Sunday, april 12, 2015 vol 2 no 41 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

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SUNDAY

Sanctity of Truth

Sunday, APRIL 12, 2015 Vol. 2 No. 417

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Love, patience have kept us together for 16 years - Goge Africa couple, Isaac and Nneka Moses

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Ambode, TAMBUWAL, EL-RUFAI, UGWUANYI, AJIMOBI, UDOM lead }3

...as violence, killings, low turnout mar governorship, Houses of Assembly elections lFayose dazes APC, wins 25 Assembly seats

Zaky Azzay

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INTERVIEW

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Victor Agbafe: 17-year-old Nigerian immigrant

Ras Kimono taught Jonathan deserves How I got admitted to me how to handle Nobel Peace Prize, Harvard, Yale, 12 other top } 17 women, fame says Sen. Ben Obi United States universities

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SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Contents | 12.04.15 BODY & SOUL

Synergy on the go Like a well rehearsed play, the Goge Africa couple, Isaac and Nneka, have their family and work life working smoothly and on the go

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POLITICS

Imminent implosion The gale of defections rocking the Peoples Democratic Party may spell an implosion for a party once ranked the biggest in Africa

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BUSINESS

Illegal port concession Eight years after Nigerian seaports were concessioned by presidential fiat, is still operating as an illegal project

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FAITH

Shameless Christian leaders It is high time Christian leaders repented and charted a different course

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SPORT

Battle for red ascendancy Manchester United will today battle against their noisy neighbours, Man City, in their 169th derby

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LIFE

Rivers on edge Five years after the amnesty, the scale of killings in Rivers State has become a serious source of concern to many

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SUNDAY

Editorial

Al-Shabaab’s endless bloodletting

ast week’s brutal attack on a Kenyan university by the terror group, al-Shabaab, is another grim reminder of how increasingly unsafe the world has become and highlights once more the expediencyof pooling resources to defeat one of the 21st Century’s deadliest scourge. One hundred and forty-eight people were killed when gunmen from the al Qaeda-linked group stormed the Garissa University College campus. The attack prompted a swift response from the Kenyan government whose air force carried out bombing raids at two al-Shabaab camps in Somalia. Kenya has borne the heaviest brunt of the group’s malevolence after Somalia which is its birthplace, more or less. In 2013, the Somali-based terrorists attacked the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, the country’s capital. The siege lasted four days as security forces battled to gain control of the luxury shopping mall part of which collapsed as a result. At least 61 civilians and a few security personnel were killed in that attack described by the group as a response to the Kenyan government’s participation in the African Union’s military operations carried out in Somalia. There have been a few other al-Shabaab attacks in Kenya with equally tragic outcome and the intention is always unmistakable: to sow fear and, of course, cause death and destruction. And given the fact that the Kenyan economy is driven largely by tourism, al-Shabaab’s unrelenting attacks have struck where it really hurts. Some western countries whose nationals form the bulk of tourists that oil Kenya’s tourism economy have been forced to issue frequent travel advisory listing the country as a high risk zone. Of course, the consequences can only be devastating. That, essentially, is the goal of the al-Shabaab group or terrorists anywhere - to make a country unsafe and create a sense of vulnerability for its people. That goal could be further glimpsed from the group’s video message hinting of imminent attacks in the United States. Many might dismiss this as a mere ploy to cause panic and give an impression of extensive terror network, yet it would be foolhardy

to ignore the potential threat of such hate messages given the response that ISIS has got even from among the unlikeliest audiences in the west. That is the reason countries which have yet to experience terrorist attacks should not adopt an indifferent attitude to the threat posed by their activities. Such insular attitude only emboldens terror groups as evident in Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram where contiguous countries at the onset felt it was somebody else’s problem that should not bother them until the group began to carry out similarly brazen attacks in their territories. So, the al-Shabaab threat is not simply Kenya’s problem; it’s a threat that should galvanise countries in the Horn of Africa region and the entire East Africa. There’s a greater chance of defeating the terror group through collective action than doing so singlehandedly. Also, it’s important for countries like the United States not to act only when their interests are threatened; they should share intelligence with countries that experience frequent attacks and even offer other concrete support such as arms supply. The benefits of collective action in the fight against terrorism could be seen in the positive results that the multi-lateral force has recorded. That result should serve as an incentive for a broader action from the African Union. Lastly, in responding to terrorist attacks, despite the imperative of deterrent military strikes, actions taken by governments should often be tempered with some discretion. For instance, as part of its broad response to the recent al-Shabaab attack the Kenyan government froze the accounts of some Somali nationals whose operations it suspects could be a platform to funnel funds to the terrorists’ cell in the country. Some analysts have said it’s akin to profiling of a people or viewing a race from a prejudiced lens. This could be counterproductive because it may simply alienate those ordinarily not sympathetic to the terror group. This is not suggesting countries should respond in a tepid manner; the key is striking a balance between the exigency of securing their people and not exceeding the borders of common sense.

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 12 APRIL, 2015

News

Elecions

Ambode, Tambuwal, Udom, others lead beat Tarzoor who got 50 votes, while at Osakwe polling unit near old timber shield, the former minister secured 115 votes against Tarzoor’s 28 votes. APC is reportedly winning in Bauchi, Kano, Kebbi, Niger and Yobe states. However, violence, snatching of electoral materials and low turnout of voters nearly marred the conduct of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections across the country. Sporadic gunshots rented the air at several polling units in some states leading to deaths of some people. And unlike the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections, the Smart Card Readers (SCR) worked better.

Ailing Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Suntai, casting his vote inside his SUV in Suntai ward…yesterday

Ayodele Ojo s the nation awaits the official results from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the Governorship and Houses of Assembly elections held across the country yesterday, winners of the polls are gradually emerging. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, is coasting home with the results so far collated in Sokoto State. Tambuwal, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is well ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Abdallah Wali. In Lagos, the APC candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, is ahead of the PDP’s Jimi Agbaje, although the contest was tight. In the results released so far by the INEC, APC led PDP in more polling units while PDP trailed. Agbaje and his running mate, Mrs. AbdulKareem Safurat, lost their polling units to Ambode. At Agbaje’s polling unit in ward C, Apapa Lagos, APC secured 124 votes against PDP’s 88. In his running mate PU009 in Badagry, PDP got 72 votes while APC got 140 votes. But Ambode polled 133 votes against PDP’s 57 in his polling unit in Ward 3, Epe. APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, delivered his PU047 in Sunday Adigun Street, Alausa, Ikeja. Ambode got 230 votes against Agbaje’s 62. At Governor Babatunde Fashola’s ward G3, Unit 002, in Surulere, Ambode got 270 votes while PDP had 132. Oworoshonki Unit 023, APC 121, PDP 106; Agege Unit 071, APC 136, PDP,

48; Mushin Unit 035, APC 102, PDP, 40; Alimosho Unit 053, APC 244, PDP 176; PU 50, APC 180, PDP, 131; PU 51, APC 183, PDP, 131; Unit 041, APC 243, PDP, 105; Agbado Oke-Odo Unit 075, APC 137, PDP 48; Ojota, Unity Close, Unit 067, APC, 130, PDP,105; Gowon Estate Unit 019 APC 155, PDP 78. Ashogbon polling Unit 049 in Surulere, APC 55, PDP 38; Amuwo–Odofin, Unit 009, APC 49, PDP 51; Lekki PU 24, APC 190, PDP, 112; PU 012, Opebi Road, PDP – 50, APC – 126; PU 017 Joseph Street, off Opebi Road, PDP – 69, APC – 66; PU 014, Ward 03, Oshin Street, Ikeja, APC – 60, PDP – 108. In Akwa Ibom State, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Udom Emmanuel, defeated Umana Okon Umana of the APC with wide margin across the state. Emmanuel will succeed Governor Godswill Akpabio And in the face of defeat, the APC candidate, Umana, has called on the INEC to cancel the governorship election in Akwa Ibom. In Rivers, former Minister of State for Education, Barr. Nyesom Wike, is also leading the APC candidate, Dakuku Peterside, in an election rocked with violence. Already, Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Peterside described the election as a sham. Governor Kashim Shettima is set to be re-elected. From the results so far collated in Borno State by the INEC, the APC governorship candidate is ahead the PDP candidate, Alhaji Gambo Lawan. In his polling unit in Lawan Bukar, Lamisula ward, Shettima polled 196 votes against Lawan’s zero. Even in the PDP governorship unit in Mobbar Local Government Area of north-

ern Borno State, Governor Shettima polled 118 votes against Lawan’s nine votes. The pattern of voting was the same across Borno State. A third-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, of the PDP floored APC’s Okey Ezea in the results released so far. Governor Abiola Ajimobi is also coasting home to victory in Oyo State. Ajimobi is leading other governorship candidates, Rashidi Ladoja of Accord Party, Adebayo Alao-Akala of Labour Party (LP) and Teslim Folarin of PDP in Ibadan, Oyo, Oke Ogun and Ibarapa while Alao-Akala is leading in Ogbomosho. In Ogun, the results released so far showed that Governor Ibikunle Amosun is coasting home to victory. Sunday Telegraph learnt that Amosun won cleared the six local governments in Ogun Central Senatorial District, winning three of the five local governments in Ogun West; Goyeka Isiaka won in Imeko Afon and Yewa South. Amosun won in Remo North while results of other local governments are still being awaited. In Kwara, Governor Abulfattah Ahmed is cruising to victory with the results declared so far. The PDP candidate, Senator Simon Ajibola is trailing him. For instance, in Polling Unit 006, Ajikobi Ward, Ahmed polled 291 against PDP’s 56 while APC polled 297 votes at Unit 005 while PDP secured 24 votes. The trend continued in PU 24 in Alanamu Ward where the governor garnered 194 votes against PDP’s 60 while APC got 223 votes against PDP’s 78 in Polling Unit 025. In Kaduna, Governor Muktar Ramalan Yero is

losing to the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai. In most of the results announced at the collation centres, the governor is trailing the APC candidate, el-Rufai. The voting pattern in most of the polling units indicated that el-Rufai is sure of winning the election. In PU30, Ahmed Aminu Street, Kawo New Extension, APC got 381 votes against PDP’s 22; Manchester Road G.R.A Zaria PU017, APC secured 189 votes against PDP’s 11 while in PU 009 Kofar Gidan Sarkin Badiko APC polled 188 votes against PDP’s 17; PU023, Sarki Ward APC got 328 votes against PDP’s 24 votes; PU 032, Gabasawa Ung Rimi Kaduna North, PDP had 31 votes against APC’s 270; PU017, 44 Hospital Ward, APC had 94 against PDP’s 40; PU05, Babban Dodo, Zaria, APC secured 209 votes against PDP’s 26; PU020, Zaria City A/juma, APC had 291 votes against PDP’s 53; PU016, Zaria A/ juma, APC got 397 votes against PDP’s 48. Yero got 302 votes at his Kaura ward 034 while El Rufai got 192 votes. At PU024 in Unguwar Sarki in Kaduna metropolis, El Rufai defeated Yero with 361 votes against 42 votes. In Benue State, former Minister of State for Trade, Industries and Investment and APC candidate, Dr. Samuel Ortom is ahead the APC flag bearer, Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor. Even at the Government House polling unit, Ortom polled 145 votes to defeat Tarzoor who scored 119. At the E-32 polling unit, opposite Squadron Police Mobile Force in Makurdi, Ortom polled 127 votes to

Violence in Rivers Despite the deployment of 17,000 police officers in Rivers State, the election was marred with violence. Two persons were killed in yesterday’s election in the state. A middle-aged man was beheaded in Buguma in Asari Toru Local Government Area by suspected thugs who were shooting for almost an hour. Another man was also killed in Omagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area. The residence of the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Rivers, Mrs Joeba West, was set ablaze in Buguma. Also, the INEC Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Kalabari National College, Buguma was razed. The arsonists also burnt a police patrol vehicle in Buguma. Governor Amaechi described election in Rivers as sham, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies of working for the PDP. Killings, stolen of card readers in Benue The violence also spread to Benue State. At least three persons were killed at North Bank in Makurdi Local Government Area and Zaki-Biam in Ukum Local Government Area. The election was characterised by sporadic shootings and snatching of electoral materials by political thugs in North Bank area of Makurdi as well as at Ukum and Katsina-Ala. A political thug suspected to be working for the PDP was caught with 20 card readers, some fake INEC results sheets and large amount of money stocked in the booth of his car in Vandeikya Local Government Area. A similar incidence occurred in Ushongo local government area, where a PDP youth leader, Ternenge

Bughga, along with hoodlums reportedly stormed the election venue and snatched electoral materials at Lessel Ward of the local government. The hoodlums, it was gathered, overpowered the INEC officials and made away with the materials. Imo Violence and ballot box snatching were also recorded in Imo State. Governor Rochas Okorocha and his main challenger, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, traded accusations over alleged malpractices in some areas of the state. A police station was reportedly torched at Agwa in Oguta Council Area of the state. There were cases of ballot snatching executed by men dressed in police uniforms. Fake policemen and security personnel were heavily deployed by politicians to help rig the election in Imo State. In Ezinihitte Mbaise, 11 thugs were arrested in a hideout in Ife community while machetes, guns, police uniforms and petrol cans were recovered from them. Osun, Cross River, Abia, Kano In Osun State, a chieftain of the APC in Obokun Local Government Council Area, Otunba Jumoke Ogunkeyede, was shot by hoodlums. In Cross River, a young man, simply identified as Roland, was shot dead while trying to scale the fence of former governor of the state, Mr. Clement Ebri, where some election materials were kept. Protests and ballot box snatching characterised the elections in Abia State. The APC, APGA and PPA members and agents boycotted election in some of the polling centres. In Kano, some group of youths and engaged military personnel at Tukuntawa ward of Kumbotso Local Area when the youth reportedly sensed that the electoral process was to be compromised. The military officers later chased the youth away. Also, at Kauran Mata, Madobi local Government area of Kano, some hoodlums attacked INEC officials and seized electoral materials, which they later set ablaze. In Ebonyi State, the PDP chairman for Ishielu Local Government Area, Mr. Emeka Nworie, was assassinated by unknown gunmen on Saturday. In Jos, a 21-year-old man was shot dead by a security agent while engaging in a fisticuff with a party support.

SUNDAY 12 APRIL, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

News

Lagos

Fashola: I’m optimistic of Ambode’s victory

Muritala Ayinla agos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola yesterday said that he was optimistic that the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode would emerge victorious at the governorship poll. Fashola, who said it was too early to conclude that

there was voters’ apathy in the state, said that the reduction in the number of voters on the queue could have been as a result of the improvement in the INEC logistic and functional smart card readers. Speaking after casting his vote at Ward 002 located on Itolo Senior Grammar School, Fashola said that the overall result would reveal whether there was voters’ apathy or not.

He said: “The context is that every polling unit according to INEC should not have more than 500 voters. When it is more than 500, they extend it to voting points. The answer is to check whether there is a voting point here in addition to a voting unit. If there is, then it means that you have 500 possibly 1000 people and then that is the way by which you can measure

the numbers. “By scientific measures, what percentage of people actually came out to accredit themselves? How many people came back to vote after accreditation? And that will only be possible to know after the votes are counted. It is then that you will be able to measure how many people voted, how many people came for accreditation, how many people were registered and

how many people collected PVC. “So, all of these questions to my view are a little premature as far as turnout is concerned. I also found out that there are reports, I don’t know how wide spread they are, that INEC officials and their materials got to where they should get to. its again perhaps early to make conclusions. “Conclusions can only

be made on facts and after assessing the facts in a whole. if that is the case, it is then possible that in those areas where INEC got there on time that people may have accredited long before you and I came. Fashola, however, expressed optimism that the APC would carry the day, saying that he remained optimistic of victory at the end of the exercise.

Tinubu rates INEC high, slams CP’s reassignment Wale Elegbede and Mojeed Alabi

APC Vice President-Elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, casting his vote, during the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in Ward 4, Unit 33, VGC Ajah, Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Lagos records low turnout, peaceful polls Andrew Okungbowa and Wale Elegbede

agos State yesterday recorded low turnout of voters during the governorship and House of Assembly elections, unlike what occurred a fortnight ago during the Presidential and National Assembly elections. In many of the areas visited, Independent National Electoral Commission officials were sighted sitting idle for most of the accreditation period. At Tiamiyu/Olosa Ward, polling unit 011, INEC officials said only few people came out for accreditation as at 11:30am. The situation was the same at Unit 26, Ward 2 located at Akinsanya and Koso ko streets in Ojodu near Ikeja, In areas like Ikeja GRA, Ogudu, Victoria Island visited by our correspondents, only a few polling booths enjoyed a fair turnout of voters. Major on Adekunle and Herbert Macaulay areas of Yaba were deserted as people stayed indoors instead of coming out to vote. A number of he roads were converted to temporary football fields. The same low turnout was observed in Alimosho Local Government and adjourn-

ing Local Council Development areas. But unlike the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on March 28, which was largely marred by late arrival of materials and INEC’s ad hoc officials and poor performance of the card readers, yesterday’s elections witnessed a marked difference as both materials and electoral officials arrived early at all the polling units visited. In some polling units, such as Unit 015 situated in Olugoke/Oloronloni Street in 03 – Idimu/Isheri Olofin in Alimosho (now Idimu LCDA) and the other two units nearby, materials and officials were said to have arrived as early as 7.20am, even ahead of the voters. The story was the same in Ward F in Obadore Junction, District I, LASU/Iba Road, which in the March 28 elections was badly affected as accreditation didn’t begin till about noon due to late arrival of materials and INEC’s officials. The card readers this time also functioned perfectly in all the units visited as there was no recorded incident of failure. This marked improvement by INEC was highly lauded by the electorate who expressed satisfaction to the agency for

listening to their cries. The whole atmosphere was devoid of the tension and fears of uncertainty which greeted March 28 elections. Many of the polling units witnessed were greeted by a friendly and convivial spirit from the electorate, INEC’s officials and the security agencies. People just strolled into the polling units to carry out accreditation and then returned to cast their votes while a few others waited calmly for the commencement of vote casting. The low turnout, according to many of the people, may have been responsible for the ease and efficiency with which INEC’S officials also carried out their work as they were so relaxed and friendly, devoting more time to mastery the card readers and putting the voters through the processes without any hassle. In places like Igando Community High School along Igando Road, which also served as INEC’s distributing unit, the picture you get as you walk into the compound, is that of a market scene, as food vendors took over the whole place. Everyone had sometime to either eat or drink, including security and INEC’s officials. Even this reporter was

offered a drink by one of the men but politely refused the offer. It was also the same at the Local Government Nursery and Primary School in Igando Road, which is just a few metres away from the Igando Community High School and all the polling units visited. Many of the voters waited after casting their votes to witness the counting of votes which went well in many of the polling units. In some of the polling units, voting ended even before the scheduled 4pm but they had to wait till 4pm to start the counting of votes. However, a high turnout of voters was witnessed in Mushin and Ajegunle areas of the state. In Mushin, about six roadblocks were mounted by soldiers to forestall breakdown of law and order and enforce the restriction imposed by the police. In most of the polling units visited, the card readers were in good shape with INEC officials utilising them for accreditation before actual voting commenced. Appraising the accreditation exercise, the European Union Chief Observer, Santiago Fisas, told Sunday Telegraph that the process has been smooth but decried the high apathy by voters.

former Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for improving on the voting process in the governorship and State Assembly elections compared to the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly polls. Addressing newsmen after casting his ballot at his Unit 047, Sunday Adigun Street, Ward C, Alausa, in Ikeja, Tinubu berated the reassignment of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti to oversee area commands for the purposes of elections. The All Progressives Congress leader noted that the Federal Government had a sinister plan by asking the controversial Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu to act as Commissioner of Police for the elections. Tinubu said: “The alarming issue now is the inconsistencies and lack of police presence in areas of

their own boasting. They announced Monday last week that the AIG has been assigned to supervise the elections, but last Friday, we heard the CP has been relegated to an Area Commander and the AIG is now a Commissioner of Police in charge of the elections. “From that, you smell a rat. It is not good enough for confidence building. If there is no written order, it should not be possible for anybody, no matter how highly placed, to make an oral posting of the police or the army,” he noted. While noting that the apathy recorded in many parts of the state may be because of threat to violence by the PDP, he said that, “We have to remove violence from our politics. Election is about people and service; it is not a process of gun, war and violence. It is power by all means that is the cause of the violence and we have to remove that and allow the process to function and nurture the process of democracy, respect the rule of law and lives and property of Nigerians.”

Obanikoro’s son causes stir at polling unit Adeola Yusuf

he Peoples Democratic Party House of Assembly candidate for Eti-Osa Constituency 2, in Lagos State , Babajide Obanikoro on Saturday stormed the Polling Unit 24/08/08/003 of his opponents, Gbolahan Yishawu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he caused commotion. In a commando style, Babajide, who is the son of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs 2, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro arrived the polling unit located in Ikoyi in a black jeep, demanding an explanation from Yishawu on what the APC’s candidate was doing at the polling unit. Claiming to have received a call from his agents, Obanikoro said that Yishawu had an ulterior motive for staying at the unit. “I came here

because my boys told me you were here. Are you supposed to be here?” a very furious Obanikoro, queried Yishawu while shouting at the top of his voice. Yisgawu, who stood up to Obanikoro maintained that the PDP candidate has no reason to leave his polling unit and come to harass him at his own polling unit. “This is my polling centre and I have every right to be here. You are the one who is not supposed to be here. If you know the electoral law, you will know that as a candidate, you are not expected to be walking around, let alone coming to my polling unit,” he said. Many voters at the polling, who could not bear Obanikoro’s attitude, approached and demanded to know the reason for his presence at the polling unit.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY 12 APRIL, 2015

News

South-West

Fayose dazes APC, wins 25 Assembly seats Adesina Wahab

D Ado-Ekiti

espite apprehension expressed earlier that Ekiti State was one of the possible places where violence might erupt in Saturday’s elections, the exercise was smooth throughout the state. As results trickled in Saturday night, the State Governor, Ayo Fayose, paraded the streets of Ado-Ekiti in celebration of his party’s victory in the House of Assembly election. The governor, who drove in a motorcade from his hometown, Afao-Ekiti to the state capital, said his party’s victory had confirmed that the people of the state were solidly behind the PDP. “We defeated the All Progressives Congress in all the 16 local governments in the governorship election last June. We repeated the same feat by winning in all the councils during the recent presidential and National Assembly elections. “Today the people of the state have spoken again and voted massively for our party. From the results we have from our agents, we are winning again. Those who are hitting their heads against the wall must know that it is God who enthrones and who has put us

in the saddle this period in time,” he said. A large crowd of supporters followed the governor from Okeyinmi area of Ado-Ekiti to the Government House. Initial results from some polling units indicated that the Peoples Democratic Party may once again, sweep the election. Most of the All Progressives Congress lawmakers in the House of Assembly who are involved in moves to impeach Governor Ayo Fayose, were not in their constituencies. No fewer than 10 APC legislators, led by the embattled Speaker, Dr Adewale Omirin, sought reelection for another term in the Assembly. Omirin, who represents Gbonyin Constituency, was not at his Aisegba-Ekiti home to vote in the election characterised by a low turnout of voters. Governor Fayose, who voted at his Afao-Ekiti polling unit at about 3.02 pm, blamed the poor turnout on the fact that people did not attach much importance to the election unlike the presidential poll that held two weeks ago. He expressed dissatisfaction with the reported cases of ballot box snatching in Ikole, Ilejemeje and Egbe-Ekiti. “Democracy should be

moving forward in Nigeria. We do not need violence and other electoral crimes. It is God who crowns people to be what He wants them to be,” he said. Commenting on the exercise, immediate past governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who voted at his polling unit in Ogilolo Quarter, Isan-Ekiti, said a candidate of the party in Ikere-Ekiti and an agent was also attacked.

Fayemi said he reported the matters to the police, but the police said they were yet to get such reports. Fayose’s deputy, Dr Olusola Kolapo, expressed confidence that the PDP would continue its winning streak in the state. “We won in all the 16 local governments in the last two elections and we are not expecting anything less this time around,” he opined.

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, lauded the conduct of the exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission as well as the security arrangements put in place. “Across the state, the exercise is smooth from reports I have been getting. People in every community have made up their minds on who to vote for. I

do not envisage any problem. Turnout was poor due to some factors and one of it is due to the fact that we are not holding governorship election here,” he said. Some results in AdoEkiti in Ward 11 Unit 002, PDP 120, APC 20, Ward 8 Unit 4, PDP 67 APC 24, Unit 16 Ward 5 PDP 78, APC 46 LP 12. Ward 11 Unit 16B, PDP 114 APC 57, Ward 11 Unit 16, PDP 159, APC 56.

Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, casting his vote, during the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, at Afao Ekiti…. yesterday

Obasanjo: Our democracy is fast maturing

Soyinka seeks severe penalties for electoral offenders

Kunle Olayeni

Deborah Makoji

Abeokuta

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday said Nigeria was fast maturing in her democratic process with the success of the general elections. He made the observation after his accreditation at Ward 11, Unit 22 of Olusomi Compound, Sokori in Abeokuta North Local Government Area. The ex-president, who noted that there was a relative slight drop in the turnout of voters, however, adjudged the poll as successful. He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for improving on the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards and conducting transparent and credible exercise. He said, “The reports that got to me indicate that there is a general low turnout across the nation but that the exercise has been orderly and peaceful. Such low turnout is normal and should be expected because people normally show more in-

Obasanjo

terest in national elections than the state elections. “I commend INEC for improving on their last performance because many people who did not have PVCs in this area have now gotten their cards. “There were apprehensions concerning the polls because of some people who were beating drums of war but we thank God for taking control. I think on the whole, Nigerians should be proud of their performance. “We have done it for West Africa, we have done it for Africa and we have now done it for ourselves. Nigerians can now raise their heads in honour anywhere because there are evidences that our democracy is fast maturing.”

s part of effort to strengthen democratic system in the country, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has advised the Independent National Electorate Commission to cancelled poll result anywhere rigging took place and punish perpetrators. Speaking on a television interview yesterday, Soyinka said that punishing those known to have been involved in the elections rigging, political killing and ballot snatching in the country would go a long way to strengthen the democracy.

According to him, INEC should make scapegoats of individuals, constituencies, senators found to have committed electoral offences to make sure that rigging or any negative political activities doesn’t pay. Speaking on the reliability of INEC, Soyinka said that the law enforcement agencies should investigate Professor Attahiru Jega and if found guilty of abusing the position or been partial, then he should be charged to court. He urged people to move away from allegation and allow investigative arms of the nation to do their work. He noted that the use of card readers is very effec-

tive as there was no complain in his polling booth, “like where I voted last time, there was no problem. In my polling booth, there was no complain but I understand that it failed in some places and that is the responsibility of INEC to ensure that we arrive at the point not 100 per cent failure or they should improve on it somehow. That is why election is supposed to be a continuing process” He expressed displeasure over redeployment of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu from Ogun to Lagos State for electoral duties, stating that: “This is somebody who is supposed to be

in charge of the law but we know his records in Rivers State and he was brought to Lagos. I mean what sort of thing is that? Why then should we be surprised that the law is not enforced against identified riggers of the elections including killers.” He also called for the prosecution of those fingered in the rigging of election in Ekiti as contained in the recorded audio clip of the meeting between the General and the Minister in respect of the election last year. “The issue of trust has been engendering by electoral empire. We cannot have elections if the people do not believe in the electoral empire.”

DPO, four policemen injured in road crash Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

ive policemen, including a Divisional Police Officer in Ogun State, Mr. B.O. Bakare, were yesterday injured when their patrol vehicle was involved in an accident at Wasimi area

in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state. The policemen were on election monitoring duty when their vehicle marked NPF 8182 C somersaulted at 9:35am along the LagosAbeokuta expressway. Eyewitnesses account revealed that the vehicle,

belonging to the Ewekoro Divisional Police, lost control when one of its tyres suddenly burst. Sunday Telegraph gathered that the injured DPO was posted from Ado-Odo division to monitor the election in the area. Others involved in the accident in-

clude one Ologbese Vincent, Nuhu and two others whose identities could not be ascertained as at press time. Security agents, including men of the Directorate of State Security and Nigeria Customs Service, raced to the scene and rushed the injured to the hospital.

Enugu

SOUTH-EAST

Pockets of violence Uwakwe Abugu

he governorship and House of Assembly elections were generally peaceful in most parts of the state. The staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) arrived most polling stations between 7.30am and 8am. However, there were pockets of violence in parts of Igbo-Eze South and Nsukka local councils where political thugs of the People’s Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress clashed, leading to tension. At his Amube Ohom Oba Ward 2 polling station, the governorship candidate of

the PDP, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, told the people that he would govern Enugu with the utmost fear of God if voted into power. In parts of Enugu West Senatorial Zone -the home base of both Governor Sullivan Chime and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu - there was complete tranquility and the people came out in their numbers to vote. There was calm at Udi, Ezeagu, Oji River, Awgu and Aninri local government areas during the accreditation and voting exercises, so also in communities in Igbo-Eze North Council including Umuida, the country home

of Senator Ayogu Eze. However, a security source at Amukwa and Isamelu villages in Opi, Nsukka Local Council Area, told our reporter that PDP and APC supporters had clashed in that area. Also at Itchi, a senior public servant informed Sunday Telegraph that there was serious security breach in the community following an attack by armed political thugs. They were said to have attacked some INEC staff in the community earlier in the day. Itchi is the home town of the APC governorship candidate, Chief Okey Ezea.

Anambra

Ghost of March 28 polls haunts voters Tony Okafor

here was voter apathy in Anambra State during the House of Assembly polls. Voters were said to be protesting the March 28 elections. They alleged that the results announced did not reflect the votes cast in the ballot. Speaking with reporters, the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, corroborated our finding. He said that the apathy was a protest against the result of the last election. He alleged that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) unleashed mayhem on the people of the state during the National Assembly elections. He, however, expressed optimism that the results of yesterday’s elections would be better, adding that the card readers were

all functional in the wards in his Aguluzuigbo community. At Aguleri, the country home of Governor Willy Obiano, accreditation began at about 10am. The governor described the elections as peaceful. Obiano, who arrived his polling unit at 11:10am for accreditation, expressed the hope that the exercise would be peaceful, but regretted that the card readers, again, failed to function in Anambra State. He said, “I made contact with the REC and he has accepted to send new SPOs and other officers to the places affected for voting to start. “I have started making contacts to know where they took the materials to, and once we find that out, we will storm the place and arrest the perpetrators.” The member representing Aniocha, Njikoka, Dunukofia Federal Constitu-

ency and senator-elect for Anambra Central, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, denied the rumour that the PDP was working to get majority of the seats in the state’s assembly so as to impeach Governor Obiano. Ekwunife, who spoke with journalists after being accredited, alleged that Governor Obiano had sent thugs and security officers to her polling unit. She said that security men were also sent to her unit, on the allegation that she was not meant to vote in the area. Former governor, Peter Obi, who spoke with journalists at about 3pm said that accreditation had not commenced in his Agulu community at that time. The ex-governor who said he was not suspecting sabotage, enjoined INEC to do the needful so as to enable the people of his community to exercise their franchise.

Abia

he governorship and House of Assembly elections in Abia State were characterised by protests, failure of card reader machines, ballot box snatching and refusal of INEC staff to use incident forms. Consequently, the APC, APGA and PPA members and agents walked out in some of the polling centres. In Ndume Ibeku, Chief Iyke Meregini, an APGA chieftain, said the three parties pulled out of the election in the area because the result sheets

were photocopies. He accused the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Emma Nwabuko, of taking the ballot boxes to his house for thumb printing of the ballot papers. He called on INEC to cancel the election. Also, Friday Ufomadu, an observer in the election, said there were widespread malpractices including thumb printing in private residences even as the result sheets and other essential materials were not available in polling units. According to him, the card reading machines did

not work in many polling centres and the INEC staff refused to use the incident form/manual accreditation as substitute. He added that the malpractice were most pronounced at Mgboko, Umuanna, Government College and Amuzuoro polling units. The APGA candidate for Umuahia East constituency, Apugo Kelechi Anthony, said PDP members, last night, went round the community to warn people, especially tenants, to stay indoors. He alleged that the rigging was an agreement between INEC and PDP.

at Eziama Ntigha. Earlier, when our reporter visited some of the polling units at Old Umuahia, Isi Court, Umuobia, Umuwaya Primary School and Ibeku High School, all the POs said they did not have the result sheet. They, however, said that for security reasons, the result sheets would be brought later. At Umuobutu, Old Umuahia, the people refused to vote, protesting the absence of original

result sheets and ballot papers. A newspaper columnist, Ralph Egbu, who monitored the election, expressed worry over the report of absence of result sheets, the presence of fierce looking youths who, he feared, could have been sent to snatch ballot boxes or jeopardize the collation of the result. He was impressed by the process and the quality of people who came out to vote.

Imo

Violence, ballot box snatching •Okorocha loses in government house

Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

iolence and ballot box snatching marred the Imo governorship election on Saturday. In most places, accreditation started and ended early with little or no card reader issues. Long before voting was concluded, however, electoral materials were snatched at booth 16, Inyishi, Umudim in Ikeduru council area. Also in Oru East, Oru West, Owerri West, Oguta and Ohaji-Egbema council areas, there were violent snatching of electoral materials. While these continued, Governor Rochas Okorocha and Chief Emeka Ihedioha, governorship candidates of All Progressive Congress ( APC ) and People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ) respectively, traded accusations, blaming each other for the alleged malpractices in some areas of the state.

Meanwhile, Okorocha narrowly lost the election in the government house booth with his APC polling 57 votes while PDP garnered 58 votes. While a police station was reportedly torched at Agwa in Oguta council area, fake policemen and security personnel were allegedly deployed in the area by politicians to help rig the election. In most areas, ballot snatching were executed by men dressed in police uniforms. In Ezinihitte Mbaise, no fewer than 11 thugs were arrested in a hideout in Ife community. Matchetes, guns, police uniforms and cans of petrol were recovered from them While the APC leader in the area, Dr. Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, accused PDP of sponsoring the hoodlums, the PDP chairman in the area, Chinemerem Madu, said the hoodlums were ferried into the state from Bayelsa State under the cover of darkness. One Ukwuoma Anthony, a fake policeman, was

overpowered by voters in Umueze, Mbaitoli council area while he was harassing and intimidating voters in company with his associates who later fled the scene. In Emekukwu Ward 1, Emekukwu High School, a middle aged woman was arrested while sharing money to voters. Voters told our correspondent that she did a similar thing during the presidential election. She was later released but the cash was confiscated. In Nkwerre council area, voters alleged that there were no result sheets for five wards in the council area. In Booth 006 Umuokegwu Village Hall, Alaoma, Owerre Ebeiri in Orlu council area, voters insisted on sighting the result sheet before allowing accreditation to commence. At Central School, Orji, the situation nearly degenerated into a free for all following the discovery that the number of ballot papers provided were less than accredited voters.

Ebonyi

LGA chairman, one other killed, governor’s aide arrested Charles Onyekwere

Card reader failure, irregularities

Igbeaku Orji

He said there was no election in the area because the result sheets and ballot papers were fake. At Umuogele Ntigha, the APGA governorship candidate, Reagan Ufomba, said he told party agents to sign the result sheets provided the INEC stamp, signature and date were on them. He said that he got report that at Umunna Nsulu, someone was caught with 300 PVCs even as there were reports of no result sheets

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

unmen, suspected to be political thugs, assassinated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman of Ishielu Local Government, Ebonyi State, Mr. Emeka Nworie, in the early hours of Saturday. Also, a middle aged man, Mike Ojor, was shot dead in Ikwo Nnoyo in Ikwo Local Government Area. Sunday Telegraph gathered that Nworie’s killers, numbering five, stormed his country home, at about 4:20am, at OnuNweke Ezeagu, robbed him of his belonging including cash and shot him several times. Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Command, ASP Chris

Anyanwu, confirmed the killings, adding that investigation into the murders had commenced. He also confirmed the attack on INEC officials in Umuezeoka, Ezza North Local Government Area, by suspected political thugs. Anyanwu said the hoodlums double- crossed the vehicle conveying the INEC officials including a youth corps member, beat up the officials and made away with the election materials. “It is unfortunate that people would snatch election materials in a bid to rig election. Most regrettable is the injury sustained by a corps member in the process,’’ he said. The injured INEC officials and corps member, according to Anyanwu, were

receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in the state. In a related development, an administrative assistant to Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State, Silas Oginyi, was arrested by soldiers for mobilising, arming more than a dozen thugs with AK47 and snatching ballot boxes in about six polling units. Sunday Telegraph gathered that when the soldiers searched his home, they discovered a load of INEC sensitive materials including result sheets. They also discovered weapons including magazines containing several rounds of bullets. The soldiers whisked him away to an unknown location.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

Card readers perform at Lekki, FESTAC Chijioke Iremeka and Tai Anyanwuw

he card readers used in the elections yesterday recorded some improvements in Lekki, Ajah and FESTAC ares of Lagos State, as the failure and other hiccups which characterised the presidential and National Assembly elections did not occur at all. Initial results from the area showed that the People’s Democratic Party cleared the votes cast in the both governorship and House of Assembly in FESTAC and entire Amuwo- Odofin area of Lagos during the election. During the Sunday Telegraph’s tour of FESTAC and different polling units in the area, the card readers were sighted working perfectly and the INEC officials were also on the ground in time for accreditation against what obtained

in the previous elections. Also observed were serious apathy among the electorate in the area, perhaps, this was informed by the conclusion of presidential election, which was the major concern of most Nigerians. According to one of the voters, who was playing ball, while accreditation was going on, Mr. Ikechukwu Mba, there was no need for voting again since the change we wanted at the top had been achieved. He said, “Most of us voted to change the president and that had happened. I don’t have any need in the governorship election. Anybody that wants to win in Lagos, let him win. I know the two candidates can do it.” For Mrs. Olushola Ajasin, she was only the person that voted in her house as many other people were at home celebrating Buhari’s victory. “I don’t have any business

voting when Jonathan has lost election. I’m not a Lagosian, so I’m not interested in who wins and who loses in governorship election,” said John Ukpong. At Old OJo road, the turnout was also low but the few, who came out were passionate about the exercise and at about 5pm, many of their polling units have concluded elections with PDP leading in the both governorship and State HOuse of Assembly. “We are happy with the turn out and manner at which the election was conducted. I hope that the result we witnessed here will reflect in the final result during the collation of the result,” said PDP party agent, MIcheal Owoseka. However, election was peaceful in this area; there was no any form of fight anywhere. There were a number of security operatives across the local government to en-

sure there was peace and serenity during the election. At Lekki and Ajah areas of the state, the electorate came out in fewer number. Many street food vendors and other petty traders displayed their flung their doors open like a normal business day. Clusters of customers hung around as they took turns to take a quick breakfast. Around the neighbourhood, an atmosphere of peace pervaded; little children played within while young men played football around the surrounding square. At the polling booths at Shapati. Imalefe Alafia and Bogije communities, party agents engaged in open bribery to get electorate’s to vote for their party’s standard candidates. Right under the watch of lNEC and security officials, a young man openly induced voters for his candidate.

