1st May 2016 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 2,044

SUNDAY, 1 MAY, 2016

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Nigerian Tribune

Soldier kills mother on the way to daughter’s wedding

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N200

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MAY DAY BOMBSHELL

Govs are lazy — Workers

pgs2,3&4

Stardom has cost me nothing —Alex Ekubo

•Ask them to resign if they can’t pay N56,000 minimum wage •Falana, others call for disbandment of police over killings

Protests, confusion greet PDP ward congress •As INEC suspends rerun elections in Kano, Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi

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Christian leaders dare Northern govs over preaching licence Pg41 More encomiums for late Oba of Benin •Anyaoku, Mark, Saraki, govs, others extol late monarch’s virtues

60 politicians killed in Rivers •In 2 months Pg4

•PDP chieftain murdered in Okposi

Buhari’s economic ideas archaic — Ezekwesili

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pg41

•We are diversifying economy — FG

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

specialreport

Worker’s Day:

Labouring in pain Pathetic situation of Nigerian workers

As the nation’s workforce celebrates another MayDay today, SojiEze Fagbemi reports that most workers believe that there is a need for a better deal and that this is probably the worst time to be a Nigerian worker.

S Nigerian workers gather at the popular Eagle Square, Abuja and across every state capital of the federation to mark the 2016 May Day, they already made a resolution to use this year’s celebration to renew for the upward review of National Minimum Wage. This is definitely not the best of times for Nigerian workers, in both the public and private sectors. For those in the public sector ,salaries have not been forth coming in the past months. Reduction in federal allocation occasioned by fall in the price of crude oil in the international market has deepened their woes. Two thirds of states are in financial dire strait and needing even another bailout. The state governments are owing huge debts. Workers are owing huge debts as well, ranging from children’s school fees to house rents. ‘Times are hard’ is a common refrain. Sunday Tribune investigations across the nation show that many workers are not happy, morale is at its lowest ebb with most of them just keeping up appearances in their

offices. Most of the workers, who spoke with Sunday Tribune agreed with their leadership that what Nigerian workers need at this critical time is their socio-economic revival. Like all other Nigerian masses, Nigerian workers are groaning under very bad and severe economic hardship, non-payment of salaries and job insecurity. The situation being faced by the workers effectively reflected in the theme of this year’s May Day celebration: “The working class and the quest for socio-economic revival,’’: said to be apt, considering what Nigerian workers are going through at this particular time. And they want an end to their pain. Therefore, the workers see the renewed call for the upward review of the Minimum Wage, when the present N18,000 minimum wage has been completely eroded by inflation, as a step in the right direction. According to the Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Chairperson, 2016 May Day Committee, Comrade

Peters Adeyemi, for the Nigerian workers under the umbrella of NLC and TUC, May Day “is a happy and symbolic day when we join our comrades all over the world to celebrate the dignity of labour. On May Day, we gather en-mass to celebrate working class solidarity and to show working unity. We will also use May Day to celebrate our social relevance, as the creators of the wealth on which the survival of our nation depends.” On the economic situation, Adeyemi added: “As the theme of this year’s May Day suggests; this is a time for us as working class to look at the present economic reality of the moment and utilise the opportunity afforded us to work towards achieving economic revival and chart a way to a national rebirth and advocate the engendering of pro-poor policies.” Comrade Adeyemi, who is also the General Secretary of the Non-Academic Staff of Universities and other Allied Institutions (NASU), said the workers would as usual make their demands. “The May Day is an auspicious occasion

for the working people to reflect on their struggle and make their demands. We shall use this opportunity to renew the call for the review of national minimum wage that is overdue for review, considering the current economic trends. Inflation has increased, the naira has lost its value and the current minimum wage has been completely eroded. Therefore, the need and urgency for a call for the review of the current National Minimum Wage,” he said He added that, “it is also pertinent to reiterate our calls for the suspension of the implementation of the recent increment in electricity tariff, and for the government to put an end to the endemic fuel scarcity that has resulted in the unwanted long queues at the filling stations, leading to loss of man hours and bringing untold hardship on the workers and the masses, who are already impoverished by the lack of electricity supply and near collapse of the energy sector. “It is also imperative that we demand for Continues on pg 3

specialreport

•Ngige, Labour Minister

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

•Kwara Water Corporation Staffers protesting non-payment of their salary.

Many governors are lazy —TUC Continued from pg 2 good governance and accountability from the government. Nigerians are suffering and government has to put every necessary policy in place to better the lots of Nigerians. We cannot continue like this, and employment must be created. The change mantra must be seen to bring good governance to the people of this country.” Mrs. Christy Daniel, a civil servant in Abuja and Suleiman Abdul, also a public servant, however, tasked the labour leaders to do more as regard the poor pay and working conditions of Nigerian workers. Specifically, they said workers, especially civil servants at the state level, need to be helped and delivered from the state governors. “What will you say about the state workers, some of whom have not received salaries for about four, five, six months. My God, how would they survive or how are they surviving in the first place? Despite this, government agencies are increasing prices of all social services like electricity. How do we cope? Our leaders should not relent in the struggle, and must fight to ensure we get increased wages,” Mrs Daniel said. Abdul in his own reaction said, “we will not get anything from the government until we all line up at the back of our leaders and protest on the streets for a number of days. When you receive N35,000 as salary, you are forced to pay N15,000 on estimated bill per month, even when you don’t get the power supply to use; pay for accommodation and buy 10 liters of fuel in the blackmarket to power your generator in two days, how do you get money to go to office for 25 days in a month? “We are celebrating the May Day under a very bad situation. I am not a politician, and I want to say that the situation has been like this for years. How can a minimum wage be N18,000 a month? It is not realistic and this will only promote corruption. We should all back the upward review of the minimum wage.” The view of the generality of the workers and their leaders are in tandem. Already, the NLC and Trade Union Congress have presented a N56,000 minimum wage demand to the government ahead of May Day. NLC president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba speaking on the new minimum wage demand said: “We have made a formal demand of N56,000 minimum wage to government. That demand has been submitted officially to the Federal Government. We hope that the tripartite system to look at the review will be put in place.” While Wabba acknowledged that the economy of the nation is not doing well at present, he argued that the issue of minimum wage is a matter of the law. “Our argument is that, yes it is true that the economy is not doing well, but the law is also clear that this issue must be looked into. And workers should not be seen to be sleeping on their rights. “These are processes, but when we come to the round table, we can then see the best way out. But I think it is obvious that since it is a product of law, it is usually required that the tripartite process be put in place so that together we can

look at the issues. “It is obvious that the workers have not fared well in the last one year. But we will not continue to lament. What we try to do is to work out a process of engagement on how those issues can be addressed.” On the ability of state which cannot afford to pay N18,000 to now be asked to pay N56,000, the NLC president said: “First, you must understand the logic behind the minimum wage. The logic is to ensure that no worker earns below what can be able to sustain him for a period of 30 days. You also know that when we negotiated the N18,000 minimum wage, the value in terms of exchange rate, was almost at N110 to the one dollar. Today, it has virtually reduced to nothing. “It’s also about law.The law envisage that within a cycle of five years, the issue of inflation will be there; the issue of purchasing power reduction will be there. Mind you, this challenge we are facing in our economy, we don’t expect it to be forever. It is something that is transient. Economy will always go up and down. “We are passing through a very turbulent time. The issue of minimum wage is not essentially for now, it is an issue we must take on board if we want to address the issue of corruption. Without taking proper care of the worker, it is very difficult. That is why I said its a process and we are going to dialogue around that process. That is why collective bargaining is important.” We are celebrating worker’s survival! The TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, in his reaction said the Nigerian labour movement is only celebrating workers for surviving the hard economic situation in the country. “We are only celebrating workers for surviving the hard economic situation. There are issues of arrears of unpaid salaries particularly to states and local government workers. There are issues of arrears of promotions, death benefits, training allowance, and other issues of workers welfare at the federal level. “Then you are aware of this critical issue of hike in elec-

It is not that they are not able to pay. It is the fact that they have mismanaged the resources of their states and they are lazy. There is no state in this country that cannot at least from their IGR, pay their workers’ salaries.

tricity tariff. You are also aware that we are having the challenge of scarcity of fuel. You are also aware that five years down the line, the national minimum wage law is due for upward review. “You don’t need to be told that the inflation in the country has gone up to double digit. So, virtually, Nigerian workers are celebrating these challenges and as we keep saying, the struggle continues, victory is certain. In spite of all these challenges, we will keep on putting on smiling faces because we are patriots. On whether state governments will be able to pay proposed new minimum wage, the TUC president said, “It is not that they are not able to pay. It is the fact that they have mismanaged the resources of their states and they are lazy. There is no state in this country that cannot at least from their IGR, pay their workers’ salaries. If there is any such state that cannot afford to, we will demand for the merger of such state with a viable one. “Any governor who can’t afford the minimum wage should put forth his resignation letter and tell his citizens that, he cannot afford to pay.” Different strokes for different workers However, situations from across the states of the federation In Kwara State things are not really bad as civil servants are not owed salaries but those at the Kwara State Water Corporation have downed tools for more than two months. Before the strike action, they had embarked on peaceful protests, calling on the state government to pay their alleged six months co-operative society deduction from February to July 2015, totalling N40.2 million. The workers, who said that they had been on half salary for six months, added that hunger is staring them in the face even as they want the full payment of salaries owed them from November 2015 to Jan 2016. The state government has appealed to them to call off the strike and resume work promising to pay up, but this was rejected, as they insisted on getting the whole salary before calling off the strike. Also, local government workers under the umbrella of National Union of local Government Workers of Nigeria (ALGON) are still being owed about four months salary. Affected workers are teachers in the service of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and teachers in the service of local governments. Speaking with Sunday Tribune to clarify issues regarding the unpaid salary of local government workers, the senior special assistant to the governor, Dr. Muideen Akorede, said the truth about local government funds was that, “For several months, monthly allocation to federal government, states and local governments has dropped significantly, leading to salary arrears and non-payment. In some quarters, commentators have wrongfully blamed the state government for this. Clearly, this is untrue.” Dr Akorede added that the state government has been able to pay its workers as and when due as a result of pruContinues on pg 9

news

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

May Day lecture: Falana, Labour want police disbanded Soji-Eze Fagbemi -Abuja

ENIOR Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, and other participants at the pre-May Day Lecture held at the Labour House, Abuja, on Saturday, demanded that the Nigeria Police, as presently constituted, should be disbanded to stop the reckless killing of people across the country. Mr. Falana said the present, police force has contempt for the people because of the neo-colonial content of their training. The lecture, which was applauded by all participants was delivered on a theme: “The Working Class and the Quest for Socio-economic Revival.” The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, represented by the Chairman, Partner for Electoral Reforms, Comrade Ezenwa Nwagwu, said: “To stop the reckless killing of people in Nigeria, we have to disband the police force which has contempt for our people because of the neocolonial content of their training. “In its place, a new police service which will respect and defend the people should be established,” he said. He pointed out that a few days ago, he was compelled to condemn the extrajudicial execution of criminal suspects by the police, the unlawful killing of unarmed civilians including women and children by the armed forces and deadly attacks on communities by violent militias and other armed bandits. Falana said: “Specifically, I referred to the military invasions of Odi in Bayelsa state (1999), Zaki Biam in Benue State (2001) and Gbaramota in Delta State (2009), the illegal killing of 347 Shiites by the army and the secret burial of their corpses in a mass grave last December during a civil disturbance in Zaria, Kaduna State, the routine extra-judicial execution of armed robbery and kidnap suspects by all the police commands under the pretext that they are trying to escape from custody and the regular killing of citizens through accidental discharge of firearms by the police. “It was my contention that some nihilist groups have taken advantage of the growing culture of official impunity to engage in savage killings, abductions and other primitive brutalisation of unarmed people. Some of the victims of kidnapping are brutishly killed while the hapless families of others are forced to pay huge ransom to secure their release.” He stated that although,

the unlawful killing of unarmed citizens did not start under the current administration, the administration nevertheless, has a duty to ensure that the life of every person living in Nigeria is respected at all times.

Also speaking, the NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, assured workers that labour and all other progressive forces would continue to meet and provide policy options that must force government to implement agreements.

“The challenges we have in this country is lack of planning, corruption, mismanagement, among others. “Therefore, we will not expect those issues to change without us engaging our political elite on how

best to transform the economy. We must hold our leaders accountable,” Wabba said. Earlier, the TUC President, Mr Bobbio Kaigama, said labour would continue to liaise with anti-graft agencies to probe state

governors who were not able to disburse their bailout funds accordingly. “I want to assure the Nigerian workers that we will continue to provide the necessary leadership that will benefit the workers,” he said.

INEC suspends rerun elections in Kano, Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Cites violence, insecurity Jacob Segun Olatunji -Abuja,withAgencyReports THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended further action on the conduct of re-run elections for some legislative seats till there is guarantee of peace. The commission stated the position in Abuja on Saturday in two separate statements. The commission said it had suspended the election in Minjibir State Constituency of Kano State till further notice. The decision was contained in a statement issued by Oluwole Osaze-

Uzzi, the INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, in Abuja. It said the decision followed the spate of violence, threats and general insecurity, including assault and intimidation of its staff and voters as well as snatching of card readers and other election materials. It stated that the situation compelled it to suspend the election in the state “forthwith and withdraw all its personnel from the field.” The statement said INEC took the decision pursuant to its powers under Section 26 of the Electoral Amendment Act, 2015, and after consultation with the

security agencies. “Consequently, voters are advised to return to their abodes and continue their lawful activities while security agencies have promptly reacted to safeguard citizens and forestall a complete breakdown of law and order in the area. “A new date for the election will be announced in due course when the commission is satisfied that it is safe for it to return to the constituency and when conditions are conducive for the conduct of the election.” In another statement, INEC said it would only proceed with the conclusion of outstanding re-run

elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states on the assurance of violence-free atmosphere there. A statement signed by Mrs Agusta Ogakwu, the Secretary to INEC, said the commission needed a “firm and unequivocal” commitment to violencefree polls by political parties and relevant stakeholders. It said “INEC needs assurance by the security agencies that it is safe to return through the guarantee of peace, order and safety of all election officials, voters, other stakeholders, materials, polling units and facilities to be used for the elections by the security agencies.”

60 politicians killed in Rivers DapoFalade-PortHarcourt UNRESOLVED politicallymotivated and cult-related killings in Rivers State, within the last two months, have increased to no fewer than 60 with the murder of another chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Lucky Ajie, in Okposi community, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), on Thursday. The recent murder of the PDP chieftain also heightened tension in the state, even as the party and the main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), continued pointing fingers at each other as the masterminds of the killings. Ajie was murdered by yetto-be identified assailants while he was returning home, even as a source within his community hinted that he was coming back from his hotel room when the incident occurred early Thursday morning. The slain Rivers PDP chieftain, reportedly trailed by his killers, was shot dead in front of his compound, even as former Chief of Staff of ONELGA, Mr Chijioke Ejebide, described the killing as senseless. He wondered why the PDP leader would be killed in such a manner and charged the police to ensure that those who committed the heinous act did not go unpunished. Assistant Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Mrs Grace Asange-Koko, who confirmed the incident,

said, “We are aware of the killing and we are on it. Investigations are in progress to unravel the killers.” The latest incident has added to the unresolved alleged politically-motivated killings in the state, even as Governor Nyesom Wike had, at various times, said the reports alluding the killings to politics were concocted by politicians to mislead Nigerians. It is recalled that in early February, about 25 persons were murdered in cold blood in Omoku by people suspected to be cultists, even as some of the victims were beheaded by their assailants. Leadership of the state chapter of APC, while reacting to the incident, claimed that most of the people killed during the invasion were members of the party. Also, two separate military invasions of some communities in Gokana, Khana and Tai local government areas, all in Ogoniland, led to the death of about 24 people. The military incursion has become an object of probe by the House of Representatives Committee on the Army, even as the fact-finding mission of the lower chamber of the National Assembly to the state, last week, has become contentious issue between PDP and APC in the state. Also, five persons were reportedly shot dead during the last legislative rerun election in the state, even as the exercise had been

suspended in eight local government areas, due to violence. Another two PDP chieftains, Lekia Nzeregbara and Fred Teedom, were also killed by gunmen about two weeks ago at Ogale community and Bomu town, in Eleme and Gokana local government areas of the state, respectively. Nzeregara was one of the party leaders in Eleme, while Teedom was the youth leader of Bomu and vice chairman of Ward 8, in Gokana Local Government Area. In the same vein, just last week, Dr Vincent Eebe, a chieftain of APC and a senior lecturer at the state-owned Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, was shot dead along Bua-Yeghe in Gokana Local Government Area, also by unknown gunmen. Eebe, who, until his death was the Director of Industrial Training of the institution, was killed along with a female student who he was said to have given a ride on his way back to his Port Harcourt residence. On March 8, another APC chieftain, Franklin Obi, was killed in his residence alongside his wife and son (and in the presence of his daughter) in Omoku. This was as the leadership of the party again raised the alarm, barely 48 hours after the brutal murder of Obi, over the death of two of its members in the state. The two APC leaders, Mr Ofinjite Amachree and Tubotamuno Watiso, were killed same day, on March 7 in Asari-Toru Local

Government Area, and Opobo Town in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area, allegedly by suspected thugs of the ruling political party in the state. The state APC chairman, Dr Davies Ikanya, had alleged that no fewer than 60 of his party members had been killed within the last two months, attributing the killings to the build up to the last inconclusive legislative rerun election in the state. While the APC leadership accused its PDP counterpart as the masterminds of the killings, the ruling party in the state had denied the allegation, attributing the yet-to-be resolved deaths to cultism. The state governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, had however faulted the political killings before and during the rerun election, saying such reports were a mere concoction sponsored to alter the outcome of the rerun election. In the same vein, the state police command had attributed most of the killings to cult-related activities, but penultimate Wednesday, arraigned a former caretaker chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, before a Magistrates’ Court over an alleged killing. The former local council chairman was slammed with a two-count charge of murder of one Smart Soberokon in Buguma, even as he was remanded in prison by the magistrate, I. O. Agbeso.

The statement said that the decision followed disruptions of court ordered re-run elections arising out of petitions challenging the conduct of elections in 2015 into various legislative seats in the states. It stated that INEC had met to consider the options open to it to resolve the impasse in the state. It stated that the inability of INEC to conclude the elections arose out of violent resistance to the commencement of the polls in Imo North Senatorial District and three state constituencies in the state. “There was the disruption of polls after commencement (as in Kogi East Senatorial and Idah State Constituency), and all senatorial and some House of Representatives and state House of Assembly elections in Rivers State. “The violence which attended the elections resulted in the death of a poll official. “It also resulted in maiming and various other degrees of injuries, intimidation and psychological trauma to innocent citizens, voters and its personnel as well as political party agents/ supporters and protagonists alike.” It stated that while INEC was committed to conclude the elections, it resolved not to unnecessarily expose its staff or stakeholders to danger and to avoid any action that would likely lead to a threat of, or breakdown of law and order. “Consequently and in the public interest, the commission has resolved to engage the political parties in its capacity as their regulator as well as the principal manager of the electoral process. “INEC has also resolved to engage the security agencies as custodians who are statutorily responsible for the maintenance of law and order.” It added that INEC would enlist the intervention of relevant governmental agencies as well as civil society organisations, religious bodies and traditional institutions, among others. The efforts are aimed at securing a conducive atmosphere for the peaceful conduct of the elections, the statement added.

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

1 May, 2016

crimereports

Sunday Tribune

edited by Oluwatoyin Malik 0807 889 1950, 0811 695 4633 praiseboy01@gmail.com

We usually target our victims at ATM points —Suspected car-snatching gang member Stories by Oluwatoyin Malik

HOSE who visit ATM points to withdraw money late in the night need to be on the watchout against attacks, going by the confession of a 28-year-old robbery gang member, Saheed Mohammed (28), who said that his gang usually targeted bank customers at ATM points to rob them of valuables and dispossess them of their vehicles. The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Leye Oyebade, had told Crime Reports last Friday that the member of a deadly armed robbery gang operating in Ogun, Lagos, Oyo and other states in the South West was arrested on April 28, 2016, by the anti-crime patrol of the Oyo Area Command. According to him, “the hoodlum was arrested along Abeokuta/ Iseyin road with a Hyundai Sonata saloon car with registration number KSF 321 DF which had been snatched at gun point from the owner, one Anthony, at Surulere area of Lagos State on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. His arrest led the police to another suspected gang member, a herbalist simply Rasheed Adifala, who used to prepare charms for others to fortify them during robbery operations.” He added that Mohammed confessed to series of robbery operations his gang had carried out and the number of cars they had snatched. Crime Reports had an interview session with Mohammed. Below are the excerpts. Background I live in Lagos State but sometimes stay in Ayetoro, Ogun state. I joined a robbery gang in December, 2015. Before then, I was into sale and repair of phones. I got to know the gang leader because he used to bring lots of phones to me for flashing

and repair. After he noticed that I used to open up to him on personal issues, he asked if I could drive and I said yes. He said he wanted to bring in smuggled vehicles into Nigeria from Benin Republic. He made me take an oath with him and others. We ate something from a local pot and also drank water and ate kolanut. He then opened up to me that he was into car snatching, warning me that it would be dangerous to back out of the alliance after the oath we took. One day, the leader took me and two others to Iseyin where we were fortified with charms. How we operate We usually target our victims who visit ATM at nights. We would wait until the targeted victim had collected money from the machine. As he goes back to the car, our gang members would close in on him brandishing guns. I would also hold a gun but would remain in our operational vehicle, Honda CRV. The gear would be in ‘Drive’. We used three guns usually held by the leader,

The suspects another member and me. The Honda CRV was also snatched and converted for personal use by the leader. They would collect the victim’s money and take the car key from the owner while one of us would drive it away. But whenever the security men at the bank tried to rescue the victim or we realised that we were attracting crowd, we would quickly leave. After any successful operation, we would lodge in a hotel or go to our leader’s house, but I don’t know the particular place.

This is my third job with the gang. I got N90,000 the first time and N60,000 the second time. We also targeted Tokunbo cars because registering it would be easier. The latest operation On Tuesday April 26, between 10 and 11p.m at Surulere area of Lagos, we kept tab on the driver of a Hyundai Sonata car. As he finished withdrawing money from ATM, we followed him but he went ahead of us. We initially decided to leave but as we

made a u-turn, we saw him where he parked in a side street. Our leader asked me to follow him. As I got to where he parked, I swerved to block his car at the front and switched off my head lamp and ignition. The victim made to reverse but I quickly did same thing and our gang members alighted and ran to him. Initially, he wanted to challenge us, but when he saw guns, he ran away. We searched the car and found nothing. One us picked the car and we parked it in a secluded area.

Whenever we snatched a vehicle, we would park it somewhere and leave it, waiting to see if it would be tracked to the place. Once we saw that it was still there after about 24 hours, we would pick it. Our leader told me to take the latest vehicle to a man in Iseyin, while he warned me to remove the number plates and replace them with the ones he gave me. I went through some police points while taking the vehicle to Iseyin but scaled through. I was almost in Ado Awaye when I was stopped by some policemen along AbeokutaIseyin road. I could not convince them as I did with others that the vehicle belonged to my brother. They checked and saw that the owner of the car was Igbo. They saw a complimentary card and called the number. That was how they discovered that the car was snatched. In his own statement, the Ifa priest said that the gang only came to him for charms to make their business thrive but claimed he did not know they were into robbery.

Customs intercept ‘bibles’, hand them over to NDLEA

Mr Tolulope Ogunkua handing over the intercepted skunk to the NDLEA commander, Mrs Omolade Faboyede

AT the mention of Bible, what comes readily to mind is the Holy Book of the Christian faith, but for those with unholy thoughts, intent and purpose, the mention of ‘bible’ brings a knowing look that could only be read among the initiates. ‘Bible’ to them is the code name for skunkweed, a strong type of marijuana than the ordinary leaves usually consumed by its addicts. This code name was by the Customs Area Controller of Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Tolulope Ogunkua, while handing over some packages of skunk intercepted by Customs officials Continues pg 7

crimereports

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Police arrest suspected cable vandals Adamu Amadu - Dutse

TWO suspected cable vandals, Ali Musa and Abubakar Garba, are currently cooling their heels in the cell at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Jigawa State Police Command after they allegedly stole electrical cables and other equipment in Dutse. Speaking with Crime Reports, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abdu Jinjiri said that their arrest was a follow-up on a tip-off by good-spirited members of the public. He disclosed that the suspects removed 40 metres of 240mm armoured cable, 70 metres of XLPE cable, 96 metres of feeder cable and two sets of Raychem kits, with total value of N4.1million The PPRO said that they would be charged to court as soon as the police concludes their investigation. In an interview, the suspects told Crime Reports that they were indigenes of Kano State who met in Dutse and became friends while working as labourers at construction sites. Speaking at the police headquarters, Musa (36) said he was pushed to stealing because he could not get money to send to his wife, mother and five children back at home as a result of non-availability of job to do. “That was how the devil pushed me. I swear to Almighty God I had never stolen before; this was just a trial and it will be the last by the grace of Almighty Allah. I will not steal again.” The second suspect,

Abubakar Garba (27), also said the same thing, adding that it was poverty that pushed him to steal. “I lost my father when I was 10 years old, and as the first born with siblings to cater for, I had to move and struggle to help my mother.” Garba, who said he was

still single, disclosed to Crime Reports that he came to Dutse to get a labourer’s job but got linked to a carpenter under whom he trained. He said he met with Musa at a construction site. “While discussing our poor status, we remembered what we heard about the sale of cables being lu-

crative, as many were engaged in stealing and selling them, so we decided to do the same. “At about 11 p.m, we went to a highbrow area and waited until around 1a.m. We dug the ground and got the cables. We were arrested by the police while waiting for a buyer.”

I continued robbery after leaving prison because I had no home to go —Suspect By Oluwatoyin Malik

OME hardened criminals seem to have decided that rather than the prison being a reformative place, they would only come out of it harder than before. One of such is Kamoru Ganiyu, a 28-yearold man who was released from Oyo prison in February, 2016 but is back to his normal beat – leading robbery operations. He was however nabbed by the operatives of Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Oyo/ Ogbomoso annex in Oyo State Police Command on April 27, after a robbery operation carried out by his gang members the previous day. Briefing journalists on the arrest of the suspect and four other gang members, the state’s police boss, Mr Leye Oyebade revealed that the suspects dispossessed a man, Mr David Abel of his Toyota Camry (Muscle) with registration number DL 994 LLD on April 26 at Olorunda-Abaa area and also shot

The suspects

the victim in the left arm. He gave the names of other suspects as Agu Onyeka, Biodun Jamiu a.k.a Abbey Gold, Dare Azeez and Nurudeen Bilawu. The SARS operatives however proved smarter than the suspects as they trailed them from the night of robbery till the following morning when they were arrested at a point where they all agreed to meet.

Narrating his experience to Crime Reports, the victim, Mr Abel, said: “On April 25, I was coming from my poultry farm and driving along Olorunda Abaa Road. I wanted to load some credit on my phone so I parked. While busy doing that, two armed men suddenly emerged. I was in the car with one of my farm hands. I was ordered out of the car and I

Customs intercept ‘bibles’, hand them over to NDLEA Continued from pg 6 on anti-smuggling patrol at Oyo axis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. According to the Area Controller, on April 25, an unregistered fairlyused white Nissan Cabstar with chassis number 115666, intercepted at Oyo axis, was found to be loaded with 28 bales of fairly-used clothes and seven rolls of linen materials. But on scrutiny, one of the bales of supposed fairly-used clothes was discovered to be filled with

The suspects

several packages of skunk, smartly concealed with fairly-used clothes. A second unregistered green Tokunbo Mitsubishi space wagon with chassis number JMBLNN43WS200132 was also discovered to be loaded with six bales of used clothes, six rolls of linen materials and four bales containing packages of skunk after it was intercepted. When the bales were opened and counted in the presence of journalists as well as customs and NDLEA officials, they were discovered to contain 226

packages of ‘bibles’, with the street value given at N2.2million. Saying that the seizure took a lot of intelligence as it was not day’s job, Ogunkua remarked that “our officers were very vigilant and were able to make the seizure.” Handing the drugs over to the NDLEA commander in Oyo State, Mrs Omolade Faboyede, Ogunkua reiterated that Oyo area command had no place for smuggling, both for uncustomed goods and other illicit things like drugs. “What we have done is

in line with inter-agency cooperation and we shall continue to partner with our colleagues with the hope that we will rid this state of these vices. We will never encourage this deadly drug to be circulated in the society,” he added. In her remarks after the handing over, the NDLEA commander said that her command would take over the exhibits and work on the intelligence given by the Customs officials. “There is a line of intelligence on ground already, so we will do a follow-up on it,” Mrs Faboyede said.

obeyed. “They asked me to lie down but while I was trying to do that, they moved to the other man in my car. I seized the opportunity to escape but one of the armed men shot at my left wrist. I ran to the Baale of the community but he could not help. I ran back to the road and saw a patrol vehicle. They picked me and as we were going, we saw my car where it was abandoned. “We took it to the station and met Oyo SARS operatives who were on a different mission there. They were told the story of what happened to me, and when they were going, they noticed the armed robbers at Akala Junction in Akobo standing by a motorcycle. They monitored them till 7a.m. the following day and arrested them at a filling station along Old Ife Road.” Ganiyu, who confessed to the crime, said he continued in robbery because since he came out of prison, he had been sleeping inside buses and cars in motor parks or uncompleted buildings, as he had

no home to go. He revealed that a member of the gang, Radical, was also an exinmate of Agodi Prison. Crime Reports learnt he was initially charged to court then for snatching a Range Rover at Jogor Centre, Ibadan. He was taking it to Ogbomoso when he was intercepted in Oyo. Though he was stopped by the police, Ganiyu refused to stop but dragged the vehicle to Ogbomoso even after its tyre was shot. Another member, Onyeka told Crime Reports that he was part of the robbery on invitation by Abbey Gold and Nuru. “I came to Ibadan about two months from Mile 12, Lagos State. In Lagos, I was into breaking and entry, using scissors and blade. On getting to Iwo Road, I met Abbey Gold and we took to each other. He was the one who gave me money to start selling phone cases. “On the robbery day, I was in Iwo Road when an okada man, Azeez, came to pick me on the instruction of Abbey Gold. On our way, we saw Ganiyu and we picked him. Along the way, we saw Radical and another person on another motorcycle and we started following them. We followed a car until the driver turned into a street. Radical held a gun and gave the second one to Ganiyu. Bilawu is Abbey Gold’s boy. “The four of us snatched the car after its owner was shot in the arm by Radical, but as we were going, the car had a tyre burst so we abandoned it. The following day, Abbey Gold called us that the person who wanted to buy the car asked us to come. We were arrested as soon as we got there.”

