1st November 2015

nigeria’s most informative newspaper no 2,018

SUNday, 1 november, 2015

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Nigerian Tribune

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Aftermath ministerial screening

APC leaders demand end to Saraki’s travail •Ask party to implement political solution

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More heads to roll in Customs

Nigerian Tribune

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‘No other person can be like HID Awolowo’ pg3

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People are free to insinuate —NCS spokesperson

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Kogi election

Buhari’s absence at APC grand rally, EFCC cause fear 4

•Audu not being investigated, insists campaign organisation

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Lai Mohammed unfit for national office —Metuh

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•You’ll write PDP into extinction —Mohammed

TRAGIC...Photo 1: Debris of the crashed Russian Metrojet Airline plane, in Sinai, Egypt, on Saturday. PHOTOS 2,3&4 show some of the passengers in the ill-fated plane. PHOTO: DAILY MAIL

224 die as ISIS shoots down pg50 Russian plane

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1 November, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915 - 2015)

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1. Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, flanked by leaders of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU).

2. Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu (middle) flanked by members of Yoruba Youth Assembly.

3. Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu (middle), flanked by clergymen.

4. Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu (middle) flanked by the National President and members of the Anglican Christian Fellowship of Nigeria.

Sunday Tribune

PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU

5. Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran (right); Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu (left) and Mrs Mojisola Fowora.

6. Mr Tayo Opanusi signing the condolence register.

7. From left, Evangelist Funmi Aragbaye; Honourable (Mrs) Bimbo Oladiji Olawumi; Honourable Joshua Olagunju Ojo and Honourable Abdul Wasiu Musah.

8. Founder, Awolowo Wheel of Oasis, Mr Femi Adegboro (middle), presenting Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo’s portrait to the Purchasing Manager of Tribune titles, Mr Afolabi Samuel while other members of the association look on during their visit to Tribune House, Imalefalafia, Ibadan. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

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1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Ministerial screening: APC leaders demand end to Saraki’s CCT travail •Ask party to implement political solution •May meet Buhari Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

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eprieve may be coming the way of Senate President Bukola Saraki in respect of his travails at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), following moves by some leaders of the party who were said to have been impressed at his handling of the screening and confirmation of ministers nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Indications emerged on Saturday that some top chieftains of the party had taken it upon themselves to fast-track a peace deal between Buhari and Saraki, following what the party chiefs called a good outing for Saraki during the confirmation process.

The sources noted that the party chieftains were expecting Saraki to hit back at the party and use his supporters in the APC as well as senators of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to scuttle the chances of key nominees in the senate.

But it was gathered that the sources, including some governors and other party

chiefs, were impressed that Saraki got all the 36 nominees cleared by the Senate.

A source in the party told Sunday Tribune that the party chiefs were impressed that Saraki got the Senate to clear all the nominees, despite some real bottlenecks laid on the path of some of them.

“You can see that even in the days when the PDP had overwhelming majority, it was not always certain of getting all the ministerial nominees through the Senate. Most times, the Senate, even with an overwhelming majority of PDP members used to reject nominees of PDP presidents. But with a slim majority in the current Senate, the Senate President secured clearance for all our nominees. This is a good omen,” a leader of the party said.

The party chiefs also said that in the process of securing confirmation for all the nominees, Saraki also helped the APC secure its most-needed unity in the Senate, thus ensuring that the majority secured by the

party was put to good use.

“It was the unity among APC senators that ensured the confirmation of Chief Rotimi Amaechi. If the division had remained, we won’t be able to achieve that, because all the PDP senators needed was just a few dissenting voices from the APC,” another source said.

It was, however, gathered that based on what they see as a disposition to work with the president, the APC chiefs have decided to take up discussions with President Buhari to

reciprocate Saraki’s good gestures by ensuring the implementation of the political option already put in place by a committee being coordinated by the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

“I have it on good authority that leaders of the party are insisting that one good turn deserves another and that they will work on Buhari in the new week to ensure that the party reciprocates the gestures shown by

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o l l o w i n g the ongoing reorganisation in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which saw to the resignation and retirement of Deputy Comptrollers-General, Assistant ComptrollersGeneral and Comptrollers from the service, panic has gripped other members of the service over the likelihood of being affected by the purge.

Sunday Tribune learnt at the weekend that there is palpable fear within the NCS over the rumour that the reorganisation exercise, which has consumed five Deputy ComptrollersGeneral of Customs (DCGs) and 29 others, could be the beginning of a massive sack.

The staff members, especially those from the midlevel to the top echelon, it was gathered, have begun to live in fear of disengagement, noting that the ‘foreigner’ boss of the service had shown from the start that heads would roll and that everyone would just have to anticipate the worst.

Sunday Tribune reliably gathered that several other senior officers of the NCS might be axed in the ongoing reform exercise, a development that was said

to have caused unease in the organisation.

But the Public Relations Officer of the Customs, Mr Wale Adeniyi, while speaking with Sunday Tribune, debunked the insinuation that more staff members might be reorganised.

According to him, “Nigerians are free to make any insinuation. Those making the insinuations are free to do so,” he said, explaining that what the ComptrollerGeneral, Col. Hamid Ali, promised Nigerians is total reformation of the Nigerian Customs Service, including its structure, personnel and every relating to it.

An insider in the NCS who spoke on a condition of anonymity informed that the investigations earlier launched by the Comptroller-General, had begun to unravel serious misnomer in the running of the service, a development which he said led to the resignation of the top shots during the week, noting that everyone directly or indirectly involved would have a cause to fear.

Apart from this, the source stated that Ali had made it clear that one of his mandates was to reorganise the service, saying: “Whatever reorganisation

and the Deputy Majority Whip, Francis Alimikhena might lose their seats in favour of those initially recommended by the APC, including Senator Ahmad Lawan (Senate Leader); Senator George Akume (Deputy Leader) and Senator Abu Ibrahim (Deputy Majority Whip).

While other leaders of the APC in the Senate were said to be ready to accept the proposal, it was learnt that discussions were still on with Ndume, who was said to have rebuffed the proposal at the first instance.

HID Awolowo greater than other women

—RATTAWU National President Olayinka Olukoya -Abeokuta The National President, Radio,Television,Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), Comrade Yemisi Bamgbose, on Saturday, said that the late matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, could not be equated with any woman in

Nigeria.

Bamgbose, who led the Ogun State chairman of the union, Comrade Debo Akinwunmi and other members to the Ikenne home of the Awolowos, said their visit was a unique one, as it coincided with the 56 years of establishment of the first television station in Nigeria and Africa by the sage, Chief

More heads to roll in Customs Service

By Moses Alao

Saraki. The man has given indication that whatever the APC policies are, they can rely on the Senate as an ally,” another source stated.

The political solution being worked on by the Oyegun/ Dogara committee at the instance of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, was said to have recommended a change in the leadership position of the majority party in the Senate.

If the position is implemented, the incumbent Senate Majority Leader, Ali Ndume; his deputy, Bala Ibn Na’allah

and restructuring mean, we are all in the clear that the boss has that mandate from the Presidency and he calls the shot; that is why no one can say he is safe until the storm is truly over.”

Other insiders who expressed happiness with the ongoing development, however, said that the service needed the ongoing reorganisation, as it has become corrupt in many ramifications including its task of generating revenues for the country and its internal policies such as promotions and postings of officers. One of them who works with the Ibadan Zonal Office stated that the reorganisation would not only be about retirements and sack, noting that some officers would be demoted or reposted, as nepotism and favouritism had been rife in the organisation prior to the coming of Ali. “It is true that there is palpable fear in the service right now; but that is for people who have been involved in corrupt practices or have been unduly favoured through posting or promotion because they had godfathers,” the source said.

It will be recalled that the Customs boss had earlier maintained that he realised “that there are anomalies in the promotion

toms and posting of Cus­ officers,” promising to review such developments and also address those who have been stagnated in the service because they had no godfather.

“We also have those who have been glued to a place where they make money via bribes and other underhand deals. We’ll also look into it.

A committee is looking into these issues. It is already working out modalities to address these anomalies.

Soon, you’ll hear what we are doing about them,” Ali had said in a press release.

Sunday Tribune, however, gathered that the lull that followed Ali’s appointment, which was widely criticised because he was never part of the service and was largely seen as an outsider, had given several top shots in the service false hopes that they “were safe.”

But with the recent development whereby Adeniyi, on Friday, announced the retirements of five DCGs including John Atte, who was acting ComptrollerGeneral few months ago after the resignation and reorganisation of some top officers, many others, especially beneficiaries of illegal promotion, are apprehensive of the big hammer.

Obafemi Awolowo.

He described Mama as a pillar of support to Papa Awolowo, which made him to achieve and record great success stories that have continued to be on the lips of Nigerians.

Bamgbose noted that Nigerians, especially several thousands of workers in the radio and television stations, would be eternally grateful to the vision of Papa and Mama Awolowo in transforming the country.

He said: “Exactly 56 years ago, Papa Obafemi Awolowo, established the first television station in Africa. That was on October 31, 1959. The television station has metamorphosed into hundreds.

“We have about 200 radio stations in the country today with about 30,000 workers. The TV station Papa established in 1959 has metamorphosed into about 5,000 TV stations in Africa,with more than

5,000 radio stations in Africa engaging more than three million workers.

“Mama was a wonderful mother. Every Nigerian knows that we have lost a mother in a million and today, everybody working in the radio and television stations across the country will be eternally grateful to Papa and Mama Awolowo.

“She was a pillar of support to her husband in the political circles and home front and a unique individual that cannot be equated with any woman.

She ended well.”

Members of the Oodua National Congress and the Yoruba Youth Assembly also paid a condolence visit to Ikenne.

The president of YYA, Adeniyi Olutimehin, in a condolence message, wrote that Mama lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation.

For the students and staff of United High School, Ikenne-Remo, Mama was a woman of substance.

Rep demands FG’s action on SagamuOgijo- Mosimi-Ikorodu Road Taiwo Adisa -Abuja The member representing RemoFederalConstituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has called for the urgent rehabilitation of SagamuOgijo-Mosimi-Ikorodu Road, which he described as one of Nigeria’s strategic petroleum distribution network routes.

Adebutu, in a motion to that effect, said that the road has several strategic installations and industrial plants such as the Pipelines and Products Marketing Limited Company (PPMC) and other power installations.

He decried the “deplorable condition of the Sagamu-Mosimi section

of the road, which he said has continually posed great danger to lives and property in the surrounding communities, causing high rate of fatal crashes, creating gridlock and quite unfortunately, providing ample opportunities for armed robbery attacks on commuters and residents.”

Adebutu added that the strategic nature of this petroleum distribution route, necessitated heavy vehicular traffic, mainly petrol tankers and other haulage vehicles servicing the industries in the axis, hence the need for urgent intervention by the Federal Government.

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Sunday Tribune

Kogi 2015: Buhari’s absence at APC rally causes fear •Audu not being investigated by EFCC —Campaign organisation Abiodun Awolaja And Yinka Oladoyinbo

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he absence of President Muhammadu Buhari or his representative at the All Progressives Congress (APC) grand rally in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Saturday raised some doubts on the candidature of Prince Abubakar Audu in the November 21 governorship election in the state.

The vice-president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, was also absent at the rally, which further fuelled speculations that all may not be well.

But the APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and other party chieftains were at the rally, where the party’s flag was presented to Prince Audu.

Speaking at the event held at the Lokoja Confluence Stadium, Odigie-Oyegun said it was high time the people of Kogi State joined the wind of change in the country.

He said the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party was prepared to deliver Kogi to the APC, noting that the party was ready to give good governance to the state.

Flanked by other party leaders and state governors, the party chairman said the APC represented good governance.

The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo, while addressing party supporters, said the leadership of the party was poised for victory in the election.

Also, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, stated that Audu had performed and deserved to be elected again.

Speaking, Audu observed that he came on a rescue

mission, adding that the state is the most backward state in Nigeria.

President Buhari was expected to present his party’s candidate to the electorate by raising his hand up at the rally in line with political tradition.

The rally, earlier scheduled for Saturday October 24, was shifted to yesterday after the president reportedly asked to be excused because he was indisposed.

There was, however, no official communication on why the president did not turn up at the rescheduled event yesterday.

Buhari’s absence at the rally followed closely on the heels of a publication, just 24 hours earlier, by an online newspaper, Premium Times, that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had advised the presidency, through a letter, to prevail on the APC

not to field Audu as its candidate in demonstration of his commitment to its anticorruption mantra.

In the said letter dated September 21, 2015, with reference number EFCC/ EC/SGF/03/59, and titled “F.R.N Vs Abubakar Audu & 1 other Charge No: FCT/ CR/115/ 2013”, the EFCC chairman had reminded the SGF of Prince Audu’s trial for corruption.

The letter stated: “The candidate was arraigned by the Commission for abuse of office, theft of public funds and money laundering during his tenure as executive governor of Kogi State between 1999 and 2003 at both Kogi High Court, Lokoja in 2006 and the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo Abuja in 2013.

“While not being unmindful of the constitutional presumption of innocence

of all accused persons until proven guilty, we are nevertheless greatly concerned that swearing in of another accused person as executive governor in Nigeria may not be in consonance with the current anti-corruption policy of the new administration.”

On receiving Lamorde’s letter, the SGF reportedly wrote to the APC National Secretariat the following day, urging it to take “necessary action”.

In a letter dated September 22, 2015, referenced SGF.30/S.11/T, the SGF said: “I wish to forward the attached document from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on the above subject matter for your information and action.”

Party leaders slam release of letter to press Some party leaders in Kogi State, on Saturday, ex-

pressed outrage over what they called the deliberate leakage of the correspondences to the press to the press on the eve of the grand rally.

According to a senior party leader in Lokoja who asked not to be identified, the development was a smokescreen to cover the animosity between President Buhari and Prince Audu, which he claimed was being expressed in the subtle opposition of the president to Audu’s candidature.

A presidency source yesterday however denied that the president bore any personal grudge against Prince Audu but admitted that he was being careful not to openly campaign for a person against whom the EFCC had taken its prosecution to an advanced stage.

Audu’s emergence had generated controversy within the party, with the APC

Building collapse claims one in Edo Banji Aluko-Benin City

From left, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Mrs Bola Obasanjo; former deputy governors of Lagos State, Mrs Sarah Sosan and Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode; Convener, Women Arise Conference, Pastor Siju Iluyomade and wife of the Vice-President, Mrs Dolapo Osibajo, at the Arise Women Conference 2015, held at City of David Church, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

40 per cent of Africans live in slums —Osinbajo

By Tunde Oguensan VICE President Yemi Osinbajo, on Saturday, revealed that over 40 per cent of the African population live in slums where the rights of children are not in anyway protected.

Osinbajo was the guest lecturer at the 12th foundation annual lecture of Dorcas Oke Hope Alive Initiative, held at the International Conference centre, University of Ibadan.

The vice-president, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Ade Ipaye, spoke on the theme, ‘Child abuse and the challenges of the African child.’

He said that, according to UNICEF record, child marriage was rife in Nigeria,

Primary Appeal Committee recommending his substitution over the corruption case hanging on his neck.

‘No corruption case against Audu’ The director general of the Abubakar Audu Audu Campaign Organisation, Isa Daniel, has however denied the allegation that EFCC has written the presidency to stop Audu.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Sunday Tribune, Daniel said there was no letter or circular from the anti-graft agency to the effect that Audu should not contest the November 21 election.

He said, “The new development shows that our opposition has nothing to say again. They have failed the people of the state.

Audu was a governor that former President Olusegun Obasanjo asked other governors in the country to emulate,” he said blaming the opposition party for the campaign against the APC candidate.

with about 39 per cent of Nigerian women between the ages of 20 and 24 being married before they attained age 18.

He said, “Those who have studied the trend said 40 per cent of the African population live in slums because of poverty. In that situation, you can almost predict that there will be child abuse.

“Everywhere in Africa, life is a living hell for slum residents. The majority of the children in African slums have lost one or both parents because of diseases that should not have killed them.

“HIV/AIDS kills a record number in African slums, mostly women and children. The slums are

reputed as mostly lawless areas with no security. Violence happens and people are killed and thrown in a gutter and life continues.

This affects African child because they become orphans.”

Osinbajo said nearly two million children less than 14 years old are HIV positive in sub-Saharan Africa, with most of them often abandoned and die.

He also said that more than 200,000 child slaves were sold yearly in Africa and an estimated 8,000 girl child sold to slavery every year in West Africa.

He said, “What we don’t know is that certain practices amount to slavery.

Statistics show that only 57 per cent of African chil-

dren are enrolled in primary school and one in three will not finish the school.”

Osinbajo also expressed the sadness that only two states in Nigeria enforce the Child Rights Act. “In Nigeria, we passed the Child Rights Act in 2003 using the UN standard. About 24 states have already passed the law but only Lagos and Akwa Ibom are active in enforcing it.

“It must be understood that any ill-treatment, neglect, cruelty, violence of any kind meted to a child is child abuse.

“If your neighbour beats a child constantly and you don’t report to the police, it means you support what is going on. Under the law, you are part of the offence.

“Abuse could be infliction of tribal mark, tattoo, female genital mutilation, child abduction, child trafficking, child labour, child betrothal, child molestation, child prostitution, deprivation of education, child soldier and so on are abuse that can cause permanent damage to a child,” he said.

To tackle the menace, Osinbajo urged an aggressive fight against poverty.

He also said that children’s education must be made compulsory in the country.

“There are legal provisions that protect every child. The African charter takes into consideration the context of the African culture,” he said.

The collapse of a portion of a three-storey building under construction on Saturday in Benin City, Edo State, has resulted in the death of one person.

Three other persons sustained various degrees of injuries in the incident.

It was gathered that the building located on Sapele Road came down at about 10:30 a.m when builders were pouring concrete on the projection beam on the third floor.

The builders were said to have dropped from the the third floor to the ground when the structure collapsed.

The deceased person, who was simply identified as Mike, was said to have sustained a deep cut in his chest.

He was reportedly taken to the Benin Central Hospital, where he gave up the ghost.

Another victim, Sunday Oniuvusa, who is agraduate of Mechanical Engineering, said fortune smiled on him, otherwise he would have died. ”Some of the blocks that fell prevented the planks on the ground from harming us; I was lucky. In the boy’s (Mike) case, there was nothing to protect him, so one of the planks pierced his chest.”

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Sunday Tribune

1 November, 2015

Swearing-in of ministers: Nigerians will need to wait —Presidency Christian Okeke - Abuja

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IGERIANS may be in for another round of wait to know when the ministers-in-waiting will be sworn in by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The 36 ministers-inwaiting were all confirmed last Thursday after a drama that saw Senators

elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stage a walkout.

It took about four months for their names to be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation by President Buhari.

The screening lasted a month with final parliamentary nod given on their nomination on October 29.

Expectation was that the ministers would be sworn in the moment the president arrived from India.

However, the Presidency could not confirm the day the ministers would be inaugurated, as at Saturday.

Presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, told Sunday Tribune that Nigerians have to wait to know when the inaugura-

tion would take place, stating that it is only the president that can say when he will swear-in the ministers.

Adesina told Sunday Tribune that since it is the president that has chosen the ministers to work with him, he remains the person to tell when to inaugurate them.

When pressed to comment on the possible day of

the inauguration, he said, “After ministers have been cleared, the next thing is inauguration, so just wait.”

He went further to say, “It is only the President who can say when because he is the one that has the mandate and is the one bringing the ministers to work with him so we need to wait till he makes pronouncement on the day he is inaugurating them.”

Adesina also commented on the 25th anniversary of Scripture Union (SU)

in Abuja and said “anything that promotes righteousness and godliness is something that we should applaud.”

He said: “We know the history, the antecedent of the SU in Nigeria; how they have impacted the lives of young people and old people alike.

“So the fact that such a group is 25 years in FCT is something worthy of celebration and I pray that it grows from strength to strength.”

Security challenge, corruption call for deep reflection —Gowon Christian Okeke - Abuja

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in a handshake with the Emir of Gwandu, Maj. Gen. (Dr) Muhammad Ilyasu Bashir, when the Senate President visited him at his palace while in Kebbi to attend the wedding fatiha of Senator Adamu Aliero’s daughter, during the weekend.

Lai Mohammed unfit for national office —Metuh

Metuh will write PDP into extinction —Mohammed From Leon Usigbe, Jacob Segun Olatunji and Bola Badmus THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Saturday, described the spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, as “a quarrelsome and misguided individual completely unfit to hold responsible national office in a democratic government.”

A statement issued by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja, said that “the cantankerous nature, resort to personal attacks and uncouth description of a rival political party always, by the APC spokesman while responding to critical issues, are indicative of his background, pedigree, upbringing and emptiness as a low life.”

According to the leading opposition party, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC needed to shed his “offensive narcissist tendencies even in his desperation not to end up being a minister without a portfolio.”

It therefore advised Mohammed that having been a beneficiary of the benevolence and forgiving spirit of

the Senate President, “one would expect him now to be mature, decent, civil and more organised in his responses to public comments.”

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the resort to crude, personal attacks by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman, Chief Olisa Metuh, in his latest statement is a clear vindication of the party’s stand that the PDP should urgently rebrand or go into extinction.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said this in a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday, declaring that with a combustible and outof-control spokesman like Metuh, there was no way the PDP would survive in opposition.

According to the party, “Metuh has shown, time and again, that he lacks the temperament, presence of mind, sobriety, analytical mind, decency in the use of language and panache needed for anyone to be the face of any organisation, not to talk of a political party.” ‘’It was the realisation of this obvious fact that made us to offer to provide the ex-

citable Metuh a crash course on how to function as an opposition spokesman. Unfortunately, it is too late now as he seems to have become totally untrainable.

“Instead of reacting to our sincere advice to his party to urgently rebrand or go down, Metuh chose to unleash his vitriolic tongue on the APC spokesman, just as he has done to the judiciary and many agencies of government in recent times.

“In what is surely a looming tragedy for the PDP, a spokesman who helped write the party into opposition is now poised to further write it into extinction,” the APC said.

The party insisted that the PDP should stop wailing

and insulting the judiciary for the electoral tragedy which it brought upon itself by engaging in mindless rigging and violence in the last general elections.

It also urged the PDP to immediately stop its failed strategy of trying to distract the Buhari administration, which it said was busy cleaning up the mess left behind by the 16 years of locust of the “sinking PDP.” “The doomed opposition should also immediately stop its failed strategy of trying to distract the Buhari administration, which is busy cleaning up the mess left behind by the 16 years of locust of the sinking PDP,” the party said.

FORMER Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, on Saturday, in Abuja, stated that issues relating to the precarious security challenges and corruption in the country called for deep reflection by all citizens.

He said other issues that relate to moral decadence, sexual perversion and restiveness should equally pose serious concern to the citizens.

The former Head of State spoke when he chaired the 25th anniversary of Scripture Union (SU) work in Abuja.

Represented by the national secretary of Nigeria Prays, Evangelist Austin Kemie, the former leader noted that all citizens must rise to deal with the various

issues of moral burdens in the educational institutions.

Gowon warned that there was need to arrest the tide through massive prayer campaign and action.

“If we do not rise to bring our youths into the path of rectitude, then their future prospects will appear gloomy and we cannot build a virile nation of trust, integrity and good governance,” he said.

The ex-Head of State paid tribute to the leadership of the SU, Abuja chapter, for labouring to impact godly values and virtues, as well as propagating God’s word.

Speaking earlier, the national chairman of SU, Engineer Ekpo Etim Ekpo, challenged members of the Union to continue to reach out to the world with God’s word.

Expert wants FG to declare state of emergency on cancer PROFESSOR Francis Durosinmi-Etti, the President, Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CEAFON), has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on cancer in Nigeria.

Durosinmi-Etti told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Saturday that the state of emergency should be in the areas of cervical and breast cancer.

He decried the inadequate

equipment in the care and treatment of cancer, noting that it was fast contributing to major deaths caused by non-communicable diseases.

The CEAFON president said there was the urgent need for a National Task Force on cancer to combat the situation According to him, the number of cancer patients’ in the country cannot match the available equipment for its care.

Kogi election: NIS warns immigrants to steer clear THE Nigeria Immigration Service in Kogi on Saturday cautioned immigrants against taking part in the Nov. 21 governorship election.

The NIS Controller in the state, Mr Baba Zakari, made this known when he addressed representatives of Ghanaian and Nigeriene nationals resident in Kogi.

Giving further clarifica-

tions, the Controller said that though nationals of ECOWAS countries who had genuine travel documents could reside in any part of the country to carry out their legitimate businesses, they had no voting rights.

“You have no right to take part in any election in this country. If any of you has registered, it is illegal and

you should not take part in the election because Immigration officials will be at all the polling centres,’’ he warned.

He added that violators would be promptly apprehended and arraigned accordingly, adding that all the registered political parties in the state had at a meeting with the Police Command pledged to pro-

mote free and fair election.

Responding on behalf of the foreigners, the President of Ghana Community in the state, Mr Edwin Ansah, pledged that they would not violate the law.

Ansah, however, urged the service to take measures to check the influx of immigrants who come into the country through illegal routes.

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1 November, 2015

crimereports

Sunday Tribune

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

We’ll ensure adequate policing, Oyo CP assures Ogbomoso residents

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HE Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, has assured the people of Ogbomoso town of adequate security, just as he expressed zero tolerance for crime and criminality within his command.

The police commissioner gave the assurance during his visit to Ogbomoso Area Command on a familiarization tour, where he was received by the Area Command, ACP Chinedu Sylva, other police officers and men, as well as members of the Police Community Relations Committee, Bankers’ Forum and student leaders.

Oyebade noted the vastness of the area command, saying that there was a lot of work to do, especially with the case of farmers and herdsmen who clashed frequently. He appreciated the great job that the executive and members of the PCRC had been doing, promising to continue to work with them and other residents of the area command to ensure peace among dwellers in the area command.

He enjoined the farmers and the herdsmen to live in harmony as Nigeria is one indivisible entity.

Nigeria has brought all of us together and we must be ready to tolerate ourselves. The CP also urged the Bankers’ Forum to continue to support the police in their work to ensure security.

Oyebade advised those who attended the meeting to be security conscious, saying that insurgency was a global phenomenon and everyone must rise to its challenge.

Addressing officers and men of the area command, the police commissioner said that policing in the modern context is different, adding that the new trend of crime has dynamism. He said further that the police have to map out strategies to beat hoodlums to their game.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade (standing) flanked by the Area Commander, Chinedu Sylva (fourth left) and other officers during a town hall meeting with different groups at the Ogbomoso Area Command’s premises.

He spoke on re-assurance policing, saying it was one of the reasons Safer Highway patrol was put in place by the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase. He assured members of the public of their safety while travelling on the highways, as well as respect of their fundamental human rights while investigating cases.

Addressing students, Oyebade enjoined them to be law-abiding, adding that he would not hesitate to arrest any of them found with a gun in the guise of being a cult member, say-

ing such a student would be taken for a criminal. He urged the students’ union executive of LAUTECH, led by one Bakare Solace, to identify black spots on their campus, stating that the police would be able to concentrate on such areas.

Welcoming the police commissioner, the Area Commander, Chinedu Sylva said he was happy to receive Oyo police boss.

He disclosed that the Area Command has nine police divisions with each division policing a local government council. Sylva added that the area com-

mand was strategically located with many exit points as well as inter-state and international borders.

The chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Aremu Apalara also used the occasion to present requests to the police commissioner which included an increase in police personnel in the area command, checking of youths who use carnivals and festivals to perpetrate crime, ban on okada riders who have no number plates on their motorcycles and vests for identification as well as more police posts in Ogbomoso

North and South local governments.

The Commissioner of Police also visited the palaces of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade; the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran and the Olugbon of Ile-Igbon, Oba Samuel Adegboyega Osunbade where he paid homage to the monarchs. He had earlier been to the palace of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odugade Odulana, where he was received by the monarchs and his chiefs.

He used the occasion

to appreciate the support they had been giving the police. He told them that the command was changing its policing strategy because of the general security challenges such as terrorism, kidnapping, insurgency and other vices in Nigeria and globally. “We need strategies to partner with members of the public to curb these heinous crimes,” he stated further.

He said that the police would engage more in proactive policing than being reactive.

He promised to deploy more men to trouble spots to prevent clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

While speaking, the Soun of Ogbomoso described the Area Commander as an icon of change in the town and an epitome of peace.

He asked the police commissioner to look into the issue of cattle rustlers so that the South West would not experience what is going on in the northern part of the country. Oyebade however assured him that the police were on top of the situation.

The Onpetu, who welcomed the police commissioner to his palace, also described him as a grassroots man, saying that his visit was an indication to this.

Man disguised as woman beaten to death in Niger 2 suspects arrested THE police in Niger State have arrested two suspects, Shagari Adamu and Usman Adamu in connection with a mob attack on one Mohammed Ibrahim, for disguising as a lady by wearing female veil {hijab}, while on a visit to his concubine at her matrimonial home at Sauka Kahuta community, an outskirt of Minna, the state capital.

The incident occurred at about 11:30pm when the first suspect, Honourable

Adamu, who was driving in company with the second suspect, Usman Adamu, said to be his personal assistant, allegedly sighted someone like a woman with a veil,{hijab} coming out of his house on the fateful night.

Crime reports further gathered that no sooner that the deceased, who disguised as a woman, sighted the suspects that he took to his heels in an attempt to escape from being caught

and his real identity exposed in the process.

Further checks revealed that luck ran out of the deceased as the second suspect alighted from the car, gave him a hot chase, caught up with him and discovered that it was a man, with female veil (hijab).

Usman Adamu allegedly raised the alarm that attracted residents of the community to the scene and the angry mob beat the person, identified as

Mohammed Ibrahim, to a state of coma.

Thereafter, some concerned citizens in the area allegedly reported the matter to the police who promptly moved to the scene, rescued the person and took him to the hospital where he later died the following day, at about 3:55pm.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, Niger State Police Command, Mr Bala Elkana, an

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), confirmed the incident, adding that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.

He stated this in a brief interview with the Crime reports in Minna, highlighting that the state Police Commissioner, Mr Abubakar Marafa, has condemned in stronger terms the mob attack on the deceased, describing it as an act of lawlessness in all its ramifications.

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Deputy govs’ Facebook serial hacker nabbed by police Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

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serial hacker, Daniel Obasi who specialise in hacking Facebook accounts of Deputy Governors across the country has been nabbed by the Ondo State Police command and he is currently undergoing interrogation to reveal other members of the syndicate operating with him.

Obasi who claimed to be frustrated out of business did not however deny the offence and attributed the crime to the handiwork of the devil and frustration saying “Frustration led me into this unholy business after the collapse of my business, I never hacked into the Facebook accounts of these deputy governors, I only opened a separate account on their behalf to communicate with people on net and use it to dupe only five people.”

The Imo State born hacker who resides in Port Harcourt, Rivers State was said to have hacked into the Facebook account of the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo and was traced to his abode in Port Harcourt where it was discovered that Obasi specialised in hacking deputy governors’ Facebook account.

Speaking about the arrest of the serial hacker, the state Commissioner of Police, Mike Ogbodu explained that Obasi had been using various accounts of deputy governors to dupe some of his unsuspecting victims of thousands of naira before he was nabbed.

Ogbodu told Crime Reports that the suspect has confessed to opening clone Facebook accounts on behalf of Very Important Personalities in the country and used them to defraud unsuspecting members of the public and listed some of the Facebook accounts being operated by Obasi to include the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Oluboyo and his counterpart in Lagos State, Dr Oluranti Idiat Adebule.

According to Ogbodu, the 36-year-old serial hacker usually attracted his victims with juicy contracts with a promise to help them facilitate it but not without asking them to drop money in his account.

He said thousands of naira

had been deposited into the Imo State born internet fraudster’s account.

Speaking on his arrest, Obasi who did not deny the crime said frustration forced him into the cyber crime. He stated that he was a business man before things went awry and had to device a means to keep body and soul alive.

He said he resorted into using VIP accounts because he believes his victims will always fall for his tricks by looking for cheap and juicy contracts from government but however said that only five or six people fell for his antics.

Obasi said “I am Daniel from Imo State but live in Port Harcourt. I opened separate accounts of deputy governors and I used it to chat with people on the net. I did not hack into their accounts; I only

opened new accounts on behalf of them. I use it to communicate with people.

I have never hacked into their accounts.

“I was doing cosmetic business before they removed money from my shop. Since then, I had engaged in cyber crime. I have not been long in this business. I have only clone accounts of Ondo and Lagos States Deputy Governors and they have blocked the accounts now.

But the Police said Obasi did not only clone accounts but would hack into the accounts of the deputy governors using a particular software. The police said several thousands of naira were paid into his bank accounts.

