and I mean by that columns written by Dan Agbese, Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Mohammed and myself in the various media houses where we’ve worked. It is called Moving in Circles which we launched in September 2012. We are currently working on the biographies of some of our major political figures. We also hope to go into full time publishing of a magazine or journal in the nearest future. It is an idea that we are working on but details of which we cannot divulge at the moment.

What is your assessment of the Nigerian media industry?

Yes, the Nigerian media industry has grown to be a force to be reckoned with.

Its contributions to national development cannot be over-emphasised. It is a very vibrant industry. It is miles ahead of others in the continent.

But the challenges are still there. Take for instance the Freedom of Information law. The media fought and got the law.

But that seems to be the end of the story, because it is not easy for journalist to still get the authorities to divulge information through the instrumentality of the law. To that extent, the challenge is still there. However I must give kudos to some newspapers, particularly The Punch and The Guardian that have forced issues using the provisions of the law. We must all continue to chip away at the wall of secrecy in our society

through this law. We must make our public officers more accountable. It is our duty as journalists.

This issue of ‘brown envelope’ earns Nigeria journalists disrespect from their peers abroad. Do you think it leads to self censorship as critics of Nigerian journalists believe?

The much talked about ‘brown envelope’ truly gives the media a bad image.

One cannot say for sure why it persists but it is there. I had a personal experience during the burial ceremony of my late uncle some years ago. I thought that as an editor of a prominent Nigerian magazine, my colleagues would not come to me for a thing like that, but they did come to me at the end of the ceremony to say; ‘Oga we are going’. And you know the meaning of that. So, it is there, but I don’t think that it necessarily leads to self censorship even though people say he who pays the piper dictates the tune. I am saying this because you can still find journalists who go back to work and do their job well after collecting the so called brown envelope. But it is wrong and I know the media must tackle the problem. Probably we don’t have too many people who go into the profession today purely for the love of it; for doing the job of journalism for the impact their work can have on the society. They see it as a stepping stone to other more lucrative jobs. It must be said also that because journalism is really not the most profitable business, it follows that profession is not the best paying in our society. In a situation where journalists too have to take care of family the temptation to take a brown or white envelope, as the case may be, once in a while is irresistible. But tackle it we must because journalists lose the respect of the society.

The internet can be an added advantage for the media industry. But it puts the reporter on his toes to make his work better because the online mediums are ahead in breaking news.

Akinrinade

What is the future of the mass media with the strong challenge coming from social media?

The internet can be an added advantage for the media industry. But it puts the reporter on his toes to make his work better because the online mediums are ahead in breaking news. They are on 24/7. But thank goodness, most Nigerian newspapers today maintain strong online presence. That makes them competitive. They stand to earn extra income from advertising.

But while technological innovations have come with advantages, they also have their disadvantages. I am very worried about the social media because what you often have is a situation where all manner of people without any form of media training, monitoring or direction put anything that tickles their fancy on the internet and call it news.

Sometimes it is news with impunity. When you read all the junk, you don’t know what to believe. You don’t know who to hold responsible, because on the social media the ‘reporter’ can be faceless and unaccountable.

Do you see the online medium squeezing the traditional media out of existence in Nigeria soon?

That the online medium is a challenge is a reality. Remember that Newsweek magazine more than a year ago stopped producing the hard copy and concentrated on the online version only. (I think the story has changed now with the new owner). The reason was because of dwindling circulation and also the challenge posed by online publications. It may not be a huge problem yet in Nigeria yet but the challenge is there especially with the explosion of the number of Nigerians with smart phones, particularly the youths and many upwardly

mobile Nigerians. This group of people is beginning to get its news not from newspapers but from the internet. You can get the Chinese model of the smart phones for as low as N20, 000.

When you consider the Nigerians who buy newspapers, you will find out that they are the same people buying smart phones.

With that in mind, you will agree that the threat posed by the internet and the social media is real. It is usually an issue of concern at most annual meetings of the world’s newspaper publishers and editors.

I am sure you know that the days of newspaper circulating half a million copies daily or on Sundays are long gone. It can only get more acute with the internet and the social media. The best way out is for our newspapers and magazines to invest in the internet business and make sure they maintain a strong presence to be able to benefit from advertising which visits to their websites can generate.

What will be your advice to the younger generation of journalists?

Love this profession and help us build an industry that is well respected and not always tarred with the brush of corruption in the form of brown or white envelope.

In those days, we were proud of our bylines, and hoped to make a difference in the society through our reporting. There was genuine love for the job. But I no longer see that burning love and desire for the profession in many of our young practitioners.

I recommend ‘Jogging in the Jungle: The Story of Newswatch’ to many of these up and coming journalists. In the book they would read about the reporting exploits of journalists. You cannot be a top journalist without dedication to the job. It is an exciting profession.

56

APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

GDP Rebasing/Re-benchmarking

P

erhaps it will be apt to describe the joy that greeted the news that Nigeria’s economy is almost twice the previous estimates as that of a hunchback who is healed of his deformity. Yes, he should be happyat least he can now claim his rightful place BUT “does being taller amount to being better?”

We seek to analyse in this report the current structure of the economy and also undertake comparative analysis of Nigeria vs. the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and other similarly-sized economies (Taiwan, Belgium, Norway & Poland). We also examine the impact of the revised GDP estimates on key dependent ratios (such as GDP per capita, Total loans to GDP, Fiscal deficit to GDP, Trade to GDP, Tax to GDP amongst others) vis-a-vis the country’s peers and the impact on foreign investors’ perception of Nigeria. Lastly, we analyze the possible policy implications of this new reality.

… Hunchback: Basking in healing euphoria Short by GDP Rebasing

Changing structure of the economy… the new reality:

Perhaps the most imposing revelations emerging from the rebasing result is the fact that the structure of the Nigerian economy is changing. The economy is now shown to be driven largely by the services sector, which accounts for 53% of the GDP (vs. 29% pre-rebasing). Agriculture now accounts for 22% (rather than 39%) while the share of industry slipped to 25% from 36% pre -rebasing.

Nigerian Economic Structure vs. BRICS

The new reality is that Nigeria is a services dependent economy, as against being agriculture dependent as previously thought. This is much in line with trends in the emerging economies in comparison with the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa).

Services contribution to GDP at 51% (2012) is only higher than that of China at 45%.