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

specialreport

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Workers celebrating MayDay

‘Give us more money....’ Continued from pg 3

dent management, adding that the backlog of salaries of water corporation staff would be paid soon. Also speaking, the chairman of the State NLC Comrade Yekeen Agunbiade, confirmed that the core civil servants in the state have been paid up till date except those who had issues with the Biometric Verification Number (BVN), saying that only those in the service of SUBEB, local government and parastatal agencies are being owed. Also speaking, the state chairman, TUC Comrade Musa Abubakar, confirmed the BVN development, saying that the verification exercise was at the instance of the unions in order to flush out ghost workers in the state and local governments. He said the amount received from the federal allocation was not enough to pay salaries while there were a lot of ghost workers in the local governments, adding that the verification exercise would be of a great advantage to the workers. Also speaking, the Deputy President, Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the state, Comrade Oloruntade Ibikunle commended the state government for conducting the screening exercise, adding that the unions would not relent in their efforts to support government. “We are collaborating with the state government in order to fish out ghost workers. We discover that the consistent drop in monthly allocation has been affecting the three tiers of government most especially the local governments,” he said. No smiles for LG workers Just like Kwara, core civil servants and teachers in both primary and post- primary schools are paid regularly in Enugu State. However, some staffers of state-owned parastatal agencies and local governments are owed between seven months and three years. The state chairmen of NLC, TUC/JPSNC and Secretary of JPSNC, Comrades Virginus Nwobodo, Igbokwe Chukwuma and Theo Obsiani, respectively, disclosed that the state government was already off-setting the unpaid bills with the bailout money given by the Federal Government. The trio noted that a committee comprising Labour and government was set up to verify, monitor and disburse the funds to the beneficiaries. However, some of the local government staff interviewed, but who preferred to remain anonymous, lamented the untold hardship they are passing through due to irregular payment of salaries and entitlements. “I am surprised our labour leaders are not fighting for us. Many of us cannot pay the school fees of our children. Our problem of no salaries started from the days of Chimaroke Nnamani. Tell Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to come to the aid of local government workers before we perish,” the staffers of Enugu-South Local Government Council told Sunday Tribune.

most of the workers in the state’s civil service have resorted to obtaining different forms of loan services to sustain their families, especially families where the spouses are both government workers. Reports from many of the local governments across the state showed that most of the staffers are facing serious challenges which had led to low morale and absenteeism from their offices. Living from hand to mouth In Oyo state workers are being owed five months arrears of salary. Sunday Tribune gathered that the five months salary is for December 2015 to April 2016. However, salaries of the months being owed the workers differ from one local government to the other because some were paid January 2016 salary from the bailout Fund collected from the Federal Government while some months arrears are still outstanding. Those mostly affected are Ibadan North-West, Lagelu, Egbeda and Ogbomoso South local governments. According to investigations, most of the workers in the state’s civil service have resorted to obtaining different forms of loan services to sustain their families, especially families where the spouses are both government workers. Most of those who spoke with Sunday Tribune did not want their identities revealed. Some of them informed our correspondents that things have been difficult as they could no longer plan for their homes. According to investigation, many have continued to live from hand to mouth. One of the workers revealed that they had resorted to signing memoranda of understanding with their children’s school management on how to be paying their fees. The source revealed that “a majority of us only sign MOU with schools on behalf of our children. In my own situation, I pay my children’s school fees in installments. I survive on other fronts through assistance from friends who work in other sectors. But the bitter truth is that 60 per cent of workers don’t go to work again. Others makeshift arrangements among themselves. “The most unfortunate aspect of it is that many of our people are dying on daily basis, because of lack of adequate care. The most recent reference is the case of an

•NLC President, Ayuba Wabba officer at the ministry of women affairs who died because he couldn’t afford to get N2,500 for drugs. This happened some weeks ago. “That is our pathetic story. Our experience in the last few months has been cosmetic lifestyles. It is a story we don’t love to share,” the source hinted. Sunday Tribune also gathered that some workers outside the city have also engaged in some alternative jobs like trading, farming, among others. To them, going to the office is a matter of putting calls through to some officers who live closer to their offices or whose duty posts cannot be left to others. Those who are enjoying relief so far according to some of the workers, are mostly women whose husbands are not government workers. Frustration setting in By the time the Governor Simon Lalong-led administration in Plateau State took over in may 2005 there was already seven months salary arrears inherited. Since then, the government has been making concerted efforts to pay the civil servants as parts of its electoral promises. A source close to the government revealed that the government has so far paid five out of the seven months salaries through the bailout received from the federal government Some of the civil servants who spoke with Sunday Tribune on condition of anonymity however said the state government only paid them four of the seven months it inherited. They added that while some ministries have so far received up to five months, there are others who just received less than that for the reasons best known to the state government. A senior civil servant who works with the ministry of Urban Development, Ahmed Abdullahi said the state government is still owing the staff of the ministry up to five months, adding that as a result of this, many have been finding it difficult coming to work. “With the bailout received, this ministry is lagging behind in terms of payment of outstanding salaries. There are minContinues on

pg 10

specialreport

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

We need a better deal... Continued from pg 9

istries that had received five months so far and only being owned two months, there are others also who are being owed four to five months. This staggered payment is killing, frustrating and dampening morale of civil servants,” he said. Another civil servant who craved anonymity, laments the pain civil servants in the state are passing through adding that in the past two years there has been no stable and regular salary. “Most of our children have not been going to school as expected because salaries are not paid on time, many have turned beggars and depend on people, especially friends in the society to survive. Our standard of living has dropped drastically. Being a civil servant in Nigeria is gradually becoming s curse,” he said. All efforts to get the state Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Jibril Bancir, proved abortive, but an official of the council who spoke with Sunday Tribune on condition of anonymity said the state NLC is leaving no stone unturned towards ensuring that civil servants and the entire workforce the state get their entitlements and salary. According to him, the state NLC is making efforts and not resting on its oars in this regard adding that state officials of the NLC have opened up discussions with the state government on the need to be up to date in payment of salary simultaneously in all the ministries in the state. Responding, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Mark Longyen, said the government inherited a terrible situation from its predecessor, adding that the Lalong-led administration has so far paid five months out of the seven months. What is left presently is the month of February and March. The bail-out of N5 billion received was used to offset the payment and the government is also looking inward to finding alternative means of paying the remaining outstanding salaries. “The state government has many debts to service, every month. We service debts to the tune of N1.1 billion. On the N28.8 billion bond collected by the previous administration, the state government is presently servicing the debt with about N600 million monthly. It is a serious predicament, but we shall overcome,” he said. Also speaking on issues affecting workers, Comrade Olubunmi Fajobi, Ogun State Chairman, Trade Union Congress said the situation of the Nigeria workers’ today calls for concern. Workers in the country are being confronted with numerous challenges in terms of salaries and emoluments, unethical practices particularly by the private sector as a result casualisation and outsourcing service. The public service in particular is owing huge sum of unremitted and unpaid salaries and allowances. You will agree with us, that the rate of dollar against the naira has affected us. Workers take home pay can no longer take them home. It is more than five years that the minimum wage review was done. We also call for the review of the minimum wage. These are some of the issues that are confronting Nigerian workers at this particular point in time. The State Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Comrade Akeem Lasisi, said the plight of workers in the country is unfortunate. He identifed no job security, many months of unpaid co-operatives,banks and other deductions as some of the problems facing Nigerian workers. “No more payment of gratuity and pension; unfair labour practice is now the order of the day.When politicians are laughing every month end,workers are crying because of the hardship they face in meeting their financial needs.It is better government makes the welfare of workers a priority because “a hungry worker is an angry worker.” The organised labour in Kogi comprising the NLC, TUC and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) has lamented the non payment of the salaries of their members by the state government in the last five months. The TUC chairman in Kogi State, Comrade Ranti Ojo and his NLC counterpart, Onuh Edoka, have raised the alarm over the poor condition of living of workers. This is coming as many of the government workers in the state said they had been having difficulty in meeting the basic needs of their families. Some of the civil servants who spoke with Sunday Tribune in Lokoja, the state capital, said they are experiencing the worst moment of their lives. However the organised labour in the state has called

on the state government to use the allocation it got for the month of February 2016 to offset the outstanding salaries for the month of December, 2015 to enable the workers heave a sigh of relief. The people condemned in strong terms, the payment of salary in piecemeal, adding the payment of salaries for months of October and November 2015 spanned three weeks for each month. It called on the state government to direct the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to release the February allocation to local government areas to cushion the effects of non payment of salary to local government workers and teachers. The organised labour described as unacceptable, the refusal of the state government to pay November 2015 salary to workers employed between January and December 2015 having worked for the said period, adding that there is need to sustain their payments as the public service has been depleted due to retirement and death of public officers. However speaking on the plight of the workers, a civil servant, Sam Ekpa, said this is not one of the best times to be a civil servant in the state. He said the situation was made worse by the fact that his wife is also a health worker with the local government and had also not received salary for months. The level nine officer said the family had been having difficult time paying the school fees of the children, lamenting that he now trek to work on many occasions since the salary problem started. Another worker, Bashir Adoza, said he had turned himself into a cab driver in order to be able to cater for him family. He said he had converted his private car into commercial one along Okene-Lokoja road because of non pay-

The state government has many debts to service, every month. We service debts to the tune of N1.1 billion. On the N28.8 billion bond collected by the previous administration, the state government is presently servicing the debt with about N600 million monthly. It is a serious predicament, but we shall overcome.

ment of salary. Lucky workers In spite of all this, workers in some states like Lagos, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers and to some extent Ogun are faring better. Rivers State civil servants are lucky. The state government is owing them only their March salary. Compared with other states, Mrs Beatrice Itubo the Rivers State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, said she more confident that her constituents are living more comfortably. To this end, she said, she would ensure that she approaches the necessary authorities so that workers are not being owed unnecessarily beyond the month of March. Itubo claimed that some of those affected was as a result of the government embarking on ‘show your B.V.N’ exercise and in some ministries the issue of Biometrics. She maintained that the essence of the exercise was to know the actual number of workers but frowned on not putting a time frame to the policy which is why many workers have not collected their salary for March. “I will not show any ignorance that some workers have not been paid salaries in March, the truth is that the government was embarking on some exercise of ‘Show your B.V.N’ and in some ministries issue of Biometrics, the essence was to know the actual workers. “What could sometimes be wrong is that when you embark on a policy, there should be a time frame, then some people can continue to take their salaries while the government go on with their policy, not to start what will make people suffer at the end of the month,” she said. She further stated she was aware of some workers in her union who are affected but that she has interfaced with some people in position of authority who have assured her that most persons would be settled, especially those that have submitted their B.V.N. She assured the workers that their salaries would be paid as at when due. Mr Soyoye Ade was a staff of NTC in the 60s and left Nigeria for London where he worked for 40 years with the Customs and NHS (medical service) also said that the major responsibility of a Union is to fight for the welfare of its members. Labour Unions all over the world do this. Compared to how it actually works in other countries, because I have worked in Nigeria and in U.K, I can tell you that there is no basis for comparison. In England, Labour Union fights for the welfare and rights of workers, irrespective of your race or origin. As long as you are a worker, you have the right to petition the union to act on your behalf and it will, but it is not so in Nigeria. Since I have been back in this country almost two years now, I have heard several young and old workers, men and women, complain about the excruciating conditions under which they work. A worker is not expected to work till death. Its not that one can’t die when working, but the hours of work are not beyond 35-38 hours each week. Is that what casual workers at foreign-owned companies adhere to? •Additional stories by Biola Azzeez, Yinka Oladoyinbo, Yinka Olukoya, Isaac Shobayo, Jude Ossai, Uduak-Abasi Patrick and Tunde Ogunesan.

feature

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Abuja: Many houses, no tenants Changing face of a federal capital

CHRISTIAN OKEKE, in this report, writes that while many remain homeless in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), many exotic houses, mostly at upscale areas, remain unoccupied years after their completion.

OING by available statistics, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, alone accounts for 10 per cent of the 17 million housing deficit in the country. The situation persists despite the fact that many mansions dot the landscape of the territory uninhabited. The houses, which have been completed but remain unoccupied, are scattered across some districts, many of which are located in private housing estates. Indeed there are a number of issues and insinuations associated with the empty buildings. One of such is that the owners, could have embezzled public funds and laundered them on acquisition of properties. Other insinuations associated with the unoccupied buildings are that some of the owners kept cash in them to evade moving stolen funds through banks and that the buildings are owned by some past and current public office holders who did not have real needs for such properties but had to acquire them using looted funds. Many residents fear that the unoccupied houses pose security threat. They refer to situations in the past when security agents had to invade such structures to possibly seize outlawed materials or forestall usage of such properties for criminal purposes. But the fact remains that the sight of these structures rekindles anger in the minds of the poor, as well as low and middle income earners in the territory. Their anger stems from the fact that such gigantic structures were left to rot away while they pay through the noses for accommodation. Residents are not the only ones showing concerns in this regard. Even the FCT administration had on several occasions raised the alarm over the number of uncompleted buildings and empty estate buildings in the city and currently plans to set up a committee to look into the issue. The administration is certainly not stopping at that as it has also given the indication that it may soon come up with a law that would force down the current high cost of accommodation. FCT Minister, Muhammadu Bello, had personally expressed anger over the current situation and even questioned the rationale behind payment of rent on accommodation on an annual basis in the country. He told estate surveyors who were on a visit to his office recently that the present administration under President Muhammed Buhari is deeply concerned about the high cost of accommodation in Abuja and is working on measures that would guarantee access to decent accommodation. During the meeting, he wondered why in developed countries such as United Kingdom and the United States, tenants pay rent on a monthly or even weekly basis while reverse is the case in Nigeria. Be that as it may, investigation by Sunday Tribune revealed that the houses remain empty for a number of reasons. Some residents and developers gave divergent views on why the houses remain

Some houses in Abuja waiting for occupants

unoccupied years after their completion. It was gathered that developers, in some cases, declined to sell or rent the structures due to low offers. The developers, according to investigations, put into consideration the high cost of the investment before fixing rates. According to a resident, John Uwakwe,

As investors, the developers must factor in the cost of purchase of the land as well as the exorbitant cost of building materials so as to recoup their investments

the belief among many residents is that the rents for the houses are naturally going to be on the high side. He said that explains why they are too afraid of getting closer to have a look-in, let alone making offers. It was revealed that such estate developers are not really bothered that their structures have been under lock years after completion, provided they have not seen anyone who paid the price already fixed as rents. At one of the estates located at Apo, Sunday Tribune could not meet the developer on site but one of the engineers who gave his name as Ibrahim said the high rent on the houses are justified. According to him, as investors, the developers must factor in the cost of purchase of the land as well as the exorbitant cost of building materials so as to recoup their investments. He said the owners will simply not rent out the houses at a loss. According to an investigation conducted by Sunday Tribune at the Development Control Department of FCT Administra-

tion, there is already a plan to include a clause in building approvals issued to mass housing developers which would compel them to rent out the structures not later than six months after completion. Sunday Tribune gathered that part of the condition for granting such approvals is that construction should begin within six months and be completed two years after. Sunday Tribune could not get the director in charge of the department to comment on this as of press time, but an official who pleaded anonymity stated that the department was satisfied that many of the houses in the city remain occupied. He said those which remain unoccupied were constructed in mass housing estates. A resident, Oluwadamilola Taiwo, told Sunday Tribune that the Abuja property tax bill which the Senate passed in June 2014 is an instrument that will compel property owners to rent out their houses when eventually signed into law. Speaking on the increase in rent which the empty houses had generated, the Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Dino Melaye, said “the Senate was planning to organise a public hearing on that soon and already we have communicated to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki on it.” He stated that the upper chamber of the National Assembly would bring together stakeholders including landlords, tenants and government to review the housing and rent laws and look at the possibility of coming up with a rent control system which will make it impossible to review rents till after five years. The question which remains unanswered, however, is: “when will Abuja’s empty housing estates serve useful purposes?”

feature

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

A tale of two protests

By Ayodele Adesanmi

fter a smooth ride to their different offices and a fruitful legislative session penultimate Monday, lawmakers and workers of the National Assembly were expecting same the following working day. Even the National Security Adviser and the Secretary to the Government of the federation, who shared the same route to their offices were, expecting another interesting ride. But these government officials were all disappointed when they got to the gate of the National Assembly the following day and met it closed with fully armed security officers standing by. Many, protesters bearing placards and banners could be seen in the horizon. Canopies with different inscriptions like #OccupyNass# ‘ReclaimNigeria’ could be seen with several protesters numbering about one thousand. They arrived as early as seven in the morning. Their earlier intention was to move into the complex, stay in front of the White House and erect the canopies, but a quick intervention of the vigilant security officers prevented this as they quickly closed the gate. The crowd is made up of protesters who intended to occupy the National Assembly for four days -Tuesday to Friday. On Friday morning by 7 a.m., their intention was fully realised having effectively occupied the National Assembly for four days. However to gain entry to the National Assembly throughout the days of the occupation, workers with vehicles had to go through the SGF’s second gate, while the lawmakers passed through the villa gate. Those without vehicles had two options: to follow same route with the vehicle owners or through a footpath. The emergency footpath is shorter but lonely and was a path of necessity created only for the period. It was, however, a special time of excruciating pains and stress for those who had anything to do with the National Assembly. However the office of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, had, on Monday, alerted members of the public to the plan by some politicians to allegedly create public

Demands of the protesters include calling on the “National Assembly to return the budget to the ‘preNASS padding’ levels, open up the budget of the National Assembly for public scrutiny, return the 36 SUVs bought at N37m each even while Nigerians are living in abject poverty

disorder on Tuesday through a sponsored demonstration which to him will seek to ground human and vehicular activities on some major streets of Abuja, particularly, those leading to the National Assembly Complex. The Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Senate President, Yusuph Olaniyonu, had in a statement

alerted that “sponsors of the protests are determined to ground the operations of the National Assembly to prove the point that the members should move against the leadership of the Senate.” According to him “We have information that the sponsors have been deploying resources to ensure that a sizable crowd was mobilised to create chaos, confusion and tension around the streets of Abuja. Money and other materials are being provided for the organisers by the sponsors.” However on the very first day (Tuesday) the protesters were of different groups with opposing interests. One group was in support of Senate President, Dr Saraki, while the other was against him because of the ongoing trial at code of conduct Tribunal and calling for his resignation. Those in support of continued stay of Saraki in Continues pg 14

1 May, 2016

Continued from

last week

E ought all to be exceedingly happy to be alive today to witness the incipient stages of the ultimate triumph of that great and indestruc-

tible cause. Fourthly, I thank myself for being what I am - by the Grace of God - by relentless personal strivings, and through the love of my friends, colleagues and well-wishers. Finally, I thank my political opponents (not enemies, for I have none), and all those, throughout my adult life to this day, who have in diverse ways made things difficult-going for me. Unknown to them they are friends in disguise. By their actions, they have toughened me; they have made me utterly fearless and defiant, supremely selfconfident, indifferent to obloquy, and sometimes, suspicious of praise. Apart from all that I have said, there is another distinctive feature which sets this birthday anniversary apart from those I have hitherto celebrated and may be spared to mark in the future. The auguries which conjoin on this day are exceedingly favourable and auspicious. It is my first birthday anniversary after my elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria - the highest position to which any legal practitioner in Nigeria can hope to rise. Furthermore, this day comes almost exactly seven months before the handing over of the Government of our country to a popularly elected political party. I am confident that, by the Grace of God, that victorious party shall be the Unity Party of Nigeria. It just has to be, for the good of the suffering masses of Nigeria. On 1 October, 1960, Nigeria was proclaimed a free and independent country, that is, free and independent from foreign rule and domination. We rejoiced and we had every reason to. But events since then have shown conclusively that October

Awo’s thoughts PATH TO NIGERIAN GREATNESS

On the campaign trail

Birthday reflections* 1, 1960 marked the advent of a long dispensation under which native tyranny took the place of foreign domination. The rule of Law was held in abeyance; the voice of dissent was muted; individual freedom was exercised tinder many extra-legal restraints; the further away we are from

Nigeria remains a land in which the ravages of ignorance, disease and abject poverty continue unabated

Sunday Tribune

Independence Day, so much the further we are from the goal of economic development and selfreliance; and, above all, in spite of all the modern trappings in which about five out of a thousand revel, Nigeria remains a land in which the ravages of ignorance, disease and abject poverty continue unabated. Says Chairman Mao: “Power flows from the barrel of the gun.” I do not share this great man’s view. In my own opinion, power flows from a leadership which is sustained by the will and approval of the people, freely articulated and given. Nevertheless, the afflictions of Nigeria, nay of Africa as a whole, seem to have arisen not only from an undue and strict adherence by Birthday Reflections our civilian and military rulers to Mao’s dictum, but also from an obvious demonstration by them that wisdom and competence in all things also flow from the barrel of the gun! Otherwise they would have saved themselves the risibility of talking down to their intellectual superiors, and of dabbling in and making statements abouts matters in which they are totally untutored. In addition, the so-called Nigeria’s First Republic also witnessed a good deal of socio-political monstrosities: (1) ethnic hegemony; (2) rabid intolerance of opposition and criticism; (3) complete absence of ideological goals; (4) enthronement of mediocrity and the devaluation of merit; and (5) arrogance of ignorance. It is certainly not possible for Nigeria to go forward into modernity at a fast pace manacled and chained with all the socio-politico-economic abnormalities which have just been mentioned. These manacles and chains must be broken and destroyed in order that our giant country may claim and assert its birthright and destiny in Africa and the world. It is to this end that I this day rededicate the rest of my life. Concluded

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1 May, 2016

Protesters or politicians?...

We have information that the sponsors have been deploying resources to ensure that a sizable crowd was mobilised to create chaos, confusion and tension around the streets of Abuja. Money and other materials are being provided for the organisers by the sponsors

Continued from pg 12 office as Senate President first staged their solidarity protests at the main entrance, while those calling for his resignation came later. The group calling for his resignation said that Nigerians need a leader they can always learn from and not those that will allow corruption to fester, insisting that Nigerians must collectively stand up to demand for his immediate resignation. The pro-Saraki group, however, declared that his on going trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal was an attempt to emasculate the Senate and called on Nige-

rians to stand up to prevent an attempt by those they described as enemies of democracy to halt the progress the Senate has been making in the defence of democracy under Saraki’s leadership of NASS. The event changed completely the second day, when the #OccupyNass#ReclaimNigeria took over and changed both the tempo and the demand. The protesters made it look like a carnival. They danced every 30 minutes and recited the National Anthem every one hour. A little drama played out when the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, could not ignore the recitation of the Na-

tional Anthem as he stood at attention when he came to appeal to the protesters to leave. The #OccupyNASS #ReclaimNigeria members came from different parts of the country. They were provided with mobile toilet facility coupled with a plastic water tank frequently supplying water. The National Coordinator of the group, Dr Bunmi Awoyemi, however, denied the insinuation doing the rounds that government had a hand in the project. He stated that any money spent came from donations from members and interested personalities. Inalegwu, however, came on the third day and appealed that the gate should be opened as it was not only the lawmakers that are making use of the National As-

Sunday Tribune

sembly gate as there were business owners and their workers, aides of the legislators, NSA, SGF, staff members and others who have one business or the other to transact in the sprawling complex. He appealed to the protesters to reciprocate the civility of the police and other security operatives towards them since the protest started, especially the support of the Inspector-General of Police for them. Demands of the protesters include calling on the “National Assembly to return the budget to the ‘pre-NASS padding’ levels, open up the budget of the National Assembly for public scrutiny, return the 36 SUVs bought at N37m each even while Nigerians are living in abject poverty, scrap the fraudulent constituency projects and account for the billions of naira looted in the name of constituency projects, stop attempting to change any law that will favour the looters in National Assembly and pass the president’s Anti Money Laundering bill into law.” However, what would have been a bloody confrontation was averted by the police between two groups of protesters: the #OccupyNass#ReclaimNigeria, who occupied the entrance of the National Assembly seeking the ouster of the Senate president and members of Citizens in Defence of Democracy (CIDD), a group believed to be campaigning for the retention of Saraki in office. They had arrived at the gate of the National Assembly in the morning and began to move towards the canopies of the other group, #OcuppyNASS#ReclaimNigeria. Tempers, however, flared as soon as the #OccupyNASS group saw the CIDD members walking towards them, while members charged at one another. Policemen and men of the NSCDC, however, moved swiftly to form a barrier between the two groups to avert a violent clash. The pro-Saraki protesters, armed with banners and posters, speaking through their coordinator, Ohazuruike Tochukwu, disclosed that they were in the National Assembly to draw the attention of Nigerians to the alleged injustice being perpetrated against Saraki, through the judiciary. “We stand for accountability and transparency by all public office holders. We stand with Saraki and the National Assembly and demand that the executive should desist from impunity that led to the unpopularity of the last government. If our demands are not met by next week Wednesday, we shall commence a massive unprecedented move to occupy Aso Rock,” he said. Later on Thursday the Senate sent three of their members, Dino Melaye, Shehu Sani and Ben Bruce, to meet the group and collect their letter intended to be submitted to the Senate president. Dino, who spoke on behalf of others, promised that the letter would be delivered to the appropriate quarters appealing to them to be calm and law-abiding. He disclosed that the other group, #OcuppyNASS#ReclaimNigeria, did not inform the Senate that they had a message to pass across, adding that “since their intention was to occupy the NASS, they are free to go ahead and exercise their rights.” The legislators and the workers, however, heaved a sigh of relief when they reported for work on Friday and found the gate wide opened. However the last may not have been heard about the groups who would love to occupy the National Assembly.

1 May, 2016

Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 0807 449 74

children’sarena How we are preparing for school

proverb

of C th hil ew d ee k

Words from the kids

We will water the thorn for the sake of the rose. - African Proverb

—Olatunde Samuel, Pry 4, 11 years

I have been attending lessons during the holidays to improve on my studies. I want to take the first position next term. I am not encouraged by my last term result and I want to improve in my academics. I pray to God to grant me wisdom so as to come out in flying colours.

—Olubajo Daniel, Jss1, 11 years

I read up to three hours a day for me to be among the recommended list of best students in my school. My parents have bought all what I needed for this new term such as bag, shoes and books. The little I can do to appreciate them is to pass my exams in all subjects.

Sunday Tribune

Toluwani Enoch

David

Interpretation: You can’t have a beautiful flower like the rose without dealing with some thorns along the way.

clocks 1

Many happy returns

famousinvention — Favour Irumekhai, JSS3, 13 years I am very happy that we are resuming on Monday. At school, we face our studies squarely and only think about how we must pass all our subjects while the home is for play. So, I think the school is better than home.

—Hannah Irumekhai, Pry 2, 8 years I am happy that school will resume this week because I really miss my friends at school; I can’t wait to see them again. My school uniform is already washed and ironed so that I will look presentable on the first day of school. My lunch box and shoes are all cleaned; everything is set for resumption on Monday. I am so excited.

Crabs •Crabs have a thick external skeleton called an exoskeleton. •Crabs live in all the world’s oceans, in fresh water, and on land. There are over 4,500 species of crabs. •Other animals with similar names such as

hermit crabs, king crabs, porcelain crabs, horseshoe crabs and crab lice, are not true crabs. •Crabs usually have a distinct sideways walk. However, some crabs can walk forwards or backwards, and some are capable of swimming. •The collective name for

the group of crabs is a cast. •Crabs communicate with one other by drumming or waving their pincers. •Male crabs tend to often fight with each other over females or hiding holes. •The Pea Crab is the smallest known species at just a few millimetres wide. •Crabs are omnivores (meaning they eat both meat and plants), they feed mainly on algae, but also bacteria, other crustaceans, molluscs, worms, and fungi. •The most consumed species of crab in the world is the Japanese blue c

Brief history of the air conditioner Air conditioner (often referred to as A/C or AC) is the process of altering the properties of air (primarily temperature and humidity) to more comfortable conditions, typically with the aim of distributing the conditioned air to an occupied space such as a building or a vehicle to improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality. In common use, an air conditioner is a device that lowers the air temperature. The cooling is typically achieved through a refrigeration cycle, but sometimes evaporation or free cooling is used. Air conditioning systems can also be made based on desiccants.

The basic concept behind air conditioning is said to have been applied in ancient Egypt, where reeds were hung in windows and were moistened with trickling water. The evaporation of water cooled the air blowing through the window. This process also made the air more humid, which can be beneficial in a dry desert climate. In Ancient Rome, water from aqueducts was circulated through the walls of certain houses to cool them. Other techniques in medieval Persia involved the use of cisterns and wind towers to cool buildings during the hot season.

Tongue Twister A tree toad loved a she-toad Who lived up in a tree. He was a two-toed tree toad But a three-toed toad was she. The two-toed tree toad tried to win The three-toed she-toad’s heart, For the two-toed tree toad loved the ground That the three-toed tree toad trod. But the two-toed tree toad tried in vain. He couldn’t please her whim. From her tree toad bower With her three-toed power The she-toad vetoed him.

Compiled by Temitayo Iliasu

1 May, 2016

AST Tuesday, Dr Temitope Aluko, popularly known as TKO Aluko, called. I wasn’t close to the mobile set and had to revert to the unknown number. From the moment he introduced himself, to when we said our goodbyes, he fascinated. Yes, the same nemesis of combative Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose. There was almost no issue between him and the governor in the 40 years of their on-off and now tempestuous relationship that we didn’t touch in our two-hour conversation. Maybe because of the way I punned his initials to describe his disadvantaged situation after the Eko Hotel sham of a reconciliation, he was just ready to talk. Something told me he was mostly saying the truth, considering revelations of their conjoined past which didn’t honour even his own person, name, family, politics, credibility and future. He said he read “Technical Knock-Out for Aluko” which I penned aftermath the Eko signature charade. He agreed with me that he walked into a trap, but on trust. He said the whole “show” was more than the “show” Fayose and himself put up for the camera, alleging that the governor kept tugging at his cloth at the back, not to spill the bean, right before the media. Introspectively, he felt Dele Olugbemi, the controversial minority Speaker of the defunct Ekiti Assembly, wasn’t to be trusted. Moments before Governor Ayo Fayose boarded the aircraft for his China trip, we spoke on what he considered unfair to his innocence in the write-up. Aluko also pointed his out. It was satisfying both sides are complaining. That is always the burden of objectivity. I can also assume who spoke the most truth between both gladiators. Since it is my opinion, I will keep it to myself. But there is a something deductible in my long chat with Aluko. He still loves and respects Fayose as a big brother and even a “father”, despite the gagged resentment for the governor. Anytime, he subconsciously referred to him as Fayose, he would quickly correct himself by saying “Brother Ayo.” His struggles not to hate the man that “taught me everything in politics” could not be hidden. But can one really afford not to resent a big brother who loaded one with political brinkmanship and now standing in the ways of putting expression to the acquired knowledge? Aluko was pained he wasn’t Chief of Staff to the man he thought he knew and had done practi-

TWICE since the advent of his administration, President Muhammadu Buhari has come to the financial rescue of state governments with a view to facilitating the payment of workers’ salaries at the state level. However, in spite of what the president has done, about 24 states still owe workers. The governors are always quick to remind everybody that there has been a slide in their allocations from the central purse. While that is true and germane, the dwindled allocation has not affected the governors’ lifestyle in any form. They still get their full salaries, security allowances as well as other perks of office. They still go about with their kilometer-long convoys; they still throw their lavish parties; they still embark on needless foreign trips. They still conduct their affairs as if nothing has changed. What this points to is that the nation will not change until the average citizen rises to make demands on the ruling class. The governors are comfortable to continue with their lifestyle because they have cowed the Labour movement into silence. Labour leaders can no longer look the governors in the face and tell them the home truth. Labour leaders no longer insist that those in government do what is right. The change that we crave in our polity and society at large will continuously elude us unless we resolve to take up the challenge of always insisting that those who lead us do the right things. The system we currently run is criminally skewed in favour of those in leadership and that suits them no end. Therefore, expecting them to change the order is asking for the moon. It is against the nature of man to act contrary to his own interest. Therefore, looking up to those benefitting from a warped system to champion its change would be expecting too much. I am aware that the world has seen a few transformational leaders; those willing to champion a positive change even if such would erode their own influence and powers; those determined to do all and sacrifice all for the good of their people; those who understand that the essence of leadership is the improvement it offers the led. Transformational leaders always leave their people better than they met them; they leave their footprints on the sand of

0811 695 4647

olanreade@yahoo.com

An encounter with Dr. T.K Aluko

cally all- the good, the bad, the ugly and the horrific, with. He was however ready to let that go since it would mainly be the governor’s prerogative. But he couldn’t fathom the governor’s opposition to his House of Representatives dream. He simply concluded Fayose didn’t want him to grow at all and decided to cut the governor down too. As Aluko regaled me with his four-decade odyssey with Fayose, I realised why the governor possibly needed to stop him. He knows too much, including the sacred. With a taller political stature, such a person could in no time, become uncontainable for the governor. No Western education teaches such understanding. Only University of Life does. And it does through the experience of others. Aluko and his ilk around men of power, especially in this generation of suspicion, will need to acquire that degree fast.