News

Faleke, Nelson, Odunmbaku commend INEC, security agents isfied with the conduct of the election just as Odunmbaku said that APC had no fear about the election and he was confident that his party will be victorious in the election. He said that the low turnout of voters across the state would not have any effect on the outcome of the election, adding that if it was only by one vote, APC will win Lagos State. Also speaking to journalists, APC South-West Women Leader, Chief Kemi Nelson, commended the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, saying that the elections conducted so far by the electoral commission is commendable compared to previous elections. Meanwhile, there was low turnout yesterday in many parts of Lagos State as many electorates refused to performed their civic responsibilities.

Temitope Ogunbanke

member of the House of Representatives and Coordinator of Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Organisation in Lagos State, Hon. Abiodun Faleke and Deputy Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the security agencies for the peaceful conduct of governorship and state assembly elections in Lagos yesterday. Speaking to journalists in different interviews, Faleke and Odunmbanku said that there was a great improvement in the conduct of yesterday election compare to the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections. Faleke said that he is sat-

‘Defecting PDP members are unprincipled’ Babatope Okeowo Akure

group indentified as G-18 Initiatives, has described those who dumped the party for the rival All Progressives Congress after the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections as greedy politicians who should not be trusted with offices and positions in the future. The National Coordinator of the group, Prince Biyi Poroye who blamed the loss of the PDP on the negative image given to it by former administration in the country said the rival APC should not have been celebrating victory if all its leaders have moved to PDP as some leaders of the party are doing now.

Poroye said the PDP leaders who left for the rival APC could not afford to be in the opposition as they have been fed with government resources in the past 16 years and would always switch camp to where their bread is buttered. While congratulating Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) for his victory at the polls, he advised him to allow opposition to thrive in the country since that is the hallmark of any democracy in the country. Also, he said in the fight against corruption, Buhari should not be selective as some of the people who supported his aspirations were alleged to be corrupt and may want to cover their tracks with his election as president of the country.

APC floors Tarzoor at Govt House Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

overnorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom yesterday floored his People’s Democratic Party counterpart, Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor at the Government House polling unit located near the protocol department. Dr. Ortom polled 145 votes to beat Tarzoor who scored 119 of the total votes cast giving him a 26 votes difference. Our correspondent who monitored election in the

poling unit also gathered that ACPN got 04 votes, while the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, candidate scored 01 vote. At the E-32 polling unit, opposite Mobile Police Squadron in Makurdi, Ortom polled 127 votes to beat Tarzoor who got 50 votes., while at Osakwe polling unit near old timber shield, the former minister of state for Trade, Industries and Investment, Dr. Ortom scored 115 votes against Tarzoor of the PDP who polled 28 votes. More results are been expected.

Senate President, David Mark casting his vote at the GRA polling unit in Otukpo, Benue State...yesterday

Appointments: No way for defectors –Buhari

resident-elect Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said politicians defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party and other platforms to the All Progressives Congress would not be considered for appointments in his government. Buhari also said the APC had nothing to fear over the mass defection of PDP members to the party. “I have no fears of PDP defectors,” he said in an interview in his Daura residence on Saturday. Buhari said the PDP chieftains would have very little influence in the APC government. He said APC has all the capacity to manage the large numbers of PDP defectors.

“The people who are defecting will only have influence in their constituencies. Since their constituencies are now controlled by the APC their influence is therefore limited,” he said. Though the president-elect said only the party can handle the issue of defections, he said the PDP bigwigs will be wise enough not to jostle for positions in the new government. “I hope the people that are defecting will accept the fact that they are joining the people who succeeded. So, I don’t think they will just come and say they want to be ministers next month simply because they were ministers before,” he said.

Woman delivers baby after voting

alama Aishatu Abubakar of Anjannaje ward in Tambuwal Local Government, Sokoto State delivered a baby girl shortly after casting her vote. Abubakar was in labour but insisted on exercising her civic right to elect leaders of her choice, Freedom Online reports. Sources quoted Abubakar as saying that it has being her desire to discharge her civil responsibility and expressed the need to endure the pain of labour. Abubakar called on leaders to have the fear of God while performing their primary duties. She also called for an im-

proved healthcare delivery in public health institutions across the country. Abubakar explained that provision of modern healthcare service would go a long way in boosting healthcare services.

Results from Ogun

benga Daniel won his polling unit: Olukokun-Isote Ward 12, Unit 7, Sagamu - PDP 167 APC 108. House of Assembly: PDP 153, APC 103. Gboyega Isiaka, PDP guber candidate won his unit: Imeko Ward, Unit 6, Imeko-Afon LGA. Gov: PDP 213, APC 35, SDP 11.House of Assembly: PDP 192, APC 52, SDP 10.

News Emmanuel Masha

Port Harcourt

t least, two persons were killed in separate incidents in yesterday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections in Rivers State despite the state police command deploying 17, 000 (seventeen thousand) police officers for the election. A man was killed in Buguma in Asari Toru Local Government Area, where some suspected thugs were shooting for almost an hour. After killing the man in Buguma, the hoodlums beheaded him. A man was also reportedly killed in Omagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area. A day before the election, a policeman was killed in Borokiri, in Port Harcourt, while there were cases of shootings in some streets in Mile 1. There was voter apathy in some areas, especially in Diobu axis of Port Harcourt. Trouble also broke out in some communities in Go-

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-SOUTH

2 killed in Rivers, as Amaechi, Peterside call election sham

...the people have decided, says Wike kana Local Government Area, including Bumu and Beera, where a team of heavily armed policemen rushed to before accreditation started in the area. As the policemen patrolled the communities, some youths trooped out. A correspondent of Ryhthm FM, Ofonime Okon was rough-handled in Gokana, just as the correspondent of Channels, Grace Ekang and her cameraman, were beaten up in Rumumasi, Port Harcourt. She had finished interviewing a member of a particular party, and was

about to balance her report by getting the view of a rival party member when they were attacked. Luckily, they escaped without serious harm inflicted on them. Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi , who voted around 2.30 at Ward 2, Unit 14 in Umuigwe in Ubima, described yesterday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections in Rivers State as a sham, saying that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security operatives worked in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the detriment

of the All Progressives Progress, APC. “At least, we have seen some result sheets. I hope they have not stolen the collation result sheet at INEC. … All over the places, there were shootings. I had to stop at Omagwa to rescue people,” he said. Amaechi also said that while the APC relied on the police and army for security, the PDP made arrangement with thugs. He said that he saw a corpse at Omagwa, and that he had to stop over at a place where there was protest in the area. The governorship candi-

date of the APC, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, also described the election as a sham, noting that elections did not take place in some local government area, including Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni council, just as he alleged cases of violence against members of his party in Obio/Akpor council. But the governorship candidate of the PDP, Barr. Nyesom Wike, dismissed

Panic in Delta as soldiers manhandle voters, commissioner Dominic Adewole ASABA

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, casting his vote during the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections, at Unit 1, Ward 10, Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State …yesterday

INEC’s card reader failure embarrassing, says Oshiomhole Cajetan Mmuta Benin

overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says it was embarrassing that the Independent National Electoral Commission again failed to get its acts right on the use of the card reader. Speaking shortly after casting his vote at 3:10pm at Unit 1, Ward 10, Iyamho in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state, the governor said INEC should punish some of its staff, who deliberately frustrated the exercise. The governor also said there was low voters’ turnout because of the frustration they experienced with the card readers.

He said: “Here as you can see, everything is peaceful, orderly and the people came on time and much more importantly the voters conducted themselves like you will find in any civilized environment and I think from the report I’m hearing in many cases that this is the case. “But I have received re-

ports right now from Esan West, Ward 3, Unit 7, where some PDP thugs have snatched a ballot box seeing that they are losing and carried away some ballot papers and I have forwarded the text to the Resident Electoral Commissioner. “I have also received reports of ballot box snatch-

ing somewhere in Ikpoba Okha again by PDP thugs. This is the only aspect that is worrisome. I think there is also an incident in Okada, but by and large, compared to what we experienced in 2007 where from 5:00am you were hearing gunshots, I think this time, it is relatively peaceful.

Amaechi’s allegation. He also accused the governor of using security operatives to harass him and his supporters at his father’s house. He said: “Which election has the governor not described as a sham? When Buhari won the last presidential election, Amaechi described it as an act of God. But when you are losing, you give it a name.”

andemonium yesterday broke out in Asaba, following the action of a troop of soldiers which disrupted voting exercise in the state capital. The troop claimed they were acting on the order of the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, which forbids vehicular movement. But the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, whose stronghold was disenfranchised in a swift reaction, described the disruption as “unfortunate”. According to him, there was a misinformation along the line, maintaining that “the state police command has since relaxed the rule on vehicular movement but the military personnel did not know.” The soldiers swooped on voters, raided the capital city and confiscated several car keys from those who were driving to their polling units. The metropolis was immediately thrown into panic, forcing eligible voters to scamper for safety as they found their ways home. The prevailing peace in the capital city was not only shattered for hours but there was great fear in the minds of voters who had finished

accreditation but were waiting for voting to commence proper at 1 pm. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah, who had earlier visited his polling unit at St. John Bosco Catholic Church premises, was their first victim. Shortly after the New Telegraph monitored his Ward 8, Unit 7, where Ogeah, could not get himself accredited, following the failure of the card reader to identify his fingerprint but was given an incident form to fill, the soldiers pounced on him. He was not only manhandled, even his car keys were confiscated for hours. It took the effort of Uduaghan, the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Usman and other well meaning Deltans, including journalists before the situation was brought under control and his Toyota Corolla car, was released. In the ensuing fracas and for fear of the soldiers, many voters took to their heels as they believed that the action of soldiers could not be predicted. It was learnt that the soldiers who raided the state capital in a bid to enforce the no movement order from the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, collected keys from voters who were on their way to their polling units to cast their votes.

Violence, rigging trail elections in Delta

Joe Obende Warri

lections yesterday in Delta State were trailed by violence and allegations of rigging even as Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan described the exercise as

generally peaceful. The governor cast his vote in his village, Abigborodo in Delta North Local Government Area of the state at about 1:40 pm. He said it would be gratifying if the peace he witnessed in his place per-

vaded the nation during all the elections. A police woman was manhandled at a voting unit at Ebedeni Ward 6, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State when three gun men stormed the place at about

1:30 pm and opened fire to scare them away. Before escaping, the gunmen descended on the only policewoman at the station there, removed her head gear and took away her identity card. They also allegedly carted

away a ballot box and other electoral materials. Three units in Otogor in Ughelli North Local Government Area were said to have been “scattered” as political thugs raided the place and chased voters away.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015

SOUTH-SOUTH

News

Jonathan confident of improved PDP performance Chris Ejim Yenagoa

midst poor turn out by voters in Bayelsa State, President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed the confidence of an improved performance by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the governorship and House of Assembly elections held yesterday.

According to Jonathan, though the low turn out was expected in states not conducting governorship elections due to mobilization by candidates, the PDP will gain a lot of grounds in the state and governorship elections, despite the loss during the Presidential polls. Jonathan, who arrived at his polling Unit, 039, at exactly 10:55am and was accredited within minute

Akwa Ibom: PDP hails elections Tony Anichebe Uyo

iolence yesterday occured during the governorship election in Uyo Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State. Sunday Telegraph observed across the state that elections were mainly peaceful in Eket and Ikot Ekpene districts but in the Uyo area, armed thugs attacked Unit 14, Etoi Ward 5, Uyo Local Government Area of the state killing one voter. Another voter was seriously injured and is now in a critical condition at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress in the state expressed disatisfaction over the election. But the Peoples Democratic Party is already in a joyous mood on the perceived outcome of the election. At Efiat Riverine communities in Mbo lga of the state, militants led by a prominent politician, hijacked all the election materials and went on a thumping spree for a political party. In Onna(Awa Ward 3), Bishop Akpan, the governorship candidate of Accord Party was pursued right into the bush and materials were recovered from him. At Lutheran High School, Obot Idim, voters were seen stranded after gun men carted away the ballot papers. In Nsit Ubium, a serving lawmaker in the state Assembly, Mr. Onofiok Luke’s aide was brutally wounded by thugs. However, a Senatorelect, Mr Bassey Albert of the PDP Uyo Senatorial

CHANGE OF NAME

ADINDU Formerly Miss. Nwaogbe Patience Chidinma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adindu Jennifer Chidinma. All document bearing my former names remain valid. General public please take note

District hailed the election as free and fair and urged Akwa Ibom people to accept the outcome of the election as it was the will of God. Also, Senator Ita Enang called for the cancellation of the result, saying that there was no election in the state. Meanwhile, security agencies yesterday arrested 10 corps members and a soldier at the home of a retired General and former NYSC Director, Gen. Edet Akpan, by men of the Department of Security Service for electoral offences. The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr Austin Okojie, gave this report while taking a break from the election to brief the press in Uyo, the state capital. Okojie, who reacted to general complains about late arrival of result sheets and compromise by some INEC officials, said INEC received sensitive materials on Tuesday, despatched to local government areas on Thursday for early dispatch to polling units. He regretted that the issue of late arrival of result sheets was never the policy of INEC, as the commission has no reason to withhold any sensitive material. “The issue of late arrival of result sheet should not even arise because we issue all the sensitive materials at once and have trained and warned our electoral officers against dispatching any electoral material to politicians.” Okojie, who reported cases of violence in Uyo, Ibesikpo, Nsit Ubium and Mkpat Enin, Nsit Ibom and Etinan local government areas said these are basically security issues and commended security agencies for being alive to their responsibilities. He further reported prompt replacement of card readers in areas where a few were reported to have malfunctioned.

without technical hitch with the Card Reader, said the noticeable smoothness of his accreditation by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed that the commission had rectified noticeable errors noticed during the Presidential poll. According to Jonathan, “It is technology. The INEC may have rectified the faults. But we still have reports of some rejections in some states. Nationwide, the issue of Presidential elections and governorship elections are interesting. And the mobilization is very high. We expected that such turn out will be low where we don’t have

governorship elections.” Jonathan, who had his accreditation without his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, visited his mother, Madam Eunice Jonathan, at her residence, also a walking distance from his polling unit. The President’s mother had earlier done her accreditation before the President’s arrival. Meanwhile, the accreditation processes in Oruma community in Ogbia and Brass Local Government areas of the state were disrupted by crowd of voters due to alleged missing result sheets from voting materials supplied by the INEC. While the protest in

Oruma community was allegedly led by the State Assembly candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the protest in Brass Local Council was provoked by the alleged hijack of voting materials by some suspected PDP thugs. But the Independent National Electoral Commission has rescheduled election in eight state constituencies in Bayelsa State. Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr. Baritor Kpagih, in a statement in Yenagoa, said elections in Ekeremor Constituencies 1, 2 and 3, Kolokuma/Opokuma constituencies 1 and 2, Sagbama constituencies 1 and 2, and Southern Ijaw

Constituency 1. According to INEC statement, elections into the rescheduled constituencies will hold next week Saturday, April 18th. Kpagih explained that the shift in the affected eight constituencies in four Local Government Areas of the state was in agreement with the stand by stakeholders that no election should take place in the constituencies without full compliment of ballot papers with regard to the total Permanent Voter Cards distributed. He, however, said that election would go ahead in all other state constituencies in the state as scheduled.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, casting his vote, during the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections at his Abigborode polling unit…yesterday

One killed, another injured in C/Rivers Clement James Calabar

ne person was reportedly killed and another injured at Mkpani, Yakurr Local Government Area in the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State during the accreditation period for the governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state The young man, simply identified as Roland, according to information, had tried to scale the fence of the former Governor of the state, Mr. Clement Ebri, where some election materials were kept but he was shot dead by one of the security officers. Also, the hilux vehicle of a current member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. William Jonah Eteng, who represents Yakurr II State constituency, allegedly hit another young man, crushing one of his legs in the circumstance. He was

said to have been rushed to the hospital for treatment. The death of Roland led to the burning down of a house in Ajere, a village in Mkpani by angry youths in the area. Mkpani is the country home of Chief Clement Ebri. Ebiri denied there was any death. Rather, he said he was providing refuge to INEC officials and others. “Yes I was in my house when I heard some commotion and saw a vehicle reversing into my compound. I came out to see electoral officials, policemen in their uniforms with materials all in there. I asked them `what are you doing here’ and they told me that unknown persons had snatched at gunpoint some of the materials meant for the governorship and state house of assembly polls in the area specifically at Government Secondary School, Mkpani from some vehicles ahead of them.

“They said that some of them, INEC officials, had to run to my house for shelter because they felt it will be safer. I told them they cannot stay in my compound with those sensitive materials and they told me `look they will kill us’. The Corps members were crying and begging me to save them. “I called the police, the DPO here and told them` your people are here come and rescue them because I felt those who pursued them will still come for them if something is not done. “After a while, the DPO had to come in with the army and police to take the materials intact. “I have not met the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Okey Ezeani, but I got an unknown phone call which turned out to be from him today thanking me for what I did, saving the lives of his officials and preserving the electoral materials. Later, some people de-

scended on my compound, fired several gunshots, broke my perimeter fence and destroyed part of my compound, and even broke some of the windscreen of vehicles parked there.” The home of a former Crime Editor of the Nigerian Chronicle, Mr. Hosanna Ukonu and that of a former chapter chairman of the PDP in Yakurr, Mr. Obomgbo were broken into and the two were said to have gone into hiding. They are reportedly in support of the Labour Party in the area. The Central Senatorial District, especially Yakurr, has been the flash-point of violence since the beginning of this political dispensation. Meanwhile, Presiding Officers attached to polling units 001, 002, 003 and 004 in Constituency 1, Calabar South, Cross River State have expressed fear over the likelihood of ballot box snatching before the close of election today.

North

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SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

IBB stays away from voting, as Abdulsalami commends stakeholders Dan Atori

T MINNA

he low turnout in the April 11 Governorship and State Houses of Assemblies’ elections in Niger State took a different turn as the former Military

President, General Ibrahim Babangida, on Saturday did not participate in the accreditation and voting exercise in Minna, the state capital. It was reliably gathered that the former president still recovering from an illness, rested throughout the

Card reader rejects Jang, wife Musa Pam Jos

he card reader challenge reared its ugly head in yesterday’s Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Plateau State. The finger prints of the state governor, Jonah Jang and his wife, Ngo Talatu could not be authenticated by the card reader and both had to fill Incident Forms for accreditation at their Ladura 1 Polling Unit in Jos South Local Government Area of the state. Speaking to journalists after voting, Jang said, “again the card reader failed to capture my fingers, I am calling on INEC to drop the use of card readers and return to the kind of voting process that we are used to since their machines are not working well.” Jang alleges that INEC has allowed bad eggs to infiltrate their ranks as shown in obvious failures. According him, many people’s names were deliberately removed from the INEC register. Sunday Telegraph observed that just like the Presidential and National Assembly elections held two weeks ago, there was a large turn-out of voters in the elections in the state. Our correspondent also observed that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s ad hoc staff and the election materials arrived at the various Polling Units early compared to what was experienced during the presi-

dential election. At the Plateau state PDP gubernatorial candidate’s Senator Gyang Pwajok’s Ward at Alikazure in Jos North Local Government Area, the turnout was impressive as voters were seen being accredited as early as 8am. Speaking to newsmen after being accredited, Senator Pwajok lamented that his wife and many others who would have voted were denied voting by INEC because of the failure of the card readers. The situation was also the same at Vwang ward of Jos South Local Government where the Executive Chairman of the Local Government Council, Honourable Peter and other eligible voters came out to vote. Sunday Telegraph’s correspondent who went round some Local Government Areas of the state reports that adequate security measures were put in place, as those driving their vehicles were subjected to stop and search. Meanwhile, there was impressive turnout of voters at the Central Zone of the state where the PDP deputy governorship candidate as well as the All Progressives Congress deputy governorship, were from. Card readers generally functioned well as complaints witnessed during the March 28th elections never came up. In most polling units visited at the Central Zone voters queued orderly for the accreditation and voting.

day in his uphill mansion in Minna. His son, Mohammed Babangida however participated in the exercise as he played important role in the electioneering especially as a member of the PDP governorship campaign team in Niger state. Another former Nigerian Head of State in Minna, General Abdulsalimi

Cheke Emmanuel

ow turnout of voters characterised the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in Nasarawa State on Saturday, just as there was late accreditation in some Polling Units due to inability of the card reader operators to reconfigure the machines At Anwan Mangu Polling Unit, Lukumanu Primary

School and Tudun Abu Polling Units all in Lafia, the state capital, few people were seen waiting to be accredited at about 9.00 am. The situation was similar at Ozayashi Sabon Gari Polling Unit in Doma, the headquarters of Doma Local Government Area and many others where voters also complained of delay in accreditation. There was also low turnout at the Central Primary

the entire electoral process going on very smooth and faster than what obtained at the March 28 elections.” The former military leader however appealed to Nigerians to maintain peace, even as he thanked the almighty God for the relative peace in the country after the March 28 elections. He urged them to vote for candidates of their choice

whom they can as well hold accountable if he/she fails to perform as expected. According to him, Nigeria and indeed the entire states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja belong to all Nigerians. Candidates who emerge winners should be magnanimous in victory by carrying everybody along no matter their party affili-

Niger State Governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, casting his vote during the Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, at the Umar Musa Polling Unit in Minna…yesterday

Ahmed, Saraki, Baraje lament low turnout Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

wara State governor, Alhaji AbdulFattah Ahmed, and the state leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Bukola Saraki, lamented the low turn-out of voters in yesterday’s election in the state. The leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara, Senator Makanjuola Ajadi, yesterday pledged that the party would concede the outcome of the gubernatorial

Low turnout in Nasarawa LAFIA

Abubakar (Rtd) expressed happiness over the exercise, saying that, the process was peaceful as it went on with less hitches. Abdulsalami who arrived at the Hilltop Polling Unit at 11:02 am for accreditation with his wife, Justice Fati Lami Abubarkar, yesterday, spoke to journalists shortly after his accreditation. He said: “I am happy to see

School in Akwanga and Chun Ngah Polling Unit at Rinze in Akwanga local government of the state. Commenting on his experience, a voter in Ozayashi Sabon Gari Polling Unit, Abubakar Sadiq lamented that the inability of card reader operators to delete the past information from the memory of the machine delayed the commencement of the accreditation process at the polling unit.

election if their candidates fail to win. However, the two leaders commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise in the state. Saraki who attributed the low turnout noticeable during the accreditation process to the outcome of the last Presidential and National Assembly elections said party leaders tried their best to mobilise more people for the exercise. Governor Ahmed, who spoke with newsmen shortly after casting his ballot at about 1.33pm said the number of people who came out, was low but given the peaceful nature of the election it was alright. He expressed satisfaction with the security arrangement put in place for the polls and also said that he would not back supporting the use of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC). Ahmed speaking on the inherent lessons of the 2015 elections, noted that, the greatest of them all is the success of Nigerians taking back political power to themselves. On his part, Saraki, who spoke with newsmen short-

ly after he was accredited at his Ode Opobiyi Polling Unit, described the exercise as peaceful, orderly and well organised. He added that: “The people were very patient, tolerant as they carried out their civic duty. But we are trying to encourage our people to come out, that it is not over until it is done. As far as people are concerned, the message has been that of change. And a lot of people believe our party is ahead,” he said. However, the Minister of National Planning, Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman, said the voters’ apathy was due to what he termed “the lackluster attitude of security agencies in the last elections.” The Minister who voted in the same Polling Unit with Saraki complained of inadequate security presence in the last elections and called on INEC to relocate the three Polling Units at Ode Opobiyi which were sited at residential areas. Another APC chieftain, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, who voted at his Baboko ward said a lot of Nigerians expect a lot from the incoming administration of

President Mohammadu Buhari, noting that, they were not that concerned with the state elections. He also attributed the low turnout to the fact that Kwara is an APC state. Ajadi, who is the immediate past Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on National Assembly Matters, told newsmen in his country home at Adio, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, that Jonathan has set a great example for politicians in Nigeria to follow and place the county positively on the global map. He said: “We expect to win, but at the same time if we lose, we’ll congratulate the winner. We are going to emulate what President Jonathan did by conceding defeat to allow peace reign. If we lose, we are going to give glory to God and congratulate the winner and wish Kwara state all the best”. He commended the peaceful nature of the election in the state but expressed disappointment over the failure of card readers in most polling units.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

Elections

Oyo State Labour Party governorship candidate, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, and his wife, Oluwakemi, casting their vote at Unit 13, Sabo/Taara Ward 10 in Ogbomoso North LGA, in Oyo State…yesterday

News

Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, casting his vote at Ward 11 Unit 20, Community Grammar School, Oluyole Extension, Oyo State…yesterday. PHOTO-NAN

Women in purdah queue to cast their votes in Ibadan …yesterday

Kaduna State APC governorship candidate, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, casting his vote in Kaduna … yesterday

An aerial view of Oshodi, during the elections in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and his wife, Dame Judith, casting their votes at Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Council, Rivers State…yesterday

Malama Aishatu Abubakar of Anjannaje ward in Tambuwal Local Government, Sokoto State after delivering a baby girl shortly after the election

Lekki tollgate in Lagos open to road users…yesterday.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Photo News

ELECTIONS

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, showing his form before casting his vote, during the Governorship and Houses of Assembly Elections in Daura, Katsina State…yesterday

President Goodluck Jonathan casting his vote in Otuoke, during the House of Assembly in Bayelsa State…yesterday

Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo casting his vote at ward 11, Unit 021, Totoro/Sokori, in Abeokuta, Ogun State... yesterday

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, casting his vote at Ward G3, Unit E002, State Junior Grammar School, Itolo Street, Surulere, Lagos…yesterday

Enugu State PDP Gubernatorial candidate, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, casting his vote at his Amube Ohom Orba Ward2…yesterday

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, casting his vote at Ajura Ward 4, Obafemi -Owode Local Government Area ...yesterday

Deserted section of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: BIWOM IKLAKI

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015

ELECTIONS

Photo News

Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode casting his vote at the Polling Unit 33 Ward A5 in Ogunmodede Junior College, Papa in Epe …yesterday

Lagos State PDP Governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje, casting his vote at Duala Ashanti Road, Ward 3, Unit 9, Apapa, Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (right) and his mother, Alhaja Muinat Mimiko (2nd left) during accreditation at ward 7 unit 20 Ago Itunu Polling Unit in Ondo town...yesterday

APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed, casting his vote in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO:GODWIN IREKHE

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway deserted yesterday

Policemen doing stop and search during Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in Lagos… yesterday. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, casting his vote in Jos …yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

SUNDAY

Fashion

High voltage neon styles 22&43

Bed, Work & Life

And they go into labour at the same time! 20

Body Soul SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

He pays me to watch football with him - Isaac & Nneka Moses

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

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IN & MOY

Juliet

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NDER LE LI LITT

Contents 12.04.2015 COVER

When we are out of the country or on location, I know that with Nneka around, the things I forget, she remembers. If we are going to be staying two weeks somewhere, she could take along little dry fish, Okro

-Isaac & Nneka Moses

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BEAUTY Natural hair can be hard and difficult to comb no matter how much oil used on it

FASHION

Fashion was kind enough to let us pick any which way we like neon and own the look we create. This means you can decide to colour-block your neon look...

T h e Te a m Juliet Bumah (Editor)

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

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Ugochukwu Nnakwe (Graphics)

MY PASSION So just stay away or make sure there is a third party once you are with a beautiful woman

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

} 17

} 21

GLAM DUDES Hats are comfortable, practical, and a good way to add a touch of personal style to your outfit

Associates

BED, WORK & LIFE Are the two women having their babies, his babies, the same day? Can he bear the emotional strain of watching the two women he loves go through labour at the same time? This is plain torture

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Helen Paul

Eyitayo Aloh

i By ee

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015

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Ras Kimono taught me how to handle fame, women - Zakky Azzay Zakky Azzay’s music career has spanned over 20 years and he still remains relevant. In this interview, the torch-bearing singer tells VANESSA OKWARA the secret behind his success and other issues What has been going on in your music career lately? I just released a new single featuring Konga and the video was shot by Akin Alabi and it is topping the chart on HipTV right now. Gospel Beat is also doing something for me and I’m going to feature some Nigerian acts in it. Who are you likely to feature in the collabo? Right now, I am talking to Olu Maintain, Wiz Kid and some others. Nothing concrete has been agreed on yet but will let you know soon enough. How long have you been in the music industry? I started in 1993. That is over 20 years ago. That is over two decades of doing music. What has kept you relevant? It has been God all the way. Also, hard work has kept me relevant in the industry. To keep being relevant, you have to work very hard, be creative and do not discriminate. You will not say because you have been here for a while, you will disrespect the younger ones or you feel too big to work with the younger ones. The only permanent thing in life is change. I always know how to rebrand myself at every given time. So when there is something knew like the Shoki, I tap into it and don’t feel left behind. You don’t feel that the younger ones have to push out the older musicians? No they can’t. That is not possible! You see the older ones are not in competition anymore. How can you compete with someone like Sunny Ade or Ebenezer Obey? They are not in competition with anybody. They are not even doing new albums. There is a level you get to in entertainment, you don’t have to do albums again. You have crossed the red line. If Ras Kimono releases a new album or not, he will still be respected by everyone and remain relevant. So, it is not about albums anymore because you have gone beyond that. You have become a brand all by yourself, just like Zakky Azzay. So are you changing anything you are known with? My rebranding is based on my looks and my music. I’ve been getting many titles lately. Last month, I was made the chairman, Media and Protocols for PMAN. There is a new PMAN now; it’s not the old PMAN anymore. Musicians are going to start getting their benefits. I was also made a human rights ambassador alongside Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Zack Orji. That was in Geneva. What is your passion? My passion is anything that has to do with God. Style? My style is just staying real. I just like to be moderate and I will not wear anything that is in vogue. I only wear what fits me. If what is in vogue fits me, I’ll go ahead and wear it but if not, I cannot wear it. What fashion item can you not be caught wearing? I don’t like wearing babanriga. I like kaf-

tans and fitted clothes but not babanriga at all. The stress of babanriga is too much.

have been trying to stop her. She is 10 years old now.

What is your signature perfume? I like Versace Gold and Cool Water.

You are married. How many kids do you have? I have four kids now.

Why do you want to stop her from singing? It is because of what has been going on in the music industry where musicians don’t get their royalties. But with the new PMAN now, I think I will just allow her. I was afraid of the future of the music industry in Nigeria. But now that the new president of PMAN, Pretty Okafor, is doing well and we have a lot of banks and telecoms companies supporting us and considering the plans that I seen that PMAN has now, I believe that music has a future in Nigeria.

Has any of your children shown interest in music? That would be my first daughter and I

We saw you carrying a torch since you started your music career and you have not stopped. Why do you still carry it up till

And your shoes? The thing about shoes is that I don’t get my size in Nigeria. I have to travel abroad to get my shoe size. My shoe size is quite big. I wear size 46.

now? It is a covenant I made with God before I started. What was the covenant all about? I told God that if He would make me rich and famous, I promised never to derail from the ways of God. I also promised that I would always carry the torch wherever I go to remind me of the covenant I made with God before I became famous. What does this torch signify? It means God is light and darkness is evil. We do not want darkness in Nigeria. You wear a particular style of cap. Is there a reason? It is the traditional cap and colours from Benue State. I am Tiv by ethnic origin and this is our traditional colour. I like originality. I cannot be carried away by sagging trousers and the other fashion favoured by youths of today or the western culture and their way of dressing. Who are your role models? In Nigeria, I have always looked up to Sunny Ade. Ras Kimono taught me almost everything that I know: how to perform on stage and how to handle fame and women. How do you handle women? I learnt not to be caught with a woman in a room where it is just the two of you if you know you don’t want to have any intention towards her. The Bible does not say you should resist, it says you should flee. So just stay away and just make sure there is a third party once you are with a beautiful woman. Have you ever regretted being a musician? No, never! In fact, I am so grateful to God for the opportunity. I think that amongst all the musicians in Nigeria, I am one of the luckiest because of the kind of respect that people give me when I go out. Also, the height I have attained through music is amazing. Even the TV program that I’m doing called ‘True Nigerians; True Heroes of Our Time’ has brought me out the more. It’s aired on Africa Magic and AIT International and also on NTA International. Where do you see the music industry in the next five years? The music industry has arrived in Nigeria. Right now, I virtually live in the air; I travel out of the country a lot to perform unlike before. Our music is not Nigerian music anymore, it is now international. We get a lot of recognition from outside. Are you in support of the kind of music we see now? Yes, there is a lot of improvement. Some may not be edifying but you see, even the medical profession that has to do with life and death has quack doctors. I have seen a lot of artistes after me that have come and gone. So, your kind of music, lyrics and videos, if they are bad or vulgar, it already defines how long you are going to stay in the business. You see a lot of people who have been in the business whose songs outlive them like Onyeka Onywenu.. So it all depends on you to choose the path to follow. What has kept you going in life? I have tried by all means not to go against the will of God. That has helped me to be humble and hardworking and to trust only in God and in nothing else. It has been working for me. What is your philosophy? My philosophy in life will always go back to God because no matter how hard you work, it is only by the grace of God that you get to achieve anything. I put God first and then my wife in everything that I do, my family second and then my business third.

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

The only thing we don’t do together except he pays Saying Isaac and Nneka Moses are one of the most popular celebrity couples in Nigeria will amount to stating the obvious. The lovely couple who hit the klieg light as hosts of popular TV programme, Goge Africa, many years ago, has become a role model to several other couples who admire them for their compatibility. They share some secrets of their beautiful 16-year-old love story with WOLE ADEPOJU

Nneka: Goge from the TV show that you know, in time, got into tours because the fact is when we show on TV and people see us here and there, we get individuals asking us if they can spend their honeymoon there. We get corporate companies going on their conferences or retreats, we also package tours, we have Goge Africa tours department that handles that. Some of our clients include Unilever, HP and so on. Now, we have got into individual and educational tours. Over time, we found out we had accumulated a lot of footage and images of Africa that we are now using to project the image of the continent so, we now serve like an image bank for the continent. The University of California in Santa Cruz invited us to give lectures on tourism and African culture; we have also been at the Redeemers University and many others. We are setting the pace educationally and a lot of people are using our materials for their own research and studies, a lot of students have done their projects on Goge Africa so, we are setting new heights in tourism. There’s also Goge Africa Foundation through which we project entrepreneurs and young ones for the future. We get thousands of students to be lectured about independence.

The momentum of Goge Africa appears to have reduced. Is it that you achieved all you set out to achieve with the programme? Isaac: When you say the momentum has reduced, I would say it’s because we used to run on DBN, NTA 2, AIT, NTA 10, MITV, Channels (all in Lagos). When we looked at the cost implication, we decided to choose one station with national spread; we chose AIT and cut it off other stations and of course, Africa Magic. As time went by, every quarter, the times kept changing and it appeared we didn’t have the same momentum again. But I think the number of channels that we run reduced, and instead of concentrating everything in Lagos, we decided to spread out. Now, instead of running everything in Lagos, we run on BCOS Ibadan, OSRC Akure, NTA Akwa, BCOO Maidiguri, and KST Kaduna and that way, we spread to Kogi and Kwara states. So, to you who are based in Lagos would say the momentum has dropped because you don’t see it on every station as you used to. As one who is into tourism, what can you say of tourism in Nigeria? Nneka: Well, first of all. The image of Nigeria is not as it is being painted to be out there. That is a short fall on the side of our government. They should try and launder our image more instead of the other way round. Secondly, the enabling

environment should be improved. When tourists come, and you want to introduce Ikogosi, the trip to that place alone is so grueling that they might not want to follow you or to any other place. We also have beautiful places up north, but you know what is happening there, so, people can’t really go round as much as they may want to. These and other reasons make it look like tourism is not booming in Nigeria, but I tell you that tourism in Nigeria is booming in the sense that business tourism never stopped, a lot of people still come to Nigeria for business, religious tourism is very high. You find tour companies springing up here and there, you even see branded tour cars all over the place. Companies from South Africa like Travel Search will come and set up in Nigeria because they know the potential is here and so on. Basically, I see a great future for tourism in Nigeria, but the only thing is that the government and private sector need to cash into the moment and move to the next level. Content of your program was relatively scarce as at the time you started Goge Africa. What informed your decision to go into it? Isaac: The fact is that I love Africa, I love Nigeria and I know Nigeria has more potentials than it’s seen out there. And I said to myself, why don’t you do something that will project Africa, something that will project African music, Africa tour-

ism, and Africa culture. How do we capture this essence in a program that stands 25 minutes? So, we came up with Goge Africa when nobody even understood what we were doing or the essence of what we were doing, but we believed in it and had faith that if the public captures the way we are picking it, people would begin to look in that direction and I like to say that, right now, a lot of designers are clothing us, they are beginning to get pride of place. We now promote them; a lot of festivals now get corporate sponsorship through our efforts. We now have global brands like MTN supporting festivals, Globacom and a lot of others, even banks. Take for example, the Calabar Carnival. It’s beginning to have so much sponsorship that can make it sustain itself on its own. Look at Osun Osogbo, Ojude Oba, Ofala in Onitsha. The good thing is when these things are properly harnessed, they have corporate sponsorship, more people will be employed, and you cannot take away the multiplier effect of the festivals and tourist sites being properly developed. NDDC is also doing their bit, but like we all know, government alone cannot do it. We realised this and threw our weight behind it and luckily, it has opened doors to more corporate sponsorship and it will only get better. Having set the pace to this level, what are you looking at now?