The BRICS countries on the average have 59% of their GDP accounted for by services. Nigeria did however fall short of the BRICS nations in terms of manufacturing at 7% of GDP compared to an average of 14% a testimony to Nigeria’s lack of real sector development. Although Nigeria Agricultural contribution to GDP at 22% dwarfed that of the BRICS nations with China the highest in the group having 9.7% of its GDP from Agriculture it should however be noted that in absolute figures that amount is way higher than Nigeria’s’ given the fact that China, for instance, feeds 20% of the world population with just 9.7% agricultural contribution to GDP while Nigeria still depends heavily on importation of Agricultural products.

Nigerian Economic Structure VS other Economies with Similar Sizes

With the new GDP figures Nigeria now ranks in the class of economies of Belgium, Norway, Poland and Taiwan. We highlight key events in these economies compared to Nigeria as a way of assessing Nigeria’s new found status.

It is important to note that though agricultural contribution to these economies is less than 5%, these countries have well mechanized agricultural systems able to meet the demand of their population and export, while Nigeria by contrast remains largely driven by agriculture with 22% contribution to GDP (>80% crop production), which remains highly un-mechanized, food security remains a challenge (1.4million children still face severe food insecurity accord-

ing to FAO).

Also, Nigeria now appears to rank almost at par with these markets in terms of industry (25% vs. 30%.53% peer average), a clear review of the performance of these economies show that they have all been able to initiate policy reforms that have transformed their economies within the last two decades (case in point Poland and Taiwan). However, Nigeria remains largely behind in reality if by level of employment alone (23.6% vs. 8.8% peer average).

The country’s economy is expected to do better than it has done if it can improve its road and rail infrastructure, business environment, rigid labour code, commercial court system, government red tape and burdensome tax system.

Income per Capital for Nigeria Ranks 121st globally

Nigeria’s GDP per capita before the rebasing exercise was USD1,555 but became USD2,689 per citizen post-exercise and even though the exercise catapulted Nigeria to the position of the 26th biggest economy in the world, the country still lags in GDP per capita at position of 121st

globally according to figures released by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Even though these figures have improved marginally, it is evident that a lot needs to be done to improve the welfare of the country’s citizens especially when analyzed in line with the fact that over 60% of the population live below poverty line ($1.25/day). In our view, given the significant opportunity for growth, policies that will create jobs, reduce poverty levels and improve the welfare of its citizens will continue to be the priority of government.

New Debt to GDP- more room for Government borrowing

The lower debt to GDP of 11% post-rebasing and re-benchmarking leaves Nigeria well below both the World bank/IMF recommended threshold of 56% and FGN benchmark of 40% which leaves the government with an immense amount of space to borrow to drive national development through infrastructural development.

Nigerian Tax Revenue as a % of GDP Cut

Prior to the GDP rebase, tax revenue’s contribution to GDP stood at 20% (2% lesser than the target) with a larger proportion contributed by the oil sector.

The rebasing exercise however put a lower figure of 12% contribution from tax revenue to GDP, implying the wide gap as to the extent to which Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are able to generate revenue to government coffer.

When compared with the BRICS countries and some other African countries, tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2012 shows that Nigerian tax revenue only amounted to 2.74% to GDP while in countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Egypt the ratio stood at 26%, 20% and 13% respectively.

Even though statistics from Federal Inland Revenue Service show that actual revenue generated from tax has always exceeded its target since 2000 save for 2006 when there was a shortfall of 39% (N3054.1bn target vs.

N1866.2bn actual) and 26% deficit in January 2014 (N372.42bn target vs. N346.5bn actual), the fact that tax evasion and tax avoidance are high in Nigeria cannot be erased.

Merchandise Trade Still Controls Services Sector Post Rebase

Decomposing the services contribution to GDP prior to and after rebasing shows that trade remains a major contributor to GDP. Services contributed 11% to GDP prior to and 36% after the rebasing. Further decomposing the services showed that trade has been the dominant driver of the sector in the pre- and post-rebasing exercise, contributing 58% and 33% respectively.

Even though these figures are attractive, we are still of the opinion that Nigerian trade as a percentage of GDP can be higher as figures from some less developed economies such as Zambia (80.38%) and Mauritius (74.86%) are far ahead of Nigeria(62.83%). It is however noteworthy that Nigeria is ahead of all the BRICS.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Market Report Fiscal Deficit to GDP

As provided in Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 (a parliamentary document that limits deficit financing for a fiscal year), fiscal deficit to GDP (FD/GDP) in every fiscal year should not exceed 3%. Whilst this threshold over the past years has been religiously adhered to (e.g FD/GDP 2012: 2.45%, 2013: 1.85% and e.2014: 1.90%), the rebased GDP has shrunk this ratio leaving more room for government borrowing.

By our estimates, given the budget deficit provision of NGN0.912tn for 2014 fiscal year at an estimated 1.90% fiscal deficit to GDP ratio, with the new GDP figure of NGN80.22tn, our estimate puts current fiscal deficit at 1.14%. This implies that even if the target of 1.9% FD/GDP is to be achieved for 2014FY, the government has the room to borrow NGN1.524tn implying NGN0.612tn additional room for debt against the budget provision of NGN0.912tn.

If we assume that more allowance for borrowing will translate to developmental projects, then, it means the rebased GDP will translate into better infrastructures.

ther as the rebasing exercise decreased 2012 insurance penetration to 0.33% from 0.58% pre-rebasing. The higher GDP base makes it increasingly harder for NAICOM to achieve its purpose of increasing insurance penetration and density in the country.

This however opens up an opportunity for insurance companies and the Commission to employ innovative measures to improve consumer awareness about insurance and thus generate more premiums.

Banking Penetration in Nigeria much less than Anticipated

Credit to the private sector to GDP as a measure of bank penetration was 21% before the GDP was rebased. The new figure at 12%,

Rebased GDP Undermines the Status of Nigerian Equities Market

In most financial markets, equities market capitalization to GDP is a metric usually employed to assess the spate of development of a financial market. Prerebasing, equities market cap to GDP was 21% while post rebasing exercise, the ratio has dropped to c.15%. This largely suggests the extent of sophistication of our market relative to other emerging and developed financial markets.

Higher Base Smothers Insurance Penetration

Insurance, which is usually seen as the runt of the financial services sector, was struck fur-

ICTWorld

which is a truer representation of the level of the banking industry’s loan book relative to the economy, shows the widening gap between it and its peers like Kenya and Egypt which are 37% and 29% respectively.

This shows that there is even more potential for growth in the banking sector than was earlier anticipated. Nigerian banks are set for expansion into the retail market in order to shore up more deposits in order to increase credit allocations and with the demographic profile, this growth aspiration is feasible especially with the employment of technological advancements like mobile and internet banking.