With Sulaimon Olanrewaju 08055001708

lanresulaimon@yahoo.com

Transitional leaders vs active citizens

time. To state that the present crop of political leaders the country parades has no understanding of what transformational leadership is about is to state the obvious. What we have in the country are transitional leaders; those who see their occupation of leadership position as a means to personal aggrandisement. They do not promote any sig-

Sunday Tribune

But it isn’t unlikely that there were/are other personal reasons for Fayose to keep denying Aluko, political progress. Maybe Aluko should have been a bit patient with his erstwhile master. If you notice a negative pattern with someone you love and who claims to love you, it is better to dig deeper before bringing the roof down on everyone. But don’t we all learn every day. After speaking with both Fayose and Aluko, all hopes of genuine reconciliation seem bleak. But real friendship can conquer all, though it is unlikely their political interests would align again. While the former lecturer agreed he is down, he insisted not being completely out. He gave certain insights which I won’t share here, that suggest so, provided they are true. Obviously, the gadfly had not been completely selfless in his anti-rigging advocacy which he equally acknowledged, but the bigger message in his mess, should not be completely thrown away. In his own way, Aluko may be an Evangelist of his kind, initially blinded by the pecuniary but with eyes getting clearer after a tumble. He says he is now preaching against electoral sins which he had been a part of, nearly all his political life. That should be good news. Isn’t repentance all God demands of sinners? If Aluko is genuinely born-again, even if driven into “the light” by frustration, should he not be encouraged? I spent time and airtime speaking with Aluko because he had been true to himself from the beginning of the crisis. When he began his anti-Fayose campaign, he didn’t disguise his pecuniary motive. If he could be truthful then, he should be believable in his “clean election” campaign now. He opines that Bayelsa and Rivers bloody governorship elections are the celebration of TKO Gospel. He feels his exposé on alleged rigging of Fayose into office using the military and INEC, has now opened the eyes of Nigerians to how government at the centre usually get unpopular party members into office in states where they aren’t wanted. He sees self as galvanizing the fabled People’s Power, to sanitise the electoral system. Where does this now leave everyone? First, with their conscience. Second, with useful lessons for those who want to learn. Three, with a present that should guide a future. But is 40-year-old brotherhood irretrievably lost to a four-year term? Maybe not. But only genuine peacemakers can make it happen.

nificant change in the lives of the people; their primary preoccupation is holding on to power; their chief consideration is what they get in and out of power. They just go through office without making any positive impact. Transitional leaders always hurt their people; they leave pangs of pain in their trail. But transitional leaders are not exclusive to Nigeria. Other countries also have them. The difference, however, is the citizenship. With enlightened and active citizenship, a transitional leadership can transmute into a transformational leadership. In a clime where the citizens do not only know their rights but place a demand on the leadership to deliver on promises made and expect minimum acceptable standards from those in leadership positions, no leader can afford to be transitional. It is for that reason that Justice Louis Brandeis said “the most important office in the land is that of the private citizen.” What that means is that the country does not belong to the leader alone; it belongs to the leader as well as the citizen. Much more than that, it means that the citizen is the boss and must demand accountability from the public office holder. Where the office holder is not forthcoming with expected action, the citizen must act. The onus is on us to put our leaders continuously on their toes. We do not clothe, house and feed them so that they can ride roughshod over us. If we are dissatisfied with any aspect of our nation we have to voice it out and demand a change. If we are not satisfied with those who steal us blind being jailed for two years, we have to say it and prevail on the National Assembly to amend our laws to reflect our desire. If we are discontent with poor budget implementation, we prevail on the executive to do the right thing. If we are not pleased with 70 per cent of our revenue being expended on wages and emoluments, we insist that the government should change it and we refuse to relent until the change is effected. This is not a venture to get into once in a while; it is a project to prosecute all the time. Governance cannot be abandoned to the ruling class or else they will make a mess of the whole thing. Being actively involved in the management of our affairs is the price we have to pay to have the country of our dream.

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Stardom has cost me nothing —Alex Ekubo

One-time runner-up of the Mr Nigeria contest, Alex Ekubo, has become a sought-after actor in the movie industry. Ekubo studied Law at the University of Calabar and obtained a Diploma in Mass Communication. The light-skin model shared some of his passion with SEGUN ADEBAYO.

Mr Nigeria contest and a couple of local and international runway shows. It also became a big business when I modeled for a couple of products in Nigeria. Since then, everything has been very interesting and I am really loving it.

You started acting in 2005, but along the line, you delved into modeling, what can you say about the two crafts? I have been enjoying my time as an actor and a model. The experience has been very fantastic. Modeling came along the way when I participated in the

Talking about your career, you are one of the popular names in the movie industry and you seem to be having fun doing your job as it is evident in the interpretation of your roles. Are you really not surprised at the level you have found yourself? I can’t say I am surprised because hard work pays and I am just grateful to God and appreciative to the people that have constantly supported the projects that I have been a part of. The Bible says ‘The race is not for the swift or the battle to the strong but for whom God has

ooking at the height you have attained in the movie industry and how the journey started, how would you describe the feeling? The feeling is great and I am grateful to God for the grace to have come this far. It can only be the grace of God. Apart from that, consistency, dedication and passion for the craft have also aided my rise in the movie industry. I have always been committed and dedicated to being the best at what I do.

‘It’s nobody’s business If I expose my body’

Marriage not good for my career now —Flavour

shown mercy. God has shown me mercy in my journey and that’s why I have remained grateful till today. I understand that I would not have come this far if God has not been merciful to me. You seem to be religious… Yes, I am a very spiritual person. I am very close to God and I appreciate that everything was made and created by God. Has this got anything to do with the fact that your dad is an elder and your mum an evangelist? That’s very correct. The Bible says train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old, he won’t depart from it. I grew up in a Christian home and I was trained to fear God and respect people and respect myself too. Continues on pg3??

Marriage Break-Up: I may never marry again —Tiwa Savage

1 May, 2016

Segun Adebayo tegbollistic@yahoo.com 08116954644

Sunday Tribune Seyi Sokoya seyi_sky@yahoo.com 08075166585

Etisalat–sponsored Hear Word debuts in Abuja By Rotimi Ige

Marriage break-up:

Tiwa Savage weeps

Says she never cheated on her husband

‘I may never marry again’

By Segun Adebayo

iwa Savage has finally broken her silence on the infidelity allegations levelled against her by her husband and former manager,Tunji Balogun, otherwise known as Tee Billz. In a post which he later disowned, Tee Billz alleged that his

wife slept with 2face, Don Jazzy and Dr Sid. In a video onlines, Savage addressed her husband’s shocking allegations. In the video interview conducted by This Day Newspaper, Savage spoke about her husband. Speaking on the same day of Tee Billz’s allegations at her home, the award winning singer said her

marriage to her former manager was filled with infidelity, emotional abuse, drug use and mismanagement of funds. Tiwa Savage admitted their marriage has been on the rocks for a while and she has covered up for a lot of his mistakes. “For the past two months me and TJ have not been together,” the singer.

Banky W, Ice Prince, Cynthia Morgan for Mr 2Kay’s concert It’s homecoming for Mr. 2Kay, as Grafton Entertainment is set to host another leg of the ‘Count It All Joy EP’ Launch concert in Bonny Island, River State. Confirmed to join the singer for this event are Banky W, Ice Prince, Cynthia Morgan, Skales, Faze, Ketchup, Doray and many others. The ‘Count It All Joy EP’ Launch Party will be hosted by Beverly Osu with special appearance from Uti Nwachukwu, Ex-beauty queen Munachi Abii and Osam. The event will also feature comical performances by Senator, Pencil, Funnybone, Prince Hezekiah, Dan

de Humourous and Kenny Blaq. Ahead of the concert at Bonny Island, Mr. 2Kay has already successfully taken the Count it all Joy EP party through Lagos, Enugu, Ilorin and Kaduna in the company of other acts like Reekado Banks, Ketchup, Humble Smith, Adekunle Gold, Viktoh and CDQ. Mr. 2kay stated that he was happy to take the tour to his home town, Bonny Island, in the company of his friends. He said: ‘’Bonny island has a lot of memories because my dream started there, and it will be nice to go back home in the company of

my colleagues and friends to see my people.’’

In an emotional revelation she emphatically denied Tee Billz’s accusation that she had sex with Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, her record label mate Dr. Sid and Nigerian music legend, 2face Idibia. She even offered to take a lie detector test to show her honesty. “I will say for the record I have never cheated on my husband, never, not with Don Jazzy, not with Dr. Sid, not with 2face, not with anybody. I am willing to take a lie detector test,” said Tiwa Savage. She also made claims that Tee Billz lives an expensive, wild and sadly unaffordable lifestyle which has embarrassed her several times. In the interview, Tiwa Savage also mentioned that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and his debtors are on the hunt for him because of his N45million alleged debt. Tired of his alleged emotional abuse, lies and infidelity Tiwa Savage has said that her marriage is over and she is focused on raising her son. “I don’t care at this point if I don’t ever get married again,” she said. Although she said is done with her marriage, Tiwa Savage said she is still praying for Tee Billz.

The entertainment landscape of Abuja is set to explode in excitement as Etisalat brings the stage drama performance, Hear Word!, to the nation’s capital on Sunday, May 8. The performance marks the end of the Hear Word! international tour which delivered performances in the prestigious Harvard University in the United States and Frascati Theater in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The Etisalat-sponsored Hear Word! is a piece of performance that combines artistry, social commentary and true-life stories of inequality and transformation, delivered by some of Nigeria’s most talented actresses. The stories are based on real issues affecting the lives of women across Nigeria and examine what factors limit their potential for independence, leadership and meaningful contribution. The theatrical ensemble of home grown actresses includes: Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Omonor, Elvina Ibru, Ufuoma McDermott, Zara Udofia-Ejoh, Debbie Ohiri, Rita Edward and Odenike will ensure the production continues to captivate audiences around the globe while also provoking thought and discourse. The Producer and Director of Hear Word!, Ifeoma Fafunwa, said the stage play, which has been sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria, is a collection of stories of real life accounts that serve as an eyeopener to the plight of women. ment of the society,” she said. The stories in Hear Word! are based on real life experiences that play up the numerous cultural, legislative, economic and social restrictions which limit the potentials for achievement, independence, decision-making and leadership among women.

razzmatazz

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Fans must tolerate celebrities —Muyiwa Ademola By Seyi Sokoya Actor, Muyiwa Ademola, popularly known as Authentic, has urged movie lovers to tolerate celebrities instead of adding to their problems with their negative criticisms. Ademola, in comment posted on his Instagram handle on Friday, described fame as a delicate lifeline full of many challenges for any successful celebrity that, no doubt, needs the supports, prayers and love of fans. He noted that pressure from fans as well as the fear of the unknown contribute to the untimely death of some celebrities, adding that fans should be mindful of the pressure they heap on artistes with their criticisms. He wrote: “Lives of celebrities are always full of ups and downs. You struggle to be famous; you go through hell to remain famous. The whole world is aware of just one DEATH, but two exist in the life of a celebrity. “First is when the fame is no more, they refer to him or her as being dead! The second is the terminal one. Celebrities live with so much fear, the fear of waking up one day and realise the crave for you has gone. Thank God to that great concealer “Laughter”. It hides a lot! On several occasions,

we pretend all is well whereas we are hurt inside, we conceal all with laughter and smiles necessary for paparazzi. “Yes we need to do it because of YOU. We pretend all is cool because you won’t spare us if we must say it out, sometimes forgetting that we are all humans, we can all err, we can all make blunders, even stupid ones. Forgetting that we are bunch of imperfect people; your love and acceptance turned to celebrities. Most celebrities die before they ripe; fear of the unknown, most die with no conspicuous illness; accumulated stress and high blood pressure as a result of “God, When will I stop being relevant?” We can’t stop sharing things with you.”

Flavour seals new deal,

says marriage not good for him now By Segun Adebayo

olibe crooner, Flavour, has a lot going on in his life right now and would not want to add the distraction and pressure that may

Sossi presents ‘Kalikatumi’ to fans

By Segun Adebayo “The wait is over.” That was the exact word of Sebee crooner, Sossi. The last time Sossi, Bugatti Records Group (BRG) act dropped a major work was 2015. The remix of his hit track, Sebee had YBNL boss, Olamide and MSN group leader, Oritsefemi. The song topped music charts for more than six months, and Sossi on one hand rocked shows in Lagos and neighbouring states. His big moment came when he performed at the last Felabration at the African Shrine.

Fast forward to 2016, his fans have been waiting for Sossi’s new song especially when most of his contemporaries like Korede Bello, Reekardo Banks, Kiss Daniels and Lil Kesh have already dropped works that have pushed their names to where they have not been to. Sossi may not have released any song this year, but the dreadlocks artiste has been busy in the studio working on a couple of songs that would be released back to back as the year rolls on. The first to come is “Kalikatumi’. The song was said to have been produced by DJ Coublon, the brains behind Kiss Daniel’s Woju, Laye and other popular songs that have enjoyed airplay across the country. ‘Kalikatumi’, according to Sossi, is a mid-tempo Afro pop song

that will wow his fans. Speaking on what brought about the song, Sossi said “Kalikatumi means set me free.” When you are caught up and charmed by someone’s beauty or personality, you will want to be free from it because it is not healthy for you emotionally,” he said.

come with having a woman in his life. For him, he can’t afford to get married now, saying marriage is not good for his career at the moment. In an interview with a cable TV during the week and monitored by R, the singer, who has two babymamas, said marriage could be a distraction for any successful artiste, especially him and that most successful artistes who are at the peak of their craft crash once they get married. “Marriage is not a thing that you just go into. This music business is a serious business. My own opinion, I think if you are at the peak of your career, you don’t need any distraction. So for now, I think marriage could be a distraction for me because it is a whole big institution that when you go in, you have to be fully prepared to know what you are getting into. “Right now, looking at everything, it’s not so easy for me now.... and most of my colleagues, whenever they get married, everything starts crashing down. I keep asking people, have you ever seen a

successful musician having a good home and a good career? It’s not going to be easy. If you know one, just tell me,”he said. In a related development, the musician has landed a deal with Nigerian Breweries to sign a twoyear ambassadorial deal for Life Beer. The announcement was made via social media when Lead Promoter & CEO of Upfront Bookings, Paul O, broke the news while revealing the length of the singer’s contract.

Stella takes bold step, drops new album By Segun Adebayo As you are reading this, it may interest you to know that Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus, had taken a big step towards establishing herself as not just an actress, but a soulful singer with the release of her new album, Alternative. Damasus wormed her way into the hearts of many home video lovers for more than a decade but would later recoil into her shell to concentrate on other projects, which according to her needed much of her attention. She has appeared in a number of movies in the last three years

but her fans has never ceased to ask her what next from the actress turned entrepreneur. Speaking on the new album release, Damasus said her album has remained one of the most anticipated albums in 2016, pointing out that she had the honour and privilege to work with great talents in the music industry and could not wait for everyone to hear it. Damasus had also distanced herself from the controversies surrounding her relationship with Daniel Ademinokan and would rather put her strength in her career and looking after kids.

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune With Segun Adebayo &Seyi Sokoya tegbollistic@yahoo.com seyi_sky@yahoo.com 08116954644 08132577840

Working with

Beyonce changed my life

—Laolu Senbanjo, artist behind body art in Beyoncé’s new album Nigeria-born artist, who goes mononymously by Laolu, told ABC News that he finally saw his Yoruba body art come to life for the first time last Saturday evening when Beyoncé’s project aired on HBO. Here’s what he had to say about his “life-changing” collaboration with Queen B.

OW and when did you get involved? It was December of 2015. Some people from Parkwood Entertainment, Beyoncé’s company, sent me a message on Instagram and emailed me saying that they would love me to be part of a music video project with Beyoncé in two weeks. Of course, it was top secret, so I could not tell anybody. Then something came up and they asked me if I could come right away. So I dropped everything I was working on and went to New Orleans. People thought I was crazy, but when it’s Beyoncé, you don’t question it. What did you do in New Orleans? So I was asked to do my Sacred Art of the Ori for the dancers, and what that essentially means is Sacred Art of the Essence. The dancers were my canvas, my muses. I would watch and listen to their dance, body movements, energy smiles and strength and try to bring out what they were capturing with the movements in my paint. The paint is a white ink with very spiritual meaning in Yoruba culture. It’s something we often use as a dedication to worship of orishas, the gods in Yoruba religion. The vision Beyoncé had was very intense and deep -- connecting with the Yoruba culture and all. You know, the Yoruba religion and culture has traveled all over the world after the slave trade, and it resonates so much with African people from the diaspora all over the world.

Did you get to meet Beyoncé? Yes! I wasn’t painting that day, and she was just around the corner and called out to me. I was stunned she even recognized me at first, but it was absolutely amazing talking to her. She told me she was sorry for the short notice and that she was grateful I came down, but I was thinking in my head I should be the one grateful! She told me she saw my art, my videos and that she loved my body paint and thought I was a genius. I was just like, ‘Wow!’ Trust me, it changed my life. What was it like working with Beyoncé and her team? Beyoncé is the first one in and the last to leave, and her energy is just on another level. She gets everyone working on their A-game, and you just feel motivated to do better than what you think is your best. The directors and all the other people on the team are just talented, bright and gifted people. They made my job really easy and gave me no constraints on my art. It was an honor. I also got to connect with a lot of other people from the set who also had Nigerian roots or Yoruba roots, and it was beautiful talking with them. Many people have likened Beyoncé to Osun, the Yoruba Orisa of womanhood. As someone with Yoruba heritage, how do you think she embodies Osun?

Osun is supposed to be very beautiful, and I mean just in the sense o f beauty alone, you can already see that in Beyoncé. She is also very in touch with herself and very much about spirituality, giving, sensuality and power -- all characteristics of Osun. And there are very different sides of Osun, like her anger, which Beyoncé showed in parts of the video like the part when she bursts open the door in her yellow dress and floodwaters come out. Beyoncé is tapping into her roots, and it’s so amazing honestly — to see African coming to the forefront and being seen by millions of people. She is telling our story of the past, present and future through her art and I’m so happy to have been a part of it. How much did you know about “Lemonade” and was it hard keeping it a secret? All of us really didn’t know much. I mean, we knew we were working for a music video and an album was in the works, but that was it. Whenever I caught up with people in video we would ask one another, ‘Have you heard anything?’ and talk in code, but no one ever knew anything. When Beyoncé dropped “Formation,” I was so excited, but then I realised the work we did was different, so I knew they were planning something bigger. Ever since I got back to New York, I’ve had a big smile on my face. But I couldn’t tell anyone I met or worked with Beyoncé. It’s paid off, though. “Lemonade” was truly a masterpiece, true art, and I’m inspired more than ever.

glitz

1 May, 2016

‘I will get married at God’s appointed time’

I’ll give you nothing but the best this year —Mike T FOLLOWING the success of his debut single entitled “Friendzone”, Eteimo Michael, a.k.a Mike Tee, has promised to drop more hits as he is set to release another single entitled “Blessings”, with a musical video accompanying it, next week. The Afro RnB musician, who hails from Sagbama, Bayelsa State, has been recording and collaborating with a few African acts, hoping to produce the best music and videos. Eteimo, the Dynastee Music label signee’s video for the single, “Blessings”, engaged the services of video producer, E-Kelly on the project and also Tosin Igho, who directed the video that was shot on loca-

Continued from pg17

Your dad is an elder and your mum an evangelist, but you are here doing something else, what does that mean to you? It means that I’m doing what I believe is what I need to do at the moment. My family has been very supportive of me and encouraging over the years. They have always encouraged me to choose whatever noble path I want to follow in life. There was no problem when I decided to go into acting, because they knew I was making the right choice and all they could do was to wish me well and pray for my success. How did you find your way into acting? I had the opportunity to be a part of a movie that was shot some years ago. I was actually on holiday from the university and they came to shoot at our house and the opportunity presented itself and I seized it. The opportunity came for me to be a part of the project and I accepted it. Since that day, it has been a wonderful experience for me. I never knew it would be this big, but I have always been interested in anything that has to do with arts, so I am not surprised that I am actually doing this today.

So stardom has not cost you anything? Stardom has not cost me anything because I haven’t allowed it to cost me anything. I still keep in touch with God, old and new friends, family and I still maintain my roots, so it has not cost me anything. I love my job and I know it will even get better than this. What do you think about your chances of staying relevant in the industry for another 10 years? I still wake up every day and I take each job as though it’s my first. As an actor, you are only as good as your last work. I don’t want to bother myself about what happens 10 years from now. I just want to keep the fire burning and I believe that there is still lot to be done as far as the job is concerned. I want to keep doing my job and focus on the positive sides of it. We will see what will happen after that. I don’t want to talk about what happens ten years from now.

I try to keep my private life private and my public life public.

tions in Lekki, Lagos State. The Mathematics and Computer Science graduate from Delta State University (DELSU), formerly under Treasure Empire record label, promised not to disappoint his fans. “My music and my fans are everything to me, so expect nothing but the best out of me this year,” he said.

Dayo Amusa now Tecno ambassador By Seyi Sokoya AS the like of Dammy Krane, Krissy O and Chuddy K, Malaika are currently enjoying the fortune of their endorsement deal as brand ambassadors of Tecno Mobile, Nollywood actress, Dayo Amusa has also joined the league of the ambassadors to project the image of the

But you studied Law at the university, how did you move from being a lawyer to an actor? They say man proposes while God disposes. I studied Law but along the line, I had to follow my heart and passion. It was basically my passion for arts that really pushed me into acting and I am very happy with what I am doing today. I didn’t get into acting knowing that I would be this famous, so I wouldn’t know what would have happened to me if I had chosen otherwise. The fact that I am getting this buzz shows that I am working in line with God’s direction for my life and I am very passionate about what I am doing now. It is believed that it is usually difficult to be level-headed when fame and fortune come. Some celebrities have reportedly caved in under the pressure and attention that comes with being popular. In your own case, how do you manage to stay level-headed? I don’t allow myself to be caged by what I call man-made pressure. I believe that I am human first before I got to this level. That being said, I still go about my regular business. Of course I know that there are limits to what I can and can’t do but I have never allowed myself to be put under any undue pressure. I have been coping fine and I can tell you that nothing will change as I continue to hope for the best. Trust me; my best is yet to come.

Sunday Tribune

company. The elated actress, who shared the good news on her Instagram handle, posted a picture of the official signing of her first endorsement deal ever with the mobile phone company. Though, details of the deal were not made public, sources revealed that the deal is worth millions of naira.

Only God can tell you an accurate answer to that question. I want to keep working while I wait for the opportunity to present itself, when it comes, I will take it. You have managed to stay away from scandals as much as you can, what have you been getting right? I try to keep my private life private and my public life public. I have been dealing with it the way I am dealing with it now by not talking about what I don’t need to talk about. It is that simple. When will Alex be settling down? It will come at the appointed time. Are you waiting on God to tell you when to get married or you have not found the woman of your dream? Again, I will say that it will happen at God’s appointed time. In due time, all will be revealed to those who want to know. But I wish to know... Okay, you will soon know What project are you working on now? I am currently working on an all-Igbo movie. It is a movie produced by Chibog productions. We are currently filming at one of the Eastern states in Nigeria. The movie is directed by Iyke Obife. It’s a language movie and it boasts of many interesting characters. We have seen a number of celebrities diversify. They claimed that they can’t continue to live on acting alone. For you, what other things are you investing your time and money on? For now, I am just 100 per cent focused on being a better actor. I am not thinking about any other thing for now. I have a couple of projects I am rolling out this year. On May 5, we are premiering a movie entitled ATM. It is a comedy movie that starred my humble self, Francis Odega, Yvonne Jegede, Oyinbo Princess. It is a comedy like no other that promises to be exciting.

Yemi Alade unveiled as Africa Fashion Week ambassador By Seyi Sokoya AFRO pop singer, Yemi Alade, has continued to justify why she is being rated as one of the biggest female muscians beyond the shores of Nigeria. The Ferari crooner, who is committed to promoting the African culture with her talent, added another feather to her cap when she was unveiled as brand ambassador of this year’s edition of the African Fashion Week in Nigeria and London. “We are proud to unveil songstress, fashion diva and multiple award singer, Yemi Alade, as the Face of the 2016 Africa Fashion Week in Nigeria and London. A beautiful young lady

with so much talent and drive for success,” the organisers stated in a release.

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

1 May, 2016

With Akintayo Abodunrin akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk 08111813058

Akeem Ogunde performing at the festival.

Colours, spectacles at Nigerian Drums Festival Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, became the drum capital of the world from April 19 to 22 when the maiden Nigerian Drums Festival was held.

OR four days penultimate week, animal skin boomed sonorously and melodiously like human voices in Abeokuta, Ogun State as the maiden Nigerian Drums Festival organised by the state government was held. It was a loud, spectacular and heady celebration of a worthy, living heritage at the fiesta as participants from about 10 African countries and 14 states collectively sent the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto agog for the duration of the festival. There were different kinds of drums, groups and master drummers on showcase during the festival that organisers have assured will not be a one-off. Given the place of drums and drumming in all Nigerian cultures, it was no surprise that the festival’s opening was witnessed by an array of royalty, public office holders, diplomats and the public who defied the scorching sun to drink in the sights and sounds. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and his wife, the Alake of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Mrs. Dayo Keshi, Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mrs. Sally Mbanefo and chief

executive of La Campaigne Tropicana, Wanle Akinboboye were in the audience. The chief host, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, his wife, Olufunsho, Ogun State deputy governor, Yetunde Onanuga, Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, Senator ‘Nimbe Mamora and the Ambassadors of Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Senegal and Ghana also stood to be counted at the colourful opening ceremony. Eye-popping performances Expectedly, eye-popping performances and speeches were the hallmark of the opening ceremony with private and state troupes showcasing their talents. Drummers of the Ogun State Cultural Troupe set the ball rolling with a recital of the National Anthem and the state anthem before the main troupe came on stage to entertain guests. They were followed by female drummer, Aanu and the large group, Unique Fingers which featured no less than 30 male and female artistes with bright face paints. What impressed most people about the group were their well choreographed moves and synchronised beating of different drums despite their large size. Since a festival of that magnitude would not be complete without reliving the memory of the doyen of Nigerian theatre, it was no surprise that the Hubert Ogunde Theatre Group was also on the bill. They were led by Akeem Ogunde who was attired only in a flowing blue woollen wrapper and had his hair in four big corn rows adorned with cowries like the late doyen. They gave stirring renditions of a number of Ogunde’s songs including the hugely popular and evergreen

From left, Mrs Funsho Amosun; Mrs Sally Mbanefo and Governor Ibikunle Amosun at the festival.

‘Yoruba Ronu’. Female talking drummer, Ara and her troupe also entertained the crowd as did another female bata drummer, Olo Bata. Though both their performances were not bad, one would have been more impressed if they had taken lengthier solos on their respective talking and bata drums. Drummers of the Kano State Cultural Troupe led by an elderly man and the famous Lisa Igunnuko from Lisa also added colour to the occasion where wife of the Ooni whose birthday fell on the day, was serenaded with a birthday song by all guests. Nigeria’s culture capital Earlier while welcoming guests, the Ogun state commissioner for culture and tourism, Chief Muyiwa Oladipo, apologised for the late commencement of the ceremony and explained that with the initiative, its numerous heritage sites and festivals, Ogun qualifies as Nigeria’s culture capital. Oladipo, who also highlighted the invaluable socio-economic contributions of culture to the society, assured that Ogun State would not leave the gold mine untapped. He further noted that, “our culture is dying and the festival is part of efforts at reviving it. Drum is universal to all mankind and as such it is central.” In her goodwill message, DG of the NCAC, Mrs. Dayo Keshi, highlighted the importance of drums in Nigerian culture and called for the recognition of the potentialities of festivals in stimulating economic growth, especially from the grassroots. Keshi requested the Ogun State government to establish an

From left, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho; Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Ooni of Ife and Oba Taiwo Olugbenle.

Artists’ Village in Abeokuta where artists from all the local councils can sell their artworks and made a case for investment in the arts. “There’s a need for investment in the creative industry because it is a low hanging fruit that can be harnessed for development,” she said. The chief executive of the NTDC, Sally Mbanefo, spoke in the same vein. The Igbo woman who caused a stir with her attempts at speaking and greeting people in Yoruba language noted that the festival is promoting domestic tourism in the country. She submitted that a country without history has no need for existence; hence all positive aspects of history should be promoted. “Africa is at a standstill for this festival and with it, we are looking at unity within Africa, not just Nigeria,” Mbanefo said. For Jonathan Vatsa, Niger State commissioner for information, tourism and culture, the festival is an important one, hence his principal’s decision to send him and the state troupe. Vatsa touched on the connection between Yoruba people and the Nupe of Niger State commonly referred to as Tapa in the southwest and his intention to further explore the links. Binding force The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi said the drum is a binding force across Africa. “The drum is our heritage; we shouldn’t forget or neglect it because it unites all of us. We should unite to nurture this heritage and be proud of what we own. I am proud that we are rejuvenating our dead heritage with the Nigerian Drums Festival; I’m proud to be associated with it. This is a good starting point, we should all capitalise on it,” he said. In expressing joy at what was unfolding before him, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo said, “Not since FESTAC ’77 have we tried to revisit our culture. With the Nigerian Drums Festival, we are back to what we ought to have been doing over the years. Some people will say going back to our culture is traditional worship but that’s bullshit. With this festival, the Ogun State government is promoting domestic tourism.” The Olu of Ilaro, Oba Olugbenle hailed the drums festival as a crucial event that will bring a positive turnaround to Nigeria. Heritage, he added, “remains our roots and we will not go back to Egypt.” Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Barclays Ayakoroma, hailed the vision behind the festival and noted that it’s in line with his desire for every state to design a tourism product it can market. “I see this festival going places; it will become World Drum Festival,” he added. Gov Amosun, who was ushered to the stage by the Lisa Igunnuko group with songs and dances, promised that the state would register and trademark the Nigerian Drums Festival. He noted that drums are important in Africa as indicator of the mood of a people, used to stir people into action and measure their spiritual l health. The Governor who unveiled and beat the 16 feet Isokan (Unity) Drum and the 17 feet tall Saatogaa Drum, a variant of the Saato drum, added that “Beating the drum is a matter of awakening us to our rich cultural heritage; that is all what the festival is all about. If there is anything to take away from the festival, it is the need for cultural re-awakening in various states.”