The business you do as a couple must have been a dream of one of you. Whose idea is it and how was the other person able to key into the dream? Nneka: Let me say it. He’s (referring to her husband) going to be partial. If you want to draw a straight line or whatever you want to write, it begins with a dot. When you hold your pen, the first you do is a dot before you move to whatever direction. The thing is that he put the first dot of Goge by saying he wanted to start a music program on radio. He just wanted to play African music, promote African artistes, interview them, showcase them and I came with the angle of, why don’t you do it on TV where I can showcase my cloth? I will clothe you while you do your presentation and all that and he said if I have to go on TV, you have to be there with me. You will wear the female version of what you make and I wear the male version. So, it actually started with him. It’s his dream to promote Africa, then I bought into the dream and he carried me along. What is the positive side of doing the same trade together? Isaac: I’m going to say how it affects me. For me, it’s very positive because, if we decide to do a presentation on a spot, I don’t have to say Oh! The other presenter is not available. Between her and me, we can decide what to do and where to do it without having to consult another person. Two, when we are out of the country or on location, I know that with Nneka around, the things I forget, she remembers. If we are going to be staying two weeks somewhere, she could take along little dry fish, Okoro and so on so that we eat Okro or something like that, once or so before we come back. She takes care of little details that I ordinarily would not remember. And with our son involved, it makes it easier. She’s there, he’s there, he’s not going to miss his mum and I am there, it’s all compact. I know some people would say I cannot work with my spouse, it’s going to bring a lot of conflicts but to

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015

Body&Soul

me, is watch football - Isaac & Nneka Moses me, I see it as an advantage, I don’t have to worry so much. From what your husband has said, it’s like the business and family are interwoven. What can you say? Nneka: It’s much interwoven, that’s true. Like you said, every good thing has a bad side. For people that have got pride, it might not work. For us, at least this way works for me. Regardless of how much I appear on TV and some females and males that might like me, perhaps adore me, primarily, I am his wife. In the office, I know how to address him, I call him CEO here to the staff and they call him the same thing and when it’s about 6pm that we go home, I can call him his pet name. That is us. I give him his due respect as my boss. Each time he takes a decision I don’t like, I come around the way I do it at home, I am like why don’t we postpone this shoot because of X, Y, Z and my husband is this person that if you give him your reason without being arrogant or trying to prove a point, he’s so easy going. So, it’s a relationship that has got a lot of mutual respect and he does not talk down on me, neither can I think of doing that to him. For us, it works, but for someone who is filled with ego, it just would not work. Also, openness is key. We are open to each other. Goge Africa pays us a salary, he knows what I do with with my salary, every penny, he knows. What attracted you to your wife in the first place? A guy who is about town, first thing that attracts you in a woman, her looks. When the looks draw you near and you are talking, then you know and say, she is intelligent, she’s my kind of woman so, she’s brain and brawn. That’s what attracted me and that’s why we are together up till now. Do you go around with him always? No, I can’t always be around him. Today, he’s gone out to do a voice over and he’s back. Basically, most of the time, we are together but when we can’t help it, we are apart. To create our own fun, I know he likes me being with him and when he asks me to come with him, I say how much are you paying? We bargain and he actually pays and I still use his money for the family. I don’t feel insecure when people come around him because the most important thing is I know who I married, I trust him a lot and it’s not by my doing. When God says yes, nobody can say no so, whether I like it or not, if he’s my husband, he’s my husband. I don’t believe it’s my character or my intelligence or my looks that is keeping him with me, what I know is that it’s just divine. It’s by the grace of God. How were you able to handle the family and societal pressure while waiting unto the Lord for a child? You see, over time, you get matured. If are somebody who has the kind of exposure that I have, you would know that it’s not about the children. First, you have what you call companionship. If children were the essence of marriage, then, we really don’t need to get married. I have friends who have up to six children from different women, yet, they are not married. If children were the main essence of marriage, if you don’t have a child, perhaps you divorce your woman to marry another and if in another two years she has not delivered, you divorce her and marry another and so if the child does not come, we have even seen people who lost like four children in a day. If

you have three or four children, when they grow, they get married, they go to live on their own or go abroad and it’s now the father and mother left at home so, it’s first about companionship. Any

marriage that is based outside of likeness, love, companionship, the marriage will not last. If the primary objective is not children, children will be like added blessing, just like money.

What is your take on joint accounts and do you practice it? Nneka:There are no hard and fast rules to relationships so, if it works for you do it. We do it because it works for us. Isaac: One of the serious reasons why families break up is lack of trust. When you have a joint account, the woman will not ask for money she knows you don’t have. Why there is always problem is that the woman is asking for money because she is not sure if the man does not have it. Why would she ask if she knows he does not have and she trusts him? When the wife does not trust the husband, that’s when she begins to think he has money but he’s not giving her attention, but if there is trust, those kinds of things will not be issues. Do you have influence on what your husband puts on? Oh! Yes, I have influence on what my husband puts on because my husband is the kind of guy that will come to the wardrobe, close his eyes and whatever he touches is what he wears. So, sometimes I play the trick when I want him to wear this safari suit and I put it at the front and what he sees first is what he picks. In that regards, he does not care, I care more. What excites you most about you wife? Hmmm. So many things excite me about my wife but when you say most, I can’t even put my finger on which I will call most but so many things about her excite me. What about you, madam? So many things about him excite me. You know what? Before I will answer, let him mention three since there are plenty. Isaac: Okay…now we agree. For example, when we are shooting and she says lets remove this…she explains and that is it. The food, when she’s cooking ….I get the kind of excitement I get when I’m coming back from church on Sunday and my mum is in the house, I can smell the aroma of the stew everywhere so, it’s worth waiting around for when she says she wants to cook. Those are the two I can think of now. Nneka: For me, the most exciting thing about him is that he wants me to be happy and he sacrifices a lot to make sure I’m happy. He’s easily agreeable. He’s a human being to the core, he considers other people before himself. If he promises to do something for someone and he does not have the means to accomplish it, you see him killing himself and I enjoy that most because I’m the closest person to him. If he’s so hungry after the day’s work and he notices that I’m tired, he would be the one to say let’s stop over to, we eat out. And of course, he has the best voice in Africa. What is your best form of relaxation? Nneka: We relax all the time o. All this time we tell you people we are going to work, believe me, half of it is relaxation. We just came back from Los Angeles, we went for a shoot. We finished the shoot, straight to Florida. We spent about a week or thereabouts and we came back to work. All of them na work. We are at home watching movies together. The only thing we don’t really do together except when he pays me, is watch football. We also go to stadium once in a while to exercise. Yes! We read novels but we don’t read it differently, he reads but he has to read it out to me and then I sleep, then, tomorrow, he continues until we finish the novel, (General laughter).

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And they go into labour at the same time! W ith heart pounding, Alice pulls out of her house. Then she beckons the security man who is about to close

the gate. She winds down and tells him, “When you are through with the food, wash the plates and drop them on the rack near the kitchen door.” “Thank you madam. God bless you,” the security man responds. As Alice drives a few metres from her house, she feels a twitching pain around her lower abdomen and her heart misses a beat. She slows down. As she drives slowly towards the estate gate, she feel a cramp in her hips. She brings the SUV to a halt in front of a supermarket, alights and enters the shop. “Alice!” The owner calls out. She lives within the estate. Alice walks towards her. “Good evening Betty. Been a while,” Alice says. “Yeah. How are you doing? Haven’t seen your husband for sometime now. Guess he travelled. He should be around you now. Going by the shape of your stomach, it’s obvious you are getting close to your DD,” Betty says, moving close to her. “James is out of town but he’ll be back soon. I want to pick a bottle of cold drink. I’m actually on my way out,” Alice says, moving to one of the fridges. She feels the cramp again and stops momentarily, until the pressure eases on her right thigh area. She picks some bottles of cold drinks. She waves at the shop owner and moves quickly to the checkout counter. In her car, she does a quick calculation and decides she should get back home, return the soup she left in the sink to the freezer and go straight to the hospital. Her already packed bag has been in her car for close to a week now. Like the Boy’s Scout, she’s been ready for emergency! She drives back home, does last minute checks and is back on the road in less than half an hour. She needs to talk to someone. Kiki is in the hospital. Should she call James? He could be sleeping...Dave? She is yet to know why he seems upset at her. She dials James’ number and it doesn’t connect. She tries Dave’s and it rings. Well, whatever may be the problem, Dave is the father of her unborn baby, and Dave she will call to tell that it seems his baby is set to arrive the world. The signs are unmistakable. She has read up every literature on pregnancy she could lay her hands on. Her call to Dave rings out the first time. She puts it on auto redial and concentrates on her driving. ***** “Your wife’s blood pressure is high but there’s no cause for alarm,” the doctor tells the two men. “Is she in labour?” Dave asks. The doctor, noncommittal, says, “She’s due.” “Let’s go see her,” Dave says. Kathryn turns on the bed as the door opens. Shocked to see her hubby and James led by the doctor, she gasps, “How did you know I’m here? James called you?” James face turns ashen. “You can see she’s okay. We’ll observe her for some hours. If labour persists, it’s okay. The nurse will be looking in at short

intervals,” the doctor says and excuses himself. Dave’s phone has been ringing. He checks it and drops it in his pocket. It rings nonstop. “How could James have called me? Is he the doctor?” Dave asks Kathryn. “She must be hallucinating. Pregnant women are full of surprises,” James says, trying to steer Dave’s mind from Kathryn’s blunder. “Are you okay, my love? Why didn’t you call me? I was almost out of my mind. Your phone was switched off. What happened? You should have called me to take you to the hospital. How are you doing?” Dave is all over Kathryn. “I’m okay sweetheart. The pain started on the way and my phone battery was down,” Kathryn says weakly. She has almost fainted on realising how close she’s been to giving herself away. “Why not pick your phone? The ringtone is giving me headache,” she tells her husband, wishing he would step out of the room. She needs to know how Dave knew she is in the hospital and what James has told him. “Oh...ok. It’s a business call,” Dave says without thinking, wondering why Alice is calling him nonstop. “Then pick it,” she tells him, praying the call will be long enough to give her enough time to get herself together. She shifts a bit on the bed to get a clear view of James’ face. Somehow, she will glean enough from James’ facial expression to have an idea of what Dave knows. “Okay, I’ll take the call outside,” Dave says, stepping out...mercifully! “What did you tell him? Where did you meet him? I almost fainted when I saw you two here,” Kathryn blabs immediately the door closes behind Dave. “I didn’t let anything out. Told him I came to see the doctor. Don’t know

whether he believes though...” James says, barely above a whisper. They both let out a deep breath. **** The phone must have rang more than eight times. All calls from Alice! What does she want? After using me! But did she? Having known Alice as a young girl and now as an adult, something tells him Alice is not capable of what his mind is accusing her of. They have discussed her childless state, she had shown him results of her numerous medical tests and not once did she suggest that her husband could be infertile. Moreover, if James just got to know, how would she have known? And James was supposed to have fathered kids by another woman! The phone rings again, jarring into his thoughts. “Now, what is the meaning of all this? Do you want to drain my phone’s battery?” He barks into the phone without thinking. No response. He checks the phone. It’s obvious Alice is on the other end. “Hello....hello,” he says, voice mellowed. “Hello,” Alice says, tears in her voice. It tugs at Dave’s heart. What’s the problem dear?” He asks gently. “I think I’m in labour,” she replies and Dave’s heart does a flip flop. “Holy Moses!” He exclaims. “How do you know? Where are you. James is here in the hospital with us. He will come and get you while I stay with my wife,” he says. “I’m on my way to the hospital already. I’m driving,” Alice says. “Driving? No, lemme come and get you...no...Oh my gosh! I’m so confused,” he says.

“Listen, you stay in the hospital. How will you explain to James that you left him in the hospital and came to pick me? I will be okay. Just wanna let you know,” she says calmly. Dave feels she’s too calm. Phew! What’s happening? Are the two women having their babies, his babies, the same day? Can he bear the emotional strain of watching the two women he loves go through labour at the same time? This is plain torture. He wishes his mom is alive. At a time like this, only a mother understands! He longs for his mother. He walks back into the hospital but his mind is far from being at rest. **** “Alice is in labour and is on her way here,” he announces. Kiki and James stare at him, disbelief on their faces. “Joke of the century!” James declares. “No joke here. She called. Your line is not going through. Kiki’s phone is dead so she called me and I told her we’re all here,” Dave says calmly. “And you left her to drive here? You should go bring her. How could you let her come here all alone?” Kathryn says, looking her husband straight in the eye. “I offered to go pick her and she refused. But you drove yourself here. You haven’t killed me for not being around to take you to the hospital. Really, we have strong women these days,” Dave says, turning to James who blanches. As if on cue, Kathryn let’s out a scream. The labour pain is here. They rush off to get the doctor. ********** Are Dave’s children coming on the same day? What happens to James? You won’t know if you don’t join me here on Sunday! •Send your observations to the email above.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015

Body&Soul

Au naturel: Keeping it healthy and soft Vanessa Okwara

he problem most ladies who transit from chemically processed hair to natural hair is how to tame the natural tresses. Natural hair can be hard and difficult to comb no matter how much oil used on it. To keep your hair soft, glossy and growing quickly, you need to retain moisture in the hair strand. It is important to remember that oils and pure but-

ters, no matter how wonderful, do not moisturise hair. The key is in the word ‘moisturise’. No matter how ‘stubborn’ your natural hair is, it can be tendered over time with adequate deep conditioning and moisture. Follow these few steps to always make your natural hair soft, shiny and healthy: Remove buildup Whether you use two or 20 products

(natural or not), they all add up to product buildup of chemicals, oils and dirt that can make your hair greasy, waxy and heavy. To clean up the mess, use an organic hair wash or a clarifying rinse with apple cider vinegar. And try to let your hair breathe between product applications. Moisturise correctly: Since textured hair tends to be dry, it’s even more important to make sure your hair is properly moisturised. Here’s a simple fix! Fill a spray bottle with water and spritz into your hair a few times a day. Use daily spritz once or twice every day. A mixture of water, olive oil and glycerin will do. Glycerin attracts moisture from the environment to your hair. This guarantees to an extent that your hair is always moisturised. So toss that mini spray bottle of water in your purse, and you and your hair are good to go. Don’t joke with deep conditioning Doing the Deep Conditioning (DC)

regularly changes the texture of your hair, makes it softer and more manageable. Deep conditioning with natural products is the way to go for naturalistas. There are so many methods of doing this. You can get an African Naturalistas Deep Conditioning Mayonnaise or you can also mix olive oil, mayonnaise, Shea butter, coconut oil, honey and tea tree oil. Some others mix avocado, egg, vinegar and other essential oils. You just have to find what works for you, but the important ingredient is the olive oil, honey and any form of protein. After mixing your DC ingredient, apply it all over your hair and cover with a plastic bag before a satin bonnet or scarf. You can sit under a dryer for about for about 30 minutes to one hour or just leave it on for about one hour. To get better results, you can keep it on overnight or for the whole day. This boosts the health of your hair by constantly hydrating it. It also prevents hair damage and if the hair is already damaged, it helps in repairing it.

Body&Soul

our looks. Fashion was kind enough to let us pick any which way we like neon and own the look we create. This means you can decide to colour-block your neon look, pick a piece of clothing or an accessory to give that flash of colour. An easy way to achieve the va-va-voom ef-

fect is to introduce an element of neon to your ensemble. Besides being refreshing, neon can punk up any look, depending on the accessories and styling you give it. You could for instance, pair wedged high-tops with denim shorts, a studded neon top and shaggy hair under a scarf for a rock look. A black dress with neon

22, 43

eon is one of fashions more interesting additions to styles to keep it refreshing. From your clothes to accessories, makeup and even nails, neon colours keep popping up everywhere in

shoes and purse will work for those who are comfortable in the boldness neon gives, while those babies just testing the neon style waters can do an earring or a bold bangle only in neon. Whether you are going to work, school, date, or an event, stand out in neon colours for a bold and fearless statement.

High voltage neon styles

Biwom Iklaki

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

SundayBusiness SUNDAY

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015

News

Market Tracker’ll enhance CBN, FMDQ’s supervision p.24

Brands Black Energy Drink for official launch p.28

Interview

Banks frustrate business growth in Nigeria–Sossou p.25

Umar

Abdullahi

Minister, stakeholders bicker over seaports’ concession

Paul Ogbuokiri

Paul Ogbuokiri Head, Business paulogbuokiri@newtelegraph online.com

ost of the private sector firms operating Nigerian seaports owe the Federal Government billions of naira in unpaid arrears of terminal and throughput fees even as a greater number failed to meet agreed investment in infrastructural development targets, says the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar. Speaking at a recent one-day conference in Lagos, he said government had noticed “unwholesome practices such as block stacking of containers and deliberate delays in positioning of containers for examination and undue delay in the clearing of cargoes from the terminals.” According to him, it is against this backdrop that he has directed the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority to furnish his office with detailed reports of the Terminal Operators who had failed to comply with the concession agreement. But analysts are wondering how the minister intends to enforce any form of sanctions against the private firms, in view of the fact that the concession arrangement was not covered by any known law in Nigeria’s statue

Unwholesome practices such as block stacking of containers and deliberate delays in positioning of containers for examination and undue delay in the clearing of cargoes from the terminals

books. The minister said the port reform was introduced to reduce the cost of port services and promote competition in provision of port services. President of Council of Managing Directors of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agent, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, said the seaports were hurriedly concessioned in 2006 without any enabling law. He added that the concession scheme is outside the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Act 38 of 1999. President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders,

Chief Eugene Nweke, agreed with him that “the Bureau of Public Enterprises rushed the concession programme, thereby causing serious hardship to port users in the last eight years.” Executive Vice-Chairman of ENL Consortium Limited, one of the terminal operators, Mrs. Victoria Haastrup, agreed with Nweke that Nigerian port users had been suffering in the last eight years due to the high cost of doing business in Nigerian ports. Haastrup, who is also the chairman of Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, absolved members of the association from the high cost of doing business in Nigerian ports. In a statement in Lagos by her Media Adviser, Mr. Bolaji Akinola, she blamed shipping agents, government agencies and others in the cargo clearance chain responsible for the high cost of doing business in the nation’ seaports. Amiwero wondered under what law the minister hopes to enforce the sanctions against the defaulting concessionaires since the terminal operators are already in court, challenging the authority of Nigerian Shippers Council C ON TI N UE D ON PAGE 24

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

Business/ News

Market Tracker’ll enhance CBN, FMDQ’s supervision

Stanley Ihedigbo he world’s leading source of intelligent information for business and financial professionals, Thomson Reuters, has launched its foreign exchange trade reporting solution for the Central Bank of Nigeria and FMDQ OTC PLC (FMDQ), a securities exchange and self-regulatory organiswation registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria. A statement made available to Sunday Telegraph by the UK based firm, said the solution is enhancing the supervisory role of Nigeria’s regulators over the foreign exchange market and helping automate the regulatory reporting requirements of market stakeholders. Thomson Reuters Market Tracker is automating the tracking of foreign exchange market volumes and activity in real time. CBN is the fifth central bank in Africa to use this solution. Operational efficiency in the trading space is becoming a necessity given the fragmented nature of trading coupled with the increased regulatory requirements. Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Sarah Alade, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of this unique tracking service. The Central Bank of Nigeria successfully uses several services from Thomson Reuters, and these solutions will automate and enhance transparency of the entire trade lifecycle.” MD/CEO, FMDQ, Mr. Bola Onadele Koko, said: “In line with its mission, FMDQ is committed to leading the revolution in the Nigerian Fixed Income and Currency markets. In implementing the FMDQ “GOLD” (Global Competitiveness, Opera-

L-R: Marketing and Promotions Manager, Trace TV., Laide Olabode; Company Manager, Betty Anthony; Managing Director, Mr. Sam Onyemelukwe and Business Manager, Mr. Paul Omugbe, after a press conference on the activities of thye company in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

tional Excellence, Liquidity and Diversity) agenda for the transformation of our Nigerian markets, we are pleased to partner Thomson Reuters in the deployment of the Foreign Exchange Market Tracker Solution. In addition to other strategic initiatives and bespoke innovations being introduced by FMDQ to suit our markets, this Solution is expected to boost transparency, improve

market credibility and sustain investor confidence”. Managing Director, Africa,Thomson Reuters, Sneha Shah, said: “We have long been committed to the Nigerian market, having brought in the first financial information and trading systems to the market in the 1980s. “We are very pleased to build on this

strong relationship with our customers and their regulators. This step confirms Thomson Reuter’s role in promoting transparency and enabling financial markets across Africa. The solution will help regulatory stakeholders to improve their supervisory and intervention strategies and we are seeing strong demand from several other countries in the continent,” it stated.

Minister, stakeholders bicker over seaports’ concession CO NT INU ED F R O M PAGE 23

move to regulate their tariffs. The agency was last year duly appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan as the Commercial Regulator of Nigerian ports. The seaports were concessioned under presidential fiat by the Obasanjo administration, pending the passing of the Ports and Harbour Bill which reportedly had been at the National Assembly in the last eight years. Amiwero also said the port concession programme had not justified the promises made by the BPE about reducing the cost of doing business in the Nigerian ports. He further said the situation had made Nigerian ports the costliest in the world. He added that the appointment of NSC as port commercial regulator by Jonathan last year also without an enabling law, made it incapable of enforcing tariff regulation on the terminal regulators. Also speaking at the recent ‘All Mariners Summit’ at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, Topo, Badagry, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha said that despite the fact that the House participated in a committed manner to the port reform processes to move the sector forward in line with international best practice, the exercise was not fair and transparent. “Today however we have seen that the process was not all fair and transparent.” The legislator expressed regret that

The exercise which was midwifed by the Bureau for Public Enterprises has recorded some gains, just as some stakeholders have continued to draw the attention of the authority to the ills that trailed the programme which was completed in 2006

the Ports and Harbour Bill was sent to the National Assembly in August 2006 while the House was on recess, only for the members to discover that the ports had already been concessioned. “In addition, it was not a product of adequate consultation and so the content of the bill did not reflect proper industry expectations and concerns. However, we engaged both the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Federal Ministry of Transport to address these concerns to enable the bill move forward. “But nothing was done till the first week

of May 2007 when to our amazement, some provisions of the proposed law were ‘implemented ‘by ‘splitting’ NPA into two autonomous organisations,” he said. Ihedioha, who was represented at the event by Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, stated that the House responded by passing a resolution declaring the exercise illegal and called for a reversal to the position of the law. Noting that the Presidency implemented the resolution in September 2007, Ihedioha, who was the Chairman, House Committee on Marine Transport for four years (2003 to 2007), expressed regret that neither NPA nor the Ministry of Transport has come up with an alternative legislation to the bill previously submitted. “All we hear is that the bill has been floating between the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), National Council for Privatisation (NCP) and the Presidency for four years while our ports are run on a concessioned arrangement, seemingly without an enabling law”, he said. The Deputy Speaker however gave an assurance that he would ensure the smooth sail of the bill whenever it comes before the lower chamber of the National Assembly. Also a deputy director in BPE, Mr. Audu Mohammed, noted that the inconsistency in the concessioning agreement with regard to NPA being referred to as commercial regulator and landlord at the same

time. He said the Ports and Hrabour Bill at the National Assembly would properly spell out the roles of the agencies in the new dispensation. The Federal Government had during the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo handed over the nation’s seaports situated at Warri, Koko, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Onne, Lagos, and Sapele to concessionaires. The exercise which was midwifed by the Bureau for Public Enterprises has recorded some gains, just as some stakeholders have continued to draw the attention of the authority to the ills that trailed the programme which was completed in 2006. The port concession process gained global credibility with the involvement of the World Bank, CPCS Transcom (of Canada) and Royal Haskoning (of Holland) as project monitors, concession bid managers and consultants, respectively. They worked with the National Council on Privatisation (via the BPE) to birth the new seaport re-development agenda. However, Apapa Bulk Terminal MD, Capt. M.J Bashir, said seaports concession is a global landmark that had recorded several milestones in most of the target performance indicators. He said these include Foreign Direct Investments, improvement of port infrastructure and security, ship turnaround time and cargo throughput and other contributions to the economy.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

Business/ Interview

Banks frustrate business growth in Nigeria–Sossou Oliver Sossou is the managing director of Sofan Estal Industry, a manufacturer of mimi creations hair products in Nigeria. In this interview, with STANLEY IHEDIGBO, he speaks on challenges of owning a business in Nigeria We gathered that you have a thriving mini creations hair products business in the country. How did you get this far? I started the line of business 24 years ago in my country, Togo, before coming to Nigeria. I was trained in Europe and Asia. Also, I have worked for big hair products companies in Europe and Asia before working in Nigeria. And at a time, I believed that I needed to use the experience I had acquired for years to work for myself. That was about five years ago. It is a business that is driven by vision and sustained by vision even when you have challenges. The vision will strengthen the person in the face of challenges because they are always there. But if it is a business you just ventured into to make money then when the challenges arise the person will run away from the business. For me, challenges are there from lack of power supply to multiple taxes from local and state governments and others. But what kept us going as a company has been the determination and passion to beautify Nigeria women. Looking at your products, do you see the market in Nigeria? Nigeria is a very big market in Africa, even more than South Africa because I have been there. What it takes for your business to thrive in Nigeria is if you are able to be steadfast, then you can break into the market. Though there is stiff competition from Asian countries, I have leveraged on my experience to keep our company inching closely to a position of strength in the market. We have also started exporting our products to European countries like Germany, Canada, Italy, others. You export hair products you produce in Nigeria to Europe and America. Yes, we have representatives all over the world. We send the products through cargoes and they are being bought. I can tell you that there is a huge demand for our products in those countries and even many more. Is the demand for your products not being affected by the action of some churches outlawing the use of hair enhancements? I can tell you that such a development will not affect our business in this country. I am a Christian, although a long time ago my spiritual mother condemned this kind of business. That was when I start-

ed. I told people that the reality of the products is that when you see where the products are being manufactured, there is nothing like spiritual stuff attached to it. It is a combination of chemicals from petroleum and nothing more. Even in the Northern region where the women are compelled to cover their hair as result of the Islamic religion, we make sales there. In the aspect of religion, there is a way women use the hair enhancements and it looks horrible. I advise that it should be moderate and sit neatly on them. There was a particular hair enhancement that came into the Nigerian market last year called Brazilian weave. We learnt that it was a threat to the local hair enhancements manufacturers. Do you share that view? It was not a threat to us because only a few can afford that product in this country. Rather, the threats in the market are Chinese imported hair products because they dump their products in our market at a price we cannot compete. They are able to do this because they access funds easily at lower interest rates compared to what we have in this country. That is the only threat to us now, not the Brazilian hair products. Is there any local content in your hair products? We had a representative office in South Korea, which acted as our parent company. But later they brought their machines into the country to manufacture the raw materials for us. That makes it possible for 60 per cent of the raw materials to be sourced locally and the remaining 40 per cent is imported. You made mention of cost of funds in Nigeria. Isn’t it a challenge? Actually, sourcing funds for business is really a big challenge. But no matter how the challenges are, when you have a vision and with God on your side, you will break through. The commercial banks do come to us with promises of making funds available to us and we will make steps but at the end of the day, we are frustrated after opening accounts with them. But it is not like that in my country, Togo. In Togo, after they confirm your source of payment, loans are granted to business minded people in my country. The Federal Government released various intervention funds for SMEs. Have you attempted to access the fund? I heard about the intervention fund for SMEs in the country but I didn’t bother to take steps to access it, because of what we went through with the commercial banks, where we put our money from time to time. We are not able to get loans from them. What is the chance that we will grant us a loan from the Bank of Industry if we apply? Some of my friends have talked to me about the Bank of Industry and, mind you in this country, you need connections for you to get anything or benefit from government. What should Nigerians be expecting from your organisation in the area of hair products? The brand name of our products is Mimi Creations and we are hoping that in the nearest future, the products will

Sossou

We send the products through cargoes and they are being bought. I can tell you that there is a huge demand for our products in those countries and even many more

be in every corner of the country. What advice do you have for people who would like to venture into the business? This is a business that starts with passion for beauty. If you don’t have a passion to beautify women, then you have no business going into such a business. Also, the person should even start from buying and selling the products before fully going into the business.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

What your banker wished you never knew Success Nuggets Victor Okwudiri 08037674300 (SMS only)

ne industry that takes advantage of ‘The Law of Leverage’ is the banking industry. What bankers do is this: take Mr. A’s money deposited with them, lend it to Mr B with interest, or use it for some other profit-making venture, and use Mr. C’s money deposited with them to pay Mr. A, and the cycle of profit goes on. That is ‘Free Money’ (FM). Professors of the ‘Rich Dad’ school call it OPM - Other People’s Money. Yes, they (bankers) offer security to depositors, but make ‘free’ money in return. Before long, they become richer than the depositors, due to what I call ‘Power Of Liquidity’ (POL). The foregoing is not all there is to the OPM strategy of bankers. There is one more thing. I don’t know whether or not to share it, but I will dare. Some depositors operate secret accounts or accounts unknown to their families or successors. If some of those depositors die with their monies in custody of the banks, you can imagine what that is. For those whose successors are aware of their account-holding, the protocols or legal processes involved in reclaim-

The painful thing is that currency might suffer devaluation (the loss of bargaining power) within the period of ‘the battle for reclamation ing the monies may take time. Even if the monies are eventually reclaimed, within the time taken in the ‘battle for reclamation’, the banks would have also used the ‘free monies’ to do business and make profit. That is not the painful thing. The painful thing is that currency might suffer devaluation (the loss of bargaining power) within the period of ‘the battle for reclamation’. MY ADVICE: In operating ‘The Law of Isolation’, which I discussed last week, I suggest you go for the second option, which is to request an ATM card for your Special Savings Account (SSA), but keep it out of sight. That, however, is not enough. What next? It might be shocking, but I will say it. I know we have been advised over and again by our bankers to keep the PINs of our ATM cards secret. That is good, but not 100% in our interest and those of our loved ones. I want to break the rule here, like an ‘antinormist’. Yes! Concerning the ATM card for your SSA and every other ATM card you

have, please make sure you disclose the PINs to one or two persons with proven records of integrity, whom you can at least give the benefit of the doubt, particularly, members of your family, like your wife or kids (I believe you married right and teach your kids character). In addition to disclosing the PINs of all your ATM cards to those ‘exceptional persons’, let them know where you keep the cards. The reason is simple: If the unexpected happens, there will be no risk of ‘inability to reclaim your monies’ from your bankers, neither will there be the stress of proving that your family member is actually your next-of-kin, not to talk of the long stories of probate or obtaining a letter of administration, depending on the circumstance. All your family just does is use your ATM cards and clear the monies on your behalf, so your efforts in life are not in vain. I know some people of faith believe they CANNOT die. I believe that too, but I also believe wisdom is superior to faith. Wisdom is the PRINCIPAL thing (Prov.4:7). The best faith can be is ‘VICE-PRINCIPAL’. After all, even the bible, which is the basis of faith, says: “... For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (James 4:14) I look forwrd to your comments. Have a fruitful week. Please follow me on Twitter - @ VictorOkwudiri

Personality type/temperament (3) The Big Picture Julian Atufunwa 08032810713 (SMS only)

e have been discussing personality types for about three weeks. The essence of this topic is: To foster good relationship with co-workers,business associates, team members, etc because every day we deal with different types of people. To assign tasks appropriately to team members For effective communication and better understanding as to why people behave the way they do. Example: Wisdom should tell a manager or team leader not to assign a melacholic or phlegmatic team member the task of public speaking because they may not deliver an excellent result, unlike sanguine or choleric personalities that are natural orators. A sales person with a new product should understand different personality types when dealing with customers because we all do not see things the way they are but we see things the way we are. As am employer, if you do not understand your melancholic boss or manager, you may get discouraged or frustrated. This is because as a perfectionist, it is unlikely for him to accept that you can deliver an excellent job, no matter how hard you try.

He is not wicked. it is just his nature to set unrealistic standards that neither you nor he can attain. The benefit of understanding personality types are enormous, but we need to pause for a while. In the previous weeks, we did mention that we have four major personality types namely: •Sanguine •Choleric •Melancholic •Phlegmatic We have talked about the sanguine and choleric. Now, lets find out about the melancholic personality. Melancholic persons are introverts. They loves spending time alone, as being with people drains their energy. They do not mind being in the background. They are perfectionists. They have a pattern of how things should be done and are prone to despair if not done that way. Melancholics rarely take compliments because they do not believe their task can be perfect enough. Also, they set high standards for themselves and others. They get critical when these standards are not met. Melancholics love routines, norms and can abide by rules and laws. They are not likely to give in to other people’s view. They make logical, careful and calculated plans before they set out to execute them. They are more accurate with details and information. Melancholics choose friends carefully. It takes them a lot of time to build close relationships and they tend to be loyal to their friends afterwards. Melancholics are highly emotional. They can express their pleasure or

displeasure with tears. They can easily get hurt but are never aggressive. They get back at people by making them feel guilty. They are not talkative but can talk too much when they are with people they consider perfect enough to share their ideas and thoughts with. They are good thinkers and do well as writers, poets, scientists etc. They hold on to grudges for a long time and sulk until they get revenge. THEIR STRENGTHS Melancholics are highly economical and they spend meticulously. They are deeply analytical and can generate great ideas. They are geniuses and can be very creative due to their ability to think. They can’t stand people’s tears and can be selfless in services to mankind. WEAKNESSES They keep scores of wrongs, can be moody and depressed. They are prone to low self-esteem. Melancholics hate change; they love routine. They are stubborn because they believe that their carefully selected views are the best. They are pessimistic and critical in nature. They are frugal and most times hoard things. They can also be stingy. Melancholics are possessive because they believe that what they have is not easy to come by. Examples of melancholics are Abraham Lincoln, Prophet Jeremiah. Finally, keep a date with us next week for the conclusion of this series. It promises to be interesting and educative. Julian Atufunwa

SundayBusiness/News

FG approves ECOWAS tariff

he Federal Government has approved the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2015-2019 and 2015 Fiscal Policy Measures. The approval for the implementation of the new tariff was conveyed in a statement signed by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy/Hon. Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. A statement by the spokesman for Customs, Wale Adeniyi, said the implementation of the ECOWAS CET (2015-2019) together with its Supplementary Protection Measures (SPM) and 2015 Fiscal Policy Measures occurs concurrently and will take effect from April 11, 2015 after the expiration of the 30day notice required under the provisions of the ECOWAS CET. “By this development, as from 11th April 2015, all imports arriving into the country shall be subjected to the rates contained in the CET 2015- 2019 and 2015 Fiscal Measures without recourse to the rates applicable before the coming into effect of the ECOWAS CET 2015 – 2019. “The approved Supplementary Protection Measures (SPM)/Fiscal Policy Measures comprise the following: a) An Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) list which involves additional taxes on 177 Tariff Lines of the ECOWAS CET b) A National List consisting of items whose Import duty rates have been reviewed to encourage more development in strategic sectors of the economy. c) An Import Prohibition List (Trade), applicable only to certain goods originating from nonECOWAS Countries.” Adeniyi said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi, had directed immediate enforcement of the tariff provisions by all CACs. He urged all stakeholders to ensure compliance with the New ECOWAS Tariff to enhance trade facilitation within and outside the region.

RenCap doubles profit, boosts EEMEA

enaissance Capital, a leading emerging and frontier markets investment bank, has announced that it doubled its net profit from core business for the full year 2014, bringing it to $40.5 million from $19.2 million in 2013. The Firm in a statement on said it saw strong revenues from core business and continued to reduce its cost base, which demonstrated a 17.5 per cent decrease. Total operating expenses fell to $197.1 million in 2014, from $238.8 million in 2013. Total operating income reached $250 million. Renaissance Capital’s balance sheet remains strong with its equity-to-assets ratio at 14.2 per cent, compared with 13.5 per cent at the end of 2013. Total assets and equity stand at $3.31 billion and $468.6 million, respectively. The statement further said that in 2014, the Firm remained strongly committed to its core regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, Russia/the CIS, and Turkey, as it further focused on growing its market-leading frontier and emerging markets offering. The Firm opened an office in Dubai, UAE, and launched trading in the Middle East markets, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman and Tunisia. Commenting on the results, Igor Vayn, Renaissance Capital CEO, said: “Amidst the challenging market conditions in 2014, Renaissance Capital not only maintained its leading position across the product offering and regions of focus but also exceeded the expectations of profit, doubling it year-on-year. As global institutional investors are shifting their focus to frontier markets, we believe these represent the catalyst for the Firm’s franchise growth. The combination of our world-class team and on-the-ground capabilities in the world’s most exciting markets are a winning formula for our goal of providing investors with best-in-class research, trading, banking and access to capital.”

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

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Okonjo Iweala, a mismatch economy, says Enwegbara for Nigerian

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National Electoral Commission (INEC) database through the creation of party membership forms and cards to match INEC's

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Front row: L-R: European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker; Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu; former French President, Nicolas Sarkozy; Mali's President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita; French President, Francois Hollande; Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel; Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas and Italy's Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, at a solidarity march against terrorism in Paris...yesterday. PHOTO: ReuTeRs

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Vol. 1

42-43

Bodo spill: N16 billion Group faults Shell’s compensati on

Communities in the NigerDelta have been drastically affected by activities of oil companies

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SUNDAY

BRANDS SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015

Black Energy Drink for official launch W Dele Alao

orld’s famous energy drink, Black Energy Drink, is set for official launch in the Nigerian market, Sunday Telegraph has gathered. As a prelude to the presentation, owners of the energy drink are said to be scouting for notable advertising and public relations agencies to handle the brand’s integrated marketing communications needs. At a time most consumers are shifting their attention to healthy drinks as against carbonated or caffeinated ones, Black Energy Drink, is coming to compete with the likes of Power Horse, London Best, Red Bull, Spark, Monstar, Bullet and Hippo among others. Currently, Black En-

ergy Drink from the stable of FoodCare is present in 39 countries. Checks revealed that in Poland, for instance, Black Energy Drink maintains its leadership in the energy drinks market. For over a year, the brand has been ahead of the competition in terms of the number of drinks sold. Experts attributed the increase in popularity and sales to extensive advertising activities carried out

almost incessantly throughout the year. Though FoodCare will be taking advantage of the country’s huge population to sell the brand, the growing apathy towards energy drinks and a warning from the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control may be a hard nut for Black Energy Drink to crack. NAFDAC had raised the alarm over

the proliferation of energy drinks in the country. Noting that the influx of the so-called energy beverages in various flavours into the country had become worrisome, NAFDAC posted a message on its official Facebook page, warning consumers of such drinks – presumed to be designed for athletes and individuals, who want an extra energy kick – that they were being deceived into taking high levels of a stimulant known as caffeine.

Chi repackages Hollandia Evaporated Milk

ne of the country’s leading players in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, Chi Limited, has packaged its Hollandia evaporated milk in 215g. Managing Director, Chi Limited, Mr. Deepanjan Roy, in a statement, said Hollandia Evaporated Full Cream Milk, is the first milk brand in Nigeria to be packaged in Tetra pak, taking product packaging and convenience to a whole new level. “The product is designed to provide consumers with creamy, great tasting, highly nutritious and affordable evaporated milk in handy 215g packs. Hollandia Evaporated Milk’s 215g unique packaging ensures supreme convenience as the innovative pour, cap and keep pack eliminates the hassles of milk storage and the design ensures longer safety from spoilage and contamination. “In taste, quality, innovation and satisfaction, no other milk is at par. “Hollandia Evaporated Milk also understands that for its smart consumers, value for money is paramount. This is why Hollandia Evaporated Milk provides you with up to 25 percent more milk than other brands in the same price range,” he said. Besides, he noted: “You can enjoy the creamy, tasty, nourishing evaporated milk in whichever way you want and for longer, without breaking the bank. Hollandia Evaporated Milk will always stay steps ahead of other brands, for no reason other than the fact that Hollandia Evaporated Milk believes that consumers deserve the very best. It can be enjoyed with tea, custards, cereals and smoothies. The future looks promising for an innovative brand, which places wellbeing and value of its consumers at the heart of its products. We want to draw consumer’s attention to the 25 per cent extra milk in Hollandia Evaporated Milk 215g pack when compared to any other milk brand at same price. “We are committed to ensuring that our loyal consumers continue to get value and satisfaction for money whenever they buy Hollandia Evaporated Milk.”

L-R: Zonal Business Manager, West, Opeyemi Oluwalusi, Regional Trade Marketing Manager, Ibadan Brewery, Ayodeji Oke, and Regional Business Manager,West, Joseph Bodunrin at the Trade Launch of Ace Roots, an innovative herbal mix from the stables of Nigerian Breweries Plc in Ibadan.

Winners emerge in Lucozade /Ribena promo W inners have emerged in the ongoing Lucozade Ribena ‘Bigcash Giveaway’ promo. The victors, who were presented with various cash gifts by GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, at its Corporate Head Office, Ilupeju, Lagos included Miss Glory Idoda, who got a cash reward of N1 million. According to a statement, 150 winners also emerged, picking N10, 000 each. A total of eight winners of N1,000,000 each and 600 winners of N10,000 each are expected to emerge through the eight weeks of the promotion period. The campaign is specifically designed to reward new and existing Nigerian consumers who purchase Lucozade and Ribena drinks. It also offers all promo participants the opportunity to win the grand prize of N1 million each week. Group Product Manager, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Aigbeme Momoh, according to the statement, congratulated the winners on their big win and explained that the promo was essentially created to reward consumers for their loyalty.