According to police investigation, Obasi had been using the cloned accounts to chat with friends,

Daniel Obasi, the suspect

siblings and political associates of the Deputy Governors telling them there is a contract to be given out by their state governments.

He told them to pay money into specific accounts to help facilitate the contract.

Obasi said he was arrested by detectives from the state command who pretended to have fallen for his tricks saying “ they presented themselves as representatives of Tailors’ union and said they are interested in the contract but said they wanted to pay directly into my account to help facilitate the contract. I did not know they are police detectives. And I was arrested.”

The police boss however said efforts are on-going to track down other member of the group who are now at large while he said Obasi will be arraigned in court soon.

Oyo police move to foster peace among farmers, Fulani herdsmen GOING by the incessant attacks between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in some parts of the country, the Oyo State Police Command, on Wednesday, brought the two groups together in a bid to foster peace and unity.

Speaking during the parley, which was held at the State Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, the Police Commissioner, Mr Leye Oyebade, said it was important for the two groups to meet in order to iron out the differences between them “so that we will continue to have

peace in the state.

“The whole idea of this parley is for the farmers to speak their minds, and also for the Fulani herdsmen to speak their minds, but one thing we must know is that no one is an island unto himself,” the police boss said.

Speaking for the farmers at the parley, Mr Olabode John Olayemi from Oorelope Local Government Area of the state said the Fulani herdsmen must be curbed from rearing their cattles on farmlands, admitting that such destructions are usually not

quantifiable.

“Apart from that, some Fulani herdsmen attack farmers, rape our women, commit all forms of atrocities, and we are happy that the police is coming to our rescue,” Mr Olayemi said.

In finding a solution to the problem, Mr Olayemi said the Fulani herdsmen should be banned from carrying weapons, particularly guns and swords while tendering to their cattles.

“These are the weapons they use to attack our people, as well as motorists plying Oke-Ogun

area; also, the herdsmen must stop allowing their cattle to graze at night, while boys under the age of 18 years should not be allowed to tender to cattles,” Mr Olayemi said, while explaining that it is important Fulani elders go back to their bases to inform their kinsmen on the resolution taken in the presence of the Commissioner of Police.

One of the representatives of the Fulani herdsmen, Mallam Seriki Gabo, while speaking, accused farmers of poisoning the water cattle drink from,

thereby killing many of them.

“We know we need one another to survive, but we must respect one another in order to promote peace in the state.

“We will do everything in our power to spread the message of peace among our people; nobody is happy with the losses being incurred on both sides, but I want to appreciate the Commissioner of Police for his timely intervention,” Mallam Gabo who travelled all the way from Oyo for the parley, said.

How we robbed our victims —Suspected teenage robbers Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos

FIVE suspected teenage armed robbers, who operated around Oshodi under bridge have been arrested by the police in Lagos State, while efforts have been intensified to arrest other members of their gang.

The arrested teenage armed robbers include Bashiru Adeyemi ,19, Ikechukwu Ukueje,15, Ajala Lateef, 16, Salami Sodiq, 15, and Raji Kazeem ,19.

The suspects were ar-

rested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, during one of the raids on criminals’ hideout around Oshodi Area of the state as part of the activities to checkmate armed robbery and other crimes in the state.

According to the RRS commander, Mr Disu, members of the gang hid under the dark to attack unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians around Oshodi and added that some of their victims, who refused to cooperate with

them, were always injured.

A police source at the RRS told Crime reports that the gang recently robbed a female victim, when operatives of the RRS , who were on a surveillance patrol to black spots in the area, arrested them, the police source said.

Ajala Lateef, while speaking with Crime reports, confessed to being a member of the gang but blamed the leader of the gang, whom he identified simply as Taiye for initiating teenagers into the

gang.

The 16-year-old boy, who also confessed to have dropped out of secondary school on the island of Lagos State, narrated that “Taiye is the leader of our gang but he is not here. He was not arrested on that day when the police came .

He was the one that introduced all of us to this business.”

The suspect also stated that members of the gang pretended to be passengers in the night to pick pockets and bags of other passen-

gers, who were struggling to get a bus in Oshodi ‘I know Taiye very well, he sleeps in Oko – Mola at Oshodi under bridge. I have seen him on different occasions dispossessing passersby in Oshodi of their bags, phones and other belongings. Most times, we pretended as passengers to rob people,’ Ajala stated.

Disu also told Crime reports that the suspects had been transferred to the State Investigation and Intelligence Bureau, Ikeja, for further investigations.

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Emir of Borgu dies in German hospital Buhari, govs, others condole with family From Adelowo Oladipo, Leon Usigbe And Shola Adekola

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he former governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babagida Aliyu, has described the late Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro Kitoro III, as an exemplary leader and a bridge builder. The 77-year-old Emir joined his ancestors on Friday in Germany where he was flown to for medical attention.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Shehu Umar Danyaya read thus “ the death has occurred of His Royal Highness, Senator Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro III, the Emir of Borgu the late Senator Haliru Dantoro died in the early hours of Friday during a brief illness.

Also, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness and feeling of immense personal and national loss on the passing away of the Haliru Dantoro, just as former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu has described the late Emir as a forthright and respected monarch whose demise is a great loss to the nation.

A statement issued by President Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Saturday said the President extended sincere condolences to the late Emir’s family and the people of Borgu Emirate over whom he ruled for many years with commendable wisdom, benevolence and an uncommon dedication to duty. The president also

commiserated with the government and people of Niger State on the death of the illustrious traditional ruler.

Kalu, who is also Baa Danide of Borgu, described the late monarch as a detribalised Nigerian who used the traditional institution to promote peace and unity in the country.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Prince Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said, he was shocked to hear the news of the passing of Emir of Borgu.

“The late monarch was an outstanding personality who used his position and network of contacts to advance the cause of his people. He built friendship across the length and breadth of Nigeria regardless of religious, political and ethnic divides. The

late emir will be remembered for bringing innovation into the Borgu emirate council through the celebration of culture and tradition with pomp and grandeur.”

Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, in a condolence message signed by his Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Jide Orintunsin, described the death of the monarch at this critical period as a monoumental loss to the country in general and Niger State in particular.

Sani Bello lamented that the demise has denied the country from benefiting from his experience. The release however stated that his remains will be buried in New Bussa on a date to be announced soon by the state government.

Sunday Tribune

Nine bag 42 years imprisonment for illegal oil bunkering Justice O.E Abang of the Federal High Court Lagos on Friday convicted and sentenced seven illegal oil dealers, their vessel MT Good Success, as well as the their company, Hepa Global Energy Limited, to 42 years imprisonment each. The convicts are Adedamola Ogungbayi, Olaniran Olabode, Surajo Gasali, Moses Emmanuel, Wilson Bonsi, Okaparaodi Omaka Uche, Onyeogo Happy, MT Good Success and Hepa Global Energy Limited.

They were first arraigned before Justice Saliu Saídu on 16th June 2014, but were later rearraigned before Justice O.E Abang of the same court on 28th August 2014 on five counts of illegal oil bunkering and dealing in petroleum products without lawful authority or licence.

The convicts were arrested by officers of the Nigerian Navy on the 19th February, 2014 along the Lagos waters.

It was discovered at the point of arrest that they had 1,495 metric tons of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on board the vessel. The vessel and those onboard were then handed over to EFCC for further investigation and prosecution.

The convicts, upon arraignment, pleaded not guilty to the charge level against them.

In the course of the trial the EFCC presented eleven witnesses while the defence called only five witnesses.

After diligent prosecution by the EFCC, Justice Abang found nine of the accused persons guilty on all the counts.

Justice Abang sentenced each of the accused persons to ten years imprisonment on counts 1- 4 and two years on count five.

The sentences are to run councurrently.

However the eighth accused person was discharged and acquitted.

Osun PDP congratulates Ooni-elect

By Moses Alao The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the Ooni-elect, Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on his choice as the next monarch of Ife kingdom, praying for his success on the thrones of his forbears.

The party, in a statement signed by its chairman, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, eulogised the new monarch, calling on him to use his influence for the uplift of Ile-Ife and Yoruba land, just as it encouraged him to be a father to all.

Alhaji Olaoluwa said: “we in Osun PDP want to congratulate the sons and daughters of Ile-Ife and Yorubaland in general on the emergence of a new Ooni. We wish the new monarch good health and prosperity on the throne of his ancestors. No doubt, the Ooni-elect is taking up a huge responsibility of leading the Yoruba race. But we are assured and happy that he is able and up to the task and he is going to lead Ile-Ife and, indeed, Yoruba land, to the promised land.”

Newly wedded, Mr and Mrs Femi Osinubi surrounded by grooms and bride’s parents during their wedding ceremony held at the Ibadan South West Local Government registry, Ibadan, Oyo State, last weekend.

Fayose: Practical politician, says Afe Babalola CHIEF Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) has described Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, as a practical politician who does not promise what he cannot deliver.

Speaking in Ikere-Ekiti during the convocation of the College of Education, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), said Fayose could also be relied on.

In a statement on Saturday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, Afe also lauded the governor for his support for the college and his untiring efforts at repositioning education in the state. “I love Governor Fayose because he is a very practical person and dynamic. When he says he wants to do something, consider it done. He is a rare breed of politician. A former governor of Niger State said politicians must lie to be a good ones,

but Fayose doesn’t lie. That is why he won his election in all the local government areas of the state and won subsequent elections in a similar manner. I also appreciate his love for education and his determination to reposition I in the state,” he said.

Babalola, who is a fellow of the college, said to have quality education, there

must be good teachers.

“You can’t give what you don’t have. We need more teacher training colleges in this country.”

“When the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo wanted to start his free education policy, the first thing he did was to establish teacher training colleges. I suggest that lecturers in universities must have background

in teaching as well. That is done worldwide and it will improve the standard of education in our country,”.

In his speech, Fayose urged the management of the college to look inward and find means of generating more funds for the running of the school. He also promised to assist the college in the provision of facilities.

Pollution: Lagos seals off Marina workers mosque Bola Badmus-Lagos

Lagos State government has sealed-off the Marina workers mosque over pollution from improper disposal of sewage in the worship center sited in the Lagos business district.

Commissioner for Environment, Dr Samuel Adejare, who ordered that the mosque be shut on Saturday while monitoring the October edition of the monthly environmen-

tal sanitation at the Lagos Mainland Local Government, said government had declared state of emergency on environmental nuisance across the state. He warned the market leaders, drivers and residents against improper waste disposal, explaining that the workers mosque was sealed-off for discharging sewage into the drainage channel.

The commissioner said the government had es-

tablished a Special Command in Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) to ensure cleaner environment in Lagos central business district. According to him, the declaration of zero tolerance in Lagos metropolis is to save the state from disaster resulting from unkempt environment, adding that all hands must be on the deck to maintain and sustain healthier environment for the residents.

Sanitation laws: Ekiti Speaker canvasses stiffer penalties for offenders The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Honourable Kola Oluwawole, has charged relevant authorities to ensure stiffer penalties for offenders of sanitation laws in the country, saying that it will be for the benefit of all citizens.

According to a statement signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Stephen Gbadamosi, the Speaker made the call shortly after monitoring the monthly sanitation exercise in Ijero Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

The lawmaker observed that lack of adequate means of penalising offenders had encouraged flagrant abuse of the three-hour movement restriction imposed during the exercise. He, however, praised the people of Ijero-Ekiti, headquarters of the local government for “substantially complying with the dictates of the exercise.”

Oluwawole, who monitored the exercise in company with the state Commissioner for Finance, Chief Toyin Ojo, said; “Ijero people complied substantially with the exercise. I am impressed by their involvement. But in Ipoti-Ekiti, though we observed a level of clean environment, there were some stubborn people that were driving, doing businesses and riding commercial motorcycles who we had to arrest.

“I am appealing to our people that these arrests are not basically punitive; all we want is total compliance during the three hours. It is for the benefit of everybody, when we maintain clean environment. Relevant authorities also need to step up the penalty mechanisms so that offenders will be made to serve as deterrent to others.”

The Speaker added that the Ayo Fayose-led government would not compromise its stand that clean and safe environment prevailed in the state.

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photo

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Sunday Tribune

Oyo Commissioner of Police, Mr Leye Oyebade’s engagements last week

Photos: Oluwatoyin Malik

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4 3

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7 1. The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Leye Oyebade (fifth left); the erstwhile Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operation, ACP Chris Owolabi (fourth left) and other police officers in a pose with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade, during CP Oyebade’s courtesy call on the paramount ruler in his palace.

2. From left: The Commissioner of Police, CP Leye Oyebade; the Zonal Director of NTA Ibadan Network Centre, Mrs Pauline Igbanor and the Assistant Director, Admin, Mrs Adenike Onabajo, during the CP’s visit to NTA Ibadan.

3. CP Leye Oyebade (fifth left); the Commander, Nigerian Airforce Detachment, Ibadan, Air Commodore Emmanuel O. Akinbayo and other Airforce officers in a group photograph when the police commissioner was at the Airforce base in Ibadan.

4. CP Leye Oyebade being welcomed by police officers during his familiarisation visit to Ogbomoso Area Command.

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8 5. The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade, flanked by CP Oyebade (left) and the Area Commander, Ogbomoso, ACP Chinedu Sylva during a visit to Soun’s palace.

6. CP Oyebade (left) and ACP Sylva with the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Samuel Adegboyega Osunbade, Adeyelu II in his palace.

7. The Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran, flanked by CP Oyebade and ACP Sylva in the monarch’s palace.

8. CP Oyebade and other police officers in a pose with LAUTECH students after a town hall meeting at the Ogbomoso Area Command.

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life&living

Battered by hard times, Nigerians now BARTER their way to survival Confronted with an increasingly dire economic situation, highly innovative Nigerians are quietly resurrecting the ancient practice of trade by barter in settling debts, TADE MAKINDE reports.

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common saying in the oil-rich Arab countries calling the attention of wealthy citizens to the past when many struggled for survival and projecting into the future is: “My great grandfather walked. My grandfather rode a camel. My father drove a Ford. I drive a Bentley. My son drives a Ferrari. My grandson will drive a super fast car and my great grandson will walk.”

The import of the statement: with time, civilisation will go back to what it once was after human beings have exhausted all efforts at making life easier and more convenient. Indeed, in different locations in SouthWest Nigeria such as Molete, Ibadan and Mushin, Lagos, this admonition is gradually playing out, as

economic activities are slowly retuning to the old ways of doing business: trade by barter. A select few now feel comfortable exchanging goods, rather than money, for services.

A photographer’s ingenuity A relatively popular photographer at Eyin Grammar, Molete, Mr Ade Fasheun, after one and half years of exchanging services for goods, has now become so used to the system that he hardly remembers how to negotiate prices with clients again.

In December 2013, a regular client approached him for a wedding coverage and both agreed a N28,000 fee for the photographer’s services. The electrician customer paid

him N7,000 out of the total amount charged, promising to pay N11,000 two days later and the remaining N10,000 after job delivery. But when Ade went to the man to collect the N11,000, he only got never bargained forexcuses. “The man kept coming up with stories that he was being owed but assured me that he would pay the 11k before the D-day. I believed him. That was not the first time some of my customers had come up with excuses,” he told Sunday Tribune.

As agreed, Ade traveled to Ipetumodu, Osun State, for the wedding and did his work. The electrician was happy to see him at the wedding. He had feared that Ade

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As Nigerians return to barter

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wouldn’t come. “And really, I shouldn’t have gone there because he had already breached our unwritten contract,” Ade reflected.

Endless struggle for payment By middle of January, 2014, the man showed up at Ade’s studio one afternoon to ask for the pictures, bringing N5,000 out of the agreed N11,000. Ade told him that the money would not be enough to get his almost 200 copies of pictures ready, but the electrician said that was all he had, promising to bring another N5,000 the following day. He never showed up until after 10 months. That was around October, November 2014.

“When he showed up that morning and was complaing about the hard times, I knew he was not even there to pay me anything. He told the electrician that he would delete the pictures from his memory card as it was eating up space, but the debtor only pleaded, promising to pay him everytihng before Xmas as his sister, whose wedding it was that he had promised to support by taking up the responsibility of paying for the video and photograph, had been on his neck.”

In January 2015, sensing that Ade had become extremely angry, the debtor begged him to wait a while as he was expecting a customer to bring some money soon. Nobody came. “However, suddenly, he asked if I liked a particular brand of LCD. I said I did. He said I could take it for N8,000 and he would only owe me N8,000.

Ade rejected the offer, agreeing to come back the following week because he needed to buy paper for his printing machine. That was when it finally dawned on him that he would get no cash from the electrician.

At home, Ade’s thought, however, was on the LCD. He wasn’t going to get it at a

The attire sewn by Mustapha to pay off his debt lesser price, but it was not what he needed at that point in time.

A new offer When Ade went to his customer another time, the LCD had been sold. As he stood there exchanging words with the client, another man came in. “Oga, this is the DVD.” The electrician took delivery of the video player and left. “I owed that man N3k and he agreed to take the DVD in exchange,” he told Ade. He confessed that he had been doing that for long and

many had been pacified collecting goods for their services.

Before Ade left that day, he told the electrician that he would bring the pictures if he would part with a Plasma TV that he had seen on the shelf. The man agreed. That was how he ended up having a Plasma TV after almost two years after waiting for his N16,000 balance.

Enter a smart tailor Mr Mustapha (last name withheld) is on the lower rung of affluence if tailors’ roll

Before Ade left that day, he told the electrician that he would bring the pictures if he would part with a Plasma TV that he had seen on the shelf. The man agreed.

call is made; he is also not very high on the ranking of tailoring skills. But there is one factor for which Mustapha could not be faulted—hard work. A father of two, Mustapha is quite passionate about his job and, unlike many artisans, would hardly fail an appointment for the delivery of services.

Mustapha, who plies his trade around Challenge axis of Ibadan but lives around Apata, however faces a major hurdle: the distance between his house and workplace, a challenge which he complained gulped a lot of money and made him not to have savings from the proceeds of his tailoring business. To surmount that challenge, Mustapha informed a Sunday Tribune reporter, who hailed from the same town as him that he had to take the hard path by raising money to buy a used car.

He, however, ran into troubled waters when he could not complete the payment on the scheduled date, a situation that made the seller to threaten to sell the car to another buyer and refund Mustapha’s money whenever he was able to do so.

That demand sent Mustapha, a calm and easygoing tailor who hardly talks, into a frantic search for money to pay up, but all his efforts failed, as he noted that everyone complained of the times being hard (the period was in May 2015, shortly before the transition to a new government).

Dejected, Mustapha had approached the Sunday Tribune reporter, who had been patronising his tailoring shop mainly because of the affinity they had, with pleas for a loan of N20,000 to balance the payment, promising to pay back in a month’s time. This reporter had promptly offered to help.

However, a month after the borrowing, Mustapha had approached the reporter, pleading for an extension of the repayment period, which was promptly granted. Two months went by, the third month followed but the tailor, whose shop is located in the

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Airlines, hotels key into the deal Continued from

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same vicinity as the reporter, was not forthcoming with payment; only pleas and more pleas and excuses about times being hard.

A tailoring stunt He, however, pulled a strange stunt in the third month.

Mustapha knocked on the door of this reporter’s house one morning, noting that he had come to show him some ‘beautiful styles’ that he had sown for the writer.

Bewildered, as there was no arrangement for any apparel to be sown nor any clothing material given to the tailor, the reporter urged him on.

Mustapha soon unveiled four attires sown to the reporter’s specifications. The price for each of the four attires, he said, was N5,000 only. “Eyin ni mo ran awon aso yi fun, ki a fi di owo ti mo je yin,” he said in Yoruba, meaning “I sowed these attires for you, we’ll trade them for the N20,000 I owe you.” But the bubble burst when the reporter insisted on taking just one of the attires.

“Ah, eyin ni mo ran won fun, ko le size elomi,” Mustapha pressed on, saying the attires could fit no one else, but the reporter would not buy that argument.

Though five months have passed and Mustapha has still not paid the remaining N15,000, his strategy is a reminder of the age-long system of barter, with the reporter now contemplating collecting other sets of attires to complete the repayment, since Mustapha might not be paying up his debt anytime soon.

And a snacks vendor...

Mama Mayowa fries snacks (puff puff and buns) every week day to support her five kids, as her husband left her three years ago after she had their last daughter. It has not been easy feeding; paying the school fees of five children all alone. Believing that no amount of puff puff or buns can meet her daily financial needs, she opts for the trade and barter option anytime she “sees the opportunity.”

But how does she ‘see’ an opportunity?

Hear her: “I have been living at Oremeji, Palm Avenue for over 30 years and I know virtually most of the residents of my area. There are many like me who struggle to make reasonable daily wages. One of them is a petty trader, a hairdresser and a photographer that I mostly exchange puff puff with for services. Those of them who have children, and who buy anything from N50 worth of fries from me, especially these two ladies, are exempted from paying me.

“After I have given the hairdresser enough fries worth the style that I want to make, or that my daughters want to make, we go to her salon to fix our hair.

“It’s not as if the lady or the photographer are poor; it’s just that it is not everytime they make good sales. Most times, the hairdresser too would feel like eating puff puff, or she might want it for her guests, so she orders for any number she wants. It is hard to get by on this, but some of us hard-pressed are improvising and I have been fortunate to find those who are willing to exchange goods for services in my tough neighbourhood.

“Please don’t me to be that poor. At least I don’t use

An example of trade by barter in the ancient form

Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor puff puff to pay my house rent or NEPA bills or even school fees. I am a member of a cooperative society that serves my bigger financial needs, but the small things in life are easier for me to sort with these two neighbours of mine by exchanging my services for their services. It is not everytime that happens though.”

An economist’s perspective However, fears that this undetected trend might soon blossom were doused by a lecturer at the University of Ibadan, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan, who admitted that there are economic theories to explain this phenomenon.

To Olaniyan, economics is about trade and exchanges, and trade by barter is the first way in which individuals and institutions, even countries, traded in the past.

However, he noted, it is a cumbersome form of trade requiring coincidence of wants, and there are difficulties in knowing the actual amount that can be traded among the traders. So, the use of money has eliminated this.

“Trade by barter will only thrive among the uneducated and the illiterates because there is the problem of measurement, making sure that everyone involved in the trade is exchanging the same value of goods. They will still try to value the goods in money terms,” he said.

But Mr Richard Ajayi, a businessman based in Abeokuta, Ogun State, did not share the view that trade by barter is only common among the have-nots. He

Awe Fasehun

Most hotels have their adverts placed in popular newspapers, on radio and television stations in exchange for rooms. Airlines are beginnig to do same after seeing the success that motor manufacturing companies have made by advertising their cars in the media at very reduced rates. said: “Even though it is just becoming an option to them, the well-to-do have actually been practising it covertly for ages. I do business with leisure providers and it is common among them to barter their services, especially with media houses.

“Most hotels have their adverts placed in popular newspapers, on radio and television stations in exchange for rooms. Airlines are beginnig to do same after seeing the success that motor manufacturing companies have made by advertising their cars in the media at very reduced rates in exchange for space in papers or slots on TV and radio. It is not only the poor that are doing trade by barter. Its just that the magnitude of transaction is very negligible.”

On the effect that trade by barter, if it continues on a larger scale, could portend for the economy, Ajayi said it was unlikely to be a major form of trade in the country given the widespread acceptance of currencies. “However, barter is often associated with backwardness as it reduces the pace and pattern of trade. Given the varied products available, trade by barter is not likely to be a major threat to Nigeria’s economy,” he conceded.

Given that it it cannot handle the level and magnitude of trade that occurs everyday within the economy, will trade by barter die a natural death?

“With the cashless policy which makes use of ICT payment modes an option, I am not sure that it can be widespread,” Professor Olaniran, the Director, Health Policy Training and Research Programme (HPTRP), University of Ibadan, asserted. But time, as they say, will tell.

13 Continued from

S

1 November, 2015 last week

PEAKING for my party and myself, I hold the view that the conditions of the masses in Nigeria, though very bad in some parts of the federation, are not yet so degrading as to provoke a rebellion or violent revolution. In the circumstances, it is the considered view of my party that the ideals of socialism can be realised in Nigeria by waging a battle of words and wits, rather than by engaging in a clash of steel and an exchange of bullets. By adopting these democratic means, the struggle against the evil forces of capitalism might be protracted, and victory might be somewhat long delayed.

But, in Nigerian circumstances, I think it is better so.

It is for all the reasons which I have given that my party has opted for democratic socialism. In the words of our Manifesto, it is our resolve to: ‘Build a democratic socialist society founded on the three principles of national greatness, the well-being of the individual, and international brotherhood. To achieve this socialist society,’ the Manifesto continues, ‘we must release the latent energy of our entire people, we must get rid of the dead-weight of feudalism, aristocracy and privilege. We must overcome the wastefulness and distraction of tribalism and social injustice. We must remove the crippling effect of a backward and over-dependent economy. We must go forward into the mainstream of modem civilisation and world knowledge.’ In concrete terms the socialist ends which my party sets out to achieve may be spelt out in detail as follows: i). The State will enter many sectors of the national economy now held by foreign investors.

In the public sector of our national economy foreign aid will generally take the form of foreign loans to the state, in place of foreign private investments. Nigerian businessmen will be encouraged and assisted by the State to take over some fields of economic activity now monopolised by foreign investors. Nigerian private or State agencies will gradually have greater control over joint enterprises with combined foreign and Nigerian private capital.

The growth of the private sector will be channeled within certain limits so that it does not lead to huge concentrations of capital in a few hands.

As economic agents, the Nigerian farmers will be allowed to grow, but with limits similar to those within which Nigerian businessmen operate.

Workers of all grades will enjoy the full fruits of their labour, and legislation for a fair national minimum wage will be enacted. The interests of self-employed person

Awo’s thoughts VOICE OF REASON

Politics and religion A lecture given to students at the Adventist College of West African, Ilishan-Remo, on 27th July, 1961. will be protected and the greatest possible returns will be obtained for their labour. Education will be free from kindergarten to University The productivity of the peasant classes will be increased so that their standard of living may be raised. ii.) Unemployment will be abolished, that is to say, it will be possible for ever able-bodied person to be gainfully employed.

There will reorganisation of landholding, where necessary There will be increase in housing facilities, and simultaneously legislation will be introduced for the control of rents where and when desirable.

There will be expansion in health services to enable all persons, whatever their age, to have free medical treatment.

A scheme for social insurance will be introduced, and specifically old age pension will be paid to persons above certain age, who are willing to accept the benefit. It must be emphasised that none of the ends can be attained without planning, without selfless devotion and severe discipline on the part of those who are elected to formulate and execute policies and programmes, and without sacrifice of time, energy and money on the part of the Nigerian citizens. I do not need to expatiate on the last two

Sunday Tribune

factors. They are obvious and speak for themselves. I only wish to stress to the student members of this audience a point which they already know, that a beggar nation can only invite contempt to itself. If we are intent on building a strong and self-respecting Nigeria, sacrifice of life may sometimes be required from us in addition to that of time, energy and money.

Under communism, planning is totalitarian; the individual counts for little if at all; it is the state that matters; whilst the motive for profit-making is completely disregarded and stifled. On the other hand, under democratic socialism, planning is done by a popularly elected government which attached the greatest possible importance to the welfare of the individual citizen. The profit-motive is not fully suppressed but where it is given scope it is controlled and harnessed for the common good. Since the public and the private sectors of the economy exist side by side in a democratic socialist state, any planning must of a necessity have three prongs. Firstly, the private sector must be controlled, directed and channeled by the government by means of appropriate laws and regulations.

Secondly, in the publics sector, the government must so organise and manage its own business enterprises as to ensure, with maximum efficiency and efficacy, the attainment of its objectives.

In addition to existing public-owned undertaking, government must by legislation, coupled with negotiation where necessary, acquire new business for which fair compensation need not, however, be paid down in cash as is erroneously believed in some quarters. The shares held by owners of the nationalised enterprised may be exchanged for government bonds which will yield fixed interests to the private owners. If this is done, it will not be necessary, as has been argued, to divert monies which could have been used for other development purposes to paying compensation for the nationalised undertakings.

Thirdly, the government must deliberately” employ the budget for the purpose of influencing the direction of the country’s economy for the benefit of the masses. Budgetary measures can be used to stimulate productive activities in times of depression, to promote the production of certain classes of goods which would not otherwise have been produced, to encourage the siting of industries in areas where they are socially (though not necessarily economically) desirable, and so on and so forth.

To be continued

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14

voxpop

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

What would you do if you found N1m in your dead neighbour’s apartment?

It is not uncommon for people to be discovered dead in their room by their neighbours after prolonged absence. VICTORIA ILARI and ADEOLA OLALERE, sought public opinion on what action people would take if they found N1 million cash alongside a neighbour’s corpse.

dr (mrs) emikpe I would think fast. In the first instance, I would not touch the money because it may have been the cause of the death. One should not be eager to take or spend such money. I will call the police to check the house; someone needs to look for safety.

Pastor Mabomi Someone must know the deceased’s legal person (lawyer). I’ll contact the deceased’s family and counsel them to use the money properly.

If I enter the house and I meet the corpse and the money, I would take the money and hide it somewhere and call the police.

Fatai Sogbesan

Yemi Bello I will return the money to the family and call the police, because If I carry it, I too will die one day.

I will return the money to the deceased’s family because Islam does not permit such a thing; for us to take what does not belong to us. Moreover, my conscience would not allow me to be at peace and as a Muslim, my religion does not accept that.

Timothy Awe If I enter the house and I meet the corpse and the money, I would take the money and hide it somewhere and call the police.

Paul Natty

DeddEy Wisdom Since the money does not belong to me, I think the right thing is to go to the police station and deliver the money. I believe that is the right thing to do.

Adedeji Folakemi

Well, I will not take the money since it is not mine. I would call the police for my own safety and that of the money.

The money is not mine. I cannot take such money because I don’t know the source of the money. If I know the deceased’s family, I will surely return the money to them.

Ayanrinde Dauda I will not take the money until I get the deceased’s family. We would both check the money and make arrangements on it. The money would be taken to the police.

Adegbite Adeola I cannot take the money because it is not mine. But if I don’t see the dead body, I can take it but if the dead body is there, I don’t think I should take it. If I take it, the spirit of the deceased would haunt me.

I will call the police immediately.

Adedapo Aderemi I cannot take such money because I do not know its source. The money might be the cause of the death.

Abbey Michael Immediately I get to my neighbour’s apartment and I meet him/her dead, I would raise the alarm, quickly run to the police before talking about the money.

15

1 November, 2015

homes&interior r s

Sunday Tribune

Remi Anifowose And Seyi Sokoya oluremi_anifowose@yahoo.com seyi_sky@yahoo.com 09090652322, 08141986123 08075166585

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owadays, there’s more to home entertainment than just watching a good film or your favorite soap. TVs are a lot more fun to get the best view of favorite programmes. Gaming, online movies, internet browsing… But do you ever feel like all the wires, satellite boxes, DVDs and remote controls are taking over your home? Happily, TV stands and cabinets are there to cut the clutter and get things prettied up. They give you space for everything, cable

management for the cords and glass doors that do not block your remote control.

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Some TV stands and cabinets have shelves or drawers to organise all those hi-tech boxes and your favourite

DVDs, and openings at the back for cords and cables.

You can choose between lots of sizes, styles and colours, and there are TV stands for both flatscreen and traditional tube TVs. Perhaps you’ll need more than one TV stands for all your family’s game consoles, DVD players, DVDs, CDs and old-fashioned stuff like books, magazines and ornaments. You can create your own personal storage for your TV and whatever else you want to store.

16

1 November, 2015

T

HE headline is an admixture. There are wheat and chaffs. There is a compelling story of an unusual top-cop, an encouraging subordinate and humanity dregs of rank and file. Last Tuesday, there was an incident linking Gibbers, Inspector-General of Police, Edo State Commissioner of Police and some disgrace-packaged-in-black at Igueben police station in Edo State.

It is unfair that IGP Arase and CP Chris Ezike would share a body of story with Corporal Ezekiel and his gang of highway robbers. But that is the burden of leading a force harbouring Ezekiel and ilk. I appreciate Arase for personally attending to me. I have heard numerous stories of such personal interventions since he became IGP. Despite the initial don’t-boreme-with-your-story voice of Ezike before IGP called him on my behalf, he also deserves some kind words. It is a shame that Force PRO, Olabisi Kolawole didn’t stand to be counted, despite being involved. Learning curves, I guess. For Corporal Ezekiel and others who practically “robbed” us, their loot simply triggered the coming of an extraordinary Ombudsman.