Sunday Tribune

1 May , 2016

Sunday Tribune

glamour Joke Jigan has become a sought after Nollywood actress since her breakthrough with her popular film ‘Bisola Beyonce’. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, the Ogun Stateborn actress speaks on her career and fashion preferences. Excerpts:

hat I have been up to lately I have been working a whole lot lately and it has been hectic. In fact, I hardly have time to rest and even concentrate on my own production since I produced “Oyinkansola”. Honestly, it has been crazy working round the clock. But I thank God for the grace and strength to deliver despite the stress. When I say work, I mean I have been going from one location to another. My experiences at locations Location means a whole lot to me. Acting is what I love doing and I have followed my heart ever since I discovered my passion for acting. I feel like I am with family and it is also like home away from home whenever I am with my colleagues at location. The experience is interesting, because it is also an avenue to meet new people. I also see it as an adventure, especially when we have to visit some locations and, along the line, we come across fans who will want to appreciate us. Location is fun and stressful, because there are times we work late and we have to wake up early the next day to continue from where we stopped. I like everything about location because this is where I make my money. I don’t care about the challenges. As I said earlier, it is fun at the same time, just as a saying “no pain, no gain”. Take on rumours that locations are full of dirty games I don’t know what you are talking about. For me, the

With Tayo Gesinde temiligali03@yahoo.com 08054727801

My relationship like with male actors We work together and there is no string attached. I can work with any actor I come across, but I cannot marry an actor. Divorce is not peculiar to celebrities, it happens everywhere, but people make a big deal out of it because it involves celebs. However, I can’t marry an actor and that is a personal decision I made even before I ventured into acting. In fact, I am enjoying the man in my life. We are in a relationship that is leading to marriage by His grace. I also have his full support in my acting career. So, I will not quit acting after marriage.

It’snobody’s businessthat

Why I frowned on some fans Some fans have a way of making you really mad and expect you not to react regardless of what you are going through at the moment. This is unfair. Though we cannot run away from the fact that we are celebrities, people should also not forget that we are humans; blood also runs in our veins. I am not always like that though. It happened just once and since then, I don’t give them that power over me. I wake up to read different comments every day: the good, bad and terrible, but it is all good because replying them wouldn’t change anything and will also not remove a strand of hair from one’s body. I have also discovered that most of these people are confused admirers; they are skeptical and also monitor one’s life. To be candid, I am not bothered, because all these happen as a result of the kind of career I have chosen. At present, I am no longer moved by these comments. I only read and ignore.

Iexpose my body

What I did when I was accused of exposing my body I am not correcting anything about that. I don’t live my life to please people. It is my body and I wear whatever I am comfortable in. We are now in a world that some people will just choose to hate you for no reason, irrespective of whom or what you are. Even if I wear hijab and a long dress, they will still insult me. So, excuse me when I say I don’t live my life to please people. It is my life and I am living it to the fullest. I am not bitter with anybody; I just don’t owe anyone an explanation on how I live my life.

—JokeJigan

Numbers of films I have produced I have done over 40 movies and I have produced seven movies including: ‘Bisola Beyonce’, ‘Oyinkansola’, ‘Idoti’, ‘Ikoko’, ‘Ihoho Mi’, ‘Olote’, ‘Kogbodomo’. only dirty things that happen in locations are when people are given roles that will make them look untidy, such as when someone is to act in dirty water or mud to achieve a certain scene. On whether I have reached my peak in the industry No. And that doesn’t mean that I am struggling; I am working hard for fame and money. I want to be rich and famous like Beyonce. You will agree with me that she still goes to the studio to record, shoot videos and go on tours despite the fact that she is famous. So, who am I to say that I have reached my peak. Take on the insinuation that celebs go out of their way to become famous and rich I can only speak for myself, I wouldn’t know about others; I get my money and fame from my sweats. So, I am sorry I have no idea about the insinuation that celebs go out of their way for be famous in this industry. Some people don’t understand that we have other sources of income; some run wine shops, boutique e.t.c. Personally, I am happy with the little I get from acting, because I don’t do it for free. People who know me very well will tell you that I don’t joke with money, even my close friends who are producers pay me. Shola Akintunde, popularly known as Lagata, who is my boss, pays me. So, I don’t know about the idea ‘you rub my back, I rub your back’. The truth is that I can’t work without being paid, because it is one of the

principles to be successful as a business person. How I discovered the passion for acting Someone introduced me to Richard Oshin and I produced a movie, though we haven’t released it till date and I got to know other people through him. I later met Lagata and that connection which became an open door has made me stamp my foot in the industry. I will say that I started acting professionally in 2008 and I have been enjoying the industry since then. I see it as fun, stressful and time consuming. Greatest challenge Every work has its own challenges and as a result of this I am determined to face whatever comes my way in this profession. Interpreting script could be challenging sometimes, but I usually have my way with divine wisdom. I am flexible to interpret any roles. What I would have become if not acting I think I would have become a newscaster or an On-Air-Personality. I would have carved a niche for myself in the broadcasting profession, just as I did with acting. The secret is that there is always a way out when it comes to what you really want to do concerning your life and career. I did Diploma in Mass Communication at the Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe, Osun State and Business Management at the Lagos State University. What I do aside acting I run my own business and family business. I am one of the excecutives of the Jigan Security Company. It is a family company located in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, which specialises in providing security personnel to companies. My assessment of the movie industry

My most embarrassing moment I remember the day I fell down flat inside a market. Though some people came around to pull me up, Christ! I was so embarrassed. I think we are going places. The government should support us and also help to fight piracy. On competition with other female actresses No. The only person I want to be better than is who I was yesterday. I am not in a competition with anybody. If you get there before me, God wants you to watch me arrive. Of course, I have seniors as well as juniors as colleagues. I give respect to whom it is due.

Definition of style To me, it is classy and trendy. I love to be elegant and neat, because this will always speak good volumes of me. Favourite designers I love fashion so much and also

I wake up to read different comments every day: the good, bad and terrible. But it is all good because replying them wouldn’t change anything and wouldn’t also remove a strand of hair from one’s body

play dresses up with my friends. Mostly, I wear whatever I am comfortable in whether long or shirt, tight or stretched. I don’t overdo it with hair and makeup, because I am not really a makeup person. I wear it when it is a must, probably if I am going for an event or photo shoot. I am not a makeup freak. I only wear anything that fits me nicely and don’t care who makes it. Self description I am simple and nice; as real as possible. What you see is what I am. Beauty regimen I go to the spa regularly. I use charisma glow products. I also eat fruits a lot and stay healthy and detoxify myself. Favourite perfume I wear nice perfumes; stay healthly and clean, because I am gifted with a beautiful skin. Opinion on provocative dressing It depends on individual’s choice. Do whatever makes you happy and wear whatever makes you comfortable. Special treat I unwind with friends. Cosmetic surgery and toning I am not in support of any of the two, because I won’t do any of them and I would not advise anyone to go for them.

1 May, 2016

sundayzest

Sunday Tribune

With Victory Oyeleke victoryoyeleke@yahoo.com

How many

cows for a human life?

disturbing gut-wrenching picture of dead people brutally stabbed and body parts severed by what seems to be very sharp machete or sword made its way to Facebook on Monday. The story behind the picture is just as chilling- In the early hours of Monday, as Ukpabi Nimbo Community in UzoUwani of Enugu State slept, Fulani herdsmen attacked, killing more than a score of people to most of whom were farmers. They spared no one in their path as women and children fell to their blades. Four days later, picture of a headless woman showed up on the Internet, which bloggers claimed is evidence of another Fulani herdsmen’s invasion of Umuchigbo Nike Community of Enugu East Local Government Area. As of the time writing, details surrounding this recent attack are sketchy. The cow prowlers are not new to attacking unarmed civilians whose lands that have encroached upon. Their pre-dawn attack tactics always assure them victory, whilst leaving trail of death and destruction in their wake. The war between the herdsmen and farming community across the country has been on since 2012, with hundreds murdered, seriously wounded and communities displaced. The response from the herdsmen leader in Makurdi, after the attacks on several Agatu villages, where people were murdered and churches, food barns, and homes burnt down, gave a glimpse into the rationale of their actions. According to them, the attacks were payback for cattle theft. And from the Plateau of Jos to the rivers of Benue State, herdsmen have used this to justify the massacres they have committed. Unsurprisingly, the same song is being sung in the Ukpabi Nimbo massacre. An average person would agree that it is inhuman to equate the life of any number of cows to the life of one human- the punishment of death on all those associated

with an individual or individuals who stole cows is inconceivable to an average person. Yet, these herdsmen are comfortable with their actions. This is not to say that the pilfering of the herdsmen’s livelihood is inconsequential, but the punishment does not fit the crime. Moreover, who made the herdsmen judge, jury and executioner? Since when did Nigerian courts relinquish their rights to the herdsmen? Is the theft of cows the final straw that broke a healthy human abhorrence of deadly violence against innocent sleeping women and children and a normal human capacity for distinguishing between moderate and extreme punishment? Or is there a more sinister plan at work? It is interesting to note that, despite the herdsmen

It is inhuman to equate the life of any number of cows to the life of one human- the punishment of death on all those associated with an individual or individuals who stole cows is inconceivable to an average person. Yet, these herdsmen are comfortable with their actions

brazen acceptance of their actions, no notable arrest has been made. Instead, these violent interlopers and their cattle are occupying the deserted villages and they are gradually moving towards the south where the existing state of affairs between herdsmen who are Muslims and indigenes who are Christians is very fragile. Some have argued that this is a smokescreen for the Muslim northerners to take over the country. Whether this is true or not, President Buhari’s seeming non-challance and slow response to the on going carnage, especially the Monday’s massacre, is troubling. It took the president two days to publicly condemn the herdsmen’s actions. The president addressed the issue through the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed at the presentation of a book written by the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu read in part: “Before making my remarks about the book, let me use this platform to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the attack perpetrated on the Ukpabi Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani area of Enugu state on Monday. I deeply sympathise with all those who lost dear ones, as well as those who lost their properties, in the attack. “I have directed the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to secure all communities under attacks by herdsmen, and to go after all the groups terrorising innocent people all over the country. This government will not allow these attacks to continue. “Ending the recent upsurge of attacks on communities by herdsmen reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons is now a priority of the Buhari administration’s agenda for enhanced national security and the Armed Forces and police have clear instructions to take all necessary action to stop the carnage.” Since Buhari took office, the herdsmen’s actions have got more audacious. In the first quarter of this year, Fulani herdsmen have killed more than 484 known people.

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

thepolity Endless scuffles over NASS new Clerk Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA, peeps into the unfolding crisis over who becomes the next Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA).

T is not the first time there a row would break out over who occupies the highest bureaucratic office in the National Assembly, the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), but the hassle this time is attempting to blow off the rooftops. The otherwise peaceful process has worn different colours, as it is trapped between bureaucratic principles and political considerations. The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), which oversees the appointment and promotion of the staff in the legislature, has, for the first time, got enmeshed in a crisis of confidence that is threatening its very fabric. In the previous years, the unity and cohesiveness of the Commission had remained intact, because the political wing of the legislature held it tight. They took decisions, using the commission to carry out their preferred intensions. Perhaps, due to failure of communication and consultations, as was the case in the past, the appointment process for the CNA this time has become contentious and somewhat rowdy. This is perhaps also an offshoot of the unique situation surrounding the employment status of the men at the topmost echelons of NASS bureaucracy. Unlike in the past, where the succession has been from the post of Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly (DCNA) to the topmost seat, the CNA, the NASC has recommended the appointment of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Mr. Mohammed Sani-Omolori as the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly. It ordinarily looks tricky and inconsistent, but the Commission has come up with an explanation for the unique decision. The incumbent DCNA, Mr. Ben Efeturi, who had served as Clerk of the Senate before 2014 when he was elevated to the current position should take over from outgoing Clerk, Salisu Maikasuwa, who is proceeding on pre-retirement leave from May 13. But the tricky side to the issue is that Efeturi himself is due to proceed on pre-retirement leave two weeks before the formal retirement of the incumbent CNA, Salisu Maikasuwa. What this means is that if Efeturi is named the Acting CNA, he would have to hand over to another person even before his boss, Maikasuwa formally retires. The development has, however, not only divided the National Assembly but also the NASC, as well as the entire legislative bureaucracy. There are those for and those against. While there are those who believe that despite the defences highlighted by the NASC in justifying the appointment of Sani-Omolori, Efeturi should still be allowed to assume the CNA’s position in acting capacity till he retires. Others, however, side with the NASC to address the issue once and for all, since Efeturi’s retirement is also in the corner. The position of Senate President Bukola Saraki is akin to those who want Efeturi announced notwithstanding the number of days left for him to retire. Saraki, in a letter dated April 21 and signed by his Chief of Staff, Senator Isa Galaudu, asked the NASC to withdraw its letter of April 20, announcing Sani-Omolori as the Acting CNNA. The letter insisted that since Efeturi is the most senior Clerk, he should be made to assume that office pending the commencement of his pre-retirement leave. The letter read: “We present to you the compliments of

Senator Bukola Saraki, Senate President

Yakubu Dogara, Speaker, House of Representatives

the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON. Please recall that during your last meeting with the Senate President on April 20, 2016, the procedure of the appointment of the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly was discussed. “The Commission was directed to follow due process and ensure that seniority is adhered to. Of course, Mr Benedict Efeturi who is Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly (DCNA) and who has previously acted as the Clerk of the National Assembly should be the first to be considered. Most importantly, you have been directed to confer with the Senate President the outcome of the Commission’s meeting before letter of appointment is issued and regrettably that did not happen. “The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives were informed that Mr Efeturi was not considered for the appointment because he was not duly appointed as Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly. On further enquiry, we found he was duly appointed by the National Assembly Service Commission. “Consequently, I am directed by His Excellency, the Senate President, to inform you that the letter appointing Mr. Sani-Omolori as Acting Clerk of the National Assembly be withdrawn immediately for further consultations.” That communication heightened tension in the National Assembly, as the two sides to the argument held fast to their positions. The NASC went into a meeting on Monday April 25 and afterwards, replied Saraki, in a deviant tone. Chairman of the commission, Dr Adamu Fika, said in the letter dated April 26 that the Commission could no longer withdraw the appointment of SaniOmolori since Efeturi himself was due to proceed on preretirement leave 12 days ahead of the formal retirement of Maikasuwa, the incumbent CNA. Fika, in his response to Saraki’s letter, said that SaniOmolori’s appointment should stand, adding that the Senate President was wrongly informed on the situation. He stated that the decision to appoint Sani-Omolori Acting Clerk to the National Assembly was taken at the Commission’s 440th meeting held on the April 20, 2016, adding that the Commission took notice of the fact that Mr. Benedict Efeturi, who is DCNA, will proceed on his pre-retire-

ment leave on August 2, twelve days before the incumbent Clerk will be due to hand over to a successor on August 13. According to Fika, the call for Efeturi’s appointment was “time barred,” hence the decision to name Sani-Omolori to act as CNA and ensure continuity in the system. The NASC chairman wrote: “I wish to refer to your letter on the above subject matter issued on your behalf by your Chief of Staff, Senator Isa Galaudu, instructing the Executive Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission to withdraw the letter appointing Mr Mohammed A. Sani-Omolori as the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly for the period the incumbent Clerk to the National Assembly will be on pre-retirement leave from the 14th May to 14th August 2016. “The above decision was taken at the Commission’s 440th meeting held on the 20th day of April 2016. The Commission took into account the fact that Mr Benedict Efeturi will himself proceed on his pre-retirement leave on 2nd August 2016, twelve days before the incumbent Clerk will be due to hand over to his successor. “This means that Mr. Efeturi is time barred for the Acting appointment; hence the choice of Mr. Sani-Omolori to act and ensure continuity in the very important public service office where he will serve for the next five years. In arriving at the Commission’s decision, the Chairman did not use his casting vote, because eleven Commissioners were in support with only one who voted no. I wish to kindly invite your attention to the reason alleged in your letter to have been used to deny Mr Benefit Efeturi from being appointed as the Acting Clerk being that he was not duly appointed as Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly. “It is necessary to place on record the career progression of the two officers in the hierarchy of the National Assembly as follows: ‘Deputy Director: Mr Efeturi, 1st January, 2004; Mr. Sani-Omolori, 1st January, 2003. Director: Mr. Efeturi, 1st January, 2008; Sani-Omolori, 1st January, 2007. Acting Clerk: Mr. Efeturi, 4th February, 2010; Sani-Omolori, 4th February, 2010. Substantive Clerk: Mr. Efeturi, 25th March, 2010; Mr. Sani-Omolori, 25th March, 2010. Continues pg 30

interview

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Saraki’s CCT trial procedurally tainted —Akintola, SAN

Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN is a household name in the legal profession. In this interview, he speaks on the Buhari administration, the trial of Dr Bukola Saraki by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the grazing reserve bills, among others. Excerpts:

NE year after, what is your take on the President Muhammadu Buhari administration? So far so good. We thank God that the administration came on board; and at the time it did, because it would have been terrible for Nigeria. By my own reckoning, the rate at which we were sliding down the slope, it was obvious the country was moving towards anarchy. As a matter of fact, the situation of Nigeria would have been worse than that of Greece if we had allowed the rot that was in the system to continue. President Gooodluck Jonathan was just not in charge. Everybody was doing what he liked. The ministers were behaving as if we were in the jungle. And it was so bad that the president himself was not in a position to arrest the situation. I have no regret for the role I played in bringing about the change.

the damage had already been done to the Nigerian economy. It was because of the activity of just one person whom I describe as economic illiterate. So, the truth of the matter is that most of our leaders are either economic illiterate, legal illiterate, political illiterates, so that it becomes the government of the illiterate by the illiterate for the enlightened. I think that person has done incalculable damage to the Nigerian economy than anything. I don’t know who the fellow is. But I would not know if Mr President is still keeping such a person in his team, whether at the Central Bank or the cabinet.

The change appears to have become a nightmare in the face of the economic hardship the country is experiencing now. How do you feel? Naturally, when change is about to occur, there would be some teething problems. It comes with challenges. What we are facing now is temporary. Having said that, I think we need to be patient. Things were so bad. Many people do not know the extent of the rot in government. When you see some things that happened under the former administration, you would be wondering if you are in the right country. While you think he has sincerity of purpose, this government also seems to thrive on impunity as illustrated by Femi Falana. Of course, when it comes to the issue of the rule of law, I think Femi Falana was right. He was actually echoing the minds of many of us. Like I did say, if a man wants to fight the rot, he needs to go the extra mile by thinking outside the box. He had the golden opportunity which was presented to him by the 36 state governors in the country who suggested to him to declare state of emergency because of the adverse economic situation in the country, but he refused to seize the opportunity and probably suspend rule of law for one year so that he can confront the hydra-headed monster of corruption headlong. Doing that would have meant the relegation of the judiciary to the background. Some people may even say we are back to the military era. Not necessarily. That is one thing about us in this country. None of our former leaders was creative. Many of them were not thinking outside the box. Take the issue of corruption, do you know you can fight corruption without breaching the law? There are enough laws in our statute books, but our inability to think outside the box or to be creative is causing problems.

Chief Niyi Akintola

Is it being creative or lack of will? No. It appears there is dearth of knowledge. There is that lacuna in policy formulation and in the thinking level of the formulators. For instance, you don’t need rocket science to fight corruption. There are enough laws in our statute books. This issue of anticipatory declaration of assets was first mentioned by me at a conference. I said most of our public officers declare what they don’t have and then try to meet up what they declared. No problems. All you need to do is call for his asset declaration form and call for his tax clearance and balance it. The tax laws are there, exploit that to deal with the situation. If what you declare is not commensurate with your salary, you go to jail. The laws are there. Is that still not lack of political will on the part of the leadership? You don’t give what you don’t have. The truth of the matter is that most Nigerian leaders don’t read. And, over the years, it has been like that. We didn’t start today. It has been between the government of the illiterate by the illiterate for the enlightened. For example, the fellow who sold the idea to President Buhari to prevent people from running domiciliary account was an economic illiterate. Because statistics shows, as explained by Senator

Ben Bruce, that over 20 million Nigerians earn offshore income. Now, compare the number with those of the thieves against whom the policy was in place. The number of the so-called thieves, if you count them, is not up to 5,000. So because the few, who are less than one per cent of the population, you prevented people who earn legitimate income from bringing foreign exchange into the economy. And the resultant effect was that the dollar jumped against the naira from 200 to 350-380 and above to one dollar. I know that there are over 1,000 Nigerian lawyers who are international arbitrators, including myself, who earn foreign income. There are many Nigerian doctors outside the shores of this country. All the countries I know all over the world encourage their citizens to bring in foreign exchange. What they do is to prevent them from taking it out. I think that should have been the policy that our country should have evolved. Do you know that this no domiciliary account policy improved some other countries’ economies? Go to Ghana, banks in that country were advertising to Nigerians to come and open domiciliary account. The banks involved have branches of here in Nigeria. And this fact is known to the Central Bank of Nigeria. By the time the policy was reversed,

What do you make of the system being run in the country? The system we are running is a problem on its own. We are operating a centralised form of government as against federal form of government. We need to have devolution of power. We have centralised so much that it breeds corruption. It breeds inefficiency. If we have a federal structure where state government can take certain decisions on their own. Tell me any federal state in the world that practices what we are operating here in Nigeria. It is the over centralisation that is causing these problems. We should seize the opportunity of this new dispensation and know that all of us have to live within our means. We have to know our limitations. There is no reason states like Ekiti, Ebonyi should have more than five commissioners. Why should Ekiti want to compete with Lagos, or Ebonyi want to compete with Bayelsa? Ask me, why should you have Director of Agric in Ibadan, where is the farm? It is because we don’t know our limitations. We are operating a central uniform kind of government. Talking about the trial of the Senate President to which you were quoted as having reservation about, what exactly is wrong with the trial? My comment I thought was innocuous. I never spoke with any newspaper. I only spoke with Radio Kwara. And I spoke after so much pressure to hear my comment. I guess the pressure came because they knew I had been involved in cases of some political bigwigs before the Code of Conduct Tribunal before; that actually reinforced their push for me to speak. I gave my opinion which I am entitled to. It is rather unfortunate that some ignorant people out there have been dishing out lies, blackmailing me like asking how I was paid by Saraki. One of them even said he had on good authority that Saraki gave me one million dollars. Saraki is the Senate President, but I don’t think he can identify me in a crowd. He probably knows me through my reputation and name because of my status in the society. And all my life, all the cases I have been Continues pg 30

interview

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Cost of governance: What Buhari should have done —Babalola

Former Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Chief Andrew Gbenga Babalola, speaks with MOSES ALAO on how the Federal Government could reduce the cost of governance, the protests against the recent purchase of SUVs for senators and the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congresses, among others.

S a Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, you made name for yourself in the political circles. But you have been silent for some time, especially on PDP issues, what have you been up to? I have not been up to anything unusual. But as the late Chief Bola Ige would say, maybe at a point I just assumed the position of siddon look, especially since 2011 when the PDP turned itself into a monster and things became like George Orwell’s Animal Farm “two legs good, four bad.” Some individuals took over the party and they were running it as their personal estates. So, some of us decided that we have our integrity to protect; so we had to sit down and look and wait to see where they would end up. So, no one was surprised where the PDP has ended up in Oyo State, especially by 2015, because of the management style of those who took over the party and run it aground. As a well-seasoned individual who has many things to do with his life, politics was just by the way; it was something I took as a by-the-side profession, a hobby. So, when some people decided they were the only ones who could play politics, I decided to siddon look. But now that the chicken has come home to roost and reasonable people seem to be coming back to the party, I thought this is the best time to help and participate in the system with a view to contributing to the lives of my people, because, for me, politics is about what I can do to help my people and not what I can gain. I have not gained anything from politics anyway. I mean in the real sense of it when you talk about personal gains, but I have gained a lot in terms of being happy to help my people, no matter how small their number might be. Talking about not gaining something, you were in the Senate, which Nigerians see as a place to make money, with reference to the alleged jumbo pay of federal legislators. In fact, the Senate is currently in the eye of the storm for purchasing SUVs; by saying you have had no personal gain from politics, do you mean being a senator is that bad? It is not bad. But when you are talking of gains financially, there is nothing to gain there. When people say you’ve gained, what did you gain? In terms of cost and benefit, what does it cost an individual to go to the Senate? It is even better now. When I was contesting in 2007, I know what it cost me. I have said it before that even if I go to the Senate four or five times, I can never recover what I spent to get into the Senate. So, when people talk about these things, one just wonders. I have also said it before that Nigerians need to decide the system of government they want; the presidential system is too expensive. You have the upper legislative house and the lower house and if you add the number together, you are talking about 469 people; these are elected officials and not appoint-

Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) if they are really sincere to remove corruption from this country, because it is impossible to remove corruption in a presidential system. In a parliamentary system, it is very difficult for anyone to be corrupt. We don’t need this presidential system of government in Nigeria. Too much money is going into servicing the inefficiency in governance; that money can be channeled into the society.

Senator Gbenga Babalola

ed. You see what the appointed officials are earning, so when you talk of elected officials, people who are recognised by the constitution as part and parcel of democracy, how can you condemn them for what they get? What are they benefiting? The National Assembly is the only arm of government where the individuals there are not protected against the people. How many times can you see a governor? But if you are in the National Assembly, everyone can come to your office and demand something and you do not have a choice, because they voted for you. You are there to help them anyway. So, if you give a senator N50 million per annum, hardly can it solve his problems, because people know when he gets the money and they have access to him. People come with a lot of requests. Until that time when our society and the people are well-catered for, that is when you can refer to what lawmakers earn as jumbo pay. These things are highly speculative and I think instead of running bicameral legislature, what Nigeria needs to do is to find a way to change the system, probably from a presidential system to parliamentary. That is cheaper to manage and run. I agree with Nigerians that the system is expensive but it is not expensive on the basis of individuals or senators. For instance, you talked about senators being in the eye of the storm for buying SUVs; when I was an Assistant Director in the Ministry of Finance, the allowance I got to entertain visitors in a year was more than what I got as salary in one year as a senator. So, what are we talking about? Senators approve the appointment of ministers and once a minister is appointed, he has about seven to nine vehicles following him about and we

are saying that a senator, who represents several local governments and is third in hierarchy in the nation’s power configuration; a senator that is probably the next after the state governor in a state, cannot own a car for four years? That is unbelievable. It is an unreasonable argument. In all these things, people are leaving the real issues and talking about unnecessary things. Nobody is canvassing the real issue. What is that real issue? The real issue, as far as I am concerned, is the system that we are operating; it should be changed. When the new government came in, I thought President Muhammadu Buhari would man up and address these things. He doesn’t need all the fight with the Senate; he should have courted them and tell them ‘look, what we need to do is to change this system.’ In any case, there is no way you can fight the National Assembly, because the constitution recognises them as a distinguished part of government. If we say okay, let us share all the money to be spent on governance at the federal level into three, the executive will take one, the judiciary will take one and the legislature will take the other. That is the constitution. So, how much are we spending on the legislature? Now, if agree that it is heavy when you add it together as a total sum, but is that the fault of the individuals in the Senate or House of Representatives? No. It is the system that was foisted on us by the military. In fact, Nigeria is probably the only country running this kind of presidential system out of the countries in the Commonwealth. Why? We should ask ourselves that. That is what I expect from President

Some people have been clamouring for an Oke-Ogun indigene to emerge as governor in 2019; as someone who has been in hibernation for about four years and is now coming out again, what is your take? I have never been in hibernation, because I have always had things to do. Immediately I left the Senate in 2011, I registered at the Walden University, Minnesota, United State of America for my Ph.D. I just got my Ph.D in Terrorism, Peace and Mediation. So, I have always been very busy and I thank God for what He has done for me. As for the agitation about 2019, I believe the time will come for an Oke Ogun man to become governor in Oyo State. But the people of Oke Ogun do not have to agitate against anyone. They are the ones standing in the way of an Oke Ogun man becoming governor. Everything that we need to become governor is there in Oke Ogun. So why are we agitating? Nobody will give us power on a silver platter; we cannot blame Ibadan people for not allowing us to become governor. All we need to do is go back home and ensure that we are united; lack of unity is our major problem. We have to sit down, plan and make sure we have love among ourselves and then we can have an Oke Ogun indigene as governor. We can do it. Yes, we can. The PDP is set to hold its ward, local government and state congresses. What is your expectation on the exercise? I expect those who led the party from 2011 to 2015, under whose leadership the party’s fortune went awry and the party nearly collapsed to take a step backward. That is the way it is done everywhere in the world. If they have the interest of the party at heart, they should allow fresh people to take over; they should allow those that the people want to take over. I expect these people to allow new people to take over the party. There are people who have ideas, those who the people of Oyo State love and respect; that is the only way the PDP can grow. The best way is to bring all the factions that have gone out of PDP to return; the Accord Party, the Labour Party and the Social Democratic Party were all originally PDP members. So, the present leadership should step back and allow the people, who those outside can relate with. But if they say they want to continue in their crooked ways and manipulate the congresses the way they did in 2012, then the PDP will be buried eventually.

thepolity

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

NASS vs NASC: Who laughs last? Continued from pg 27 “It should be noted that in the Nigerian Public Service, seniority is determined at the time of consideration for promotion and career progression chart leading to it. Seniority has never and is never decided by the date of appointment to the service nor date of retirement from service or indeed the number of years spent in the service. “From that above analysis, denying Mr. Mohammed A. Sani-Omolori appointment as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly in 2014 was improper being that he was senior to Mr. Benedict Efeturi. With the above explanations, the issue of misleading and misinforming your good self and Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives does not arise as the Commission properly evaluated the two officers and took into consideration their service records as a determining fact for the appointment of Acting Clerk to the National Assembly. “In the light of the foregoing, Your Excellency will agree that reversing the decision of the Commission appointing Mr. Mohammed A. Sani-Omolori as the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly cannot be tenable in this circumstance.” However, those rooting for the withdrawal of SaniOmolori’s appointment letter and the announcement of Efeturi would not budge. They insisted afterwards that since Efeturi was named DCNA in November 2014, he had become the most senior Clerk and should be recognised as Acting CNA, “even if it is for one day.” Statements issued by different groups on Sunday, last week, accused Dr. Fika of bias and acting unilaterally. The groups resonated the agitation in some quarters against perceived marginalisation of Efeturi. But the development took another dimension last Thursday, as seven commissioners in the NASC issued a letter denouncing the claims by Fika. The Commissioners, including Abubakar Rufai (North-West); Idi Ningi (North-East); Joseph Oru (South-South); Dr Paul Oweh (South South); Elder Stephen Yelphi (North-Central); Mrs Funmi Lamuye (South-West) and Hon Abel Chukwu (South-East), dissociated themselves from the letter of