“Lucozade and Ribena are credible and nutritious health drinks that have been in the Nigerian market for over 40 years. Needless to say, these drinks have had a very good heritage and enjoyed decades of loyalty especially with Nigerian consumers. The ‘Big Cash Give Away’ promo is our own way of thanking our consumers for their patronage over the last four decades, and also to restate our commitment to keep producing quality brands,” Momoh said. Reiterating the commitment of the company to reward its consumers, Brand Manager, Ribena, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Mr. Essien Ekemini, said GSK would not relent in its efforts to continuously appreciate consumers for their loyalty. “Consumers should keep participating in this promotion because more winners will emerge in the following weeks. We will be giving out a total of N14 million in cash prizes,” he said. Also speaking at the draws held to select the winners, the Head, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mr. Tam Tamunokonbia, who witnessed the draw, attested to the

transparency in the handling of the draw leading to the emergence of the eventual winners. He commended the management of GSK for adhering strictly to the rules of the council. He said the transparency and forthrightness displayed at the draws would go a long way in strengthening consumer confidence between GSK and its loyal consumers.

Fanta bonds with consumers at Easter

n line with its aspirations, Fanta, the fruity drinks from the stable of CocaCola, has brought its world of fun to consumers during the Easter holiday. The brand was sampled at various locations in Lagos and Ibadan, including the Dreamworld Africana, Ibeju- Lekki; Ikeja City Mall, Palms Mall, Victoria Island; Onikan City Mall and Shoprite Mall, Ibadan.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

SundayBusiness/Brands

Ace Roots makes debut in Ibadan A frica’s brewing colossus, Nigerian Breweries Plc, has stormed the ancient city, Ibadan, Oyo State, with the trade launch/unveiling of its new product, Ace Roots to traders, distributors, retailers, entertainment spot operators and teeming consumers in the Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomosho, Oshogbo, Ilesha/Esa-Oke trade zone. According to the company’s Zonal Business Manager, West, Opeyemi Oluwalusi, Ace roots is a product of painstaking research and response to consumers’ retailers and distributors’ demands and the result of Nigerian Breweries Plc’s in-depth consultations with critical stakeholders before its intervention in the herbal mix section of the beverage drink market. “At Nigerian Breweries Plc., we love to respond to consumers’ demands. You will bear me witness that your feedback from consumers and critical stakeholders have continued to play critical roles in our decision making process. When our competitor came up with her brand sometimes last year and stakeholders like you and our teeming consumers started asking when is Nigerian Breweries going to come out with her own brand of herbal mixture drink? We responded by appealing to you to exercise patience as we need time to carry our proper research and consultation with you (retailers, distributors), including teeming consumers and other critical stakeholders before we can make a decision. The result of that painstaking research and consultation is what we are launching and unveiling, Ace Roots,” Oluwalusi said. Speaking further in his illuminating presentation to the tumultuous crowd of traders, retailers, bar operators, distributors and consumers that thronged the Ibadan Civic Centre venue of the trade launch in Idi-Ape area of the sprawling ancient Yoruba city; Oluwalusi stated that Ace Roots is produced with the, wellbeing and welfare of the consumer in mind. “Ace Roots takes the health, wellbeing and even the pocket of the consumer into serious consideration before it debuts. The herbal mix comes with the lowest sugar content in the Nigerian market today. Whereas there are herbal mixtures with as much as five cubes of sugar, Ace Roots has very low sugar content of just one cube of sugar. Aside this, Ace Roots is made with actual herbal juice extract from age-long roots, leaves and herbs. It’s alcoholic content is moderated at 6%, that’s a little higher than lager beer and slightly

Series to engage 300 pupils on Children’s Day

public relations and integrated marketing communications consulting firm, Upticomm Marketing Company, has unveiled TheRoleModelSeries Conference, a mentor-protege programme for teenagers in public secondary schools, to mark Children’s Day on May 27. In a statement, the company said the series, which provides education, mentoring and inspiration using personalities in private, business, and public life, will hold at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos. The inaugural edition will feature over 300 pupils aged between 12 and 16 years. There will also be inspirational speeches, presentations, question and answer sessions, drama skit and syndicate session. Prizes, awards, and plaques will be given to deserving individuals and organisations, the statement added. Upticomm Marketing Chief Strategist, Olusegun McMedal, said the idea was driven by the need to create access for teenagers to learn directly from role models in the society.

lower than stout beer beverages. More importantly, Ace Roots is entering the market with great value that takes the consumers’ purse into serious consideration. I can assure you that Ace Roots will not bore holes into your pockets,” he said. Oluwalusi explained to the ecstatic crowd that Ace Roots, like many of its predecessors from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc has come to’ change the game for nightlife, especially for the bitters/herbal mix section of beverage industry. Of course, the in-thing will be for consumers to ‘change their game

to low sugar’,” he said. He espoused the rich herbal content of Ace Roots to include: kolanut, ginger roots, chilli pepper, sweet orange, bitter orange, ginseng roots, cocoa bean, Aspartne plus seven other fruits, spice and herbs. The event which took place inside cozy halls of the Ibadan civic teeming distributors and retailers in attendance officially introduce the latest innovative beverage drink from the rich brand portfolio of the brewing giant to It will be recalled that Ace Roots debuts in Lagos at a coporate launch which held at

the Havens Event Centre, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos recently. While introducing the new brand to distributors, retailers and consumers who thronged the venue for the event, the company’s Marketing Director, Walter Drenth, said: “Ace Roots symbolises a call to action for everyone; customers and consumers to go back to their roots of true African herbs, fruits and spice extracts with low sugar. It’s a great innovation, one that we at Nigerian Breweries are very proud of, and we are confident our young and vibrant consumers will appreciate this game changing brand.”

L-R: Regional HR Manager, Airtel, Abimbola Shopeju; Trade Marketing Manager, Lagos East zone, Peace Davids; Regional Trade Marketing Manager, Peter Mbuba; Zonal Business Manager, Adedayo Sobande; Area Business Manager, Lagos East Zone, Aniekan Ido and Head of Commercial, Lagos region, Charles Bassey, during a roadshow on Airtel SmartConnect in Lagos…recently

‘Maltina ‘ll build community happy consumers’

enior Brand Manager, Maltina, Wole Adedeji, has said the ingredients of appiness is key to the success of the brand. Adedeji, said this during the Special Easter edition of the show which held in Lagos. The senior brand manager said that the renewed sponsorship of the show resulted from the dire need to build a larger community of happy consumers. “We are a brand that’s very keen on sharing happiness, just as our brand message emphasizes. For us, a happy consumer base is the real proceed of all our hard work. When we identify a cause that upholds this, we give it our best support, which is one the reasons we decided to renew our partnership with A.Y Live and we are extremely glad we were able to trigger that innate happiness in every guest present”, he said. The event hosted by Freeze of Cool FM, featured the best of comedy and musical performances from popular entertainers such as Onyeka Onwenu, Awilo, Phyno, I Go Dye, Seyi Law, Ushbebe, Acapella, Shakara, Gordons, Helen Paul, Laffup, Lilkesh, Kiss Daniel, Korede Bello and MC Galaxy among others. Among the major highlights of the event was Maltina’s surprise give away of ten iPhone 6 mobile phones to guests, half way into the show. Nollywood actress, Toyin Aimakhu-John-

son, one of the lucky winners couldn’t mask her joy when the quote on her Happiness card which was distributed to all guests at the event, was announced as the winning quote. “This is just awesome. I am still very amazed. I had no idea this was going to happen. When it was announced that Maltina

will be surprising 10 guests with Iphone 6, you could practically here the mumbling in the crowd. And all of a sudden I hear the quote on my card announced as the winning quote. I’ve had so many wonderful surprises this year and this is certainly one of them. Well done Maltina, this is really remarkable,” she said.

Top 50 brands hit over 80 countries Deborah Olayode

he Top 50 Brands Nigeria, an annual report, which is based on the profile of top brands or companies that are operational in Nigeria, has now been downloaded and viewed from over 80 countries across the world. The report, which also contains brand research works and related stories, made a debut online in March 2014. The company said in a statement, “We have also received various enquiries from some of these countries as well, which was observed at a recent online evaluation of our activities. Reports were viewed and downloaded from our website and partnering organisation’s. “Every year, our organisation, a leading brand analysis and consulting firm select

50 top brands (companies) in Nigeria. Our methodology has been on the quantitative analysis of these brands. This includes a special popularity survey, where respondents across major cities in Nigeria participated in the process. We have worked with various other organisation in conducting the survey for credibility purposes.” The top brands for the year, according to the statement, are announced at the Brand Nigeria Leadership Forum, “a gathering of respected thought leaders, top chief executive officers and senior corporate decision makers in Nigeria, where we deliberate on enhancing the value of the Nigeria brand. We have decided to use this platform and the reach to also promote the brand Nigeria and help in placing it among the top 20 globally. The last edition of the forum enjoyed full complement of the media, both print and electronic, local and globally.”

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

SUNDAY

Faith 31

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015

News Bishop seeks support for Buhari

Clerics shouldn’t endorse candidates, says Para-Mallam

Sermon

The Revd Gideon Para-Mallam is the Africa Regional Secretary, International Fellowship of Evangelical Students in English and Portuguese Speaking Africa. He provides pastoral oversight to students in 24 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. He spoke to TAI ANYANWU

p.36

God shall give you a second chance p.33

Sermon Blessing blockers p.34

How do you assess the roles played by young people in the 2015 elections and other countries where you work? The voices of young people were loud and clear in these elections. They wanted change and got change. They have taken the political destiny of Nigeria in their hands. It is a good sign and our duty is to help get them deeply grounded in the word of God so they can continue to impact society with Godly values. The visible role of young people shows that they will not be left in the background in the running the affairs of this nation. I commend them for standing up to be counted in seeking change in the way Nigeria is being run. Now l wish to challenge them to hold the President-elect accountable, to deliver the dividends of change to the Nigerian people. The same is expected of all the newly elected leaders of Nigeria at the federal and state levels. Democracy thrives when there is effective vigilance and demand for accountability from those who are our representatives. Beyond the role of the press, our young people should be the watchdogs for good governance and accountability in Nigeria. They should all rise to say ‘NO’ to corruption and demand nothing less. With a president-elect committed to fighting corruption, I urge him to look in the direction of the young people, students of NIFES as allies of change. What challenges do you face in Africa, for example Boko Haram, which says Western education is forbidden? The ideological attack on western education is unfortunate and a trajectory. The same Boko Haram, who opposes western education, is in fact using the by-products of western education as the weapons of mass killings. Isn’t this an irony? Without education, you cannot assemble a bomb or Improvised Electronic Devices (IEDs). But more painfully is attacking innocent students in the their schools and colleges and killing them as was the case in Gubja in Yobe State, Bayero University of Kano (April 2012) Federal College of Education Kano in 2013, etc They are all cases of grave concern. Killing students is destroying tomorrow’s future today. Sadly, the same BH, ISIS, Al-Shabaab are busy brainwashing and recruiting young people from the universities and colleges. The Tuareg rebels, Ansaruden and Al-Qaeda in Mali and Al-Shabaab in Somalia and Kenya pose real challenges to Africa.

Recently, there was an attack by Al-Shabbab on Garissa University College in Kenya where Tai Anyanwu 147 students were killed. Is this an isolated Head, religous Desk case? The barbaric and gruesome attack on innotitus.anyanwu@newtelegraph online.com cent students at the Garissa University College in Kenya cannot and should not be seen © Daily Telegraph Publishing Com- in isolation of all that is happening in Nigeria pany Limited

Para-Mallam

They should all rise to say ‘NO’ to corruption and demand nothing less. With a president-elect committed to fighting corruption, I urge him to look in the direction of the young people, students of NIFES as allies of change

and Mali in West Africa. Without doubt the battle for the soul of Africa is real by radical Islamists who see Africa as fertile ground to spread the ideology of hate, death and de-

struction. Africans need to unite against terrorists who seek sanctuary in the continent. It is no secret that the late Osama bin Laden believed there were faithful in Nigeria who would do his bidding in Nigeria and foray into other West African countries. So, what we have is something like this: Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb (North Africa), Tuareg rebels and other groups in Mali, MUAJO - Movement for Jihad in West Africa, Boko Haram in Nigeria with cross-border attacks into Niger Republic, Chad and Cameroun and Al-Shabaab in Somalia and Mali targeting East Africa, shows clearly that the recent attacks in Kenya which claimed 147 students should never be taken or seen in isolation. These are well co-ordinated attacks, both covertly and overtly depending CO NTINUED O N PAGE 37

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Faith

What prominent clerics prophesied Before the 2015 presidential election,

the following clerics made these declarations about the outcome of the polls, TAI ANYANWU reports

Prophet Williams Onuoha, the General Overseer of Galilee Christian Centre, Lagos: “The current governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, will become Nigeria’s president. He will rule unless the governor fails to adhere to God’s direction.” Bishop Tom Samson, the founder of Christ Royal Family Church, Lagos Bishop Tom Samson warned: “Nigerians must brace up for some “hardship and darkness in this year’s election.” Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, said, “When the president’s name is announced as winner of the election, 20 per cent of a certain part of the country will not agree. Eventually, after negotiation they will. We will agree that we are one.” Prophet Michael Olubode of the Celestial Church of Christ, Lagos: “I want to let the people of Nigeria know that the Lord will return His Excellency, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to his presidential seat. Despite much hatred for him, it pleases the Lord God of Celestial to increase his tenure at the Presidential Villa.” Venerable Ndubuisi Obi, an Anglican priest based in Onitsha in Anambra State said: “Jonathan has never lost any election in his life. Buhari has never won any election in his life. Jonathan’s rise to the Presidency was not his making. It was simply an act of God. Buhari forced himself into power via a military coup. He has failed in four previous attempts. The last time he failed, he wept. This time will not be different. He is accustomed to failing and failure is his second name. Come Saturday, bring out your PVCs and make him cry again. We are moving forward in this country. We can’t afford to put our vehicle in reverse gear.” A Catholic priest and founder of the Adoration Ministry in Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, while giving his New Year prophecies in January declared that President Jonathan would lose the election. He claimed that the “President has become bad luck. The multitude of our youths, the quality young men, quality young women, brilliant youths but nobody has plans for any of you. Our so-called leaders should come and apologise. In 2015, it shall not continue like that. By the grace of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are announcing spiritually, change! 2015 should not be a year of any hooligan maneuvering to hijack power. This is our New Year message. Listen, when you go home, tell anybody you see that from the oracle of the Holy Spirit, we are announcing change. The Goodluck met Yar’Adua and Yar’Adua died. Before you know it, the Goodluck met our oil and the oil had a bad luck and poured away. Before we knew it, the Goodluck met our naira, our naira had bad luck. Where are we going? What is the fate of this country? Shall we continue like this, we need change.” Prophet Anthony Nwoko, a popular Enugu-based prophet who had also in 1998 prophesied that late Gen. Sani

Oyedepo

Bakare

Abacha, would leave the government of Nigeria in a mysterious way, briefed journalists in Enugu on the state of the nation. He stated that neither Jonathan nor Buhari would win. “Neither Jonathan nor Buhari will be president after the election. I told Nigerians that they should not expect much or any miracle from Jonathan. Now, in this coming election, Jonathan will only serve as John the Baptist and Buhari has not got any heavenly crown to rule and he will not rule this country because he hasn’t got that crown. Don’t take my prophesies for granted because I had also told Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar not to make Olusegun Obasanjo president and I had also warned Obasanjo not to make late Umaru Yar’Adua president. My advice was not heeded and you saw what happened. I can see the glory of Nigeria in the South-East, an Igbo president and I don’t agree with Wole Soyinka that Jonathan is Nebucadnezar. Jonathan is a forerunner to the glory of God.” General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. D.K Olukoya, said: “I will speak in parables. This year is going to be a mysterious, cautious and dribbling year, so, you will have to find the solutions instead of diagnosing the problems carried by the year.” INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church founder, Primate Elijah Ayodele Babatunde had an interesting prophecy to share too. General elections: “This year’s election will throw up a CO N T I N U E D O N PAG E 33

Olukoya

Mb aka

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

Faith

about 2015 presidential election lot of issues. President Goodluck Jonathan will do everything to win a second term. However, he needs 14 days prayer to have a peaceful reign to enable him to complete a second term. Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, will be confused during the polls. There will be several gimmicks to cajole INEC to rig the election. E-voting will not work. There will be ballot box snatching and stuffing during the election.” GEJ’s health: “The President should also commit his health and that of his wife to prayer. Jonathan is in the midst of enemies who are after his life.” Godfrey Gbujie: “Buhari has a mission divinely imposed on him, but he shall not rule this country again. Even if he wins, God has not determined him to find His favour. Jonathan is the last elected president of this country.” Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God: “Unfortunately, because it is election year, I can’t tell you all that God told me about Nigeria. But I will tell you this: by the end of the year, many will say ‘all is well that ends well.’” Primate Theophilus Olabayo Primate Theophilus Olabayo, founder of the Evangelical Church of Yahweh, Lagos: “God told me that they are going to rig the election and this will cause an upheaval. The results of the election will not be declared and if the result is declared, the winner of the election will not govern. But my advice to our politicians is that they should let President Jonathan go T B Joshua peacefully and retire to his village.”

Prophet Ayodele

For Senior Pastor of Wonder City Chapel, B.B. Frederick: “Nigerians should watch out for the second term of His Excellency President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Although it looks very challenging with him and his ruling party now, yet the Lord says Nigerians shouldn’t lose hope in Jonathan. “As long as I’m concerned as a man gifted by God to see the past, the current and the future beyond the curtains of the natural, I know by the inspiration of the Almighty that President Jonathan is the set man for Nigeria. His next term on the seat will bring liberation to Nigeria. “It will bring hope to hopeless situations in Nigeria. On this account I therefore declare that HE Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will win the coming elections.” Apostle Johnson Suleiman was specific: “I see President Goodluck Jonathan coming back but troubles… Patience Jonathan needs serious prayers. 2015 presidential election will be rigged, marred in violence and end up in a court case. 2015 election is another June 12.” Well, Abuja-based Prophet Iginla prophesied: “No matter how powerful or well-organised the 2015 election is, it will be faulted. I am not a politician nor do I belong to any political party. I am just speaking God’s mind. The person sitting on the seat might not be perfect, but he will retain the seat. It’s not guess work. Howbeit, it will be a battle between the lion and the tiger…Shortly after the election, BB Federick especially on the night of the election, there will be great vandalism. I see cars being burnt, people killed. President Jonathan will win, but he has to pray about his health and so many political blows. I pray the two people who enter the Aso Villa will leave together. That’s why we should pray for the woman beside the President. The President and his wife should pray that the first lady would finish the tenure together and not losing one before the end of their tenure.” The Spiritual Leader of One Love Family, Sat Guru Maharaji, rather advised the All Progressives Congress and its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to forget Nigeria’s presidency. His words: “There is no vacancy for Buhari in Aso Rock,” he had declared in a statement on Sunday. “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is the verifiable divine choice of the forthcoming presidential election. As the Living Perfect Master of creation in whose hands the fate of the Nigerian project lies spiritually, I declare divinity’s decision to return Jonathan to Aso Rock over Muhammadu Buhari. “I had publicly and sufficiently advised Buhari against nursing the ambition to rule Nigeria again. Superior forces are actually in charge of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am at the helm of these great and unseen primordial powers of creation. “My commitment to ensuring that Buhari and his fellow Anglo-American proxies do not deflect Nigeria off its path of gradual transition to authentic sovereignty, sustainable unity and real prosperity is sacrosanct. Nigeria is no longer to be ruled by feudal agents of Western neo-colonial power and Arab imperialists,” Guru added. Bro Iginla

Tom-Samson

Guru Maraji

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Faith

The rehearsal before the Alleluia Firm Faith:

Right Reason Most Rev.

Emmanuel A. Badejo fradebadejo@yahoo.

0803 949 4219 (SMS only)

Matters of first importance Easter is the central and most important celebration in Christendom. Had Jesus Christ not resurrected, there would have been little power or meaning in the mysteries of Christianity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) reads: “The resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ, a faith believed and lived as the central truth by the first Christian community; handed on as fundamental by Tradition; established by the documents of the New Testament and preached as an essential part of the Paschal mystery along with the cross” (CCC 638). Saint Paul had already established this fact in many teachings in his letters. He wrote to the Corinthians: “I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve...” (1Cor. 15: 3-4). The resurrection of Christ is the reward for those who stick with Him through thick and thin; and still like everyone else havse to confront sin and death, the two greatest enemies of man. “The sting of death

is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Cor. 15: 56). The tough questions of Good Friday The resurrection of Jesus Christ has solid existential and practical relevance to concrete human situations. Such existential questions are indeed many. Why do bad things happen to good people? What does one do when bad things happen to good people? What do you do when you get betrayed, rebuked and scorned by the people you trust most? How do you explain it when you see innocent people and children massacred by terrorists? How do you find meaning in a world where diseases and disasters ravage millions of helpless people with little hope of recovery? How can you survive the conspiracy of the powers that ought to know better when they all array against the innocent? The passion of Jesus Christ which culminated in the events of Good Friday asked all these same questions. Every one of the tribulations of the world today can find meaning only in the experience of the Suffering Servant as the Bible relates: ” Surely he has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed” (Is. 53: 4-5). The story of Good Friday would have ended with only sorrow tears and blood, but fortunately the answers of Easter Sunday denied evil the final victory for ever.

No other tomb in the world had been so secured as Jesus’ was. Nonetheless, the stone, the seal and the soldiers all failed to suppress the truth. Jesus had the final word

The answers of Easter Sunday The answers of Easter Sunday were given when all the conspiracies of evil, falsehood and darkness were confounded. The conversation between Pilate and the crowd which ended in the “crucify him” judgment for the innocent and the “we want Barabbas” verdict for the criminal sum up the eternal confrontation between fairness and injustice. No other tomb in the world had been so secured as Jesus’ was. Nonetheless, the stone, the seal and the soldiers all failed to suppress the truth. Jesus had the final word. That answer is still as valid today as ever. What do you think could be the immediate sentiments of a man, wrongly accused and punished for the best years of his life who gets suddenly released to walk free? That was Anthony Ray Hinton 58, who recently after spending 30 years on the death row in Alabama, America was found to have been unjustly condemned. Mr. Hinton walked out of the Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham, hugged his family members and said: “Thank you, Jesus.” Where could Mr. Hinton ever have found the inspiration from to hang all the

injustice and pain on that name were it not from the experience of the son of God who was rejected by all but responded only with love? The world of His time asked so many wicked questions from Jesus through those who surrounded his cross. “Save thyself;” “Let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down” (Mk 15:36); “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself” (Lk.23:37); and Are you not the Messiah, save yourself and us” (Lk.23:29). Jesus answered with expressions that have the power to save, even today. “Father forgive them; they do not know what they are doing” (Lk. 23:24); “I tell you this day you shall be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23: 43); “My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me? (Matt. 27:46). All seven of such expressions from Jesus portrayed His faith in God, His desire for the forgiveness of man and the recovery of the sinner. Our fragmented world, communities, families and relationships needing healing and repair will greatly benefit from the application of this therapy of love. Homecoming of the great Alleluia Believers in Christ are thus called to live “Alleluia” lives. Found in the psalms, Alleluia is an acclamation of jubilation, found in the psalms, a joyful response used on festive occasions. Its understanding grew to become a foretaste of the elect’s eternal gladness. The Church, from old times, suppressed its use during the Lenten period and at funerals until the Easter vigil, when it came back home, joyfully proclaimed and sung as the great Alleluia. Saint Augustine, one of the early Church fathers, once said: “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our cry.” I think we all ought to let the world feel that.

Blessing blockers Insight Rev.

Femi Akinola

www.thehebrewsng.com

01-790 3163; 0808 584 5864

“A

nd it shall come to pass, if thou shalt... observe and do all his commandments which I command thee this day,…all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee. But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken …to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes… all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee.” (Deut 28:1-2, 15) The Lord opened my eyes to see that there are great people, whom God wants to move forward to the next level but are resisting and ‘wish’ to remain on the spot. He wants to make them men and women of influence but the enemy is keeping them down. It is, however, necessary for you to know why the enemy is preventing you from moving to where God wants you to be. What are Blessings? The men of old, Esau and Jacob, understood the meaning of blessings (Gen 27:34-36; 32:24-26). To bless is to invoke divine favour upon a person; to confer wellbeing or prosperity upon an individual. Blessings are words charged with supernatural power and authority for good and to excel; hence, blessings

come from God. A man is either enjoying blessings or enduring curses (Deut. 28:1-3). Blessing is a force which works positively for an individual; it is a direct contrast of what is popularly referred to as ‘bad luck.’ Blessing is a positive energy originated through verbal pronouncement. It means enjoying an open heaven in spite or in the midst of dryness. It is being a terror to the forces of darkness; being blessed simply means the prince locating his horse and riding on it. It is getting to the top and remaining at the top; it is the removal of the ceiling that the enemy has placed upon one’s life. Blessing is when you complete the good projects you lay your hands on; it is becoming a stranger to failure and confusion, it is fulfilling your destiny in spite of all the odds and attacks from the enemies. Like I earlier mentioned, it is the direct opposite of curses. Blessing is a supernatural phenomenon and this is the reason a child bombarded with parental blessings, for instance, will often excel in life. It is therefore a tragedy for you to allow anything to block your blessings. The Bible says in Songs 2:15; “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” There is a need for us to be mindful of those seemingly negligible things which are capable of blocking or robbing one of blessings. Some of these are; Ä Disobedience (Deut 28:1): Being disobedient is the pathway to curses while obedience is the pathway to blessings. Isaiah 1:19 says, ‘If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.’ The more you obey God, the more He releases His blessings on you. Many are the architect of their destiny simply

by reason of disobedience. Ä Anger: When you allow anger to rule your life you have ignorantly closed the door against your blessing. Though subtle yet destructive, the root of murder is anger. Perhaps, you are holding grudge or keeping malice against somebody and you claim you are worshiping or serving God, listen, it is all deception which is even capable of attracting curses into your life. Anger is the gateman at the door, once you get angry, anger will only open the door of your life. Ä Refusal to Reconcile (Matt 5:23 -24): ‘Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.’ This is the reason many have given but are not blessed. You must be ready to forgive and reconcile, else, you can’t be blessed. Go and apologise to the person you have offended. If you are shy, send a message; ensure you settle your ‘debt.’ The Bible says, ‘owe no man.’ Stop blocking your blessing. You claim to be married, meanwhile you are yet to pay your spouse’s bride price; you have not done the engagement or court marriage. You are both fornicators and you are blocking your blessing, in fact, you are living your life under a curse. Go and restitute and return what you stole. Ä Impurity in Heart: Purity is a must before God; evil thoughts are just as evil as the actions that result from them. It is true that Satan can fire an arrow of evil thought into our hearts, and this is why you must prayerfully guard your heart and disconnect yourself from any

book, material or thing that tends to contaminate your heart or thoughts. If by the time God is about visiting you with blessing and you’re found impure, then you are bound to miss your blessings. Ä Untruthfulness (James 5:12): ‘…but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.’ You must learn to speak the truth at all times and at all cost. Every form of deceit, lying, etc, are little foxes which are capable of destroying a vine that has been cultured and built for years. Ä Spirit of Retaliation (Rom 12:19): ‘… avenge not yourselves …for it is written, Vengeance is mine…saith the Lord.’ Leave vengeance to God. Ä Pride (James 4:6): ‘…God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.’ Pride it was that made Lucifer lose his position in heaven. God is personally interested in frustrating and dealing with the proud. When you have a feeling of being superior to others, God looks at you from afar. Ä Envy / Jealousy: You are always saddened by the success and progress of others. You feel the happiness, joy, privileges or successes of others should be yours instead and this steers up envy in you. This further births hatred. You have successfully hindered your pathway to being blessed. For you to be sure you are not blocking or turning away your own blessings, you must first locate what is that thing in your life that is capable of blocking your blessings after which you take it to God in prayers. If only you ask God, He is willing and able to help you desist from your old ways and help you remove those little foxes that spoil your vine of blessing.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

God shall give you a second chance Mystery ofAnxiety Bishop

John Ogbansiegbe

0803 341 6327

he word of God declared, “I returned and saw under the sun, that the race is not for the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor riches to the man of understanding, nor yet the favour to men of skill; but time and chances happeneth to them all,” – Ecclesiastics 9:11. A chance is that which happens fortuitously. It means an unexpected fortune, risk or an event which may be negative or positive. It is also an opportunity or possibility of an event. The word ‘chance’ in Hebrew language is called ‘PEGA’ which means a sudden unexpected event. Another chance can be a second, third or even a forth chance. We are serving a God of a second chance and an over- merciful God who gives His children multiple opportunities to rise again when they fall. May be you failed in one area or the other last year, maybe there is something you are regretting the way you did it . Maybe you have been praying for a resurrection, tell-

ing God to give you another chance. God shall give you another chance in Jesus name. He shall give you another chance in business, another chance in marriage, another chance in that examination, another chance for a lucrative job, another chance for conception, another chance for promotion, another chance for sound health, another chance for international breakthrough, another chance to lifted, projected, manifested and celebrated. God shall give you another chance to do that which you could not do in a better way. He shall give you another chance to correct all your mistakes. He shall give you another chance to redress every erroneous move which you made in the past in the name of Jesus. Hard work is good; but procuring profitable opportunities and open doors come from God. Where you get to in life is not determined by how good or how qualified you are. But your attainment in life is predicated on two factors which are: (A) the favour of God which is blessings not merited or laboured for; (B) being at the right place at the right time. It must be noted that you can be at the right place at the right time, only when you are led by the Spirit of God. A new chance is coming your way. As you are reading this article now,

I do not know many opportunities or chances you have missed in the past, which is bordering you and giving you sleepless nights. Maybe right now, even as you are reading this message, you are battling with many trials, problems and challenges of life

a new favour shall come your way. New glories, new connections, new positions, new possessions and new miracles shall locate you as you are reading this message now in the name of Jesus Christ. This was why the word of God declared, “I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth, shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert,” Isaiah 43:19. God will truly do something new for you; something surprising, something exciting, and something better than the former. A new thing is that which will make the former old. God will do for you something that nobody can do for you something that will catapult you to the next level of your life, something that will put a testimony in your mouth in the name of Jesus Christ.

Faith

You shall rise again, and God shall give you another chance. Because he shall give you another, your defeat in the past shall be turned to victory. Your failure in the past shall be turned to success. Your mistake in the past shall be turned to perfection. Your frustrations in the past shall be turned to favour. Your poverties of the past shall be turned to wealth, riches and prosperity. Your darkness of the past shall be turned to light. God will do for you something you cannot do for yourself, something you cannot explain how it happened. Yea, something that will put you on the hallelujah side. This is why the word of God declared, “But as it is written, eyes hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have it entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him,” 1Corenthians 2:9. I do not know many opportunities or chances you have missed in the past, which is bordering you and giving you sleepless nights. Maybe right now, even as you are reading this message, you are battling with many trials, problems and challenges of life. He did it for you before and He shall do it for you again. We are not serving a dead God; we are serving a living God. The bible said, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever,” Hebrew 13:8. The word of God also said, “He shall deliver thee in six troubles; ye, in seven, there shall no evil touch thee,” Job5:19.

Facts and fallacies of Easter (Part 2) the of

Oracles God

Frank Oboden Olomukoro frankolomukoro@yahoo.com

0703 362 1866

n the subject of Easter, we are confronted by the facts (scriptural position) and the FALLACIES (the traditions of the church). The facts of the scriptures represent the Spirit of Truth (Christ) while the fallacies of church traditions represent the Spirit of Error (Devil). Truth will give life because of the potency and power to transform the hearer by the Word of God. (John 6:63) But fallacy will give death because the traditions of men (mixture of the word of God and dogma) make the Word of God of none effect (Mark 7:13). We must therefore in this last days scrutinise and x-ray every doctrine and belief; otherwise we will be vulnerable to these traditions of men (1 John 4:1). Could it be that Christians are being slowly conditioned to accept the compelling, pervasive and permissive traditions around us without our even knowing it? Yes, Christmas, Easter Sunday, Good Friday are perceived to be Christian feasts but a closer study indicates that they are mere church traditions foisted on the world to be celebrated annually. But what says the Bible? THE BASIC DIFFERENCE. You must realise that there are really only two powers in all the universe. All the differences between beliefs and differences between religions and all the rest of the little minor doctrinal differences are

connected with one or the other of those powers - the powers of God and Satan’s power. The power of life and the power of death. Death is only a perversion of life; a lie is only the truth mis-told; adultery is a righteous act mis-used. Everything Satan has is something that was perverted, that is power. Christmas is a perversion of the actual birth of Jesus Christ while Easter is a perversion of His death and resurrection. The basic difference between the Roman Catholic approach to Christianity and the general Biblical Protestant view should be explained. Roman Catholic doctrines have been based partly on Scripture, partly on traditions and ideas handed down by church fathers and partly on beliefs borrowed from paganism if these beliefs could be Christianised. Concepts from all of these sources have been mixed together, developed and finally made into dogmas at various Catholic councils over the centuries. But the view that Protestant Reformations sought to revive as a standpoint was a return to the actual scriptures as a more sound basis for doctrine; with little or no emphasis on ideas that developed later. The fact remains that sincerity is not a test of Christianity. God’s work must be done God’s way. When we can’t tell the difference between scriptural truth and church traditions and when the Apostles’ doctrines are being substituted for church creeds and dogmas as same, then it’s time to stop and ask ourselves a very important question: who is really being worshipped? In the practice of religion, when divine guidance is by-passed, then Christian orthodoxy and devotion are left totally vulnerable to the manipulations of corporate profiteers. Subsequently, being

spiritual and being led of the Holy Spirit cannot always be looked upon synonymously. God moves by His Spirit, not by theology and church traditions. By the third and fourth centuries, however, what was known as the ‘church’ had in many ways departed from the original faith, falling into the apostasy about which the apostles had warned: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of” (2 Peter 2:1-3). When the falling away came, much paganism was mixed with Christianity. Unconverted pagans were taken into the church and in numerous instances were allowed to continue many of their pagan rites and customs – usually with a few reservations or changes to make their beliefs appear more similar to Christian doctrines. The Assumption of Church Fathers The reason for the mixture of Christianity and paganism is not far-fetched. Catholic scholars (drawing from the Catholic Encyclopedia) know and recognise that there are customs within their church which were borrowed from paganism. But they reason that many things, though originally pagan, can be Christianised. If some pagan tribe observed 40 days in honour of a pagan god, why should we not do the same, only in honour of Christ? That is logic and not scripture. This was how the 40 days Lenten fast evolved. It was actually an adoption into the church from the pagan practice and belief to

commemorate the fallacy of the death and resurrection of Tammuz or Nimrod as he is well known. It is not of Apostolic Institution which certainly had no scriptural claim to be so regarded except that the pope in the sixth century officially ordered the observance of lent, calling it a ‘Sacred fast.’ This Lenten fast has spread itself out over the Pentecostal denominations who now engage their adherents in as much as 100 days fast annually. Though pagans worshipped the sun towards the east, could we not have sunrise services to honour the resurrection of Christ, even though this was not the time of day he rose? “With feigned words … many shall follow their pernicious ways” (2Peter 2:2-3). True, the pagan worship of the sun towards the east dates as far back as Babel. It is a practice that infiltrated the Sanctuary of God in Judaism in the time of Prophet Ezekiel. “Then He brought me to the door of the gate of the LORD’S house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz (Nimrod). And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD’S house and behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east: and they worshipped the sun toward the east” (Ezekiel 8:14-16). The dogma of painting eggs was used by pagans, and the Catholics postulate: “Can’t we continue its use and pretend it symbolised the large rock that was in front of the tomb?” In other words, why not adopt all kinds of popular customs, only instead of using them to honour pagan gods, as the heathen did, use them to honour Christ?

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

Faith

The eyes of grace (2) Taming your Emotions Bishop

Lawrence Osagie 0806 325 0667 www.powerlineministriesinc.org mail:powerlineministries@mail.com

he grace of God is not looking for what you can bring to the table or what you can offer. Samuel was sent to the house of Jesse to go and anoint somebody a king. Many were in that house that felt the grace was upon them. They felt that they were the owner of the crown by virtue of their position in the family. Their father Jesse also felt so and had lined them up in that direction for the coronation of the first king of Israel. Their countenance was prepared. Their statures were ready, and their apparels were tailor-made waiting for the uncommon grace of God – the favour of God that leads to enthronement. They were seated waiting. But you see, God had somebody in mind to enthrone. The eyes of grace see differently from the eyes of men. Samuel went to the house of Jesse everyone began to file out. Everybody that felt that they were the owners of the day came ready; but as ready as they were not God’s choice. I don’t know who is contesting

with you for that position. Because the grace of God is upon you; every opposition, every contestant will hide their face in shame at your emergence. The first one came, God said: “No. This favour does not belong to you, so stay aside.” Look some of you do not know what spiritual favour is all about Whatever is going to beautify your life Satan will fight for and he is never a fair fighter, he fights rough and he fights long. Whatever it is that will make you laugh and smile the enemy will fight for it. The worst thing you can do to yourself is to give up along the way. When you give up even God cannot help you anymore. The first one came and the Lord said this throne is not for you; the second one and on and on till the last one. And after they had exhausted themselves, just like your enemies have exhausted themselves now. They have all appeared and none of them is qualified for the throne – the leadership of Israel. They were all rejected. And the man of God said to their father, (Jesse) are these all your children. There is got to be one left because the favour does not fit the heads of these ones. It is my prayer for you that the crown of favour that is set for you will not fit another in Jesus name. Jesse said there is one but not here and the prophet said let no one sit until he comes. What a necessity and urgency! The stone the builder rejected is always ending up as the chief corner stone. I

Look some of you do not know what spiritual favour is all about Whatever is going to beautify your life Satan will fight for and he is never a fair fighter, he fights rough and he fights long don’t know what you have suffered in your family but God is going to use you as the helper of your family. At the end of the day, the one nobody thought of became the perfect choice of God – his name is David, though the youngest but the choice of God. The rest is history. Look at the man we all acclaim is the father of faith. I mean Abraham, the friend of God. Certainly, he may not be the only righteous one in his village, but grace found him. The father of faith, Abraham, was the same man that denied his wife twice because he was afraid. But the eyes of grace saw him as the father of faith. Because God looks on the heart and see what man cannot see. In the book of Romans 4, the scripture says, “He staggered not in faith, but he hoped against hope,” that was his testimony as recorded in the holy book. The father of faith was the father of Isaac, and also the father

of Ishmael, yet grace bestowed him the generational blessing of today’s Christianity. It does not matter how you saw Abraham, he was the choice of God. God was not looking at his weak side; God was looking at what he wanted from him, and he got. Today, the life of the father of faith is also affecting the world in such a negative manner, but that does not erase what God had spoken about him. In the Middle East, 99 percent of land mass belongs to Ishmael – where you talk about Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan: these are all the descendants of Ishmael and you can imagine the trouble these nations are melting on today’s Christendom. Look at the story of Moses and you will find what grace can do in the life of a man. Moses was as a child nit meant to live because he was born a Hebrew lad according to the wicked law of the Pharaoh of Egypt. Many children of his generation were slaughtered at birth but his parents decided to hide him considering that he was a good looking boy. The brightness of the vision of God upon his life radiated glory that no one dared kill him even when he was kept at the seashore. Grace kept Moses alive. If this message has blessed your life, you can get more at the Powerline Bible church. We invite you worship with us at powerline Bible church glass house, Odolowu Bus Stop, ijeshatedo, along Mile2- Oshodi Expressway, Lagos.