After the gunpoint robbery at Igueben by men paid to defend us, opening a virtual black-book for them and others with the same policing orientation won’t offend any sensible sensibility. This week, Gibbers is spearheading #Theycollectedbribe. It will be a Black Book for dirty officers like Corporal Ezekiel. Nigerians are invited to list names of uniformed men that extort them. Likely abuse of such unregulated platform isn’t impossible, but the un-reformable in the police and their despicable acts would make consideration for likely abuse secondary. Can anything be actually put beyond these irredeemables?

OBJ’s place in Yoruba history I have never voted for Olusegun Obasanjo to be anything.

I doubt if I ever will. He luxuriates in Diasporan love and roisters in home-brew loathing. Does that make him more of a genuine prophet, who is always without honour at home?

Unfortunately, his own that are not honouring him, don’t also have the honour of “outsiders” within the Nigerian state who incidentally honour him. Are these “outsiders” waiting for the Yoruba nation to honour the one they honour before they will honour the Oduduwa race? Since President-wannabe Rabiu Kwankwaso came to Ibadan to piss on the grey hair of Yoruba circumstantial leaders, a particular phrase; “pragmatic leadership”, kept popping in my simulating, subconscious interrogation of the descent of Yoruba race to the odious base in the comity of ethnic-nationalities of both the majority and the minority. Last Monday, I animatedly engaged a budding Yoruba

THIS is a tough time for the nation’s corporate organisations as regulatory bodies seem to be all out to whip back into line with unprecedented ferocity any corporate entity that may step out of line.

This past week, the hammer of regulatory agencies descended heavily on four leading members of Corporate Nigeria. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) heavily sanctioned Firstbank and UBA for failure to comply with the Federal Government’s directive on remittance of government revenue to the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) hit MTN with a N1.04trn fine for non-compliance with the deadline to deactivate all subscribers’ unregistered SIM cards on its network, while the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) accused Stanbic IBTC Bank of ‘posting misleading results’ for two consecutive years and suspended both its chairman, Mr Peterside Atedo, and the Managing Director, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, from the board.

President Muhammadu Buhari and the CBN governor had given banks a deadline of September 15 to move funds for ministries, departments and agencies to TSA domiciled at the CBN but it was reported that both Firstbank and UBA held on to funds belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) beyond the stipulated time. For this infraction, the two banks were fined N4.82bn, five per cent of the sum they failed to remit before the expiration of the deadline.

Although Firstbank has paid its share of the fine, its parent company, FBN Holdings, in a statement last Thursday, said it would engage CBN in discussion over the decision to sanction the bank. Similarly, MTN, following the sanction, said it was discussing with the regulator on how to resolve the matter. In its own case, Stanbic IBTC disagreed with FRC that it did not make full disclosure and said it had taken the matter to court.

Series of reactions have trailed the regulators’ actions.

Some people are of the opinion that the sanctions are too heavy, especially with respect to the NCC’s fine for MTN and CBN’s sanction of Firstbank and UBA. It has been reported

0811 695 4647

olanreade@yahoo.com

Arase, Edo CP and Igueben officers

leader over the Kwankwaso insult. He saw it more as a bastard using the left hand to describe his father’s hut. His wisecrack was rooted in the unconfirmed Yoruba ancestry of Rabiu. I wasn’t cut with it. After leading Fulani-founded Kano for eight years, every Oduduwa blood in Rabiu must have been flushed by the antigen in “goro” responsible for verbal diarrhea. For me, Rabiu is a Fulani man who put out in plain term how little his race thought of those supposedly leading the Oduduwa race. Beyond the emotive reactions to the “shut up” order from President-in-waiting Rabiu, can stakeholders at this end look up again the word “pragmatism” before pushing personalities out as their representatives. Leaders need their people behind them, but need the respect of those on the other side more. If those on the other side won’t respect you, let them fear you.

Today, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is loved by his own, loathed by those on the other side, not respected by them and the fear factor gone with the outcome of the 2015 poll where he struggled at his backyard. Both Afenifere factions are not feared, respected or honoured by others, while support at home is

With Sulaimon Olanrewaju 08055001708

lanresulaimon@yahoo.com

Sanctions to save the nation

that the payment of the fine by MTN will negatively impact on the result of the international group. It goes without saying that after paying over N1 trillion as fine, MTN shareholders will likely go home empty-handed at the end of the financial year. The same goes for both Firstbank and UBA; the fines will eat deeply into their profits.

While these concerns appear genuine, the fact is that the country needs to move away from the era of anything goes.

Nigeria has come to be seen as a country where laws are observed in the breach. Regulations are disregarded with

Sunday Tribune

also thin. OPC thrives on spoken-of desired yesterday. In histories, there have always been men and women who are either an equal half of their race or even bigger in influence than the entire clan. The late Lamidi Adedibu reigned alongside official traditional rulers in his time and clime. Despite not being enthroned, he could dethrone them. The late billionaire Aare Azeez Arisekola-Alao was lyrically prided as bigger in status, stature and influence than the biggest city in Africa. Sardauna as premier was more regarded than his protégé prime minister. Painfully today, Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo is one Yoruba man that those on the other side, particularly the majority ethnic groupings, fear, even if they loathe him. Don’t Yoruba also loathe other ethnic leaders though the fear factor is still there? Times change and times have indeed changed for the Yoruba race. Days of eclectic leadership of oratory prowess are forever gone. Without denigrating anyone, those on the front row now can hardly deliver. It is now about guile, wiles, expansive influence both home and abroad, reckless courage, unrelenting positivism et al. Thankfully, his closest challenger, Tinubu, is now of same political understanding.

Aremu should also stop pretending as if he doesn’t want it. He only loves being asked. Can Yoruba ask him by starting with the Aare Ona Kakanfo’s title? Without pretence, silent ethnic wars are raging at different levels in the nation today. Staying afloat even if not winning, would require a well-equipped generalissimo.

Aremu fits the bill and it hurts that Gibbers will be preaching this gospel. His baggage is crushing but the verdict of history would be more devastating if this opportunity slips on the altar of personal animosity. Today, I’m just being pragmatic!

Ooni: One for the deity (2) Sprit of space constraint was in wedlock with Ife deities last week. Their conjugation assisted the king-making deity in Ife to be a step ahead of my projection. Here is what couldn’t go in last week. “Even before Sijuwade was rested, media had been agog.

Does Ifa now read newspapers? Instead of lying against a mute spirit, kingmakers, claimants to and competitors for the vacant stool, involved politicians and the final appointing authorities, should face the reality and play positive politics that would not rent the town in the median, instead of hiding behind an extra-terrestrial facade in the pursuit of individual and group agenda. A cue should be taken from Kano’s succession battle. Politicians knew it was their call and they went for it. The better-positioned won. Politicians also hold the aces here. It would be fool-hardy to expect “an enemy” of the appointing authority to nick it, even if opele (divination) spoke audibly. Obasanjo proved his superiority over Owu deities. Who says history needs ages to visit again”. impunity and most people act as if they are above the law.

That, to say the least, is unhealthy for the nation. It is acts such as this that repel investors from the country. One of the moving forces behind money movement across the world is the observance of rules and the assurance of sanctions when there is an infraction. This gives confidence to investors about the safety of their investments. When investors bring their funds to the country, they increase the capacity of existing organisations through technology and skills transfer and also create employment opportunities for the nation’s teeming youths.

Unfortunately, while non-observance of best practices repels genuine investors, it attracts crooked ones; investors who are all out to rip off the country, those who are bent on taking advantage of lapses in the system to make a kill and flee. So, while doing the right thing attracts the right kind of people who will contribute to the realisation of the country’s growth and development aspiration, doing the wrong thing will attract people who are only interested in keeping us perpetually down.

We need to change the narrative of the country. We need to act responsibly so that we can earn the respect of others and attract the right kind of investors. We need to let the whole world know that we have highest regards for law and order. We need to employ best practices in our businesses.

We need to conduct our businesses ethically.

I think this development will also jolt boards of directors into being alive to their oversight responsibility. One of the basic functions of the board is entrenching governance in their organizations because the board members are the ones who wince when the executive runs afoul of the law of the land and the organization is sanctioned just as it has happened. Now, every board will sit up and guard against overlooking operational issues that may cause the company billions or trillions in profit.

Lastly, this should not be a flash in the pan. Regulators of all sectors of the economy should be alive to their duties to strengthen the framework that is required to turn around the country’s narrative for the better.

17

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Annie Idibia’s bald picture scares fans

GOAT concert: ‘Why we’re not featuring 2face for now’

kissing, smooching

should be done in private —Opeyemi Ayeola

18

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Tade Makinde tademt2@yahoo.com 08055001753

Shan George praises God for sparing her life

By Tade Makinde

A

ctress, Shan George, has told R through a spokesman, Kazeem, that she has got over the shock she experienced after she was robbed in Enugu. Since her escape from robbers, she has

I-TAL riddim clash pits AJ against Festac

Covenant Child’s maiden edition of a quarterly event tagged I-TAL Sounds Riddim Clash, Repping Your Hood, will be taking place at Silverbird Galleria on December 6 at 6pm.

I-TAL Sounds Riddim Clash is a dancehall music competition that would crisscross different neighbourhoods and regions in Nigeria. It has been designed to harness the untapped dancehall talents waiting to be discovered and developed in Nigeria (Africa).

Budding talents would be screened and given the opportunity to showcase their dancehall lyrical skills live on Rhythm Fm nationwide network on a programme called I-TAL Sounds on Rhythm FM network.

Eight listeners would determine who moves to the finals via phone-in feedbacks, while six of them will eventually advance to the finals taking place at the Silverbird Galleria.

In this first edition we will be clashing emerging dancehall reggae talents from AJ City and Festac. Dancehall artistes from Ajegunle would challenge dancehall artistes from Festac.

been full of praises to God for sparing her life.

“Her car is being fixed as we speak and she has got over the shock,” Kazeem said.

George had planned to stop over at Asaba to seal a movie deal and then travel to Lagos the next day, only for her to be involved in an accident that left her vehicle badly damaged. The accident happened on Enugu/Onitsha expressway as she was driving from Calabar to Asaba when a speeding Toyota Camry left its lane and rammed into the driver’s side of her Toyota Rav4. As the actress struggled to get out of the damaged jeep, thieves ignored her plight as she was brazenly robbed when she should have been assisted. As quickly as they showed up so they disappeared into thin air. Passers by and traffic department of police in Enugu helped Shan out where she was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The actress has called on the federal government to fix inter state roads as some of her colleagues hate flying. “I vomit whenever I’m in plane, but driving is my passion,” she told a social blog recently. She is about to be discharged in a couple of days, though her left leg was injured.

20 jostle for Kanekalon brand crown

By Newton-Ray Ukwuoma Kaneka Corporation of Japan will in November put paid to the search for a brand ambassador since 2013 as 20 finalists are already set to occupy the position formerly held by Stephanie Okereke-Linus.

The hair manufacturing outfit, which had early this year announced its readiness to scout for a younger brand ambassador, had introduced Miss Kanekalon, a beauty pageantry competition, to accomplish this goal.

Mr. Esan Olaleye, the account manager, told R that November 14, 2015, has been set for the finals of the competition.

“With auditions in Port Harcourt and Lagos having been competed, 20 finalists have been selected to compete in the finals which will be held in Lagos.

“The 20 finalists together with their hair stylists will mount the stage accordingly. While the finalists would answer questions from the judges, their stylists will share highlights of the hairstyles they have designed for their partnering finalists during the event.”

The winner of this year’s competition will replace Mrs. Linus Idahosa as brand ambassador.

Stephanie, having served as the brand ambassador of Kanekalon hair, from 2011, and failing to renew her endorsement deal in 2013, has not been replaced since.

WAPTV new programmes reveal nature’s secrets

By Bamise Ademola A new health show, Herb wise, has debuted on WAPTV on Saturday, October 24. The health programme focuses primarily on the benefits and uses of herbal medicine.

Herb wise is a weekly live show hosted by Dr. Baderinwa Sunday Adewale and Dr. Titilayo Oduye, licensed herbal medicine practitioners who have wide experience in aromatherapy, nutrition, herbology, naturopathy, acupuncture, etc.

The show showcases approved herbal products, interviews, call and response session via phone calls and social media and is already enjoying interaction and viewership from audience.

According to Wole Adenuga, MD of WAPTV, “here, we use our platform to inform and educate

our audience about effective traditional medicine and viewers are already enjoying Herb wise because it is correcting their long-held misconceptions about herbal medicine and opening eyes to natural healthcare options which are literally growing beneath our feet.”

Organisers speak on GOAT concert

By Seyi Sokoya The organisers of Greatest of All Times Concert have reacted to fans’ calls for the inclusion of 2Face among others, on the list of the artistes slated to perform at the event.

Omoyeni stated that the event recognised the impact of the pioneers in the industry, but “We are not in a rush for a 2face or Raskimono’s Greatest of All Times Concert.

The maiden edition of the concert, set to hold on November 14, at the Shell Hall of the Muson Centre, Onikan, released a long list of performers which include: DJ Jimmy Jatt, Olamide, Styl Plus, Olu Maintain, Paul Play and Tony Tetuila. Others include vocal talents Aramide and Shaydee among others.

The concert, which promotes excellence between different genres and different generations of artistes, will live up to

the expectations, assures Omoyeni. “The concert is here to stay, it isn’t a one off show. This is a yearly concert, so we understand that people have their demands, but we intend to hit another milestone with next year’s show”.

The concert is also sponsored by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), NIYYAH Farms, Quantum Markets and supported by The Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASSA).

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razzmatazz

Xenophobic attack now OBTs song Stephen Adigun a.k.a OBT, has put his lucky escape from angry South Africans who attacked foreigners in their country in April on record. The song is entitled My Mama Say. The young man who considers himself lucky to be alive told R that he wished everyday was Mother’s Day. That day, like he usually did with most of the phone calls he receives from home, OBT recorded the conversation he had with his mother that night. Soon after, he was browsing through his phone and stumbled upon the recorded call. According to OBT, she naturally wanted to know how OBT was faring personally and how things were going with his studies.

Soon after the preambles they got talking about the security situation in South Africa and the news circulating on the press about foreigners being hunted and killed liked animals. “I didn’t really want to talk about it. I knew she was worried about me and didn’t want to say anything to make her lose sleep, so I played down the situation “No Mummy, it’s not that serious (it was), it’s just the media blowing things out of proportion” As we spoke I sensed something change in her voice and I also felt God urging me to seriously listen and comply.

The next day, OBT was set for a trip Jo’burg from Pretoria to see a friend, but for some reasons, “I kept thinking about that conversation with my mom, so I decided to stay back at campus. Later that evening, news reached me of an attack in the very neighborhood I had planned to visit” The young Nigerian student, after realising how God had preserved him in the strange land, decided to put his close shave with death into song. It never occurred to me that that seemingly casual gist could very well mean the difference between life and death.

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Fela’s albums: Erykah Badu’s picks her Top 5

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s part of ongoing playlist series giving tribute to Fela Kuti, Grammy award winning musician, activist, and actress, Erykah Badu, has created her list after carefully listening to some of the African music legen’s albums in order to “try and get the frequency right,” at one point switching her initial selections of “Just Like That” for “Beasts of No Nation” and “Roforofo Fight” to “Je’Nwi Temi (Don’t Gag Me).”

Her number one album, one on the list is “Coffin For Head of State”. “Because the message is so clear and profound. I feel like I’m walking with them. It’s a funeral processional that ends on the steps of the police station. Ha. I played this song on blast from my balcony on repeat when I moved into this house to let the neighbours know what type of party it was. I had no furniture.

“No Agreement” was her second favourite Fela

album “because the groove is a HESI. A chant. A prayer. Locked on the 1. No matter how many baths I take, after this song the funk re mains. Yes RE & MAINS is two words. 3. “Army Arrangement” is a classic. Nice obscure piano solo. I appreciate it’s imperfections. Hypnotic. 4. “Je’Nwi Temi (Don’t Gag Me)” — that’s what she said. 5. “Beasts of No Nation” is an epic piece. Maybe one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard. It was strong and very social politically forward. Lol. The album cover had 3 of the former presidents depicted as blood sucking demons. Now that was brave for Africa in the 80’s, to say the least. Ironically the chord progressions are very beautiful. It’s an emotional piece.

Badu has been a voice for social concerns and struggles within the African-American community.

NGO holds award today

By Seyi Sokoya A Non-Governmental Organisation, ASHA Initiative, will hold an Empowering Laughter Day & Award Night today at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

The event will be headlined by AliBaba and anchored by Princess and MC Bambino, while Timi Dakolo, Buchi, OzzyBosco, Okey Bakassi, Koffi, Mc Abbey, Toby Grey, Ronnie, TJ Hays, Mr Johnbull and Gordons will perform at the event.

Mrs Caroline Danjuma, Segun Manuel and Vweta Chadwick are among the list of speakers.

The Head of Strategy ASHA Initiative, Ogheneruegba Robinson told R that Alibaba and OzzyBosco are partnering with ASHA to raise funds for its project and use the fund to empower women and youths.

Ada Mojekwu, OzzyBosco’s mum, added that the NGO’s ideals is in tandem with OzzyBosco Smile Foundation and they are supporting it to be able to reach more people.

Project ASHA is a youth-led NGO committed to advocating for and securing the basic human rights and Civil Liberties of society’s most vulnerable through good governance, democratic value and principle.

Pikolo keeps dream alive in Benin

By Okeola Olalekan The third edition of Dream Alive With Pikolo held on Saturday, October 24, 2015 with a concert tagged THE SQUAD. The concert, which took place at Hexagon event center in Gra, Benin, was the grand finale of the annual talent hunt show. TEKNO, RNA and others performed. The announcement of the winners of this year’s edition, unlike previous concerts, was the climax of the event. Having held rigorous auditions, contestants were eager for the grand finale of the event.

This is not only the high point of the project. Several contestants participated at the hunt only three came out top in comedy, dance and music. The winners of the events were rewarded and organisers will also nurture their talents and empower them in their fields.

In a chat with Daniel Eromosele a.k.a Pikolo he said “in 2013 and 2014, we recorded significant success in all three categories of comedy, dance and music. The journey has not been easy, but the light we see in what we do has been a driving force for us. Personally, I am persuaded that DreamALIVE With Pikolo is bigger than any individual, including the convener.

The vision is gigantic and the work is huge. While DreamALIVE With Pikolo gets better with each year, we are not ignorant of the demand it places on our energy, money, time and manpower. This is what naturally informs the need for a pocket of collaborations that has made us succeed over the years. Dream ALIVE With Pikolo has been the product of teamwork.

I will not fail to express profound gratitude to the Governor of the State, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, for his support and encouragement.

He made a platform available when he appointed me Senior Special Assistant on Arts and Culture. I am also deeply grateful to all the commissioners, past and serving, who thought it wise to throw in their support because they are convinced this noble initiative holds a tremendous promise and can catapult talented young people into the spot light and give meaning to their endeavours.”

Pikolo promised that the 2016 edition “will be better and bigger than this year’s edition.”

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1 November, 2015

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

W

here exactly have you been for more than five years?

I have been living in London since I got married. I come home once in a while to attend to some personal businesses here and there. That you have not been seeing me does not mean I have not been coming around.

What took you away and what are you up to now?

I have been away to take care of my family and building a home with my husband. It is the dream of every woman to settle down with a loving man that you are proud to be with for the rest of your life. I have been building my home with him and taking care of my kids on the other hand, but now I am back.

It is the dream of every woman to settle down but not all of them really understand what it takes to be married, how challenging has it been for you?

Even life is a challenge on its own. It is something you get into and you can’t complain. I settled down for this and I am enjoying it. Marriage is like growing up everyday and doing things rightly. We have gone through a lot together. I can’t begin to explain it to you. I believe you know what couples go through together, but I thank God we are still together. We are still very happy about our union and I am grateful to God for the grace to still be here smiling and enjoying life.

How long have you been married?

I have been married for eight years.

What did you miss while you were away?

I missed my job. I missed not being around. I missed not going to locations, especially the fun, the craziness, the noise, the Lagos horns, the street food and a lot of things about Nigeria. I have actually been back for about two years. So, it is not that I just came back yesterday. My fans have been seeing me around and the reception has been very nice. That shows that I have not really missed a lot.

How difficult has it been for you to get back into the business you once dominated?

I wouldn’t say it has been difficult. In fact, the reception has been very good. And, I feel very honoured and grateful, because I thought my coming back into the business would be very hard. As you have said, I was once a very popular figure, but I was away from sometime and this gave rise to many new faces; I see new people every day. I thought it would be hard to start getting scripts and jobs again, but the truth is I have been turning down jobs. I said to myself that look here Ope, you are married now; you can’t do every job like you used to do. I am more conscious now about the roles I take, because it is no more business as usual. Right now, I am producing movies that are loaded with messages that would turn people to the side of Christ. I am more of a preacher now.

That’s why my latest film, ‘The Journey’ is actually like a Christian movie. I have been selling it in churches. I have been promoting the movie and the responses have been massively great.

I’m against kissing, smooching on set—OpeyemiAyeola Having left the movie industry for more than five years, beautiful actress, Opeyemi Ayeola returned to Nigeria recently to promote her new movie, The Journey. The light-skinned actress, who went to London shortly after her marriage to her London-based lover said her coming back to the movie industry would not be business as usual. She opens up to SEGUN ADEBAYO about her marriage and what she has been up to.

Did you just rediscover yourself by doing this or it is something that you had wanted to do before?

Well, I have always been a Christian, but obviously, you know we all have our ways of relating with God. Everybody wants to try and be better by having a strong relationship with God, because to me, that’s the most important thing. Secondly, I am not getting any younger and I will say maybe because I am now a mother and a wife, I have the opportunity to be more into God and God into me. God has given me a talent, I will rather use it to serve and glorify

Him. I am trying to win souls into the kingdom. It is my way of evangelising.

Are you planning to have a ministry?

I don’t have to have a ministry or stand on the pulpit before I inspire people to change or teach them the ways of God. I can use my talent for God in many ways. He gave to me freely and there is nothing wrong in giving it to the people through entertainment Do you think your new lease of life would really help you in an industry where it is all about the survival of the fittest?

It has been extremely easy, because the

last time I came home, I was around four months and I went back in August. What I met on ground when I came back has been very encouraging. This is an industry that I know so much about. I have been around for a while, so I don’t think I can be cowed by anything at this stage of my career. I will always give my best in any endeavour I find myself, no matter the challenges I face, I won’t quit, because I love what I am doing and I am really enjoying every bit of it.

Away from that, I have continually enjoyed Continues on pg21

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glitz Continued on pg20

the support of my husband and family, because without it, I wouldn’t have been coming and going like I do. Then, my fans have also welcomed me back in a special way.

Coming down to Nigeria would not have been easy if my friends and fans have not been showing me the signs that I am needed in Nigeria.

How easy was it for your husband to let you come to Nigeria?

As I have just said, it is about love, trust, and wanting each other to be happy. He’s happy with it and I am grateful that he’s giving me the chance to follow my passion. I wish to do what makes me happy and what makes my family happy too.

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘My place is not threatened in the industry’

What has changed about you as a married woman?

I’m more committed to my family now and I have matured a great deal. I used to be very childish, but I cannot afford to be childish anymore, because I now have people that I am accountable to. You know being married is like living in a kingdom where you are the deputy and your husband is the head, so you have to be careful about how you run the home. I am the deputy in our kingdom and I have to be very careful.

Are we going to see more of the ‘crying’ Opeyemi this time round?

Laughs… I don’t know, it depends on the script, but definitely there are some scripts that I don’t want to get involved in. Any script that does not glorify God, I won’t take it. It has to be something whose end result is preaching something positive. The message is important to me. The character I am going to play is very important to me as well. I wouldn’t want to do something that contradicts what I am trying to preach.

So, no more love and kiss roles again?

I have never played loving and kissing roles.

They don’t give you or you don’t take?

I don’t do it. I believe that kissing and smooching should be done in secret.

But you are an actress, you are expected to play your role according to the scripts you are given..

I am not that kind of actress. I am a Nigerian and Yoruba descendant for that matter.

I value my tradition and culture. My culture frown on at that. I might carry a British passport and I might have lived in the UK for some years, but that does not take away my sanity. I was almost thirty years old before I travelled, so I was a complete grown adult. I don’t want to think or act like the western people. I don’t even speak English the way they do. I speak the same way I still do. I don’t dress the way they dress, I still dress like me, and I have a culture and religion that I cherish so much. Apart from that, I have things that check me. My family put me in check.

Will this not place some kind of restriction on you?

I am grateful for the level I am right today. I think I am what God wants me to be. If God wants me to be anywhere, He will take me there. I believe so much in destiny and I am very contended with what I have achieved so far. Contentment has sustained me this far.

Whether people are on level one above, I don’t look at that. Without being immodest, a lot of people would give up their wealth to have what I have today. Everything in life is not about money. Of course, I want to be rich. I want to drive the best of cars. I want to live in

a beautiful house. I have my own dream kind of house and I know I will get to that level, but I have always been a contented person. I don’t look at people, if I can’t afford something, I don’t go borrow or kill myself to buy it.

When you came back, did you still meet your friends and did they relate with you very well?

I have never lost touch with my friends. If you are my friend, I will never lose touch with you. I am committed to my friends and they are committed to me.

Do you think anything has changed about the industry you left some years ago and the one you are seeing now?

A lot has changed in the industry, but I think we will get there. I really don’t want to say anything negative, because it is an industry I really adore. It has made me achieve a lot. I met my husband through this job. Maybe I wouldn’t have met him if I wasn’t in the industry. My husband was one of my fans. So, the movie industry has really done positive things in my life. I will not crucify or say anything negative about an industry that means so much

to me. It’s like having a child and the child is not doing things rightly, would you disown the child? I am a mother; I know what it takes to have a child. I would rather pray to God to reform that child. I think that is what we need in the industry. We need to encourage ourselves by helping ourselves. I don’t have to bring you down to rise.

You said your husband was one of your fans before you married him, could you share the experience with us?

He has always been my fan and I never knew him. Somehow, he got my number and we got talking. After sometime, we met and it eventually ended in marriage and we are still together.

How would you describe your marriage?

Marriage is about genuine and true love.

If you truly and genuinely love one another, your marriage will work.

Now that you are back and your hus-

band is in London, how would you be able to cope?

I have been coping so far and I am surrounded by wonderful family members. My mother in-law is superb. My husband is fantastic. And, that is where understanding comes in. I don’t push my luck and I don’t take things for granted. We sit down and plan things amicably. If I have to travel for one month, we will discuss it. My kids are still very young. I have to walk around my kids. As I speak with you, my mum is with my kids and she’s helping my husband. The last time I came, my mother in-law was on ground to help.

What project are you walking on?

I am actually working on a lot. I am working on a television series. I will be shooting my new movie next year and I am opening my drama school before the end of this year by his grace, that is one of the reasons I am around now, and I want to restore morality back to Nollywood , if you want to act, if you want your children to act, don’t worry, come to Opeyemi Ayeola school of theatre art, where restoring morality back to Nollywood, is our goal.

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1 November, 2015

entartainment

Sunday Tribune with Segun Adebayo tegbollistic@yahoo.com 08116954644

BRG drops Too Dey Show

By Segun Adebayo After a number of hit songs from Sossi, Sifter, Smoothkiss and The Confirm, Bugatti Record label (BRG) is back with another monster bang for their fans. Since it was launched about three years ago, BRG has continued to show its readiness to take the music industry to a very new level with its acts that have dominated the music space for more than a year now.

Its much-talked about single, Too dey Show which featured all the BRG stars from The Confirm to Sossi, Sifter and Smoothkiss was finally dropped on Friday.

Less than two hours after the much-anticipated track was dropped on major blogs across the country, it recorded more than 2000 downloads, just as

those who have listened to the song showered praises on the label for a job well done.

BRG kicked off the year with Sifter’s love song, Ololufe, which featured 9ice. It was followed with The Confirm’s Agbero, which also had 9ice on it.

The song top music charts for months. Just when many people felt BRG was done for the year, it came out with Sossi’s Sebee remix, featuring two of the industry’s best, Olamide and Oritsefemi and this took the record label to another level that got many people talking.

Its latest work, Too Dey Show is another song that people will talk about for a long time as the video, which would be released in few weeks, would reveal the opulence lifestyle that the acts enjoy.

Glo-Dance With Peter:

5 contestants leave

By Rotimi Ige It was the end of the road for five moredancers in the ongoing Dance with Peterreality T.V show, sponsored by telecom operator, Globacom, as they were evicted from the academy. Their eviction followed a very competitive outing among the remaining 26 contestants in which they were rated lowest.

Tension was rife in the house as the second eviction edition commenced.

MX, Tom Tom, Neon and Prince of Team “Get Squared,” Mannaseh, Smiley, Paulette and Weezy of Team “Personally,” and

Annie Idibia’s bald picture scares fans

By Segun Adebayo Apart from the attention she enjoys as the wife of one of Nigeria’s finest singer, 2face, Annie Idibia is not just an actress of note but an enterpreneur that has done well for her self in the last few years.

Days back, on her Instagram page, she released a picture that scared most of her fans as many wondered what

she was up to. Some even feared she might have cancer.

Annie went totally bald in the picture that was said to have been released to create more awareness about breast cancer as recent research showed that 20 per cent of breast cancer is discovered by self-examination rather than mammography.

On why she was moved to do the shoot, Annie

said: It could happen to anyone, even Annie Idibia. “Imagine the lives that will be saved if more women physically checked themselves on a regular basis. Imagine if we could stand against breast cancer by fighting the odds via self-examination”.

The shoot which was tagged #FightTheOdds was shot by Emeka Oyeleke while the make up was done ArabyLaide.

Tjark, Yemi, L’Dee, and GXtreme of Team “Roll It” had been put up for eviction last week, but reprieve came their way as the judges comprising Peter Okoye of PSquare, Dance Queen, Kaffy, Dance Choreographer, Don Flexx, and M.I who made a guest appearance, gave them another opportunity to prove themselves.

The focus on this week’s edition of the reality T.V show was the Hip-hop

genre. Before the contest began, the judges explained the concept of Hiphop and why it was the focus for the week. They also advised the contestants on what is expected of them during their performance.

One after the other, the contestants stepped on stage to show what they had learnt from the Academy. They all performed a melodramatic dance style thrilling and stunning the

audience. At the end, even the judges found it difficult to decide who to send packing.

Peter Okoye was so impressed that he undertook to feature the trio of Prince, Julius Fakta and Tjark in his next music video. He said, “ I’m just speechless, You guys are just fantastic. You know what? You guys will feature in my next video.”

After a careful and thorough collation of the votes, the judges re-appeared on stage to give a verdict. One could hear the heartbeats of the contestants as Ehis, who anchors the show, announced the evictees.

Unfortunately, Ambrose Idemudia (TJack), Prince Ajayi, Love-Divine Ike (L’Dee), Eromose Ordia (Tom Tom), and Michael Adaikwu (Neon) could not make it to the next stage as they were evicted from the Academy. Chills ran down the spine of the audience who were amazed at the eviction of Neon, Prince , and Tom Tom whom they felt performed very well.

With this eviction, the Academy is left with 21 contestants.

After the Saturday’s performances, Malachi Alozie (Mali Hot Boi), Ernest Smiley, Lea Dibebe (Socrazy cool), David Amaechina (Snipes), and Cynthia Njoku (Nekky) were put up for eviction in next week’s show.

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1 November, 2015

sundayzest

Sunday Tribune

With Victory Oyeleke victoryoyeleke@yahoo.com

Having fewer children benefits the country as well. With more people of working age comes more earning power, spending and tax contribution as was the case in South Korea when its fertility rate dropped from 5.4 children per woman to 2.9 between 1950 and 1975, contributing to its rapid rise thereafter.

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IRTH control has a propensity of being dark and sinister especially as the Pope disapproves of it but before looking at it through religious spectacles or deeply ingrained traditional convictions, it is not just about abortions, foetuses or determining when personhood begins but also about quality of life, provision of brighter future for generations of Nigerians and their children, regardless of their status.

The United Nations currently places Nigeria as the seventh most populous country in the world at approximately 183 million people. The Economist has projected a 2050 global population with Nigeria as the third-largest country by population overtaking the United States.

Though this projection is not guaranteed, with a 2.8 per cent annual growth, it is almost certain.

While adopting the Chinese one-child policy, which is now officially eased, to allow two children might be too drastic, adopting a comprehensive Planned Parenthood strategy before 2050 might be prudent. If the present family planning scheme is working, the growth rate would decline but it seems we are challenged in the application of family planning.

Since there are clinics across the country providing family planning, perhaps what is needed is a detailed orientation on the benefits of having the right affordable number of children.

On average, caring for a child from birth till he/she finishes university is roughly 20 million and An average family with a 1.2

Will Nigeria’s population overtake that of US in 2050 as projected by The Economist? million household income might be able to provide for one child but anything more would certainly be a struggle. The link with their bank balance in proportion to the number of children they can comfortably afford should be the yardstick in determining the number of children to have.