Salisu Maikasuwa

appointment issued to Mr Sani-Omolori as Acting clerk. The commissioners, in a letter dated April 26, 2016, said that the Chairman of the Commission acted alone by issuing the appointment letter to Sani-Omolori. They wrote: “The chairman National Assembly Service Commission would please recall that you convened an emergency meeting of the Commission on Wednesday 20th April 2016, where you presented a memo for the appointment of an Acting Clerk of National Assembly. At the meeting, though there were divergent views as follows: five (5) commissioners made no comment, while only one (1) endorsed the memo, strangely you ruled that the memo had carried and that Mr Sani-Omolori is appointed as the Acting Clerk of National Assembly.” They further declared that the chairman acted against the Commission’s norm, which mandates it to adopt its minutes of meeting at a follow-up meeting before making an announcement. They stated that the action of NASC chairman had exposed the Commission to negative publicity and,

therefore, dissociated themselves from the appointment. The Commissioners recalled that Fika had, in 2014, attempted to name Sani-Omolori as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly ahead of Efeturi but that the bid was reversed after the intervention of 11 commissioners, who dissociated themselves from the action. They further stated that since Efeturi had been appointed Deputy Clerk to National Assembly on November 21, 2014, the issue of seniority in the NASS hierarchy had been settled, adding that Efeturi should be allowed to take over the seat of CNA in acting capacity. But sources in the Commission had picked holes in the letter written by the Commissioners, insisting that some forces were behind the push. One of the Commissioners who spoke in confidence said that his colleagues were playing a divisive drumbeat, after they had failed to oppose the memo submitted by Fika in favour of Sani-Omolori. “How can you attend a meeting where a decision is to be taken and you keep quiet? The rule in the legislature, which is the father of this commission, is that you either say yes or no. Silence means acceptance of the situation,” the source said. While making further clarifications on the letter by the seven Commissioners, a source in the Commission said that there is no hard and fast rule as to the need for adoption of minutes of meeting before decisions are communicated to those affected, adding that the letter that announced Ben Efeturi as DCNA in 2014 was released the same day the meeting held. The source further said: “The rules of the Commission require you to say yes or no. Keeping quiet means you have acceded to the request. The question to ask is this: Is Ben not starting his pre-retirement leave in August 2016 and is the retirement not two weeks before the incumbent, Salisu Maikasuwa formally hands over to a new CNA?” As things stand, the controversy is not one that would end soon, at least not until Efeturi’s eventual retirement in November, but the scuffle this time is already providing fresh insights into the nature of relationship between the political arm of the National Assembly and the Commission that supervises its bureaucracy.

interview ‘Grazing reserve bill can’t work in S/West’ Continued from pg 28 handling, it has always been against Saraki’s interest. And my position on the issue of corruption is very clear: I want corrupt public officials to be tried and executed. I have said that severally. It is a known position that I took long ago. However, my grouse with the case is the procedure. I was asked a question. I never spoke about the merit or demerit of the case. I only spoke on the procedure that we already have precedence. That, if it was true, like the question they asked me, that the composition of the tribunal was two against three people, I said that would be wrong. I led the team when we disqualified Prince Oluyede who was a member of the Code of Conduct Tribunal when former Vice President Abubakar Atiku was being tried. And the tribunal confirmed that it could not sit because the Code of Conduct Tribunal Act was very clear: There shall be three members. It made no room for any other interpretation. It shall be three members. And the Code of Conduct Tribunal did very well to get another person, M.A Sanni, SAN, from Kwara, to replace Prince Oluyede. And the case of our leader in the South-West, Tinubu, I was in the team. I was not the leader then. And what our leader, Chief Olanipekun, did was to say, ‘Look, this man has been confronted with the allegation, he has not been asked, he has not made any statement’, just like the Saraki case. And all I said was that the Code of Conduct Tribunal should follow the same procedure. It is as if there are two sets of laws for different people. And that in itself has tainted the trial. And the tribunal would need more than Jesus Christ and Muhammed to convince any discerning mind that there is no more to it than meets the eye. And you still stand by that? Of course, I stand by it. And if you read the body of the

story carried by the dailies, you would discover that most newspapers reported and sensionalise it; that is fallacy of assent. The headline they gave to it was quite different from the body of the story. There was no where I said Danladi should not sit. I never said so. I said, one: I don’t know Saraki from Adam. Two: I am not holding brief but I am speaking as a lawyer and an objective person. I also frowned at the media role on the trial and I said it was quite unfortunate that the legal profession was becoming media-driven to the extent that the legal profession is now tilted towards public opinion and what the media says, particularly the social media. Morality is an unruly horse; when you are on it, it takes you to where you don’t expect. For example, it is normal in some communities to entertain their guests with their wives while it is frowned at in other communities. But we have these disco critics who only listen to themselves; no power of reason whatsoever, they just resort to sentiment. And any society that bases its rule of law on sentiment and moral persuasion is doomed. Like I always say, law must be certain. Every citizen must know what the law says on a particular issue. Last year, the Chief Justice of Nigeria sent to all the chief judges across the country, the letter which he addressed to the Chairman of Code of Conduct Tribunal, telling him he is not a judge. ‘Don’t address yourself as a judge, don’t answer my lord, you are just a member of tribunal.’ And the CJN copied all the CJs, and, of course, copied the bar. For those of you in the media, you have not done a proper investigative journalism to get that letter. Some of you guys are now writing rubbish such that anyone who fails to key into your own way of thinking must be a thief. Because of the level of poverty, people have lost their sense of reasoning. They just comment on things they know little or nothing about. These are people who have not made any contribution in their lives to national

development. They are busy condemning lawyers, forgetting that, without these lawyers, Buhari will not be where he is today. They are now more Catholic than the Pope. Anybody who disagrees with government policy must a thief. That is their mindset, to the extent that people are now afraid to talk which is rather unfortunate. What is your take on the raging herdsmen controversy in some parts of the country? I think the government should act as fast as possible so that there won’t be breakdown of law and order. First of all, I think the Federal Government should initiate a law that whoever wants to be pastoral, there should be a form of green area where the cows would be feeding, not to go to peoples farmland and destroy it, all in the name of wanting to feed the cows. The cows can be restricted to where they are reared. I remember in those days, the Nigerian Railway was bringing cows down here, whenever they were needed. It is not like the grazing bill. Such a bill will never work, especially in the South West. I think we must respect our differences. Who are those mostly involved in the business of cattle? Is it not from the North? How do you now impose a law that you know is mostly workable in the North? We are not pastoral in nature in this part of the country. So tell me, who are most beneficial of the bill if and when passed? Why would you bring your custom and lord it over me in my territory? Just as the governor of Oyo State, Ajimobi, said, it can never work. All these problems are still part of the way the nation is structured. In order words, until we are truly federated, not this kind of centralized form government, we shall continue to experience these problems. We are not a federated state. In a federal state, there is only union, not unity, not this kind of forced unity.

thepolity

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

PDP: Zoning to pacify the North?

LEON USIGBE writes on the ratification of the new zoning formula of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which appears to curry the favour of the North, with an eye for 2019.

HE National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finally ratified the party’s new zoning formula but the long wait turned out to be the anticlimax. The big post, the national chairmanship, was zoned to the North-East. The party may, therefore, be faced with a situation where Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, will succeed himself as the party national chairman in its May 21 national convention. Sheriff is from the North-East. Perhaps, the only surprise from the zoning arrangement was that the Governor Udom Emmaunel-led Zoning Committee decided to narrow the plum post to that geopolitical zone rather any other part of the North. The North-East was due to have ended its tenure during this convention. Sheriff was controversially picked as the party boss to complete the tenure of the region, which Dr. Adamu Mua’zu could not end. With the zoning of the post to the region this time, it has apparently become the exclusive preserve of the zone. Though Sheriff has not said he would contest; all signs point to the fact that the zoning committee reached its decisions for the sake of retaining Sheriff in office for the foreseeable future. In fact, moments after the announcement of the new zoning formula, the former governor of Borno State declared that the decision whether or not to contest for the office of the national chairman was personal and that he would take it at the appropriate time and thereafter announce it. The question, however, is no longer whether he will decide to run but when he will make the decision official. The party establishment appears to want him. From the state governors through the national caucus to the National Executive Committee (NEC), they all appeared to have resolved that Sheriff is the best man for the job at this moment in time. Nigerian Tribune had, on Monday, 18 April, 2016, exclusively reported that the party was only “working to the answer” through the zoning committee, with a top party source stating that Sheriff would be returned as national chairman. This is, however, not to say there has been no internal opposition to his continuous stay in office, as could be seen in the attempt by PDP ex-ministers to discourage him from foisting himself on the opposition party. After two meetings, the former ministers appeared to have soft-pedalled, however, giving encouraging signal to the former governor to press ahead with his ambition. The acting chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Walid Jibrin, was vociferous in his opposition to the skewing of party principles to favour the emergence of Sheriff. But he was present at Thursday’s NEC meeting where the new zoning arrangement was ratified. Though he did not say the BoT was still opposed to the decision of the zoning

Ali Modu Sheriff, PDP Chairman

committee, he merely argued that whatever happened after, nobody, especially the founding fathers of PDP would leave the party. Other positions were allocated as follows: Deputy National Chairman (SouthSouth), National Secretary (South-West), Deputy National Secretary (North-Central), National Legal Adviser (NorthWest), Deputy National Legal Adviser (South-South), National Treasurer (South-South), Deputy National Treasurer (North-West), National Financial Secretary (North-Central), Deputy National Financial Secretary (South-East), National Woman Leader (North-West), Deputy National Woman Leader (South-South), National Auditor (South-West), Deputy National Auditor (North-East), National Publicity Secretary (South-West), Deputy National Publicity Secretary (NorthCentral), National Organising Secretary (South-East), Deputy National Organising Secretary (North-Central), National Youth Leader (South-East) and Deputy National Youth Leader (North-West). But pundits have been asking are; why does it appear that the PDP establishment is bent on having Sheriff as the long term national chairman of the party despite his perceived baggage? What is the implication of this for the party’s already declared position that the 2019 presidential candidate of party would emerge from the North? For those who support Sheriff’s am-

Governor UIdom Emmanuel, Akwa State

bition, however, they have hinged their support for him on the fact that the PDP is broke to the base and that it needs somebody of means to revive its financial fortunes, a bill they argue that Senator Sheriff perfectly fits. They added that the former governor is prepared to stake his vast resources on the party in order to reclaim government from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with which he has an axe to grind, having been humiliated as one of its founding fathers.

It is largely understood that the party wants to recapture the North following its woeful performance there in the last general election; thus, it appears to be bending over backwards to pacify Northerners

Apart from this, despite his purported association with Boko Haram, which he has vehemently rejected, the former Borno governor is hugely popular in the North, leading to the thinking within the PDP that he could bring back to the party, important former leaders in the region who left the PDP in frustration. It is largely understood that the party wants to recapture the North following its woeful performance there in the last general election; thus, it appears to be bending over backwards to pacify Northerners. More so, those arguing in support of the North producing the chairman of the party have also gone a step further to explain that there is the feeling that from the outcome of the 2015 election in which the PDP di well in the South, it is already being regarded as a southern political party, a character they noted must be shed ahead of the next general election, hence the zoning of the plum post to the North despite oppositions from some South-West leaders of the party led by a former National Deputy Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George. For the PDP, Sunday Tribune learnt, the strategy is to regain the confidence of northerners and get their support to return to power in 2019 and to do that, the two most important positions in the party, the presidential ticket and the national chairmanship post, can be in the North, since the party “knows that the support of the South is cast in stone.”

interview

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

What we found out about herdsmen’s trouble in Delta —CP

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, speaks with ALPHONSUS AGBORH on the battle against kidnapping, menace of herdsmen and other security issues.

OW are you policing Delta, a state considered by many to be prone to crime? We are doing our best to ensure that people go about their businesses without fear.

What crime tops the chart in the state? For the past three months, murder has topped the crime chart in the state. At the last security meeting, I presented eight cases of murder for two weeks. It is rampant. It appears that people take delight in this act. Most of these murders are related to communal tussles and land matters. We had the case of the abduction and killing of the Obi of Ubulu Uku, Edward Akaeze Ofulue III. He was kidnapped between Obior and Igbodo in Delta North but while ransom negotiation was going on, there was an alleged escape attempt by the traditional ruler. He struggled with one of the kidnappers and was shot in the process. So, the case is that of kidnapping and murder. Are the police winning the battle against kidnapping in the state? This is a major crime but we are winning the battle because in most of the cases, the culprits were arrested and victims rescued. We rescued the mother of a senator in the Udu area of the state. In a separate case, a three-month-old child was rescued in Oghara last week. Another case involved a palm oil merchant in Sapele, a 100-year-old man, who was kidnapped inside the church at Otor Owhe in Isoko North. The hoodlums who abducted one Prince Onovinghose and later killed the victim after collecting a ransom

Alkali Baba Usman

of N1 million in Oghara were arrested. There are several other cases in which the victims were rescued and reunited with their families. So, the police in Delta State are winning the battle. How are you tackling the menace of herdsmen in the state? There are herdsmen on one the hand and farmers on the other. Also, we have local herdsmen and those from neighbouring countries. In Delta State, we have 25 lo-

cal government areas and we have the presence of Fulani herdsmen in 18 of them. The areas where clash usually occurs between the herdsmen and farmers are Jesse, Oghara, Obiaruku, Ashaka, Illah and a few other places. The clashes are common during the dry season when the herdsmen move from the north to the south. The local herdsmen have been here for years and they have agreement with the natives. They are not the problem. Some of the herdsmen from neighbouring countries are the ones associated with crimes such as robbery, rape and kidnapping. It is not good at all. Between January and April, several lives have been lost to Fulani herdsmen/farmers clashes. The Fulani herdsmen have complained about their kin being killed by the locals and vice versa. For now, the state has a committee headed by the Secretary to State Government. I am a member of the committee and there are other stakeholders like Fulani leaders and community leaders. The committee interacts and helps to strengthen the relationship between the farmers and Fulani herdsmen so that the Fulani are restricted to a particular area. But the police have been accused of not taking action to contain the crisis in Ibrede community, in Ndokwa East. The people are not fair to us. The crisis has existed for over 10 years. It is a matter that borders on land ownership among families. The state government has intervened at different times and the police have been on the ground to keep the peace. At a stage, the community was in court but we can’t station ourselves in Ibrede community forever. From all indications, courts can’t settle the crisis. They need to understand this and learn to live together.

opinion Koleoso: Time to rebuild Oyo’s fallen progressive empire By Kazeem Adedeji LET the drum sound and the flute blow a melodious tune to celebrate our father who turns 78 years on the surface of earth. It is indeed a grace to witness this age in a nation buffeted by many life-shortening experiences and circumstances. Celebrating a life worth being celebrated on this auspicious occasion is therefore a duty in order to serve as a reference for the generations coming behind. The tragedy of many a generation is the neglect of their elders and icons who are the repository of invaluable experiences and wisdom from which such nations can tap into during trying times. Mike, as fondly called by his friends, has seen and withstood many storms that have rocked the Nigerian political boat as an active participant. But in all, he has remained faithful to the ideals and ideology bequeathed to him by his leaders. His traducers could hardly fathom his doggedness and strength in the face of orchestrated vicissitudes. But like he always says, it is God. God has always been his tower of refuge, to which all righteous run and indeed are saved. In his long career in politics, he has witnessed victories, defeats, ups and downs, hopes and disappointments. But his belief has always been that at the end of the tunnel comes light. However, beyond the pomp and festivities associated with the life of an icon, the celebration of Babalaje’s birthday indeed calls for a sober reflection on the future of progressive politics in Nigeria and indeed in Oyo State. The progressive ideology is beleaguered and suffocating from the putrefaction of invidious characters who have infiltrated the ranks but lacking in the knowledge-based tradition of progressive politics. Tyranny is not progressivism. Tolerance is our creed. Progressives are bridge builder not creed scrapers. They are friends of the poor, not elite - empire builders. They study and employ the dynamics of needs of the people, particularly the less privileged in driving the mantra of change. Not change for change sake

but change for the creation of a saner and better society. A change we can all believe in. That is true change! These are some of the traits and beliefs that have distinguished Chief Koleoso from hordes of ideological apostates rampaging the political scene like a stubborn goat in a China’s shop. This time surely calls for patience, wisdom, experienced and conscientious leadership in sieving the real from the counterfeits and separating the men from the boys. The nation needs the experience of people like Chief Koleoso in this trying period in our political history, hence we humbly seek his timely intervention in bringing together the progressive family in Oyo State. The fundamental issue, which all true progressives must address, is whether we still do have ideology-based political party in Nigeria. Or put differently, to what extent do our political parties still keep faith with their creeds? In Oyo State of today, can we really say that those of us in the progressive fold are true to the ideology of our forebears? To say we are is to be economical with truth. The progressive ideology sadly is tottering on the precipice of avoidable collapse due to our intellectual laziness and craze for power without regard to the imperatives of our calling as progressives. It is disheartening that most progressives are ignorant of the ideals of progressivism that it has become commonplace to hear the most hardened conservatives parade themselves as progressives. It is a popular argument among the conservatives to proclaim that all those who seek the progress of the country are progressives and as such those of us who pride ourselves as progressives do not have exclusive right to the ideology so called. As seemingly valid the argument may look, its soundness call for further diagnosis to unravel what lies behind the ideology, an assignment which only true and thoroughbred progressives can undertake. It is important to mention that all political parties stand on the platform of seeking power for the progress of the society along a defined course which gives the elec-

torate the choice to pick which political party aggregates their interests and would serve same at a particular time in question. Within the Nigerian context today, what do political parties offer as promises to the people and on the basis of that, perhaps we may be able to classify the various political parties that exist within ideological brackets for the purpose of our analysis. Irrespective of our leanings and prejudices, the progressives know themselves, and just like we cannot have a slightly pregnant woman, so we cannot have a slightly progressive politician. The urgency of the moment calls for stock taking and rebuilding of the falling progressive empire in Oyo State. The task only requires truthfulness, sincerity of purpose and ability to confront power if need be. It is not about who is right or wrong, but rather about what is right or wrong. We believe God can use Chief Koleoso and other well-meaning progressives in bringing together the progressive family in Oyo State As we join others in wishing Chief Koleoso a happy birthday and many happy returns of the day, let us remember the words of Josiah Gilbert Holland in his treatise, “God Give Us Men” wherein he said; God give us men! A time like this demands, Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands, MEN whom the lust of office does not kill, MEN whom the spoils of office cannot buy, MEN who possess opinion and a will, MEN who have honor, MEN who will not LIE, MEN who can stand before a demagogue, And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking, Tall MEN, sun-crowned who live above the fog, In public duty, and in private thinking. GOD GIVE US MEN!! • Adedeji, a lawyer, is a former commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment in Oyo State.

ENATE President Bukola Saraki is in the eye of the storm. He has been in it since September 2015 when it emerged that a case had been filed against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal and no one is sure when he will ride the storm. But his travails are already teaching him some lessons of life. He should be getting to know the fair weather friends and those that stand there for a friend in need. He should also be getting to know what “change” really means as regards the use and usage of power, especially having played key roles in the democratic process for nearly 17 years. You cannot deny that the country deserves to tackle corruption and impunity. And the incumbent government has located Saraki’s travails in that corridor. A segment of the civil society called #Occupy NASS has taken it upon itself to force Saraki out of office. But they have also been countered by the Citizens in Defence of Democracy (CIDD), which insisted that Saraki will not leave office until proven guilty. For watchers of the National Assembly, the unfolding scenario is not strange. Some have argued that the reasonable thing to do is for the Senate President to kill the growing tension in the polity by simply resigning his position and maybe expect a political solution. But others have contended that the National Assembly has passed this route before. It happened to Senate President Adolphus Wabara in 2005. It happened to Speaker Olubunmi Etteh in 2007. In 2005, Wabara was accused of involvement in the alleged N55 million bribe-for-budget scandal. He resigned to enable him clear his name. But he was shocked to the bone marrows a year later when some of those who accused him of leading some 12 lawmakers to discuss a N55 million deal knocked on his doors brandishing briefcases containing N100 million to get his signature on the failed third term project! I am one of those that will not advise Saraki to defend himself to the last bus stop while occupying the office. His travails are largely political and not purely legalistic and he needs to know that what would make his traducers happy is not to see him go to jail but to have him leave the seat of Senate President he apparently “hijacked.” And that is why even though the layman’s eyes can catch some incongruities in trial process, we are being told that the law is what matters. Those who defend this point have said that instead of trying to sustain allegation of

STREET begging has become such a sociological problem that both governments and the citizenry are at a loss as to how to handle it. On the part of the government, the problem is how to curb the menace, while the citizenry finds it a huge nuisance. It is also irritating – the beggars are so intent on getting something off you that they would go to any extent to do so. Have you tried holding a conversation with your companion in the car and you find one silly beggar or the other butting in, and doing all he can to break the conversation? Begging is also very frightening, as these seemingly helpless and vulnerable people have been known to engage in criminal activities at night. The situation has gotten so bad that governments in different states have criminalised begging. The latest to join this drive to end street begging is the Oyo State governor, who only last Sunday, hinted of plans by his administration to outlaw street begging in the state. Ajimobi made the disclosure last Sunday at the second General Assembly of Muslim Umaah of South-West, Nigeria, in Ibadan. The governor argued that there was no reason for anyone to resort to alms begging in the state, adding that some of the beggars had been involved in crimes, thereby increasing vices across the length and breadth of the state. One couldn’t agree with him more. Street begging has become such a huge problem that one wonders how it would or could be curbed. In Ibadan, where I live for instance, the bulk of the street beggars who are mainly from other states, have so institutionalised begging that street begging has become firmly entrenched in the system. It is so institutionalised that each beggar has a guide who is paid on a daily basis. These guides move the beggars about on wheel chairs and meander so dangerously among the cars caught up in traffic that if the motorist is not careful the beggar and the guide may be knocked down. This probability becomes glaring when the traffic lights indicate green and motorists are hurrying to beat the lights before they turned red. There are genuinely very many vulnerable Nigerians – those suffering from acute disabilities or extreme poverty

1 May, 2016

the lynxeye with Taiwo adisa

08072000046

Saraki’s wars and the rest of us

selective prosecution, those accused should simply go out there and convince the jury of their innocence. But we cannot lose sight of the fact that those who come to equity must equally come with clean hands. It is difficult to see the devil exorcising evil spirits from an afflicted and like Saraki said in his reply to Dele Momodu, if the trial process is tainted, the result to be

frontrow with Toyin Willoughby Muyi 0805 500 1769 toyeenz@yahoo.com

The menace of street begging

without anybody to fend for them. I have a neighbour, (I have never hidden the fact that I live in a rustic setting) who sets about her business of begging in such a serious manner that she leaves her house as early as 6.30am, just as I am setting out for the day’s business. She is physically-handicapped and daily, she gets people to help her to the road, where she picks a cab to wherever she does her begging. Judging by her condition and the fact

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so achieved would definitely suffer from the tar. If the agitation that Saraki should follow the “path of honour” and resign is right, what stops that same logic from being applied to the judge trying him, who has been mentioned in a bribery saga? Why should an agency of government like the EFCC stand up to express helplessness in investigating a bribery allegation on the basis of the claim that the phone used in making the calls was missing. In his reply to Dele Momodu’s advice through his column on April 16, Saraki had written on April 23 thus: “If the process of fighting corruption is itself corrupt, then whatever victory is recorded would remain tainted… Let me make this point clearly. I do not expect to be shielded from prosecution because of my contribution to APC, if there was genuine basis for such action to be taken against me. But I have every reason to expect not to be persecuted by the party that I contributed so much to build.” Just recently, CCT Chairman, Danladi Umar displayed what was reported to be a letter from the EFCC, which cleared him of any wrongdoing in the alleged N10million bribery saga. The decision to display that letter is as curious as the content of the March 5, 2015 letter written by former EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde. Hear Lamorde: “There are indications that the Tribunal Chairman might have demanded and collected money from the complainant through his Personal Assistant. However, efforts made to recover the telephone handset used by Justice Umar proved abortive, as he claimed that he had lost the telephone in 2012. This has made it impossible to subject it to independent scientific analysis with a view to corroborating the allegation. “In the same vein the complainant could also not make available his telephone set for analysis on the grounds that he had lost it. Justice Umar also admitted that he met privately with the complainant in his chamber at the Tribunal. This is a most unethical and highly suspicious conduct on his part.” The letter, however, concluded: “However, the facts as they are now against Justice Umar raised a mere suspicion and will therefore not be sufficient to successfully prosecute for the offence.” I do not know if Justice Umar is indispensable as things stand, but the type of clearance brandished in his favour by the EFCC doesn’t look like adding a positive mark to the anti-graft war of the government.

that she hardly has anybody to lean on, she seems to have concluded that the only option open to her is to beg to survive. In fact, most Nigerians have become beggars of some sort. It is not strange these days to find decently dressed men and women parading the streets soliciting for transport fare to get them to one job interview venue or the other. Some retirees have also joined in. You find them at pharmacies with one prescription or the other, soliciting for help to purchase some life-saving prescription for some life-threatening ailment. Have you been receiving subtle text messages from relatives and friends soliciting funds, to feed and take care of the family, simply because their monthly retirement stipend was yet to arrive? This is not street begging, but it is begging all the same and it is indicative, as I mentioned earlier, of the dire economic straits in which Nigerians have found themselves. In some economically-advanced countries, where street begging has been criminalised; the state provides for the well-being of its citizens, especially the very vulnerable ones. But what do we have here? Do these state governments have structures in place to cater for the beggars they intend to move off the streets, especially those who are identified indigenes of the respective states? Do they have plans to train and financially empower these people to live independent lives with the support of the government? Are there plans to sensitize them to the fact that being disabled should not mean that one has become useless to self and society? What is the government doing about beggars who have no families or people they can lean on, like my neighbour? Are there plans to rehabilitate them? Do we have enough social welfare personnel who would cater for their needs? Getting beggars off the streets is very desirable especially in view of the Oyo State governor’s observation that some of the beggars had been involved in crimes. Every time I see the beggars fanning out all over Ibadan, especially those from other states, the thought that comes to my mind is that these are ready recruits for the Boko Haram insurgents, that is if they are not already foot soldiers surreptitiously penetrating the nooks and crannies of the state!

1 May, 2016

ON THE

With Bolanle Bolawole turnpot@gmail.com 07052631058

lord’sday Fulani herdsmen: The fire next time

UST like Boko Haram, the menace of the Fulani herdsmen, which started “like play, like play”, as they say, has snowballed into the fire next time. Fulani herdsmen’s trouble used to be occasional flashes or isolated incidents; but it became more frequent recently where clashes between “indigenes” and “settlers” reared their ugly heads on the plateau. So-called vengeance missions by Fulani herdsmen protesting cattle rustling (or theft); and conflicts between the herdsmen and farmers whose crops had been wilfully damaged by herds became canon-fodders for the blood-letting that warranted the stationing of army garrisons in the troubled region. At some point no one knew which was worse, the plateau killings or Boko Haram’s. Only recently has a semblance of peace returned to Plateau State – but the trouble has fanned to other parts. The South-West and the eastern parts of the country have had tales of woes to tell of the audacity and mindboggling destruction of lives and property by Fulani herdsmen. Raping of women, killing and maiming of innocent citizens, kidnapping and extortion of ransom money; and the impunity with which they destroy other people’s hard-earned means of livelihood have set them apart as a most mindless and heartless people. Last week, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, announced in Abuja at a public function that he, too, had joined the long list of herdsmen’s victims whose property have been destroyed and their rights and privileges violated. Couched, as usual, in his difficult-to-decipher language, many may not have understood what Soyinka was trying to say. Simply, he meant that some herdsmen grazed their cattle into his property, leaving behind a trail of destruction and violation. He said he was not around when the violation happened but that he made enquiries, which confirmed who the culprits were. He then warned that, that incident should be the first and the last of such wilful damage to his property and brazen assault on his peace. Thank goodness Soyinka was not in when the herdsmen came calling. If he were around, would the “aparo” hunter have encountered the AK-47 wielding herdsmen with Dane guns? Would they have abducted or even killed him? One thing is sure, Soyinka has a different temper and pedigree from Chief Olu Falae who suffered all indignities at the hands of Fulani herdsmen and lived to tell the story. Had Soyinka come face-to-face with the rampaging Fulani herdsmen, the story, obviously, would have been different. Fortuitously, the Presidency broke its embarrassing but suggestive – as some have said - silence on the herdsmen’s scourge the same day as Soyinka’s rage. It is 11 months since Buhari came to power and the herdsmen’s scourge had been there before his enthronement. Coincidentally or otherwise, the herdsmen’s confidence seemed to have grown with the enthronement of a fellow Fulani man. As we tried hard to put down the fire of Boko

Haram, the rage of the Fulani herdsmen has taken its place. Now this: Between Jonathan’s procrastination, even denial, of the Chibok girls’ saga and the deafening silence of Buhari on the herdsmen’s atrocities, which is worse? “Sai Baba” die-hards and APC loyalists would hate to hear this: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo counted 18 clear days of Jonathan fiddling while close to 300 Chibok schoolgirls were carted away into demeaning captivity by Boko Haram; now, how many days, nay, months; did Buhari play the deaf while Fulani herdsmen ran riot over the land? Protests against the dastardly acts of Fulani herdsmen rose to a din in the southern parts of the country before the president acted. After Falae’s ordeal; the rout of the Agatus in Benue state; and the near-wiping out of an entire community in Enugu state, the awareness about the atrocities of the Fulani herdsmen and the need to rein them in by all means possible have spread like wildfire in the harmattan. When Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, said the government was silently working at solutions, we need to remind ourselves that this self-same Lai was very loud and rancorous in ridiculing and pouring expletives on similar explanations of Jonathan working silently to resolve the Chibok girls’ debacle. Buhari’s silence on the impunity of the Fulani herdsmen’s had been deafening and atrocious. Nigerians, especially those at the receiving end of the wanton destruction wreaked by the Fulani herdsmen, had been left to draw their own conclusions. One of such conclusions is that the president of the country had kept silent – some are audacious enough to even say acquiesce – in the murderous instincts of the Fulani herdsmen because Buhari himself is Fulani. Nigeria is heterogeneous on many fronts – ethnic, religious, cultural, etc. Ethnic sensibilities run high and deep. Buhari, in times past, had been accused of playing the ethnic card; so it is plausible for people to rationalise that his silence on the Fulani herdsmen’s menace has an ethnic colouration. Put side-by-side his

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aversion for the activities of neo-Biafra groups, which he described as “irritating”, not responding in kind to the atrocities of the Fulani herdsmen is difficult to fathom on rational grounds. Number two is the religious angle, which states that the activities of the Fulani herdsmen, who, obviously, are Muslims, will hardly be condemned by their kith and kin. Suspicion of Islamic fundamentalism was one of the factors that worked against Buhari’s aspiration to rule the country since 2003, until the rainbow coalition that birthed the All Progressives Congress helped build a bridge that took him over the gorge. Number three is the economic factor: Buhari’s assets declaration shows that he has herds of cattle. Of course, these are entrusted to herdsmen. It is also widespread knowledge that many other prominent Nigerians – powerful traditional rulers, ex-this and ex-that, governors past and present, past presidents, influential non-Fulanis, name them - are also owners of herds of cattle which they entrust to herdsmen. So, the herdsmen, most times, are employees of powerful Nigerians and, thus, wear the toga of the untouchable. Reports have it that powerful Nigerians have weighed in on the side of these herdsmen in times past. An ex-leader, now back in power, was said to have protested to a South-west governor in support of some herdsmen. These are some of the reasons which many believe have made the Fulani herdsmen the powerful elements they have become i.e. they have powerful backers. They are employees of powerful Nigerians. They are from the “Aryan” ethnic group. Religion is also a potent factor in their favour. It is like the Bureau de Change, the Mallams you see on street-walks hawking foreign currencies and doing untold damage to the Naira are just the employees of powerful Nigerians. As the Yoruba adage goes, if a dog has powerful backers, it will kill a monkey. A dangerous dimension to the Fulani herdsmen’s problem is the fact that many of them are even said not to be Nigerians. Fulanis are spread across many countries in West Africa. In fact, history teaches that the Fulani in Nige-

ria today migrated from somewhere else. Maybe this explains the mindlessness of the Fulani herdsmen that have been on rampage all over the place. Note that we are also said to be experiencing a similar problem of the influx of foreigners with the Boko Haram insurgency. This is plausible. Mercenaries, be they insurgents or herdsmen, are mean, hard-hearted, and mindless. They have neither affinity with, nor sympathy for, the local population that they come in contact with. They are veritable “kill-and-go”; eager to kill, ready to destroy, and ever mindful of the fact that once the harm is done, they could always retire to their own country and return to their own people. Now that a presidential order is said to have been given to extirpate this scourge, let us see how assiduously those concerned will proceed and how effective the implementation of the presidential directive shall be. Next, some spurious, even vexatious, proposals of grazing zones\ routes and grazing reserves all over the country are being bandied about, some of them in the discredited National Assembly. Those proposals are noxious and will not fly. In fact, it will institutionalise the Fulani herdsmen’s reign of terror all over the country and legalise their seizure of other people’s land. Seizing and handing over other people’s land to the same herdsmen who had been the tormentor-in-chief is compensating evil. Cows need not traverse the land; let us do what is done in other climes. Ranches are the best option. Let the Fulani herdsmen amend their ways of life in tune with modern realities; nothing says they cannot live in towns and ply their trade in ranches established in their states of origin. It should not be by fiat all over the country. Any state wanting to establish ranches should be free to do so but the Federal Government must not force it and no man’s land should be commandeered by federal might and handed over to Fulani herdsmen. That, were it to happen, will be worse than the present fire we are trying to put out. It will be the real fire next time. By the way, we should begin to sensitize our people to the health dangers of unbridled consumption of beef or cow meat, which is said to aid the growth of cancerous cells in the human body. Lean beef is one effort made to mitigate this adverse effect. Generally, cow meat is cheaper than other sources of meat such as poultry, fish or even goat meat. At parties and social gatherings where you need to feed hundreds of mouths, it is most economical to go for cow meat while poultry and fish are reserved for special guests. But the health hazard inherent in the incessant consumption of cow meat is enough incentive for serious governments to invest heavily in the other sources of meat protein. We should make great and concerted effort to wean our people from the obsession for cow meat. The health benefits are enormous. That way, too, the importance of cows and their herders will be drastically reduced and they won’t continue to play the overlords that they now are.