Some countries in Africa such as S/Africa (159%), Mauritius (68%) and Kenya (36%) among others have higher market cap to GDP than Nigeria. In our view, the current situation is not unconnected with the shallowness of our market. The regulators’ efforts are in top gear to further deepen the market via introduction of more securities and new listings.

We think the rebasing suggests that the NSE authority may be farther to the “promised land”.

Human Development Index

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a development index used the world over to measure the level of welfare of the people in a country. It is an equally weighted index including three major components - per capita income, health indices and literacy rate. Aftermath of the rebased GDP, our estimates of the HDI figure for Nigeria pegs at a level > 0.5 relative to the previous level of 0.471.

This implies that in HDI ranking, the rebased GDP has lifted Nigeria from the realm of low Human Development Index to the league of countries with medium Human Development Index where the leading emerging economies (China, India, and South Africa) and some other African countries such as Ghana, Egypt and Namibia are ranked.

with

Kingsley Roberts kingndcha@yahoo.co.uk

How internet addiction causes depression

D

epression coexists with pathological internet use.

Although the ZDI was utilized for its expediency with on-line administration, its limitations include poor normative data and less frequent clinical use.

Therefore, this study utilised the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), which has more accurate norms and frequent usage among dual diagnostic patient populations.

An on-line survey administered on a World Wide Web site utilised the BDI as part of a larger study.

A total of 312 surveys was collected with 259 valid profiles from addicted users, which again supported significant levels of depression to be associated with pathological internet use.

This article discusses how a treatment protocol should emphasis the primary psychiatric condition if it is related to a subsequent impulse control problem such as pathological internet use.

Effective management of psychiatric symptoms may indirectly correct pathological internet use.

Earlier research has identified the existence of addictive internet use, which has been associated with significant social, psychological, and occupational impairment.

Addicts in this study used the internet an average of 38 hours per week for nonacademic

or non-employment purposes, which caused detrimental effects such as poor grade performance among students, discord among couples, and reduced work performance among employees. This is compared to non-addicts who used the internet an average of 8 hours per week with no significant consequences reported.

Predominantly, the interactive capabilities of the internet such as chat rooms or on-line games were seen to be the most addictive. This type of behavioral impulse control failure, which does not involve an intoxicant, was seen as most akin to pathological gambling. Therefore, a formal term utilized in this article is pathological internet use (PIU) to refer to cases of addictive internet use.

Research in the addictions field has shown that psychiatric illnesses such as depression are often associated with alcoholism and drug addiction.

Further, research has shown that other addictive behaviours overlap with depression-for example, eating disorders5’6 and pathological gambling.7-9 Although the concept of Internet addiction has gained credibility among mental health professionals both in academic and clinical realms, little research has been conducted to examine if similar underlying psy-

chiatric illnesses may contribute to such Internet abuse.

Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess depression and compare such results to other established dual diagnostic populations. Young1 utilized the Zung Depression Inventory10 (ZDI), which suggested that increased levels of depression are associated with moderate to severe levels of PIU. However, the ZDI yields limited clinical utility; therefore, this study used the Beck Depression Inventor1 (BDI) because it is a more psychometrically and clinically valid instrument to further investigate the effects of depression on PIU. Finally, this study also attempted to increase its sample size from the previous examination (N -99) to improve generalisability of results.

METHOD Subjects

Subjects were self-selected active internet users who responded to postings on electronic support groups and those who searched for the keywords internet or addiction on popular Web search engines (e.g., Yahoo).

Materials

An on-line survey was constructed for this study. The survey exists as a World Wide Web (WWW) page (located at http: /

/www.pitt. edu/ ksy/survey.html) implemented on a UNIX-based server that captures the answers into a text file. The on-line survey administered a structured diagnostic questionnaire that modified the DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling’2 to classify subjects as addicted or non-addicted, followed by administration of the BDI, the 16 Personality Factor Inventory,15 and Zuckerman’s Sensation Seeking Scale,13 as part of a larger study. Finally, demographic information was also gathered.

Procedures

The WWW location of the survey was submitted to several popular search engines available to assist on-line users in finding Web pages of interest. On-line users entering keyword searches for Internet or addiction would find the survey and have the option to follow the link to the survey in order to fill it out.

Additionally, a brief description of the study along with the WWW address of the survey was advertised on prominent electronic support groups geared toward Internet addiction (e.g., the Internet Addiction Support Group and the Web-aholics Support Group).

Answers to the survey were sent in a text file directly to the principal investigator’s electronic mailbox for analysis. Respondents

who answered “yes” to five or more of the criteria were classified as addicted Internet users for inclusion in this study.

RESULTS

A total of 312 surveys were collected, resulting in 259 valid geographically dispersed profiles from addicted users. The sample included 130 males with a mean age of 31 and 129 females with a mean age of 33. Educational background was as follows: 30 per cent had a high school degree or less, 38 per cent had an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, 10 per cent had a master’s degree or doctorate, and 22 per cent were still in school.

Of the subjects, 15 per cent had no vocational background (e.g., homemaker or retired), 31 per cent were students1 6 p[er cent were blue-collar workers (e.g., factor worker or auto mechanic), 22 per cent were non-tech white-collar workers (e.g., school teacher or bank teller), and 26 per cent were high-tech white-collar workers (e.g., computer scientist or systems analyst).

Occupational type appears to be a determinant in the level of Internet usage in this study. These results suggest that non-tech or high-tech white-collar workers are more likely to become addicted to the Internet than are blue-collar workers.

MARKETS&MALLS

58

NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

APRIL 13, 2014

Tel: 08027790557

Chijioke Iremeka

S

even years after the popular Tejuosho Market, Yaba, Lagos was partially destroyed by fire, the Lagos State Government look set to reopen the market again.

The market was closed immediately after the inferno, and the traders were asked to relocate their businesses elsewhere, pending when the government would complete reconstruction of the expansive complex.

New Telegraph on Sunday was at the market on Tuesday, and can report that the old Tejuosho market is now an ultramodern shopping complex of international standard.

However, it was learnt that the price tag on the shops has dashed the hopes of the displaced traders of a possible return to the market.

New Telegraph on Sunday further learnt that shops in the market are selling at between N6 million and N7million for 25 years lease.

Interested buyer is expected to pay a non-refundable fee of N5000 or N10, 000 for application forms.

There are four different sizes of shops Phase II of the complex, A (10.8 sq. meters), B (18 sq. meters), A2 (21.6 sq. meters) and C (39.6 sq. meters).

The price for shops A (10.8 sq.meter), is N6, 480, 000 excluding N486, 000 service fee. Total sum payable is N6, 966,000. Shops B(18), sell at N10, 800, 000 per shop, excluding N9,720,000. Total amount payable, is N13, 932, 000. Shop C (39.6) is N23, 760,000 excluding N1, 782,000, that bring total amount payable to N25, 542, 000.