The need to have a specific sex of child causes many to continue having children even when they know they cannot afford it.

The parents of female children might keep trying for a boy thereby having more children than they originally set out to have. So also would the parents of male children.

Many unplanned pregnancies are the result of inadequate knowledge of family planning, and misconceptions. Myths such as contraception causes infertility, cancer, and fattens has made many weary of it.

Most men have left the responsibility of protecting against pregnancy to females.

They think it is acceptable to pressurise women into having sex without a condom using the phrase,� I do not like using condom- I like it natural�

Protecting against pregnancy is a joint responsibility and both parties have equal responsibilities because, in the long term,

contraceptives and family planning have been shown to improved quality of life, reduce poverty and hunger and avert 32 per cent of all maternal deaths and nearly 10 per cent of childhood deaths.

A joint international study by Imperial College Business School, The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) in conjunction with the East-West Centre in Hawaii, the University of California, Berkley and The National Transfers Accounts network (NTA) have found that, when public and private cost are taken into account, a moderately low birth rate can improve the overall standard of living.

Having fewer children benefits the country as well. With more people of working age comes more earning power, spending and tax contribution as was the case in South Korea when its fertility rate dropped from 5.4 children per woman to 2.9 between 1950 and 1975, contributing to its rapid rise thereafter.

Essentially, when people have a wellthought-out plan of having children, they tend to have fewer of them and are able to provide for them and help them thrive.

Family planning gives people control over when to have children thereby investing in their jobs and boosting their income and financial security. It reduces unwanted pregnancies and family sizes. Giving parents more one-on-one time with their children and more resources to invest in each child.

There are different types of birth control pills and choosing the right one could be daunting. It is advisable to speak with a health care professional who would provide you with adequate information and carry out tests to ensure your preferred method is suitable for you.

Inasmuch as many of us consider children to be a gift from God, they are also the result of sexual intercourse between a man and a woman and if sex should only be done with the intention of having children, then we are all sinners and hell will be densely populated.

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1 November, 2015

makeover

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

Homemade grooming products for men

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here are thousands of reports on beauty products that are a feature in the kitchen of many men but as it turns out, the men are not left behind as well. Homemade grooming products for men are not just safe, especially for skin and hair, but very affordable, compared to the artificial samples available in the market. Below are a few grooming essentials men would find in their kitchen, as A.J. James, men’s grooming blogger shares: Honey Honey is a great resource and can be a useful ally for your skin. It fights against white heads, acne, slows skin’s ageing, and helps clean out pores.

Honey is naturally an antibacterial and is full of antioxidants.

Once you cleanse your skin, apply it to the problem areas on your face or do a honey mask to unclog your pores. If you just want to work on your problem areas, cleanse your skin first and then apply the honey for about 10 minutes before rinsing your face with water. Remember to use warm water so your pores will be nice and open to get the full affect of the moisturiser.

Photo: www.alphaxymagazine.com

Brown Sugar Sugar is a great product to use if you want to exfoliate your skin.

Place some in a small bowl with some honey and apply it to your face; it’s simple, smells great, helps with cleaning out the pores, and moisturises the skin. The fine texture of the brown sugar won’t feel too rough on your face.

Raw Sugar That stash of raw sugar (a minimally processed form of cane sugar) in your cabinet can be used for more than sweetening your coffee. Similar to brown sugar, add the raw stuff to a small bowl with some essential oil of your choosing. Most people use coconut oil and that seems to be the fan favourite. Mix it together and you have a cool body scrub that can be used in the

shower. Your body will thank you afterwards because these simple scrubs, with the gritty texture from the sugar, will strip your body of dirt and dead skin while also moisturising your skin.

Tomatoes These little wonders can help slow the ageing process of your skin and fight any oncoming wrinkles. Aside from combating wrinkles, they also fight black heads, damaged skin areas and heal sunburn.

Using tomatoes are easy and can be cut into slices and applied to your face by rubbing directly into your skin. The juice from the tomatoes is full of vitamin C and E. Let the juice sink deep into your pores before rinsing your face. This will help heal your skin, give it a glow and get rid of

any dead skin laying on the surface. To help with sunburn, you can add some buttermilk to the tomato and apply it directly to the charred area. It should work as a cooling agent and take out some of the redness.

Bananas Because they’re chock-full of potassium and natural oils, bananas are also a great moisturiser for your hair, giving it a soft texture and adding strength. You can use bananas in your homemade scrubs or apply them to your hair right after you shampoo. Mash up the bananas and let it sit on your hair for about 20 minutes, but don’t forget to keep your hair covered with a plastic bag to lock in the moisture. Give your hair a good rinse, and then add your conditioner.

Tip

For bigger lashes, twist the mascara brush both sides during application.

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1 November, 2015

relationships

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

. . . issues, family, sex

Photo: www.passporthealthusa..com

Finding love

during a tour

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ove can happen anywhere, anytime and anyhow and it is best to be prepared to find it as it can happen in even the most unexpected of places. New month brings new beginnings and for singles who have plans to take a vacation journey, below are some tips to find love during the leisure tour.

Be open to meeting people It is important to have as many copies as possible of your complimentary card as one can never tell if Mr or Mrs Right might come along. Learn good conversation starters to increase your chances but take care when giving out information about yourself so that you don’t appear desperate or fall into the wrong hands.

Discard negative thoughts No matter what the previous experi-

Random Fact

ence has been, believe that true love can happen for you. Whether the previous relationship was abusive, regretful or just a plain waste of time, believe that trying again is the only way to ensure that you meet a great person. Be open to great experiences and do not get bogged down by the weight of meeting people. Like it is usually said, what will be will be. Travelling should be an enjoyable experience and make the most of it.

Find fun destinations The world is a wonderful place bursting with wonderful people. Before you embark on the trip, find out the much you can from friends and relatives about your destination and be sure to visit as many safe fun spots as possible. Attend special events and see as much as you can of the world, and you just might find your per-

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage —Lao Tzu

fect match along the way.

Use the ‘friends’ connection There are many reasons people keep friendships, one of which is meeting new people. Ask your friends to link you up with people they know at your destination. This is one way to ensure that you’re not dealing with total strangers and is also a way to meet new people as they will also introduce you to other new people. Also, bearing in mind your single status, your friends would definitely be looking out to link you up with singles like you.

Explore yourself Apart from meeting people through people, take time out on your own to look around. You are sure to meet new and very single people on your personal trip around town. Besides, there’s that chance that there are singles like you who are also taking time off to meet people too.

Set goals As you set about making interesting

meetings with people, set goals for yourself. Work with a mind list so that you know what you intend to achieve and to also keep yourself in check regarding going off limits.

Keep interesting materials handy What you have handy is one way for a person to determine just how interesting a conversation with you would be. It also helps to determine compatibility and is a way to ward off boring companionship.

Offer help Another interesting way to meet new people is to offer help in varying doses.

You may help lost people find their way, rescue someone’s baggage, make small talk while helping someone look after luggage, among other help you can offer. The important thing is not to dismiss people because you’re probably irritated from the journey or because you have lost something along the way. You never know when you may unknowingly dismiss your prospective significant other.

26

1 November, 2015

With Akintayo Abodunrin akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk 08111813058

A weekend with Kongi

T

“

RESPASSING vehicles will be shot and eaten” was the grim notice that welcomed us to Wole Soyinka’s residence in Abeokuta.

Set in a forest enclave at the far corner of Kemta Housing Estate, the massive leafy enclave reminded one of the legendary D. O. Fagunwa’s ‘Igbo Irunmole’ (A Forest of a thousand demons). However, instead of demons, what Bros Kongi had in his own forest was a brick walled villa tucked into a corner of an enchanting forest and accessed by a laterite road sandwiched by sky high trees and creepers above which birds flew and sang and through which a natural stream slowly flowed. So thick was the foliage that daylight visibility was a challenge.

On what necessitated the scary signboard, our guide, Yaya, who is one of the caretakers of the estate, explained that it came about when the workers, in a bid to fend off marauders had advised Prof. Soyinka to fence off the property and install a gate. However, the Nobel Laureate told his staff that he had a better idea on how to ward off potential intruders and so the scary sign board. On whether the trick had worked? Yaya replied, “Yes. It worked like magic. Once anybody including visitors see the sign, they will all stop at the entrance and shout to announce their arrival. Since they know that Oga is a hunter, they fear that he might also turn his gun on them.

Fortunately, Prof only shoots ‘aparo’ (partridge) and not human beings.”

I had come to Abeokuta on the invitation of The Wole Soyinka Foundation to the formal inauguration of ‘A Residential Fellowship for the Arts, Research and Creativity’.

Although the venue of the inauguration was the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, I had tagged along with Kunle Ajibade, one of Prof Soyinka’s close associates who had come ahead of the invitees to put finishing touches to the preparations.

Kunle and I were still a few metres from the entrance to Kongi’s residence when we saw the Nobel Laureate coming out of a building which turned out to be the residential annexe for the junior fellows. As always, I was immediately captivated by the aura and quiet dignity around this 81 year old savant. In spite of the years, he was in good health, his white fluffy mane wafting and glistening in the early morning sunshine. And although he appeared quiet and introspective, his brown quick eyes that danced with excitement gave him away as a man who has not only experienced life in all its ramifications, but has also endured in order to tell the tale.

On sighting me, Kongi said; “Hello Wale.

I saw your mail’’ as he quickly disposed of an unfinished business between the two of us. Greetings over, our host turned back to the bungalow as he took Kunle and I on a quick tour of the five bedroom bungalow which was richly decorated with artworks and paintings. From the spacious and well furnished main sitting room, we visited the comfortable looking bedrooms, one of which had been named after the legendary poet, Christopher Okigbo.

“Okigbo’s daughter, Obiageli who is one

Prof. Soyinka of our pioneer Senior Fellows has graciously agreed to unveil the plague to the room named after her father,” Prof said. He later introduced us to another pioneer Junior Fellow, Ifedolapo Akinola, who is a Port Harcourt based writer. In all, there were five bedrooms in the annexe for the Junior Fellows. According to Prof Soyinka, one of the highlights of the residency is for the Junior Fellows to be mentored by the Seniors who will be quartered in the main house.

Done with the annexe, Kunle and I joined Prof. in his black SUV for the short trip to the entrance to the forest enclave from where we disembarked. I was impressed by the vast forest which I was told is about 4.2 hectares in size. And as we walked, our host gave a running commentary of his empire made up of an enchanting greenery, immaculate manicured lawns and soothing flowers that yielded to the gentle wriggle of the rhythm of the early morning breeze.

Few minutes later, we came out of the forest and were greeted by a brick walled

sprawling and picturesque villa that was deliberately tucked into the far corner of the forest. It was a lovely house, enormous and quiet and romantically mysterious like the owner and designer. With its high ceilings, priceless artworks, mementoadorned walls and sparse but tasteful furniture it gave an aura of quite grandeur, the type you see only in the homes of the deep.

Expectedly, the house had many parts to it; an amphitheatre, an inner chamber for elders (Ibale Agba) with its own wine cellar, many sitting rooms as well as four large double bedrooms for the use of Senior Fellows.

Suddenly, Kongi turned to me and said; “Wale, this is where you will stay when you come for your own residency.” I quickly muttered my thanks for what I considered an open invitation. Kunle and I were later introduced to Kongi’s elder sister, Mrs Tinu Aina who had come visiting. It was obvious that she is still the dotting elder sister as she passed some snacks to Kongi for

onward transmission to another younger brother, Prof. Femi Soyinka, Emeritus Professor of medicine and my former teacher in Medical School.

As we continued the inspection, our host reminded us that the whole house gets its power supply from solar energy which runs the house for 24 hours. He also let us into the objectives of the residency. As he put it, “the main idea is to bring writers, artistes, scholars, researchers and other creative thinkers together in an optimally conducive environment for reflection and creativity, by providing them a serene retreat in which to pursue their projects.”

It was soon time to go for the inauguration ceremony at the Cultural Centre in the town. That was when Kongi reminded Kunle of his role as one of the readers at the event. And when Kunle told him that he would be reading from Soyinka’s ‘Ake’, Kongi responded, “I was looking forward to your reading from your book ‘Jailed For Life’. It will be nice to hear a former prisoner recounting his experience.” And as we all laughed at the joke, Kunle riposted, “but sir, you were there before me.”

“I was never jailed, just put in a long drawn detention whereas in your case, you were a condemned prisoner,” was Kongi’s response amidst another bout of laughter.

As Kunle and I made our way to board our car for the trip to the Cultural Centre, we saw a familiar figure behind the wheel of a black Land Rover parked in front of the annexe. It was the former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, who had obviously driven himself all the way from Lagos. Not showing any sign of having just gone through the rigours of a ministerial screening, Amaechi still looked fresh and in high spirits. Also at the residence was Christopher Okigbo’s daughter, Obiageli, who had come to unveil a room named in her father’s honour as well as being a pioneer Senior Fellow at the residency.

Back in Abeokuta, we were welcomed to the Cultural Centre, Kuto by a platoon of Pyrates Confraternity members in their traditional black, red and white outfits as they sang and danced to the delight of visitors. This was in addition to another column of traditional dancers at the entrance to the main hall. It soon became obvious that Amaechi and this writer were not the only politicians taking the weekend off from politics as former Governors Kayode Fayemi, Donald Duke as well as Governors Ibikunle Amosun and Adams Oshiomole soon made their appearances. In his welcome address as the chief host, Governor Amosun poked fun at Amaechi as he reminded him that even though he had been screened by the Senate, he was yet to be confirmed like Fayemi and as such, he should brace up.

Apart from politicians, students, pyrates, former prisoners and detainees, the literati including Francesca Emanuel, Promise Okekwe, Kole Omotoso, Odia Ofeimun, Remi Raji, Igoni Barrett, Dapo Adeniyi, Jumoke Verissimo and Akeem Lasisi among others were all there to support their own.

Continues p27

27 arts&culture

1 November, 2015

A scene from ‘Fire Storm’ . Photo: Soibifaa Dokubo

Performances for unity, development

A

minimum of 40 works including paintings, sculptures, installations and mixed media will be on display during the exhibition. The quartet of Tayo Olayode, Kehinde Oso, Sanusi Abdullahi and Bede Umeh, all members of Iponri Arts Studios and colleagues who share their visions, Bimbo Adenugba, Uchay Joel Chima, Bolaji Ogunwo and Gerald Chukwuma are participating in the show.

Speaking at a meeting with journalists ahead of the show which opens this Thursday with renowned arts patron, Mr. Sammy Olagbaju, as chair, coordinator of the show, Olayode explained its objectives. He said the artists intend to make profound artistic statements with works to be shown and that each of them will exhibit at least six works.

On why the show is happening in Abuja though all the artists are based in Lagos, Olayode said, “We are all artists with big canvases and installations and Thought Pyramid in Abuja is the only gallery that can accommodate us in Nigeria; it also meets international standards. In fact, we are partnering with Thought Pyramid for the show.”

He added that the Alliance plans exhibitions in the US and Dubai next year and that the title was chosen because October is Nigeria’s Independence anniversary month.

On why he is showing with the Iponri Artists, Chukwuma who had worked with Olayode in the past and saw their exhibition, ‘Beyond Boundaries’ in Ghana in 2012 said he shares the ideas of the Iponri Artists.

For Adenugba, who participated in the 2012 exhibition in Ghana, the forthcoming show is another opportunity to synergise with artists of like minds. “The synergy is an encouragement for me and besides, this show is about aesthetics; the beauty of these everlasting works we will be showcasing,” he said.

On what’s been happening to the Iponri Artists, Umeh said they have all been busy and being that they last showed as a group in 2012, “it is proper to make noise this time

around with our significant works.”

Speaking on their expectations from the exhibition happening in Abuja, Umeh and Olayode said they expect a good show.

Umeh said, “We had a good show the first time and the patronage was ok but it’s not just about the sales, it’s about the statement we want to make. We want people to come

and see something different; we want people to see what we have been doing and we intend to make them marvel.”

For Olayode, “It’s a balance between the two; I mean commercial and expressing ourselves. When people see what you can do, they start chasing you with money. We want to bring out new styles that people will adore.”

Given their pedigree, art lovers in the FCT are set for a good time with members of the Iponri Alliance, all talented artists. The Auchi Polytechnic trained Abdullahi, for instance, is a resourceful teacher and sculptor with fascinating works who has participated in several group exhibitions within and outside Nigeria. The same applies to Chukwuma, a first class Art graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who started out as a painter but has successfully transformed into a mixed media relief sculptor and contemporary furniture designer.

Painter and portraitist, Ogunwo, was among the eight eminent Nigerian artists who participated in the ‘Living Legend’ show alongside Bruce Onobrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo, Olu Ajayi and others in 2014.

Chima has exhibited in prominent galleries and Museums in Nigeria, South Africa, Canada, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. His works are featured at international auction houses including Bonhams, Arthouse Contemporary and Lagos Art Auction.

Painter and sculptor, Oso has also featured in several Nigerian and international exhibitions as has Olayode, President, Water Colour League and founder of the Iponri Arts Studios. It’s the same with Yaba College of Technology trained Umeh who worked as an illustrator before retiring into fulltime studio practice. The last artist, Adenugba, was also trained at YABATECH and has been a full time artist since the mid 90s.

A weekend with Kongi

The bedroom for junior fellows at the residency continued from pg26

It was a long but fascinating inauguration featuring speeches, poetry recitations, readings, a film screening as well a performance of an excerpt from Soyinka’s ‘Alapata Apata’ by Tunde Awosanmi before Governor Oshiomole did the informal presentation of Kongi’s latest book, ‘The Republic Of Liars’.

In his closing remarks, Prof Soyinka expressed his happiness at the fact that many writers residencies were coming up in the country around the same time. These are Wale Okediran’s Ebedi Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State, Femi Osofisan’s Residency in

The kitchen at Prof Soyinka’s residency Ibadan as well as J P Clark’s Residency in Kiagbodo, Delta State.

And as I came to the end of the refreshing weekend with one of the greatest living writers in the world, I counted myself lucky of such a worthy company. In the past, some of my literary weekends spent with the likes of Anton Chekhov, Kwame Nkrumah and Winston Churchill among others had been done post humously through their books. As a recorder of men and events, I consider spending another literary weekend with a living legend a rare honour.

The sun was still up when I finally took my leave of this remarkable and

respected writer. And as my taxi drove out of the Cultural Centre, Kuto, in the Saturday sunshine, I looked back to see him standing, talking, gesticulating in his trade mark fashion. He stood there in the warm glows of the daylight, slim, ramrod straight, his white fluffy mane shining in the sun like a famous statue with all the aura of a man who has lived to tell his tale.

Okediran, a medical doctor, is a former National President, Association of Nigerian Authors and former member, House Of Representatives, Abuja. He founded the Ebedi International Writers Residency, Iseyin, Oyo State in 2010.

28

Sunday Tribune

Sunday Tribune

1 November, 2015

glamour

29

With Tayo Gesinde temiligali03@yahoo.com 0805 472 7801

With Tayo Gesinde

T

How I discovered acting here have been several comments from my friends that I am a very funny and playful person, but then I didn’t see the need to take that serious until my friend, Azeez Ijaduade, who is an actor, came around to inform me about his upcoming movie and during the conversation, I told myself that I can fit into the narrated story. I never hesitated to claim it; I summoned the courage and made it clear that it was my time to unleash. This whole thing happened around April this year and I am glad that the experience has been awesome since I ventured into the industry. In fact, it was as if I have been in the game for a very long time, though it could be stressful sometimes.

Why I also ventured into makeups and bead making I do other things at my leisure; it is like an addition. In fact, if need be, I do my make-up myself on set and rock my bead designs; I am enjoying this all the way. I don’t see it as a tedious job. It is what I have derived pleasure in.

How I have been able to carve a niche, especially among the female actors.

I see myself as a flexible person in the sense that I could play a very classy role and still switch to a perfect local girl and then I speak Hausa very well. I think that’s like a plus to my Yoruba and English languages. I can do a little of Igbo too and I am also learning French at the moment. I am enjoying myself. I have featured in four movies and I played a sub-lead in one of the movies I have fea-

tured.

What brought me to the West I was born in the North. This is where I have a clear understanding of the Hausa Language. My mum moved over because of her work, so, I had to join her. I was much younger then, so, I don’t remember much, but I miss the days of ice falling during the rainy season in Jos. It was like a smaller version of London, it was peaceful until riot and all started. I am a Yoruba girl so, West is home and home is fun and comfortable.

How I intend to have my way in the industry I know with God anything is possible, I am not rushing. I see a brighter and better time ahead of me. God’s grace is sufficient for me and I am doing my best to purse my career successfully.

On whether the fear of unemployment forced me into acting It is true that we have serious issues of unemployment in Nigeria, but that is not a reason in my case. I could easily establish properly in my make-up and beads, but somehow I find myself loving acting.

My stage name My name is coined out from the popular saying of Ashabi sha dollar. I am an up-and-coming screen diva in the industry, a makeup artiste and a bead maker, so it is a prospective avenue for me. The name had always been my nick name from way back, before I thought about the industry or any business and I know I will be counting my blessings very soon.

Why I’m crazy about

anklet

—Yetunde Alabi

Fast-rising actress, Alabi Yetunde Mary, popularly known as Asabi, is leaving no stone unturned to have headway in the Yoruba Speaking Movie industry following her enthusiasm to showcase her talent among her peers. The 5’8 tall Osun State-born is also a make-up artiste and a bead maker.

In this interaction with SEYI SOKOYA, Asabi speaks on why she ventured into music and her fashion preferences.

Excerpts:

My parents’ reaction when they discovered my love for acting My mum didn’t really want it. She is a nurse and she would have loved a book related thing. But my family and friends are super excited about it.

How I intend to handle the good and bad sides of Nollywood I am yet to see the bad. The experience has been fair enough all along and I think every occupation also have the two sides; same as life. So, in case it comes, I’ll pass in Jesus name. It’s not as if I am not worried, but I have not had any bad experience whatsoever.

Assessment of the industry I am positive about the industry. I believe it is wide enough for me to carve a niche for myself regardless of the competition. I have met a couple of very wonderful regular artiste in the industry and they have been really supportive On whether I would take a nude role Nude? No way. I can’t, maybe if I was a white girl I would, but as for my belief and tradition, it’s a taboo. I am a Christian and a very cultured Yoruba girl. Though I wear short dresses when I need to, but as for going nude it’s a no.

Anything that has to do with me going nude, I will not go for it irrespective of what is involved. I will do perfectly well in other roles. I love to play role such as wife or lady, daughter, villager among others.

Take on provocative dressing Let me start with what provocative dressing means. It is an act of dressing that causes sexual feelings, and it goes along with the act, which I see as very wrong. I see no reason why I should or anyone should dress like that, I’d rather dress smartly. We now live in a free world where what is provocative to me might not be provocative to another person. But I believe in the saying “you’re addressed the way you’re dressed”. On the other hand, our opinion differs.

Definition of style Style to me is being classy and how I express my totality as a woman, in my way of dressing, how I express myself and my way of relating with people.

Nude? No way. I can’t, maybe if I was a white girl I would, but as for my belief and tradition it’s a taboo.

Self description God fearing, down to earth, honest, loving and loveable.

Choice of accessories I like it simple, especially beads, chains and neck. They make pleasing statements and very simple on me.

Beauty regimen I am a very simple and natural person, I simply wash my face, cleanse, apply a little moisturiser and sometimes wear make-up. Other times, I prefer to be off and stay natural.

Role models I respect and follow the likes of Julia Roberts, Lupita Nyong ‘O, Nse Ekpe etim, Genevieve Nnaji, Funke Akindele, Toyin Aimakhu, Iyabo ojo with keen attention. They are really doing well and taking the industry with a storm.

Most expensive fashion item in my wardrobe My gold chain. Please, I would not want to disclose what it is worth on the pages of newspaper.

Fashion item I cannot do without That has to do with my anklet; in fact, I wear it to bed sometimes. I am just very comfortable with it.

I am not aware using a leg chain comes with a stigma, as I said earlier, our fashion life style differs, but I think it’s lame for anyone to judge on little things like that.

In my own terms, it doesn’t have a negative effect.

Cosmetic surgery and toning It has to do with choice. It is not applicable to me. I am happy the way I am.

Maintenance of my body is most important and that’s all.

Favourite colour No, I don’t have any preferred colour.

I go for whatever suits me, especially dark colours. This is because bright colours are usually too attractive and I am a simple and easy going person.

Favourite perfume They are Elizabeth Arden, Givenchy, Calvin Klein.

how I want to be. It’s a no to tattoos.

Where I intend to be in the next five years I see my name on the wall of fame. I see the name Ashabi as a household name.

I want to be one of the most celebrated celebs in Africa.

Favourite designers Christian Louboutin and Valentino among many others.

On whether I am into relationship I am single and the choice of my man should be God-fearing, good looking and caring.

Fashion item cannot be caught dead wearing I can never be caught wearing tattoos.

It may be strange. I am me and I decide

How I handle my male admirers I appreciate them and also God has blessed me with divine wisdom to handle them with care.

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aspire

1 November, 2015

BY OLAIDE SOKOYA 0807 449 7425 (sms only)

ollydesanmi@yahoo.com

Overcoming first year challenges in business the organization values.

For new companies, hiring values-compatible people is critically important as those first few hires will significantly shape the company culture (for better or worse). Settling on someone who may have the skillset, but whose values and personality aren’t aligned with the vision you have for your company, could inhibit your ability to establish the sort of environment you hope to create. Your first few hires will meaningfully impact how your company’s culture takes shape, so hire wisely.

Raising brand awareness People need to know your product or service exists before they can consider making a purchase. For startups, raising brand awareness and establishing a degree of credibility can seem like a big challenge. Develop brand awareness by approaching it in ways that align with your mission, strategy, and resources at hand.

Fortunately for today’s startups, it is easier than ever to quickly establish an online presence. Your challenge is to grow that presence and make your company stand out from the crowd.

W

hether you operate in the education, automotive, energy, or food industry, your startup will likely face the same central issues as other fledgling companies. There is no denying that the first year of business can be difficult. There are four problems your young company might encounter, as well as some practical advice on how to address them: Remaining true to your mission and vision Strategies and tactics change but your mission can serve as a driving force behind what you are trying to accomplish. You may have 20 different strategies in motion, but they all need to be consistent with that mission and vision.

If you vary greatly from the core focus of the company, you risk chasing every opportunity that comes your way and failing to build a cohesive, unified, and meaningful series of products and services.

Google is a perfect example of a company with dozens of different business lines. Though they can seem unrelated on the surface, each business serves to help Google organize the world’s data and make it more accessible – its mission as a company. That mission will dictate which strategies and business lines make sense and which don’t.

That level of focus can ultimately determine the core competencies you develop and how successful you are as a company.

Establishing a company culture Try to establish your ideal business culture as early as possible. This culture starts with the organization’s leaders and permeates to your entire team. Your corporate culture sets the tone for what behavior is appropriate and what is not. It guides how you approach operational problems, and it ultimately has a large impact on your company’s ability to recruit, retain, and develop your staff. Do you want a company full of people who work hard, are analytical, and solve problems on their own? Lead by example and specifically alert all team members to your expectations as well as why the attributes that your organization values are important. If you tell your team that you have an entrepreneurial culture where self-starters are rewarded, that behavior is much more likely to follow than it would be if you had never discussed those key attributes and subsequently left new hires unaware of what sort of behavior

Managing cash flow Develop cash flow projections for three months, six months, and one year. In your projections, do scenario simulations and set thresholds for worst case and best case outcomes. Revisit your projections as the year progresses to compare it to your budget. As you experience increases and decreases in the actual cash flow, compared to your projections, adjust your strategy as needed.

Startups often have to exercise fiscal discipline as they attempt to grow their products, services, and client pool.

There can be many opportunities that present themselves, all seemingly offering the ability to quickly grow your company and increase profits. Take the time to analyze which strategies make sense for the vision you have laid out for your company. Avoid throwing resources at any and every marketing service, technology tool, or new business idea.

Most marketing endeavors won’t be profitable, so focus only on the most promising options. Once you have your mission and business strategies in place, prioritize investing your resources. Chasing the latest services, tools, and products for your business simply because they are popular at the moment is not the prudent financial management your business needs in order to achieve its objectives.

If the day-to-day operations of your business quickly become overwhelming, remember that other CEOs have traversed this same path. Seek their suggestions, and adapt their advice to your company to help it grow and flourish through its first years.

Culled from www.forbes.com

Revisit your projections as the year progresses to compare it to your budget. As you experience increases and decreases in the actual cash flow, compared to your projections, adjust your strategy as needed.

Your Life Counts

Sunday Tribune

by Tunde Jaiyebo 0803 406 2013

Leadership and vision clarity (I) If life will be meaningful it must be lived with a high sense of clarity and precision. This does not just happen; it has to be consciously worked on. You cannot be effective in life if you live an aimless life. For any journey to be successful it presupposes that the destination must be clear. Nobody will follow a man who does not know where he is going.

For a leader clarity is of utmost importance. The leader must have a clear vision of where he wants to get to.

Every effective leader must be a visionary. He must be a carrier of a vision.

“The very first task of leadership is to set the vision for the organization. If you don’t set the vision, you’re not the leader.” Rick Warren The leader is a man who sees the future even though he lives in today. He has a picture of the future where he is leading his organization to.

“Vision is the ability to talk about the future with such clarity it is as if we are talking about the past.” Simon Sinek You cannot be a leader without vision, it is the vision you have that will determine where you are leading your team and the organization to. A leader who is uncertain or unclear about his vision sets himself up for failure in leadership.

“The best businesses I’ve worked with are so beautifully clear on where they’re going and what their brand stands for and the type of people they want to populate their place. The most successful people know exactly what success means to them and what their mountains look like. And each day, step by step, they steadily near that once-far destination.” Robin Sharma Vision must be clear for leadership to operate successfully. Vision is what clarifies what exactly the leader is out to achieve. It is with the aid of vision that a leader can successfully chart the course and influence his followers to accomplish set goals, aims and objectives.

Lack of a clear vision will be evident by inconsistency in policy, lack of defined direction, compromise and abandoned projects. To the leader who has no clear vision every road will look like the right road.

A leader must have a clearly defined vision and a well laid out mission. Vision and mission are not the same although, they are both individual ingredients of what will make for effective leadership.

Vision deals with destination while mission deals with path to be taken to arrive at the destination. The questions answered by each component differ: Vision answers the question “why” while mission answers the question “what”. Vision answers the question “where” while mission “how”. Vision points to the future, mission points to the present. Vision inspires, while mission informs. Vision inspires sight while mission leads to action.

A leader will not be able to attract and retain quality people if he does not have a clearly articulated vision.

People will only follow someone when they know where he is heading to. A clear vision is foundation to build any structure; hence without a clear vision whatever the leader builds risks collapsing. When a leader has clarity of vision and he effectively communicates the same and thus, creates singleness of purpose and confidence in the organization he is leading.

A leader must not just have a vision but must also bring clarity to the vision. A clearly defined and articulated vision is the reference point by which people become motivated to get involved with the leader.

(To be continued) For enquiries/comments please send email to urlifecounts@yahoo.com

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1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

thepolity Ministerial screening: How Saraki saved the day for Buhari, APC Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA examines the underlying politics of the ministerial screening and the endless intrigues in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senator Bukola Saraki, Senate President

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HE Senate, on Thursday, completed the screening and confirmation of ministers of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. And the screening and confirmation did not come without the usual drama, plots and counterplots.

The screening that came on the heels of the state of unease heaped on Senate President Bukola Saraki was expected to give the Senate helmsman a bargaining chip, and offer him the opportunity to hit back at the Presidency.

First, the Presidency under Buhari has not hidden its dislike for Saraki since his emergence on June 9, 2015.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) had objected strongly to Saraki contesting the position and also adopted Senator Ahmad Lawan as its preferred candidate. But Saraki shocked the party and the Presidency by emerging the Senate President against their desire. That development necessitated a cat and mouse relationship between Saraki and the Buhari Presidency since June. It also informed the decision of the president to stop Saraki from entering the Presidential Villa until October 1, 2015, when by official protocol; the Senate President had to attend the independence anniversary celebrations.

Besides that, the Senate President’s wife had been invited to the Headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), while the Senate President himself has had a suit slammed on him by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over alleged faulty asset declarations.

With that at the background, the ministerial list arrived at the Senate in two batches on September 30 and October 6. All eyes were on Saraki to “retaliate” the perceived excesses of his party and the Presidency, which had shut him out of the power equation all along. In that wise, many people had expected that the ministerial screen-

President Muhammadu Buhari

Rotimi Amaechi

ing will be a face-off between Buhari and Saraki. They thought Saraki would use the opportunity to settle scores with the president and the APC chieftains who were believed to be behind his travails at the CCT. Though Saraki assured all that the screening process would be fair and just, not many believed he would live to those words.