Bishop seeks support for Buhari

STANLEY IHEDIGBO ishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Lagos North Diocese, Rt. Rev. Olu Akinola, has advised Nigerians to corporate with Presidentelect Muhammadu Buhari, and give him time to perform. Speaking at the church’s auditorium on Easter Sunday, the bishop urged Nigerians to give him time to deal with the tasks at hand, cooperate with and pray for him so that under his leadership, the country would enjoy peace and progress. According to him, no leader succeeds without the corporation of his people. “Anybody who goes against the leaders goes against God. Whatsoever religion anybody in the country belongs to, immediately the person is in a position of leadership, people should cooperate with the person because God knows why and how He put the person in that position of leadership. “We want to thank God for restoring peace o our country, Nigeria; not only before the elections but after the elections. We still believed that God who took control of last Saturday’s (March 28) elections will still take control of this one (April 11),” he said. The cleric added that the resurrection message of the Lord Jesus Christ was not just for hope but for joy, peace and security, so any message that would not take His resurrection into consideration is in vain. Also, General Overseer of the Sanctuary of Grace Assembly, Prophet Noah Nnaji, told Sunday Telegraph that it was important for everyone to recognise the fact that the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ brought life to mankind. He added that without the death of Jesus Christ, there would not be salvation of souls.

Bishop of Lagos North , Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Olu Akinola , with his diocese ministers at an event in Agege cathedral recently .

General Overseer of the House of Grace Mission International, Lagos, Bishop (Dr.) MacDavid David, said that when Mary Magdalene and others went to the tomb to anoint Jesus, they wondered about who rolled the rock that was used to shut the grave of Jesus Christ. “Our Lord Jesus Christ came to save the lost and He came to bring life and destroy the works of Satan. Nigerians should embrace holiness and live in peace. God has a purpose for us and that is why we are a big country,” he said. Rev. Ejim Chukwu of the Church of Christ Circuit, Lagos North Diocese, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Oshodi described Easter as a season for Christians to examine their lives and lead humble lives as the

Lord Jesus Christ humbled himself to death. He stated that what Christ did for the people should bring about humility in the lives of Christians. “We must learn a lot in this period as the Easter taught us that Jesus humbled Himself to die. This should encourage us to devote to serve others and make sacrifices for others to benefit from,” He said. He said the presidential election was peaceful because of divine intervention and God’s love for the country. “I wish Nigerians a good season and pray for peace. What Christ did for us is significant for this country which is the peaceful election of their leaders,” he said. P astor in Charge of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Ejigbo branch, Lagos, Rev.

Segun Akingbuwa, said that Easter was about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. He said every Christian should appreciate the price Jesus paid on the cross of Calvary. An American international gospel singer, Evangelist Nikkie Ettaj, said the true meaning of Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “It is not about Easter bunnies or Easter eggs. It is about a Saviour who gave His life for us to have eternal life. It is about the greatest sacrifice Jesus gave of Himself for us whom He already knew would make mistakes. Just as Jesus gave His life and resurrected, you can give your life to Him and be resurrected from all the dead things in your life,” she submitted.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

Faith

Pastor develops mobile educational app Tai Anyanwu

belgium-based Nigerian pastor, Mike Chuks Nwanegbo, who is also the National Coordinator of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Belgium Mission, has developed a mobile application known as Nkuzi Mobile App. Nwanegbo, who is also a member of the board of The International School of Flander, Waterloo, Brussels, one of the leading international schools in Belgium, said: “Nkuzi Mobile App is Africa’s number one students educational resource mobile app on android platform, aimed at helping students to pass their examinations with ease.” Explaining the rationale behind the development of the application, the cleric said: “The idea is to make available past questions of GCE, JAMB, NECO and others to students through the mobile phone. Instead of students playing games on their mobile phones, they can now download

Pastor Chucks Nwanogbo

Nkuzi mobile app for free. Once downloaded, the student can choose a subject and the app will present questions and answers by simply clicking a button ‘Get answer’.” He noted that lots of students spend their time playing games on their mobile phones instead of paying attention to their studies. “So, I was moved to take their studies to them on their mobile world and this is a gift to the students in the land of my nativity,” he said. The cleric stated that Nkuzi website could offer students other free services such as class work support, students forum, chat room and student counselling forum. He added: “Nkuzi has developed another app for ladies called ‘Women’s World.’ This app helps a woman to calculate her menstrual cycle, when to expect her period, and possibly get pregnant and also her safe period.”

Archbishop to Buhari: Reduce cost of governance

Clerics shouldn’t endorse candidates, says Para-Mallam CO NT INU ED F R O M PAGE 31

on the context. It should come to no one as a surprise when last month the leader of Nigeria’s Boko Haram pledged allegiance to ISIL. What started from Nigeria as Boko Haram attacking Christian students has now moved to Kenya by Al-Shabaab. But we should not lose heart. I personally believe very strongly that God has the final say regarding peace and security for not only students in our universities and colleges but in the larger Nigerian and African society. Were you impressed with the gale of endorsements of candidates by clerics in the recent elections? I was not impressed by such endorsements in the Christian community. But it is not harmful for the church to have ideological political preferences. The church is free to have a mind of her own when it comes to political leanings. However, the church in a sense is not the architectural structure which is visible. Rather, the church consists of members who most times, vote based on their political persuasion. To use the pulpit to canvass for votes for a particular politician or a political party is wrong. Just as it is wrong for the Christian community to do this, so also, it is wrong for the Muslim community to do same. Without Nigeria as a single entity there will be no Muslims or Christians in Nigeria. It is high time whether Christians or Muslims that we join hands and work for the unity and survival of Nigeria than pursuing our narrow parochial political interests through the church or mosque. This has more or less brought hardship to Nigeria as a nation. I do not support such endorsements either from the Christian or Muslim community. The interest of Nigeria should come first. Let’s call a spade a spade thereby sparing the younger generation needless headaches in future. Church elders/leaders and Muslim elders/leaders of today are beginning to be perceived as bad parents. As a Christian elder and leader, I share in the blame and it is high time we repented and charted a different course. Should religion play any role in Nigerian politics especially in choosing who governs them? To be honest, I am simply sick and tired of the negative influence of religion in our politics. It may well be possible that the lure for money is responsible for the poisonous role of religion in our politics. Money has a magnetic attraction to both

Let’s call a spade a spade thereby sparing the younger generation needless headaches in future religions in Nigeria. Money has turned many pastors and Imams into political campaign managers of several candidates in our elections. This is religious and political pitfall. The first point of liberation for any person is coming to terms with one self, the same principle applies to nations. We must come to terms with ourselves and collectively say no to the role of money and religion in our politics whether as Christians, Muslims, pagans or atheists. Finally, on the Church, Politics and the State, there is need for a paradigm shift. A personal friend and a very senior Church leader in the US shared this in an email to a few of us around the world. He says: “As the (USA) 2016 presidential race gets underway, I am reminded that evangelicals must stop trying to reclaim ‘Christian America’ and start thinking about the reevangelisation of the secular West. For decades many evangelicals have assumed that electing Republicans would enable us to have our way with the courts and our culture. Evangelicals have willingly been “had” as a voting bloc. But we have precious little to show for it. The so-called “culture wars” were an ill-advised approach to our mission in society, and we must acknowledge that we have lost badly. The church is now spoken of dismissively, clergy are often mocked in the media, and the Bible is spoken of as a book of bigotry.” For me, neither Christians nor Muslims should encourage this tendency. I think the young people will eventually break free from this old narrative of politicking. They are showing more and more where they interest lies: electing the right leaders, holding them accountable. They either perform or be booted out of office. This is the future we all so desire for Nigeria. What would you consider to be the significance of Easter in the season of elections? Easter could not have come at a better time in the life and history of Nigeria. To have a new president-elect for Nigeria, announced on the eve of Easter in celebration of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ means a great sign of good things to come for Nigeria and I believe by extension Africa. To me, this particular Easter represents a new beginning for Nigeria. Nigeria shall rise again! PresidentElect Muhammadu Buhari should count

himself fortunate. He needs to remember that real power belongs to God. I urge him to provide a God-fearing leadership which will serve the needs of all Nigerians. President Goodluck Jonathan in conceding defeat has demonstrated a rare leadership principle of stooping to conquer. It is Christ-like, it is Biblical. It is the spirit of Easter. Gen. Buhari has also reached out with a hand of friendship and reconciliation to President Jonathan. This is the true spirit of Easter. Politics should be approached with the spirit of sportsmanship. Easter is about love and forgiveness – God through Jesus Christ, reconciling men and women to Himself. Would you say that Africa is rising and transforming through the ballot box? With all its shortcomings, democracy remains the best representative form of government in the world today. The ballot box has played a key role in helping Africa move away from military dictatorships which once held sway in Africa, to democratic governments. Africa today is truly changing, transforming and rising!!! The future is bright for Africa and the 21st century is Africa’s moment to shine and become a big player in the international community. The more representatives our governments become, the less marginalized people feel and the chances of peace are more likely. With peace on the continent, the African narrative of war, famine, violence, disease and poverty is changing to economic prosperity. Currently, the average economic growth rate of African countries stands at 4-5% annually. IFES is working to promote University Dialogue and Peace Forums – UDPFs. The presidential election has come and gone. What are you expectations from the president-elect? Nigerians voted for change and they will expect nothing short of real change from where we are today as a nation, moving forward. some of the issues l hope to see changes in are: fixing corruption, unemployment, especially youth unemployment, (the World Bank put the general figures at 22% with youth unemployment at about 38%), poverty, insecurity and insurgency, the need for good governance and a government that is accountable to the people, revitalising an educational sector currently at its lowest downward slide, sustaining the current economic growth rate of 7% which is now being threatened by falling oil prices, power outages, the role of moneybags in our democracy, stealing from the public purse reigns with impunity and many more.

Adebayo Akinde

rchbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Bishop, Lagos Mainland, Most Rev. Adebayo Dada Akinde, has called on President-elect Muhammadu Buhari to reduce the cost of governance at all levels. The archbishop, who spoke to journalists shortly after his Easter message on Sunday, noted that the cost of governance is becoming ridiculous in a developing country like Nigeria. While calling on political office-holders to make sacrifices for coming generations, Akinde warned that on no account should they raise the nation’s debt profile. He also reminded politicians to bear in mind that the country is greater than anyone and as such its unity cannot be compromised. “There must be love for one another. The unity of this country cannot and should not be compromised. All those seeking to divide Nigeria should desist, in their own interest. God is set to do great things and no one can stop Him,” he said. The cleric described Easter as victory of God over Satan, saying it is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the foundation upon which the Christian faith stands and therefore implies the victory of good over evil. “My message is the message of the Bible and the message is that anyone who puts his trust in God will have victory over the vicissitudes of life, victory over ancestral curses, victory over doubt, victory over fears and victory over other forms of darkness. “God is set to do something new in this country, as we expect a new government. We are using the opportunity to call on every Nigerian to learn and of course, put into practice the example of sacrifice as exemplified by our Lord Jesus. Everyone must be prepared to make sacrifices for coming generations. “The president-elect and others who are coming in, should be holy as God is holy. Let them lead holy lives and work for the interest of Nigerians,” Akinde said.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

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Experiencing the wonders of praise! (2) The Voice of Dominion by

Bishop David Oyedepo

7747546-8 (SMS only)

ast week, I told you that there is wonder-working power in praise. When you praise God, you are expressing your approval and commendation to God for His faithfulness in your life, and in the lives of others. So, praise is part of our worship of God. I am talking about the type of praise that follows you to your closet.

Also, I tried to explain what a wonder is. I said a wonder is something that makes you to wonder. Apart from that, I listed what happens when we praise God. This week, I will be teaching on how Praise Facilitates Fulfilment Of Prophecies. Recognise that praise is not spiritual entertainment; it is a weapon of warfare. To be ‘praiseless’ is to be helpless. Praise is God’s spiritual habitat. To be ‘praiseless’ is to be powerless (Romans 8:31). It takes praise to have God with you. No matter how hard we pray, if we don’t praise God, there won’t answers to our prayers. Praise is not a stop-gap item of any church; it is a vital spiritual force that provokes divine intervention. Recognise that only the hand of God can fulfil the plans and purpose of God (1 Kings 8:15, 23-24). Psalm 15:11 says: Who is

like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? God’s plan is according to His size. No human has capacity to have God’s plan fulfilled. For us to experience sudden changes in our lives, it will take God! Every prophetic declaration is beyond you to make happen. 1 Samuel 2:9 says: “He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.” It is impossible to see prophecies fulfilled in the energy of the flesh. There is no omnipotent man on the earth! 2 Kings 7:2 says: Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou

shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. Don’t mock prophecies or else you end up a mockery! All we need is to set ourselves for God to fulfil prophecies. Malachi 3:6 says: “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” Ours is to believe the prophetic Word and God is to perform! Praise is the practical proof of our faith. So, believe in God and believe also in His prophets (2 Chronicles 20:20; Luke 1:45). Think of it! God told me in September 1999 that the Tabernacle would be dedicated. Humanly, this was not possible. However, because it was believed, God’s integrity was provoked to deliver. We knew the cost of the Tabernacle when it was completed! Don’t let the devil negotiate your prophetic blessings for you. Whatever God speaks, it is His hands that perform. The Bible says: My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him (Psalm 62:5). When Judah was besieged by three nations, King Jehoshaphat did not know what to do. However, God instructed him: Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you (2 Chron. 20:17). How did they set themselves? The Bible says: And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORDset ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another. And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped (2 Chron. 20:22-24). God destroyed their enemies! The prophetic Word spoken into your life will only be fulfilled by your setting yourself in praise, to provoke God’s intervention. God is fearful in praises, doing wonders (Exodus 15:11). Whatever God has said concerning your life shall surely come to pass (Joshua 21:45). All you need is to set yourself in your praising God, for God to swing into intervention on your behalf! Glory To God! Friend, for praise to facilitate the fulfillment of prophecies in your life, you must be saved. This entails confessing your sins and accepting Jesus 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. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.

Life SUNDAY

SUNDAY APRIL12, 2015

Political killings set Rivers on edge

Amaechi

Emmanuel Masha

Port Harcourt

n the last few weeks in Rivers State, the killing of persons for political reasons has risen to the level that prevailed in the years before the Yar’Adua administration granted amnesty to militants in the Niger Delta. The near state of lawlessness in the state from 2003 to 2009 was understandable. Some of the militants laid siege to Port Harcourt and surrounding towns, and spread fear among residents. Many were kidnapped and were freed after huge ransoms had been collected for their release. Five years after the amnesty, the scale of killings in the state has become a serious source of concern to many. The problem really began in 2013 when some lawmakers in the state house of assembly decided to impeach Governor Chibuike Amaechi. The ensuing protests by his supporters and counter-action by Nyesom Wike, then minister of state for education, and the dust it raised throughout the state has not settled. It may not even settle after the April 11 governorship election. Prof. Otonti Nduka, the chairman, Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education, a non- governmental organisation, has condemned political killings in the state. He has also urged politicians to shun violence while pursuing their political ambitions. The killings in Rivers are politically-motivated, according to Justine Ijeoma, a Port Harcourt-based human rights activist. She said that all the killings in the state were being documented in order to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Executive Director of Human Rights Social Development Foundation, while expressing worry that the state had remained a flashpoint of political ‘horror’ since the return of democracy in 1999, accused politicians of setting the state on edge. According to her, all the documented crimes, the evidences and the suspects would be channelled to the International Criminal Court, for effective prosecution. Ijeomah said, “We are documenting the acts of violence in Rivers state because the level of political

That same evening, two others were also killed on Gada Street in Ogbunabali community. The victims were drinking when some gunmen alighted from their vehicle and started shooting

killings and all the killing that are going on in Rivers state is in an alarming state.” Speaking in the same vein, a Port Harcourtbased lawyer and human rights crusader, Jackson Assor, who has equally condemned the spate of election-related violence in the state, noted that it should not be seen as a do-or-die-affair. He said that politically-motivated killings in the state strongly demonstrate that some persons want to get power at all cost. “It is a shame that the youths are being used to perpetrate electoral violence yet they are the most vulnerable in a decadent society. We are obligated to vote wisely and in a manner that reflects our dreams for Africa’s largest democracy,” he noted. Three main places have emerged as ‘the killing fields,’ to show where most of the killings take place. They are Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Port Harcourt and Ogoni. The fourth is Abua/Odua Local Government Area. In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, with Omoku as the headquarters, no day passes without a case of shooting. It is either cultists are fighting a supremacy battle, or have been engaged by politicians to carry out one assignment or the other. In Omoku, on November 29, 2014, no fewer than 10 persons were killed and properties worth millions of naira destroyed after rival cult groups clashed. More

than 10 persons were also injured. One of the victims was a top politician in the area. According to eyewitnesses, Omoku, which plays host to some oil giants, was invaded by about 12 gunmen who shot sporadically from 2a.m on Saturday. They shot sporadically at people who were rudely awoken from sleep by the sound of firearms. On Friday, April, gunmen stormed Obirikom in the same local government area, killed nine persons and burnt a house belonging to Hon. Vincent Ogbagu, a state House of Assembly candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the April Governorship and House of Assembly elections. Obrikom hosts some major oil companies and has oil installations. Among those killed was Chief Christopher Adube and three of his children; his younger brother, lyke Ikechukwu; and his two gatemen. Two of his children, who were also shot, have been rushed to a hospital. In Port Harcourt, where there is noticeable tension between supporters of the PDP and APC, there are some routes that party supporters don’t ply for fear of being attacked. When the crisis started, there were cases of posters being torn. That was one of the main causes of trouble, according to the state police command, which made efforts to get the politicians and their supporters to enforce the peace pact they signed had failed. Two weeks ago, four persons were shot dead at a pub close to Amadi-Ama roundabout, in Port Harcourt. That same evening, two others were also killed on Gada Street in Ogbunabali community. The victims were drinking when some gunmen alighted from their vehicle and started shooting. In the Gada area incident, the two killed were eating at a local joint around 10p.m when gunmen stormed the place, and shot them. In the Ogoni area, the bitter politics in the area has caused a situation where attacks take place daily. Senator Magnus Abe, representing Rivers South East in the Senate, and Kadillo Kabari, the acting caretaker committee chairman of Gokana Local Government Area narrowly escaped death after armed youths attacked them. The APC has said that it has so far lost 56 members to political killings in Rivers State,

while about 150 others were victims of harassment. The APC Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who made the claim, noted: “We have lost 55 persons so far in the run-up to the elections. APC does not have the capacity or the will to frustrate elections. You all saw what happened in Rivers State during the last elections. “If you did not see anything, at least you saw when the Returning Officer was asked to read the results, he could not because it was not written by him. Our party is a party that believes in the Rule of Law. They have the police, the DSS and INEC. They have these three groups which they are using to subvert democracy in Rivers State. Every day, they are killing our people and nobody is being held responsible.” But the PDP state chairman, Felix Obuah, claimed that Mohammed had misinformed the public in order to score cheap political points for his party. Obuah also alleged that Amaechi had made moves to ensure the release of detained criminals in order to use them as thugs during elections. Obuah said: “The PDP notes with surprise that the APC leaders and Governor Amaechi who have overtly carried out regular release of hardened criminals from prisons and detention in the state and have been ostensibly engaged as snipers and political mercenaries, trailing the APC political opponents, will turn around to blackmail law-abiding members of the PDP, linking them to alleged death cases in the state. “The PDP views such allegations by APC National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed and Mr. Dakuku Peterside, of the killing of APC members in Rivers State as flawed, unfounded and outright blackmail, stating that it should not surprise the public of the complicity of APC leaders in any death of its members, as it has failed to resolve many of its internal crises sparked by absence of internal democracy, greed and selfish disposition of the leaders as well as the fallout of the imposition of Dakuku Peterside, against Senator Magnus Abe, as the party’s governorship candidate.” Amaechi, during a condolence visit to the C O N T ’d O n PAG E 4 2

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

The Sunday Interview

NLC president to Buhari: Fix refineries, power Comrade Ayuba Wabba is the newly elected president of Nigeria Labour Congress. In this interview with YEKEEN NURUDEEN, he decries non-payment of workers’ salaries, urges President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to hit the ground running by addressing power problems, build more refineries and eradicate corruption On May 29, we shall be having a new government under the leadership of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). As the nation’s labour leader, what priority areas do you want the Buhari’s government to address? Well, the labour movement and even the larger public has high expectations from the incoming administration. These arose from the fact that we are facing a lot of challenges in our polity and our developmental strides. Essentially, as workers, we expect that we should have a shift especially in the way governance is being run. We expect that with his promise of trying to eliminate corruption, the issue of good governance should form the cardinal point of the administration. With good governance, you get a lot of things going too without necessarily knowing anybody in the system. On your merit, you can get employed which is not so in Nigeria today. You may have the best qualifications but when it comes to employment opportunities, if you don’t know anybody it would be difficult. In the years past, once you are qualified, you are employed without knowing anybody. Today, it is difficult because of lack of good governance. Secondly, before you get a contract in any Ministry here in Nigeria, you must either know somebody or you have other forms of connections. It doesn’t have to be so. And that is why the contracts are never executed the way they are prescribed. All of these are because of lack of good governance. Therefore, it is very important for the administration to start with the clean-up of the process and adopt international best practices in terms of good governance. Things have to be done perfectly; corruption should be eliminated and good governance put in place. Secondly, our major challenge in Nigeria is not being able to fix our very critical infrastructure; that is power generation and supply. I have said that severally because power is very key to the development of any society. Today, in Nigeria, our production capacity has been reduced substantially by more than half just because the most important ele-

ment in production which is power is not there. Therefore, I expect that in the next dispensation, he should take on this problem headlong to solve the power sector challenge. It is not a good omen for us that we have spent close to $40 billion on the power sector and yet the mega watts generated have not increased beyond what they used to be. It is a serious challenge and that is why most of our industries have packed up. You can’t talk of employment generation if the organised private sector has not gotten a favourable investment climate to be able to produce. That’s why most of our companies have folded up. You will recall the booming textile industry in those days across Lagos, Kano, Asaba and Kaduna. Today, they are no longer there and their major complaint is that there’s no power and that they cannot continue to operate on generators. What do you think that Buhari should do about the real sector – industry - to stop this relocation to Ghana and ensure they return? The only thing that need to be done is to put the critical infrastructures in place and the most critical of the infrastructures is power. Once we have power in place, I assure you that those good old days will return. Therefore, it is important for the incoming administration to look at this as a major priority. If we have so far spent over $40 billion and yet we couldn’t get desired results, something must be wrong somewhere. What went wrong? Is it that we were doing the right thing the wrong way? Or is it that we couldn’t get the issues right? This is what made the difference because we can only make impact if the very critical infrastructures are in place. Once you have them in place, I assure you, a lot of opportunities will then be opened and then there will be development.

still be revived? It could be revived because of the competitive nature of textile industry now. The fact that a lot of cheaper stuffs, are imported from China has also affected our market adversely. But go to Ghana and you will see that the textile industry there is still thriving. A lot of people still patronise Ghanamade textiles. I still maintain that it is possible for those textile factories to thrive because we have the population which is the market The whole of the West African market can be our market. Even our population, over 160 million is massive for our domestic needs and for export. We can make t h e whole of the West African subregion our focus and produce massively for them. It is possible if there’s the will and we give some concessions to those

Concerning the textile industry, do you think the industry can

Things have to be done perfectly; corruption should be eliminated and good governance put in place Wabba

companies to come back and be able to play their role of developing the production sector. It is only for us to get our acts right and ensure that there is favourable climate for those companies to thrive. That is the only way we can complement them to achieve what

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

The Sunday Interview they have in their manifesto- to create three million jobs annually. I think that looking forward, it is very important for us to look at our very critical sector and see how we can resume production and that is possible if the critical factor that is power is put in place. People will be willing to invest. Nigeria is the sixth largest producer of oil in the world, yet petroleum products are imported into the country. What do you think the President-elect can do turn around the petroleum industry? I think we are blessed because he has the experience and I think to a large extent, he also understands the problems because he had been a Petroleum Minister. He has the working knowledge of our major source of income - the petroleum industry. First, it is still an irony and I think it is a thing of concern to all of us that up till now, we could not have the capacity to refine even kerosene, Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and diesel as well as associated products to meet our domestic needs. It is a major setback to our economic development; it has been a source of fraud in the system. You remember the subsidy regime issues where a lot of funds in billions actually went down the drain and nobody could account for them. For him to achieve this, two issues must be addressed. First is the issue of corruption and also bring about fast and rapid development. There is the urgent need for him to ensure that the existing refineries are working and two, within the available time, he should build modern refineries which takes between two years to complete and let us have the capacity to refine products for our domestic needs. This will reduce the excess pressure on the foreign exchange because our major source of foreign exchange is the importation of finished products. Two, we are also exporting our jobs to other countries because if we are refining in Nigeria, it means we are creating jobs and then the chain of benefits continues. It should be a major priority. Venezuela is one of the oil producing countries that is just at the same place with Nigeria and they are producing for their domestic needs. It will also bring down the cost of the products. This is a major issue that his government needs to tackle. In fact, if they have prioritised their areas of engagement, they should reduce it to five: have critical infrastructure in place, then this issue of putting our refineries into full functional use, stop totally the importation for domestic needs. I think we will be on a higher pedestal of development because it would address a lot of challenges. So you are giving the president-elect five areas of priority? Yes and they are agriculture, power, having refining capacity in place, good governance and then address the issue of corruption and unemployment. Some of these things are inter-related. By the time you unleash the potentials in agriculture, you are creating jobs for the people. When you unleash the potentials in the power sector you are creating jobs already.

They are inter-related and by the time you are able to put all of these together I assure you we will be on a higher pedestal for development. So you are certainly going to re-negotiate? Certainly; the constitution provides for that and therefore, we would approach all the issues that are related to that. What kind of team are you expecting General Buhari to put in place in terms of technocrats, experts and the likes? Well, we expect that with the daunting challenges in the economy, polity and all spheres of our development, there is the need to have the best. He should look beyond his immediate constituency; that’s his party. He should look for people who can deliver because part of the problem of the present administration is the fact that some key officers in various places were not able to make impact as expected. They are not able to cope with the realities and challenges. Nigerians have a lot of expectations from the incoming government, so I expect him to assemble the best if he must deliver. What are the findings of the committee set up to know the situation in states that owe workers’ salaries? Essentially, the committee was set up because of the reports we received from our various state chapters that some states owe workers about five or six months salaries. We thought it was not a healthy development; we needed to authenticate those facts and also have a committee of members of National Administrative Council that would be able to interface with those employers to see how those challenges could be addressed. So essentially, it is still work in progress: the committee is still on the field. In some cases they will try to advocate and in some cases they need to also engage those states and governors with all expectations of getting them to pay those arrears of salary. In some states, local governments and even in the private sector, we have added the issue of casualisation to it. It is now a common practice that workers are over night converted to casuals because of the fact that their services are outsourced from one parent company to a subsidiary, just because they want to evade the payment of benefits and provide decent work agenda. We are working on that and the committee is working; we expect that they would be able to bring about the details and then we will be able to make a headway and ensure those issues are addressed. The report will be a basic platform to holistically mitigate the problem and once and for all address the challenge. Nigeria is facing serious economic crisis occasioned by the fall in the prices of crude oil at the international market. What’s NLC doing to address the situation? Recently, we had a meeting of National Administrative Council. We looked at these issues – the political environment, the economic challenges and also the fact that a lot of work needs to be done. My starting point is to give priority to some of these issues especially as they affect Nigerian workers. We have a lot of economic challenges. If the economic situation degenerates after the elections and government decides to lay off workers, what will NLC do? Certainly, this is a very serious challenge. In NLC, we pray it doesn’t happen; but if it happens, certainly we cannot fold our arms. First, you would realise that it will have multiplier

Wabba

effects on our society. For now, the employment market is already saturated, which has led to a lot of insecurity because youths that could not have anything to do are now being engaged in various activities that are not expected. As NLC, we are going to respond. That’s why I told you that we have proposed some intervention measures. The first is to engage those issues and engage the drivers of the process. Be fast enough, you don’t wait until something happens. If you are anticipating, you don’t wait until it happens before you now begin to cry foul. We want to be proactive by first recognising that there are challenges. I have read the budget and I have looked at its implications. If that budget is passed the way it is, we are going to have serious challenges. This is because even now that it is $78 per barrel, there are difficulties. Once it drops to $53 per barrel there are going to be more difficulties. So first, we are going to engage the process before we get to that bridge. Once we get to that bridge, certainly we need to sensitise our social partners. This is because the impact is not only going to be felt by the working class. Every worker has not less than 10 dependants. Somebody just left here now, he told me, as a worker, he has 15 dependants. He has children that have graduated for the past three years and are depending on him. He is the bread winner of the family and it cuts across all the segments of our society. Imagine if that bread winner that has 15 dependants loses his job? This is the issue and I’m sure you are wearing the same shoe. I’m sure there’s no Nigerian today that does not have dependants. It is a serious challenge that we must as a matter of necessity and in our best interest, not in the interest of anybody, that we must distribute resources in a proper form. If those at the bottom of the ladder feel that they are not secure and they can also not make ends meet, there will be problems. There will be social problems. So God forbid these social problems. This is what we are trying to avoid. Therefore, as a labour organisation, we are trying to look for alternatives. The only potent tool that labour has used over the years to make government honour its agreements is strike. Should we expect more strikes during your tenure? First, let me tell you that strike is only a means to addressing issues and strike

It is not a good omen that we have spent close to $40 billion on the power sector and yet the mega watts generated have not increased beyond what they used to be is like a matter of last resort. It is comes after you have dialogued and every other thing has failed. That is when you propose a strike. As a leader, I’ll not say my priority is just to go on strike because I want to do so. No, my priority is not just to go on strike because it also has its implications on the economy. My priority is how to use my skills as a labour leader to negotiate a better package, better economic advantage for the working class of Nigeria than to push them on strike and at the end of the day, they don’t get it. Strike comes as a last resort. Certainly, we would drive the process. But I think our option is can we get solution outside strike? Strike should be seen as a matter of last resort. If you cannot get any result at the end of the day as a leader or at our leadership level, we decide that in this circumstance all avenues for dialogue, reconciliation, arbitration have failed, we go into the issue of strike. Even when you declare a strike at the end of the day, you must come to write an agreement to say we have agreed on a number of issues. If we can agree ab initio before declaring such strike, I think it would be better for all of us. But if people would not agree until you proceed on strike before you do all those things, I think as leaders, those are weapons that are readily available to unionists and workers to use. Withdrawing your services is not criminal; it is your right as a worker. The difference between a worker and a slave is that a slave cannot withdraw his services. He works under bondage; he can’t withdraw his services. But as workers, globally, you have the right to withdraw your services to gain attention and to address the issues at stake. Those are time-tested industrial relations processes that are part of our laws and we drive them.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

We killed Indian manager over delayed salary –Suspects

Flora Onwudiwe wo former security guards at Trans African Fans Food Limited in Ajah, Lagos State have been arrested over the alleged murder of the operations manager, Indian-born Mr. Srivastava Shailesh Kumar. The company official was reportedly killed at 3.30a.m in his office while he was sleeping after working late into the morning of February 11. He had planned to work till the following day when the two guards allegedly forced their way into his office, murdered him and escaped with a small bag of money and other valuable items. The suspects thought that the operation manager had died from the stab wounds they inflicted on him but he somehow managed to reach out to his mobile phone and called the director of the company, a fellow Indian. He told the director that he had just been attacked by two men and was lying in a critical condition on the floor of his office. Thinking that the attack was carried out by armed robbers, the director in turn made several calls to officials of the company and they responded immediately. The Indian company had contracted the security of its premises to a private firm owned by a Nigerian (name withheld). The Nigerian employed four men, namely Adamu Umaru, Usman Mohammed, Umoru and Mohammed. But Umoru opted for a better job elsewhere where he receives N25,000 monthly. The factory guards were placed on the same salary of N17,000 monthly but as at the date of the incident, they had yet to be paid for January 2015. The private firm has a policy of paying their workers every 40 days, which elapsed on February 10. The following day, being February 11, the operation manager was killed in his office. Two of the guards, Usman and Mohammed, believed to have conspired to kill the Indian, were relatively new in Lagos. They were employed in December 2014, while Adamu Umaru, an older and more experienced guard, usually worked as a security man in a hotel at night and resumed every morning with Trans African Fans Foods Limited. In fact, he stood as surety for Mohammed before he was offered the security job. Usman and Mohammed told the police that the company had not paid them for the month of January 2015. Rather, Adamu had allegedly advised them to meet with the Chief Security Officer over the issue. The CSO then directed them to discuss with Kumar. Perhaps, not satisfied with the response from Kumar, the two security men broke into his office where he was sleeping and attacked him with a dagger. They allegedly sliced his throat, stabbed him in the stomach and escaped with his small briefcase filled with money and other valuable items. Upon receiving the call from Kumar, the company director alerted another Indian. He in turn called the security supervisor and told him that it appeared that armed robbers had invaded the company’s premises. The Indian arrived the premises at 4a.m and met the operation manager lying in a pool of blood. He quickly mobilised help and rushed Kumar to the General Hospital at Akodo. But the injured Indian was rejected by the hospital and he was transferred to St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos Island, where he eventually died on February 14. Meanwhile, the security supervisor had gone ahead to arrest the two sureties (Adamu and Ali) and took them to the Special

Lagos CP, Kayode Aderanti

Anti-Robbery Squad, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. But Adamu and Ali said they never stood surety for the murder suspects, adding that they only knew them. Ali said he was familiar with Usman as they both hailed from the same village in Kebbi State. SARS operatives contacted Ali’s family back home in Kebbi State and told them that their kinsman was being detained over the Indian’s murder. Ali’s family was given the assurance that he would be released if they could assist in apprehending Usman. As such, Ali’s kinsmen lay in wait for Usman and swiftly handed him over to the police when he was sighted in the village. SARS operatives left for Kebbi State and brought Usman back to Lagos where he confessed that he participated in the opera-

tion with Mohammed. He said they took the action based on Adamu’s advice. But Mohammed is said to be on the run. The 27 year old Usman Mohammed who hails from Arugungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State confessed: “I was a farmer in my village. I left farming because it is hard labour. I saw my mates who came back from Lagos looking better and with plenty money on them. That was how I left farming and relocated to Lagos last year. “Adamu assisted me to get employment with Trans African Fans Food Limited. My take home pay was N17,000. We were being paid on the 10th of every other month. On February 10, myself and Mohammed went to meet Adamu and told him that we had not been paid for the month of January. “He advised us to lodge our complaint

Life

with the operation manager. I don’t know whether Mohammed had any dangerous object on him. But he asked me to wait at the entrance of the door while he went into the office. I heard them struggling. I also heard the operation manager screaming. I tried to force myself into the office but the door was locked from inside. “Umaru gave Mohammed a bottle filled with liquid contents to rub on all parts of his body and said nothing would happen to him. Mohammed did as he said. “He came out with a small bag and counted N10,000 and gave me. He said that we should go and meet Adamu. The whole place was dark. I was with a torch with which I tried to trace Mohammed. I saw him washing his body stained with blood and I asked him what he had done. He did not respond but rather advised me to run away,” he said. Adamu Umaru aged 35 and from Galabande Local Government Area in Borno State said Umoru had left for his other place of work before Usman and Mohammed executed their evil plan. Umoru, whose family is in Borno State, said: “The Chief Security Officer called me and said that thieves had broken into the company. I searched everywhere but I did not see anybody. It is a contract job; we are paid our monthly salary every 41 days. “When they came to complain that they had not been paid, I called the CSO and informed him. He pleaded on the telephone that they should bear with him and that he would ensure we were paid. The same day I spoke with the CSO was the day they carried out the operation.” But Umaru denied ever giving any charm to Mohammed before they murdered Kumar. Umaru said: “The CSO came in the morning and asked after Mohammed and Usman. I told him that I had not seen both of them. This was because I thought it was armed robbers that took them away.”

Political killings set Rivers on edge CO N T I N U E D F R O M PAG E 3 9

family of Chief Adube in Obrikom, told the bereaved family that his administration would fish out the killers and prosecute them accordingly. “All those responsible for this bloody act will pay for it. This kind of killing of APC supporters has gone beyond political violence. Why should politicians go beyond politicking and try to take any body’s life? They will pay for this, I promise to fish out the culprits”, he assured. Wike at a recent rally alleged that the APC was plotting to postpone the state’s election, so that it will be conducted when Buhari would have been sworn-in. He has equally said that the PDP will never allow the APC to rig the election. Some observers have wondered why the police have been unable to stop the killing or even make serious arrests that would discourage more violence. One observer, who alleges police bias in the crisis rocking the state, argues that it is only the police that can bring the ongoing killings in the state to an end. The truth is that the police have taken some serious measures to stop the killings, including supervising three pacts between the leading political actors. On one occasion, the Assistant Inspector General, AIG Zone F, Tunde Ogunsakin directly supervised one of the pacts. But shortly after the politicians left

the Police officers mess venue of the meeting, killings resumed. On Wednesday April 8, 2015, the police in a last effort to ensure a peaceful election in the state, once again invited the leading contenders in the governorship election, and their top supporters. But surprisingly, what ought to be a peaceful event almost degenerated to a brawl as hell almost went loose. Despite the presence of the commissioner of Police, Hosea Kama, who was redeployed from Anambra State to specifically oversee a peaceful election in the state, the politicians used harsh words, and later made amend having realized their mistake. The APC chairman, Dr. Davies Ikanya had accused the INEC REC, Mrs Gesila Khan of working for the PDP, noting: “She has repeatedly turned down our request to verify the list of the ad-hoc staff. She has substituted 50 per cent of the original names with members of the PDP. At the presidential election, we did not see result sheets. How can there be peace when she has bluntly refused to listen to our complaints”, But Wike, who dismissed Ikanya’s allegation, equally alleged that he has information that the security agencies had concluded plans to collude with the APC to postpone the election, and conduct it after General Muhammadu Buhari, would have been sworn. “We are fully prepared for the election. If they like let them bring the chairman if APC to conduct the election, we will still win.”

The APC chairman had brought out a pink coloured paper, alleging it would be used for next Saturday’s election which showed that a PDP candidate to the House of Assembly won. But the CP urged the politicians to work on their supporters to be peaceful and lawabiding during the election, declaring that the security agencies will be involved in the massive deployment of troops in Rivers State before, during and after the election. He also warned hat anyone who attempts to foment trouble will be dealt with. He stressed: “Please tell all your supporters and followers to protect youth corpers. Ask your supporters to conduct themselves well. I urge you to guide against unguarded utterances. Murder is murder; any of your supporters who kills anyone will be never go scot free. Whoever commits murder will be arrested and prosecuted. “The security agencies will be very professional. If you have any complaint please fell free to contact any security officer. We will be impartial. We will be neutral. We will provide a level playing field for all candidates. We ask that you enjoin alk yor supporters to stay clear of criminality. “We are all brothers. Let’s us be able to shake hands after this election. Let us participate in this election without bitterness. Rivers State will remain after the election. Tribes will remain after the election. Please let us do anything that will bring shame to us.”