For those who wish to pay in instalments, first deposit payable is 30 per cent of total sum, 40 per cent second instalment and last 30 per cent last installment.

Full payment attracts five per cent discount.

According to the developers, the

A section of Tejuosho Market

Tejuosho market may reopen soon •A shop sells for N7m deed of sublease is 25 years with facility management fee, which will be disclosed later.

Similarly, Phase I shops go for N700, 000 per sq. meters. For nine sq. meters, the buyer pays N6. 9m with N630, 000 legal fees, which brings the total sum payable to N6, 930,000. For 10 sq. meters, the buyer will pay N7m

with additional 10 per cent agency, administrative, legal fee, which brings it to N7.7m.

However, Phase I has 10 different categories of shops, which include, nine sq. meters, 10 sq. meters, 22 sq. meters, 16 sq. meters, 18 sq. meters, 20 sq. meters, 21sq. meters, 22 sq. meters, 24 sq. meters and 25 sq. meters.

Lottery is not gambling – Dodo Kenneth Tyohemba Abuja

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he Chairman, Nigeria Lottery Regulatory Commission , Governing Board, Mr. Damian Dodo (SAN), has urged Nigerians to buy into lottery as a way of improving their lives, insisting that lottery is not gambling.

Dodo made this pronouncement on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Director General of NTA in Abuja.

According to Dodo, lottery has become an important avenue for good causes, and enjoined Nigerians to appreciate it. He said it is appreciated all over the world as a tool for development and capacity building, hence government generates revenue from

the sales of lottery tickets.

While officially commending the DG of NTA for a well-deserved appointment, he stated further that their visit was to solicit for a strong synergy that will boost the operations of the lottery commission by educating and enlightening Nigerians on the benefits of lottery in the society.

He, however, expressed worry that some illegal operators are hiding under the commission to defraud people and called on the media to beam searchlight on the activities of those operating illegally.

“Our special appeal to you today would be for NTA to help the commission monitor the activities of the illegal operators who certainly de-

fraud a lot of Nigerians and dodge the necessary statutory payments to government, because they have not been duly registered,” he stated.

Responding, the DG, NTA, Mr. Sola Omole, said lottery is not a bad business, adding that any organisation that operates as a successful enterprise in the country is also contributing to the economic development of Nigeria.

Omole further attested that lottery is different from gambling, pointing out that “when we participate in lottery, we invest in the country’s economy hence lottery tickets are sold on a daily basis.”

He, however, expressed worry over lottery spam messages intended to defraud people.

There is also a non-refundable N10, 000 application forms at any First Bank branch. Phase I has only on of payment, which is full payment or through mortgage facilities by First Bank.

Meanwhile, most of the traders hawking their wares around the mall are optimistic that at the end of the day the rich and the poor will be able to do their businesses in the mall.

Sunday Abasi, who sells textile

materials by the perimeter fencing of the Mall, said is confident that those who can afford to buy the shops will later rent them to small traders.

According to Ikenna Obumneme, though the prices are high, everybody trader, who wishes to trade in the shop would get a space at the end of the day.

He said a philanthropist or microfinance banks could make it possible for even petty traders to get space in the mall.

Cassava Bread: Draft bill lists N100m fine, other penalties Kenneth Tyohemba Abuja

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he Federal Government has concluded work on a draft bill that would make it mandatory for the inclusion of a minimum of 20 per cent High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) or sorghum to wheat flour in the baking of bread, biscuits and other derivatives of flour in the country.

One of the highlights of the bill is the payment of N100 million fine or five years jail term or both for offenders when the bill becomes law.

Speaking at a cassava stakeholders meeting where the draft bill was unveiled, Permanent Secretary,

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Ibukun Odusote, stated that the draft bill is a practical demonstration of government’s commitment to the campaign for cassava bread in the country.

Odusote stated that the bill would soon be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for onward transmission to the National Assembly.

She disclosed that the bill when operational would establish a coordinating committee to be known as the Cassava/Sorghum Development Committee that would be responsible for the formulation and implementation, regulation and revision of the Cassava Flour Inclusion Policy.

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Abuja Beats

Inside FCT dumpsite where scavengers earn a living Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

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he Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, arguably is not a place to easily sight refuse dumps. Notwithstanding, there are several of them dotting satellite towns and hinterland in the nation’s capital.

Due to its nature as a preferred destination for meetings, conferences, business and political events that attract people from all walks of life, Abuja cannot afford to be filthy.

However, despite its aesthetic appeal, architectural design and serenity, there are what can best be described as the ugly sides of the nation capital.

One of such ugly sides of Abuja is the Gosa dump site which serves as the central landfill for all the household and industrial waste in the capital city. Tucked in a portion of remote Gosa village, the dump site is arguably the biggest in the city.

The 90 hectares of land dump site located within the Abuja Municipal Area Council is relatively unknown to most residents of Abuja.

Yet, many residents make daily contributions to this huge refuse dump that has even been described as unbefitting of a Federal Capital Territory.

Located in a bush off Jabi road in Idu Industrial Layout, about 30 kilometres off the express road, the bumpy road that leads to the site is first a headache to a first-time visitor.

Nevertheless, the long abandoned site is a village where a lot of activities away from the preying eyes of the public are taking place. Given the nature of waste that are daily dumped there by compacting trucks that collect waste from the heart of the city, the site attracts scavengers and other kinds of people looking for used plastics, cans, metals of all types and other items that can be recycled for several purposes.

While bringing in their trucks to load items for recycling, the truck drivers are always assisted by willing men whose job is purely to daily sorting out the waste into categories of plastics, metals, bottles and even rubbers.

They are paid for the sorting out and for loading the trucks. That is their daily ritual on the site and of course means of livelihood.

At the dumpsite, Abuja Beats encountered Ahmad Sanni and Babale Abdukarim Adamu.

They left their respective homes in Kano with wives and children for the dumpsite, where they sort out waste items as well as help to load them into trucks that take them to a plastic factory in Kano for recycling.

They, like hundreds of other men at the landfill, work there daily, despite the presence of various species of flies that roam the space freely. Their efforts are rewarded monthly with a paltry sum of N6000 or less, depending on how they are able to fill the trucks. But they do the job and collect their remuneration with some sort of satisfaction and self-fulfilment; at least they are not a nuisance to the country.

Sanni, who told the our reporter that he is

married with six children who are in Kano with their mother, stated that the search for a means of livelihood drove him from Kano to Abuja.