Besides, a lot many others believed that Saraki’s group, the Like Minds Senators and the group loyal to the APC, Senate Unity Forum (SUF) would utilise the screening session as a theatre of war and further showcase their supremacy battle, which came to the fore in the fight for the senate president’s seat ahead of June 9. One other prejudice that ruled the air ahead of the screening was the belief that the ministerial screening would not be different from what obtained in the past, when many nominees were needlessly treated to the ‘bow and go’ culture.

Sources in the Senate said that to lay a solid platform for the screening exercise, Saraki not only assured stakeholders that the Senate would up the ante in making the ministers demonstrate their knowledge of the problems confronting the country, he was also said to have emphasised the need to sustain the Constitution, standing rules of the senate and the conventions in the screening.

He was also said to have embarked on wide consultations among stakeholders to get an aggregate of opinion on how the Senators wanted the exercise conducted. That was aside reviewing the recordings of past screening sessions in the senate.

From the initial nervousness noticed in some senators on the first day, the exercise went on a stable note from the second day, with the screening bringing in the best of the intellectual capabilities of some senators and the nominees. Many of the Senators were believed to have lived up to the words of the senate president through the quality of questions and the seriousness devoted to the

exercise.

The testy situation for Saraki was the saga of the former governor of Rivers State, Chie Rotimi Amaechi. The former governor immediately got into the eye of the storm immediately his name was sighted on the list of ministers.

Political actors in his home state, Rivers took offence and did everything to stop his confirmation. A petition had landed in the senate alleging financial impropriety against the former governor, while the report of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry as well as a White Paper adopted from the report, which all indicted the former governor landed in the senate. Senator George Thompson Sekibo, who delivered the petitions, said that the senate needed to thrash out a huge moral burden that revolves around the screening of the former Governor.

To be or not to be? That was the question for Saraki.

He was sandwiched between the devil and the deep blue sea. His main backers and supporters are in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is behind the Amaechi petition. His party, the APC wanted Amaechi screened and confirmed. It was a huge burden that the man must discharge or get consumed by it. However, Saraki appeared to navigate the waters after some two week delay and come out as a hero for the APC, while sustaining some not too fatal bruises from the PDP side.

In many instances, he was seen as handling the screening in a matured way, but asking the right questions and interjecting at intervals when some senators appeared to veer off the line. But he largely gave Senators the opportunity to ask questions and at instances where he needed to intervene to protect the nominees he did so.

It was a tug of war for Saraki and he could only ditch his friends and allies in the PDP if he would pull through the Continues

pg 34

32

sundayinterview

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Buhari’s govt should give us a roadmap —Adebanjo Chief Ayo Adebanjo speaks with OLAKUNLE TAIWO on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari; the secession threat by pro-Biafra groups and other issues. Excerpts:

Chief Ayo Adebanjo

T

HE Rivers State Election Tribunal upturned the election of Governor Nyesom Wike and declared a re-run of the governorship election within 90 days. What is your reaction?

The law should take its cause, but our judiciary is performing very well and I think they will not fail us this time. I reserve my comment until after the Court of Appeal judgment, because as a lawyer, I can’t criticise the judgment without knowing the grounds and since they have appealed, any defect in the judgment will be rectified in court.

How do you see the ministerial nomination process so far?

I have already said that it is too late. There is no candidate there that is strange to us so it shouldn’t have taken four or five months to arrive at the list and that is very clear. Some of them are quite very good, some are contemporaries and all that, but President Muhammadu Buhari shouldn’t have wasted so much time, causing economic intermission, because there is no cabinet. And after wasting so much time, what we see are normal people, colleagues and his party men.

But there are insinuations that a plot is afoot to totally sack the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as only PDP states are being affected by tribunal judgments, which favoured the All Progressives Congress (APC). Can it be true that the APC is influencing the judgments?

No. If they do that, they will be interfering in the affairs of the judiciary, which if I were to be in President Muhammadu Buhari’s shoes, I cannot do.

What are your expectations from the new ministers?

As at today, I still say the ministers were late in being appointed, even so, there is no direction from the president as to what policy they are going to execute. There is no roadmap of what this government wants to do. We are only hearing about change! change! change! And even in the quest of wiping out corruption, in what way does he plan to wipe it out? Is he just prosecuting those he feels

are corrupt now? What programmes does he want to put in place to completely wipe it out so that there will be no chance for anybody to loot our treasury? We are looking forward to such programmes. On education, what are his programmes to revitalise the educational policies? On health, what is the programme? That is what I am used to. It is high time he spelt out all these things so that the moment the ministers are now appointed, they stand on the programmes administrated by the president.

What other thing do you expect that Buhari has not done so far?

There is no policy and it appears we have a one-man government, which we are opposed to. We used to have one-man government all along as head of state, but it is an elected government now. But the president, as at now, should be able to give us policies as a whole on what should be done on education, health, among others. That is what we are used to during the time of Pa Awolowo. It was not when Pa Awolowo won the election that he said Continued from

pg 33

33

sundayinterview

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘Insecurity remains topical in his agenda’ Honourable Adeleke Apapa was the Special Assistant to the Governor of Oyo State on Security Matters. He speaks with MOSES ALAO, on security and national development since the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari, among other issues.

H

OW can you rate the spate of insecurity in Nigeria since the inception of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration?

The perspective to insecurity in Nigeria is multi-faceted. It ranges from basic crimes such as theft and larceny to more serious concerns such as kidnapping and lynching, among others. However, the most common of all and peculiar to the interest of all Nigerians home and abroad, is the prevalence of the terrorist sect, Boko Haram.

Generally-speaking, the attitude towards crime across the nation is changing. People, either in government or otherwise, are beginning to respond to the typified charisma of the president as a nononsense figure. That is the kind of leadership that we need. The personality of the president speaks for him already in terms of crime prevention. In addition to that, the Nigerian Police Force is also unrelenting in ensuring peace and stability. But I admit that there are still gaps to be filled.

Nonetheless, the issue of insecurity is one of the core agenda of the APC-led administration. Although crime and criminal activities still abound; Nigerians can attest to the efforts of the presidency towards providing a crime-free environment that stimulates much-need development in our country.

But Nigerians are still ruing the frequent suicide bomb attacks orchestrated by the sect. How can you say that the administration has improved on security with these mindless killings of innocent Nigerians?

The most difficult battles to win are guerilla warfare and insurgencies. In this case, your enemies know you but it is difficult for you to get a complete perception of your enemies. This is the little advantage that Boko Haram is still using in carrying out their diminishing attacks. The fact is that the Nigerian military has drastically suppressed the sect. The question here is about difference. Just recently, close to

You were part of Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s cabinet in his first term in office, how was your experience like working with the governor as a member of his security train?

One important point to note on my experience working with the past administration is that the governor, Senator Ajimobi, is a very hardworking individual who is dedicated to bringing peace and security to Oyo State. Without these, no meaningful development can be achieved.

In fact, many leaders in the past hid their failures by deliberately creating chaos as diversion. That is not this time round. As the chief security officer of the state, the governor did not take chances with insecurity. He was always on top of security matters towards ensuring the safety of both citizens and residents of Oyo State.

Since we share in his vision, working with him was highly motivating and the end result was productive. I am glad that the objectives of this vision were realised.

Honourable Adeleke Apapa

400 captives were rescued by the Task Force Brigade and about 30 Boko Haram insurgents were killed. What do we make of that? These are positive results that must be acknowledged.

There are contentions on the December 2015 deadline given by the Presidency to defeat the terrorists, with a former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon faulting that deadline. Can you really see Nigeria becoming free from Boko Haram by December, given what you said about guerilla warfare?

Personally, the most important result is that the Nigerian army is winning the battles. It only remains for them to win the war and that is very much imminent.

The way I interpret the December dead-

line is that the presidency has set a deadline publicly and is working assiduously towards achieving that. That, as far as I am concerned, is vision, commitment and an act of responsibility. Let’s wait and see what happens but I do hope that Nigerians will focus more on the result achieved then.

Right now, the total annihilation of the sect is not based on direct attacks by the able Nigerian army. It is more of intelligence gathering. The much-needed technology to achieve this feat has already being deployed. I am, therefore, positive that deliverance is very much at hand. Nigerians must be positive on victory and resolute in their support of the presidency. We must not give too much attention to the feeble actions of the dying sect.

But the opposition is already attacking the governor for running an inactive government in his second term. Is the governor joining the bandwagon of governors who do not perform well in their second term?

Of course not. The pace of this administration is not slow and careful planning must not be mistaken for incompetence.

Any productive government must evaluate past achievements and plan well towards the future. This present administration is moving towards Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in which the private sector will also be actively involved in the development of the state. The governor is creating an enabling environment for investors to come in. Like never before, we have seen more foreign investors’ interest in Oyo State. This is an avenue that would bring fast and rapid development.

The governor is not slow; he believes in fruitful planning and one of his cardinal objectives is to leave a lasting legacy and a record that is second to none in Oyo State.

‘We are anxious’ Continued from

pg 32

he was going to do free education; that was announced before he won the election, it was ready before. So, by the time they were elected in 1952, every minister swung into action and the question of free primary education was duly executed. Now, what is the roadmap we are looking forward to? It is not there. So, those of us who are anxious for him to succeed are anxious for him to start afresh. The campaign period is gone; we now want action, and the earlier the better.

A pro-Biafran group led by Mr Nnamdi Kanu, threatened secession from Nigeria. Given that it has been a long struggle, how would you describe the whole scenario?

There is nothing about separation in the country now and what the president should take note of concerning Biafra and certain issues is because of certain effects.

What has been keeping us together up till today? That is why we have been calling for the restructuring of the country and the implementation of the recommendations of the CONFAB reports. If that is done, it will end

the question of separation and all that. It is too late for anybody to talk of separation now, what we need to do is to work on how to consolidate our unity and the only way to do that is what we have been clamouring for—restructuring of the country through the recommendation of the Confab reports.

Do you see the anti-corruption war as being selective?

So far, yes. Some people say it is too early, some say it is in one section, but I want him to take note of that. We want him to react to the criticisms, because it will help the nation.

As a Yoruba leader, do you feel comfortable with various appointments so far?

I am a critic of this government but I want to say it may be too early to spell all out. I am already criticising what he has done and what he has not done in time. There is no doubt that appointments are late and key appointments are in favour of the North. Well, let’s see how we can rectify it in other places. But I am sure politicians and parties from the South-West will not say this is what they bargained for, but whatever it is, they must face the best of what they have done. I hope the president will take note of the criticisms we are making so that we can proceed. We can’t afford to waste another four years just criticising, he should take note of these criticisms and move us forward.

What is your take on the promise by military authorities that the Boko Haram insurgency will end by December?

Well, that is the wish of the president and that is our wish too. We pray that it should end by that time, because that is when we can have peace. Anything that will make it end at that time is what I pray for.

Is the Afenifere satisfied with the appointment of the new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) boss?

Well, we have no record of anything against him. But what people are saying is that this is the first time a president takes an INEC boss from his own area. Whatever that may mean, we should wait and see.

34

opinion

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Will APC’s newfound unity in Senate last?

Continued from

pg 31

confirmation of Amaechi. The Senate had dissolved into a closed session after the screening and confirmation of the Chairman and National Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A two-hour closed session, however, failed to break the dice as fireworks resumed at the open session afterwards.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Samuel Anyanwu was immediately called upon to present the report of his committee, which investigated the petition against Amaechi.

Senator Anyanwu, in his report, noted that his committee received a petition from Mr. Liningstone Wechie, which alleged that Amaechi had allegations of financial impropriety hanging on his neck. The petition asked the Senate not to screen Amaechi as a ministerial nominee.

The Committee observed that since the matter surrounding the petition against Amaechi was a subject of litigation in a competent court of law, and since the Senate could not work contrary to its own rules (Order 41(7), it (the senate) is constrained on taking any further action on the matter.

The Committee, therefore, recommended that “since the ministerial nominee (Amaechi) had gone to the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, to challenge the content of the petition and the white paper of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, the Senate is unable to recommend the consideration of his confirmation.”

The recommendation, however, divided the Senators, leading to a rowdy session on the Senate floor.

Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, who kickstarted the drama that characterised the confirmation process was the first to take the floor after Anyanwu had presented his report.

Ndume said that the Senate should proceed with the confirmation of Amaechi, since the Anyanwu Committee had confirmed that the matter was pending in court.

His submission led to a protest by the Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who refused to second the position of the Majority Leader. Akpabio raised a counter motion, saying that the Senate should debate the report.

He raised Order 43 of Senate standing rule to explain that the PDP Caucus had earlier declared that it will not contribute to questioning Amaechi; its position had changed since the Committee’s report has been laid.

According to him, Ndume was attempting to mislead the Senate against debating the report. He insisted that though his colleagues in the PDP had resolved not to question the nominee, the report should be debated now.

Senator Babajide Omoworare, however, took the floor and attempted to turn the argument against Akpabio. He said that part of the Senate Standing Rules upon which the Committee relied on to arrive at its recommendation was obsolete and irrelevant. He was shouted down as the chamber became rowdy.

His argument was also countered by Senator Joshua Lidani, a member of the PDP from Gombe State, who stated that the section of the Senate Rule relied upon by the Ethics Committee was still in force. Lidani added that the position of the Senate Committee not to have anything to do with Amaechi was in line with sections of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the Senate to regulate its own procedures.

Senator Sekibo (PDP, Rivers State), who presented the petitions against Amaechi told the Senate that confirming the nominee had implications for the image of the chamber. He said: “We represent our people and the Nigerian people we represent are the majority. The majority is not APC, the majority is Nigerian people. The true judges are Nigerian people. So, we must respect the Nigerian people. In the report that was laid, there was weighty allegation on corruption and sales of government assets, mismanagement of funds and above all, a standing issue on petitions.

“And you are magnanimous enough to refer the matter to the Ethics and Privilege Committee. There is no way a Senator can amend the committee’s report because it is not a motion.”

Amidst protests and a rowdy session, Deputy Senate Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi, took the floor and declared that it was obvious that the minority would

Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senate Minority Leader

have their say and majority would have their way. She said that it was obvious that the APC senators were bent on committing illegality by confirming Amaechi despite the allegations against him, adding that it was shocking that the government of the APC, which rode to power on the crest of anti-corruption, was condoning allegations of corruption through the move to confirm Amaechi.

Olujimi further stated that it was obvious that PDP Senators were being shut out, adding that in a democracy, the majority will always have their ways, noting however, that there was a moral burden on the APC government and the Senate if it confirmed the nomination.

She said: “There is a moral burden on President Buhari. Although majority will always have their ways but Nigerians will know that this government is not willing to fight corruption but will condone it all the way.”

Olujimi insisted that the normal thing was for the Senate to allow the court to decide on the matter and probably absorb the nominee before he is confirmed.

Following their failure to persuade their APC colleagues to consider the Ethics Committee report, the PDP Senators decided to walk out of the chamber, leaving their APC colleagues to continue with the confirmation process. Thereafter the APC Senators in the chamber confirmed Amaechi and adjourned the session.

The PDP Senators later converged at the Senate Hearing Room 1 of the White House, where they addressed the media on the development on the senate floor.

Senator Akpabio, who addressed newsmen, said that the PDP lawmakers insisted that the Ethics Committee be upheld because the matter was in court. He said that there were series of court cases instituted on the matter,

The Senate President, perhaps, in a determined bid to see that Buhari’s nominees go through the screening unscathed, was seen as rallying APC members together and achieving the unity that had eluded the party all along

including the ones filed by the nominee himself.

Akpabio said that it would have been better for the nominee to withdraw his suit in court.

He said that his colleagues on the side of APC had displayed lawlessness, adding that the PDP decided not to “partake in the charade.”

In handling the Amaechi saga, opinions are sharply divided. While those sympathetic to the APC would say that Saraki was displayed his loyalty to the party, sagacity, skill and understanding of the parliamentary intrigues in dispersing the matter in the favour of his party, the loyalists of the PDP would say that they felt betrayed. PDP chieftains on the floor had expected that Saraki would nail the clincher by stopping the confirmation of Amaechi based on the pending judicial interpretation. But while not frontally opposing the PDP position, he subtly ensured that APC’s position prevailed after encouraging a prolonged debate.

The Senate President, perhaps, in a determined bid to see that Buhari’s nominees go through the screening unscathed, was seen as rallying APC members together and achieving the unity that had eluded the party all along.

The disunity had led to the loss of the position of Deputy Senate President to the opposition PDP. It was also Saraki’s determination that saved at least two nominees including Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Brigadier-General Mohammed M. Dan-Ali (retd) from Zamfara State during the confirmation process as the PDP’s ‘nay’ nearly dwarfed the ‘aye’ by the APC. But Saraki’s strategies of saving Amaechi were instructive. He ensured that the PDP had their say and delayed the confirmation when the matter was too hot to handle. Amaechi was made to wait at the Senate on three occasions without being screened, while the confirmation was further delayed till the very last moment.

An APC chieftain said that Saraki provided leadership to the entire Senate in handling the Amaechi matter and the screening generally. For the APC in general, he helped the party achieve unity. That is strange even in the face of his tribulations at the CCT and the onslaught against him by some APC cabals.

The chieftain further said that the outcome of the screening has shored up Saraki’s rating in the Presidency, within APC hierarchy and among the general public, adding that many are of the view that the senate president displayed wisdom, loyalty and confidence in handling the situation.

Another APC Senator who is a member of the Like Minds Senators said that the President and other APC leaders are happy with Saraki’s performance during the screening and confirmation process, adding that “the display has renewed hopes of a united APC.” To underscore Saraki’s feat in the ministerial screening, the APC issued a statement praising the Senate President and celebrating the newfound unity. APC spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said in the statement on Thursday that the confirmation of all ministerial nominees was a clear indication that there was no more division within APC family.

The statement read: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the confirmation of all the ministerial nominees by the Senate, despite some misgivings by the opposition, has shown clearly that there is no longer any division within the APC family. The cohesion and unity exhibited by the APC Senators on Thursday have shown that our legislators are ready to work with the executive and the party to ensure that the agenda of the party is implemented for the benefit of all Nigerians. ‘’We commend all our members and leaders in the Senate and indeed the leadership of the APC for this show of unity. APC said democracy was clearly at work in the Senate on Thursday, despite the decision of PDP Senators to stage a walk out over the confirmation of former Governor Amaechi. It is part of democracy that while the minority can have their say, the majority will have their way. Therefore, the decision of the PDP Senators to walk out is nothing but democracy in action,’’ the party said.

However, political watchers have noted that the newfound unity in the APC deserved to be celebrated as the party has done but it should not conclude too early that it has won the war in the senate, as developments in the Upper Chamber in recent times have demonstrated how easily tables could turn.

35

thepolity

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

APC, its govt built on deceit

—PDP zonal organising secretary

The Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-West zone, Chief Femi Careena, speaks with BOLA BADMUS on ranging national issues. Excerpts:

N

them that you don’t come into a new system, you don’t come to a new administration, making all these promises; N5,000 for every unemployed Nigerian, hello!

Can they even give them N500? They also promised one meal a day for students in schools, as I said, we are experiencing change and I think Nigerians should give them more time, you know, to see how long they can do this.

IGERIA is now under a new leadership headed by General Buhari, the country having transited from PDP regime; what is your assessment of the new regime as chieftain of PDP? It is a question I would naturally have avoided but now that you have raised it, I will answer. I don’t want to be critical of the new government, because it is obvious that the present administration was not ready for governance and having realised that it was not ready for governance, I personally would give them some more time to settle down and maybe after a year, if they think they can catch up, I would comment then. If I say anything now, they will say what do you expect? It is coming from the opposition; so for me, let’s give them more time, maybe four years.

When you said this administration was not prepared for governance, what do you mean by that, because the party campaigned against the PDP and people saw promises they made and promises made by PDP coupled with its performance in office and chose the former?

You see, there is a Yoruba adage that says if a woman has not tested the homes of two husbands, she probably would not know a better one. PDP ruled for 16 years and the achievements are there. That is not to say that we have not accepted our mistakes; where we have gone wrong, but one thing you cannot take away from PDP is that it was a ready government. Even in 1999 when we came in, we hit the ground running, so the difference between a ready and willing administration and a reluctant and not-so-ready administration is obvious. As I said earlier, I don’t want to be pointing accusing fingers, I want to give the Buhari administration enough time to put its house in order so it wouldn’t be as if the PDP chieftains or the PDP national leadership have been on its throat? Attacking Buhari, making so much statements would not change the system, we don’t even want to start picking him up on the concentration of appointments of relevant officers of his administration in one section of the country. We don’t want to go into all that, we want him to get on the ground and work, just work.

He already said the ministers are noise makers, if the ministers are noise makers, I wonder what we make of him, because the man has been talking and talking; he has come to catch a thief. Maybe he would have been a better chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) than what he is doing now. Governance is deep and I am not sure if he is even listening to his party men. Maybe if he is listening to them, things might have turned better than they are. For me, the administration has not really moved.

Part of his campaign promises was that he was going to fight cor-

As a PDP chieftain, your party has been crying out very loud that the approach to fighting corruption has been selective and targeted as PDP members, what is your own take?

The point for me is that it is a distraction, because everybody that has been picked, that has been arrested, that has been invited by the EFCC has been a PDP member. Even you as journalist, can you mention one person who is an APC chieftain or past governor, who has been invited with everything that has gone viral about them. I don’t want to mention names. Some of them were even cleared at the Senate but I know PDP wouldn’t mind indicting PDP governors when our party was in government. That is the only party that had purged itself in this country.

My uncle, Chief Bode George, high and mighty at that time, was tried in the PDP government; he was sent to jail and he came out. He came out, he fought it and he was cleared. He was offered a presidential pardon but he refused, because we knew how it all came about and the PDP government did not come into it to say maybe, he would embarrass us, he wouldn’t embarrass us, and he went through it. The APC should show us, talk is cheap, action is expensive, but we know who and who in this country have fought corruption and are still fighting corruption.

Chief Femi Careena

ruption, and some of those who voted then said the administration of Jonathan was corrupt and allegations were rife and government didn’t do anything about them. Buhari has started fighting corruption and if you are going to assess him, what would be your view sir?

You know I am very conscious about everything I say, because anything I say is definitely a PDP talk. So being a chieftain of the party, I would always zero everything down to my own personal view and not PDP’s view. Having said that, I would have thought that as a journalist and an investigative one for that matter, you probably listened to Reverend Father Mathew Kukah on the 1st of October, 2015 during the programme called The Platform. He started by evaluating Nigeria’s 55 years of independence, saying from the 60s to the present day, every administration, whether civil on military has always said it was coming to fight corruption. He even went down memory lane when he quoted General Dogonyaro, who announced the takeover of government in 1983 when Buhari took over as Military Head of State and how he said that they wanted to come

in and fight corruption, as Nigeria’s Naira currency was not worth anything; it was like a tissue paper. The speech then even noted that civil servants had not been paid for seven to eight months; we are back in deja vu.

So for me, anybody that says Jonathan or PDP did not fight corruption, it is on record in this country that all the anti- graft machineries that we have in this country were established by PDP, be it Code of Conduct Bureau, EFCC or ICPC, they were established by PDP government. So how do you fight corruption without having structures on ground? On the people that have said they want to fight corruption; it is not for you to tell the EFCC to react on every petition it gets, it makes the institution look bad. Somebody writes a petition about you, no investigation has been carried out and you arrest them, just to embarrass them. Two, three days later, you free them; you start going to court for who knows how many years, that is not how to fight corruption.

Having said that, a lot of things were said during the electioneering period; We were in the forefront, we were receiving and answering them. We were telling

You asked me to mention any APC chieftain, what about the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who happens to be an APC chieftain, they are fighting him over alleged wrong asset declaration, is that not a way of fighting corruption?

I am glad you mentioned that. Though I don’t want to go into that, I will. First, the Senate President happens to be a very close brother and a friend. When he defected to APC, he wasn’t corrupt. Now the issue of corruption started when he emerged as the Senate President. My question is this, will any serious government, any serious administration that understands the game of Nigeria’s diverse politicking sit in the comfort of its living room with the PDP having 49 strong senators in the Red Chamber and you know all you have is just 60 minus one, which is the late Senator Zannah? Do you think 59 senators can produce a Senate President without the support of PDP? The answer is with you. Now, if you don’t understand this game and you now wash your dirty linen outside as it were, and the leadership Continues

pg 36

36

thepolity

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘Buhari should provide proof of fighting corruption’ Continued from

Jonathan gave his all sincerely, he is a man that listened to Nigerians, he took decisions, he saw the reactions of Nigerians, and he retreated because he knew his government was a government of the people and by the people. Now, true to type, that is the slogan of PDP, “Power to the People;” when he realised that this thing was not about him; he saw all the young kids voting in some part of the country, he did not protest. A lot of PDP chieftains, including myself were very aggrieved at certain things; but he said he wasn’t going to court. So Nigerians should celebrate him at any point in time. I am not saying he is the best person to have ruled this country, but giving the development at that point in time, the country was tense.

pg 35

could not talk its people into line and you had to dance naked in the middle of town or market place by saying ‘we don’t want you, this is who we have shortlisted, you cannot go for Senate President, you cannot go for Speakers of the House of Representatives’ and you say these in public, have you ever seen PDP in such hullabaloo? No, you can’t, because we are talking about grown up politicians, experienced politicians. It was the offshoot of that crisis that led to Saraki emerging Senate President against the APC’s wishes. Now, to ridicule him, according to them, without knowing that they are ridiculing the party, having emerged as the Senate President, you have to go back to 2003 to now probe or investigate him on something he declared in 2003 and contrary to what he has now. For Christ’s sake, the man is a businessman; you don’t expect his income to be stagnant. For starters, whatever controversy you want to build behind it, the man is a businessman, so he has ongoing concerns that would be creating money, which would be making money on his investments. I don’t want to defend Saraki, because the case is already in court, he would defend himself. I don’t see them probing Saraki just because they want to fight corruption, that is highly political, do you understand what I am saying?

For starters, there are ministerial nominees, whose petitions have gone to the Senate and to the EFCC. For Christ’s sake, what I would have expected from them minimally is for them to have said ‘Mr. A, Mr. B, Mr. C, you are still being investigated by the anti- graft agencies, stay aback a little bit, go and clear your name with the anti- graft agencies and then come back if the position is still open.’ At least, let the world see that this is based on this strong allegation.

But maybe they didn’t see those allegations as strong as the one against Saraki.

Oh really? Oh really? You know Saraki’s allegation is about declaration of assets.

They did not say what he has declared, but there is an allegation that somebody embezzled N53billon out of N55billion in the state’s coffers, a judicial commission of enquiry stated that clearly.

Sir, we also have another one that was building pedestrian bridges with billions of naira, building website with millions of naira and you are telling me it is not worth looking at. There is also the issue of constructing less than a kilometre bridge that ordinarily would have cost N7billion for N38billion; these are figures and facts.

So it is now up to anti- graft agencies to invite them, question them; do you understand? My take is that everybody that has been invited by this government has been members of PDP. Chief Ayo Adebanjo was speaking over the weekend and he said this was just like former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime, which was going after its perceived political enemies and for me, it is diversionary; because you are chasing the shadows and you are leaving the objects.

The objects are the people that voted for you. It is only Nigerians that are at the receiving end, international businesses can’t move forward.

Chief Careena

I am a businessman, a lot of my foreign partners can’t bring money in; they don’t want to bring money in. I have a Grade A bank in this country, a first generation bank, we have signed, sealed arrangements only for them to back out; I have it in black and white. When I inquired from the management of the bank, they told me they don’t know where the government is going and they have to protect their money. This is a business that runs into billions of naira, so where are we going?

Don’t you think things will change with the appointment of ministers who are going to be sworn in very soon?

As I said in my opening statement, we are going to give them time. But for me as a politician, they have lost one year already, because you are going to be swearing in ministers, maybe first week of November. There is nothing to work with, the budget maybe, they would start defending it by December or January. Maybe, it will be March next year before they pass it and we may get to May before they activate it, so the first one year in office is lost.

Chibok girls that they promised to bring back, we have not seen. Boko Haram insurgents are still ravaging the place and all the Jonathan-must-go critics are no longer talking. Nigerians have suddenly gone silent. But for me, it is in the Bible and in the scriptures that a country gets the kind of leadership it deserves. It is unfortunate that we have a lot of impoverished minds in Nigeria. When I say impoverished minds, I am not talking of financial poverty, no. The mind is a terrible thing to waste, it is a slogan for the United Negro Front in America, the mind is the important thing in the body.

When the people working on propaganda for the APC checked the people’s mindset and they told them they would catch

all the thieves in the country for you, the people said ‘ah, please catch them,’ but are they really thieves? Have they really stolen anything? The ones that have stolen, please catch them and prosecute them, every Nigerian would support you, but we are yet to see anything.

The government is already raising concern over the issue of Boko Haram, which it vowed to route by December, do you think the December date is possible?

It is easier said than done and what you are looking at is not a conventional war and I don’t enjoy to see people die, but that promise is coming from a government and a party built on deceit.

How? From its formation period, if somebody is PDP, he is a thief, corrupt. Immediately the person crosses over to APC, he becomes a saint. That is the first port of call and this is a party that promises heaven and earth as if it was in contact with Boko Haram and was so sure of how to end the insurgency. For Christ’s sake, people that have lost their loved ones and people that were scared and apprehensive that this thing should not spread further, all wanted a stop to the problem. There was so much propaganda against PDP and Jonathan as if all hope was lost. You needed to see adverts in the papers and on TVs how people appeared so helpless and everybody believed it was Jonathan’s government that was the problem.

But for me, if I live to be a 300-year-old, Jonathan will remain my hero. President Ibrahim Babangida said something in the wake of June 12, before he stepped aside; he said ‘if your personal interest and ambition conflict with the national interest, for a patriotic Nigerian, the national interest should prevail.’ For Christ’s sake,

But some people have insisted that the PDP was responsible for its woes; can you tell us some of the mistakes you think PDP made?

No. It is a backroom thing; you don’t carry all your dirty linen and come and wash it outside. Rather than PDP doing that, we would lock ourselves in a room and tell ourselves the plain truth and we come back and tell you it is a family affair.

90 per cent of people that left PDP with the lure of change, some of them governors, we speak with them every day, we are still friends. Even my friends in APC, they just can’t come out and tell you what is going on, definitely, you don’t have to be Professor Peller to know that. They are also counting time and also buying time. As I said, let’s give them more time.

These people, when they realise they are not moving forward, you will see an explosion. Don’t forget that the APC is an amalgamation of political parties and one thing that is constant in partisan politics is interest. They went in there to join the alignment or the conglomerate because of an interest, and now they are not getting what they bargained for. In Africa, there is a saying which goes thus, if you don’t know where you are going, at least you should know where you are coming from.

So a lot of people went in there with a lot of hopes. I know of a governor that has everything going for him but because of interest and a lot of things they promised him, he abused everybody, cursed them, said things that were not happening, he finished the state’s treasury and at the end of the day, he is just being rolled out like a garbage pusher on the streets. You can imagine what is going on in the hearts of such people; my hearts bleed for such people, because they are not what you called seasoned politicians. They are pure water politicians or what you can call wait-andget politicians; they invest today and want to get it today.

I won’t call names but they know themselves, because we are also good friends.

You know if we are not together today, we may be together tomorrow. But the point is that it is a lesson for some of these politicians that have gone with what I will call the exodus. Now nobody is talking, that is what the problem is. If people could not impregnate their wives at home, it was Jonathan, do you understand? Anything that went wrong, if you couldn’t see light and couldn’t watch your television, it was Jonathan. If your tyre burst on the Third Mainland Bridge, it was Jonathan.

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opinion

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Mimiko’s achievements and the critics’ fury By ’Gbenga Ogunremi

W

HENEVER opposition groups, especially the All Progressive Congress Party (APC), the main opposition party in Ondo state, and their cohorts try to rubbish the Mimiko administration, the very discerning publics tend to ignore their spurious rantings. Such faulty reasoning and loads of lies are usually viewed as mere selfish opinions and never as sacrosanct facts.

In their fury, these blind critics have failed to take into cognizance the words of Victor Hugo that there is nothing as powerful as an idea whose time has come.

There is no stopping it. It cannot be suffocated or truncated.

So, it is either out of sheer unpardonable ignorance or outright political mischief that these compulsive liars as critics have refused coming to terms with the fact that Governor Mimiko is an idea, a quality leadership product that has eaten deep into mass consciousness which consistently spurs positive thinking, trust and acceptance among the citizenry.