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

Timeless hats O

Vanessa Okwara nce perceived as a sign of distinction, promoting the idea of absolute elegance and setting the social classes apart, The hat has evolved to become a timeless accessory that fits men’s modern style and wardrobe today. Hats are comfortable, practical, and a good way to add a touch of personal style to your outfit. A high-quality hat is a fantastic addition to any man’s wardrobe. Hats complete an outfit by adding an effortless and inspired final touch. There are varieties of hats to choose from and it all depends on your outfit. There are hats that are strictly casual while some complement both formal and informal attires. Let’s have a look at the popular styles of men’s hat and how you can wear them. Fedora A Fedora is a felt hat with pinched sides and a lengthwise crease down the crown. That gives the front a roughly wedgelike shape, though it can be molded to the wearer’s taste. The wide, flexible brim is flat, with no constructed edge or curl, and can be bent up or down as the wearer pleases. Wear it with slim-fit cotton shirts, straight leg trousers and

lightweight blazers. Finish the look with suede brogues and circular sunglasses. The Flat Cap The Flat Cap is a rounded cap with a small stiff brim in front. It is made from wool and cotton, but most commonly it is created out of tweed, while the inside of the cap is usually lined with silk. Fit for a working environment but just as perfect when it comes to top a casual outfit. The flat cap can be worn with pretty much anything. Experiment with cotton shorts, slim-fit jeans, polo shirts, waist-coats and Oxford shirts and don’t forget the brogues or the boots. The Newsboy Cap. A casual-wear cap is similar in style to the flat cap. It has the same overall shape and stiff peak in front, but the body of the cap is rounder, fuller, and paneled with a button on top. Pair it with denim shirts, slim-fit trousers, jersey t-shirts and jeans and accent it with light scarves or mufflers The Baseball Cap. A baseball cap is a soft cap with a rounded crown and a stiff peak projecting in front. The front of the cap typically contains designs or logos of sports teams. The back of the cap may be ‘fitted’ to the

wearer’s head size or it may have a plastic or elastic adjuster so that it can be quickly adjusted to fit different wearers. The cap is often seen in everyday casual wear. You could wear it with everything in between casual trousers, jeans, cotton t-shirts and jackets, sneakers and suede boots. The Trilby Hat. A Trilby hat is a narrow-brimmed Fedora, sometimes described as a ‘crumpled’ Fedora. It has a shorter brim which is angled down at the front and slightly turned up at the back, as opposed to the Fedora’s wider brim which is also flatter. Wear it with cotton t-shirts, slim-fit shorts and espadrilles, or pair it with cotton suits and suede driving shoes. The Patrol Cap. The military-inspired cap comes as a perfect update to the baseball cap for the everyday wear. Also known as cadet or field cap, the patrol cap is a soft kepi with a stiff, rounded visor, and flat top. The Panama hat. Panama hats are lightcoloured, lightweight, and breathable. Associated with the seaside, the Panama hat is best complemented by light-weight suits, loafers and aviator sunglasses.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015

Body&Soul

Compatibility check list for the male

ave you ever witnessed the mating chase between the cock and the hen? The hen will run around in circles for a while trying to dodge the infuriating advances of the cock even though she may secretly enjoy the chase. She finally gets tired and succumbs to the cock’s superior male strength; only for the chase to end as quickly as it has begun as the excitement fizzles out. That is exactly what happens when men allow their testosterone to get the better of them without even waiting to find out if they are compatible with the woman or not. I know that the early days of a relationship can be exciting and confusing all at the same time. It’s easy to get caught up in your emotions and overlook some important red flags about your new love interest. If you are set out for a serious relationship, then sex should not be the only box on your check list for compatibility. Before you waste your time in a fruitless project, I want to make sure you know how to spot a woman who you are not compatible with. There’s nothing as frustrating as realising you have been wasting your time on a project that will not yield anything fruitful, right? Well, that is what happens when you enter into a relationship and play the ostrich by putting your head in the sand without taking time to decipher if you are compatible with your girlfriend or not, right from the onset. I know that for the guys, the initial chase of getting the girl to agree to your ‘manifesto’ makes the love tango much more interesting. There’s this popular

CONNECT NG vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com Igbo song back in the days that goes like this: “Me te onye di nma enyi maka olulu’’ (always enter into a relationship with someone you are compatible with; it might finally lead to marriage). In other words, do not waste your time cultivating a relationship that is heading nowhere in particular. Sex is truly a weapon of distraction especially when you allow its thoughts to consume you to the detriment of every other aspect of the relationship. When a man wants to get married and sets out to search for the ‘one’, then he should be ready to look beyond sex and take out time to observe other aspects of the relationship. There are always telltale signs that your relationship isn’t heading anywhere and discovering them from the beginning of the relationship would be profitable for you. Here are a few signs that she’s not ‘the one’. She doesn’t return your calls at all. Please, for your sake, take this as one of the major signs she’s not interested. It’s true some girls like persistent men, but they show some interests by calling you back at least or checking up on you. You don’t have anything in common.

You need to share some beliefs and interests or it’s not going to work out. Don’t let the thought of free sex mislead you into having a relationship with a girl you can’t even have meaningful conversations with. You find any single trait of hers extremely annoying. This is particularly important in the first few weeks of dating. If you notice something annoying in the beginning of the relationship, it’s only going to get worse over time. People do not change! She tries to change you. Maybe she constantly complains about your atti-

There are always telltale signs that your relationship isn’t heading anywhere and discovering them from the beginning of the relationship would be profitable for you

tude or your clothing, how you look or even the type of work you do. Or maybe the complaints are all coming from your end and you wish to change her looks because you just don’t find her attractive and every other thing about her. These are sure signs you are both not into each other at all. She talks about marriage or commitment and it makes you really uncomfortable. This means she’s looking for something you’re not actually interested in with her. You should be honest about this because it can be a problem for you later on. Even if you’re ‘not sure’ while she knows for certain can put a strain on the relationship and if you know, then don’t hang on to the relationship for your own selfish interest; you know it’s not fair to her, either. Your libidos don’t match. If you’re not interested in sex with her after the first weeks of meeting and the amber of the chase has gone off, it’s definitely a sign. If she’s not interested in sex with you, it’s also a sign. Sex isn’t everything, but if you two consistently don’t match, especially from the start, it’s probably not going to work out in the long run. And if you find yourself interested in sex with her and also with other girls then you are not really into this girl for a serious relationship and should consider ending the relationship. Imagine. You cannot imagine her being the mother of your children. Really down sit and think about it. This is one of the easiest ways to know if she is the kind of woman you want to spend the rest of your life with or not. •Send your views to the email above!

Massive failure of an educational institution

n the past, I always thought it was impossible to use the term ‘university’ and ‘stupidity’ in one sentence. I mean, we are talking about an institution of higher learning and moulding of some of the intelligent minds that will become leaders of tomorrow, right? Wrong. I can confirm that you can now refer to university policies that are nothing but the stuff of stupidity as that. Take for instance the University of Massachusetts. In February, it came up with a new university policy that excludes students from Iran taking courses in Chemistry, natural sciences and Engineering. The reason given is that it is in conformation with the US embargo on Iran for pursuing a nuclear power program. If, like me, you can’t get your head around the reasoning that is suppose to come from teachers of the leaders of tomorrow, then don’t feel bad; the statement makes absolutely no sense. I mean, can you imagine the racial undertone to such a policy? It practically accuses every Iranian of being a nuclear bomb maker and capable of taking the knowledge back home to use on their nuclear program. On the one hand, I want to feel happy that at least it recognises the fact that Iranian students are not trying to become illegal immigrants but the other side of me is just angry. For one, they are not the only university in North America offering the aforementioned courses and so any student rejected by the University of Massachusetts can just go to another university and apply with a high chance he would be taken, simple. What stops Iranian government employing an American or British Professor in the field for a university in

Iran to teach Iranians in Iran? Let us take it from another angle, if the policy was made to prevent the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction that fosters terrorism, then I have news for them; the makers of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) are not trained at universities, but in the backwaters of a local lab in any country that war can be

I am not here talking of some cosmetic buildings being commissioned and photo shoots of grinning minister or politician making unverified claims, I am talking about an intensive look at the entire curriculum of our education system from primary school to the university level

found. The ones at the university learn to be responsible with the invention. The ones who manufacture them for terrorism are reckless and care less for responsibility. The policy means nothing to them. I am happy that within the walls of the university, can be found people who actually have brains and using it. The student body rose with one voice to decry this policy for what it exactly is -racism. Certain professors within the school and the department have distanced themselves from the stand. I make bold to add that it is also a contravention of the UN Charter of rights that guarantees the right to education. This however, got me thinking; thinking deeply that is. What if, with Nigeria’s ongoing battle with home grown terrorists, that other countries in the world chose to exclude our students from their program, what options is there to the Nigerian student? How strong are our universities in providing quality science and engineering programs to Nigerians in order to sustain our economy from within? With incessant strike actions by university lecturers and dilapidated infrastructures, I am sure I don’t have to voice an answer to the

questions posed. As we are in the season of change and rebirth, it is my hope that the education system gets a thorough make over. I am not here talking of some cosmetic buildings being commissioned and photo shoots of grinning minister or politician making unverified claims, I am talking about an intensive look at the entire curriculum of our education system from primary school to the university level. I am talking about a clear and focused program of revamp that will see new standards set for instructors and students alike. It is a shame that as big a country as we are, we still rely on foreign universities to train our brightest citizens. If you don’t believe me, ask almost any notable and educated individual to show you their resume and you will hardly find someone without a qualification from Britain, America or Ghana. It is a shame on our student and a testament to the fact that it is failing. There are those, I am sure, who will defend Nigerian universities as rising to the challenge and making progress on the international scene, but which one of them is not private? I just checked Maclean’s rating of Nigerian universities and of the top 5 rated Nigerian university, four are private universities. It simply mean that if I want quality education, I have to pay exorbitant fees. The right to quality education needs to be a right available to all irrespective of the depth of their pockets. The incident at the University of Massachusetts is a wakeup call; though it is Iran today, it may be Nigeria tomorrow and the quicker our administrators begin to sort out our education sector, the better for us all. I don talk my own o.

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

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Fashola extols Dame @50 OGD

Gbenga Daniel celebrates

he immediate past governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Justus Daniel, must have been experiencing mixed feeling in recent times because of the turn of events he has been through some days back. As a former governor who is believed to have some level of political clout and a large base of followers in his state and beyond, he was expected to deliver his home state to President Goodluck Jonathan. Unfortunately, despite the high hopes, the pendulum did not swing in the favour of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party as the most coveted seat in the land has been conceded to the candidate of the opposition. Though Jonathan has conceded defeat, naturally, his camp, many of whom were hopeful of retaining power because of the effort they put into the presidential election, have yet to get over the shock of the defeat. In the middle of this, it was the time of the year when Daniel was born, but many had expected the birthday would be allowed to go unnoticed. For personal reasons, the birthday boy felt the election defeat should not deprive him of his joy. So, he decided to pull some strings. Sources in the know revealed to Celeb Lounge that to mark his 59th birthday, Otunba Daniel opted for a low key celebration. He invited close friends and associates to a get together at his Maryland, Lagos home to savour the joy of the day with him. It was further learnt that the party was given a political colouration with the presence of PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje. He was in attendance to felicitate with one of his own. Daniel, who is an engineer turned politician, had upon being unable to install a successor when he was bowing out of power in 2011, dumped PDP for Labour Party. With the state in the hands of the opposition, efforts were made by PDP to reconcile its members in Ogun State. This was the arrangement that made Daniel return to PDP.

Hon. Adeleye in agonising mood

ue to her background and limited access to liberating tools, many never envisaged that the daughter of a local automobile mechanic, Hadijat Kuburat Oladapo Adeleye, would ever become a rallying point. All the while, the lady had stuck to her passion, partisan politics, and when it was time to pay off, based on her steadfastness, commitment and her quest to improve the lot of her people, she was given all the support when she signified interest to go into the Ogun State House of Assembly. Her dream eventually came to pass. Getting into the law making chamber to represent Ifo Constituency, dark-skinned Hadijat, who was one of the few female law-

ith the sterling qualities she exudes, Dame Abimbola, the wife of the number one man in the Centre of Excellence, Lagos State, Governor Babatunde Fashola, is no doubt a woman that deserves to be respected and adored. With her status as the first lady of Lagos which makes her more visible, pronounced and in a way that gives her an edge over her counterparts, Dame Abimbola has remained a woman with no airs around her. She is cool headed, unassuming and humble. Dame Abimbola will readily pass for an example of a virtuous woman. On this note, it was only natural and expected that many would volunteer to go the whole hog to make her happy on not just any birthday, but her golden jubilee. But perhaps, for the electioneering period and her kind of person, the birthday anniversary was downplayed. In order not to let such a glorious day go unnoticed, a private dinner was put together for the ‘birthday girl.’ At the event to which only close allies and family members were invited, guests recalled their wonderful personal experiences with the first lady. The climax of it all was the turn of her ‘lover man hubby.’ The governor extoled the virtues of his wife as one whose level of perseverance, dedication, sense of duty and commitment has made their 21-year-old marriage a success.

makers in the assembly, became one of the most popular legislators. Her vocal nature would eventually give her genuine recognition in the state and beyond during the infamous G15 and G11 that rocked the assembly during the tenure of Otunba Gbenga Daniel as governor. In 2011, when many of her colleagues lost in their bid to move ahead politically, Hadija was able to defect to the Action Congress of Nigeria. Under CAN, she was able to return to the assembly. In the buildup to the 2015 elections, she made her calculations and left the party to return to PDP where she had put in to represent her federal constituency in the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, the Hon. Adeleye Tsunami that rocked the opposition in favour of APC in the state did not spare her. Hadija is said to have become so bitter since the elections were conducted. Celeb Lounge learnt that she did not cease to rain curses on her supposed supporters who allegedly collected her money, but turned their backs at the polls. Though unconfirmed, a different source said she collapsed when the results indicated she lost out. Celeb Lounge can, however, report that she’s been out of public glare.

Between Pastor Hon. Ikuforiji in a Odukoya and Banky-W frenzy

n Ilupeju, Lagos State sits the famous Fountain of Life Church founded by Pastor Taiwo and late Pastor Bimbo Odukoya. It became popular as a result of the singles seminars and other related programmes which the late co- founder of the church made the hallmark of the church. However, since Bimbo’s demise, her hubby has carried on well with the church. Penultimate Sunday, a scenario played out between the celebrity pastor and frontline Nigerian R & B singer, Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W. Pastor Odukoya was said to have mounted the pulpit during praise time when he spotted the Americanbred ‘Ebute Meta’ crooner. He put him on the spot when he asked that the microphone be passed to the artiste. Being Odukoya a secular musician, the congregation expected little or nothing from him but to the amusement of the congregation, the singer gave good account of himself as he rendered a few songs of praise.

he political pathway of the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Sabit Ikuforiji, has been bumpy in the last several months. His ordeal started when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission dragged him and an aide to court over the alleged misappropriation of about N7 billion. The case had potrayed him in bad light while the trial lasted. Ikuforiji had barely been left off the hook when his aspiration to be the next governor of Lagos State hit the rocks. The heavily built politician seems to have put all that beHon. Ikuforiji hind him and moved on to engage in things that will make him happy. He had some happy moments some days ago when he gave out his daughter’s hand in marriage. The wedding and the reception were not short of anything showing the high standing of a man of his calibre. In attendance were high ranking politicians, captains of industry, top government functionaries and other important personalities.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015

Body&Soul

Thinking

Emeka, Onyinye relish marital bliss

hen news went round town that Emeka, son of billionaire Chairman of Louis Carter Group, Chief Izuchukwu Onwugbenu, and Onyinye, daughter of billionaire Chairman of Innoson Motors, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, had agreed to walk down the aisle, expectations of those in high society were high because of the privileged status of the two families. The two families lived up to expectations as the wedding was nothing short of a societal wedding. The wedding, which began earlier in 2014 with the traditional party, was later concluded towards the end of last year in Lagos. Emeka and Onyinye, who met in the United States, according to sources, only spent a little time back in Nigeria. They have since returned to Baltimore, USA, where they are settled and livEmeka, ing happily as Onyinye husband and wife. Informed sources revealed to Celeb Lounge that the two families who have not failed to support the couple where necessary are said to be eagerly awaiting the arrival of tiny feet as the beautiful bride is said to likely to give birth anytime soon.

Osibanjo honours Muiz, Adewale

arch 28 will for a long time remain a sad day to remember for the monarch of Epe, Oba Shefiu Adewale; family of a top Chevron employee, who was also an All Progressives Congress local government chairmanship aspirant, Muiz Bello; and others whose loved ones lost their lives in a boat mishap on the same day as the presidential and National Assembly elections. The Epe prince, a director in the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, Kunle Adewale; Muiz Bello; his wife and some others had travelled across the Lagos lagoon to cast their votes. Unfortunately, five of them did not return home alive. The victims have since been buried. A prayer session was organised for the repose of the departed souls in Islamic way and what surprised many in attendance was the unexpected appearance of Vice President–elect, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, at the venue of the prayer. The unannounced appearance, it was clear, went a long way to show the families that they were not left to mourn alone and it brought about some level of relief.

Elvina Ibru takes time off

lvina, one of the numerous children of multi-billionaire businessman, Olorogun Michael Ibru, is one lady who is well loved by many who have come across her. Despite the affluence at her beck and call, the beautiful mother of one has remained her humble and unassuming self as her slogan, Girl Next Door, implies. In a little above one year, the songwriter has established herself in the airwaves as an On Air Personality. Elvina runs an engaging programme, Mellow Magic, with a huge listenership on Classic FM. The night belt programme has become an addiction

to many who cannot but watch out for it. Meanwhile, Celeb Lounge can inform on good authority that Elvina will be off air in the next two weeks as she has gone on leave. On the other hand, the workaholic has plans to junket Elvina around the world as a form of relaxation.

Toyin Subair hibernates

s a brilliant chap, Toyin Subair had strategically positioned himself in a way as to catch good opportunities. Toyin hit it big and he dealt wisely with the funds at his disposal. He floated a multi-channel cable platform, HITV, and it was an instant hit. The business had barely stabilised when he resorted to living a luxury life like retaining suites in five star hotels, flying on chartered flights and expending fortunes on automobiles. By the time the effect of high spending began to rear its head, many initially took it for a slight hitch until the financial crises eventually consumed the outfit. By then, the purpose for which the platform was created had been defeated. Toyin for a long time had to cope with bearing the tag of self-inflicted failure. The articulate dude decided to relocate to the United Kingdom where he’s been hibernating ever since. Toyin is beginning to put every ugly incident in the past and move on as those who should know are telling Celeb Lounge that he has loosened up to face realities of life.

TAMPPAN congratulates Buhari

resident of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association Of Nigeria, TAMPPAN, Dele Odule, has congratulated President elect Muhammadu Buhari on his victory at the presidential election, In a statement made available to Celeb Lounge, Odule also congratulated Nigerians for witnessing and participating in free and fair elections amid the tension in the country. He said Nigerians had through the election made it clear to politicians that their thumbs carry their votes and that they can vote in or vote out failed leaders. He also said Nigerians had taken a lead in rejecting corruption. While the actors congratulated the president-elect, they reminded him of his promise to “kill corruption before corruption kills Nigeria.” He said while a step had been taken towards building a new Nigeria, Buhari owes Nigerians a duty to restore the nation’s pride and dignity and bring back the sobriquet, ‘Giant of Africa.’ He also wished him God’s guidance in achieving these goals.

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Before you employ that maid

have to be honest, maids play important roles in some homes, particularly when the woman of the house is a career person or the busy type –the service of a maid could be required to assist in doing some house chores. Yet, it is one of the most dangerous mistakes any family can make. A maid can make or mar any home, trust me. My plan was to write on something else this week, but I could not help than change my mind after the social media was awash with the news of three kids who were taken to an unknown destination by their parents’ new maid. According to the information I got on social media, the three kids are Aderemola Orekoya (11 months), Adedamola Orekoya (4 years) and Demola Orekoya (6 years). The maid was said to have been employed less than 48-hours before she took the children away. I hope that by the time you are reading this, they would have been found in Jesus name. The story of the Orekoyas is just one out of the countless ordeals people have passed through in the hands of maids or ‘house helps’. It is like different strokes for different folks. Unlike the Orekoyas, some people have been quite lucky that they didn’t suffer much before their maids are exposed, while some have learnt the hard way. Just like the Orekoyas. I will not blame people who have phobia for house helps –they have their genuine reasons. Sometimes last year, I watched the video of a particular maid who was maltreating and brutalising a little girl she was supposed to be taking care of. While growing up, I have heard series of tales of how housemaids initiate their master’s children into witchcraft and other terrible things. The case of maltreatment is most common, and in some cases, housemaids subject kids to sexual harassments and other vices when their parents are not around. It is only God that can save us. We have also seen cases of housemaids getting pregnant or snatching their madam’s husband. We have also seen and heard cases of housemaids conniving with armed robbers to rob their masters. The lists of atrocities that have been committed by housemaids are endless. I have a maid too, and before the

present one, I had fired many others. Nothing should be taken for granted when employing a housemaid. And there should be no sentiments or complacency when you realise that the housemaid is beginning to ‘grow wings.’ You must act fast! Let me quickly give you some tips that will help you in employing a good maid or maybe let you know who the maid you already employed is. 1: Endeavour to take your time when you want to employ a housemaid. Don’t be too much in a hurry. At least, this will give you the opportunity to make important findings about your prospective housemaids. 2: It would not be a bad idea to know where the maid had previously worked, and the circumstances that led to her exit. Family background and individual character will also be some good things to find out early enough. 3: Make the housemaid your friend and gist mate. Make her feel at home with you and she will unconsciously lead you into her past. You will get to know her real kind of person. Some people may feel it would be disrespectful to make friend with their housemaid, but trust me, it works like magic. 4: Always treat your housemaid well; the same way you would have treated her if she is your biological daughter or sibling. If she is happy, her chance of treating your wards nicely is on the high side. 5: Endeavour to find out if she is facing any challenges or going through some emotional stress. 6: Whenever you come back from work, always make it a point of duty to ascertain if your kid(s) are fine. You should know if they have had a challenging day.

Nothing should be taken for granted when employing a housemaid. And there should be no sentiments or complacency when you realise that the housemaid is beginning to ‘grow wings.’

GLOBAL fashion

Body&Soul

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sleepwear inspired slip-on styles O

Biwom Iklaki ne of our favourite styles we loved totally, hated, or loved to love in the 90s was the sleep wear inspired slip on dress. It is a very sexy shift that could be mistaken for your PJs but for the styling it enjoys. Many parents and fashion prudes heaved a collective sigh of relief when it was packed up and put away. However, in the spring/summer collections of 2014, this iconic style crept into our fashion radar while we looked on with excitement for those who will keep rocking them best. This look is tricky to pull off or you could come off looking like you are stepping into your bed or just stepped out, or worse still, doing the walk of shame. Luckily, we have the right way to style this trend with blazers, structured trunk bags, strappy sandals (for ultimate glam and sexiness) or courts to loan a business-like feel to the look. It is often best to style hair properly or fly away curls will give you instant ‘bed hair’. Give more structure to slip on dresses in lace and floral fabrics, with solid colours for accessories. This ensures that you do not go too soft on this trend…ergo, pyjamas.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015

Wine & Dine

Toxin killer: Apple juice (1) Ibukunoluwa Kayode

ust like every other fruit with high nutritional value, apple is considered to be the healthiest and most versatile fruit. This marvellous fruit, originates from Central Asia and is extensively cultivated around the globe. China comes first in the list of top producers of apple, while USA secures the second place. The most common types of apple are red apples, pinky lady apples, gala apples, Jonagold, golden delicious apples, Fuji apples etc. These all are equally beneficial for human health. Apple enjoys a worldwide dominance over other fruits, thanks to its incredible health benefits. There are different ways to consume apple, it can be either eaten raw or added to fruit salads. Apple juice is also one of the favourite drinks for many people. One serving of apple juice provides your body with high amount of vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants. With zero cholesterol and a very low

quantity of saturated fats and sodium, apples are the healthiest fruits loaded with the following benefits when indulged: Promotes heart health Apples are great source of super antioxidants – polyphenol and flavonoids – that are beneficial for heart’s health. It provides your body the important mineral, potassium which is also crucial

for heart. So, taking one serving of apple juice every day helps the heart to function properly. Prevents asthma One of the unique advantages of apple is that it contains flavonoids. This imperative nutrient is well-known to prevent asthma attacks. In addition, flavonoids play significant role in making your lungs strong and effectual. Cleanse the liver The alkalinity in apples assists in cleansing the destructive toxins from liver in addition to maintaining the pH levels of the body. Pectin, present in apple’s skin promotes the digestive system. Reduces cholesterol Along with the other several benefits of apple juice, it assists in lowering the cholesterol levels. Excess cholesterol levels in the body is the main cause numerous cardiovascular ailments. Thus, you can strengthen yourself against such diseases by consuming an apple or its juice every day.

Shrimp and quinoa salad Biwom Iklaki

hrimp is one of my favourite seafood. It is tasty, soft yet firm in the mouth, and could also be crunchy. That is one of the qualities that make it a great ingredient for salads. You just have to cook it right. It is a heinous crime to overcook my shrimps. Quinoa on the other hand is a tasty and very nutritious source of protein and these two lovely ingredients informed my seasonal salad (avocado is an ingredient and it is in season). INGREDIENTS 3 cups quinoa, cooked according to package directions 1 ½ cups sweet corn ½ cup green onion, sliced 1 can black/kidney beans, rinsed and drained 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon cilantro, minced 1 pound medium shrimp, cooked 1 medium avocado, sliced into 10 slices PREPARATION Combine olive oil, lime juice and cilantro in a large bowl. Toss with quinoa, then add remaining ingredients, except shrimp and avocado. Serve topped with shrimps and slices of avocado.

Body&Soul

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Body&Soul

The strange bird with two heads

nce upon a time, there lived a strange bird with two heads, facing opposite directions. The two heads used to fight and argue with each other even for very simple reasons. While they shared the same body, the two heads behaved like rivals! The strange bird lived in a big banyan tree, along the bank of a river. One day, while flying over the river, one head of the bird found a beautiful tree with a fruit in bright

red colour. One head of the bird wanted to eat the fruit and the bird flew down to pick the fruit from the tree. The bird plucked the sweet smelling fruit and sat by the banks of the river and started eating it. The fruit was eaten by one head, which saw the fruit from the sky. The head that ate the part praised the fruit so much as the fruit was very tasty. While eating, the other head, asked the first head, ‘Can you

Colour Art

My Cook Corner

Pizza with strawberry topping

Biwom Iklaki cheese 6 large ripe strawberries, give me a piece to taste it?’ The first head said ‘See, we are e it the fruit or the flavour, chopped strawberry is always a hit having only one stomach. So even with the kids. Notice how PREPARATION If I eat in my mouth, it will go into much you prefer the strawberry *Where there is no strawberry our stomach.’ The other head asked ‘But I ice cream flavor to the mint or cream cheese, use any cream wanted to taste the fruit. You vanilla. We also know know how cheese available. Preheat oven to much more fun you have when we 350 degrees. Bake cookies as dishould give me.’ The first head replied in anger go out and you get to eat pizza. So, rected and let cool for at least 10 ‘I only saw the fruit and I have here is putting all your best snacks minutes. While cookies are bakthe right to eat it without sharing into one. The pizza with straw- ing, heat jelly in a small pot over with anyone.’ berry topping. You can share the low heat until liquefied, should The depressed second head, be- recipe with your family or make it take about 2 minutes. Set aside and serve them as a surprise. It is to cool. Spread each cookie with came very sad, and went silent. A few days later, while the bird very easy to follow the steps. 1/2 Tbs cream cheese, and top was flying, the second head saw with chopped strawberries. Brush a beautiful pink fruit in a tree. It INGREDIENTS melted jelly on top. For kids beflew down near the tree and was 1 package ready-to-bake sugar low 10 years old, they can help by trying to pick the fruit and eat it. cookies spreading cream cheese on cookies 1/4 cup strawberry jelly and placing sliced berries on top. The other birds living in the tree 12 tbs light strawberry cream said “don’t eat it. It is a poisonous fruit.” It will make you die. The first head shouted, ‘Don’t eat it. Don’t eat it’. However the second head did not listen to the first head. The second head said, ‘I will eat it, because I saw it’. The first head shouted, ‘Please don’t eat it. We will all die.’ The second head, ‘Since I saw it, I have the right to eat it. It will go to our stomach only.’ The fruit was eaten by the second head and in a few minutes, the strange bird with two heads died! A V O I D QUARREL IN Ans:AND A FAMILY Find Me! I start with ‘P’ and end with ‘E’, but I have thousands of letters. Who am I? What is the word that is spelled incorrectly Ans: Post Office in all dictionaries? Ans: Incorrectly I have all the knowledge you have. But I am small as your fist that your hands can hold Everyone in the world needs it. They generme. Who am I? Ans: I’m your brain! ously give it. But never take it. Then what is it? I am the biggest alphabet, as I contain the Ans: Advice most water in the world. Who am I? Ans: Alphabet ‘C’ It is your possession and belongs to you. However, you use it very rarely. What is Scientists are trying to find out what is be- that? tween earth and heaven. Can you find me? Ans: Your name.

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SUNDAY

Politics SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

Jonathan deserves Nobel Peace Prize - Ben Obi p.52&57

Interview

Kekemeke: Sectional interests won’t destroy Buhari’s govt p.53 Lawal and battle for Senate presidency p.56

Ibeto

Mu’azu

Defections: PDP on verge of implosion

The implications of the gale of defections rocking the Peoples Democratic Party about a month to the inauguration of the President-elect, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), is the crux of this analysis by CAJETAN MMUTA and BIODUN OYELEYE

W Biyi Adegoroye biyi.fire@yahoo.com

Saraki

ith the defeat of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan by the opposition All Progressives Congress in the March 28, 2015 elections, the nation’s political pendulum has swung to a new direction. For the APC and its members, it is now Uhuru after being in the opposition for 16 years. The air of celebration that came with the sweeping victory has also brought along with it a mass defections of politicians from the PDP into the APC. Three deputy governors have so far dumped the PDP. In Jigawa State, the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan was the first to defect from the PDP just like it occurred in Ondo State where Alhaji Ali Olanusi abandoned Governor Olusegun Mimiko. Earlier before the elections, his counterpart in Niger State, Alhaji Musa Ibeto had decamped to the APC, leaving the governor in the cold. In Rivers State, former Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives Chief Chibudum Nwuche has also joined the fray. He anchored his movement on the fact that his political ally

and former Speaker, Umaru Na’aba has done the same thing. All of them have since pledged their support to the new government expected to take over the reins of power come May 29 this year. Imo State is not left out as Senator Ifeanyi Ararume has directed his APC supporters to cast their votes for the APC. In Edo State, the symphony is the same. Scores of party leaders in the PDP have joined whirlwind of defections to the APC. Leading the pack is the former PDP governorship aspirant in the 2012 polls in the state, Major General Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere (rtd). Others are former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Amy, retired Brigadier General Idada Ikponmwen, immediate past Governor of the state, Prof Oserheimen Osunbor, and a former Deputy Minority Whip in the House of Representatives and one-time governorship aspirant of the PDP in the state, Emma Arigbe-Osula. They have advanced various reasons for their defections. For instance, Airhiavbere who was the coordinator of the Goodluck Campaign Organisation said he was driven by his strong desire to support the administration of Governor

Adams Oshiomhole to win more seats during the April 11 State House of Assembly polls and to also ensure that the state gains maximally from the incoming government to be led the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. He said:“I have decided to join the team of change that has come to the nation in the last elections of March 28, 2015 so that Edo State will continue to enjoy the benefits of the party at the center. Any politician who means well for this state will ground his arms of hate and join the change train of the APC government ably led by Governor Adams Oshiomhole. “With APC holding the reins of power at the national and state levels, there will be rapid development and all the campaign promises will be delivered to our state that is yearning for rapid development. Since the election of 2012, Edo State has experienced heightened political tension which has impeded its development. And I have watched from a safe distance and prayed for our people who were helpless in this circumstance. Pledging his unalloyed loyalty to Governor Oshiomhole and the nation, Airhiavbere said: “I make this historic move which I believe will bring federal projects like the Gelegele Sea Port, rapid completion of the dualisation of Lokoja-Benin road, other industrial developments and a renewed quest for access to the sea from an APC-led Federal Government. All these will create employment and safety for all and sundry.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

Jonathan deserves Nobel Peace Prize - Ben Obi Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Relations, Senator Ben Obi, speaks on a wide range of issues including All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari’s recent defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party and why the President conceded defeat, CHIJIOKE IREMEKA reports

The peace committee on the March 28 presidential election played a very pivotal role in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the poll. What was the source of inspiration for this committee? Well, I will start by first and foremost congratulating President Goodluck Jonathan for understanding what modern day politics is all about. If you recall, starting from 2011 when he made that prophetic statement that nobody should rig elections for him and that if he loses he will go back to his Otuoke home and no Nigerian blood is worth his political ambition, all that caught my attention. Being in politics for nearly 40 years, I have hardly found a leader in such a sensitive and powerful position make such a statement. And when I came on board as his adviser on inter-party affairs, I applied to him in writing as a follow-up to that statement, the need for us to organise workshops in states that would have elections as we went on because there are some states that now enjoyed staggered elections different from the general elections. And I wrote to him and the first was Edo State. He approved and told me to go ahead. We went to Edo State, did it and issued a communiqué to which all the participants, all the governorship candidates and the chairmen of the political parties contesting election appended their signatures. When I got back to Abuja, I did some executive memo to him and I got his approval that once there was any election, my office should go ahead and organise a workshop on free, fair, transparent and credible elections before any election and that was the case. And we did that in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states and it was the same application. And we would come out with a communiqué where all the candidates would sign and commit themselves to free, fair, transparent and credible elections and non-violence and that helped a lot to douse tension because most of them having seen their signatures called me at a point and said: ‘Senator, if not that you made me to sign this document that is now public knowledge, I would not have accepted this.’ But you know what was striking was that as soon as a winner was declared by INEC in less than two hours of such declarations; those winners got congratulated by President Jonathan. And of all the places we went to, it was only in Ekiti that was PDP. In some places, PDP was even racing to the courts but they found the leader of the party, the President of the country, congratulating the winner. So you see that became for me a stepping stone to going about the issue of peace in our elections. Now, you recall last year, when the temperature was extremely very high and Boko Haram was on its ascendency and everybody was worried and politicians now took the issue of Boko Haram more as a political issue than what it really was. I had a meeting with the National Security

Mark

Sen. Obi Adviser and he said: ‘Senator, why not organise an all-party summit so that we could address this matter since you have been doing this in all the states? I said it is possible. So he said we should look into it because we are worried about the utterances of political leaders. So we set about that and organised an allparty summit on the 12th of June, 2014. That was the first time Gen. Buhari was in attendance with the President and the President declared it open. When I wrote to APC, it was discussed at their National Executive Council and it was unanimously adopted as an event that APC would attend officially and they did. And at the end of it, we put out a communiqué that was signed by all the parties. So again, towards the end of last year, I met the President. I said now, we are going for the general elections, we did for other states, now for the general elections, we are going to have an all-party summit and he said yes, go ahead, I am all for it. And then I started discussing with the NSA and we agreed. And I told him that what we want to do in order not to bring people that may be considered partisan or that have an interest here and there. Let us search for international figures that will participate in this summit. And that was how we were able to bring in Emeka Anyaoku, who chaired the event, and Kofi Annan, who was the special guest of honour. And we brought in Prof. Gambari from the United Nations, Obiakor from the United Nations. The only person that we brought in locally was Prof. Attahiru Jega, the chairman of INEC. All the other speakers and resource persons were from outside. When I met with the PDP national chairman and the APC national chairman, at different times, they all agreed and endorsed it. And all the candidates attended and signed what is now referred to worldwide as the Abuja Peace Accord. Now the Abuja Peace Accord also talked about creating a National Peace Committee to see through the elections and after the

elections. And as soon as that was done, we had a meeting. The meeting was between Bishop Hassan Kukah, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and myself at the residence of John Cardinal Onaiyekan. That was how we were able to assemble those great Nigerians that you see as members of the National Peace Committee. And it was done deliberately to look for men and women of integrity who, when they speak, all sides will listen to them. That was exactly what we did and we set up the first meeting. But unfortunately the chairman of the committee was out of the country and that is Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. But he now directed that his deputy, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, should sit in for him. And the second meeting, he arrived, he cut short his trip, he came straight from the airport to the meeting and that is what you have today. Were you surprised when the President conceded defeat? Look at the story I gave to you, his statement in 2011 and the approvals that I got to hold all the summits that I talked about and how he participated. Don’t forget, on Wednesday or Thursday morning, two days to the elections actually, the National Peace Committee got them (Jonathan and Buhari) both to again reaffirm their position on the Abuja Peace Accord and they did. So for me, I see him as a man who is quite conscious of his words. When he says a thing, his word remains his bond. And so that for him, he didn’t think twice about the position that he took. And when I look back, like I told you, his congratulatory messages to Adams of Edo State, to Mimiko of Ondo State, to Peter Obi of Anambra State, and to Aregbesola of Osun State, I am not surprised. Not that the party was in sync with him on that, but he was just playing his typical self, which is very striking for a political leader at that level and calibre. I think that what I do see is that in due course, politicians will be going to Otuoke to study the politics of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

This is the first time that an incumbent is losing, not just losing but accepting defeat. Some people have argued that the defeat as it were of the PDP, is not so much as a result of the lack of performance of the Jonathan administration but the internal failings of members of the party. As a party man, do you think that members of the party worked as much as they should have done for the re-election of President Jonathan? The truth is that when the party members went into primaries, they sent a negative signal among themselves. The party went into primaries and virtually every state came out with one problem after another. And for me who have over the years, founded and managed political parties, I had not, in all of this time, experienced in an election year the movement of members of a ruling party to the opposition party. In most cases, it was the reverse. You saw people from the opposition party jumping and moving into the ruling party in an election year. So when this was happening, I said to myself and to my friends in the party that we had a problem. We really had a problem and until and unless we addressed these problems, a lot of things would go wrong. So for me, somehow to a large extent, we did not help ourselves as a party. And it is important that in order for the party to get back its bearing, we have to go back to the drawing board and put a lot of things right that went wrong, in the last 18 months so to speak. And in saying this, I also want to put on record, though the APC won the elections on the 28th of March, the PDP to all intents and purposes is not a pushover at all. I have absolute confidence that the PDP will spring back into reckoning very soon, in fact sooner rather than later. Take my word for it. How would you juxtapose this confidence with mass defection of PDP members to APC? Look, these movements are what you can easily classify as opportunism. Some of them CONTINUED ON PAGE 57

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

Politics

Kekemeke: Sectional interests won’t destroy Buhari’s govt Your party at the national level had always been in the opposition. What is the feeling now that you have produced the Presidentelect? We are transiting from opposition to the government party, not a ruling party. At this point, it must not be lost on us; our Presidentelect has said that our party is going to be government party not the ruling party. The entire idea is to make the party a party for service not a party that will dominate the people and rule them. It would govern them, act according to law, make sure that at all times, the interest of the people is placed over and above the interest of just some individuals. Having made that point, the next thing is to thank God who made it possible because one can see that this is divinely arranged, orchestrated and implemented. We have to thank Nigerians who wanted change and have worked for this change to come. The third thing is to pray that our party will not disappoint Nigerians. I have this feeling that we have to pray for Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (rtd) to be guided from the heavens so that he would pick the right set of people who are willing to serve the people, not those who want to amass wealth, or appointees who are beginning to envy the wealth of those we are replacing; not people who want to fly helicopters. By and large, we want to thank God for what has happened in our country. Our country’s name has been justifiably commended; we have entered the comity of Africa nations with sound democratic credentials; we are no longer seen as bad examples to other sister African countries. As you must have heard former President Jerry Rawlings of Ghana saying, Nigeria has become a pride to African race and to the black man. It is good for our country.