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

With Rita Okonoboh rosarumese@gmail.com 08053789087

tribunechurch Endangered!

When clerics become prey to kidnappers

From Rita Okonoboh, Jude Ossai and Muhammad Sabiu

“

OUCH not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm,” says a passage in the Holy Bible. Contrary to the Bible passage, clerics, irrespective of denomination, have fallen victim to abductions, with some incidents leading to murder. In March, the National President of Fel-

Ooni charges religious leaders on peaceful co-existence Pg 36

lowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria known as “Tarayyar Ekklesiyoyin Kristi A Nijeria” (TEKAN), Reverend Emmanuel Dziggau, and two of his colleagues were kidnapped along the Kaduna-Abuja road. The event led to the death of the vice president, Reverend Illiya Anto, who was said to have been abandoned when he became too weak to continue with the kidnappers into the bush. The third victim was Reverend Yakubu Dzarma.

Herdsmen’s attacks:

We shouldn’t be pushed to the wall —Prelate Pg 37

On December 5, 2015, the Bishop of the Lagos Central Diocese of the African Church, Right Reverend Gabriel Adebanjo, and his wife, Dorcas, a teacher in Ogun State, were kidnapped on their way to attend a church event in Delta State, with their driver shot in the hand and leg. The couple were later released after paying a ransom. In September 2015, the Bishop of Gwagwalada in the Province of Abuja, the

Religious issues not govt business —Dziggau

Pg 38

Right Reverend Moses Bukpe-Tabwaye, was kidnapped at the boundary of Edo and Delta states. He was consecrated bishop in April 2015. Also in September 2015, a Catholic priest, Reverend Father Gabriel Ayoka, was kidnapped along Okene-Auchi expressway by gunmen on his way to Onitsha, Anambra State, to attend a function. In June 2015, Fr. Emmanuel Akingbade, a priest with St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, was kidnapped, and subsequently released on June 16, 2015. On May 4, 2015, Fr. Innocent Umor was kidnapped, in the Diocese of Idah, in Kogi State and was released two days later. In September 2013, Archbishop of the Niger Delta, Anglican Comunion, Most Continues on pg39

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425

churchnews Diversify the economy, cleric urges Buhari RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been called upon to diversify the economy through agricultural ventures and

make the call for “change” real. Making the call last Sunday, during the induction service of Pastor Joseph Makinwa as the Zonal Superintendent and the 10th zonal anniversary

THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has charged religious leaders across the country to continue to pray for the corporate existence of the nation as a single entity, saying that as representatives of God, it is incumbent on them to seek for peaceful coexistence of all and sundry. The traditional ruler stated this when the President of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akinosun, last week, led a delegation of the church, on a visit to congratulate him on his ascendancy to the throne. While commending the CAC delegation, he said that the church is noted for its powerful prayers worldwide, which endeared many people who are now apostles of Christ to it and prayed for God to give the

church leaders long life to pilot the affairs of the church and the nation in general, adding he would never forget CAC as he grew up there. He urged the Yoruba nation to be united for development to take place as the race was blessed with moral values, respect for elders, constituted authorities. Earlier, Pastor Akinosun had commnended the traditional ruler on his recent moves to ensure the unity of the Yoruba race as well as the diplomatic and mature manner he handled the feud among Osun State Council of Obas. Akinosun also commended the traditional ruler on youth empowerment scheme in Osun State, which he said would allow them to channel their energies towards productive ventures.

By Taiwo Olanrewaju

Ooni charges religious leaders on peaceful co-existence

of Orisun Ife zone of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide, Elder James Arowolo said diversifying the economy would bring an end to reliance on crude oil export as the mainstay of the economy.

Arowolo, in his welcome address at the Cathedral of Thanksgiving venue of the service, at Adeoyo area in Ibadan, Oyo State, noted that an improvement in the power sector and moral rebirth would go a long way

to translate into improved livelihood for the citizenry. Arowolo, who is the zonal secretary, appreciated CAC authorities for granting the branch zonal status, stating that the zone was proud of the achievements

Vicar of All Saints Anglican Church, Akiru, Ibadan, Oyo State, Reverend J.O. Ikudaisi, flanked by from left, Pa and Mrs Oluwayemi Oni; Mr Adebowale Wahab; two representatives of the Anglican Christian Fellowship, St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo State; Hon. and Mrs Segun Abolarinwa; Dr (Mrs) I.B. Delano, two other representatives from St. Anne’s, Molete and Evangelist T. Ogunfowora, during the appreciation/honours awards service, held last Sunday.

Pray for Buhari’s govt —Abiara THE General Evangelist, Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Prophet Samuel Abiara, has called on Nigerians to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in his resolve to create a new order in the country. Abiara, speaking on the state of the nation recently in Lagos, noted that “though the economic situation in the country at present is very hard, with prayers and patience on the part of Nigerian people towards Buhari’s government, difficult times would soon be over in the country. “We should all know that our president is not a magician. Rather, he is a man of discipline and integrity who loves doing things in a proper, methodical and meticulous way. You will agree with me that to put things right, especially things that have been badly damaged, it takes more time and care. “Therefore, I want to

enjoin all Nigerians to be patient with the present government in its effort to create a better Nigeria, where everything will be in abundance for the citizens. I also call on the masses to keep supporting the government in prayer so that God can guide them right.” On the current menace of Fulani herdsmen across the country, Abiara called on the government to intervene quickly before it degenerated into terrorism in the mode of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East. Prophet Abiara also commended the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in recovering looted funds. He enjoined them not to relent in their efforts at ensuring that corrupt public officers in the country, irrespective of their political, religious and social status are made to face the full wrath of the law.

Pastor J.A. Makinwa, his wife, Deaconess Stella (middle); Pastor Gabriel M. Makinwa (Spiritual Father) (left); Pastor Gideon O. Oladokun (right) and Pastor David Olaiya (second left), during the induction service for Pastor Makinwa and the 10th anniversary of CAC, Orisun-Ife zone, held last Sunday. PHOTO:D’TOYIN.

From left, Elder Abraham Lawal; Deaconess Oluwatoyin Adelusi; Mrs Yetunde Adeyinka; Pastor Olusola Ojelabi and Pastor John Titiloye, during the 2016 anniversary of “ Egbe Ife,” held at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Igbega, Adekile, Ibadan, Oyo State, recently.

of Pastor A.O. Akinosun, the CAC President. In his sermon, entitled “Chosen to Bear Fruit,” Pastor D.A. Olaiya, who represented the CAC authorities, took his text from John 15: 1-16, emphasising the fact that the chosen ones were picked to bear good fruits. Olaiya, therefore, urged Pastor Makinwa and his wife, Stella, to continue producing the many good fruits which earned them the physical and spiritual promotion. “Fulfill your ministry, bear more fruits and you will surely be rewarded,” he stated.

Vicar tasks Christians on gratitude By Remi Anifowose VICAR of All Saints Anglican Church, Akuru, Ibadan, Oyo State, Reverend J.O. Ikudaisi, last Sunday, emphasised the importance of giving thanks to God in leading successful Christian lives. This is just as the church appreciated those that had contributed immensely to development in different areas. Revd Ikudaisi made this known in his sermon, entitled: “The Heart of Gratitude,” during an appreciation service/honours awards organised by the church to appreciate and honour members who committed financially and materially to the cause of the gospel. Taking his sermon from Psalm 103, Ikudaisi said that Christians should, at all times, give thanks to God, irrespective of the situation, saying it was by God’s grace that a believer existed. Awards were presented to members of the Christian Fellowship of St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Molete, Ibadan; Pa and Mrs Adesokan Oni; Mr Adebowale Wahab of Impact Solution Limited; Justice and Dr (Mrs) I.B. Delano; Chief I.O. Ojofeitimi and Honourable and Mrs Segun Abolarinwa. Abolarinwa, who responded on behalf of the awardees, appreciated the church for the honour accorded them.

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1 May, 2016

Herdsmen’s attacks:

We shouldn’t be pushed to the wall —Methodist Prelate

Most Reverend Samuel Uche, the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), in an interaction with journalists, speaks on the recent canvassing for the return of mission schools to the church, the recent attacks by herdsmen, the position of the MCN in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), especially regarding the upcoming election, among other issues. RITA OKONOBOH provides excerpts:

HAT is the history of the Methodist Church in Nigeria? We are the first church ever to have a major standing in Nigeria. We began the mission on September 24, 1842, followed by the Anglicans who arrived in December 1842. Although, you must note that in the 15th/16th century, the Roman Catholics attempted to come into Benin, but it was unsuccessful. The natives sent them away and they came back after the MCN had begun. We thank God that today, we are all working together. What is the numerical strength of the MCN? Members of the MCN are over 1.5 million, not counting MCN members in the Diaspora. You have condemned all forms of insurgency – herdsmen’s attacks and Boko Haram. In Iraq, Christians have taken up arms against ISIS. Do you think Nigeria should follow suit? We don’t want to do that. We are organised in Nigeria and we are men of peace and honour. We are not belligerent or ferocious but we do not want to be pushed to the wall, that’s why we are warning because Nigeria cannot afford to have a religious war. That will be self-destruction, so we are appealing so that we won’t get to that stage. But there are rumours that churches in the North have advised members to take up arms against insurgency... These are rumours, so we can’t address that issue. What is the position of the MCN in the Christian Association of Nigeria, in the light of the upcoming election? The MCN is very much involved in CAN, but we are fair. We believe in equity. To be candid, I was approached by the leadership of CAN and I told them that the two blocs that have never had slots are OAIC and TEKAN/ECWA, so they should be allowed to take their slots. I wouldn’t want to support any of the other mainline churches. There must be justice. We must allow others to take their slots so that they don’t complain. We are very much involved in the election and we will make sure that credible people are elected to officiate in CAN. There is nothing religious or Christian that would not involve the MCN. Leaders of other churches come to us for consultation. Even new churches who do not know much about administration come secretly to be tutored on how to administer their churches. Shouting ‘Halleluyah’ or ‘Amen’ is not administration. What is your recommendation regarding the proposed preaching licence canvassed by the Kaduna State government? There is freedom of religion, association and worship, so the status quo ante should be maintained in Kaduna State. Nobody should tamper with religion because it’s a wild fire that will consume everybody if it’s tampered with. So, let the sleeping dog lie. Do you subscribe to the notion that regional government is a viable alternative for distribution of wealth

We shouldn’t allocate oil wells to people who would become richer at the expense of the masses, while workers are paid a pittance

in Nigeria? The Constitution Review Committee will take that up. Whether it is regional or state, corruption is corruption. The important thing is for people to do the right thing. We are even advocating that local governments be allocated more funds and it should not be a joint venture between them and the states. This will ensure that the local governments can function effectively. However, local government officials should be closely monitored and anyone found to be guilty of corruption should face justice. The MCN is vehemently opposed to corruption in all forms. In recent times, you have been canvassing for the return of mission schools. What is the state of that proposal? Each state we have been to, we have addressed the issue. Oyo State has pledged to return the mission schools when they get the appropriate submission from the church. We believe that the Methodist Church was the first and the leading church in the establishment of schools because leaders in Nigeria – Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo – went through Methodist Schools, so I believe the schools will be returned. You have stated that individuals should no longer be allocated oil wells. What becomes of individuals who already have oil wells? Census should be taken to determine those who have oil wells because some people have not declared their oil wells. People have made declarations at the Code of Conduct Bureau, but we don’t know those who have oil wells. The problem in Nigeria is that the rich are becoming richer, while the poor are becoming poorer. There can be no peace until this is addressed. The common wealth should be for everybody. We shouldn’t allocate oil wells to people who would become richer at the expense of the masses, while workers are paid a pittance. In view of the current economic realities, paying a worker N18,000 is like killing the person. Therefore, oil wells should be released so that people can be paid appropriately. Money made from Nigeria’s oil should go for the welfare of all Nigerians. Certain parts of the country face problems because the citizens of these states are exploited, traumatised, impoverished. The leaders of these areas should look inwards for solution.

Your Life Counts

Sunday Tribune

by Tunde Jaiyebo 0803 406 2013

Living responsibly on purpose (2) LAST time we began looking at living life on purpose. We saw that when we look around it is sad how many people go about living their lives. Far too many people live as if they have another shot at life . . . they live without purpose. We must live in a way that if we were to be asked to describe our life in a phrase or sentence, we should have no hesitation to share it without taking ages to come up with something to say. A life lived without purpose is a gamble of a life. “We should all be obliged to appear before a board every five years, and justify our existence... on pain of liquidation.” George Bernard Shaw We need to find time to really decide what we want done with our life. We must realise that we are designed to live on purpose and make up not just to discover it but be equipped to live our specific purpose out effectively. Our purpose must not only be discernable but the quality of our relationship with people. Would any of these be an accurate description of any of us?. . . a great friend, a motivator, a professional to the core, a good husband, a father in a million. Or would we be described as – a spoil sport, lazy and inefficient, wet blanket? Once we discover what this one phrase or sentence is that summarizes our life, we then have to live life with it in mind. This will help us to live on purpose rather than by chance. By this we will be people on a mission and a people of focus. This will help us know what to major on with our lives. We will know what really matters. “Men, like nails, lose their usefulness when they lose direction and begin to bend.” Walter Savage Landor Living life on purpose will produce focus and focus determines our feelings. “If you can’t live through adversity, you’ll never be good at what you do. You have to live through the unfair things, and you have to develop the hide to not let it bother you and keep your eyes focused on what you have to do.” Maurice “Hank” Greenberg It is purpose that makes us live a passionate life. Purpose and passion are designed to work together. Passion without purpose will be destructive. Purpose without passion is useless but when a man truly discovers purpose he becomes ignited with passion to pursue it. “Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark.” Henri Frederic Amiel We cannot afford to just live life as it comes. We cannot afford to live life in the realm of generalities but it is time to live life specifically on purpose. A life that will really count should be able to be summarized in a phrase or at most a sentence. That phrase or sentence should be the mission and assignment of our life. It is our mandate. It is the reason we are alive. Summarizing our life in a sentence or a phrase will not be done in a day but it is an assignment one has to keep working on until we get it. The starting point to real living and not merely existing is to know with certainty and summarize in a phrase or sentence why one is alive and then working towards it being a reality- deploying whatever resources that comes our way to achieving it - time, money, talents, skills, relationships etc. It is time to live life on purpose – by the end of your life when your name will be mentioned what one phrase or sentence will come to most peoples’ mind. The choice is yours and the time to start doing something about that is now. For enquiries/comments please send email to charismokola@yahoo.com

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1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Clerics divided over Kaduna preaching bill

Religious issues not government business —Dziggau Genuine clerics shouldn’t be afraid of permit —Fagbemi

cent past crisis in the state that led to wanton destruction of lives and property. Besides, the most recent clash between members of Shiite group and the Army, in which scores were feared killed. Religion is an opium as said by Karl Max, but when it’s not regulated, it could degenerate to state of anarchy. In any case, though I have not seen the whole copy of the bill but based on reports, I will say that anyone who has genuine reason to preach will not be afraid to get permit. It’s only those hiding under the guise of religion to perpetrate evils that would actually cry wolf where there’s none. “Besides, law is made for man and not the other way round. If after trial the state government discovers that it’s not the best for the people, such law can be retouched or put in abeyance. “Nigerians are fond of complaining over innovation and this could be the bane of our development in this country. Religion must be regulated. There’s no where you don’t have regulated lives in the world.”

From Biola Azeez, Muhammad Sabiu and Sylvester Okoruwa

ADUNA State has been in the news for weeks now, following the proposed bill aimed at curbing religious extremism in the state. According to media reports, “Any person shall be guilty of an offence who, in contravention of this Law, (a) preaches without a valid licence (b) plays religious cassettes or uses a loud speaker for religious purposes after 8:00p.m. in a public place (c) uses a loudspeaker for religious purposes other than inside a mosque or church…shall be liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or a fine of N200,000 or both and have his licence revoked…. “All cassettes, CDs, flash drives or any other communication gadgets containing religious recordings from accredited preachers may be played in el-Rufai the following places only: (a) inside one’s house (b) inside entrance porche (Zaure) (c) inside the church (d) inside the mosque (e) any other designated Persuasion would work better place of worship...” –Lawyer Diverse reactions have continued Mr Garba Omoyajowo, a lawyer, to trail the bill, which has passed who observed that the Nigerian consecond reading and Tribunestitution recognises freedom of reliChurch felt the pulse of clerics gion, pointed out that there should and lawyers across the country rebe limit to that freedom. garding the content of the proposed According to him, “I think persuareligious law, which also recomsion may work better than outright enmends that every church or mosque actment of a law to say permission must shall obtain licence, which is expected be obtained before embarking on public begging, to be renewed on an annual basis, from preaching. That can also be abused or comlack of good a committee expected to be established in pound religious disharmony in the state. A reBishop Ogunmuyiwa Bishop Ademowo health facilities and each local government area of the state. The ligious body or sect may be denied the permission road infrastructural develcommittee will comprise, “a Chairman, a police while another is allowed even if the circumstances are opment. The Kaduna State government should different. But these circumstances may not be looked into officer not below the rank of an Assistant Superintendent, two Muslims, one each representing the Izala and focus on these problems rather than developing a policy by a group that is denied. So, I think, instead of the comDarika religious groups, two representatives of the Chris- that will heat up the polity.” mission, leaders should be persuaded, advised, cautioned tian Association of Nigeria and a representative of the against inciting remarks in their sermons. ‘It is difficult to regulate religion’ traditional institution.” The committee is subsequently “On the usage of public address system, I think there Pastor Biodun Oyeleye, a cleric with the Redeemed should be a law to regulate that. For example, the time, expected to make recommendations to the ministerial committee, which will in turn make recommendations to Christian Church of God, based in Ilorin, Kwara State, area, and type of public address system. Public address noted that “Religion is one of difficult things to regulate systems should not have effect beyond the premises it’s the governor. because it has to do with personal faith in relation to God being used so as not to disturb residents around the area. ‘It is a violation of Christian faith and princi- that we cannot see and we claim to serve. And I think that’s Public address systems should not be used to play recordwhy the military government in Kaduna State which tried ed messages or music. It should be restricted to calls to ples’ The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos, the Most it didn’t succeed. What I think government needs to do is prayer alone.” Reverend Ephraim Ademowo, while reacting to the bill, not to regulate. What government should do is to engage Another lawyer, Mrs Romoke Ali, commended the bill, stated that el-Rufai did well while he was in office as the in social mobilisation, activate a sincere community sys- stating that “many preachers are not aware of the content Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and thus, ad- tem, where you break each city into clusters and have a before condemning the bill.” vised him not to go against the constitution of Nigeria leadership system in each cluster of both faiths to educate which allowed for freedom of speech and association. He themselves. What has government taken over that suc‘Religious issues are not government business’ urged the governor to be mindful of the reactions of the ceeded? Social mobilisation has worked in other modems, The President of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria church leaders and find an amicable way of resolving the so I think it can work in religion too because it’s to check (HEKAN), Reverend Emmanuel Dziggau, stated his opissue and work out a befitting law that will be beneficial people using religion to exploit.” position to the bill, noting that “Government in Nigeria Bishop David Fagbemi or Winners Chapel in Ilorin, is playing with religion. The issue of religion is a personal to all. The Bishop of Abuja, African Church, and National Kwara State, stated that “Inasmuch as it’s a federating thing between a man and his creator. So, the bill will not Chaplain for the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, the unit, each state has its uniqueness and peculiarity. Based solve the problem of Kaduna. The state has enjoyed relaRight Reverend Peter Ogunmuyiwa, stated that “the bill on that, there must have been reasons for the chief secu- tive peace and this will create additional problem. This is is unacceptable to the church because it violates the fun- rity officer of a state to have made such proposal. What my 35th year as a pastor, and you want to tell me that I damental principles of the Christian faith and the injunc- should bother us now is whether all stakeholders were du- should renew my rights to preach. To be candid, religious tions of our Lord Jesus Christ to propagate Christianity tifully carried along because under democracy, dictator- issues are not government’s business. The state and reliand any law that will prevent the church from carrying ship is an aberration. If the people have so decided among gion should be separated. If you stop God’s work, do you out this sacred mandate is ungodly and satanic. There- themselves to be guided by the rules, it may just be the best expect things go on well? fore, the church in Nigeria is absolutely against the move development to forestall any untoward crisis in the state. “My advice to the government is to regulate those “Be that as it may, one should not forget easily the re- preaching about immorality. If you go to the post office by el-Rufai administration in Kaduna State to prevent the church from spreading the word of God. along Yakubu Gowon way, you will see bunch of young “I hereby advise the Kaduna State governor to rescind men selling different drugs with erotic pictures telling you his decision on this issue. The church is not in any way to buy the products. Is that not immorality? Why should against the authority of the government of Nigeria at any people discuss sex openly? Is that how we were brought level because it is our duty to cooperate with the governup? The state should be concerned about this ugly trend ment to bring sanity to our country. So, we will do everyand regulate it. They should also regulate those who mount thing within our power to ensure that there is peaceful coloudspeakers on their vehicles and tell people that they existence among different religious adherents. We hereby have drugs you can use for six rounds of sex because these call on well-meaning Nigerians to join the church in conpractices are alien to our culture and religion. Our church demning that bill and ensure that it does not see the light has been registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission, of the day. There are a lot of social ills in our society that which gave us the mandate to operate everywhere, not need to be urgently addressed by the government, paronly in Kaduna. I think the best thing is for the governor to ticularly in Kaduna State such as unemployment, street withdraw the bill.”

Any law that will prevent the church from carrying out this sacred mandate is ungodly and satanic

39 tribunechurch

Sunday Tribune

livingword

dawnofanewera with Most Revd J.O. Akinfenwa

By Bishop David Oyedepo Call 7747546-8; or e-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese

When the righteous rule... Continued from last week Or let us say the righteous are so many that nothing happens until and unless they permit it. The Bible makes allusion to both, because some other versions read our anchor verse to mean “when the righteous are increased.” People of God, this leads us to a question— are the righteous increasing in this nation? Are more and more people becoming righteous? We need to ask this question because, even if a righteous man manages to get the scepter of authority by divine providence, but the unrighteous are in the majority in the land, the righteous will not truly reign in the land. The righteous will be caged in an enslaved pseudo-rule. The tyranny, the overbearing influence of the unrighteous majority will suffocate the righteous. We are now in a democracy. What is a democracy? The rule of the people, by the people, and for the people? That is what the scholars say, but in reality, democracy is the rule of the party that has the majority! Or, which party rules after an election? Is it not the party that has the majority of the votes — the party that proves that the majority of the people are behind it? So, dear people of God, the righteous will never really reign in a country, until righteous people increase to the point that they form a majority of the population. So, when we think that our problem is a leadership problem, we must quickly and always look at the followership as well. The army of the Lord; the army that shall

1 May, 2016

change this land for good, is not an army of corrupt people. It is an army of saints. However, unless that army is big, massive and strong, their general will be a weak general. He will be a caged general. He will be a general without a force; without a battalion. It is not enough for the righteous to sit on the throne. It is more important that those who serve as eyes and ears and legs and arms to the king be righteous also. Otherwise, the righteousness of the king will end in the palace. The Yorubas have a saying that when you say the king hears all that is said in the houses and in the farms, it is because some people are hearing for the king (eti oba anile, eti oba loko, eeyan lo nje bee). But if the ears of the king in the houses and in the farms are unrighteous ears, the king will not hear aright, will make unrighteous judgement, and will soon (although unwittingly) become an unrighteous king! That must not be allowed to happen in Nigeria. This is why we need to pray for a rain of righteousness in our land: Amos 5:24 But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. Isaiah 45:8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. Let the above be our prayer for Nigeria as we approach the first anniversary of the current political dispensation.

Gateways to financial dominion! WE recognise from scriptures that financial dominion is our heritage in Christ. That means, every child of God is a candidate for wealth and by redemption, has an inheritance of financial fortune in Christ. As it is written: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9; 2 Corinthians 9:8). It is also written: …Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing (Revelation 5:12). This establishes that redemption is our gateway to financial fortune. However, God empowers us for wealth through the revelation and application of the covenant. Thus, it is trading the covenant secrets in the Word that launches people into financial prosperity. This is because in the midst of crisis, God’s Word will always triumph. For instance, in my crave to know the secret of Kingdom prosperity, I went on a three-day prayer and fasting adventure on March 20-22, 1982. I took my Bible and the books of Kenneth and Gloria Copeland (The law of Prosperity and God’s Will is Prosperity), searching and asking God to show me this secret. On the third day, God spoke to me from Deuteronomy 8:18 which says: But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fa-

thers, as it is this day. He further said, “My son, My prosperity plan is not a promise, so it does not answer to prayers. It is not a promise, and so it has no respect for fasting. My prosperity plan is a covenant and until your part is played, I am not committed.” This encounter changed my life forever! No one can empower himself for financial dominion except God; and until He empowers us, we are utterly powerless. We must, therefore, recognise that we can only commit God on His own terms not ours. That is, there is always a part we must play before we can commit God to His part. Therefore, it is the revelation of the terms of the covenant that launches and positions men into the realms of inexplicable but undeniable wealth. Your own portion shall not be lost in Jesus’ name! Are you born again? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord. If you haven’t, you can say this prayer and you will be born again: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!” For further reading, please get my books: Understanding Financial Prosperity, Breaking Financial Hardship, Winning The War Against Poverty, Hidden Covenant Of Blessing and Covenant Wealth. I will continue this teaching next week.

‘No bodyguards, God’s protection is the ultimate’ Continued from pg35

Reverend Ignatius Kattey, aged 65, was kidnapped by armed men who forced him and his wife into the forests of the Niger Delta. A week later he, his wife, and their driver were released unharmed. These are just a few of the many reports, some of which are unreported, of the cases of kidnappings involving Christian ministers. Once upon a long time ago, it would have been a taboo to even think evil against a religious leader, but in recent times, the brazen evil meted out to pastors, priests are becoming too rampant to ignore. Clerics spoke with TribuneChurch on the seeming attraction of abductors to God’s shepherds and recommendations for tackling the threat. Bishop Moyinoluwalogo Bamidele Ibikunle, of the Diocese of Okun, Kogi State, Methodist Church Nigeria, was also kidnapped on February 17, 2016 along the Lokoja-Okene road and he spent four days in the place he described as a “wilderness” before he was released. Speaking on what he thinks is the attraction of clerics to abductors, he attributed it to the economic situation in the country, among other reasons. He also noted that the state of insecurity and the fact that many of these kidnappers see it as a way to make quick money.” When asked if clerics should subscribe to the use of bodyguards, Bishop Ibikunle stated that “with what I’ve gone through, I don’t think we should take things for granted. God is our guardian, and we should also take security measures as it

lies within our power. The important thing is not to overdo it.” Archbishop Gabrel ‘Leke Abegunrin of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Oyo State, who noted that kidnapping had taken a different dimension in Nigeria, outlines the reasons for abductions as easy way to make money; as a reaction to a displeasing situation; as a reaction to neglect of the people (the South South example), among other reasons. According to him, “There are many reasons people are kidnapped. The cleric represents the church and society expects the church to be the voice of the populace. Sometimes, when a clergyman is unconcerned about the poor, or lives flamboyantly, he/she may be kidnapped as a way of punishing such a person. There are also some clerics who are kidnapped without the kidnappers being aware they are clerics. Poverty in the society may be a reason for targeting clerics because people sometimes believe the church is rich. In many situations where clerics are kidnapped, there are beliefs that it may be the work of an insider, which could result from disagreement between the people and the religious leader. “I do not use bodyguards so I won’t advocate the use of bodyguards. For kidnappers, it is difficult to recommend punishment because for the church, punishment, especially when it’s not commensurate to the offence, is violence and when you apply violence, life could be lost. And the church is against taking of lives. So, we would leave recommended punishment to the laws of the land.”