Not even a serial hatchet job of maliciously disparaging and destructive critiques by one Bayo Olupohunda, a newspaper columnist aptly described as a revisionist, could inspire rebellion against the Mimiko administration that is deeply rooted in good governance and globally acknowledged as an icon of progressivism.

The reasons for such a huge public trust and confidence in his government are not farfetched.

Mimiko’s first term in office as governor of Ondo State, no doubt, was a celebration of accomplishments. In the spirit and strict fulfilment of his now famous promise of, “I will work for you”, Mimiko consistently stimulated growth and development, using a fundamental platform of interventions, code-named “Caring Heart Agenda”.

Within a short period of four years therefore, the resourceful and forwardlooking Governor’s innovative ideas and ingenuity completely redefined governance, emplacing the state on a new pedestal as first among equals in the comity of States in Nigeria.

These first four years also witnessed a bourgeoning government characterized by a unique style of governance that created space for mutual trust between government and the governed and ensured people’s participation in governance.

For the first time, the common man, the down-trodden and the underprivileged in Ondo state became stake holders and participants in decision making as it affected their respective communities, thereby changing their psyche from, ‘’the government’’ to ‘’our government’’.

It was therefore not a surprise that the people of Ondo state, in a consensual manner, voted massively for continuity in the 2013 Ondo Governorship Election, giving Mimiko a second term mandate so that he could continue to “work for them.”

It was a resounding victory in appreciation of a job well done during his first term as governor.

Six years on, Mimiko is not relenting in his avowed commitment to making life better for the greatest number of his people and rendering transparent and accountable stewardship with a dynamic

and invigorating quality.

The Mimiko government continues to promote good governance through efficient service delivery, formulating policies and embarking on programs that were informed by the collective interests of the people, making great choices on their behalf and ensuring for them an unfettered democratized access to the good things of life.

In short, the last six years of his administration have witnessed unprecedented good governance characterized by accountability, integrity, participation and responsiveness to the yearnings of the poor, marginalized and the underprivileged people of Ondo State.

Taking Ondo State to the next level was therefore made possible by the consistent and holistic implementation of the Caring Heart Agenda blue-print, a bundle of strategic development initiatives, which has to date successfully and comprehensively addressed issues like poverty alleviation, agriculture and food security, healthcare, education and capacity building, employment and empowerment, urban and coastal renewal and women empowerment.

This is why eminent Nigerians, stakeholders, elder statesmen, prominent religious leaders, traditional rulers, local and international organizations are continually giving thumbs-up to Mimiko’s government and therefore could not be found on the same page with those blind critics whose opinions are never determined by reason.

A few testimonials of these publics would suffice. For example, Congratulating the people of Ondo state for their good fortune in having Mimiko as governor at a public forum in Akure few years back, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, a political scientist and former Minister of External Affairs,

reiterated that, “In concept, implementation and execution of development driven projects and programmes, Dr. Mimiko has been in the mode of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”

For Mama H.I.D Awolowo who died recently, “Dr. Mimiko has shown that there were still people who could be trusted with power and I am therefore optimistic that the nation shall continue to produce noble men like the Ondo state governor who will take us to the place of destiny. He is far ahead the few mandate custodians who are really toeing the line of Chief Awolowo in respect of commitment to public service, formulation and implementation of people oriented programmes.”

Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, the

Mimiko remains the most celebrated governor and change agent of his time who continues to steer the ship of his state in new directions and pursuing his government’s vision with renewed energy and enthusiasm

Olowo of Owo, in the build up to the 2013 Ondo Governorship election said and I quote, “The present administration has invested in the development of many of the towns and villages across the state, particularly in Owo community and should be supported to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy in the state. Mimiko embarked on dualisation of Owo township road, construction of modern market and the rehabilitation of the Ose dam for the provision of potable water for the people of the community…”

Felicitating with Governor Mimiko on his 6th anniversary in office, the management, staff and students of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, through a paid newspaper advert eulogized him with the words, “Your unrivalled administrative dynamism and love for the people has been showcased in your initiatives which have occasioned tremendous infrastructural and human capacity development in education, health, agriculture and other sectors of the economy of the state…the past six years have been a period of building legacies, transforming the landscape of the state and setting high standards for subsequent administrators in the state.”

“Mimiko’s administration in Ondo State has in the past three years recorded remarkable success in the areas such as urban community management and governance, urban waste management and sanitation, market town and intermediate city planning, youth and job creation, housing, and rural development and infrastructure rehabilitation, among many achievements related to the UN-Habitat’s theme ‘Changing Cities, Building Opportunities’ for the year 2012.”

This statement was made at the presentation of the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honor Award to (the most prestigious human settlements award by the United Nations) to Gov. Mimiko by the UN-Habitat Executive Director, Dr. Joan Clos, and Italy’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Staffani di Mistura.

Mimiko was also recently decorated with a honorary fellowship award by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria at its convocation ceremony that held recently. According to the college’s Registrar, Prof. Wole Atoyebi, “The senate of the Institution considered Mimiko for the prestigious award in view of his monumental achievement in the health sector over the last six years.”

The World Bank Team on Performance Based Financing (PBF), according to reports, had during a visit to Ondo state few weeks back, commended the governor for running a unique and reform oriented health system which is globally acknowledged and well accepted. The Team Leader, Dr. Olawole Odutolu said, “our visit to some primary healthcare facilities revealed that Ondo state is a reform oriented state that deserves World Bank collaboration to deepen its reforms.”

In view of these testimonials, the local and international awards, the benchmarks and several other accolades and recognitions that could not be accommodated in this piece, Mimiko remains the most celebrated governor and change agent of his time who continues to steer the ship of his state in new directions and pursuing his government’s vision with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

• Ogunremi writes from Ibadan.

38

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari is becoming predictable in his speeches both to local and international audiences. The story has been consistent around the war against corruption and the determination to “deal with looters.” Any Villa reporter who wants to be creative can easily craft the story of any of his proposed engagements, especially when the guests are foreign envoys and world leaders.

The kernel of Buhari’s talks at the meeting of G7 in Germany, his state visit to the United States, the United Nations trip and his recent trip to India has been wrapped around the anti-corruption campaign. For him, it is a carryover from the campaign podium. Before the election, he campaigned vigorously using the anti-graft was as his slogans. His lines were about corruption, insecurity and rebuilding the economy. If he missed out one issue at any of the campaign grounds, it certainly won’t be corruption or insecurity.

But campaigns are over and from May 29, real governance should have commenced. What we still hear from President Buhari are talks and rhetoric about anti-corruption fight on all international trips. Even whenever he hosts any foreign delegation, the refrain is similar. It is all about “I will deal with looters.”

If that is the song of the campaign period, one expected that actions should be speaking louder than the words at this time.

Every right thinking Nigerian wants the looted funds repatriated. Every patriotic Nigerian would also want the government to deal with whoever is responsible for looting the country at any time. But is loot recovery all a country is about? The reality today is that we cannot make the anti-corruption war only a song for the ears and expect results.

A Yoruba proverb translates to something like this: if it takes you eight years to learn how to demonstrate madness, how many years do you intend to live with the madness?

The question is if it’s taking our President six months to get the arsenal to fight the corruption war, which he had been mouthing since his days in power in 1984-85, how long does he expect the war to last.

Incidentally, the famous “body language” theory is appearing not to be in support of the acclaimed anticorruption war. Senators of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rammed this home on the senate floor on Thursday, when they insisted that by condoning some corruption allegations the government was living with a huge moral burden.

YOU are damn right madam. Among the many matrices in which a child is moulded, the home is the most essential because that is where he/she came from. Parents should remember the age-long cliché that “charity begins at home” with an addendum that “it doesn’t end there”.

Dayo Oladeji, Saki, Oke Ogun 08027278748 Cultism among primary school children is a taboo! It is rather unfortunate, irritating, annoying, embarrassing and even lamentable to find cultism among primary school children.

Children need proper care and attention; therefore, parents should not leave the responsibilities for the moral upbringing of their children to the teachers alone. It is the joint responsibility of governments (at all levels) as well as that of parents to find means and ways of eradicating cultism in our society.

Lekan Oladeji, Ilora 08053049443 Like any right thinking parent, I wonder and I ask, who is to be blamed for cultism in primary schools? Is it the parents that are not mindful of the kind of company with which their children or wards associate or the school teachers? It is amazing that such a thing would go on within the school authorities knowing about it until it got to this advanced stage. I would however blame the school’s security man because obviously, such activities must have taken place after school hours. It is good news though that the ministry of education is investigating the case and I hope the ministry would bring those sponsoring cultism in primary schools to book to stop it from spreading.

Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State 07084644222 An increase in rate of cultism among the students nowadays should not be blamed on teachers but parents as we all know that charity begins at home. Parents are in a better position to know, should know their children. They gave birth to these children and have nurtured them from childhood this gives them the opportunity to monitor and counsel these children as they grow. The economic situation of the country is not an excuse for parents to abdicate their responsibilities. It is this lack of parental guidance

1 November, 2015

the lynxeye with Taiwo adisa

08072000046 taiadisbabatj@gmail.com

Buhari: This obsession to looters’ war is boring

Unfortunately, the repeated refrain “I will deal with looters” has given rise to a thriving rumour factory.

Only recently, a sitting governor claimed that he rejected the plea by one alleged looter to return N50 billion stolen funds. Another rumour going round recently had it that one former topshot in the previous regime pleaded to return $100 billion.

As stupid and funny such claims can be, some of our citizens are being taken in. The market woman, the kolanut seller and others are already circulating stories of huge funds being recovered from “looters.”

It is apparent that the target of the rumour manu-

Sunday Tribune

facturers is to paint the past government black. But the unintended damage they risk for the incumbent government is the frustration that would come from stagnant rural economy, even after the “recovery” of the huge sums. The time has come for Buhari’s handlers to tell him the home truth. He should face the task of rebuilding the economy. If they can’t face him, they may have to seek the assistance of top statesmen who can talk to the President.

They also need to tell him that by persistently branding his country as a haven for corruption, he is practically de-marketing the country and denying it of the expected foreign investment.

Besides the rhetoric of fighting corruption and tracing some imaginary looters, I have not seen the Buhari government pontificate on the passage or strengthening of anti-corruption laws. And whereas the President is hitting the headlines in world capitals about his determination to fight looters, what the security people would call “Minor crimes” of unimaginable proportion have continue to ravage the Nigerian society.

We need to tell the President that while he can receive loud ovations for the repeated refrain on anticorruption war, he must do things in the immediate to tackle the almost hopeless security situation in the country. He also needs to do something about the morale of the average policeman, who now tends to see armed robbery and even kidnapping as “normal” incidents.

Until the President himself intervened in the kidnap saga of Chief Olu Falae, nothing serious was heard about efforts of the Police to rescue the man. Before that saga, many others have been kidnapped. After him, many are still being kidnapped. Such incidents don’t catch the attention of the government. Of what use is the story of loot recovery to a person who does not feel save inside or outside his house? Taxi cab robbers strike even in a city like Abuja in broad daylight.

On a daily basis, we hear of pick pocket, kidnappers and taxi robbers striking without trace in the Federal Capital.

The message should be clear: While Buhari is chasing around with his elusive “looters,” the ordinary Nigerian deserves the right to live and his government has the responsibility to guarantee that. As he is busy tracing the addresses of his alleged looters, the same effort should be devoted to fighting the armed robbers who seize major highways, buglers, pick pockets and kidnappers.

frontrow

their children. Parents should perform their parental duties by bridging communication gaps between them and their children and creating good rapport and intimacy with their children in order to prevent negative external influences.

Government and non-governmental organisations should initiate and organise orientation programmes for students, teachers and parents alike on how to tackle initiation of minors into cultism and curb the menace in our higher educational institutions. .

Yomi Agboola, Afote, Saki Oyo State 08024350296

Re: cultism among primary school children

The theme of William Golding’s novel, ‘Lord of the Flies,’ is at play in our society today. What the primary school children have done is the practical exemplification of the theme of ‘bestiality in man.’ Golding wrote the Utopian story about a century ago presenting British children, aged 6 to 12 yrs who started well as innocent children but ended up almost destroying themselves and the island where they were shipwrecked. If we were not careful, Nigeria and other nations would face serious problems if the issue of wanton destruction, arson, cultism, and other social vices were not properly addressed. All stakeholders - parents, teachers, writers, politicians and government at the various levels, should not pay ‘lip service’ to stamping out cultism and teenage or adult terrorism from our society.

Rather, they should take proactive measures to ensure that this menace is not allowed to grow.

Segun Olujimi, Saki, oyo state 08059854764

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

and control that leads to the kind of situation we have at hand now. I would also blame the situation on the excessive watching of home videos without parental control. The children, who are of impressionable minds, go on to practice what they see in the home videos and this is the result.

Taiwo Sangotikun Iseyin, Oyo State 08056309372 It was with trepidation that I read the story from beginning to the end. It is unbelievable that primary and secondary pupils/students would be involved in such cultism! This is why I have my reservations about democracy/civil rule in Nigeria. Such would not exist under military rule. If the teachers hadn’t been vigilant, the cultists Barakat and co would have spread the fraternity to the school teachers and other students. I am suggesting that all our schools from the primary to the university level should be monitored by security forces.

Lanre Oseni 08079799933 Your write up on the above subject matter is an attestation to the failure of parents in the moral upbringing of

Our governments have left the issue of cultism unattended to for too long. Why is this so? It is because those in government (the politicians) use them during elections as guards and spoilers against the rival parties! This is the crux of the matter and until it is addressed, the situation will get out of hand. The introduction of cultism in primary and secondary schools is a very dangerous development. Parents must not leave their wards in the care of teachers for too long in pursuit of money. The result is what has just happened in the primary school reported.

Aibinuomo 08059100347

39

1 November, 2015

ON THE

Sunday Tribune

With Bolanle Bolawole turnpot@gmail.com 07052631058

lord’sday Too early to dismiss Ambode as non-performer?

“This Ambode of a man; when will he arrive?” – An agitated Lagos resident, recently.

Life in Lagos is lived on the fast lane; therefore, it will not be surprising if Lagosians suffer no fools gladly. Lagos is cosmopolitan; Lagos is a microcosm of Nigeria. It is not only the commercial nerve-centre of the country; it is also, perhaps, the only city where each family in the country is believed to have a representative. It is an established fact that Lagos has its indigenous people and that the city – or state as a whole – is indigenously Yoruba; but it is one place where nonindigenes have felt so safe and accepted as to take liberty for licence. It happened during the agitation for Independence in the 20th Century; it happened again recently when non-indigenes won election to the chagrin of “sons of the soil”. Nigeria would have been said to be on the road to nationhood if the same happens nationwide; but because it does not, it has given rise to irritations that the elite only managed to sweep under the carpet the last time around. “Eko gb’ole, o gb’ole” meaning “Lagos accommodates all sorts; thieves as well as lazy drones” is a Yoruba saying that explains the rowdy and ugly side of Lagos which rubs shoulders with its glittering spectacle as the city with the most pronounced evidence of “development” in the country. For many Lagosians, the ability to smoothen the “rough edges” of Lagos while also cementing its reputation as the nation’s top city; was one area where the immediate past governor of the State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, excelled. Fashola’s “magic” of ridding Oshodi of its trademark madness and notoriety will be cited for a long time to come.

Under Fashola, crime was curbed and residents felt generally safe and secured. But, no more!

Crime is back in full swing in Lagos! It is like the criminals only waited for Fashola to leave the saddle before resuming “office” again. Daylight robberies are reported virtually every day; the nights are not safer either. Lagosians look up to the new Sheriff, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, not only to be up to the task but to also continue the good work from where Fashola stopped.

This, at least, was what Ambode and his party, the APC, promised Lagosians during the campaigns. It is because their promise resonated with the people that Ambode was voted into office. “CHANGE in Abuja but CONTINUITY in Lagos” was the battle cry that rallied the people of Lagos to the cause of APC and Ambode. Five months hence, an increasing number of Lagosians are not so sure of this Ambode and APC again and are beginning to suspect that, possibly, they had made the wrong choice. There are many who are beginning to rue their rejection of PDP’s Jimi Agbaje, fondly called JK; wondering whether the lot of Lagosians would not have been better under his stewardship. Exasperated, Lagosians have started to write off Ambode as a non-performer; as a man with no “action”. “He is only wearing designer suits all over the place”, someone said recently. Akinwunmi Ambode is cute, no doubt; and I like his pose and poise. He

appears to me a lady’s man any day - but is that what Lagosians go chop, as they say? To many, he appears too slow, damn too slow, for comfort. His highly successful campaign jingles, “Ambo ooo, Ambo...”which, literally translated, means “we are on the way/we shall soon arrive” is already being turned on its head. And this is the import of the opening quote by an already frustrated resident.

My people have a saying, to wit, “if a man spends a whopping 10 years to lay the foundation of madness, how many years will he have left to commit to the madness proper?”

The apprehension of Lagosians is certainly understandable; but is it not too hasty to form the opinion of Ambode as a misfit? Is it not damn too early to give up on him? Some slow starters have been known to end up terrific finishers; should we, therefore, not give the governor more time to get his acts together?

Conspiracy theories are afoot already and kites are flying, all of them trying to explain why Ambode is not performing and or may not (be allowed to) perform. One theory says Ambode was reluctantly conceded to Christians by the powers-that-be in Lagos-cum-South-West politics. Christians in Lagos are therefore asked not to forget in a hurry how they laboured hard to get a Christian to be governor after 16 years of Muslim governors being in the saddle back-to-back. But for their spirited efforts, what was starring them in the face was the prospect of another Muslim succeeding Fashola as governor. This success, obviously, did not go down well with many and such elements will jump at any opportunity to portray Ambode as a misfit or even obstruct\mislead him. In other words, for a state government whose administration is said to have been dominated by adherents of a religion for decades, it will take patience and tact for Ambode from another religion to find his way in the labyrinth. Conspiracy Theory Number Two says “the fear of Fashola is the beginning of wisdom” for Lagos

power brokers. What made Fashola uncontrollable, as it were, was the fact that his first term was rated an excellent performance by most Lagosians; therefore, he became audacious enough to demand and wrest second term from the godfathers. Once bitten, twice shy. Therefore, no effort must be spared in preventing Ambode from becoming another Fashola. Conspiracy Theory Number Three says there is a well-connected woman senator somewhere waiting in the wings to take over Ambode’s job after her second term in the Senate. An under-performing Ambode fits this billing perfectly.

All three theories seem like fresh mints from Dante’s Hell; but I have learnt not to put anything beyond politicians. My own thinking on Ambode’s lacklustre performance, so far, is that only last week did he choose his team of Commissioners and Special Advisers/Assistants. It is now that he has a full team at his beck and call that we should expect him to begin to fly. A few of the men and women that Ambode chose that I know are achievers in their respective fields and I expect them to bring their wealth of experience as well as Midas touch to bear on governance in Lagos state. Tunji Bello, the Secretary to the State Government, for instance, and Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, and Kehinde Bamigbetan are other examples. The first task before the Ambode administration is to tackle crime and reduce it to the barest minimum. Next is the traffic gridlock that has returned to haunt Lagosians.

Someone said this is due to the resolve of LASTMA to blackmail the governor and bring him on his knees. Ambode has enunciated some policy directions aimed at making LASTMA more proactive and civil in its operations. I advice he should not back down or succumb to anyone’s blackmail. The excesses of LASTMA rankle and these must be curbed. Corruption in LASTMA has reduced the organisation to

a laughing stock; such that the organisation has become destructive of the very purpose for which it was created and no responsible government must condone that. Bad roads and the near absence of motor parks compound the traffic gridlock on Lagos roads. It amazes me that roads are built; yet, no provisions are made for motor parks. Commercial vehicles are forced to park/wait at odd places to pick passengers, thereby causing gridlocks while at the same time exposing them to the devious antics of corrupt traffic enforcers.

Like the typical average Nigerian, Lagosians are not asking for the moon from Ambode: If we have security; if the roads are motor-able and gridlocks are reduced to the barest minimum, then, we can go about our daily activities thankful unto God – and to our leaders for little mercies. These are about the only areas where majority of the people are in no position to make alternative arrangements. Concerning education, health, housing, food, power supply and the provision of jobs, fewer people by the day continue to depend on government.

Finally, no two persons are ever the same; therefore, Ambode is bound to be different from Fashola in style as well as in content.

Let it be, therefore, that we resolve here and now to give Ambode more time to prove his mettle. God willing, we shall return on his first-year anniversary in office to offer a progress report on how far he has moved forward – or backward - the “Eko o no baje” project.

FEEDBACK Thanks for your factual analysis of President Muhammadu Buhari’s emergence. I would have expected that you conclude with a call for the implementation of the Confab report. That is the reform of the system begging for implementation.

– Dr. Aliyu.

I argued last week that the political elite/ ruling class have to forge a consensus; be it National Confab or whatever. Without it, we cannot make appreciable progress as a country. We must have ideas/ideals agreed upon by the leaders and around which governmental actions will coalesce if we are not to continue to move in circles or, worse still, take one step forward and two steps backward. And “we, the people” must be motivated\mobilised to buy into it; otherwise, we may continue to under-perform at best and chase shadows.

Buhari is plagued by a great nation-destroying evil, which is nepotism and bigotry.

Nigeria will be alright only after Buhari’s injustice-infested misrule.

– 08109071351.

This generalisation is too sweeping and, certainly, it is premature to make such a statement cast in iron about a government that is less than six months old. Are you wishing\praying for him to fail? Remember, his failure will do Nigeria and Nigerians no good. Therefore, let us pray for his success and give him good advice as well as hold hid feet to the fire.

Your commitment to the cause of justice and facts is sure to endure till eternity.

Please. Keep it up! I salute your courage!

– Olobaniyi.

40

language&style A harvest of errors! (II)

I

N continuation of the analysis begun last week, we hereby reproduce the only sample that supported that discussion.

The excerpt is labeled sample 1 today.

Sample 1: “After taken the oath of office in 29th of May, 2015, after his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won a landslide victory at the polls, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State in his determination to take Kebbi State out of the woods, set up various machineries that will galvanized and transform the state to comply with current trend of civilization and globalization…In the power sector, Governor Bagudu is of the strong belief that for any state economy to be develop, there must be steady power supply to people both the small, medium and large scale businesses…In addition, he released money for the purchase of two 11.7kva transformers and 50 units 7.5kva subtransformers that would transmit power from the 11.7kva to various parts of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. This is now in force…Shocked by the meager amount of money he met in government covers on assumption of office, Governor Bagudu set up a 25 man committee headed by his deputy, Suma’ila Dabai Yombe, to look into the finances of the state government under former Governor Saidu Usman Dakingari…The giant Flour Mills Plc aim to establish a full fledges Flour Mills Company in the State, because of the abundance rice cultivation and production which cut across 17 out of the 21 local government areas of the State…Governor Atiku Bagudu’s administration set up a committee to verify the Local Government finances and also to establish the accurate figure of staffs in each of the local government council areas. In the area of sanitation, a committee headed by a retired Navy Captain was mandated to clear and get rid of the heaps of refuse that dotted every nook and crannies of the state capital. Further, the clearing of drainages and seaways for easy passage of erosion has drastically prevented flooding which has been the bane of the metropolis in the past…The governor also used the opportunity of the visit to advocate for strong economic ties between Kebbi and Benin Republic…” (Atiku Bagudu’s 100 Days: The Story so Far, The Nation On Sunday, September 27, 2015) We started last week by complaining about the unconscionably low level of language use in the text. We were worried, and we said so, about the puerile lexical, grammatical, syntactic and idiomatic choices that plague the excerpt. A few of the mix-ups were sampled last week.

The first blemish we consider this week is found in the word machineries. The word is contained in the context: “Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State in his determination to take Kebbi State out of the woods set up various machineries…”.

Whether it is used denotatively (or literally) or connotatively (or figuratively), the noun machinery always occurs in the singular.

It is poor grammar to use it in the plural as the writer has done.

Now read the following sentences: 1) The problem with African political leaders is that they always personalize the machinery of power.

2) Every institution must have machinery for resolving crises. 3) We are about to set machinery in motion for reconciling the warring factions of the party. 4) The opposition party accused the ruling party of abusing the machinery of government. 5) There is no need for setting up separate anti-corruption agencies, for the existing machinery of government should be enough to tackle corruption and related matters. 6) The tribunals and other judicial processes are an important part of the democratic machinery. 7) In consonance with its emphasis on technology, the company has spent millions of naira on importation of machinery. 8) The auditors queried the amount of money spent on the maintenance of machinery last year. 9) This section of the building houses the machinery. 10) The machinery is so sensitive that it has to be handled by extremely competent personnel. 11) Without electricity, the machinery is as good as useless. 12) In spite of the millions of naira spent on it, the machinery is grossly underutilized.

I think the writer succumbed to the temptation of pluralizing the word because of the adjective various modifying it. That is uncalled for. He could delete the modifying adjective or simply opt for a word other than machinery. At any rate, the form machineries should be changed to its singular form in the context under review.

Next, we consider the expression in force which occurs in the following context: “In addition, he released money for the purchase of two 11.7kva transformers and 50 units of 7.5kva subtransformers that would transmit power from the 11.7kva to various parts of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. This is now in force.” The question is: What is “now in force”? The use of the transformers and ‘subtransformers’? It should be clear that this writer has no understanding of this expression nor of many others he has used in this piece with annoying carelessness and

Sunday Tribune

1 November, 2015

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

remarkable ignorance.

The expression in force is used to say that a law, a rule, an enactment has become operational, effective, applicable, binding, etc. The variants of this expression are: come into force, come into effect and take effect. The context of their use does not vary. Now read the following sentences: 1) Even if the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is passed into law today, it is not likely to be in force until sometime next year. 2) My fear is that by the time the law comes into effect, the criminals would have covered their tracks. 3) We should note that the law was not in force when the crime was committed. 4) The law came into effect on the first day of January that year. 5) Lawyers and journalists have expressed doubts as to whether the Freedom of Information law is already in force. 6) Nobody can explain how the social activist escaped prosecution because the law prohibiting public assembly was in force at that time. 7) In civilized societies, laws are not allowed to take retroactive effect. 8) Will the law take effect as soon as it is enacted? 9) Whenever the law comes into force, all landlords will have to adjust their rents in line with the legal prescription. 10) Is the dawn-to-dusk curfew still in force in the states where the activities of insurgents are ongoing?

To return to the expression under review, the sentence, “This is now in force” should be replaced with: “These transformers are now in use/are now operational.”

Next, I draw your attention to another egregious error, one that should embarrass all public writers. I’m thinking of the word covers which occurs in the following context: “Shocked by the meager amount of money he met in government covers on assumption of office, Governor Bagudu set up a 25-man committee…” To recover the word the context requires, one is compelled to do a lot of hard thinking, for the word covers is so strange to that context that one is left wondering what actually inspired its choice.

Shortchanged by bad pronunciation and limited vocabulary, the writer finds himself selecting covers instead of coffers.

Many Nigerian writers have a nagging problem differentiating between the sound represented as letter v and that represented as f, and, in consequence, the words in which these sounds/letters occur are victims of mistaken identity.

The word coffers is often used synonymously with treasury; it refers to the funds belonging to an association, institution or government; it may also refer to the bank account of an association, institution or government. Please read the following sentences: 1) When he was in power as governor, he allegedly depleted the government coffers.

2) All the internally generated revenue should go to the government coffers. 3) All looted funds recovered from corrupt politicians should be returned to the coffers of the government from which they were stolen in the first instance. 4) My intention is to make the coffers of our association richer by the time I’m leaving office. 5) For some public officers, there is no difference between their private accounts and the government coffers. 6) He has contributed more to the enrichment of the coffers of the company than any of his predecessors. 7) All the three previous managers contributed to the depletion of the company’s coffers. 8) When the company is committed to white elephants by prodigal managers, it is the coffers of the company that suffer for the prodigality. 9) Traditionally, it is the treasurer, and not financial secretary, that is in charge of the coffers of the association---any association for that matter. 10) We all have a responsibility to be vigilant so that the coffers of the association are not depleted under our nose.

Please note, by the way, that the word is usually used in its plural form.

The noun cover has a range of meanings and use. The following sentences represent its more common usage: 1) All sorts of evils are perpetrated under the cover of darkness. 2) When the shootings became intense, even policemen ran for cover. 3) All the complaints about the infidelity of his wife are a cover for intense jealousy. 4) He is an armed robber; the grains business is used merely as a cover. 5) It was a cold night and I had to use the bed covers to keep myself warm. 6) She didn’t realize that her boyfriend of many years was a policeman working under cover.

7) The book has very beautiful covers. 8) The insurance policy provides cover against theft or fire disaster. 9) The book is so interesting that I read it from cover to cover. 10) The president’s paragraph is on the front cover of the magazine.

The word coffers should replace covers in the context under review.

The discussion of the excerpt continues next week by God’s grace.

line

life with

Niyi Osundare

Random Blues The audience ate the speaker With their eyes Ah, the audience devoured the speaker With their eyes Waning, waning, with every gaze She melts like blaze-bombarded ice

Life is a gift A most bewildering boon Say, life is a gift A most bewildering boon Live it right, live it full It waxes, wanes like the moon

Early to bed Early to rice Say, early to bed Early to rice Pay due homage to the god of night Arise to a day that’s full of spice

Those who trouble the cloud Should not offend the rain Hear? They who trouble the cloud Should not offend the rain Our land long drenched in the dust of drought Lies lean and lost in needless pain

If you throw a stone Into the marketplace Say, if you throw a stone Into the marketplace It may surprise your mother’s head Or hit your sister in her powdered face

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1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

With Rita Okonoboh rosarumese@gmail.com 08053789087

tribunechurch

How I met Jesus on the way to divorce my wife —Leigh

How did it start?

Well, it was a little beginning; we started with about 20 people with praise and worship and prayer ministry. We started growing and here we are today. We didn’t break out of any church; it was an original church that started from the scratch.

Bishop Richmond Leigh, the Senior Pastor of Father’s House Bible Church, Warri, Delta State, is an Itsekiri-born cleric, who left his lucrative medical profession for the pulpit with his Romanian wife. He speaks with EBENEZER ADUROKIYA on his calling, his brief stint in politics, what government can do to truly overcome insurgency, among other issues. Excerpts:

W

hat is your salvation story?

I actually met Christ in 1969; I was in Federal School of Science at that time doing my advanced level in Physics, Chemistry. When I travelled abroad to study Medicine, I came back and began private practice and politics, I was backsliding. One day, I was in a hotel in Lagos and it was there I met the Lord. In fact, I was contemplating divorcing my wife who had an atheistic background but she became born again in 1986; when I saw that she was born again, it was mixed-feeling for me. When we got married, we were not born again, so in 1986 when she got born again I was happy, but at the same time, I knew I was in trouble because I was backsliding. I saw my wife grow in the grace of God to be a mature Christian woman and she began to pray for me. She kept praying for me even when we lost all the elections we had, until Babaginda’s transition programme failed.

I would always attribute that to my wife’s prayer. She did not like what I was doing in politics. I was away for months and my wife kept praying. One day, I came home and I told her to stop praying but she continued.

So, I told her that was the end of the marriage, and I went to Lagos to buy a ticket, a

God is still interested in Nigeria —Pastor Adefila

Pg42

one-way ticket for her to go back home. I literally heard the voice of God saying “you are fighting me” and I said “no, I am not fighting you, it’s my life, Lord” And the Lord said, “I have been keeping you since the day you were born,” and I saw in seconds, various instances such as drowning, kidnapping, robbery, among others, in which the Lord saved me. That night, I made up my mind and I gave up everything; we sold the clinic, and I told my wife we would serve the Lord together and that is what we have been doing ever since.

With your first-hand experience in politics, how would you assess Nigeria’s political environment?

The country has no leader, no mentor. All the politicians you see are imitating the socalled leaders that we had. If you look back at the leaders we had, from the First Republic, they were all corrupt people; they were all people who were for themselves and their families. So, subsequent politicians behaved like them, so it’s a familiar spirit we have. There is an evil political spirit in this country that moves from one generation of politicians to the other.

Having painted this scenario, is it

possible for a Christian to go into politics?

Yes it’s possible, but I don’t want to give the impression now that politics is something that any Christian can jump into. Christians are members of one body which is the Body of Christ and each Christian has a gift.

The Resurrected Christ gave five-fold ministry gifts; they are for ministering and for the edification of the Body of Christ. There are other ministries also that are not of the five-fold ministry that the Lord gives also – in government, rulers. These are gifts, but they are not as important as these five-fold ministries of the resurrected Christians. Romans 13:1 states that all rulers are ordained

by God. When a Christian gets into politics, he is still living a sanctified life; he is still pursuing politics in a biblical way without lying, stealing, or being corrupt.