Kekemeke

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Hon Duerimini Isaac Kekemeke is one party chieftain who is excited about the success of the party in the state during the just concluded presidential election. In this interview with BABATOPE OKEOWO, he says that Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s government will not be destroyed by sectional interests How prepared is your party to manage this success because the problem after electoral victory is how to manage the success? As in all other human endeavours, you cannot but have competing interest in all of these once we obtain power. Do not forget that our party is a coalition of different forces which got committed to change and which got committed to rescuing Nigeria. We would not import people to function as officials of government or those agents of change in government. It is normal that in political setting like that there will be brickbats and struggle for advantageous placement. It is normal but I do know that all of that will pale into insignificant when you consider the supreme overriding interest that we must move Nigeria forward, Nigeria must change for the better and everything must be seen to change for the better. I know all these will be handled by the leadership. We have strong leadership and everybody in this country knows that Nigerians are watching them, the international community is watching and they cannot afford to disappoint. The same spirit that has put the merger together is the same principle that will apply in forming the government and in running the government knowing this is a duty to our nation, knowing full well that Nigerians are watching and that we cannot afford to fail. There have been an influx of people to the APC since Gen Buhari was declared the winner of March 28 presidential election. Are you not afraid that this could lead to an implosion in the party? I do not think so, our party is a pan-Nigerian party, and in Ondo State, we are trying to build a pan Ondo people’s party- a party that everyone is free to belong to, a party that everyone is welcome into. The purpose is to work for the good of the state, arrest the drift in our socio-economic sectors, arrest the drift in our politics, stop this self-aggrandisement in Ondo politics, stop the personalisation of our commonwealth and stop the arbitrary use of power and impunity. We have to stop this lack of accountability because of that we are willing

to open our doors. We have always opened our doors and we still have to open our doors to as many people as are interested in working the change that we want in Nigeria and in Ondo State. There is not going to be an implosion. Again, the overriding interest would be what is best for our state and many of us believe what we have now is not in the best interest of our state. It is currently a one-man show and we want to work together to stop the one-man show to make government accountable, stop state resources from being wasted on fanciful self promoting politics, whether in South-West politics or in Nigeria. We want to stop this impression of seeing our governor as ATM governor. Some have argued that the problem is not with those who were in the party before the elections, but those who joined after the presidential election. How will you handle that? The constitution of Nigeria and that of our party cannot stop anybody from coming into the APC; people have the right to join our party and we respect that their right. We welcome them, but our party has laid down rules and procedures for those who seek office in it. We apply the rule and as many of them as can win within the rule, fine. For those who cannot win within the rules, they will be like one of us. We are open; we are not bothered or disturbed. Our party is a party of rules; we already have our structure, they fused into our structure and then we move on. Despite winning at the centre, your party still remains in opposition in Ondo State, what roles are you going to play in the governorship election come 2015? We thank God that we will be government party in Nigeria come May 29. We still remain opposition and that is why we have asked our people to finish the job they have started. The next governorship election is holding next year and an APC governor will emerge. We don’t want a rancorous government. At that time, a new House of Assembly election will not be held but let the people work so that we have an APC dominated House of Assembly. Two things will happen; it will make this government accountable because we have found out that we don’t have a House of Assembly right now. This governor has killed our Assembly. We need the Assembly so that it will call this governor to account. Secondly, the APC government would have a functional House of Assembly to work with when it is installed. The people of this state must finish the good job they have started. They voted for Buhari and gave 54 percent of votes to Buhari even when this governor, the South-West coordinator of Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation hardly gave us a 15 per cent chance. They made sure that they sent two senators to the Upper House and they have sent five out of nine to the National Assembly that is a good job. They must finish it and the best way to finish it is to make sure they vote at least 20 state legislators from the APC into the House of Assembly. If Governor Olusegun Mimiko decides to join APC today, what will be your reaction? I have answered this question

many times and what I said is that we do not have the power and our constitution forbids us from refusing the governor membership of the party. One of the conditions for the registration of a political party is that its doors must be opened to as many people as possible to join it. If he chooses to be, that is his decision. I have no power over it but the point is that our party has a vision; it has a manifesto, rules, regulations and its programmes. Anybody who is coming into our party must be willing to submit himself to the supremacy and the structure of the party. Once you are able to do that, why not? The process of electing governor will start shortly after the general elections, how are you going to handle the situation especially among the bigwigs of the party? The solution to this is transparency. We did it before and the whole world thought the APC was going to scatter after the convention. But we became stronger after the convention because everything was transparently done. Here is in this state, there were 38 offices that were keenly contested at the party primaries and we had over 150 aspirants who contested for those offices. You found out that we did not have too much problem because the primaries were open and transparently conducted. The magic wand is transparency. When people are beaten fair and square, they will quickly accept defeat. If they have the feeling that they have been cheated, they will resist it and become bitter. I believe we have what it takes - the integrity, the character and the experience to organise fair and transparent primaries. As long as that is done, it is easy to appeal to those who have lost because they will then know that the people decided. What of the appointments that will be given to the state? I don’t think there will be crisis. There can be competition and disappointments but I don’t think that will lead to crisis. Everybody should know that offices cannot go around everyone and the leaders. There are other privileges that are enjoyable. The mere fact that you are part of the political party that has formed government has its own advantages and its own inherent opportunities. I think everybody wants development in their communities and in their country than the appointments. I think they will be satisfied. Do you see Buhari meeting the expectations of the people? An American general said leadership is about character and strategy and if you must do without one, do without strategy. In order words, character is the more important feature of leadership. All of us agree that Buhari has the character and integrity, so leadership problem is solved. We also know that he has the experience and that as a former Head of State, he would have enough strategies and will be able to lead. Since he emerged as the President-elect, you know a lot of things are happening. I call it the perception angle. I see that Naira has appreciated, the stock market is doing well and you can see the atmosphere of peace. People will support him to succeed. He has personal integrity. But we will need to pray for him but there is every indication that he can do well.

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

Defections: PDP on verge of implosion Iran for over 440 days. The abduction became a campaign security issue, which cost the Jimmy Carter government its re-election and produced Ronald Reagan. The Democrats remained in opposition and later returned to power through Bill Clinton , followed after a break by Barack Obama. Persistence pays than jumping the ship.”

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5 1

The same viewpoint was expressed by Ikponmwen (rtd), who stated that: “Now that Nigerians have made their choice, it behooves on well-meaning people to give full support to our chosen leader. I urged all Nigerians and particularly our people in Edo State, to vote en masse in the State House of Assembly elections candidates in order to support the ongoing political revolution in the country.” He added that democracy is all about the people and it thrives best only where the people can choose their leaders, “reserving the right to change them when desirable, and by so doing contributing to good governance.” Prof Osunbor in his justification said that PDP does not have the interest of the people at heart, a conviction he said he had about three years ago. “Sometime in February 2012, I reflected on my journey in politics and realised that the people in my party at that time (the PDP) did not have the interest of the people of Edo State in mind. That was why during that election, I cast my vote in favor of the re-election of the Comrade Governor. I told all my supporters across In Kwara State, the defection has been very massive. The biggest loss to the PDP in the state is Senator Gbemi Rukkayyah Saraki, a former gubernatorial aspirant who brought her large followership to the PDP. Compared with other leaders of the party, she had perhaps the most effective structure and was able to secure the highest number of seats in the party’s executive council. Among them is the State Secretary, Women Leader and Youth Leader. She also nominated the Director of Media and Strategy for the party’s campaign council. In a long statement announcing her defection, she expressed sadness that leaders of the party allegedly frustrated her because they didn’t want to hear anything about her father’s name. Her words: “When we joined Kwara PDP, it was for the main reason of enlarging these inalienable values and re-engineering the processes of leadership through the party, in order to mirror the true aspirations of Kwarans. Considering the circumstance of the party at the state level, we knew we had to work harder and make sacrifices to deliver a party that would represent the yearnings of our people. “The ensuing pattern of animosity within PDP was strongly placing our ideology on the crosshair of political attacks by elements within the party. Furthermore, the party was evidently hijacked from evolving into a political force that can accommodate the broad interests of the people but allowed to tarry to the selfish ambitions of some elements within its fold. “This rubbished the sanctity of democratic ethos of any true leadership and frustrated any semblance of cohesiveness in the party. Yet, we worked assiduously to instill decency and political maturity necessary to force an essential sense of direction. We failed. Instead, these elements within the party developed an obsession to waging verbal and psychological attacks on the GRS Political Family and our ideals. The focus was to frustrate our membership of the party, arguably, one of, if not, the largest within Kwara PDP. “Thus, instead of presenting pragmatic solutions and workable templates for developing Kwara, the party abandoned alternative policies and went on meaninglessly attacking and castigating not only the opposition, but even those within the party, especially myself for no other reason than the accident of my birth; which, by the way, I am very proud of.” Another defector is Professor Babatunde Opabola, who had resigned as Senior Special Assistant on Primary Health to Governor AbdulFattah Ahmed, to join the PDP. His resignation was a celebrated event at the party’s offices and among members across the state. But Opabola told newsmen last Wednesday that his sojourn in the party was a disaster

Osunbor

as he was treated as a mole. “I have a personal experience of that allegation”, he told journalists in answer to a question that the PDP had always suspected some of them as moles for the government. He added: “I was told that I was a mole, yet we were all in the party to contribute our very genuine efforts at moving them forward but they didn’t trust us.” In the same vein, Pastor Benjamin Yissa Ezekiel, a former Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, lamented that the party’s leadership was averse to good counsel. He gave an example of when the party was to hold its campaign at Patigi, his local government area and having consulted with the people on ground, they were advised not to campaign at night. “In my area, you don’t campaign in the night, and I told them but they said that if I didn’t go with them my absence would not be felt”, he said. He recalled that the campaign train had an accident on its way back and one of its core loyalists lost his life. Ezekiel, who read the defection statement of several top notch members of the party also referred to the attack on Saraki as a strong factor that pushed them out , saying that all efforts to make the party’s leadership see reason failed. He said: “We are amazed to note that from the Day-One of our entry into the PDP, our group became a subject of unprovoked, well orchestrated media attack from some interests in the party; our leader was maligned, our structure belittled, our ideals disparaged, leading naturally to the ostracism of our members, despite being the majority in the party. No thanks to a terrible, influence peddling minority which held the party hostage and kept on remote-controlling it from Abuja to the detriment of cohesion, unity and progress in the party. “However, these people couldn’t advance any credible reasons for their divisive conduct other than that we are loyal disciples of late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki in the PDP. Pray, when has it become a crime in the Nigerian laws to be loyal to a lawfully constituted political group? Unfortunately,

Olanusi

all our efforts at making them see reason proved abortive,” he said. Not left out is Mr. Segun Olawoyin, a former Chairman of Offa Local Government Area who later became a Commissioner in the state. Olawoyin was among young lieutenants of former Governor Bukola Saraki who refused to follow him to the APC essentially because his principal, Senator Gbemi Saraki had remained in the PDP. He was compensated with appointment as the state Youth Leader and a few days to the presidential election, he led PDP youths in the central area on a long campaig for President Goodluck Jonathan. He linked his decision to dump the PDP to the call by his community, pointing out that while he remained in the PDP, his people had consistently pleaded with him to team up with the progressives. “With Gbemi Saraki also coming to the AP,C it means the synergy between the Sarakis and Olawoyin political families will only get stronger,” he said, lamenting that his sojourn in the PDP was full of disappointments. PDP on the sickbed Observers have argued that while the defections would affect the performance of the PDP in yesterday’s election, the greatest danger being the possibility of sending it to a sick bed. A Lagos-based lawyer, Ifeayin Okoye said: “If the current signals in the party are anything to go by, that means that the PDP might be sent to the sickbed, robbing it of ahonourable opportunity of providing a robust opposition in the next dispensations” According to him, such action will affect the nation negatively, because it would enable turn Nigeria to a one party state. While he described politicians as businessmen, he advised them to learn from what obtains in developed democracies and even in the APC which consistently remained in opposition and re-strategise for 16 years before it could win the presidency. “Look at what happened in the US. In 1978 or so when 52 Americans were kidnapped in

Some of the defectors who have run foul of the law desperately desire a safe landing even as they are seeking protection for their businesses. Similar to the incidents in the South-West some months ago, some former governors defected to ensure payment of their gratuities and those of their aides by the APC governors

Moving ahead Copious and plausible as the reasons for the defections might be, a number of people have said that the action was not only opportunistic but an indication that Nigeria politicians are not driven by scruples and ideology. In Edo State where the PDP has suffered an implosion, a prominent politician who did not want his name in print said that the defectors were driven by a quest for appointment and political relevance. “When the PDP held sway at the center, we were able to get federal appointments and attract development to our various states. You know that very soon, appointments will be made. So many of the politicians are defecting to be part of the second elections in order to enhance their bargaining rather than wait for the outcome of the state and governorship elections,” he said. That the defections in the state were motivated by the struggle for key positions is very pronounced because the state is the home of Chief John Oyegun, a former governor and chairman of the APC. As it was in the case of Chief Tony Anenih who was the chairman of PDP’s Board of Trustees, many of the politicians sees him as a great influence in appointment into “boards, agencies, parastatals, ministerial positions, ambassadorial slots and more” Furthermore, the dramatic switch over to the APC in many parts of the country was informed by the business interest of the politicians. Some of them who have run foul of the law desperately desire a safe landing even as they are seeking protection for their businesses. Similar to the incidents in the South-West some months ago, some former governors defected to ensure payment of their gratuities and those of their aides by the APC governors. But the PDP had described the defectors from the party as political Trojans, who from within have ceaselessly worked against the interest of the party and now fear that they would face sanctions for their actions. Its Spokesman, Chief Olisa Metu said that the party would not miss such “fair weather members,” but the commended the courage and steadfastness of all its supporters and members who have remained committed to the course. It urged such committed party members to move a step further by emulating Senate President David Mark and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu in speaking out publicity in favour of the PDP, its ideals and visions of the founding fathers. The two outgoing leaders of the Senate have said they will sink or sail with the PDP. In the meantime, the PDP is setting “adequate machinery in motion to reorganise and to reposition the party to regain power in the next four years,” claiming that it is obvious that the APC lacks what it takes to effectively lead the nation. “We are starting by ensuring we hold on to the various governorship positions in our various states in this election, with the hope to using this as a springboard to assert serious relevance,” its chairman in Ogun State, Chief Bayo Ola said.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

Politics

Double heartbreak for Jonathan Villa Notes emmyanule@yahoo.com

Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan will unfortunately remember for long, these two unique dates, March 30 and April 9, 2015. On one of these days, he sadly failed to push further his ambition of presiding over the affairs of the country fo another four years. He had lost an election which he contested as a presidential candidate on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, to his strong opponent and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). Had the President indeed, won in the last presidential election, he would have become the first Nigerian to have spent 10 consecutive years in the country’s highest office, the Aso Rock Presidential Villa through a democratic process. Close associates of the President can confirm that this defeat in the election has come not without pains. Although, the President’s numerous aides and friends really remain the big losers other than himself. It was a huge dream un-accomplished. I can recall how one of the President’s aides on political affairs presented the scenario in the early days of the arguments about his eligibility or other wise to contest the 2015 elections. He said, “It is not about the President Jonathan’s willingness, he has no choice but to run in the election. It is about how much people have invested in him.” While the President takes the defeat in good faith and is the reason for his conceding to the candidate of the APC to save Nigeria from any possible crisis even before the final results of the elections were

announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, most of his close associates remain unhappy. While President Jonathan is still contending with the issue of how best to repackage himself ahead of a more free life as an ordinary citizen, the second date has presented a sad moment of grief and great lose. Lose of a brother, a dear friend and a dedicated, committed and able lieutenant, Mr. Oronto Douglas, one of his chief strategists who stood by him in thick and thin ensuring that he (Jonathan) succeeded with the transformation agenda. He died Thursday at the State House clinic after battling with cancer for several years. Douglas who served as Special Adviser to the President on research, Documentation and Strategy is seen even in the

presidency as the brain behind most of the strategic actions of President Jonathan. He was leading human rights attorney in Nigeria, and one who 15 years ago served as lawyers on the defense team for the celebrated Ogoni leader, Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed by the Sani Abacha military junta on November 10, 1995. He played a key role in mobilising support for the President in the 2011 presidential election which he defeated General Muhammadu Buhari then of the Congress for Progressive Change. Despite having been diagnosed with cancer several years ago, he worked with President Jonathan over the last few weeks on his re-election bid which he lost to Major-General Muhhamadu Buhari. When President Jonathan paid a condo-

lence visit to Oronto’s immediate family in Abuja, he could not hide but express pains over the death which he described as a great lose not only to him but the entire country. “It is quite a sad moment, even though we knew, it was quite sad. He was a very dedicated young man, very committed. I was here last Saturday even though he knew because the doctors told him in America that he was going to die in three weeks but he was still very passionate about his work. I have never seen such a person with such a strong will.” President Jonathan said. It is really a twin tragedy for the President, losing an election at the same time, a dear lieutenant, brother and friend. Adieu, Mr. Strategist.

A chapel’s dwindling status

ith the May 29 handover date still more than one month ahead, the Aso Rock Chapel, official worship place of President Goodluck Jonathan appears to be fast losing a great number of worshipers. He worships here with members of his family. Since the President suffered defeat in the March 28 presidential elections, today is the third Sunday. The first and second services at Chapel recorded low turnout of worshippers. Even the quality of dignitaries known for attending church services at the center has dropped. In fact, some of my colleagues had wondered in their reports whether the adage that failure is an orphan was fast becoming true during the Palm Sunday service. Only a handful of worshipers joined President Jonathan at the service which was just after the election with results yet

to be announced. There is concern whether the defeat of the President and his eventual exit from the presidential villa would affect the fortune of the Chapel which was built by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. It is located close to the President’s residence. It provides an opportunity every week for people who want favour from the President and interface with other power brokers in government. One is often left in doubt whether the true mission here is really to worship and praise God for his goodness or for selfish desires. Even the leadership of the chapel as well as the congregation shows clearly that they were seeking out the President’s favours rather than the face of God. The liturgy is often tailored not to tell the citizens the truth but to praise the President and rebuke his perceived enemies.

Many of those who before now had abandoned their churches for the chapel are likely to also take their leave. Members of the church are mostly Anglicans, the President’s the denomination. Now that the President-elect is a Muslim, he will definitely not be worshipping in the building. His vice, Professor Yemi Osibanjo who is of the Redeemed ChristianChurch of God will now bring new folks of worshipers, that is if he chooses to use the center. If he does, the Vice President-elect whose official residence is at Aguda House, some miles away from the office, will have to drive a little distance to the church unlike President Jonathan who presently lives besides the chapel. Like many worshipers, one only prays that this building which cost government huge public funds is not abandoned.

When election results stopped Reps’ plenary From the

Green Chamber ternyam@gmail.com

Philip Nyam

or the first time since 1999, the House of Representatives penultimate Tuesday failed to sit because it could not form a quorum. Just smarting from the Presidential and National Assembly elections and not sure of the outcome of the polls, the lawmakers in the lower chambers stayed away from plenary. It was surprising yet understandable that the only 21 out of the 360 lawmakers showed up at the sitting. Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal had to adjourn plenary till Wednesday because 21 lawmakers could not form the required quorum for a session. To form a quorum for a plenary session, it has to be one third of 360, which did not meet the requirement as prescribed by the House Standing Rules. Immediately the Speaker adjourned, members left the complex apparently to monitor the election results. It was their involvement in the elections that compelled most of them to be absent from the plenary. The collation of result of the Presidential election was on going and the lawmakers like every Nigerian, were eager and enthusiastic to know the winner of the presidential

election. Most significantly, no one was sure of the aftermath of the poll. Would there be violence or crisis? Would the peace that pervaded the election turn sour after the announcement of the result of the presidential election? It was indeed a state of uncertainty. Although the House could not sit that fateful Tuesday for fear of the unknown, the will of the people still prevailed as most of them failed to make a comeback to the apex parliament. When the House reconvened the following day (Wednesday), though it met the quorum, there was clearly no desire by most of the lawmakers to discuss any issue because they had lost at the polls. It was a plenary of mixed feelings and exchange of banters. One of such notable figures is the House leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola who lost to the Labour Party candidate for the Ogbomosho Federal constituency of Oyo State. Akande-Adeola, who contested for the position of speaker against Tambuwal in 2011 was said to be planning to take another attempt at the coveted position if she had won. Another principal officer who was caught in the web of loss is the deputy whip of the House, Hon. Ahmed Muktar from Niger State. Ahmed could not survive the clean sweep by the broom revolution in the Power State. Yet another influential member who lost re-election but was at the plenary is Hon. Farouk Lawan of the infamous fuel subsidy probe scam. Lawan is one of

Tambuwal hails Buhari, Jonathan

S Jega

the five members of the House who have been in the Green Chamber since 1999. A very active member of the House, Lawan played key roles until after the subsidy bribe scandal, when he was relieved of his position as Chairman of the Committee on Education. His story will remain a reference point for sometimes to come. There are quite a good number of the members who will not be in the chambers when the eighth session is inaugurated in June. Deputy spokesman of the House, Hon. Victor Ogene did not succeed in his comeback bid.

peaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, over the successful conduct and the outcome of the 2015 Presidential election. He said the will of the majority of the people, as expressed in the results of the election, should be respected. Tambuwal said by conceding defeat, President Jonathan has written his name in gold and will be remembered for playing a critical role to douse tension in the aftermath of the election. He urged the President to ensure a smooth and successful transition, the Speaker equally tasked the President-elect to carry all Nigerians along in the new dispensation.”As I have always maintained, there is time for politics and time for governance. Politicking is over and we must accept that fact”. Tambuwal, who was the governorship candidate of the APC in Sokoto State yesterday, singled out for special mention Professor Attahiru Jega and his colleagues at the Independent National Electoral Commission for their doggedness in the face of mounting pressures.

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Politics

Lawal and battle for Senate presidency

Biyi Adegoroye

here is no denying the fact that the in-coming Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will have leadership in June courtesy of the victory of the All Progressives Congress over the Peoples Democratic Party in the March 28 elections. For now, the APC has an overwhelming majority of 60 senate seats against PDP’s 49, just as it has the majority in the House of Representatives with 214 out of the 360 members. This development has emphatically changed the political calculations at both legislative chambers. In the out-going dispensation, Senate

Obaze

President, Senator David Mark, from Benue State, North-Central Nigeria held sway on the platform of the PDP for eight uninterrupted years. Unlike some of his predecessors, he set an unprecedented record that was not bugged by scandals. Senator Mark rewrote the history of Nigerian Senate with quality leadership, transparency, honesty and accountability. He ended the era of “banana peels” which was the order of the day before his emergence in 2007. Unarguably, the APC takes charge in the Senate while the hitherto ruling PDP takes the back seat. The issue now is where would the “Kingmakers” in the APC zone the plum position of Senate Presidency? Would it remain in the North-

Central or move to the North-East zone? The South-South and the South-East zones are technically out of the equation because the zones did not produce any senator in the last elections. The South-West zone seems out of reckoning in the contest because the zone already has the Vice President-elect, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. The North-Central zone is already parading the likes of former governor of Benue State and incumbent Minority Leader, George Akume and former Kwara State governor, Bukola Saraki for the exalted seat. Akume is said to be favoured by the political block of APC Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, while Saraki enjoys the support

of the younger blocks led by Rivers State, Governor Rotimi Amaechi. More than a few senators believe that Akume failed to deliver as Minority Leader in the Senate and therefore cannot be entrusted with higher responsibilities. To this group, Senate Presidency is for meticulous people. On the other hand, Senator Saraki is yet to clear his cases with Economic and Financial Crime Commission. But a much stronger force is coming from the North-East zone which is insisting on clinching the Senate Presidency. The North-East zone is of the contention that the Senate Presidency should be zoned to their own area as a matter of fact because they have been neglected and marginalised in political arrangement at least since 2007. From this zone, the likes of former governor of Gombe State, Danjuma Goje, Ali Ndume from Borno State and Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawal from Yobe State are some of the big names which have sprung for the seat. Unfortunately, Goje also has a pending case with the EFCC, while Ndume is yet to clear his name in cases with security operatives over alleged complicity with the dreaded Islamic set, Boko Haram. Among all the contenders, only Ahmad Lawal for now has a clean record of integrity. Besides, Lawal parades robust academic credentials. He holds Master’s and Doctorate Degree in Remote Sensing. His first degree is in Geography. Above all, should the ranking rules applies, it would be a done deal for Lawal. He is the highest ranking lawmaker among the contenders. He was in the House of Representatives from 1999--2003, 2003--2007 and moved to the Senate from 2007--2011 and 2011--2015. Unarguably, Senator Lawal stand tall far above his competitors. The Yobe-born senator has also demonstrated high level of competence and integrity as Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts. He enjoys the respect of his colleagues for his intelligence and robust debates. Lawal was rated Best Senator 2011 by Baseline Global Ventures. Lawal may just be the needed round peg in round hole to wear the big shoe expected to be left behind by Senator Mark. If the APC stands by its mantra for integrity and change, Lawal without sentiment is just the right man for the Senate Presidency.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

Politics C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5 2

would have moved long ago but most of them decided to wait and vote for President Jonathan. Their interest was to remain in the PDP since the first elections were going to be the presidential and National Assembly. Their interest was to vote for Mr President and then go and continue the battle of discord that had been sown in their various states. So I believe what we are experiencing is, some opportunism, some want to pay back people in their own coin. So it is not a thing that will last for too long and I mean every word of it. The PDP is certainly not a pushover and the PDP will spring back. What the outcome of this election has thrown is the fact that the tripod that we used to know as Nigeria, the North, the South-West and the South-East seem to be broken now with the alliance of the NorthWest and the South-West, which seems to have excluded the South-East in the new arrangement. What does this portend for the South-East? Let me seize this opportunity to express in no small measure my satisfaction and contentment with the politics of the Igbo man. We took a decision to stand by President Jonathan as one of us and we stood by that decision. It says a lot. Even when people were saying: ‘No, how can you put all your eggs in one basket?’ We said: ‘No.’ And we decided to mobilise in full force our people in Lagos in particular to show the population and strength, numerical strength of the Igbo man in Lagos and you have seen that. So I am very proud of the Igbo man for taking a stand and remaining steadfast on that stand. I join all those who have spoken, that we have no regrets whatsoever about the steps and actions taken in support of Goodluck Jonathan as far as the Igbo nation is concerned. Yes, we may not have been seen to have played a major role in installing Gen Buhari, but at the same time, you still have some of our people, some of our brothers and sisters who are part and parcel of the APC, who are founding members of the APC. They are also in their own rights, highly respected Igbos. You cannot wish them away. There are Ogbonnaya Onu, Rochas Okorocha, Chris Ngige. These are highly respected Igbos in their own right. So I don’t see a situation whereby any group of people or any zone or zones would want to lead this country and ignore the Igbos. We have shown a serious signal in Lagos. You saw how many seats we won in the Lagos National Assembly elections. That is a warning shot that we know where we are going, we know where our strengths are and it is not only in Lagos. We are now going to galvanise our members, first of all to know their rights and to defend their rights. Anywhere and everywhere they are, they should be accorded their due respects as people who contribute to the economy. For any economy in this country, across the length and breadth of this country, you cannot ignore the local strength of the Igbo man and the economic growth of those areas and that is what we want to say, that as Nigerians we want to leave in peace with our brothers and sisters all over the country. Anywhere we find ourselves, we turn it into our homes, we help to develop the local economy there and if we can do that then we believe that other people should accord us that recognition. People would be talking of the President being from the North-West, the vice-president coming from the South-West. From the analysis on ground now, it appears that the Igbos will lose out in the parliament. Are you not worried that in such a critical area, an Igbo man would not be the head of one of those places? Well, the APC as a party will have to work out a modality by which the party will stretch a hand of friendship and fellowship to the Igbo man. This is what the party is supposed to work out. I am not worried as an Igbo man

Jonathan deserves Nobel Peace Prize - Ben Obi

Sen Obi

that we have that dilemma. I am not going to be in the PDP and help create a solution for the APC, I am not a party to that. But they have to organise themselves, they have to know that they have a block that must be protected. It is very simple. Like I said, I have just mentioned to you a few names of Igbo leaders who are foundation members of APC, they too know what it means. You were the vice-presidential candidate to Atiku. You have been seen as an Atiku man for a very long time now and then suddenly you parted ways. Was it the difference in terms of politics as it affects your person or as it affects your region? Are you still an associate of Atiku’s? First of all, all politics they say is local. I have tremendous respect for the former vicepresident as my boss, as my friend and my brother. As a matter of principle, I don’t lose my friends. All my friends who are even members of the APC, I can walk up to them any day and say, ‘do this and do that.’ Like I talked about the summit on the 12th of June, as soon as I got the clearance from Mr. President to get all the parties involved, I went to Gen. Buhari and said, ‘Sir, I would like you to attend this event, in your right apart from APC as a party;’ and he accepted and he came. When they now told him that he had to speak, he said, no, his friend Ben Obi didn’t tell him he would speak. That he would not do so except if Ben Obi said he should speak. Then I went to him and said, ‘Sir, you cannot come to a function like this without speaking. You will speak.’ On this same 14th of January, at the signing the second peace accord, I also made sure I spoke to him personally. So I keep my friends, I don’t lose my friends because of politics; I mean all those I have worked with. If I go to Dr Tunji Braithwaite, my leader whom we all started politics together, if I go to him now in his Victoria Island residence, his wife would say, ‘Ben, daddy is upstairs in his bedroom, go and meet him there.’ I try to make sure that I do not allow politics to come in-between my friendship with people. Even though I have not spoken to

the former vice-president for some time now, if I pick up the phone and call him now, he would say: ‘Ochie Ndigbo, where are you, what is happening. I haven’t seen you, I haven’t spoken to you. I haven’t seen you, I want to see you.’ That is the way we relate. We didn’t leave PDP in 2006 because we wanted to leave PDP. Obasanjo de-registered us and a lot of people should put these facts in its proper perspective. Obasanjo de-registered us as PDP members. And since we were not retired because of Obasanjo then, we decided that we had to give it a fight. In giving it a fight, we needed a platform and that was how the issue of AC came about and all of that journey started. And when that one ended up and Yar’Adua became President, he set up the Ekwueme committee and they started talking to members and calling us back. We came back. I am not used to jumping from party to party. As one of those who founded the APP (All Peoples Party) in 1998, which later on metamorphosed into ANPP (All Nigeria Peoples Party), I was the one who gave APP the name on the 27th of August 1998 at Sheraton Hotel. I became the foundation secretary. It was at a meeting when they changed the name of APP to ANPP in Lokoja and they directed Mahmud Waziri, the foundation chairman of APP and myself who were in government to resign. Late Mahmud Waziri and I met, I mean there should be some decorum in this business called politics. You did not invite us to the meeting, you did not call us to any meeting, you did not say anything to us, you just issued a statement and we said we were going to ignore them. That was how we ignored the directive of the ANPP at that time because we felt due process was not followed. I am just saying that I am used to moving from party to party. I believe in a party, I stick with a party and we would move on. So that is it. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar felt his rights in the PDP were not respected as a former VP and all of that and he had to move on. But unfortunately I couldn’t be of help at that point. Looking back now, do you think that the

PDP treated Obasanjo right or rather, did Obasanjo treat PDP right? Well, you see, I find it difficult to discuss Obasanjo because a good number of people know that I have had some issues over time with him. I never like to discuss leaders with a bias, that is to be honest with you. A platform was made available for you to be made president for eight years, that platform was made available for you to be BOT chairman and that platform was made available for you to decide so many things that happened within that platform. I don’t agree that the position that Obasanjo has attained locally and internationally would be a position where some local chieftains of one party or the other would be tearing membership cards before the print and electronic media. What was he trying to prove? For me, that’s no longer a PDP matter. There is no question about it. Obasanjo is an international figure. There are certain things people at that level must never do and I think that is one of them. So too bad, he has done that. Let history be the judge of that action. But that is my own personal view and opinion. I don’t want to comment about President Obasanjo. I had reason to go and visit him in Abeokuta and he received me very well. People felt, I thought you people had these difference and I said well yes, it is political. If I come to ask his opinion on certain things, I served him. Well, all of that is history. What do you think Nigerians should expect in the next four years? Do you think that Nigeria will look back at the PDP with nostalgia or you think that the change being preached by the APC will come to pass? I want to believe that the stakes are pretty high. And the in-coming administration will have to work extremely very hard to meet the demands of the Nigerian people. Everybody has now come to realise the power of the ballot box. I can assure you, they are not going to wait for eight years to pass a verdict. They will even be hoping that it is going to be done within two-three years. That is the way I see the Nigerian people now, on a very fast lane, to get Nigeria to its full potential, locally and internationally. So they are going to be in a hurry to arrive at a destination. So the incoming administration must have to work 20 times over, sleepless nights. What is your reaction to the recent threat by the Oba of Lagos that the Igbos should vote for a particular candidate or get thrown into the lagoon? This is a very unfortunate one, coming from a highly placed royal father of his standing. This is coupled with the fact that if you look at his background as a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, one is bound to be worried and disturbed. For a royal father like Oba Akiolu, who is not in any doubt of the contributions of the Igbo people in all aspects of development of Lagos to be the one to issue such a threat leaves so much to be desired. The truth is that I happen to have known his predecessor in office at very close quarters and I know he would never have made such a statement. I believe that Oba Akiolu made that statement because those were the same words he used against the person of Senator Musuliu Obanikoro some five months ago when we went to his palace on a courtesy visit, led by Mr. President, the vice-president and the national chairman of our party. When I heard him thundering in that manner, it reminded me of that courtesy visit. But we need to remind Oba Akiolu that he is not the only royal father in this country. I am very proud of how my Igbo brothers reacted to him.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

North

NewsExtra

Why there is voter apathy, by Sambo, el-Rufai Ibraheem Musa

T Kaduna

he low voter turnout that characterised yesterday’s governorship election held yesterday has been attributed to the fact that Gen. Muhammadu Buhari was not on the ballot like the March 28 election, according to a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir elRufai. The ex-minister and All Progressives Congress

governorship candidate in Kaduna State, who made this known after casting his vote, noted that the president-elect “excites voters more than ordinary politicians like me.” He also said the fear of violence also made many people to stay at home. The APC candidate, however, praised the Independent National Electoral Commission over the conduct of the election, describing it as an improvement on the

National Assembly and presidential elections held two weeks ago. “INEC has significantly improved its logistics and technology management today, compared to two weeks ago; the accreditation started very early in most places. I hear it started between 8- 8:30 which is good. “Two weeks ago, the accreditation started after 10a.m. Secondly, the card readers worked better this week than two weeks ago. There have been problems

and in some cases intentional sabotage but they have been sorted out,” he said. The former minister, who commended President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat and congratulating the APC presidential candidate after the results of the presidential election was announced. He also said he would congratulate the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Governor Muktar Yero, if APC loses the poll.

Also speaking after casting his vote, Vice-President Namadi Sambo said he could not say precisely what was responsible for the low turnout. While advising the contestants to accept the election results, Sambo pointed out that “Mr. President has given a very good ex-

Sporadic shooting, irregularities in Benue Philip Nyam, and Cephas Iorhemen,

Makurdi

Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, casting his vote, during the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, at Adebiopon polling unit 008, Share ward 1, Share, Headquarters of Ifelodun LGA…yesterday

Kwara Speaker urges politicians to accept polls result Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

he Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Atunwa yesterday pleaded with politicians to accept the outcome of the governorship and House of Assembly elections. The Speaker Atunwa made the call while speaking with newsmen at his village, Efue, in Asa local government after he was accredited at his polling unit. Atunwa, who expressed optimism that his party, All Progressive Congress would win the governorship and all House of Assembly seats, said voices and decisions of the electorate should be allowed to prevail. He pledged to represent

his constituency at the House of Representatives without bias, promising that his party’s candidates would govern without any discrimination against the electorates irrespective of their party affiliation. While expressing concern that a lot of things had gone wrong under the outgoing administration, said he would work hard to ensure there are changes at the lower chamber of the National Assembly. He further said that that Nigeria needs a lot of reforms and changes and that would be the thrust of the bill he would sponsor when he gets to the House of Representatives. The outgoing Speaker also condemned voting on religious and ethnic sentiments, saying it would not help the nation.

Ngilari decries curfew Ibrahim Abdul Yola

s reactions continued to trail the curfew imposed by the Police, the Adamawa State Governor, Mr. Bala James Ngillari has distanced himself from the curfew imposed on the state by the State Commissioner of Police, Gabriel Adaji. While reacting the governor in a statement signed by his Director of Public Affairs Mr. P.P Elisha denied the curfew, stating that, “the state government has not imposed any curfew on the State. He explained that the government has already contacted the state police command to unravel the motive behind the imposition of the curfew. In a related development, the sate Chapter of the All Progressives Congress APC has accused the Commissioner of police Gabriel Adaji of trying

to truncate the democratisation process in the state. The party views it as, ‘’ highly suspicious because curfew purportedly imposed on the State by the State Police Commissioner is unwarranted and an unnecessary interference in the electoral process.’’ The party in a statement signed by its Secretary Abdullahi Bakari, said the curfew was imposed “as a means of creating avenues for some scheming politicians to take undue advantage of the process to short-change our Party and Candidates contesting the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.” Bakari said the reasons given by the Police Commissioner to warrant the imposition of the curfew was puerile and unacceptable because there was no breach of peace or security throughout the process of electing the President and National Assembly Members in the State.

ample by being the first to congratulate the President-elect and I have also done the same.” According to him, Jonathan has introduced “another standard into the politics of Nigeria and politics of Africa and I believe the standard will be maintained.”

he Governorship and State Assembly elections held in Benue State yesterday was characterised by sporadic shootings and pockets of irregularities, including snatching of electoral materials by political thugs. The shootings were witnessed in North Bank area of Makurdi as well as at Ukum and Katsina-Ala, the territory of the Majority Leader of the Benue state House of Assembly, Mr. Paul Biam, was carried out on the eve of the election apparently to scare away people from coming out to exercise their franchise. Sunday Telegraph gathered that an alleged thug in Vandeikya local government area, believed to be working for the PDP was caught with 20 card readers, some fake INEC results sheets and large amount of money stocked in the booth of his car. A similar incidence occurred in Ushongo local government area, where a PDP youth leader,Ternenge Bughga allegedly stormed the election venue alongside others and snatched electoral materials at Lessel Ward of the local government. The hoodlums, it was gathered overpowered the INEC officials and made away with the materials. Sunday Telegraph also observed that despite threats of violence, there was an impressive turn up of eligible voters in most of the polling centers visited by our correspondent. At least three persons were reportedly killed at North Bank in Makurdi LGA and Zaki-Biam in Ukum local government. Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Jimoh Ozi Obe who confirmed the

killings said, the North Bank victim was killed at the Yogbo council while the two others were killed as a result of a mob action that followed the sharing of money. The elections were however, generally peaceful across most parts of the state as complaints of failure of card readers were minimal, while accreditation commenced early in most polling units visited by our correspondents just as voting ended on time. Also, lee total materials were delivered promptly. Speaking to newsmen shortly after casting his vote at the North Bank Ward 2 polling unit in North Bank area of Makurdi town, PDP governorship candidate, Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor who expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, described the turn up of voters as poor. Tarzoor expressed optimism that he will emerge victorious as governor, but expressed misgivings over the efficacy of the card reader which he said did not perform well in some polling units. Meanwhile, Senate President David Mark, Senate Minority Leader, Dr. George Akume, Governor Gabriel Suswam as well governorship candidate of the APC, Dr. Samuel Ortom and his PDP counterpart, Terhemen Tarzoor were accredited without card reader challenge. Senators Mark and Akume voted in Otukpo and Wannune towns of Otukpo and Tarka local government areas of the state respectively, while Suswam voted at NKST Grade 1 Primary School in Anyiin in Logo LGA. For the APC governorship candidate, Dr. Samuel Ortom, his accreditation was successfully done at his Nzorov council ward in Guma LGA, where he also voted.