In a day, he said he makes between N500 and N600, depending on how he can work. On whether he and his colleagues were aware of the inherent dangers in living in such a filthy environment, he told Abuja Beats that he would have loved to be engaged in a more decent job than that but there was none at the

moment. It is there, against all odds, that they eke out a living in the midst of domestic, industrial, hospital and chemical waste.

Pointing to the shanty where he lives, Sanni said, “Look, this is where I dey live, make the FCT minister help us, we dey try and we dey suffer here.�

As far as they are concerned, one of things they need in the dumpsite is electricity, as there electric poles there.

Asked about how often he visits his family in Kano, Sanni said he travels home every two weeks. Apparently, they take solace in living in the shanty with all kinds of offensive odour, as well as snakes and dogs.

When Abuja Beats took a walk round the site, there were many items that had been neatly sorted out separately by the workers while some trucks were being loaded. Abuja Beats gathered that as much as five trucks visit the site daily.

They include used insecticide cans, bottles, old motor tyres, plastics of all kinds, metals and rubber materials and many others.

Attempts made to talk to one of those supervising the loading of items into the waiting trucks failed as he declined comments on the ground that he speaks only Hausa.

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APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Abuja / Beats

One month after tragic NIS test Abuja Stadium begs for repairs Jude Opara Abuja

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arely one month after the nationwide recruitment exercise organised by the Ministry of Interior on behalf of the Nigeria Immigration Service which led to 16 deaths in Abuja, the Abuja National Stadium where the test took palce in the nation’s capital is yet to be repaired.

A visit by New Telegraph on Sunday revealed that a major portion of the perimeter fencing that was torn during the test still remains in a sorry state, as it appears that officials of the National Sports Commission do not know what to do to remedy the situation.

Facilities at the stadium were stretched beyond limit when over 68,000 people were brought into the arena to write the NIS test.

In an interview with New Telegraph on Sunday, the Director of Stadium Facilities at the National Sports Commission, Ibrahim Shehu, said that 90 per cent of all the damaged infrastructure at the stadium had been fixed by the NSC. He said these include seats and tables that were broken during the exercise.

“Let me tell you that immediately after the interview exercise, we went round and took inventory of what was damaged, including the perimeter fencing, chairs and desks. This occurred due to the obvi-

Damaged portion of perimeter fence

ous overcrowding of the stadium. I would say that about 90 per cent of things that were damaged have been fixed and very soon we will face the perimeter fencing you mentioned. We will not leave it like that because it will amount to a security problem,” he stated.

Shehu also said the overcrowding of the 60,000 capacity stadium with about 68,000 applicants overstretched the facilities at the stadium. He stated that in the past, the management had always managed huge crowds that thronged the stadium to watch football matches, adding that no such incident had been recorded.

He, however, defended the use of the stadium for activities other than sporting events, saying it is a global practice.

“Well, the stadium is a facility actually and all over the world, people build facilities that sometimes they may have to be put to other uses. The most important thing is how you manage that facility and if you are putting it to other uses like concerts and other gatherings, experts who are well schooled in the management of such a facility must be involved in the organisation of such activities.”

A tour of the stadium by New Telegraph on Sunday revealed that over 20 portions of the perimeter fencing were still unattended to. Most of them, especially at the entrance of the stadium through the media gate, were only tied with a rope.

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Abuja / Beats

Dei-Dei Building Materials Market thrives despite govt neglect Simeon Ogoegbulem Abuja

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ei-Dei is one of the numerous communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council of the federal capital territory. However, once the word Dei-Dei is mentioned, one thing that comes to mind immediately is building materials.

The community located along the old ZubaAbuja Road, plays host to the largest building material market in the entire Northern Nigeria. Everything from the common to the most complex building materials are sold at Dei-Dei International Building Materials Market.

The market is said to have supplied over 80 per cent of materials used in the development of Abuja. Beyond serving the FCT, most builders from the northern part of the country and even neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Chad serve some of their building material needs from De-Dei market.

In the Beginning

According to Chief Christian Okeke, one of the pioneers of Dei-Dei market, the market came into being around 1994 under the administration of Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni (retd) as the minister of FCT and the late Prof. IkejianiClark as minister of state for FCT. Okeke stated that it was under these two former ministers that the FCTA decided to bring together all traders dealing in building materials scattered in different parts of Abuja then, especially between Idu and Karmo under one umbrella.

Government’s efforts were initially resisted by the traders but this was brief as government used the carrot and stick approach to get the traders to move into the market. One of the strategies deployed by government was the allocation of a large area of land as residential area called Saburi layout to the traders.

The thinking in government circles then was that the residential plots would encourage the traders to accept the offer by government and at the same time help in speeding up development within the area.

Thus in 1996, the first set of traders moved into the market, thereby marking its official take-off. Ever since then, De-Dei International market has lived up to its billing as the foremost building material market not just in Abuja but also in the northern part of the country. At the last count, the markets has more than 2000 shops excluding other ancillary businesses that thrive there.

It is believed that Dei-Dei market provides a means of livelihood to more than 5,000 people and indirect job opportunities to over 10,000 others. Government derives huge revenue from the market. Unconfirmed sources said that government earns over N250,000 daily from motorists that throng the market.

For instance, lorry drivers pay as much as N1000 while those of mini-trucks and cars pay N500 and N200 respectively as gate fees before being allowed into the market. This amount is exclusive of other sundry revenues generated by government through businesses that have blossomed as a result of the establishment of the market.

The traders are, however, not happy with

Entrance to the market

government as far a the affairs of the market are concerned. Most of the traders who spoke to Abuja Beats regretted that in spite of the huge revenue government is generating from the market, no definite effort is being made to plough part of the proceeds into the upgrading of the market.

The traders stated that the only functional borehole in the market was sunk by the them as the one earlier provided by government had ceased to function.

In addition, each shop in the market is charged the sum of N150 per month for electricity and another N150 per month for sanitation.

In addition to these fees, depending on the particular need of some shops, monies are contributed as the need arises to provide for some basic needs in order to make the place conducive for business.

When Abuja Beats visited the market, artisans were seen patching some failed portions of the access roads inside the market. One of the traders even said that they had to contribute

money to procure stones and sand in order to make their line accessible.

The traders are further piqued that government is only interested in collecting revenue from the market without making concrete efforts to upgrade the infrastructural facilities at the market.

Abuja Beats gathered that the traders and the Abuja Market Management Authority (AMMA) are currently slugging it out in court following the move by AMMA to impose a monthly sanitation fee of N3, 500 per shop.