Where did you receive the call to establish a church?

We left to the United States of America during the Warri crisis and stayed there for about a year and four months; it was while we were there that the Lord spoke to me to come back to Nigeria to work. There was temptation to stay back, but we did not

Buhari needs Christians must spiritual support develop organised to succeed response to terrorism —CAN

Pg43

—Akinola

Pg43

What were the initial hiccups you faced as a new minister of God founding his own ministry?

Well, in the first place, I did not attend the Bible college. I did not know the protocol and thank God, looking back now, I am glad I did not attend the Bible college because like Apostle Paul, said he was not taught by anybody. What I know today was taught by God. I don’t know the tricks in ministry. I read the Bible and do exactly what the Bible says. Of course, I had problems with other men of God because I did not attend their schools.

But I can see a certificate of ordination hanging on the wall behind you...

Oh, I was ordained in the USA; my wife is an American citizen. We started a church already in the US in 2007 and at that time, I thought that I developed some kind of inferiority complex amongst the men of God because I was not particularly or was not formally ordained as a minister of God and after seeking the face of God, one day, we were in the US on vacation and one bishop invited us to his house for dinner. While we were there, he just rose up and said the Lord had spoken to him to ordain me as a bishop.

Before then, I had given up the idea of being ordained. This cleric was called Bishop Lois, he is from Texas. He is late now but he was the bishop of the College of Bishops at that time, so my wife and I, we were ordained as bishops in that college. I do not parade myself as a bishop. In fact, I do not call myself anything; I am just that man that was called to prepare the way of the Lord. I am not particular about the title, but about what God has asked me to do, and that is what I am doing.

Father’s House Bible Church, of which you are the Senior Pastor, is 15 years this year. How would you asContinues on pg42

42 tribunechurch

God is still interested in Nigeria —Pastor Adefila

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Pastor Jacob Banji Adefila, the Oyo State Overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church, shares with KEHINDE OYETIMI, the experiences the church has recorded in the state, the expectations of Pastor W.F. Kumuyi’s visitation to Ibadan, his message for fellow ministers of God regarding the gospel, among other issues. Excerpts:

W

hat are some of the peculiar blessings you have recorded since the DLBC started in

Oyo State?

Everything achieved here has been by the grace of God. There is nothing we can do without the help of God. Just like the scripture says: Paul plants, Apollo waters and it is God that gives increase. The church has been here for years and it is growing in leaps and bounds and the Lord has blessed us wonderfully. The church at Ashi, Elekuro, Sango, have grown significantly.

We have 30 groups of districts in Ibadan alone and each group can be sustained on its own as a full-fledged church. The Lord has raised ministers, workers, leaders and we have been blessings to other churches who share in the Monday Bible study led by our General Superintendent, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi.

When it comes to expansion, it usually has attendant challenges. What have been the major challenges faced when the church started growing?

One of the major challenges that we had is the issue of workers. The field is wide but the labourers are few. Just like in the time of Jesus Christ. There are so many places we could reach but we don’t have enough capable manpower to man those places.

So, what the church does is to continuously raise workers to meet up with these challenges. We believe with God’s help, we would get there.

What were the other miracles recorded in some of the outreaches of the GS that the people of Oyo State should look forward to?

The way the Lord glorified himself in the outreaches is something to thank God for.

We see multitudes coming unto the Lord after the message and as a result of this, with the multitude we are expecting, it is assured that salvation, miracles, signs and

wonders will be visited upon the people.

Pastor Kumuyi, at over 70 is not showing signs of fatigue. He is not known to use physical adornments such as anointing oil, as channels for miracles as is common. Instead, he preaches from a place and signs and wonders follow through. What is his secret?

The scripture says, “as your days, so shall your strength be.” Even the man of God, Joshua, at the age of 80, reminded Moses of when they were called and said he is as strong as when they were first called 40 years ago. Pastor Kumuyi is not even 80 yet. I believe that the scripture is being fulfilled in his life. The Bible is coming true as we see him even stronger than when I knew him in 1975.

Is there a special arrangement for transporting people to the venue of the programme?

I’ve met with the Region Overseers from across the state and we have divided Ibadan into different sections so that we can transport people from where they are to the venue of the programme. We are also making provisions for them to be at the programme for as long as the three days it would last.

There is the general mentality that Oyo State is different in terms of elitist approaches. How do you also strike a balance between the educated and the non-educated in terms of passing the message of the gospel across?

The message of the gospel is the same for all people in all places and in all generations. There are no barriers – racial, educational and the like. What people need is to hear it in their own language and they would respond appropriately, no matter the background. The elites, illiterate hear the gospel and they become born again and

heaven rejoices.

As churches multiply rapidly, so does it seem that sin is on the increase.

How would you assess the situation?

These are the signs of the last days and it shows that, whether we like it or not, the world is coming to an end.

That is why we must be very wise. This is the time to remember the Creator because the signs are very clear and not hidden from anybody. Applying psychology or philosophy is not the solution. The solution lies in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ because it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes anywhere, everywhere.

Pastor Kumuyi has visited Oyo State before. Why is this visitation different from others?

This programme is specially titled “Divine Visitation”. Not that other visits have not been divine but this is a special programme. Through this visit, God will visit individuals, families and the entire state.

It is a time that the Lord wants to visit people. God has specially come out this time and He wants to visit us. As God visited Abraham, his name changes; He visited Hannah, her situation changed; He visited Moses and his condition changed, so also God will visit us and problems, poverty, oppression, negative influences will be erased by God. God desires that we do not manage our lives but live it to the fullest.

What are the expectations for those

who will attend?

They should come and the God of all impossibilities will be present with us.

Whatever the problem, ache or sorrow, God is ready to give rest to those who have burdens and He will visit us through his anointed servant, Pastor Kumuyi.

As a religious leader, what is your message to fellow religious leaders, especially at this time, regarding their attitude to the word of God? The scripture has not left us in doubt.

Iniquity is on the increase and this is the time for every minister of God to go back to the Bible, stand by the Bible and defend the Bible and not do anything in addition or subtraction to the word of God. As Paul counsels Timothy to preach the word in season and out of season. Every minister of God must preach the Bible. The gospel alone has the power to save. Jesus Christ says “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free...” Let us preach the word of God. As Jesus Christ says, “Go into the world and preach the gospel,” not prosperity, not riches.

‘It’s misplaced priority for churches to establish universities’ Continued from pg41

sess your progress so far?

These 15 years have been the most glorious years in my life. I love to do ministry; I love the Lord; I love the things about God; I love to praise and worship God; my heart pants for the Lord and I wish I started ministry earlier than this. I wish I saw the face of the Lord even before I went to read Medicine. I would not have read Medicine; it was a vexation of spirit to read Medicine. To know the Lord is all that a man needs. Well, let me say we had challenges, but they are not what I will call challenges. We were victorious over them all and we are still victorious.

You are moving from your church auditorium at Deco Road to Warri/ Sapele road?

Oh that’s another cross over; we were in Deco road where we had the clinic and we changed the building into this church. It’s

been wonderful years, seeing the Lord and praising Him and then suddenly the Lord called on us to build another auditorium and this is what we did under four years. February next year, it will be exactly four years since we started building this 10,000-seater auditorium and now we have moved into this new auditorium of Father’s House.

Some call it Uvwie stadium, some call it all kinds of names, the most glorious church in Nigeria, the most beautiful name in Nigeria.

Whatever name they may call it, we call it Father’s House Bible Church – the House of Prayer, the house of praise and worship unto the Lord.

What has God told you about Nigeria?

What God has revealed to me is that this present day Buhari is a man that God has ordained because there are certain things that Buhari will do that no child of God will be able to do if he is made the head of state.

Now, that’s what many Christians don’t understand and that’s what many men of God did not see. Because the truth is that if I were there, I would not be able to sign death warrant, to send anybody to death. So, I think that God, in his wisdom, chose Buhari. I am saying that God is God; He can use anybody that He wants at any given time.

There is the proliferation of universities among religious bodies. What’s your take on this?

I don’t understand why men of God should start opening universities to study Medicine, Law and all of these dead things. That is not our business; others can do it, but not men of God. If there is anything men of God should do, it is to start Bible Colleges.

Wouldn’t it have been more profitable if we spent all our time and all that money for them to have eternal life? A man who has eternal life has everything; that’s my take on it. When I look at the time of Christ, there

were schools and all of that, but Jesus did not waste his time to build universities. All that he came to do was give life, eternal life and that was what he focused on. I think that is a diversion.

What is your advice to the government as regards insurgency?

Well, the Bible says the watchman of the city, they watch in vain except the Lord watch over the city. My counsel to the government is to seek the face of God. There is only one Man that knows what to do and He is the Master of everything; He is the Master of chaos; the Master of confusion; the Master of crisis. He is above everything.

He is the beginning and the end; the Alpha and Omega, the Lord of everything; all situations, all circumstances bow before Him. If the leaders of this country will humble themselves and go to the Lord, then you would see this country would start changing; the Holy Spirit will start moving.

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1 November, 2015

With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425

churchnews Buhari needs spiritual support to succeed —CAN Olayinka Olukoya Abeokuta

T

he Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has solicited spiritual support and prayers for the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to effectively administer the country, in order to bring about the expected change.

This was the submission of the CAN Coordinator for Abeokuta North in Ogun State, Pastor Emmanuel Kinrin, during the induction of new executives/ handing over service of the body, held recently, at St. Jude’s Anglican Church,

Ikija, Iberekodo.

Kinrin who was swornin as the new Coordinator for CAN in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the new government,saying the expected change would begin to manifest soon.

He said: “It is my prayer

that there would be peace all over the land and that the problem of insurgency we have in our country would be a thing of the past within the stipulated time given by President Muhammadu Buhari. So, we are praying along with him and believing that the expected change that we

have on the lips of Nigerians would come.

“The language on the lips of Nigerians today is “change”; to have the total change desired, we need prayers more than ever before. I have discovered again and again that you cannot change a man with codes. Man will always

have his way around them because the heart of man is desperately wicked.”

He advised Nigerians to shun religious extremism and to live peacefully with one another.

The new CAN coordinator promised that his administration within the next three years in the lo-

cal government area would promote religion tolerance between Christians and people of other faiths.

Anglican Communion donates to the needy

By Tolu Olamiriki

Foreign forces combined can’t stop Boko-Haram —Makinwa

By Taiwo Olanrewaju Eighty-two year old Pastor Gabriel Morakinyo Makinwa, founder of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Cathedral of Thanksgiving, Ring-Road, Ibadan, has said that foreign military forces combined would not stop Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria.

Speaking on the occasion of his 82nd birthday and the church’s 35th founder’s anniversaries, last Sunday, the cleric said God told him that unless He rises up to the occasion, the global forces combined would not be able to stop Boko Haram attacks in the country.

Makinwa, who said he was happy about his age and the fact that the church had not derailed from laid down regulations, urged the leaders to lead the nation back to the Lord.

Meanwhile, the guest speaker, Pastor Emmanuel Famuyide, who spoke on the theme, “What is your name?” noted that everything on earth has a name and is very significant.

Famuyide, who said the name is a mark of identity, which also sustains the family lineage, urged all to live well that they would bequeath their names as legacies to their children and generations unborn, adding that all politicians, irrespective of affiliation, use the good name of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo today.

Sunday Tribune

The Most Reverend Joseph Olatunji Akinfenwa, Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion (second right); Venerable (Dr) Wole Ogunsehinde (left); Venerable (Dr) David Olasode Olagbaju, Provost, Cathedral of St. James the Great, Oke Bola, Ibadan (second left) and Reverend Canon Johnson Olusegun Faleye (right), during the Diocese of Ibadan Jesus Festival 2015 recently. PHOTO: D’TOYIN.

From left, Right Reverend (Dr) Michael Fagun; Right Reverend Dr. Peter Odetoyinbo; celebrant, Very Reverend Father Anthony Fadairo; his mother, Mrs Cecilia Bolanle Fadairo; His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okojie, and Right Reverend (Dr) Jude Arogundede, during the 25th priestly ordination anniversary celebration of Father Fadairo, held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, last week, in Lagos. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

The Diocese of Ibadan, Anglican Communion, last week, distributed food items to the needy and under privileged members of the society with a charge to the beneficiaries to continue to pray fervently for the church so that it would continue to impact positively on them.

Distributing the items at the Cathedral of St James the Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, the Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Bishop Joseph Akinfenwa, who said the programme was part of the activities to mark the 2015 Jesus Festival, urged the beneficiaries of the programme to cultivate the habit of thanks giving as God has not forget them.

The bishop charged them as apostles of Christ, not to relent in their prayers for the church so that it would continue to meet the spiritual as well as economic needs of the people.

Earlier, the Provost of St James the Great, Reverend (Dr) David Olasode Olagbaju, in a sermon entitled “the Lord is my shepherd”, urged them to always make God their pillar in all their dealings, adding that they needed to know the God they serve.

“If you can make Jesus Christ your father, husband and adviser, then, you will have no problem in life. We need heavenly wisdom in all our dealings to become better people,” he stated.

Christians must develop organised response to terrorism —Akinola

By Olaide Sokoya The Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers, Sango-Ota, Ogun State, Bishop Taiwo Akinola, has advised Christians not to contemplate fighting back but develop organised response to terrorism.

He disclosed this in an interaction with Tribune-

Church ahead of the Rhema World Convention of the church with the theme wonderful Jesus.

Thousands of participants from across the world are expected at the event, which holds from November 1-8 at the Ota international headquarters of the church.

Akinola, who admitted terrorism and unprovoked

attacks are part of the biggest challenges confronting the church, said Christians cannot afford to fight back.

He said the killing of many Christians within and outside Nigeria was becoming unbearable but advised believers not to retaliate.

He said: “We can’t fight back because it is just not in us. Fighting back is not our identity or forte.

“We cannot match violence for violence because it is just not part of us. A Christian cannot behead people or set others ablaze to convince them to follow Christ.”

Akinola however urged believers to mobilise themselves for “organised response to terrorism” by way of mounting pressure on government to protect

citizens.

He stated that Christians should also go into politics so that they can influence governmental policies and decisions.

The cleric debunked insinuations that something was wrong with the nation.

According to him: “There is nothing wrong with Nigeria other than lack of inspiring leadership.”

1 November, 2015 Sunday Tribune 44 tribunechurch Get your relationship with God right first, Obey urges women

By Olaide Sokoya

A

n Ngo that focuses on women empowerment held their ‘Empowerment Women Conference’ at the weekend.

The group, Daughters of Sarah had a workshop where different speakers taught on issues germane to the womenfolk.

The participants that grace the conference held at Mercy Hall, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos State, were educated and inspired to discover their God-given vision, protect their children from domestic and sexual abuse, become achievers in their endeavours and develop their relationship with God. The convener, Pastor (Mrs) Aduke Obey, said that over 600 people have been empowered including

women and children since the group was founded 18 years ago. The arm of outreach of Daughters of Sarah (DOS), Women Empowerment conference began in 2003 and has aided women in discovering their purposes and being mentored.

Obey urged women to prioritise by getting their relationship with God first and other areas would fall in line.

The facilitators of the conference were Stephanie Obi, Director of Stephanie B School; Dr Prince

Olufemi Kayode, criminologist and expert on child domestic abuse; Mrs Bukky Fadayomi of Little Saints Montessori School and the convener, Pastor (Mrs) Aduke Obey.

Meanwhile, the free training of the Ngo begins in

Members and guests at the just concluded Daughters of Sarah Women’s Fellowship conference, held at Mercy Hall, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos State, recently.

A better Nigeria is coming —Prophet Fufeyin Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri General Overseer of Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, has called on Nigerians to keep the faith as a new Nigeria is coming.

Speaking during an interaction with newsmen recently, Prophet Fufeyin, who said he was brought up as a prayer warrior in a pop-

opinion

ular church in Warri, said he went into fasting and prayer to seek God’s face regarding his ministry.

According to the Ijaw-born cleric, during the rigorous 21-day prayer and fasting he embarked upon, some notable men of God such as TB Joshua appeared to him 10 times, teaching him mysteries of the kingdom.

Fufeyin, who said he had

never met TB Joshua physically until he visited him last year when one of his buildings collapsed, noted that he was different from the Lagos-based cleric, whom he described as a good man.

He debunked the rumour that politicians were behind the construction of over 18 building projects at the Mercyland Camp Ground

along Warri-Sapele road, saying only God can claim to have blessed him.

The man of God, commonly referred to as Warri TB Joshua by his admirers, stated, however, that a better Nigeria was ahead.

According to him, children of God in the country should unite instead of criticising one another to mark the beginning of a new Nigeria.

A visit to Mt. Athos monastery

By Revd Oyekanmi Erinoso Mt. Athos is not a tourist destination. In fact, tourism and sightseeing are not valid and acceptable reasons for the issuance of a permit to enter the holy mountain. Pilgrimage and study can be considered as genuine motives. The first thing I told a Romanian co-traveller as we entered the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi is that we are now in a colony of heavily bearded orthodox monks and priests”. But, alas, it is more than that. A visit to Mt Athos is like “seeing a new heaven and a new earth”. The setting is quite unique, the landscape challenging and the life is equally exceptionally peaceful. It is a place far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city life, a place away from the madding crowd, a place where heritage and nature are in harmony, a place with warm summer climate and a generous and friendly people.

Honestly, seeing is believing.

However, it is not easy to get to Mt. Athos. The trip has to be worked out well in advance. You apply for a permit (Deamonitrion) at least three months in advance to the Patriarchal authorities in Istanbul, attaching all relevant documents including a letter of recommendation from your Bishop if you are in Holy Orders. You have to be very sure that the permit is ready before embarking on the journey.

On arrival at your destination, all the pilgrims (all visitors are pilgrims) are ushered into the presence of the Abbot who welcomes you with a shot of gin, a glass of cold water and candy-like substance called Loukoumi. The guest master then ushers you into your rooms. Rooms in the monasteries are usually dormitories of different sizes – some taking as much as twenty or more persons and others as little as three or two. There is no provision for any privacy at all. You share all facilities including toilets and bathrooms in common.

Mt. Athos itself is a large portion of land and the largest religious community in the world – far larger than IONA community. It boasts a land area of about 335.68km2,

about the area of Lagos State. The autonomy of Athos is recognised and respected by both the government of Greece and European Union. It is a theocratic state led by an ecclesiastical council.

Daily life in the monasteries can be exciting as well as tasking. Wake up call for Mattins is at 4a.m. At seven in the morning, you have the liturgy – an equivalent of the Eucharist. Other offices follow – mainly Vesper and Compline. I enjoyed the singing of the orthodox monks which is plainsong and Gregorian chants. In between services and meals, the monks attend to their daily chores which include works in the kitchen, gardens, farms or even building construction.

Meals in Mt. Athos are mainly vegetarian and austere. No meat is served; only two meals per day and no breakfast and fast days. Like all monasteries the world over, loud reading is done at dinner and from the pulpit and only in Greek. No tea or coffee or beverage is served. No butter, marmalade or sugar or milk is served. The monks eat only what they themselves grow and produce. On feast days, fish is served

November and different skills will be imparted.

Skills relating to baking, gele tying, make-up applic-

ation, events management and planning, bead and jewellery making, will be offered to participants.

Need for Christian participation in politics advocated

By Remi Anifowose The call for more Christians to participate actively in politics has been advocated as the only means the needed change in the cultural fibre of a nation can be attained.

The call came to the fore at the maiden conference of the Oyo State Pastors’ League, an event organised to celebrate the re-election of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

While speaking on the theme: “Christians and Politics,” the guest speaker at the event, Bishop Emmanuel Loe Donkoh, from South Africa, observed that men of God and the church had the responsibility of reshaping the nation and the polity.

“Every office that seeks the well being of mankind is a calling, likewise political office. Anyone considering running for political office would do well to consider these principles and prayer-

fully seek God’s will for his/ her own life.

“Christians in many countries are oppressed and persecuted, suffering under governments they brought to power for change, but these governments hate their faith and silence their voices,” he opined.

He added that there was nothing wrong with Christians being involved in politics, as long as they remembered that they were to be ambassadors of Christ on earth, noting that if a Christian did seek office, it should only be if he could faithfully execute duties of that office to the glory of God and without compromising Christian principles.

Earlier in his remark, the convener of the conference and immediate past Special Adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Political Matters, Dr Gbade Ojo, pointed out that the conference was organised based on the jaundiced view by many that committed Christians should not dabble into politics.

with white rice and vinegar plus olive oil and sauce. Grace before and after meals are said accompanied with, singing.

Practically everybody is served in enamel plates. There are bottles of homemade wine on the table at all meals.

The general scenery on Mt. Athos can be quite stunning.

Great, virgin thick forest in mountainous settings, wide expanse of vineyards, orchards, farmlands, plantation of pinewoods all adorn the landscape while the Aegean sea in a Mediterranean climatic setting present pleasant relaxation spots. What is more, the level of silence and solitude is remarkable. The pin-drop silence is almost all day. No radio, television, WIFI and other electronic devices are permitted in the monasteries. It is important to mention that women or indeed any female human is not allowed on the Holy Mount. It is forbidden and they can only view the monasteries in the boats and ferries but they cannot disembark or enter Mt. Athos.

During my four-day stay on Mt. Athos, the chapels, the libraries and the museums drew me closer to God and to the vision of heaven. Here on Mt. Athos, there is no craving or yearning for material and temporal things of this world; no vaunting ambition and petty jealousies – the hopeless rat race of this world. All the frailties of the human flesh are tremendously reduced to the barest levels. How the monasteries can accommodate and feed over 300 visitors daily free of charge remains a mystery to me. No fee was charged or paid for all the hospitality you receive in Mt. Athos – a striking contrast to other European monasteries who insist on a donation. The monks are quite humble and polite and content with their lot. There is no inordinate ambition or struggle for position. An Abbot is elected for life and the obedience of the monks and priests is quite visible.

Throughout the duration of my four-day visit, I was the only black or African on the island, and I did not feel any form of religious, social or racial discriminations. There was equal treatment for all. We are all part of a holy band of pilgrims whose citizenship is in heaven.

Erinoso is a retired Archdeacon in the Diocese of Lagos West Anglican Communion.

45 tribunechurch

with Most Revd J.O. Akinfenwa Bishop of Ibadan Diocese (Anglican Communion)

with Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, fradebadejo@yahoo.com

In the world, but not of the world

The tipping point

The pains of Rwanda Bishop Antoine Kambanda is the bishop of a small diocese in Rwanda who participated in the recently-concluded Synod. During that Synod a lot was said about the mission of the family in the Church and modern world. God intended the family to be an agent for further creating His world, (Gen. 1:28) and a family nurtured Jesus, the savior as well.

As he made his contribution, Bishop Kambanda shed light on a serious concern for the family project in the future. He recalled that his country Rwanda had fought a brutal fratricidal war during which genocide was perpetrated, killing by 1994, a million people. The Bishop related how the ghosts of the tragedy, 20 years after, are still haunting the country.

The children from the genocide, left with no parents or guardians and therefore with no knowledge or experience of what a family is, are now themselves the adults whom we expect to raise their own families. “Such young people”, said the bishop, “have no memories of the interaction between their parents to help them understand what a family is like”. He drove the point home saying: “We are expecting a lot from the family but the family is not prepared”. In other words, for him to hear about the mission of the family to the world raises questions about today’s victims of war, terrorism, unemployment, disease, migration etc.

These continue to decimate families and produce youth who surely will be incapable of ever become agents of transformation and healing one or two decades from now?

On the home front Similarly, the ongoing challenge of terrorism in Nigeria has inevitably produced victims not only of the present but of the future. Apart from widows and widowers forced into homelessness and poverty, children, rendered orphans and deprived of family upbringing are forced to grow up in camps and on the streets.

Sunday Tribune

dawnofanewera

firmfaith:rightreason

Hope for a better world “IF we could only deal with three challenges facing us in our world today, we would need no more to seek paradise, it would simply be there for us all”, so said a preacher reflecting on the decadence and misery all around him. The preacher then identified the three challenges namely: “restoring the family, educating the youth and eliminating poverty”. I could not agree more with him. The three, by the way, are interrelated. If the role of the family in the society is jeopardized, young people cannot possibly acquire the values disposition and qualities needed for a meaningful and productive existence. No form of poverty is greater than a society devoid of values and ideals.

Proofs of this abound even beyond our shores for universal values and ideals transcend nations. Such sentiments were expressed at the recently concluded Synod of Families in the Vatican.

1 November, 2015

Their situation ought to bother everyone.

15 years or so down the line will these be able to raise ideal families for the society?

The future simply cannot wait to be seen before we act. Most appropriately, as the Synod on the Family ended in Rome, Pope Francis re-emphassed his message of compassion and mercy to the Church and the world. His appeal could not have come at a better time than now as the Year of Mercy which he himself has called for should begin from December 2015.

Just as the Church is reminded about the prerogative of mercy, which is an inseparable part of the mission of Jesus Christ, so is the entire world called to concern and compassion for the victims of various tragedies and misfortunes among us. It is for such tasks that we need a new manner of missionaries today.

Heavens help The gospel reading of the Sunday of the closing of the Synod did present us with a manner of missionary in the story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar of Jericho.

Few texts better express the generous reaction of man to God’s mercy. Described as a blind man and a beggar and therefore weak vulnerable, Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for help and was relentless when the forces of the world tried to shut him up.

Jesus did not merely give Bartimaeus alms, a favour done out of mere compassion. He listened to the blind man and asked him: “What do you want me to do for you?” It sounded like an unnecessary question, but Jesus really wanted to compel those who surrounded him to think deeper about the blind man’s plight. The pope referred to Jesus’ gesture as a great invitation for the Church to become more a listening Church. For Pope Francis this was even a major achievement of the entire Synod which listened to all comers, but did not pretend at the end, to solve all the problems presented but at least found the time to listen to families and their challenges.

Think like Bartimaeus Bartimaeus is a metaphor for those who wish to undertake the mission of changing the world today. Having healed Bartimaeus Jesus gave him the freedom to be on his way. He was free to go and catch up on his life, all he had lost as a blind man: “Go, your faith has saved you”.

Then Bartimaeus’ genius as a generous man emerged. Rather than go home to start a business and a new life he chose to follow Jesus along the way. His generosity was provoked by an unusual deep sense of gratitude and love for Jesus and a desire to contribute to Jesus’ mission. Where are the numerous, grateful people like Bartimaeus healed, blessed and exalted

by God to change our country today? So much is waiting for Christians to commit themselves to today, following Jesus on the way, including the rehabilitation of the orphans, the displaced and the marginalized. Will thoughts of Bartimaeus bring forth such missionaries?

Continued from last week Joshua 24:14-15 states “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” That is what we find re-echoed in the New Testament, Romans 12:1-2 thus “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The apostle had argued hard and long on some doctrines which are of practical application. But then he now entreated the Romans, as his brethren in Christ, by the mercies of God, to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to Him. This is a powerful appeal. God blesses us every day with the fruits of his mercy. How shall we prove that we appreciate what God did? It is by living our lives in total dedication to him.

In the words of Matthew Henry, “Take

heed of forming plans for happiness, as though it lay in the things of this world, which soon pass away. Do not fall in with the customs of those who walk in the lusts of the flesh, and mind earthly things. The work of the Holy Ghost first begins in the understanding, and is carried on to the will, affections, and conversation, till there is a change of the whole man into the likeness of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. Thus, to be godly, is to give up ourselves to God.” In other words, don’t say what the world says, even if that is the most popular slang in town; don’t do what the world does, even though it gives them “better” (but unbiblical) results; don’t go where the world goes, however attractive or popular the destination may seem; don’t pursue what the world pursues, however juicy or satisfying the attainment may appear; don’t live as the world lives, however glamorous their lives may appear.

Peter the Apostle says to us in 1 Peter 2:21 thus - “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”

What example did Christ leave for us?

Jesus Christ left us a worthy example of: Love, obedience and submission, humility, faith, holiness, good works, etc.

To be continued next week

livingword

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

Accessing Heaven’s order of financial fortune!

WELCOME to the first day in the month of November. In this new month, I see God fulfilling, suddenly, every positive prophesies that were spoken concerning you, since the year began, in the name of Jesus Christ! In this glorious month, we shall be exploring how we can access the fortunes of heaven.

First, we must understand that heaven is the epitome of wealth and splendour.

According to scriptures, the walls of heaven are made of jasper and the city is of pure gold. Also, the foundations of the walls of the city are of precious stones. Furthermore, the gates are made of pearls and all the streets of heaven are paved with pure gold (Revelation 21:11, 18-21; 1 Corinthians 2:9).

It is important to understand that God will be visiting the earth with heaven’s order of wealth before Christ returns. This is why God has reserved a time when He will be releasing His wealth to His church, so she can rule in the midst of her enemies. Thus, the end-time Church is ordained a ruling and super wealthy Church, and God’s plan for the saints is to manifest in financial fortune after the order of heaven (Malachi 3:17-18, 4:1-4; Haggai 2:6-9; Psalms 110:13; Proverbs 22:7).

But, how can we partake of this rain of financial fortune?

Everything great has a great foundation.

Therefore, a discovery of the foundation of the rain of financial fortune is very crucial to accessing it. As it is written: If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalms 11:3)+ We discover from scriptures that a genuine love for God and His Kingdom is the biblical foundation and our covenant access to heaven’s order of financial fortune.

For instance, concerning Solomon, the Bible records: And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places (1 Kings 3:3; see also 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, 13:13).

After he reared that altar of sacrifice, God told him to ask whatever he desired and he requested for wisdom in ruling God’s people. This, also, was based on his love for God and the affairs of His Kingdom. As a result, God said: And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days (1 Kings 3:13). According to scriptures, Solomon overlaid the house of the Lord with pure gold and all the drinking vessels in his house were also of gold. The love of God was the launching pad of Solomon into the Heaven on Earth order of wealth and extraordinary abundance (1 Kings 6:21-22, 10:21).

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1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

specialreport Rejected by job market, welcomed by vocational centres

Gripping tales of Nigeria’s jobless graduates In recent times, more graduates are beginning to dominate the vocational training centres across the country to acquire one skill or the other. REMI ANIFOWOSE, TOLA BADEMOSI and KUNLE KUDORO report reasons and possible implications of the emerging trend.

Graduates at a vocational training centre

M

ISS Ronke Adetosoye, as an undergraduate, was very brilliant. Her dream was to become one of the best journalists around; the reason she chose to study Mass Communication in the first instance. She was, in fact, seen as a promising star by many senior journalists in the media organisations she observed her mandatory internship and national youth service assignments.

Adetosoye had no problem securing a job with one of the numerous media organisations operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, though not the big ones she would have loved.

Away from her professional preoccupation, Adetosoye, now married, had always been passionate about designing, as she designed most of her wears, including those

of her friends.

Curiously, about four months into her journalism career, she resigned her appointment in Abuja. Journalism just did not give her the thrill and challenges she had anticipated; she took the next available vehicle to Ibadan. She thought of upgrading her fashion designing talent by venturing fully into it.

Today, the former Miss Adetosoye, former journalist is sitting atop a multimillion naira fashion design business and training institute with over 10 workers in her employ.

Mr Olusola Adewale, another graduate who spoke with Sunday Tribune, revealed why he decided to learn barbing.

According to him, he decided to take his destiny into his own hands after roaming aimlessly seeking elusive employment in

both government and private establishments. He braved the odds, not minding the criticisms and insult such a ‘condescending’ decision by a graduate like himself would attract from the public, especially his friends. ‘‘I graduated from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAB) in 2012. After my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, I sought employment in different organisations, but to no avail. During the day, I used to stay at my mummy’s shop at Olodo area in Ibadan. But when I realised that time was going, I told my mother one day that I wanted to learn barbing and she allowed me to go and learn the vocation. I started going for the training which lasted almost six months.

“Now I have my own shop and I am

comfortable doing the work.”

Mr Adeogun Adewale’s experience is similar to Olusola Adewale’s, as he narrated how he became an entrepreneur.

Adeogun Adewale, a 2006 graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, explained that it was very difficult for him to get a job after he left school.

His words: ‘‘I spent almost all my savings from NYSC, about N100,000, on transport in search of job. When I got tired of the situation, I decided to go and learn my father’s bricklaying vocation. It is now the job I use in feeding my wife and children.”

The other ‘unfortunate’ millions...

Though there are many other graduates Continues

pg 47

47

specialreport

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

From universities to vocational centres

DG, NYSC, Brigadier-General Johnson Olawumi

Vocational training centres

Continued from pg 46

like Adewales and Adetosoyes who chose the wise route of creating their own jobs, millions of other young graduates are unfortunately still waiting, hoping to get gainful employment somewhere. One of such million Nigerians is Mr Moses Ijaduade (his real name is being concealed here), a graduate of Agriculture with Master’s degree in same course, who has been looking for job since 2005.