SUNDAY

Sport 59

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

Eagles

Okocha: NFF must settle Eagles’ technical problem p.61

Football

Edward Ofere: Set to dump Nigeria for Sweden p.60

Golf

Andrew: Nigerians will appear at the Majors someday p.61

EPL

Gunners close gap on Chelsea, Villa win p.61

Deputy Sports Editor Dapo Sotuminu

Man Utd battle City in 169th derby at Old Trafford •Pellegrini, Van Gaal dream victory T op-dog in Manchester will be on the line when United and City - separated by one point and one place - head into the 169th derby at Old Trafford. United, buoyed by five successive Premier League victories, are confident they can restore red ascendancy in the city by avoiding a fifth successive derby defeat. The Red Devils have more silverware in their trophy cabinet, but City has had the better of their local rivals during the last couple of years. Last November’s 1-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium was the fourth successive derby win for City. The last time they achieved that feat was 60 years ago. Despite City’s recent success in derbies, United go into the match as favourites with Manuel Pellegrini’s side having dropped down to fourth after their morale-sapping defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday and trail leaders Chelsea by nine points. United, meanwhile, have put their early season struggles behind them to climb to third, eight points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification. Striker Robin van Persie will not play in Manchester United’s derby against City on Sunday despite returning to first-team training. Van Persie trained with his teammates for the first time this week since he suffered an ankle injury against Swansea on February 21, but he will not be risked as manager Louis van Gaal does not believe he is match fit. Defender Jonny Evans is suspended, Luke Shaw is out with a hamstring problem, Chris Smalling is a doubt through illness and midfielder Andreas Pereira is away with the Brazil Under-20 side. Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is doubtful for today’s derby with a hamstring injury. Kompany felt the muscle tighten during last Monday’s Barclays Premier League defeat at Crystal Palace and will undergo a fitness test. Manchester United has lost their last four league games against Manchester City; they’ve never lost five in a row. Sergio Aguero has scored four goals in his last three Premier League matches against Manchester United. The Red Devils have shipped 11 goals in their last three home clashes against City (L3).

All four of Edin Dzeko’s Premier League goals against United have arrived at Old Trafford. Only three of Wayne Rooney’s eight Premier League goals against Manchester City have come at Old Trafford. Indeed, his last three against the Citizens have arrived at the Etihad. Manchester City could become the first side in Premier League history to record five consecutive victories against Manchester United. No Manchester City manager has lost four successive Premier League away games since Stuart Pearce in September 2006. In the words of Man City coach, Manuel Pellegrini, his team would be Old Trafford to win today’s cracker. Victory over Manchester United in the Super Sunday derby would take City above their third-placed rivals and mean a piece of history for Pellegrini’s side: United have never lost five straight league games against the same opposition. The champions will travel across town as underdogs having lost four on the spin away from the Etihad, while Pellegrini is facing accusations he is taking the team backward. But the manager is convinced City is good enough to halt their neighbours’ recent resurgence. He said: “For me, a draw is never a good result. I understand we are not having the results we need playing away - 2015 has not been a good year for us.

“We lost the last two games with two balls at set-pieces against Burnley and Crystal Palace, but we must continue to keep the good things we are doing because we are not a mess, we are doing a lot of things well. “We are not having the results we need so we must improve, but never in my way of thinking would I be happy with a draw.” A United win, combined with a positive result for Arsenal at Burnley on Saturday, would leave City four points adrift in fourth place and facing the possibility of a Champions League qualifier come August. But Pellegrini does not expect today’s result to decide the finishing order one way or another. He said: “Football has so many different things that can happen, but in my mind for my whole career is to try and win the next game you play. All the other things I don’t think are very important. “It’s a very important game - it’s a derby and we’re very near in the table - but I don’t think that the team that wins can think the season’s finished. You have six games more to play and win.” Louis van Gaal is dreaming of recording his first Manchester derby win today. Dutchman Van Gaal lost in his first meeting with Manchester City last November when Sergio Aguero scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory for the Blues. That was Manchester United’s fourth successive loss to their

neighbours, and Van Gaal is determined to avoid another reverse today when Manuel Pellegrini’s men come to Old Trafford. “I dream of it, every player shall dream of the victory,” the United boss said in a press conference at Carrington. Bragging rights are not the only thing at stake this weekend. Victory would strengthen United’s grip on third place as they would then be four points clear of their ‘noisy neighbours’. A third-placed finish would guarantee direct entry into the UEFA Champions League and that is what Van Gaal is aiming for. “You want to win because it is a big step in the table also,” he said. “When you win, third place is then reachable and a month ago nobody was thinking about that, besides me, of course. Third is good because you are certainly qualified for the Champions League and then we do better than the goal that was set in pre-season.” United go into the match as favourites because of their recent form. Van Gaal’s team have won five straight league matches while City have won just two of their last seven in all competitions. Van Gaal thinks form will have little bearing on the outcome of the match, though. The former Barcelona manager said: “Manchester City has lost several games, but I don’t think that shall (be) a big influence in the game because it is a special game.”

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Sport

Edward Ofere: Set to dump Nigeria for Sweden A

Dapo Sotuminu fter playing three friendly matches for the Nigerian national soccer team, the Super Eagles in 2009, Nigerian-born Edward Ofere, has been faced with the final option to choose between a continuation of his international career in the colours of Nigeria, or switching national team allegiance to Sweden. He’s likely to take after the likes of Rasaq Omotoyosi and Muri Ogunbiyi who settled for Benin Republic, Emmanuel Olisadebe (Poland), and Seyi Adebayor (Togo) who had opportunities of playing for Nigeria but were never given the chance to do so, much that they had to settle for other countries. The Swedish national team selectors have started piling pressure on the former Enugu Rangers star to pitch tent with the country in top competitive games, a situation that would see the 29-year-old striker settles for the country. Edward, who was born in Lagos said he has been waiting patiently for a return to the Nigerian national soccer team to play competitive games since 2009, but this seems not to be coming. Following the crisis that has engulfed the Super Eagles coaching department with the insistence of the Presidency that coach Stephen Keshi should be retained on the job despite his poor performance, Ofere may have to wait much longer. A very reluctant leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has been foot-dragging on the retention of the half measure coach. The Nigerian star who plays for Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC in the Scottish Premiership, where there is also another Nigerian star, Efe Ambrose, playing in the colours of Glasgow Celtic, joined the Scottish club on February 27, 2015. He would remain there until the end of the 2014/15 season. Barely 24 hours after signing his latest deal, he made his debut for the club and scored in a game against Motherwell. The Nigerian striker only moved to the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium in February. Ofere holds a Swedish passport, and is eligible for selection by both the Nigerian and the Swedish national teams. He has already played three friendly games for Nigeria which qualifies him to p l a y unhindered for the Swedish senior national soccer

team. When Edward left Enugu Rangers in 2005 where he played 77 matches and scored 18 goals, his first point of call in Europe was Malmö FF in August 2005 from Nigerian side Enugu Rangers. At Malmo FF, Ofere played 85 matches and scored 24 goals. On 30 August 2010, he was signed by Lecce in the Italian league. On September 25, 2012, after playing very little football for the first few weeks of the 2012-13 seasons, Ofere’s contract was mutually terminated a year early. Ofere had spells in Sweden, Denmark, Italy and Norway before touching down on the shores of the Moray Firth. He won a league title with Swedish club Malmö FF in 2010 which he claims would stand him in good stead ahead. Just weeks after signing for Inverness CT, Edward Ofere is looking to make club history by helping the Highlanders to their first Scottish Cup final. Thistle, who were only formed in 1994 and are yet to win a major trophy, take on 36-time winners Celtic in their first Scottish Cup semi-final since 2004 at Hampden next weekend. Edward Ofere is confident Inverness CT would see off their more illustrious opponents, Glasgow Celtic, when both teams trade tackles in the Scottish Cup. The Swedish - Nigerian striker arrived at Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football club as a free agent at the end of February, signing a short-term deal that would keep him at Caley Thistle until June 30, 2015 He said: “It would be fantastic. It’s going to be massive. For me, we have an opportunity to achieve something here and if we can do it, it would be really impressive. It’s going to be massive. For me we have an opportunity to achieve something here and if we can do it, it would be really impressive. “It’s going to be an open game and we’re going to give it all we’ve got. It’s not home or away, it’s an open field game so if we can play well tactics wise I think we will get it right. The games coming up are quite tough but we have to be tough as well.” “We will go in with no sign of weakness and give it all we’ve got,” he said. “They are a good team but we will see how it goes on Saturday before we take it to the cup. “If we can handle them well it will give us a bigger idea of how they’re strategy is going to be in the cup semi-final so we just need to wait and see how the game goes.”

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015

Sport / News

Uche talks up derby clash with Valencia

alu Uche is expecting “a tough but special” derby contest when his club, Levante UD, face Valencia in a Monday night Spanish La Liga match at the Mestalla. The Levante attacking midfielder said the Valencia derby game apart from being tough will be “physically and mentally” demanding. But the former Almeria and Espanyol man believes Les Granotes have put up a good performance in their last two matches despite losing to Sevilla, and now wants his teammates to replicate same spirited display in the derby on Monday. “It’s a special game for the fans, and for ourselves too. But above all, it’s important for us to keep working towards our objectives. We appreciate that it’s a derby and we have to be physically and mentally prepared to confront it. “It’s going to be a tough, but special game. We’ve done very well in our last two games and didn’t deserve to lose against Sevilla. I thought we did well attackingwise against them, and we hope to continue that against Valencia,” Uche told Levante’s official website.

Okocha: NFF must settle Eagles’ technical problem F ormer Super Eagles captain, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, has called on the Nigeria Football Federation to find a lasting solution to the issue of the national team coach which he believes would has been a setback for the country’s football. Okocha, believes delays in the contractual process are hampering plans for the qualification campaign for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

”We need to resolve this coaching situation quickly to prevent another troubled qualifying race for the Nations Cup. Nigerians want to hear about the team, the plans ahead and not who should or shouldn’t be in charge of the team. Right now our focus should have shifted towards whoever takes charge of the team to enable us correct the ills of our previous qualifying series.” He noted that Nigeria cannot afford to miss out on the next

igeria international winger, Victor Moses, copped an injury in Stoke City’s 1-1 draw with West Ham United in the Barclays English Premier League on Saturday. The winger signalled to the club’s physio in the 41st minute after firing a shot wide and pulling up badly. He was substituted just before half time with Senegalese striker, Mame Biram Diouf taking his place. The extent of the injury is not yet clear but the latest incident will leave the 24-year-old seriously contemplating what might have been. This week, he spoke about the frustrations he had to deal with

RESULTS

Barclays Premier League Swansea City 1 - 1 Everton South’pton 2 - 0 Hull City Sunderland 1 - 4 Crystal Palace Tottenham 0 - 1 Aston Villa West Bromwich 2 - 3 Leicester West Ham 1 - 1 Stoke City Burnley 0 - 1 Arsenal Germany - Bundesliga Hannover 1 - 1 Hertha Berlin Bayern 3 - 0 Frankfurt Moen’bach 3 - 1 Dortmund Mainz 2 - 3 Leverkusen Paderborn 2 - 1 Augsburg Schalke 0 - 0 Freiburg Hamburger 0 - 2 Wolfsburg Italy - Serie A Genoa 2 - 0 Cagliari Parma 1 - 0 Juventus Spain - Liga BBVA Real Madrid 3 - 0 Eibar Malaga 2 - 2 A. Madrid Sevilla 2 - 2 Barcelona France - Ligue 1 Caen 0 - 3 Monaco

of urgently,” he said. He said: “I think the sooner the issue of the coach’s appointment is settled, the better it is for Nigeria. The uncertainty and the lack of clarity about the coach is worrisome for everyone, including players, the local media and fans.” Nigeria would play in the 2017 Nations Cup qualifying groups against seven-time champions Egypt in Group F alongside Tanzania and Chad.

Moses sustains injury against West Ham

Maradona in dust-up with steward after charity match

orld football legend, Diego Maradona, is known for his temper as much as his soccer skills. The Argentine legend was playing in a charity showcase held at Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota, Colombia at the weekend and that temper made an appearance. After the game, a scuffle seemed to break out and Maradona appears to kick out at a steward while walking off the field. He then goes on to continue cheering the crowd as if nothing had happened. The most ironic part of the whole incident is that the game, where Maradona was able to even score a goal, was called the ‘Goal for Peace’ charity match.

tournament, so there is the need to get the coach in to start work immediately. Okocha, who is the chairman of the Delta State Football Association and NFF’s Technical Study Group has called for a quick end to the saga, insisting that any delays could further derail the country’s football. “We already know our group opponents for the qualifiers but the players don’t know who is in charge, this is something we need to take care

as a result of injury concerns. “I won’t say it hasn’t been frustrating at times, with the injuries I have picked up, because it has, but thankfully I am feeling really good and strong at the moment,” he told Stoke City’s official website. Saturday’s injury looked extremely bad as he could not put any weight at all on his left foot as he was carried off the pitch. Moses is just returning from an injury (hip/thigh) layoff that saw him sidelined from March 15 to April 1. The winger, who is on a season-long loan from Chelsea, has scored three times in 19 league appearances for the Potters.

Gunners close gap on Chelsea, Villa win

Mikel to start from bench against QPR

uper Eagles star midfielder, Mikel Obi, would return to full English Premier League action against Queens Park Rangers today, but from the bench. The former Lyn Oslo of Norway player had a successful surgery on his knee and has been declared fit and ready to be involved in today EPL game as Chelsea close in on the EPL title. Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho said to the club’s of-

ficial website: “Everybody else is fine and ready. Mikel is ready and Fabregas with a mask is ready too. No problems.” However, he hinted that the Nigeria midfielder will stay on the bench as he will prefer Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas in the middle of the pack despite both players been a yellow card from ban which may affect them in the games against Arsenal and Manchester United.

aron Ramsey marked his 150th Premier League appearance with a first half winner as Arsenal closed the gap on leaders Chelsea FC to four points with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Turf Moor. The Welshman pounced to drive the ball home in the 12th minute after a goalmouth scramble in which Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil had seen shots blocked. But the Gunners were forced to hold on to record their eighth successive league win as Sean Dyche’s men hit back in the second half, with George Boyd missing a glorious chance to equalise and Danny Ings also coming close. If the result left Dyche’s men firmly entrenched in the relegation zone they will surely take heart from a gutsy display against the country’s in-form

team and other results which conspired to leave them only two points adrift of safety. Christian Benteke scored his eighth goal in six games to hand Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood a winning return to Tottenham. Sherwood, who was relieved of his duties at White Hart Lane at the end of last season, has since taken the job at Villa with the task of keeping them in the Premier League and this victory will go some way to helping him achieve that goal, although the visitors did see Carlos Sanchez sent off late into stoppage time. Coincidentally, Sherwood’s last game in charge of Spurs was a 3-0 win over Villa, and he was on the winning side once more as Benteke headed home ten minutes before half-time to seal a 1-0 victory.

Andy Murray weds longtime love Sears

ennis ace Andy Murray’s Scottish home town has come to a standstill for his wedding to longtime girlfriend Kim Sears at Dunblane’s 12th century cathedral. A bagpiper welcomed the 2013 Wimbledon champion into the church, dressed in Britain’s Andy Murray and Kim Sears leave Duna blue and green tartan kilt, blane Cathedral in Scotland after their wedding while his bride-to-be arrived

in a car a few minutes later. Murray earlier posted a series of “emojis” to his 2.98 million Twitter followers, revealing his plans for the day. They ended with cocktails, kisses and several Zzzz sleep symbols. Despite earlier hailstorms, the sun shone on family and friends as they arrived for the intimate service in Dunblane

Cathedral, which was decorated with huge bouquets of white hydrangeas and fullsized blossom trees. Murray revealed that his brother Jamie, best friend Ross Hutchins and Carlos Mier, a friend from his days at the Sanchez-Casal Academy in Barcelona were to share best man duties.

North

NewsExtra

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH APRIL 12, 2015

INEC shifts polls in two Borno LGAs Ahmed Miringa Maiduguri

ndependent National Electoral Commission yesterday extended elections in Bama and Ngala local government areas of Borno State till today (Sunday), over the late arrival of their governorship ballot papers. The ballot papers had yet to arrive as at 4p.m yesterday. The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Samuel Madaki, had on Friday told newsmen in his office in Maiduguri that the logo of the Labour Party candidate was omitted, leading to the printing of fresh ballot papers. Also commenting on the late arrival of the governorship ballot papers, INEC Public Relations Officer, said the delay was as a result of the bad weather condition in the state. He said the plane carrying the materials had to land in Yola, Adamawa State and was transported to Maiduguri in a helicopter. However, the turnout was impressive in some poling units while other places witnessed a low turnout of voters. Governor Kashim Shettima, shortly after casting his vote at 4:15p.m, com-

mended INEC for successfully delivering ballot papers to 23 out of 27 local government areas of the state. He said, “As I speak with you, the ballot papers of Bama, Gwoza, Ngazai and Ngala local government areas have yet to arrive. I commend INEC for a job well done despite the hitches. “As a true democrat, I believe in the people’s voice. As such, I’m willing to accept the verdict of the elections. If I win, I will carry everybody along. If any other candidate wins, I will embrace him.” Meanwhile, the governor delivered his polling unit to the All Progressives Congress as he secured 196 votes at Shettimari polling unit in Lawan Bukar, Lamisula ward, near his late father’s house in Maiduguri. His main challenger, Alhaji Gambo Lawan, of the Peoples Democratic Party got no vote. The PDP candidate also lost his polling unit in Mobbar Local Government Area of Northern Borno State to the APC as Shettima secured 118 votes while Lawan got nine votes at Kareto Dispensary polling unit of Kareto ward.

Former Vice-President and APC chieftain, Atiku Abubakar, casting his vote, during the governorship/House of Assembly Election, at Ajiya, Ward 2 in Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State…yesterday

How I got admitted to Harvard, 13 other U.S varsities – Agbafe

igerian-born 17-year-old high school senior, Victor Agbafe, has described strong support from his family and community as the factors that influenced his admision to Harvard, Yale and 12 other top-rated universities in the United States. Agbafe, who was born to Nigerian immigrants, just got into all eight Ivy League universities but might not go to any of them, Business Insider reports. Currently a student at Cape Fear Academy in Wilmington, North Carolina, Agbafe applied to 14 colleges — all eight Ivies, as well as other top schools such as Stanford, Duke, and Emory — receiving acceptances to each one. He hasn’t made any decisions about college and is weighing the pros and cons of each school, as well as scholarship offers. However, he said he is strongly considering Harvard, Yale — and Stanford. “If you look at the acceptance rates of these schools, it’s just so diffi-

cult to get into even one,” he said. “So I would have been happy at any one of them.” Agbafe — a devout Catholic — said he made the sign of the cross and looked upward when he realized what he had accomplished. He credits his achievements to having a strong support system in both his family and his community. “It wasn’t about that I did this, it was a positive thing for my family, my school, my community,” Agbafe said. Asked about the secrets of his unusual achievement, Agbfe said, “Life is a roller coaster ride, and if you keep trudging forward and put forth your best effort, things are going to end up the way they should. Always stay positive, stay focused, stay humble, stay hungry — those are the keys to success.” At Cape Fear Academy, Agbafe serves as Student Body President, plays on the basketball team, and participates in various other extracurricular

activities. He wrote his Common Application essay on participating in his school’s Day of Silence, and how “the rights of the LGBT community ties in with human rights.” Although all of the Ivy League schools release their admissions decisions on the same day, Agbafe had known for weeks that he was probably going to be successful, receiving likely letters from most of the Ivies. He had also applied early to Harvard, getting accepted in December to its non-binding early action programme. The 17-year-old plans to become a neurosurgeon after he finishes college and medical school, eventually going into public policy. To this end, Agbafe said he was looking for a school with strong government, economics, and science programs. Agbafe said he was inspired to go down this path after watching Michael J. Fox in ‘Back to the Future,’ and learning that the actor came down with Parkinson’s disease when he was only 29 years old.

Gunshots, violence mar elections in Kano Muhammad Kabir Kano

poradic gunshots rent the air at Tukuntawa ward of Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State yesterday, as soldiers tried to repel riotous youths at a polling unit. A cameraman with the Nigerian Television Authority was arrested by the soldiers for trying to record the 15-minute tussle between the military and the youths. The youths, who had suspected foul play, resorted to booing and stoning the soldiers but were eventually cleared away from the scene while voting com-

menced. Similarly, at Kauran Mata in Madobi Local Government Area of Kano State, youths in their hundreds were said to have attacked officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission. They also forcefully confiscated the election materials as they were being taken to the local government collation centre and set them ablaze. The situation created serious tension, forcing residents to flee. A detachment of armed security personnel was swiftly deployed in the area to restore order. INEC spokesman in the state, Garba Lawan Muhammad, told Sunday

Telegraph that, “ it is true that there was serious trouble as some youths blocked our officials and snatched election materials. As I’m talking to you, the situation has been brought under control and elections can continue at the place.” Also speaking, the state police command’s spokesman, ASP Magaji Majiya, said 14 suspects, including a party leader in the area, had been apprehended. However, our correspondent observed that the elections largely went ahead smoothly in almost all areas of Kano. Materials were brought on time and voters conducted themselves in an orderly manner.

box after using an axe and other weapons to scare voters and polling officials. However, the voters and bystanders quickly regained their composure and pursued him. After catching up with him, the

crowd pummelled him with sticks and other objects to a state of unconsciousness. He was saved from being killed when policemen arrived at the scene.

...man beaten for snatching ballot box

n unidentified youth was yesterday almost lynched for allegedly snatching a ballot box at a voting unit in Hayin Danmani, a suburb of Kaduna. The young man had reportedly snatched a ballot

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015

SOUTH-WEST

Aregbesola wants electoral offenders jailed lFani-Kayode hopeful of PDP’s return

Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

sun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola yesterday charged concern authorities to bring all perpetrators of evil acts in the Saturday State Assembly poll to book to serve as deterrence to others. Aregbesola, who made the charge while speaking with newsmen in Ilesa, his country home after casting his vote at Ward 8, Unit 4, Ifofin in the town, said the law should take its course no matter how highly placed the offender may be. He described anti-democratic act as wicked, callous and retrogressing and pleaded with security agents to do all it could to discourage the act in the future. The governor said “I don’t understand why anybody will want to employ violence in an election. It is quite uncivilized and primitive for anyone to believe that untoward act should be introduced into politics.” “Those who caused the violence are barbaric and there was no cause for violent ac-

tivity given the transparent political process being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Those who perpetrated shooting of innocent people should be apprehended and brought to book”. Also in a separate interview in Ile-Ife, the Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential campaign Organization, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has said the PDP will win in some state constituencies of the state. He argued that the beauty of democracy is in a legislature that is made up of members of both the ruling and opposition parties. He said: “An end has not come to PDP in Nigeria. The party will restore its lost glory in due time and Nigerians will also appreciate the party.” He said had no regret serving President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP, and “I assure you that the party would bounce back in due time as the party still has a bright future despite the defeat it suffered in the last presidential election.”

Again, Agbaje, running mate lose wards to APC

Muritala Ayinla he Peoples’ Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje and his running mate, Mrs. AbdulKareem Safurat yesterday lost their polling units to the All Progressives Congress’ governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. Results trickling in from different polling units monitored by our correspondents showed that the APC governorship candidate and other House of Assembly candidates are already leading in the polls. According to the results collated and announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission officials at polling units showed that in Agbaje’s polling unit in ward C, Apapa Lagos APC – 124,

while PDP got 88. In his running mate polling unit, Unit 009 Badagry, PDP got 72, while APC got 140 votes. The national leader of the APC Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu roared in his polling unit in Sunday Adigun Street Alausa Ikeja ,Unit 047, where Tinubu cast his vote and APC got 230 while PDP poll 62. According to the results announced by the officer of the INEC for the elections, the APC is leading in most of the polling units while the PDP followed. APC poll 233, PDP 60 The total number of registered voters is 1,388, the total number of accredited voters is 295 while the total number of vote cast is 293. At Governor Babatunde Fashola’s Ward G3, Unit 002, State Senior Grammar School, Itolo, Surulere, the result shows, APC gover-

norship, 270, while PDP 132, and void vote is 11. Ambode in his ward 3 Epe, polled 133, PDP 57. Other governorship results indicate that in Ashogbon polling Unit 049 in Surulere, APC got 55, PDP 38, Amuwo –Odofin, Unit 009,governorship, APC 49, PDP 51. Lekki polling unit 24, APC 190, PDP, 112. Oworoshonki Unit 023, APC 121, PDP,106. Agege Unit 071, APC, 136, PDP,48. Mushin Unit 035, APC 102, PDP, 40. Alimosho Unit 053, APC 244, PDP 176, Unit 50,APC 180, PDP, 131. Unit 51, APC 183, PDP, 131, Unit 041, ward D, APC 243, PDP, 105. Agbado Oke-Odo Unit 075, APC 137, PDP, 48. Ojota, Unity Close, Unit 067, APC, 130, PDP,105, Governorship election Gowon Estate Unit 019 APC – 155 PDP - 78 PU 023 Ikeja Assembly - APC got 80 PDP 41 governorship election- APC 78

News

PDP 42. Ikorodu North Eyita APC got 166, PDP 58 for governorship APC=172, PDP = 53 for House Assembly Ikorodu Ikorodu North Eyita APC 166, PDP got 58 for governorship APCscored 172, PDP 53 for House Assembly PU 006 Igando Alimosho governorship election APC 76 PDP 45. At Polling Unit 023 Ikeja Assembly APC 80 PDP 41 Gubernatorial APC 78 PDP 42, Ikorodu North Eyita APC = 166, PDP = 58 for Gov APC=172, PDP = 53 for House Assembly Ikorodu Ikorodu North Eyita APC = 166, PDP = 58 for Gov APC=172, PDP = 53 for House Assembly Pu 006 igando Alimosho Governor APC 76 PDP 45. Olugbo denies ballot box snatching as election peaceful in Ondo. Babatope Okeowo, Akure.

Tinubu: You can’t compare Ambode to Agbaje Muritala Ayinla

ational leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday gave insight into the choice of Akinwunmi Ambode as the best man to succeed incumbent Governor Babatunde Fashola, saying that the party’s governorship candidate is incomparable to his Peoples’ Democratic Party counterpart, Mr Jimi Agbaje. Tinubu, who described himself as a head hunter, said he knew what was good for Lagos at this point in time, saying going by the current economic challenges in the country,” this was not the time for chemical mix of Panadol but financial governance.” Tinubu spoke at his late mother’s home, at Sunday Adigun Street, saying that any visionary and experienced politician would rather go for Ambode after comparing the Curriculum Vitae of both candidates. He said: “Look at their CVs. If you are a recruiter, who would you take out of the two - a pharmacist without a political philosophy, adherents and stability

or a well-groomed financial expert, who has been through the system and who understands it?” “He (Ambode) is better academically, professionally and he is well-exposed and well groomed. He is upright and a bright scholar; A Harvard graduate of Leadership. State management is not about chemical mix of Panadol but financial governance, focus and vision. This is the time that oil prices are going down. There are financial challenges. I will use the best hands, the best brain, best experience for the job” On whether he has idea of who would make ministerial list, Tinubu said the party was yet to do that, adding that the there is a blueprint which the party would use in the appointment of ministers, which according to him would be made up of talented Nigerians. He added: “When I was the Governor of this state, it was the poorest state I inherited but today it is the richest. I left a great legacy. I’m a head hunter. I put talent in office. I help them. So it will be reflected at the federal level.”

Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, casting his vote, during the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections at Iyin Ekiti…yesterday

Ajimobi, Akala hail polls as Folarin kicks Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

midst low turnout of voters in the yesterday’s election, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin, has expressed displeasure with the Independent National Electoral Commission over the experimentation of the card reader with the general elections instead of other previous by- elections. Folarin complained about the failure of the card reader in his Ward 5, Unit 2 of Idi Ose area of Akanran in the Ona Ara Local Government where the machine could

not spot his thumb print. The card reader in the unit did not function, leading to protest from the voters. the tension was later doused when another card reader was brought around 10.30 a.m. to replace the malfunctioning one . Speaking with Sunday Telegraph, Folarin said, “the card reader is an issue. That was why our party was against its use and we are still of that view. The principle is very good: to ensure free, fair and credible election. But the implementation is suspect. The card reader should not have been used for general elections as these. “The problems we are experiencing is a minus for the

INEC. Today, the card did not spot me. It spotted my wife but it created problem for her in the last election. President Goodluck Jonathan decided to concede and congratulated General Muhammadu Buhari to avert any national trouble, and not that all was well. A party did not pay workers’ salaries yet it cleared the whole three senatorial districts. Something is wrong. “In my ward, the machine was not set to read 0000, but I insisted, because that was one of the ways the APC rigged the last elections. At a ward in Oluyole, I saw a police man and a traffic warden driving away party agents from where the INEC officials were sit-

ting. I told them such was wrong”, the governorship candidate said. The exercise was, however, smooth at Ward 1 Unit 2, Akanran, the constituency of the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide. Governor Ajimobi who voted at his polling unit, described the process as the most peaceful and wellorganised. In Ogbomoso, the former Oyo Governor,Otunba Christopher Adebayo AlaoAkala lauded the electorate for their zeal and comportment in the elections, stressing that the development portends growth of democracy in the country.

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The Nigerian project, the Presidential election, the losers –Hall of shame (1)

n my first tranche of this discourse, I dwelt on the winners of the just concluded presidential election whom I believe deserve to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Today, I will discuss the losers, whose place belongs in the despicable Hall of Shame. I may not mention names, for they know themselves more than the world knows them. They cannot hide behind their finger, nor cover the sun with their palm. MR KNOW-ALL Here is a man to whom Nigeria has been very kind, but who, at every opportunity, seeks to destroy her, including anyone who disagrees with him. He is ‘MR KNOW-ALL,’ the ‘baba’ of Nigeria, the self-appointed ‘Messiah’ of Nigeria, who taketh away all the sins of the world. He believes, delusionally, that he is like Christ, that “happy are those who are called to His supper.” In his futile and vainglorious pretensions at redemptive messianism in Nigeria, he has always corruptly appropriated to himself honours and garlands he does not deserve. A smart Alec, he has been very opportunistic. Benjamin Adekunle, the gallant and fearless ‘Black Scorpion’ of the 3rd Marine Commando fame, fought with all his might and literally won Nigeria’s Civil war (Read Alabi Isama’s detailed account of the Nigerian Civil war). Our man here appropriated the honour, having been lucky to have been handed the insignia of surrender by Col. Effiong, at a time he had taken over control of the 3rd Marine Commando from unsung Adekunle. In all his books, he seeks to deify and canonise himself in the mould of imperial Roman gods and invincible Greek mythologists of fabled conquests, unassailable achievements, and father figure of the Nigerian nation. When invited to the House of Representatives over billions of dollars that got missing under his very nose, particularly in the power sector, he arrogantly defied the invitation. He headed the Petroleum Resources Ministry all alone, accounting to no one, but himself. He misused billions of Nigeria’s money, seeking a third term, with ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bags loaded with naira and dollars, which were used to bribe legislators. He failed dismally. Even the Supreme Court was not left out of his utmost contempt and disdain, when he blatantly defied its judgment to release Lagos State Government funds allocated to it from the Federation Account. It took Yar’Adua few weeks in office to release the allocations to then Governor Bola Tinubu, who, ironically, later genuflected and begged this same ‘god’ to be the ‘navigator’ of his political party, APC. Politicians, sorry Politrickcians, what can they not do to get power! Not only did he defy a court order not to release his latest book, ‘My Watch’ (Note his I, myself and me penchant, in his books, ‘My Command;’ ‘Not My Will;’ ‘My Watch’), he launched the book with éclat and razmattaz, both in Nigeria and UK. He even abused the judge who made the order thoroughly, almost describing him as an illiterate. To him, the Rule of Law was not, and is not in his dictionary. He had, during his dictatorial civilian rule, sent military troops to destroy and level Odi and Zaki Biam communities, for asking for their rights under a pseudo democracy that he operated. He operated in the mould of Louise IVX of France, of the “L’ etat ce’et moi” (I am the state) fame. He employed the instrumentality of the EFCC to hunt down governors, some of whom were

The

Nigerian Project

MIKE OZEKHOME san, ofr mike.ozekhome@yahoo.com 08094777755 (sms only) muzzled out of office through illegal ‘impeachment’ by six out of 24 legislators. Such was the gross impunity. Now, he craves to be Nigeria’s moral compass. Haba! From an impecunious church rat who was rotting away in a Maiduguri prison, after escaping the death sentence imposed on him under dictator Abacha, by a whisker, he was literally (he is always lucky) dragged out of prison and catapulted into Aso Villa, without any struggle, sweat, money or campaigns. This was to pacify his South-West geopolitical zone, whose illustrious son, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, had been mindlessly deprived of becoming Nigeria’s president after a peaceful, free, fair and credible election which he swept across the country, even in military and police barracks. He was murdered in government custody. This man never considered, in his eight years in government, Abiola worthy of any honour or immortalisation. Today, thanks to wanton abuse of power, he owns one of the best nursery, primary, secondary and university institutions in Nigeria, BELLS, which he developed and nurtured while in office. He built, perhaps unarguably, the best and biggest library in Africa, using his position as President to launch and collect from browbeaten and intimidated business moguls and stakeholders, humongous sums running into billions of naira. He seeks to control, command, dictate and impose his will on others, and when these fail, he destroys me. Under the platform of a political party in which he had ruled Nigeria for eight years. He even became Chairman of its Board of Trustees, amending the party’s Constitution to exclude any other person who was never a former president or Head of State as its Chairman. When his self-appointed and anointed candidates, Yar’Adua (remember his infamous “Umaru, are you still alive, or are you dead” phone call during one campaign) and Jonathan, became their own men and rejected dictation from his Ota farm, he swiftly moved

against them, abused, denigrated and insulted them openly, with public letters. He shamelessly ordered the membership card of his political party that rehabilitated him and brought him to limelight from his dismal state of nadir, to be torn to shreds in the full glare of television cameras. Have you ever heard of a past American President criticising his incumbent successor? No, never. It is infra dignitatem, an anathema, an abomination. Forget about his immediate family where his children have only for him, the vilest and optimal opprobrious words of denigration and odium. He does not appear to know the word ‘shame.’ He vowed that one man, whom he described as a ‘criminal,’ even without a conviction, will never be his leader. But, God has catapulted that same man to even be a senator. Just deserts! So, GMB, watch your slim back about this chameleon of a man, who pretends to be your friend now. He would sooner than later, when the chips are down, turn against you, once you refuse his unsolicited dictate. GEJ, take a bow, having thoroughly diminished and rendered lilliputian, this man, before the committee of nations, by “snatching victory from defeat” (to use APC’s apt words), through your uncommon, incredible concession of defeat and congratulatory message to GMB, even before the last state’s result had been declared. You shamed this man and put a lie to his simulated and woven bizarre theories of interim government, and handing over Government to the military. While other statesmen like Abdulsalami Abubakar were building bridges of peace, understanding and security during the election, this man engaged in scare-mongering and instilling fear in Nigerians. Such unthinkable balderdash, drivel, poppycock and piffle! Welcome, ‘Baba,’ into the Hall of Shame, this destroyer of modern day Nigeria. THE SHAMELESS DEFECTORS Those conscienceless former Governors, Senators, Legislators, Speakers, Party Chairmen and

BUSY BODY

Chieftains, Women and youth leaders, et al, who used their political party platforms thoroughly to gain relevance, only to jump ship and dump the parties when their services and loyalty were most needed, welcome to the Hall of Shame. Judas Iscariot could not have done worse. But, unlike him who repented and returned his blood 30 pieces of silver, you have held unto your ill-gotten loot, pilfering and squandering the Nation’s and states’ commonwealth. Sooner than later, nemesis, the Law of Karma, will catch up with you. Mark these immortal words of the Bible (Isaiah 33:1): “Woe to you, O destroyer, while you were not destroyed; And he who is treacherous, while others did not deal treacherously with him. As soon as you finish destroying, you will be destroyed. As soon as you cease to deal treacherously, others will deal treacherously with you.” Your induction into the Hall of Shame is total and eternal. I know sooner than later, when the climate changes, you will defect back to your earlier party and eat your odious putrefying vomit. Where is ideology, honour, integrity, character? The defection continues even as I write. THE DOOMSDAY AND BREAK-UP PROPHETS Many of them came; some so called men and women of God, predicting doomsday and Armageddon. Frightened Nigerians scampered abroad and to their states of origin in droves, some selling off their property at giveaway prices, awaiting the doomsday. Many died in the process. It was “to thy tents, oh Israel.” The disintegration never came. Some clerics, Christian and Islamic alike, collected filthy money to mouth obscene predictions. God shamed them all, for they never saw the face of God. Their fake prayers never even got past the ceilings of their respective churches and mosques. Welcome, to the Hall of Shame, oh ye men and women of iniquity. Jesus Christ, our Lord, echoing the Old Testament, had warned, “beware of false prophets” (Matthew 7:15). God Himself had stated, “I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran. I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.” Walk into the Hall of Shame, you war mongers, historical revisionists, ethnic chauvinists, war drumbeaters, religious bigots, ethnoreligious profiteers, tribal jingoists, nepotists, irredentists, political buccaneers and such irresponsible societal dregs. Next week, our discourse on the doomsday and break-up prophets continues. • Follow me on twitter @ MikeozekhomeSAN

By Aliu Eroje

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