‘Kidnapping clerics attracts God’s curse’ Primate Elijah Ayodele, Founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos State, who stated that he had predicted the Enugu killings, and had, in fact, sent a message to the Enugu State government prior to the attacks, had predicted that kidnapping would take another dimension, a prophecy published earlier in the year. According to him, “kidnapping of clerics attracts God’s curse. The situation will not abate now. The only thing that can reduce the state of kidnappings is for religious leaders to come together to pray and plead with God. This state of kidnappings will increase Nigeria’s problems and is attracting negative consequences.”

Sometimes, when a clergyman is unconcerned about the poor, or lives flamboyantly, he/she may be kidnapped as a way of punishing such a person

‘The press has a major role to play’ For TEKAN President, Reverend Dziggau, “I want the press to come in and really keep the government and the security agencies on their toes. The press has a big role to play here. The press must do everything in its power so that the government can know what is happening in the country. Nobody is safe in this country anymore.” According to the Founder and Spiritual Leader of Christian Victory Prayer Ministry, Enugu, Pastor Dan Obinebo, “The kidnapping of clerics in Enugu State takes place mostly along Ohom and Nike/Opi Road and the perpetrators are herdsmen. The Federal Government and indeed the South East governors should rise up to their responsibilities. Every community has a vigilance group. Let the vigilance groups be ‘motorised’ for effective community policing. The vigilance groups should network with assistance from the state government.” For Reverend James Akinadewo of the Motailatu Church, Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Lagos District, “this is evidence of the level the country has sunk into. When a country doesn’t follow the dictates of God, many things will happen. I won’t advocate the use of bodyguards because God’s protection is the ultimate. The problem is that we have turned away from God, even in the church. When we leave God and follow our own ways, evil will pervade the land. We must do things right to come out of the sorry state we are in now.”

language&style

by Samson Dare 0805 500 1770 samsonadare@yahoo.co.uk

Of blood, contestants, and marks (III)

Sunday Tribune

1 May, 2016

HERE is one final issue that needs to be addressed in the excerpt that has featured in the last two weeks. Again, the excerpt is hereby repeated as excerpt 1. Sample 1: “There is a belief in Yoruba land that the cane laced with charms can kill whoever it is used to flog. So to guide against this, the intending participants in the festival are usually warned against doing such…One of the participants in this year’s festival held on Saturday, March 19, Chief Sunday Akande, said the level of pain bearing of the participants usually increases because of the prayers offered in preparatory to the flogging contest…Our correspondent further gathered that blood coming out of the marks on the backs of the contestants are ignored as they forge ahead to win the contest…Despite the intensity of the bashing, the winner often do not have any prize to show for it. The winner is seen as one who is patriotic enough to bear the ‘pains’ for the good of the community…Oyesanmi told Sunday Punch that his support was not limited to contestants from Odo Ise alone but to every participant and the festival as a whole ”(Odun Opa: Festivals Where Partakers Get Flogged Without Mercy, The Punch, Sunday, March 27, 2016) Let’s scrutinize the following sentence: “Oyesanmi told Sunday Punch that his support was not limited to contestants from Odo Ise alone but to every participant and the festival as a whole.” We need to note how the expression “was not limited to” is used in that structure. It is followed by the word alone. That word (alone) is unnecessary as it gives the impression that “his support” is also “limited to” other people, an idea that is contextually and semantically nonsensical. Not surprisingly, the absurdity goes on: “but to every participant and the festival as a whole.” What this sentence is saying in essence is this: “his support…is also limited to every participant and the festival as a whole.” I am certain this is not what the reporter’s source said. I am equally certain that this is not what the reporter meant to say. To be sure, what this sentence conveys contradicts the intention of both the reporter and his source.What, then, is the problem? I think the reporter is “limited” by his own limited linguistic ability, circumscribed by his limited semantic and lexical choices. What is the way out? First, the word alone should be expunged. Having done that, we can now bring in the expression extends to or includes: “his support was not limited to contestants from Ido Ise but extends to/ includes every participant and the festival as a whole.” Good writing requires not only good grammar but also good thinking. Good ideas, good thoughts may be marred by bad language. Sample 2: “The death of the student was said to have ignited a violent uprising in the town as students of the university trouped out to protest against his killing.”(Protest in Ondo as Vehicle Crushes Student to Death, the Sunday Sun, April 10, 2016) Let’s pay attention to the word trouped as used in the following context: “students of the university trouped out to protest against his killing.” The word trouped, it should be noted, has been selected in confusion with trooped. It is interesting that the two words, troop and troupe, have identical pronunciation. But apart from being spelt differently, they are as far apart semantically as any two words can be. Now, the noun troupe is used to denote a group of actors, dancers or singers who perform together, moving from one place to the other. Please read the following sentences: 1)Led by a veteran musician, dynamic and entertaining, the troupe treated us to a thrilling performance that I had never seen in the last two decades. 2)In spite of its great performaces, the troupe always faces the problem of insufficient funding. 3)As the leader of our school’s cultural troupe, it was my duty to ensure that every performance was successfully carried out. 4)As a Youth Corps member, I organized a cultural troupe for the school where I carried out my primary assignment, a troupe, I’m told, is still active till today. 5)The dancing troupe is made up of ladies only

as dancers and men as drummers. 6)The NTA troupe performs only during festive seasons. 7) A cultural troupe, formed, funded, and encouraged by the palace, is being arranged to entertain the guests. 8)The national troupe is very versatile, capable of entertaining guests with a medley of performances reflecting the diversity of the Nigerian cultures. 9) As a burgeoning group, the first performance of the troupe was at the National Theatre. 10) After about five performances, the troupe lost focus, became weak and died. As we have noted, the verb form of the word troupe is very rare except in its very technical or professional sense. Here are examples of its usage in the verb form: 1) Hubert Ogunde was said to have trouped his plays to such distant places as the northern Nigeria. 2) The pioneer travelling actors like Oyin Adejobi trouped their performances all over the country, not because of the money they made from the performances, but because of the fulfilment they gave them. 3) To troupe plays requires considerable effort and dedication. The word troop basically denotes a group of soldiers. It can be used in its singular or plural form. Let’s read the following sentences: 1) The Federal Government has deployed troops in the troubled states of the North East of Nigeria. 2)Now that peace is returning to the war-torn country, the foreign troops are being withdrawn. 3) The troops are on their way to Somalia on a peace-keeping mission. 4) Brigadier Taiye Ojopagogo is leading a troop to the zone to assist in quelling the civil unrest that is beyond the capacity of the police. 5) Member nations of the African Union have agreed to contribute troops towards restoring peace to a region that has been ravaged by war. 6) During the civil war, the Federal troops were said to have committed all sorts of atrocities, including rapes. 7) The troops were weakened by the activities of moles and deserters. 8) In disarray, the troops retreated and requested for reinforcement. We have used the word troop as a noun in each of those sentences, and the sense has been that of soldiers in or ready for action. But the noun can also refer to a group of people, non-soldiers moving to a place. Now read the following sentences: 1)We met a troop of young boys poaching animals and having fun. 2)There they were, a troop of angry, tired and frustrated retirees, seeking sympathy and justice. 3)We were distracted by the chatter of a troop of schoolchildren on their way to the football field. 4)It all happened in the middle of the dry season when troops of women went to distant places in search of water. 5)The advertisement displayed in front of the building attracted a troop of job seekers, anxious and desperate, shouting themselves hoarse. 6)We saw a troop of tenants marching to the police station to report the misconduct of their landlord. 7) A troop of militant students blocked the road, protesting the lack of electricity. Each of the seven sentences demonstrates the usage of the noun troop in its figurative sense. But the figurative sense can also be used in the verb form. Let’s consider the following sentences: 1) The villagers trooped out to see the white men who were visiting the palace. 2) Almost the entire town trooped out to welcome the president. 3) After the football match, spectators trooped into streets, leading to a terrible traffic jam. 4) The masses have been advised totroop out on the day of the election and vote for the candidate of their choice. 5) I expect the box office takings to be in hundreds of thousands in view of the rate at which spectators trooped into the cinema. 6) In those days when public execution of armed robbers was common, members of the public could be seen trooping out to watch the gory sights. 7) Following the series of armed robbery attacks, members trooped into the meeting called to discuss security issues. 8) It was the closing time and students trooped out of the school compound. In the light of the discussion and examples so far, the form trouped should be changed to trooped in the context under review.

The word troop basically denotes a group of soldiers. It can be used in its singular or plural form… But the noun can also refer to a group of people, non-soldiers moving to a place

line

life with

Niyi Osundare

Random Blues Immortal bard of avon* Rainbow shoals in the Avon River Fame-finned, Stratford-proud

On the bank a stage Of thunderous hoofsounds and fertile winds

Kings swapping masks with clowns Stones searching for their sermons

Brooks nestled in running books The midsummer rank with rooks

And phantom Bottoms. A stung Prince of Doubt still wondering

Whether to be or not to bee Cowards still dyeing many threads

Before their wool, the Badge of Brutus Glowing famously on many friends

Othello, Moor or less, Still more noble than nifty. . .

Those airy nothings still seed our spheres Endowing every pregnant pulse with

A local habitation And a name

Bard for all times

To-day your name lives in the wind Your Song on every lip * On April 23 the world marked the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, a literary genius beyond measure, beyond time, beyond place. This poem was originally published in Days, HEBN, 2007, under the title ‘April 23, 1564’.

news

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Buhari’s economic ideas archaic —Ezekwesili We are diversifying the economy —FG Leon Usigbe -Abuja

ORMER Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili has described the economic policies of the Muhammadu Buhari administration as “archaic,” which she said were comparable to the ones he employed as a military head of state. Dr Ezekwesili spoke at the “Platform,” a nondenominational conference, sponsored by the Covenant Christian Centre in Abuja on Saturday. Noting the downturn in the nation’s economy since the advent of the administration, she observed that the policies were having negative effect on the masses. But Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo who also spoke at the event declared that the Federal Government was doing its best to reposition the nation’s economy. The vice-president revealed that President Buhari is set to assent to the 2016 Appropriation Act which has been dogged by controversy over alleged tampering with its key provisions by the National Assembly. According to Ezekwesili, “What did not work in 1984 cannot possibly be a solution in a global economy that’s much more integrated.” The former minister added: “During the first coming of this our new president, a command and control economic system was adopted, and inflation spiralled; jobs were lost and the economic growth level dipped. “In over one year, the president is still holding to the premise that command and control is the only way out, and we have lost the single digits inflation status we maintained in past administrations. “The weakest and the most vulnerable suffer the impact of inflation the most. Enormous power is being abused as a result of archaic and opaque economic policies.” She also suggested that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has lost its autonomy under the administration, counseling that the apex bank must regain such autonomy. “We need to rethink the present monetary policy of the administration. Actually, the monetary policy was relatively safeguarded from political domination; it will do well to give a semblance of autonomy back to the Central Bank, so that it would speak the language of economics and not this language of rhetoric and language of anecdote, and language of suppositions that are no longer premised on hard

economic facts.” But Vice-President Osinbajo said that the budget would become operational within a few days when signed. He said government would immediately commence the

completion of power projects begun by the immediate past administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, saying, “the budget will become operational in the next few days.”

Osinbajo regretted that Nigerians had started to question the existence of the “change agenda” promised by the All Progressive Congress (APC) during the electioneering

campaign, noting that they were unnecessarily being impatient. He said the current administration was working behind the scenes to correct the ills that had been inflicted

Christian leaders dare Northern govs on preaching licence We will resist the move —CAN By Rita Okonoboh FOLLOWING the agreement by 19 Northern governors to commence the issuance of licences to all religious organisations and preachers in all states of the region, as a way of addressing the proliferation of sects and preachers, clerics across the country have reacted to the move. The governors, who agreed to “establish a regulatory mechanism to consistently monitor activities of newly registered and unregistered religious organisations, ascertain the sources of their funds, both locally and internationally,” among other issues, issued a seven-page communiqué. The Coordinating Chaplain of the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, and Bishop of the African Church, Right Reverend (Dr) Peter Ogunmuyiwa, speaking with Sunday Tribune, stated that “my reaction is not different from the position of CAN and we have made our position known to the Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai earlier, stating our opposition to such decision. “The current development brings to light the insinuations by Christians that the Northern governors have a hidden agenda of Islamising Nigeria. When el-Rufai started this move, some people said it was a Kaduna issue but some of us thought it would spread to other Northern states and that is exactly what has happened. “That law is targeted at Christians, especially regarding propagating the gospel. It is unfortunate that the Northern governors have come to endorse it and we will rise against such move. By the grace of God, it will not see the light of day because the church’s mandate is to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ and Nigeria’s constitution recognises freedom of speech and association. “As long as it does not inflict pain on other people, I don’t see why the gospel cannot be preached on the streets. Licence for preachers is a way of regulating the church

and it is against Nigeria’s constitution. It is time we came together to say no to this satanic move.” Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin of Ibadan Catholic archdiocese, who also expressed displeasure at the development stated that “sometimes, some people in government forget that those in the church are also Nigerians. Any member of the church can also become a governor. Affairs have been mismanaged by political leaders and that is why things like taxing the church has come in. We shall resist these moves

to the last. The church shall not accept it. The church is not given to violence but by our own reaction, even those who support them will begin to have a rethink.” Bishop Moyinoluwalogo Ibikunle of Okun Diocese, Methodist Church Nigeria, Kogi State, noted that his diocese is in a predominantly Christian community and thus it would be wrong for the governors to adopt such a position. According to him, “I don’t think that law would affect us here because this area is a predominantly Christian community. I don’t think such would work here.”

An executive member of the Christian Youth Network for Better Nigeria, with headquarters in Kaduna State, Mr Simon Topa Ozigagu, stated that “That is a very terrible thing. Why must preachers be licensed? It is a calling and a spiritual thing. If they ask preachers to be licensed, even dubious characters could be given licences. Why should government regulate religious activities? Even in the Hausa climes, it doesn’t work like that. We understand that churches are registered but licensing preachers is wrong and we frown on such a move.”

on the people over the years. “People now wonder: where is the ‘Change’,? Where is the change that formed the crux of our electioneering campaigns during the elections?. But they fail to understand that patience is also a virtue that they must have as a people,” he said. Osinbajo stated the government would begin the diversification of the economy, since dwindling oil resources could no longer guarantee the sustenance of the economy. Noting that most states were not measuring up in revenue, he said diversification would begin from three key sectors of agriculture, technology and innovation as well as entertainment. According to him, agriculture had enormous potential with Nigeria needing an average of seven million metric tonnes of rice to feed its population per year while foreign exchange needed to import rice was between N4 to N5 billion a year.

Protests, confusion greet PDP ward congress From Bola Badmus, Oluwole Ige and Olayinka Olukoya The Peoples Democratic Party held its ward congress across the nation on Saturday with different outcomes. In Lagos State, congresses to elect ward party officials were held in its 245 wards. The exercise, according to findings, took place without any report of violence, despite earlier fears that some people were planning to run parallel congresses or tamper with the outcomes of the exercise to suit their desires. The exercise, which took place in all the ward secretariats and other approved locations, was to produce 16 officers and three adhoc state delegates. According to the party guidelines, the officials from the national secretariat were expected to liaise with the state executive through the state chairman of the party for necessary support. When contacted, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Taofik Gani, said the PDP in the state was able to have a hitch-free exercise, declaring that reports reaching him attested to this. In Osun State, the ward congress was marred by protests, as some aggrieved members called for its outright cancellation. Miffed by the conduct of

the exercise, supporters of one of the chairmanship aspirants, Dr Bayo Faforiji, stormed the state secretariat of the party along Gbongan/Osogbo road, in protest against non-release of forms to those believed to be loyal to him by the outgoing state chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa. However, another chairmanship aspirant, Hon Soji Adagunodo, described the protests as baseless, contending that forms paid for by his camp were given. Speaking to journalists at the PDP state secretariat, Faforiji, who was flanked by the central senatorial leader of the party, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, lamented that despite paying over N3 million to the national secretariat to purchase over 7,000 forms for his supporters to contest ward, local government and state congresses of the party, no form was released to him. He accused OlaOluwa of discreetly going to Abuja to collect all the available forms which he gave to the supporters of the man contesting the chairmanship post against him only. Reacting to the allegations, Adagunodo said: “We have fully paid our dues and followed the party’s guidelines. The other groups are

yet to meet up with the guidelines of the party and that is why they are ranting. Let them go and pay their annual dues for three years; that will qualify them as financial members as stipulated in the party’s constitution.” Similarly, there was confusion in Ogun State, as three different factions held parallel congresses. The factions were that of the Chief Bayo Dayo-led state executive loyal to the Senator representing Ogun East, Buruji Kashamu; the member representing Remo Federal Constituency, Oladipupo Adebutu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole. Sunday Tribune discovered that all the factions held their congresses without any record of violence. Security agents were on ground in all the places visited. Party faithful trooped out in large numbers in Abeokuta, Ifo, Sagamu, Ikenne and Iperu areas to elect new officers at the ward levels. Speaking on the conduct of the election at Ward 7, Ijagba, Sagamu, one of the leaders of the party, Oluwole Bolarinwa, expressed satisfaction about the turnout. He described the congress

as a fantastic one, saying the future of the party would be determined by its outcome. Also speaking, a former member of the House of Assembly, Olu Fatoki, described the election as peaceful. Fatoki explained that the congresses were conducted in designated congress venues. He said, “We held it at the designated venues where the PDP used to hold its congresses. It was under the supervision of delegates that came from Abuja. “Security agents were on the ground and it was generally peaceful. The difference is that we involved other people from other groups into our executive. It is not a matter of winnerstake-all,” he said. Sunday Tribune recalled that nine out of 14 members of state executive committee, had on Friday, threatened to organise parallel congresses, based on allegation of being sidelined by the state chairman, Chief Dayo and state secretary, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo. Sodipo, while speaking with newsmen, said the congresses were conducted by a committee approved by the National Working Committee of the party, adding that the State Working Committee of party had no role to play in the conduct of the exercise.

workers’day

1 May, 2016

Fayose lauds workers’ resilience Sam Nwaoko-Ado Ekiti

KITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has commended workers in

the country for their resilience in the face of the current economic situation. He also expressed the hope that the future holds better prospect for employers and employees.

In a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, in Ado Ekiti on Saturday to mark Workers’ Day, the governor noted that the prevailing economic situation must also

not be allowed to cause disharmony between organised labour and the government. Specifically addressing workers in Ekiti State, the

Glo celebrates Nigerian workers

NIGERIA’S most preferred network by new data subscribers, Globacom, has commended the resilience of Nigerian workers in the face of the global economic challenges, and urged them to use the May Day celebration to reaffirm their commitment to the service of their fatherland. Globacom, in a goodwill message issued in Lagos over the weekend to mark Workers’ Day, described Nigerian workers as “heroic men and women, who move the nation forward.” The company said that there was no doubt that workers worldwide were facing challenging times, noting that Nigerian workers had demonstrated an uncommon sense of perseverance. The May Day is celebrated on May 1 every year to commemorate the sacrifices and contributions made by workers across the globe in sustaining global economy. The telecoms network, while encouraging workers to remain committed to the noble cause of building a strong and prosperous nation, said that it was optimistic that the challenging times being experienced globally would soon be over, particularly in Nigeria, and the workers would reap bountifully thereafter. “Globacom wishes to congratulate Nigerian workers as they join their counterparts all over the world to observe yet another Workers’ Day. “We commend the commitment of the Nigerian la-

bour force to nation building and their resilience over the years. We salute their uncommon courage, and wish

to encourage Nigerian workers to use the occasion of the Workers’ Day celebration to rededicate themselves to the

25th of every month. When I came back into office in October 2014 and met the poor financial situation our state was plunged into by our predecessors, we still made the effort at being alive to our responsibilities by ensuring regular payment of workers’ salaries and other entitlements, until even when two months allocations from Abuja became grossly insufficient to pay one month’s salary,” he said.

Oyo NLC opts for low-key celebration By Tunde Ogunesan

From left, President, Trade Union Congress, Comrade Bobo Kaigama; President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba and Deputy President, NLC, Peters Adeyemi, at the NLC pre-May Day lecture, in Abuja, on Saturday. PHOTO:NAN.

Despite challenges, we will celebrate —Ogun workers Olayinka Olukoya-Abeokuta

THE Ogun State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Akeem Ambali, and his counterpart in the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Olubunmi Fajo-

bi, have said that workers in the state will celebrate May Day, despite challenges confronting the state’s workers. Ambali said: “We, are celebrating in commemoration of that day for workers in the state to the glory,

Cleric tasks FG on improved workers’ welfare THE Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to look into and address the plight of Nigerian workers. Osu, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday, said that the minimum wage of Nigerian workers was grossly in adequate. “Except the take-home pay of the average worker is able to provide the basic necessities of life, then the fight against corruption will remain an illusion,” Osu said.

social and economic development of the country,” the statement added.

governor stated that since he assumed office for a second term, he had allowed labour leaders and other critical stakeholders access to the financial books of the state in the bid to ensure transparency in government. “To my great workers in Ekiti State, I appreciate you. During our first term in office, you know we used to pay salaries before the

Sunday Tribune

Osu said the 2016 May Day should be a time to examine the importance of work or labour to the people’s physical and spiritual wellbeing. “Labour should be valued as the source of unequalled prosperity, and as a characteristic of a strong and determined people,” he said.

Osu said that for the country to be progressive, government should show more genuine commitment towards providing opportunities for the unemployed. He warned that “as long as we pay lip service to youth employment, we will never find peace as a nation.”

honour and adoration of the Most High God for sustaining Ogun workers during this challenging period, when workers’ rights were trampled upon, when workers’ entitlements were not paid as and when due, when workers’just came out of a prolonged industrial action, due to our belief that workers’ welfare has been neglected.

“We have started the celebration some five days ago. We hope to use the opportunity to further put our agitation to government and the people of the state. The TUC chairman added that workers will observe the day with a rally at the Moshood Abiola Stadium and light entertainment thereafter at the NLC secretariat.

Jigawa NLC celebrates with march past Adamu Amadu-Dutse

OVER 100 workers unions and associations will, today, participate in a march past under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as part of the workers’

day celebration in Jigawa State. This was disclosed by the state chairman of the NLC, Comrade Usman Ya’u, in a telephone interview with Sunday Tribune.

APC chieftain commends workers By Seyi Sokoya

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Chief Bisi Aloba, has commended workers in the country

for their commitment and doggedness in the face of hardship. In a goodwill message issued through a press release, Chief Aloba, while joining the workers in celebrating the Workers’ Day,

OYO State chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has opted for a low key Workers’ Day this year in spite of the current plight of workers in the country and Oyo State. This was disclosed by the Chairman of NLC in the state, Comrade Waheed Olojede, in a telephone interview with Sunday Tribune. Olojede said the union will, however, observe the traditional march past at the Lekan Salami Stadium Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, Oyo State, despite the low key celebration. “Oyo State workers have been called to assemble at the Lekan Stadium Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan by 10.00am to mark this year’s Workers Day. “This year’s celebration will be low key in spite of the plight of workers in Nigeria and Oyo State in particular. “In view of this, we have decided to maintain the tradition of marking our annual day by remembering our fallen heroes and in solidarity with the current status of Nigerian workers with a low key celebration at the stadium today,” he said.

urged them to sustain the momentum, and to keep faith in the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government. “I use this medium to facilitate with the entire Nigerian workers as they

mark the 2016 Workers’ Day. While eulogising them for their commitment to service, I want to urge them to hope for the best because I can see light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

According to him, “all is set by unions and associations affiliated to NLC in the state to celebrate this year’s Workers’ Day.” Comrade Ya’u explained that “the day is worth celebrating because it is a day labour unions and the government meet and exchange views publicly.” He added that “as a result of the challenges between employers and employees especially on payment of monthly salaries in so many states, it is very necessary for the government to resolve the matter with out further delay.”

43 nigeriansmournobaofbenin

Sunday Tribune

1 May, 2016

We’ve lost a people’s monarch —Saraki

ENATE President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has commiserated with the government and people of Edo State over the death of Oba Erediauwa, describing him as a people’s monarch.” In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki said the late Oba was “a just, fair-minded, courageous, benevolent” monarch who lived his entire life in the service of his people and the nation.” According to Saraki, “a glorious chapter in the annals of the Benin kingdom has just come to a close.

“My grief stricken heart however goes out to the immediate family of the Oba, the Benin Traditional Council, the people and government of Edo State, over the glorious but yet sad exit of our highly revered king. “He was a fearless and pious monarch - attributes that distinguished him among other monarchs in the country. As we mourn the departure of our highly revered and benevolent monarch, I can only enjoin his immediate family and the people of Edo State to take solace in the long, peaceful, enigmatic life of the departed which was full of exemplary service to his

He was a true African leader —Mark Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja THE immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has described the Oba’s death as a monumental loss to the nation. Senator Mark noted that the respected Benin monarch was a leader who distinguished himself in many respects, especially in the preservation of African culture and tradition to the admiration of historians and political scientists globally. Mark, in his condolence message through his Media Assistant, Paul Mumeh, stated that Oba Erediauwa’s reign was a unique era in the contemporary history of Nigeria. According to him: “Nobody can deny the fact that Oba Erediauwa was a true African leader who placed high priority on the protection and welfare of his people at all times. “He made the ancient city of Benin the centre of attraction and indeed accommodated both indigenes and foreigners alike. “The harmonious and peaceful coexistence between and among differ-

ent tribes and religions in Edo State during Oba Erediauwa’s reign is to his credit and a model present and future leaders must of a necessity emulate.”

subjects and the entire country,” he said. He prayed that God would grant the monarch eternal welcome and bliss in the midst of his ances-

GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has described the late Oba as a true custodian of the cultural heritage of the Bini people, home and abroad. Okowa joined others in mourning the 38th Oba of Benin, in a statement issued in Asaba on Friday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu and made available to journalists in the state. Okowa said the late Oba would “be long remembered and celebrated for his worthy service, over more than three decades,

By Dare Adekanmbi FORMER Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku,

environmental agency, Mr Joseph Oke, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin, on Saturday, that he got a directive to cancel the exercise. “I was called last night that the exercise would not hold due to the passing away of the Benin monarch.

don, United Kingdom, where he had gone to join world leaders to celebrate the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth, Anyaoku said the

A great cultural icon is gone —Fayose EKITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has described the passing of Oba Erediauwa as the exit of a great cultural and traditional icon. In a condolence message in Ado-Ekiti, on Saturday, to the family, the people and government of Edo State, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor said Oba Erediauwa was a worthy example of how to preserve the culture and tradition of a people in the face of chal-

as the chief custodian of the traditions of the Binis and his invaluable contributions to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people within and outside Nigeria.’’ The governor, who said he received with sadness and an immense feeling of great national loss, the news of the Oba’s translation, also noted that the late monarch would be remembered for his notable contributions to the development of his kingdom, Edo State and country as a leading administrator, retired permanent secretary and inspirational traditional ruler.

of the oba as meritorious to the kingdom. ”This is a great loss to Benin Kingdom, which boasts of an enviable his-

Edo cancels sanitation to mourn Oba THE Edo State government, on Saturday, cancelled the April sanitation to mourn the passage of the Oba Erediauwa. The Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, had on Friday announced that the Oba had been re-united with his ancestors. The chairman of the state

has said the death of Oba Erediauwa represents a landmark in the epoch of revered monarchy. In a statement from Lon-

lenges posed by modern day living. “Oba Erediauwa was a giant Iroko tree who stood tall and never allowed mundane things and even political harassment to sway him. His nearly four decades on the throne of the great Bini Kingdom witnessed unprecedented growth and devel-

culture and traditions of the Benin Kingdom in particular, Edo State and Nigeria in general throughout the time of his reign.

“As you can see for yourself, the environmental sanitation exercise did not hold. “The Benin tradition must be respected and I even look forward to seeing the governor declaring more days as public holidays to mourn the late Oba,” he said.

opment. “As a technocrat before he ascended the throne of his forefathers, he distinguished himself and rose to the pinnacle of his career. While on the throne, he used his vast experience to handle delicate social and political issues and never forgot to protect the interest of his people,” he said.

deceased served his people and the country with “unequalled dignity and devotion.” “As a well-educated Prince Akenzua, he distinguished himself in the public service in many part of Nigeria having attained, strictly on merit, the rank of Permanent Secretary. “I recall his unrivalled patriotism and deep sense of caring for the well-being of Nigeria in his communications with me as Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral during the national crisis engendered by General [Sani] Abacha’s dictatorship,” he said.

His wisdom surpassed understanding —Igbinedion FORMER governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion has condoled with the Benin royal family, the Benin race and the entire people of Edo State over the passage of the oba. In a condolence message on behalf of himself and family, Chief Igbinedion recalled the support he enjoyed from the monarch during his tenure as the governor of the state, noting that the peace, harmony, tranquillity and development witnessed during his tenure were made possible by the late Oba, whose wisdom in handling thorny issues surpassed human understanding.” Chief Igbinedion, while condoling with the Benin royal family, and the entire people of the state, urged the people of the state to take solace in the fact that the virtues of the Oba in the building of bridges of unity

Erediauwa’s reign meritorious —Ize-Iyamu A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, on Saturday, described the reign

and development exemplified by the deceased. Saraki added that the country would miss the late Oba because he was an embodiment of peace,

His reign was a landmark —Anyaoku

He upheld cultural heritage of his people —Okowa Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

tors and make his successor-designate a greater king and worthy successor who will positively advance the commendable legacies of progress

tory of unbroken continuity of great monarchs who left indelible imprint in history,” he said. He observed that Oba Erediuwa’s reign was characterised with peace and tranquility as his fatherly role united all his subjects. According to Ize-Iyamu, during Oba Erediauwa’s reign, Benin culture flourished and witnessed remarkable growth with chiefs playing prominent roles in preserving and jealously guiding the custom of the land.

and the taking of the rich Benin culture and heritage to greater heights have earned the Edo man global pride and honour. The former governor stressed that whatever progress and development witnessed in the state would not have been possible without the royal and fatherly advice

of the late Oba and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest. Chief Igbinedion particularly extended his condolences to the crown prince and pledged his total support and loyalty as he undergoes the traditional rites to ascend the throne of the Oba of Benin.

His reign full of distinction, wisdom —Oyegun THE national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has said the late Oba ruled his kingdom with wisdom. Odigie-Oyegun said this in a statement released to newsmen in Abuja by the party’s Assistant Director (Publicity), Mr Edegbe Odemwingie. “Oba Erediauwa’s reign brought distinction, class, wisdom and integrity to the several centuries of unalloyed tradition and custom of the ancient Benin Kingdom; the traditional institution in Edo State and the country at large. ‘’As a unifier, Oba Eredi-

auwa used his revered position to promote national unity,” the statement said. The statement recalled decades of meritorious and unblemished record of service the late king rendered to the nation as a seasoned and thorough-bred bureaucrat, rising to the peak as a Permanent Secretary. “Indeed, Nigeria will always remember the Benin monarch who protected the traditions and values of his people and who was also a champion of national unity. “Oba Erediauwa’s transition marks the end of a very illustrious era. May God and the ancestors grant the Oba eternal rest,” he said.