This will not be the first time FCTA and the traders would be at war. In 2006, under Mallam Nasir El Rufai, FCTA had attempted to take over the market as it has done in Wuse and Garki markets. The move by FCTA was geared towards pulling down some structures and rebuilding same for onward reallocation to the traders.

The crisis which lingered for a while in court was later resolved through arbitration,

with FCTA and the traders reaching a 13-point agreement. Part of the agreement includes the fact that government owns the market but that the traders own their shops, Another point is that that government should not impose any policy as far as the administration of the market is concerned without first liaising with the traders while government should make concerted efforts to bring other building material traders into the market.

The traders are of the view that government has not kept its own part of the agreement with the traders. According to most of the traders who spoke to Abuja Beats, the evidence is everywhere that the FCTA is not ready to keep its part of the agreement.

The traders were quick to point to the fact that pockets of building materials markets are littered all over Abuja, in contradiction to the earlier promise to get all of them in one place.

The traders also point to the bad road leading to the market. They argued that government ought to prioritize the provision of infrastructure around the market including provision of quality access roads. Musa Danbui, a lorry driver who conveys goods to the market from various parts of the country, concurred with the traders as he stated the short stretch of road from Dei-Dei junction to the market is usually the longest nightmare he endures each time he is driving into or leaving the market.

Abuja Beats noticed the skeletal remedial work done on the road, which some of the traders noted was effected following persistent outcry by motorists plying the route.

However, while government and the traders are in a ding-dong, business is booming in spite of the relative lull in the building sector in the FCT. A bank worker confirmed this much when he smiled saying that “business is not bad here, We pay our bills and meet our targets.�

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NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2014

Special Report

Security guard go berserk

•Attack residents over unpaid salaries Ahaoma Kanu

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t looked like a flick from an action movie but the incident left blood everywhere as two security guards employed by a residential associationin Lagos State went berserk and attempted killing a street resident with their matchetes because they were allegedly owed money by the association.

The entire residents of Frankazi Street located at Buknor Estate, Isolo, Lagos State were thrown into confusion when a resident, Mr. James David, was attacked by two security guards employed by the street association in protest at their being owed salaries.

The attack left the victim with severe cuts to the nose, head and hands, body, causing him to lose a lot of blood that he passed out and had to be rushed to the hospital.

The incident happened on March 30, when the victim returned from work and got a call from a friend around 10pm. He left his tool bag with one of the security guards identified as Mr. Emmanuel Oliseh but when he came back and collected his bag and was heading home, the guards rushed after him, demanding to search his bag.

“About a building or so to my house, the two security guards came to him and demanded to search my bag. At first I thought they just wanted money as they always asked residents for money or that it was some kind of joke.

They started searching my pockets so I gave in and handed the bag over to them. They didn’t find whatever they were looking for,” he said from his hospital bed at Isolo General Hospital where he was revived and is receiving treatment. All hell was let loose when he tried to query the action of the guards.

“When I asked them what kind of security men they were, one of them called Frank slapped me. I tried to protest his assault on me but, he brought out his matchete and cut my hand. Before I could understand what was happening, his colleague joined in the attack and started cutting me all over my body. In fact, I was alarmed at the intensity which they were releasing the cuts and tried to shield myself but their weapons cut me on the head, cut my nose in two and I collapsed,” he said.

At this point, one of the guards entered the compound of the victim and called his elder brother, Mr. Emdee David, and asked him to come out immediately otherwise his brother would be dead. According to David, the guard came to the window striking the floor with machete shouting, “Oga, come now, if not, your brother will be a dead man.

“I rushed out but did not see the guy. I went outside our house gate; he wasn’t there, so I decided to go towards the street gate. As I approached, it I heard noises. I ran to them and what I saw shocked me. The two security men were brutally assaulting my brother with machetes. His nose was already sliced into two and blood was on his face. His wrists had been badly cut. I was terrified and I started shouting at them, asking what the matter

was and why they did not wait for me but the shorter of the two who I later learnt was Emmanuel Oliseh approached me with his machete and asked me to go back or he would cut me to pieces. I ran backward and saw Frank Oliseh, still going after my brother with his big machete as James tried to move away. His brother joined him, shouting on top of his voice that he should kill my brother,” Emdee said.

He went on, “I screamed for these guys to stop, but they refused. Then I rushed in-between them and carried my brother and started walking fast away from them. They still came after us, wielding their weapons towards my neck. I managed to dodge and James fell from my hand. I screamed again for members in the neighbourhood to come out, but no one came to help. Only two female wards living with me, Binta and Faith, came out but, the security guys went after them and told them to go back if they don’t want to die. So they ran away,” he said.

All the while the guards alleg- James showing his injuries sustaned in the attack edly kept ranting that the street does not know who they were and how they will cause blood to flow in the street.

Emdee managed to lift his brother with the intent of taking him to a nearby hospital and also started alerting neighbours who came out to stop the attack on one of their members. But the security guards were not done yet; they went after the residents that came out that night, threatening to shed more blood.

“They chased everybody saying they must kill since we don’t know them. By this time, my brother was unconscious and bleeding seriously. I had to start screaming and carried him to an uncompleted building and started making calls to people I know could help.

But from where I hid I could still hear them ordering people to lie down. Then, one man, Mr. Bello, opened his window from upstairs and noticed me in the uncompleted building James close to his building. He asked me who I was, I identified myself and told him that James had arrested,” Emdee said. been badly wounded, I needed to check if he is At the hospital James was almost lifeless and still alive so I can take him to the hospital. Then the doctors, after checking him, said he had lost Mr. Bello rushed out with his car key, took his so much blood and needed blood transfusion. car out. Then the security men came out with It was from the hospital Emdee learnt that the their weapons and ordered him to go back or else second guard was later discovered hiding in an they will kill him. He identified himself, but they uncompleted building and both were taken to refused to hear or listen. His wife prevailed on the Ejigbo Police Station. him to return to the house. When he got back New Telegraph On Sunday investigation to the house, he asked me to jump the fence and revealed that the suspects were being owed cross over to his house which was more secured. two months’ salary by the street’s landlord/tenI did, and from then he started making calls to ants association. The delay in the payment of other security men. Not long after then, security the salaries occurred in 2012 when the execumen from other places came. They subdued the tive of the association was changed but and blood thirsty Frank and Emmanuel Oliseh, both the new administrators kept on paying their of whom I later learnt are of the same parents. salaries regularly with the exception of the two Emmanuel ran away immediately but Frank was months they were being owed. They promised

Suspect Emmanuel Oliseh

to pay them a month’s salary instead of the two months, a move the two brothers rejected.