Edo PDP mourns THE Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement signed by its the state chairman, Dan Orbih, described the Oba as fair and just. “We would like to express our sincere condolences to Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, the Benin Tradi-

tional Council and the great people of Benin Kingdom on the passing of Oba Erediauwa. “We take solace in the fact that his reign experienced unprecedented peace and great strides in the sociopolitical development of this great kingdom,” it said.

news

1 May, 2016

Sunday Tribune

I am not dead, says ex-PDP national chairman Jacob Segun Olatunji -Abuja A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Bello Haliru Mohammed, on Saturday, debunked the rumour of his death, saying, “I am alive, hale and hearty.” Bello, who spoke with Sunday Tribune in Abuja through his media aide, Mr Emeka Nwakpa, described his purported death “as shocking, satanic and laughable.” According to him, “I continue to think and wonder why people will willingly give their hearts to Satan to be wishing a living fellow human being death, knowing well that it was not true. Anyway, I am alive and I am wishing them what they are wishing me.” Earlier in the day, Bello’s rumoured death had spread in the Federal Capital Territory.

From left, Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode (third left); his wife, Bolanle (middle); Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Chief Bola Tinubu; wife of a former governor of Ogun State, Mrs Derin Osoba and her husband, Chief Olusegun Osoba, during an evening of Jazz Music with the governor in commemoration of the International Jazz Day 2016, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Saturday.

Soldier kills bride’s mother on her way to daughter’s wedding Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

RAGEDY struck on Saturday morning at Ekpan Junction, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, when a soldier shot dead a woman going to the venue of her daughter’s wedding ceremony. The deceased, identified as Mrs Alice Orobogha Akparobi, was said to be a worker at the High Court, Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state, as well as student of the National Open University (NOUN). The mother of four was said to have been recently promoted at her place of work. Said to be in her early 50s, Mrs Akparobi was said to have boarded a tricycle, popularly called Keke, from home to her first daughter’s house to dress up for the wedding billed for 10:00a.m at Winners Chapel, Effurun. But on getting to the soldiers’ check-point at Jakpa junction at about 8:00a.m, the Keke she boarded was flagged down. Witnesses said as the Keke rider was deciding on whether to stop or not, one of the soldiers charged

at them, stabbed the Keke’s leather body with a dagger and thereafter shot at it. The bullets released by the soldier reportedly hit the woman who was at the back of the Keke, leading to her death. The pandemonium that ensued after the popular Ekpan boys took on the soldiers, led to the deployment of more soldiers to prevent a breakdown of law and order at the scene, with scores said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries. It was gathered that af-

ter the soldier had seen the folly in his action, he ordered the Keke rider to convey the corpse of his passenger to a hospital. The Keke rider was, however, said to have pretended to be taking the corpse to a hospital, but dragged it on the roadside after moving a few metres away from the soldiers and fled into thin air. It could not be ascertained from the Commanding Officer of 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun, Major Azanku, if the soldier involved was deployed

from his base, as his GSM provider said his phone was switched off. But his operations officer, Captain Olaleye, said the soldiers were deployed from the army base, but added that the situation was under control. So far, no one, not even the killer-soldier, said to have been newly deployed to Warri area along his colleagues, has been arrested in connection with the killing. Meanwhile, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Celestina Kalu, has confirmed the killing.

7 injured as suspected thugs attack deputy governor’s entourage Banji Aluko -Benin City CONTESTATION for the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket took a violent turn on Saturday as suspected thugs attacked the entourage of one of the aspirants and deputy governor of Edo State, Mr Pius Odubu, in Auchi, headquaters of Etsako West Local Government Area. About seven people, including a policeman,

an operative of the Department of State Security (DSS) and five other persons were reportedly injured in the attack, which occurred at Etsako Local Government Area secretariat of the APC. The deputy governor, who had declared his interest to contest the September 10, Edo State governorship election on Wednesday, took his consultation with party delegates to Etsako West and Central local

government areas on Saturday. Before the Auchi incident, the deputy governor had managed to meet with the delegates and party faithful in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area, amidst security concerns as he was denied access to the party secretariat venue of the meeting. The deputy governor, however, managed to meet with the Etsako delegates at the party secretariat.

Occupational diseases responsible for loss in GDP —FG MINISTER of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, said at the weekend that four per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is lost as a result of occupational diseases and accidents. He made this known in his keynote address at the one-day symposium on the 2016 World Day for Safety and Health

at Work, organised by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with the National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. “Loss of human life is the ultimate cost of work-related accidents and diseases, even as they leave in their trail loss of huge dimension that adversely affects the nation’s

economy due to loss of GDP. In economic terms, the ILO has estimated that four per cent of the world’s annual GDP is lost as a consequence of occupational diseases and accidents,” he stated. The minister, represented at the workshop by the NISCN Ogun State’s Controller of Labour and Employment, Mr. Clement Fatoki, assured that in

conformity with the change mantra of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, the Federal Government has placed premium on the safety of employees in their various workplaces, emphasising that the government’s efforts in this regard were aimed at bringing about positive change in the lives of all Nigerians.

Jas Oyekan, Ilaro high chief, dies at 70 THE Olu Ilaro-in-Council and Yewa Traditional Council of Ogun State has announced the death of the Adele Olu of Ilaro, Chief Jas Abiodun Oyekan. According to a release signed by the Personal Assistant to the Olu of Ilaro, Mr Bolaji Leigh, “Chief Oyekan died on Tuesday, April 26th, at the age of 70, during a brief illness. Chief Oyekan was a founding member of the Yewa Chamber of Commerce, which has been in existence since 1988. He was also the fourth president of Yewa Chamber of Commerce, and in 2006, became the President of Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. He was, in 2009, elected as an executive member of NACCIMA, a position he held till he died.

Ajimobi commends church on spiritual, physical devt By Rita Okonoboh GOVERNOR of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has commended Christians and, in particular, clergy and lay members of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State, on their efforts at ensuring spiritual and physical developments. The governor, represented by the Head of Service, Oyo State, Mr Soji Eniade, stated this at the 65th anniversary and dedication of St. Joseph Catholic Church, held on Saturday. The governor also used the occasion to donate N1 million, which he said was specifically for further beautification of the church. Ajimobi said: “this church has become a landmark, spiritually and physically. I congratulate the church on the wonderful work it is doing in the spread of the gospel and I pray your labour shall not be in vain.” In his remarks, Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin of Ibadan archdiocese thanked the governor for his gesture, and also appreciated the governor’s wife, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, who was present at the event, for their support for the church. Noting that the commendation for the church was a call to do more, he called on Christians to persevere in work and prayers to foster spiritual growth.

Mimiko names Akingbasote SSA Media By Moses Alao THE Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has appointed Mr Wole Akingbasote as Senior Special Assistant on Media. A letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Rotimi Adelola, dated 27 April, 2016, a copy of which was obtained by Sunday Tribune, communicated the appointment. Akingbasote, who was the Senior Legislative Aide to the immediate past senator representing Ondo South, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, has over 30 years’ experience in media practice. A graduate of Fine Arts and Visual Communication (Digital), American Intercontinental University, Illinois, United States and a holder of a Master’s in Business Administration from the same university, Akingbasote is a former vice-president of Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union (RATTAWU), Ondo State.

news

1 May, 2016

El-Rufai vows to end kidnappings in Kaduna Muhammad Sabiu with agency report

OVERNOR Nasir el-Rufa’i of Kaduna State has promised to end incessant cases of kidnapping to guarantee the safety of lives and property of the citizens in the state. El-Rufa’i made the promise on Saturday during a town hall meeting in Kachia, Kachia Local Government Area of the state. He said the state government had noted, with concern, the spate of kidnappings, especially in Kaduna metropolis, adding that ``the ugly scenario would soon be a thing of the past.”

He said the state had recorded significant stride in addressing indices of insecurity, including killings of innocent persons and cattle rustling. The governor expressed regrets that perpetrators of such acts had resorted to kidnapping of persons, but was happy that the police recently arrested a kingpin of kidnappers in the state and arms were recovered from the suspects. “We have put in place as part of our statutory function, security measure to put an end to the menace once and for all,’’ he said. In another development, El-Rufa’i has said the state government will launch a

tree planting campaign as a measure to secure the environment. El-Rufa’i said the state government had concluded plans through the Ministry of Environment to engage women throughout the local government areas in the state. “The aim of this initiative is to safeguard our environment for the generation yet unborn,’’ he said. He assured the people that plans have been concluded to construct 255 new health facilities throughout the state to guarantee the health of the people. “We are concerned about reducing maternal mortality rate, especially among

pregnant women,’’ he said. On agriculture, the governor assured that fertilisers would be made available to farmers to boost farm produce. “We want to ensure that our farmers compete favourably with modern agricultural practices. He said the Kachia Ginger Company would be opened for bidding for interested investors to revive its production. El-Rufa’i urged the people to be patient, and assured that electricity, provision of drinking water, accessible roads and payment of salaries and wages among others would be addressed.

Sunday Tribune

Enugu gov constitutes commission of inquiry into invasion of community by herdsmen GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has constituted a commission of inquiry into the April 25 invasion of Nimbo community by suspected herdsmen that left scores of people dead. Ugwuanyi made the announcement on Friday night in Enugu during a statewide broadcast after his arrival from Abuja where he had gone to confer with President Muhammadu Buhari on the incident. He said that the commission would look into all clashes involving herdsmen in the state and recommend appropriate measures that would be put in place to prevent future occurrence. The governor said that a situation where residents were gruesomely murdered by other Nigerians would not be allowed to continue and for this reason, I sought audience with the president. “The president came out with a clear condemnation of this dastardly act and gave definite directives to the security agencies to fish out these criminals and bring them to justice. “I am at once constituting a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the immediate and remote causes of all the violent occurrences in the state associated with suspected herdsmen,” he said. Ugwuanyi said that the incidence of April 25 was degrading to human life and dignity.

Ibarapa Poly reopens tomorrow authorities of The Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa, Oyo State, have announced tomorrow as the resumption date for the second semester 2015\2016 academic session. This was contained in a press release signed by the Registrar of the institution, Miss ‘Tomi Olatunji. The release further directed the students of the institution to make themselves available as first semester examination will commence immediately they resume.

359 policemen killed in 2 years, says IG

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (second right), launching the TV digital switch over in Jos, on Saturday. With him is the representative of Plateau State governor, Professor Sonni Tyoden. NAN PHOTO

TSA, a direct affront on university autonomy —ASUU Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Akure zone, has raised the alarm over the havoc of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) introduced to federal universities across the country by President Muhammadu Buhari on universities system. ASUU also said the TSA

has been draining the university system of their autonomy and robbing the universities the opportunity to deliver on their set objectives. Speaking on the development , during a press conference in Akure, the Zonal Coordinator of the union, Dr Alex Odiyi, said that the introduction of the policy

had affected the funding of research, saying most universities, especially universities of technology, required good funding to be able to make meaningful impact towards the technological advancement of the country. “A fundamental challenge with the universities is the frustration being en-

Gunmen kidnap pregnant wife, 4 children of traditional ruler in Akwa Ibom NO fewer than 10 gunmen on Friday night kidnapped the pregnant wife of Ubong Assam, the paramount ruler of Esit Eket in Akwa Ibom State. The gunmen also abducted the four children of the traditional ruler. Chief Asuquo Abia, the Secretary, Traditional Rulers Council, Esit Eket, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Esit Eket on Saturday that the gunmen invaded the palace of the paramount ruler on Friday

morning. Abia, who is also the Village Head of Afaha Akpenedi, said the gunmen destroyed part of the palace with dynamites and broke into all the rooms and carted away valuables. He said the gunmen arrived at the palace on Thursday claiming to be policemen from Abuja on an investigation. “They later came back the next day around 1.30 a.m. and shot sporadically till

6.00 in the morning,’’ Abia said. Also, a family member, Mr Norbert Assam, said that seven people wounded in the incident were hospitalised in the state. He said that the paramount ruler’s wife was eight months pregnant when she was kidnapped. Assam also said that the gunmen escaped the scene with their victims in the paramount ruler’s SUV.

countered in the funding of research by universities. Local research funds have become trapped, while funds from international funding agencies are also rendered unavailable by certain bottleneck created by the operation of this policy “At University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, funds administered by the university for certain programmes spanning five African countries are trapped. Similar developments occur at University of Lagos. At this time, Nigerian universities and researchers may be denied access to international grants,” he said. Odiyi expressed the union’s support for the corruption crusade of President Buhari, saying it was targeted to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of the nation’s resources.but said that the procedure has introduced heavy encumbrances into the functioning of the universities.

NO fewer than 359 policemen were killed on duty between January 2014 and April 2016, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, has said. Arase made this known at the University of Jos lecture entitled: “Police and Public Partnership in Prevention and Control of Violent Crimes and Conflicts in Nigeria,” reported the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He also said that 272 policemen sustained various degrees of injuries within the same period, adding that the casualties occurred while intervening in civil conflicts. The Inspector-General said that the policemen paid the supreme price to enhance community security in the country, even when the killing of police personnel had steadily risen since 2009 due to terrorist attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East. Arase said that police personnel required diverse skills to tackle modern crimes, especially since criminal elements are arming themselves with more sophisticated arms. According to him, the work of policemen has become more difficult in societies like Nigeria, where there are a mutual distrust between the police and the public. Arase said that assistance to the police was often withheld by the citizens which had affected the police in the discharge of their duties.

Abductors refuse to release priest after ransom Johnsn Babajide-Makurdi

FEAR gripped relatives and Catholic Church faithful, Otukpo Diocese, over the non-release of the Vicar General of the church, Rev. Fr. John Adenyi barely a week after he was abducted. The priest was kidnapped along Otukpa-Enugu road last Sunday and demanded N10 million ransom for his release. Sunday Tribune gathered that upon the demand of N10 million ransom, negotiation was said to have taken place between the relatives and the abductors in which the parties agreed to N2 million ransom.

1 May , 2016

sport

SUNDAY

Sunday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Nigeria’s Aaron Samuel (right) during a past encounter with South Africa.

Manu Garba

Golden Eaglets open camp May 8 Nigeria’s U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, will open training camp in Abuja on May 8 with 40 invited players, officials have told AfricanFootball.com The reigning world champions will begin the qualifying tournament for the African U17 Championship in August. Coach Manu Garba will take charge of the team after Emmanuel Amuneke was promoted with his team to the U20s. Manu will also conduct open screening at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja. Players born after January 1, 2000, will be eligible to be part of these Eaglets. Nigeria, it will be recalled won the FIFA U-17 World Cup a record fifth time at the last edition held in Chile in 2015.

Nigeria waits on FIFA for Bafana friendly N

igeria still hope to convince the world football governing body, FIFA to approve a proposed friendly against Bafana Bafana of South Africa next month, top officials have informed AfricanFootball.com The Nigeria Football Federa-

Nsofor keeps Duisburg’s survival hopes alive Nigerian international, Victor Obinna Nsofor scored the winner for German Bundesliga 2 side, MSV Duisburg in a 2-1 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf to boost its survival hopes. Duisburg is 17th on the league table with 28 points from 32 games, and is now just a point away from safety with two matches to go. The former Inter Milan striker, Nsofor scored in the 58th minute to give his side a 2-0 lead after his compatriot Kingsley Onuegbu opened the scoring in the 47th minute. Former Enyimba forward, Nsofor lasted for 86 minutes before he gave way to Thomas Broeker, while Onuegbu played 80 minutes and was replaced by Zlatiko Janjig. Nsofor has scored three goals in the league this season, while Onuegbu has scored four. Meanwhile, Rabiu Ibrahim and Kingsley Madu along with two other compatriots have won the Slovakia Cup after their club AS Trencin defeated Slovan Bratislava 3-1 in the final on Friday.

tion (NFF) wish to stage three friendlies during the FIFA-friendly window next month as all hands are now on deck to prepare the Super Eagles for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, which begin in October. The Bafana friendly is to be played in Lagos with home-based players. A top official told AfricanFootball.com that

FIFA is not disposed to Nigeria playing three matches during the friendly window as it will be “an unfair way” for Nigeria to improve its FIFA rankings. However, the NFF said the match against South Africa will be played by only players drawn from the Nigeria Premier League. “We still hope to convince FIFA to allow us play the match in Lagos,” another official disclosed. Nigeria and South Africa last played in a 2015 AFCON qualifier in November 2014 in Uyo, which ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Ikorodu Utd hammers Heartland 3-1

Nsofor

Ikorodu United on Saturday ended its 11-game winless run by defeating Heartland of Owerri 3-1 at the Agege Stadium, Lagos, in a Nigeria Premier League match day 14 clash. The Oga Boys who were playing their first home game outside the Onikan Stadium in the top flight league, were stunned by the visitors in the 10th minute, when an unmarked Benin Republic striker, Anthony Oussou, nodded home a cross from Emeka Atuloma. Junior Merenini however, drew parity for the Lagosians before half time as he side-footed in Moses Ebiye’s pass. Ikorodu United shot into the lead in the 65th minute after Chinedu Efugh and Zoumana Doumbia in the Heartland defence failed to react in time before Ebiye put the ball in the net. Ojukwu Ifegwu in the 83rd minute finally dashed the hopes of the Alphonsus Dike-piloted side as he converted a penalty kick to register his team’s second win of the season.

sport

1 May, 2016

Another set of Arsenal fans display placards with various inscriptions.

Sunday Tribune

Some Arsenal fans believe it is time for change with Wenger closing in on 12 years without bringing the Premier League title to the Gunners

Welbeck strike gives Wenger respite Silences placards-carrying Arsenal fans

anny Welbeck came off the bench to clinch a crucial three points for Arsenal against Norwich City in its quest to preserve its Champions League status and to ease the pressure on manager Arsene Wenger amid fan protest at the Emirates Stadium. Welbeck had been on the pitch for three minutes when he swivelled and shot low past John Ruddy for the 50th goal of his club career after 56 minutes, as Norwich’s relegation fears increased in north London. Canaries substitute Dieumerci Mbokani had the best chance for the visitors, but Alex Neil’s side is now two points off safety with two matches remaining, with Sunderland in 17th place with a game in hand. There were protests from Arsenal fans after 12 minutes with banners and posters held aloft directed at Wenger. One banner read: ‘Pain is temporary, Ar-

sene is forever’. It was hard to distinguish whether it was pro or anti Arsene Wenger. But that’s where we are with Arsenal at the moment; a club split by the man who has no intention of budging. Saturday’s 12th and 78th minute protests - signifying the club’s 12 year title drought - against the Arsenal manager only served to increase the confusion. Those intent on sounding off about the Frenchman were drowned out by those who remain loyal to their manager. In the end Wenger rose to the challenge, his match-winning substitution, introducing goalscorer Welbeck, kept their top-four aspirations in tact. Ye of little faith. Arsenal, with their first shot on target, took a 59th minute lead. Welbeck scored, firing home a neat halfvolley from 12 yards. Guess who set him up? You guessed it, Giroud. On a day his reign

was under spotlight more than ever, Wenger came up with the goods, his substitution paying instant dividends. Norwich kept plugging away, however, Gabriel making an excellent last-ditch 70th minute challenge to deny Dieumerci Mbokani. Had Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil not been denied by John Ruddy, then Arsenal could have cruised the final 15 minutes of the clash.

When it arrived, the 78th minute protest, like Arsenal’s attack, was just as tame as the first. Mohamed Elneny saw his strike tipped over the bar in the 83rd minute as the Gunners were made to sweat for their win. For second-bottom Norwich, hope is starting to escape them - relegation now looking more probable than possible. All because Wenger won the game for his team. Some Arsenal fans will do well to remember that.

Bale’s header sinks Sociedad Is there a better header of the ball in Europe at the moment than Gareth Bale? The statistics say no after his ninth headed goal this season kept Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga title race for another week, in a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday at the Anoeta Stadium.

Bale (right)

Once again it was Bale who earned Real Madrid the three points – leading from the front in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. It seems the only thing that Ronaldo does that Bale cannot do is stay fit, and even that has changed in the last week. Asked if the only thing Bale was lacking in comparison to Ronaldo was that ability to play so many games a season Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane said: ‘He can do everything that Ronaldo can do. When you see a player like Bale score a goal as important as this one then that bodes very well for Wednesday. The Welshman now has 19 goals for the season. All of them have come in the league and with nine no-one has scored more headers. Real Madrid will hope that with or without Ronaldo on Wednesday against Manchester City, Bale will be able to get off the mark in the Champions League and send the Spanish side into the European Cup final.

Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe (left) tries to fend off Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross during the game at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

Defoe’s injury-time penalty saves Sunderland The luck of the Black Cats held firm at The Britannia Stadium. Staring defeat in the face as the match against Stoke City slipped into added time, Jermain Defoe won a last-ditch penalty and rifled it past Jakob Haugaard to help Sunderland secure a 1-1 draw. Sunderland still slipped

Townsend boosts Newcastle’s survival chance Andros Townsend’s stunning free-kick on Saturday at St James’ Park dragged Newcastle out of the English Premier League relegation zone as Rafael Benitez’s rescue mission gathered pace with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. The £12million January signing struck with 58 minutes gone - his third goal in five games - to give the home side a precious lead, but it took a 70th-minute penalty

saved by Karl Darlow to deny Magpies old boy Yohan Cabaye an equaliser. Victory, coupled with Sunderland’s draw at Stoke, eased Newcastle out of the bottom three ahead of Norwich’s trip to Arsenal and left the bulk of a crowd of 52,107 dreaming of a great escape with just two games remaining. Newcastle had the first half opening when Papiss Cisse

stole half a yard on the shoulder of Scott Dann but the defender recovered to slide and nick from the toe of the forward, who was poised to strike on goal from 12 yards. If that challenge was impressive then the intervention of Jamaal Lascelles at the other end was surely a contender for tackle of the season. James McArthur sprung Connor Wickham clear and it looked as if the former Sun-

derland striker had a clear run on goal. Lascelles, though, made up his lost ground in a flash and extended to leg to somehow hook from Wickham’s stride. Palace were enjoying much the better of the attacking territory and former Magpie Cabaye - whose every touch was booed - came close to silencing those jeers with a vicious near-post blast which was repelled by Darlow.

into the bottom three but their escape left their morale very much in tact. Desperate for points against a Stoke side that had shipped 12 goals in its previous three matches, Sunderland came up against resolute opponents who had been embarrassed into showing some fortitude. Roared on by 3,000 fanatical travelling supporters, they kept going to the end and finally got their reward. Survival is still in their own hands. But Newcastle’s recovery which continued with a victory against Crystal Palace and their comparatively easy run-in means Sunderland may still have to win all three of their remaining games in order to stay up. There can be no questioning their spirit, at least. They had fallen behind to a goal from Marko Arnautovic just

after half time and Giannelli Imbula should have put the game out of their reach in the dying minutes. But just when all hope seemed lost, Geoff Cameron was ajudged to have fouled Defoe and the striker did the rest. It is still desperately tight at the bottom but Sunderland has staged great escapes in the previous three seasons under Paolo di Canio, Gus Poyet and Dick Advocaat and its last-gasp reprieve here suggests they may not have lost the knack. The Sunderland fans, some of whom defied the bitter, miserable weather by opting not to wear shirts, had started to roar their players on even before the match began. As they headed down the tunnel after their warmup, the away end rose as one and yelled and screamed their encouragement.

SIDELINES NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

no 2,044

1 MAY, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

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The Nigeria Labour Congress has reportedly demanded new minimum wage for workers. Not a bad idea, as the lot of most Nigerian workers has taken a turn for the worst. But why does the union always wait till Workers’ Day celebrations to make its demands? To the ordinary man, Labour could only be playing to the gallery, especially when, even as of today, many states cannot pay N18,000 minimum wage to its workers.

We Yoruba demand change

O the surprise of most Nigerians, a Federal Government has embarked on war against public corruption. That does not mean that all is yet well. The anti-corruption war itself is fumbling, Boko Haram is still active, and we now have murderous Fulani cattle herders killing and destroying across the country. Poverty still grips the lives of most Nigerians, and a senseless accumulation of power and resources in federal hands still stunts development initiative all over Nigeria and therefore guarantees the continued escalation of poverty. But I take it that there is now some hope. I take it that we can now speak up and let our federal rulers know that federal policies have been hurting the various nationalities of this country very terribly. I am a member of the Yoruba nation of southwestern Nigeria. I can testify to the long record of my people’s devastating experiences in independent Nigeria since 1960. I was already a teenager and a high school student when Chief Obafemi Awolowo became the leading manager of the affairs of our Western Region in 1952. I remember how, under him and his team of leaders, our Western Region bounced from development to development, from progress to progress. We saw many of our roads widened and solidly surfaced. We saw totally new roads constructed. We were given pipe-borne water in many of our towns. Then there were the big Regional development programmes – the first Free Education programme in all of Africa, the first television in all of Africa, a mighty stadium in Ibadan, an industrial estate in Ikeja (the first of its kind in Africa), the Western Nigeria Development Corporation with holdings in industries, banks, real estate, etc (the largest accumulation of Africanowned investment capital in Africa), extensive plantations of rubber, palm trees and citrus in parts of our southern forests, farm settlements for nurturing a new class of modern farmers, experimental farm centers, etc. We saw well-designed and well implemented prorammes for helping our cocoa farmers – programmes which made their cocoa farming very profitable to them, brought much pride into their lives, and turned them into the most productive indigenous farmers in Black Africa. Their cocoa exports poured money into the life of our Region, provided most of

the money for our Region’s development programmes, and supplied much of Nigeria’s foreign exchange. Needless to say, in other Regions, regional and local authorities were helping their farmers to produce similar successes in other export crops – like groundnuts and cotton in the North, and palm produce in the East. Very importantly also, our Region’s political life was stable and orderly. None of our leaders (of any party) tried to rig our elections. When elections approached, it was never certain which party would win, and even our topmost politicians (like Chief Awolowo himself) were confronted by strong opponents in their home constituencies. We heard news of candidates of opposition parties being molested and arrested by Regional and Local govern-

cal initiative by the all-powerful Federal Government. We have been made to take many steps backward. Most of our roads (especially the so-called “federal roads) have disintegrated, and so have water installations in many of our towns. To pull us back, the Federal Government seized our cocoa economy and put it in charge of a federal board, resulting in the collapse of the government support systems that had served our cocoa farmers so well. Discouraged and denied their usual profits, most of our coca farmers abandoned their cocoa plantations, and our cocoa economy virtually died for years – and has never fully recovered. Similar disasters were made to befall other export crops in the other Regions. Local and Regional initiatives would have boosted electricity supply across

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ments in some other parts of Nigeria, and of elections being rigged there, but we were sure that such things could never come to our Region. Our Region was developing into a strong modern democracy. All in all, our Region was the leader, and the pace-setter, in virtually all spheres of development and modernization in Nigeria. We the youths proudly called our Region “First in Africa”. We were proudly confident that we were going to become a highly developed part of the world – and that we would contribute mightily to the development and prosperity of Nigeria. But since the independence of Nigeria in 1960, we Yoruba people, like all other peoples of Nigeria, have been continually robbed of initiative and progress– as a result of the vicious manipulations and distortions of Nigeria’s affairs, the senseless accumulation of power and resourcecontrolin federal hands in this country of many different nationalities, and the deliberate obstructions of Regional and lo-

our country;but in the interest of centralization, that has been refused – and, as a result, our country has been suffering abominably from lack of electricity and from declines in entrepreneurial and business development. Educational standards in our schools, once our great source of pride, has been made to decline terribly. Our Regional university which we built at great expense and with great love and care, was taken over by the Federal Government and, under insensitive or even hostile federal handling, has been made to decline in every respect. Our Yoruba pride and morale, and our confidence in our ability to achieve and develop, is being continually assailed in Nigeria. We now live in a degree of poverty that is alien to us and that we do not deserve. Our youths used to hurry back home after studying abroad; now most of our educated youths are unemployed and hopeless, and large numbers of them are fleeing abroad daily. From Nigeria’s all-powerful federal

Eagles coach, Salisu plans to understudy Guardiola at City Super Eagles interim coach, Salisu Yusuf has revealed that he plans to return overseas to understudy new Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola when the new English Premier League season begins. Yusuf was recently at Scottish club, Hearts to understudy their workings. “I hope to understudy Pep Guardiola by the time he assumes duty at Manchester City. I was scheduled to

do that when I finished at Hearts in Scotland, but I shifted it because I wanted to attend the CAF A licence in Abuja,” the former Enyimba coach told AfricanFootball.com “My visit to Scotland was eyeopening and it showed to me again why clubs in Europe are very prepared because they have experts for all aspects of their preparations – from fitness conditioning to diet-

ing.” Guardiola will replace Manuel Pellegrini at The Etihad for the new season when Yusuf then hopes to visit. Former Kano Pillars coach, Yusuf, who has assisted Stephen Keshi, Sunday Oliseh and Samson Siasia, will lead Nigeria for two friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg in the new month.

authority, perverse ideas have been generated that the nationalities of Nigeria must be subdued and destroyed, so as to make way for the building of Nigeria. Therefore,among many other things, federal interferences in the curriculums of schools have subtly prohibited the teaching of the histories and languages of Nigeria’s nationalities – a step designed to speed up the death of most Nigerian nationalities. Unlike nationalities like ours in other multi-nation countries all over the world, we the peoples of Nigeria are watching our children being robbed of the knowledge of the history of their nations, and being perversely guided into shunning their indigenous languages. The Indian Union, with many nationalities like us, recognizes twenty-two official languages and strongly supports their being taught in schools; and the Union of South Africa similarly recognizes and promotes eleven official languages. These countries recognize that the cultures of their various nationalities are treasures worthy to be preserved and enhanced; but Nigeria sees the cultures of Nigerian nationalities as evils that must be eliminated. For us Yoruba nation, and for most other Nigerian nationalities, that is the heritage of Nigeria in our lives since independence. Some persons may respond that we have not been without some gains. Yes, we have had some gains, but not nearly as much as we could, and should, have made at our various paces in Nigeria. The perpetual resistances, inhibitions, and outright pushdowns, have hurt us and are hurting us. Our losses have been horrendous - in the quality of life, morale, confidence, focus, momentum, and pride. We Yoruba want to stop the decline and the pain, and to propel ourselves upwards and forwards again. And we are not asking for favours from any Federal Government; we demand the regional and local autonomy that will empower us to achieve progress in our own way and at our own pace in Nigeria. We know that other Nigerian nationalities want the same for themselves too. The relationship of some of these with Nigeria has featured some confrontations. We Yoruba will continue to urge peace. But we seriously demand of President Buhari, whom we voted for as President of Change, to respond expeditiously and forthrightly. Too much has been lost already; the slippage must now stop.

Nigeria Premier League Ikorodu Utd 3 Heartland

English Premier League Everton 2 Bournemouth 1 Newcastle 1 C/Palace 0 Stoke City 1 Sunderland 1 Watford 3 Aston Villa 2 West Brom 0 West Ham 3 Arsenal 1 Norwich 0 POOLS: 07, 19, 23, 30, 36, 39, 44 TODAY’S MATCHES – 04, 06, 08

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: sundaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR : SINA OLADEINDE. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 1/5/2016