Residents who spoke to New Telegraph on Sunday stated that the two guards had been threatening to attack someone living in the street to drive home their demand for payment of money owed them. But as the month of March was coming to an end, they may have decided to make good their threat and James became the fall guy.

Both suspects have been charged to court on charges of attempted murder at Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court and been remanded at Kirikiri prison. But their victim James has been referred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi to undergo surgery on his hand as two fingers are not functioning properly.

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APRIL 13, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY

Sport / News

Liverpool ready to face Man. City

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Celebration time: Arsenal players Per Mertesacker, Bacary Sagna and Oxlade-Chamberlain after defeating Wigan on penalties (2-4) in the English FA Cup...yesterday

Carzorla delivers final for Gunners, as they beat Wigan S RESULTS

Barclays Premier League C’Palace 1 - 0 Aston Villa Fulham 1 - 0 Norwich City Southampton 0 - 1 Cardiff Stoke City 1 - 0 Newcastle Sunderland 0 - 1 Everton West Brom 3 - 3 Tottenham English FA Cup Wigan 2 - 4 Arsenal Italy - Serie A Sassuolo 1 - 1 Cagliari Spain - Liga BBVA Celta Vigo 2 - 2 Sociedad Villarreal 1 - 0 Levante Granada 1 - 0 Barcelona

Germany - Bundesliga Monchengladbach 1 - 1 VfB Stuttgart Freiburg 2 - 0 Braunschweig Hannover 96 2 - 1 Hamburger SV Mainz 05 3 - 0 Werder Bremen Wolfsburg 4 - 1 Nurnberg B’ Munich 0 - 3 Dortmund Scotland - Championship Alloa Athletic 2 - 0 Morton Dundee FC 4 - 0 Cowdenbeath Livingston 1 - 1 Hamilton Raith Rovers 1 - 3 Dumbarton Queen of South 1 - 2 Falkirk

anti Cazorla delivered the perfect present for Arsene Wenger at Wembley - an FA Cup final.

The Spaniard was on hand to knock home the winning penalty on a frustrating day for the Gunners.

Arsenal finally beat Wigan 4-2 on penalty with goals scored by Mikel Arteta, Kim Kaellstroem, Olivier Giroud and Santiago Cazorla.

Wigan gave Arsenal an almighty scare as Jordi Gomez’s second-half penalty put the Championship side ahead.

Wigan defended resolutely

and Arsene Wenger must have thought it wasn’t to be his day as the Gunners hit the post and had an attempt cleared off the line as the clock ticked down.

Arsenal can end their crazy season on a high according to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

But Per Mertesacker turned from zero to hero after his foul to give away the penalty was made amends for when he headed from close range with eight minutes of normal time remaining.

Arsenal couldn’t find the second goal to kill it off and the semi-final went into extra time.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rat-

tled the bar but it was the closest the Gunners would come to penetrating Wigan’s sturdy back line and Jack Collison almost stole the headlines as his header flashed wide.

But when it came to the crunch, Lukaz Fabianski was able to save Wigan’s first two penalties in the shootout and set-up Cazorla to net the winner.

The trophy drought isn’t over, but it’s certainly a step closer to being banished.

Arsenal were way off colour and will have to play better the ensure they finally end their almost nine-year hoodo.

Mourinho wary of Swansea clash

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helsea manager, Jose Mourinho, has said that he expects a tough challenge when his side visits Swansea today.

The Blues go into the game on the back of three Premier League away defeats. However, Chelsea would be feeling good about themselves as they came back to win the second leg of the quarter final against PSG to progress to the semis.

Chelsea and Swansea both need a win in the game. Chelsea want to keep themselves strongly in contention for the title and keep the pressure high on Liverpool and Manchester City and Swansea would want to win at home to make sure they cement their place in the secure position and remain in the top flight.

Currently, Swansea lie just in the fifteenth place with thirty three points.

Mourinho was careful not to over-

rule the opposition and praised the Welsh side.

“They are a good team, they play good football. Especially at Swansea it is never easy and Chelsea knows that better than other teams,” said the Portuguese boss.

“They still need the three points, they are not in big danger like other teams but they still need a couple of points to stay in the Premier League and of course they will try to get points out of this game.”

Despite their recent away struggles, Mourinho has stated that he is currently happy with how his team is performing and believes they are focused on securing success this season.

The 51-year-old could also look to hand striker Demba Ba his first start since October after his scoring a de-

cisive goal in the Champions League.

He praised his fringe players who he called ‘good professionals: “People are working well and hard. The ones that are not playing so regular, all of them are being good professionals to try to be ready.

ordan Henderson is confident Liverpool’s young side will more than match the experience of Manchester City when the two teams clash at Anfield today.

The match is being dubbed as ‘the title decider’ and Henderson feels the Reds are ready to take three points on their own turf.

The midfielder said: “They have some very good players. Yaya Toure is one of them, but they have other great players in other areas so everyone needs to make sure they are ready and I am sure we will be up for it.

“We have some good players ourselves and if everyone performs to the best of their ability we will have a good chance.

“We have a lot of young lads in the team with a lot of energy and great work-rate, so I think that has really showed, pressing high up the pitch.

“Steven Gerrard has been fantastic in the deeper role, expressing his passing, and that has been a major point for us.

“We are full of confidence at the minute and we are playing some great stuff and working really well for each other.

English soccer recalls Hillsborough 25 years later

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ear the Wembley field, 96 seats remained empty on Saturday. Just a Liverpool scarf draped over each of them as a tribute to the 96 Liverpool fans who went to an FA Cup semifinal 25 years ago but never returned home.

The 1989 Liverpool-Nottingham Forest match lasted just six minutes before being halted at Hillsborough when the magnitude of the deadly crush became apparent. A quarter of a century later, matches on Saturday - from the Arsenal-Wigan semifinal at Wembley Stadium to grounds across England - started at seven minutes past the hour.

The Hillsborough disaster changed the face of English soccer, and the treatment of the grieving families by authorities remains a scar that is yet to be fully healed.

Amid commemorations for Tuesday’s 25th anniversary, families are in court in a bid to get the deaths officially described as unlawful killings.

The original accidental death verdicts were overturned by the High Court in London in 2012 after documents uncovered a cover-up by police.

Glo League Fixtures Gombe vs Sharks Nasarawa vs Crown FC Enyimba vs Akwa Uted Giwa FC vs Abia Warriors Sunshine vs Warri Wolves Nembe City vs Bayelsa Utd Kano Pillars vs Taraba Utd

SPORT

Nkwocha: Not winning FIFA Player’s Award my biggest regret

} 32

FAITH

Many pastors are crazy over worldly things

Sanctity of Truth w ww. n ew te l e g r ap h on l i n e . c om

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

- Primate Ayodele

VOL. 1 NO. 54

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SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2014

N150

But, what if the people actually desire ‘Senator’ Chime?

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n Gabriel Akinadewo’s rich political lexicon, candy-wrapped message is a metaphor for sychophancy. We all know what sychophancy means, don’t we? Longman’s Dictionary of Contemporary English defines it as the act of “praising important or powerful people too much because you want to get something from them...”

Obviously, Akinadewo hates this word (and, believe you me, I too hate this word, as do, indeed, many other people, because sychophancy isn’t exactly a noble word). He is piqued that in Nigeria, otherwise mature, well respected people shamelessly employ sychophancy as a tool of political communication when dealing with high-profile political actors, often obfuscating, in the process, the substance of any contending political issue at stake at any one point in time. In his Talking Tough column in New Telegraph on Thursday, my friend Gambino took great exception to what he described as candy-wrapped messages that groveling adults routinely deliver to political office holders whom these sychophants usually praisesing into believing in their own indispensability in the political life of their constituency.

Gambino was speaking in general terms, of course. But, what apparently inspired the column was a newspaper advertorial last week in one of the national dailies, in which a group of lawmakers from Enugu West Senatorial Zone of Enugu “reaffirmed our support for his (Chime’s) quest to represent Enugu West Senatorial Zone in the Senate come 2015.”

Reproduced in part or in full, the said advertorial reads: “Arising from our meeting chaired by the leader of the House (Enugu House of Assembly), Honourable Udeoye S.K.E and following due consideration of the numerous achievements of His Excellency the Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Sullivan Chime, we the representatives of the people of Enugu West Senatorial Zone, reaffirmed our support for his quest to represent Enugu West Senatorial Zone in the Senate come 2015.

“As elected representatives of our people and having worked closely with His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, we are not only convinced of the enormous goodwill of Barr. Sullivan I. Chime to transform Enugu State into a haven for all, but also completely assured of his total commitment to change the face of our zone as is already evidenced in the various monumental human and infrastructural developments now dotting the entire senatorial zone. The list is endless.

“His Excellency, you are a Daniel come to judgment “His Excellency, you have wiped away the tears of our people.

“His Excellency, you came, you saw and you have conquered. Carry on our true son.”

If this is not sychophancy, what in God’s name is it? Mr. Akinadewo asked rhetorically.

Reading the above sentences, I am inclined to agree with Gambino that they sound really sychophantic and can be annoying. But, what if

Sunday

Notebook abugufex@gmail.com

Chime

they are genuine, altruistic, true words of exhortation by the authors of that ad? What if these lawmakers genuinely hope, believe and expect that their zone would have a Senator Chime to replicate in the zone the ‘good works’ that a Governor Chime is seen by many to have done in the whole of Enugu State?

True, politicians have done so much to make us lose hope and faith in them. The avarice and material exhibitionism of our leaders may rankle. The insincerity, dishonesty and corruption of many a politician may seem all too palpable.

The divisive politics of tribal irredentists may remain the greatest drawback of our oneness. But, hey, let’s face it: for every two bad politicians out there, there are probably eight good ones who are serving their people well. The headlines may tell tales of rape of minors sometimes even by their fathers, or of evil forests brimming with morbid head-hunters and ritual killers or of acid baths and kidnappings, but truth is, the evil ones are in minority and will always be. For, indeed, 90 to 98 per cent of humanity is normal and fair---90-98 per cent of fathers, for instance, will cringe even at the accidental sight of their daughter’s naked-

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ness. Thus, I am prepared to wager that most of the people in political office have the interest of their people at heart. What has happened to us is simply that the media, the ubiquitous but patently partisan media, has framed the society in such a way that all too often, what we see in others are only demons looking to suck the very life out of us. In today’s media-dominated world, nobody is good or altruistic except the few who are lucky to be so defined by the media.

Look at what we do to the best among us.

Stella Oduah came in as aviation minister, cleaned and modernized our airports and worked tirelessly to make our airports safe again, earning us U.S Category One status in the process, but we shooed her out on the altar of vile politics. We leveled against her an unsubstantiated allegation of buying “unauthorized” bullet proof cars for her personal use and on that score threw away the baby with the bath water! We are thrilled more by the geography of performance than by the substance of it. SEC under Arunma Oteh has repositioned the Nigerian capital market to the point where it is beginning to drive growth in the economy again but House Members won’t allow budgetary allocation to her office because they don’t like her face, especially since she successfully defended herself against illogical charges of abuse of office by the House Committee on the capital market; Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is an incorruptible whistle blower (we now know better, though) but Jonathan, her family and Diezani are corrupt, oil thieves who are stealing billions of dollars from NNPC! In other words, you are damned if your geography is not politically correct!

That is the world view that the media has created for us. That is the way the media makes us look at things and people these days. So, even

when people sincerely commend one of their own for doing something right, we tend to believe it’s just not possible because the media has conditioned us to distrust every such inclination towards selflessness.

And yet, we must believe in the fairness of human nature, part of which subsists largely in some people genuinely recognizing the abilities in others that they themselves do not possess and seeking, therefore, to have such people deploy those special abilities to the service of the community. It is in that light that I prefer to see the Chime advertorial. As governor, Sullivan Chime has done exceptionally well. The incomparable face-lift of Enugu, the state capital, and environs, the beautiful, well paved intra-state roads, the nine-year free education programme, the free health programme for mothers and children, the prompt and adequate funding of the state’s tertiary institutions, the institutionalisation of democratic norms through regular conduct of local government elections (four so far in his 7 years plus in office--Enugu runs a two-year local government administration system), the promotion of harmony and peace through even distribution of amenities in the three senatorial districts and his widely acclaimed politics of equity and fairness (he insists on governorship moving to Enugu North next year, since Enugu East, where former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani comes from and Enugu West, where he comes from, have taken their eight-year shot each), among several others, are some of the factors that stand Governor Chime out as probably one of the best five performing state governors in Nigeria in this dispensation. I am sure it is such credentials that made his brothers from Enugu West zone in the state House of Assembly decide to take out the newspaper advert urging him to run for Senate next year.

It is up to Chime to decide to run or not to run.

If he feels mentally and physically prepared to respond to his people’s call, then let him run---no doubt, the people of Enugu West will be the better for it. If he decides not to, it is also a choice only he can make. But, as a keen observer of Enugu politics, I believe that Sullivan Chime is deserving of every effusive statement about him by anybody from Enugu State and even more so by people from Enugu West.

By Aliu Eroje

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