Despite entreaties from friends that Mr Ijaduade should venture into any of the lucrative options that agriculture offers, he persisted in his search for job, particularly in media houses. About 10 years down the line, he is yet to take up a lucrative employment anywhere, relying on menial job and goodwill of friends and relative to survive. Mr Ijaduade, who is growing older by the day, has still not taken the creative initiative of determining his own future by redefining his own life. His determination to get a white collar job is giving him the option of an endless search, which he

is vigorously pursuing, looking unkempt and even talking to himself.

Working the many options Vocational training, in the past years, was basically meant for the poor and unlearned, the dull and underprivileged, through which they could eke out a living.

University education was the in-thing, but was meant for the privileged, rich and extremely studious and brilliant poor, who would be graciously awarded scholarships. It was and still is the best legacy.

Then, not everybody went to higher institutions of learning, because of the cumbersome criteria of admission. But also, a university graduate in those days was a hot cake in the labour market. The certificate was next to none. Jobs were already waiting for such potential, prospective graduate, as employers lobbied to have the best of hands and intellect work for them.

In the contemporary Nigeria, the dynamics of change which brought about global technological advancement also

affected the orientation and exposure of Nigerians in various spheres of life, including education and personal upgrade.

People are getting better enlightened and sensitised to personal education, development and upgrade.

What used to be the domain of the underprivileged and uneducated is fast becoming a fertile ground for the privileged and educated. Even the very educated now consider vocational training a mustacquired in the face of dwindling economic crisis, which has affected every aspect of living in Nigeria. Poor economy has seen universities, polytechnics and colleges churning out graduates in their thousands, every year, into a labour market that is already congested. Unemployment rate is on the increase and has posed a serious danger to the economy of the country.

But more Nigerians are no longer ignorant of the place of education in securing a good life, after being faced with unemployment after acquiring the degrees in different disciplines. Unemployment has forced government to make policy redirection in the area of vocational studies and many enterprising graduates like Ronke Adetosoye have started cashing in on it. This reality has brought about a crave for self-reliance and entrepreneurship as a possible solution.

What government is doing There have also been measures implemented by establishments and agencies of government towards achieving this goal.

One of such measures is the one taken by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which recently inaugurated the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.

According to the Director of SAED, Mrs Mary Danabia, the NYSC has trained over 500,000 corps members. The entrepreneurial skills, she noted, became imperative to reduce to the barest minimum, the rate of unemployment among graduates.

The director, while speaking with Sunday Tribune on how the scheme was established, said NYSC went into broad collaboration with international and national organisations which assisted in setting up the department.

According to her, the scheme had, through the programme, alleviated the fear of graduates being idle after service, hence the skills they had acquired would serve as a source of income for them.

She explained that the sensitisation of corps members on the need to move away from being job seekers begins from the orientation programme in camp. ‘‘First of all, during the orientation programme in camp, we try to sensitise them and change their mindset from looking for jobs to creating jobs. We take out about 30 hours; three hours of 10 days to get them through this. We get people to talk to them on the need to change their minds from looking for jobs and the need to become entrepreneurs. We also expose them to entrepreneurship development.

“We get resource persons who would talk with them in three days and introduce them to entrepreneurship. They will take them through the course content during which they learn how to start business on their own; how to manage it and go through it and how to also develop business proposals. We also introduce them to different skills and we expect them to choose one of their choices and then they have five days hands-on training.

“It is then expected that as they finish, they leave and then during their primary assignment, for those who couldn’t complete the training, it is expected that they would go through the training during their primary assignment,” Mrs Danabia related to Sunday Tribune.

But beyond teaching the graduates new skills, the NYSC also introduces them to marketing such skills. According to her, NYSC links up corps members with good business proposals, with funding institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry BoI, Bank of Agriculture and other organisations which are willing to sponsor.

“From their training, they begin to develop their business proposal. Like here now, we have some that we have sent to the Bank of Industry while we hope that they will respond.

Continues

pg 49

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1 November, 2015

Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 0807 449 7425

children’sarena Words from the kids All students are from Abike Model International School, Masfala, Laoye-Odinjo, Ibadan, Oyo State.

What is your wish for Nigeria?

Sunday Tribune

famousinvestion

Brief history of pressure cooker

I wish we can join hands to fight corruption —Akanni Moses, Pry 4 I wish Nigeria could have a better electricity supply and good roads.

There should also be reduction in prices of petrol and building ma-

terials.

I wish we can join hands together to fight corruption in Nigeria so that we can live in love, peace and joy.

Bad roads should be reconstructed —Obaloluwa Adisa, Pry 3

I wish there could be stable power supply. The salaries of civil servants should be increased and there should be a stop to

the Boko Haram killings.

The bad roads should be reconstructed so that accident rate would be reduced.

I want better sporting facilities —Akinleye Damilola, Pry 3 What I wish for my country include: stoppage of unnecessary killings; repair of roads; potable water supply for everybody; more jobs and bet-

ter facilities for those in sports.

I also wish there could be an end to corruption, as well as improvement on electricity supply.

Nigeria can be world’s best country —Olajide Damilola, Pry 4 an issue that needs to be addressed, the roads are bad, they should be repaired, electricity is not stable and I would want it to be. Nigeria can be the best country in the world.

Cheetah • Cheetahs are mammals.

• Cheetahs are in the cat family.

• Cheetahs are sometimes mistaken for leopards but a cheetah’s spots are more round and they have long black lines that run from their eyes to their mouth called tears.

•Cheetah has between 2,000-3,000 spots!

• Cheetah weighs between 69-140 pounds and can be 4 feet long.

• Male and female cheetahs are called cheetahs.

•A baby cheetah is called a cub.

• Cheetah are the fastest land mammal in the world!

• Cheetahs can run up to 60 miles per hours in 3 seconds but can go even faster.

•They can run at speeds up to 75 miles per hour.

•Most cheetahs live in eastern and South-western Africa. Very few are left living in Iran.

• Cheetahs are carnivores, meaning they eat meat.

Compiled by Ilari Victoria

terwards.

In 1938, Alfred Vischer presented his invention, the Flex-Seal Speed Cooker, in New York City.

Vischer’s pressure cooker was the first one designed for home use, and its success led to competition

among American and European manufacturers. At the 1939 New York World’s Fair, National Presto Industries, which was then known as the “National Pressure Cooker Company”, introduced its own pressure cooker.

poem The life I would love to live The life I would love to live, a life filled with peace and bliss The life I would love to live, a life that touches the heart of the kids; That springs up grace for others to sip; That quenches the act of strife in all the tribes A life that spells out dignity to the nation; That stands with the truth and nothing; That instigates others to uphold the flag; and

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

Proverb

There are some issues I wish would be changed in Nigeria.

Corruption is a thing that is digging deep into the Nigerian economy and I would like it to be stopped. Water supply is

P

ressure cooking is the process of cooking food, using water or other cooking liquid, in a sealed vessel, known as a pressure cooker. Pressure cookers are used for cooking food faster than conventional cooking methods, which also saves energy.

In 1679, the French physicist Denis Papin, better known for his studies on steam, invented the steamdigester in an attempt to reduce the cooking time of food. His airtight cooker used steam pressure to raise the water’s boiling point, thus resulting in a much quicker cooking. In 1681, Papin presented his invention to the Royal Society of London, but the Society’s members treated his invention as a scientific study. They granted him permission to become a member of the Society af-

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

never to derail from the way of the light Would you join me to live the same sort of life?

The one that can fight for the future of you and I; To create the vision of what we both would like So we can make a good mark here on earth.

riddles What did the pencil say to the other pencil?

You are looking sharp.

What is the most hardworking part of the eye?

The pupil Why did the picture go to jail?

Because it was framed.

What do you call security guards working outside Samsung shops?

Guardians of the Galaxy.

What do you get when you cross fish and an elephant?

Swimming trunks.

news Ekiti AG faults renegade witness’s claim of coercion, tutoring 49

Sam Nwaoko-Ado Ekiti

E

KITI State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Owoseni Ajayi, has denied claims by one of the witnesses in the trial of the murder of a former chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, Chief Omolafe Aderiye, Gbolahan Okeowo, that he coerced him to make a statement on oath.

Okeowo, who was an assistant to the late Aderiye, recently recanted and claimed that he was tutored to make a statement he had earlier made as a witness in the ongoing trial of some persons in the murder.

He claimed that he was tutored to make statements by people loyal to Governor Ayo Fayose to frame up those alleged to have murdered Chief Aderiye.

Reacting to Okeowo’s

1 November, 2015

claims, Ajayi said he read in a newspaper that “one of the witnesses called by us in the prosecution, who had earlier made a statement to the police and confirmed that statement to the examination in chief before it was adjourned for a cross examination, recanted that he was tutored to make the said statement in the office of the Attorney General of the state.”

According to him, “the subject matter in defense is prejudice; it is against the principle of law for anybody to assist him to go and swear to an affidavit in a Federal High Court, Akure, after he had given evidence in chief, he has been crossed examined and he never gave any reference to any of those issues which he swore to in that affidavit in Akure.”

Ajayi added: “Secondly, the accused person, witnesses to criminal cases don’t give statements in the

office of the Attorney General. Statements are made in the statutory office of police stations and recorded

by IPO assigned for those functions. It is only when the police have confirmed their investigations, statement have been obtained and investigation have been concluded, if it is a criminal case of that nature, that they usually refer the case file to the DPP’s Office.

“It is at that stage that the DPP will take over; the Ministry of Justice can take over and make their necessary comments. Let me state too that as at September when this case of Aderiye’s murder occurred, I was not the Attorney General then because we had not been sworn-in then.

“So to prelude that sometime in the month of October that his statement was removed by the police is a direct indictment on the Police authorities and I expect the police to inves-

tigate that.

“As far as I am concerned, that particular person who is just a witness to us has committed perjury in that affidavit which was sworn in the Federal High Court, Akure. He should have sworn it in the Federal High Court Ado Ekiti or the state.”

In the publication, Okeowo was quoted as saying: “I state categorically that persons standing trial for the murder of Chief Aderiye in Charge No: HAD/12C/2014: The State v Adebayo Aderiye and 6 others, were not involved and neither did they participate in the murder of Chief Aderiye on the 25th day of September, 2014.

Also, in same newspaper of Saturday, October 31, 2015, the Ekiti All Progressives Congress (APC) urged the police to arrest and prosecute the State Attorney Gen-

eral and Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communication and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, over allegation of tutoring Okeowo to frame up the suspects.

Okeowo was quoted saying, “Soon after Dr Ayo Fayose was sworn in as Governor of Ekiti State, I was invited by Mr Owoseni Ajayi, who was the the Special Assistant (Legal) to Dr Fayose who produced the statement I had given to the Police on the 26th September, 2014, wherein I wrote concerning what I witnessed to the effect that I did not recognise any person as the assailant and either did I mention the names of the persons standing trial as the suspects in the said statement.

“I was put under considerable pressure, including threats to my life and members of my family, to write another statement which was tendered in court on the 7th day of October,

Sunday Tribune

2015, the content which were dictated to me by Mr Owoseni Ajayi, in company of Mr Lere Olayinka, the media aide to the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Ayo Fayose, sometime in October, 2014, which I backdated to 26th September, 2014 on their instructions.”

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Fashola Adijat Joy now MRS AJAO FASHOLA ADIJAT JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adetunji Amudalat Olabisi now MRS LAWAL AMUDALAT OLABISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Udolisa Ifeoma Scholastica, NOW MRS ONYEBUCHI IFEOMA SCHOLASTICA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

specialreport

‘My self-created enterprise gives me fulfilment’ tance of education and academic qualification, he reiterated the need to train in a vocation, saying it would serve as a support mechanism in difficult times.

Vocations, he said, are long term measures for the rainy day.

Highlighting some of the numerous advantages of learning a skill, the NYSC Director, Mrs Danabia, said learning voactions encourages entrepreneurship and promotes small and medium scale enterprises or industries through industrialisation, which in turn develops the the economy of the country.

Continued from pg 47

“In Bank of Industry, they realise that most people who submit proposals to them don’t meet their standards, so they have now commissioned about 120 business development service providers nationwide.

“So, what we do now is that when they submit, we take the proposals to those service providers to look at them and try to make those proposals get to standard before we submit to Bank of Industry,” she said Also speaking on the rationale behind the creation of the programme, she said: ‘‘Initially, the NYSC focused on unity and integration. But as time went on, it became imperative to address other objectives of establishing the scheme and one of them is the seventh that seeks to inculcate the spirit of self reliance in our young graduates.

“When we started, it was very rosy. I recall that before you are through with the NYSC, you already had two to three job offers. But along the line, it was not so with the trend of things in the country. Lots of corps members come out without any job.

“The issue of unemployment became more glaring. As a dynamic institution, the NYSC became worried with the ugly trend and decided to address the issue.

“Since our mandate is to inculcate the spirit of self reliance in our young people, we started up with what we call cooperative ventures, where we got some grants for some corps members and it paid off for those who did it successfully.

“We also started collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria, training our corps

Ronke Adetosoye

members in developing feasibility studies and business plans. Even with the NDE, we worked with them to see how they can start up business of their own.

“But starting a business is not a tea party. We needed some rudiments. We also brought in some people that introduced certain vocational skills. We then created a department of Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Development (SAED), in a bid to address the unemployment issue.”

Skill acquisition as key to personal development and national economic growth Apart from acquiring the necessary qualification, vocational skills have been identified as significant to personal upgrade and a crucial means to national economic growth of any nation.

According to Mr S.K Olu, learning a vocation or skill is as important as acquiring an academic qualification.

Inasmuch as he emphasised the impor-

Academic qualification and vocations complement themselves Corroborating Mrs Danabia on the advantages of skill acquisition, Mr Mufutau Ahmad, a professional printer, said ‘‘it is dignifying to have something you are skilled in. It is like developing the talent God has endowed you with and it is natural. It is valuable to be educated and, at the same time, could use your hands to make money. It is like using both the mental and physical [abilities] to make more money The good thing is that, as you are developing yourself, you are becoming a better person. You are enriching yourself and also enriching the nation for development in all ramifications.”

Mr Ahmad is indeed very correct as the former Miss Ronke Adetosoye, who is now the Chief Executive Officer of DVG Styles, is expanding her fashion business and training other graduates. She is enriching herself and using her creative enterprise to enrich her state too. As she always says, her self-created enterprise “is giving her enough fulfilment,” more than she would have got from the course she took a degree in.

50

news

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘We will embark on peopleoriented programmes’

By Olakunle Taiwo

NEW EXECUTIVES OF ROTARY CLUB OF OLUYOLE ESTATE: From left, Sergeant-at-arms, Innocent Agbaji; secretary, Babatunde Akinde; charter president, Olaide Olayiwola (PHF); the new president, Akinloye Deyeye (PHF); service director, Taiwo Omotayo; treasurer, Bayo Ajidagba (PHF), and past president of the club, Gbemisoye Tijani, during the investiture ceremony of the 9th president and installation of board members of the club, in Ibadan, recently. PHOTO: OLAKUNLE TAIWO.

224 passengers die in Russian plane crash

W

HAT could be called a tragic scene occurred at the weekend when a Russian airliner crashed in central Sinai killing all 224 people on board.

The terror group, Islamic State, however has claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to Egyptian officials, the Airbus A-321 had just left the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, bound for the Russian city of St Petersburg.

Wreckage was found in the Hasana area and bodies removed, along with the plane’s “black box”. An official said bodies of victims still strapped to seats.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared Sunday a day of mourning.

He has ordered an official investigation into the crash, and for rescue teams to be sent to the crash site.

Egyptian officials said 214 of the passengers were Russian and three Ukrainian.

A passenger list published by the Russian Association of Tour Operators showed that 10 of those on board were under the age of 10, with one just under a year old.

A commission headed by Russian Transport Minister Maksim Sokolov left for Egypt on Saturday afternoon.

A criminal case has also been opened against the airline, Kogalymavia, for “violation of rules of flight and preparation for them”, Russia’s Ria news agency reported.

Oksana Golovin, a spokes-

woman for the airline, said the company did not see any grounds to blame human error.

She told a press conference that the pilot had 12,000 hours of flying experience. Kogalymavia did not yet know what caused the crash, she said, but the plane was fully serviced.

Police are reported to be

NAFDAC impounds fake skin bleaching creams, soaps, seals 3 shops in Lagos THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), at the weekend, impounded fake and substandard fast moving skin lightening cream, bating soaps, as well as serum worth millions of naira in Lagos even as it sealed three shops in the process in connection with the offensive products.

The suspected fake products identified as Q7 Range of cosmetics products impounded during the agency’s raid and enforcement exercise at the Lagos Trade Fair complex included; Q7 Whiteniser

body milk strong treatment, Q7 Carotte Multiactive Whitening Serum, Ndak Q7 Whitening body lotion with manufacturing dates: 07/2015 and expiry dates: 06/2020 and Q7 Gold soap, among others.

The impounded products originally registered with NAFDAC by ‘Visible Image Cosmetics Company Nigeria Limited’, were said to have been brought into the country through yet-to-be identified illegal sources.

The bubble, however, bust when intelligence and surveillance by NAFDAC confirmed the presence

Ondo road repair team hits Ikare this week THE Ondo State government is stepping up its roads rehabilitation effort as its repair gang is expected to move to Ikare in the new week.

The state’s Asphalt Company (OSAC) kicked off the rehabilitation work with over hundred roads fixed in Akure, the capital city and its environ and currently in Ondo town.

Speaking with newsmen in Akure at the weekend, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade said road rehabilitation work will be car-

searching the company’s offices.

Russian authorities say the plane was carrying 217 passengers, 138 of them women and 17 children aged between 2 and 17. Most were tourists. There were seven crew on board.

Egyptian officials investigating the scene said there were no survivors.

ried out in all the state’s three Senatorial districts.

He said government is impressed with what the Ashpalt company has been able to do so far, adding that in some cases, they did major construction on some roads, especially in the Akure metropolis.

He said government is determined to make roads in the state motorable and driving pleasurable for the people.

Also shedding light on OSAC activities so far, its Chairman, Mr Kehinde Osikoya, said his men

are rounding off with the Ondo beat after which they will move to Ikare and other towns in the area.

He said his men spent much time on Akure roads because of the population density in the capital city.

“It is not unusual that activities are concentrated on road rehabilitation in the state capital because of the population density.

“But we are actually in Ondo town at the moment and in the new week, we will be moving to other areas,’ he said.

of the offending products in some shops and warehouse at the trade fair market complex.

Addressing journalists shortly after the raid in company of other regulatory officers and security operatives, the team leader and Chief Regulatory Officer, Enforcement Operations, Mr Joseph Idowu, confirmed that the raid became necessary following intelligence reports about the presence of the offending products in the markets and shops.

Idowu noted that already the agency had evacuated the suspected injurious products, sealed the shops as well as invited the shop owners for further interrogations and investigation.

He further explained that the products were impounded, because they were unregistered and from illegal sources. “We are removing from the market Q7 range of products suspected to be fake.

The agency had registered Q7 range of products with NAFDAC numbers on them. But from what we are seeing from the products evacuated, you can observe that NAFDAC number is not on them and they are coming from unauthorised sources,’ he said.

MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Oluyole Estate have elected its 9th president and also installed board of directors for the 2015/2016 rotary year.

The investiture ceremony which held in Ibadan, witnessed the swearing-in of new club officers who included: the new president, Rotn Akinloye Deyeye (PHF); the club secretary, Rotn Babatunde Akinde; Sergeantat-arms, Rotn Innocent Agbaji; club service director, Rotn Taiwo Omotayo and club treasurer, Bayo Ajidagba (PHF), among others.

However, speaking with journalists after the ceremony, the new president, Rotn Deyeye, mentioned some of the activities the new members would be embarking on for the 2015/16 Rotary year.

According to him, Rotary is known for embarking on people-oriented programmes over the years.

“We will partner with the Federal Road Safety Commission to organise a workshop on road safety literacy for motorcycle riders in order to reduce road accidents.

We want to install speed breakers and zebra markings along Mobil junction, Ring Road, Ibadan “Also, there will be free eye test for people and free distribution of eye glasses and also complete the ongoing Rotary community centre which will provide health services for the people, free computer training for the marginalised and interested adults, among other benefits.

Why I moved motion for upgrade of FCE (Special) Oyo to varsity —Rep

By Moses Alao

THE member representing Atiba/Afijio/Oyo East/Oyo West Federal Constituency, Prince Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, has stated that he moved the motion for the upgrade of the Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo to a university in order to cater for persons living with disabilities in the country.

Honourable Adeyemi, who stated this at the weekend, following a motion he raised on the floor of the House of Representatives, entitled: ‘Call for upgrade of the Federal college of Education (Special), Oyo, to the status of a university,’ said “people living with disabilities must be finding education difficult, because they cannot adapt to the present university system in Nigeria, there is no university in Nigeria that caters for these special set of Nigerians.”

He further maintained that the FCE (Special) Oyo, which was founded in 1977, is the only higher institution in the country and in sub-Sahara Africa for Special Education, calling for an urgent upgrade of the institution to a university so as to fully cater for the educational needs of the special people in the country.

According to him, the House had fully supported the motion, directing the House Committee on Tertiary Education to liaise with the National Universities Commission (NUC) with the aim of setting up the machinery for the upgrade of institution.

Group advocates Ibadan State

By Remi Anifowose

A socio-political group, Ajinde Ona-Ara, in Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, has called for the creation of Ibadan state, saying this would make the socio-economic of the area viable.

The group which made the call in a press release signed by its Publicity Secretary of the group, Mr Abiona Adetunji, at the weekend also described Senator Folarin as a factor to reckon with as far as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is concerned both at the National and Oyo State in particular.

The group also encouraged all former members of the PDPP that have defected to other political parties to come back to the party thereby forming a strong platform to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019.

The group, however, prayed to God to grant Senator Folarin longevity, protection, prosperity and the ability to serve his community better in the nearest future.

opinion APC as judiciary’s new friend 51

By Lere Olayinka

W

HILE growing up in Okemesi-Ekiti, one of the stories my grandfather told me was that of a certain bird. This bird, according to grandfather will sing “hun o kuo ngbo yi” (I must leave this forest) whenever it was hungry and could not find anything to eat. However, the moment it was able to feed sufficiently, it will sing “Igbo yi dun pupo” (this forest is very sweet).

The story of this double-speak bird came to my mind when I read a statement by the APC, accusing the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of launching out on large-scale smear campaign on the Nigerian judiciary.

The APC went on to say that the PDP was “casting aspersions on the integrity of respected members of the bench whose only offence is that their meticulous and balanced judgments have exposed PDP’s fraudulent and violent escapades during the 2015 general elections.”

This, coming from a party that once accused judges of collecting N3 billion bribe to give judgment in favour of PDP cannot but be laughable. On December 19, 2014, the APC in Ekiti State, while rejecting the tribunal judgment validating the election of Governor Ayodele Fayose and casting aspersion on the integrity of the judiciary, said; “It is worrisome that the judiciary appears not ready to tackle the flagrant abuse of the courts by desperate politicians.”

In the double-faced political dictionary of the APC, saying that the judiciary was not ready to tackle flagrant abuse of the courts would be complimentary while the PDP complaints about miscarriage of justice on Rivers and Akwa Ibom states would be derogatory.

In the past, APC in its desperation for power, did not only threaten war against the judiciary, the party also threatened to turn Nigerians to refugees in their own country with possible return of Operation Wetie witnessed in the Western Region in the mid-60s.

A day to the June 21, 2014 Ekiti State Governorship election, APC National Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, at a press conference in Lagos threatened war if the election was rigged and of course, the only election that is not rigged is the one in which the APC emerges the winner. At the press conference attended by APC chieftains such as Rotimi Amaechi, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Senator Osita Izunaso (National Organising Secretary), Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson (APC Women Leader), Alhaji Lai Mohammed (the party’s spokesperson), among others, the party openly called for war against the people of Ekiti State.

Chief Oyegun warned that the road being charted by the Federal Government in handling today’s Ekiti State governorship poll, among others, can lead to a repeat of Operation Wetie in the Western Region and would make every Nigerian a refugee if care is not taken.

When APC was known as Action Congress (AC) and later Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the judiciary was openly blackmailed, ridiculed and some cases compromised by the party in the South-West.

For instance, when the Justice Hamma Barka-led tribunal in Ekiti State gave its majority judgment in favour of the PDP in 2010, the ACN used one of its agents of media terrorism, Sahara Reporters to accuse the judges of receiving N3 billion bribe. The N3 billion cash was

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

claimed to have been transported to Ogere Toll Gate, Lagos-Ibadan expressway where it was changed to dollars!

On May 5, 2010, Professor Itse Sagay, a notable apologist of the APC described the judgment of the Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as a disgrace. He said: “The verdict is a disgrace. I watched part of the tribunal’s proceedings on television, when I saw the way the judge was going, puncturing the case of the petitioner, it was clear to me that the Action Congress would not get justice.”

In June 2010, Sunday Akere, who was then the Osun State ACN Director of Research and Strategy reacted to the state governorship election tribunal judgment saying “we, the Osun ACN, came to seek equity at the tribunal with clean hands. But what we got is a shame and a blot on the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary. It is shameful that a panel of five judges could sit down and write such an incoherent judgment.”

In his own reaction to the judgment, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who was the ACN governorship candidate said; “The judgment is dubious,” meaning that the tribunal judges were themselves dubious because only dubious judges could give dubious judgments.

Instead of robing themselves in the garment of sainthood and presenting themselves as defenders of the judiciary, the APC and its multiple-mouth leaders should rather concentrate on their dubious use of a section of the judiciary to manipulate themselves to power as they have done before; and leave posterity to judge who the real friend of our judiciary is.

• Olayinka is the Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Ekiti State Governor.

Card reader magic against Wike

By Boniface C. Amadi IF former President Goodluck Jonathan had simply walked away from the Otuoke polling station, after the card reader failed, twice, to recognise his biometrics as a prelude to accreditation for voting in the presidential election of March 28, this year, the 2015 general elections might never have taken place as scheduled. And we can only speculate about what the full consequences might have been. The country was already on tenterhooks, literally waiting to implode.

The curious distribution of permanent voters cards (PVCs) had created some tension of its own, with grave insinuations of deliberate disenfranchisement of heavily populated parts of the south of the country, while states reeling from Boko Haram insurgency in the north were said to have recorded, incredulously, far higher collection rates of PVCs, notwithstanding that hundreds of thousands had long since been displaced from their homes by the terrorists.

In the end, election monitors and stakeholders alike acknowledged the transparency value in the use of the card reader, but noted its shortcomings as well. Equally acknowledged were the options, offered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the event of card reader malfunction, in order not to disenfranchise eligible voters. In the circumstance, it was somewhat unthinkable that an election petition would succeed in part because a tribunal decided that only the card reader was valid for accreditation of voters in the general elections.

But what was unthinkable now stares all in the face as what one can accurately describe as the card reader magic against Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.

That is both the import and purport of the judgment delivered on Saturday, October 24, by the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

In the considered decision of the Tribunal, it held that INEC had issued Guidelines for the conduct of the general elections, in particular, the use of the card reader for accreditation, before voting. According to the Tribunal, other than the exception made for the presidential election, INEC “did not at any moment relax the Guidelines whatsoever,” and “it is, therefore, not open to anybody to act contrary to the Guidelines without first resorting [to INEC]”. If the card reader did not work, the Tribunal held, the election in the polling units ought to have been postponed to the next day. That not being the case, the Rivers governorship election, which took place on April 11, was nullified and a re-run ordered.

The gaping hole in the Tribunal’s decision lies in the partial, rather than holistic, consideration of the INEC Election Guidelines. In its partial appreciation of the Guidelines, the Tribunal

relied on the press statement issued by the Secretary to the Commission, as well as on the testimony of an INEC Assistant Director in charge of ICT, who testified that the card readers in Rivers State recorded only 293,072 accredited voters in the governorship election. That means there was over-voting. But the principal point to note, however, is that the Tribunal held that because accreditation and voting were not postponed to the next day, in places where there was card reader failure, INEC had failed to comply with its own Guidelines, and therefore the governorship election was a nullity. The Tribunal held that there was no discretion in the matter of the Guidelines.

Yet, the whole world knew, through various television and other media appearances by INEC chiefs, including the Chairman at the time, Prof. Attahiru Jega, that, in the event of the card reader malfunction, election officials were mandated to proceed with manual accreditation of voters.

However, Incident Forms were required to be completed, evidencing the resort to manual accreditation. What was expressly forbidden was the accreditation of persons holding Temporary Voters Cards. This was the crucial link in the voting process. Thus, it was not simply a case of, where card reader failed, then accreditation as well as voting was automatically postponed to the next day. Why did the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal fail to consider this crucial aspect of the Guidelines?

Certainly, if the Tribunal had taken a broader and holistic view of the Election Guidelines, it would not have annulled the Rivers governorship election on the ground of card reader failure. What this means is that the Tribunal glossed over the important place of Incident Forms in the voting process, hence the Tribunal insisted that only 293,072 voters accredited by the card readers legitimately took part in the April 11 elections.

Otherwise, to invalidate that election the way the Tribunal did, it would have been required to consider the Incident Forms polling unit by polling unit (more than 4,000 of them) and if satisfied that the Incident Forms were not in compliance with

the Election Guidelines, then it could void the election, or part thereof. But no such consideration took place.

It is important to also note that the Tribunal held that the alternative use of manual accreditation was a window created solely for the presidential election following the fiasco when polls opened on March 28. The question to ask is: why did INEC supply Incident Forms for the Governorship and House of Assembly elections on April 11? It is instructive that the Rivers Tribunal did not find or hold that the Incident Forms that were available on April 11 were a forgery.

What purpose were the Incident Forms intended to serve?

The card reader in governorship elections was an issue on which the Court of Appeal (Lagos Division) had pronounced unequivocally, while delivering judgment in the appeal filed

by Jimi Agbaje against Akinwunmi Ambode in the 2015 Lagos governorship election. Delivering judgment on behalf of all five Justices, Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya held, on August 26, this year, that a card reader “has no life of its own as a ground” in an election petition. “Put simply,” the Court of Appeal held, “a petitioner cannot project the nonpresence or improper use of smart card reader as a ground for questioning an election. It does not qualify as one.” As a corollary, sole reliance on a card reader to decide on an issue in an election petition cannot succeed.

In the Agbaje v. Ambode case, the Court of Appeal did not speak on the card reader as an obiter (that is, a bythe-way remark). It was a ratio, a core reasoning in its decision on the appeal before it. This principle, so clearly enunciated by the Court of Appeal, was brought by counsel to Wike and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the attention of the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. Yet, the Tribunal ignored the principle, a clear affront on the rule of bindingness in the Nigerian legal system. This is the card reader magic against Wike!

It is to be hoped that, on appeal, Justices of the appellate court would sternly rebuke lower courts and tribunals, for jettisoning a canon of the Nigerian legal system, and in the process being disrespectful to courts higher up in the hierarchy. Also known as stare decisis, the rule of bindingness means that courts that are lower in the hierarchy are bound (not discretionary) to follow and adopt the reasoning and decision of the courts higher in the hierarchy, on an issue or matter similar to that being adjudicated upon.

In this sense, the High Court (or Tribunal) is bound by decisions of the Court of Appeal; likewise the Court of Appeal is bound by the reasoning or decisions of the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land. That is why there are Law Reports, where precedents can be found.

• Amadi, a public affairs commentator, lives in Port Harcourt.

52

opinion

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

The insolence of Rabiu Kwakwanso and the words of Inua Wada

By Femi Fani-Kayode

I

am saddened that the former Governor of Kano state, Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, a man whom I have always considered a friend and one whom I have always respected could insult our revered Yoruba elders. A few days ago, during a function in Ibadan, it was widely reported in the media that he asserted that the recent demand by the Yoruba elders that all Fulani herdsmen ought to be banned from the south west as a consequence of the hideous atrocities that they have been committing against our people is somehow inappropiate and misguided.

Instead of stopping there he went further by attempting to give us an unsolicited lecture about his Fulani heritage and pedigree and about the benefits of having a good education: imagine that coming from one of them. He concluded by telling the Yoruba elders to just ‹›shut up››.

Such impudence and insolence is rarely seen and this final insult may represent a defining moment in the history of the relationship between the Yoruba and the Fulani in our country. Worse still, this comes barely a few weeks after Chief Olu Falae, a much-loved 77 year old Yoruba elder, was abducted, incarcerated, stripped naked, beaten, cut with machetes, maimed, frogmarched, humiliated and kidnapped by a group of Fulani herdsmen. Unlike many others Chief Falae was lucky to escape with his life because both before and since his abduction many other victims of the Fulani cattle rearers did not.

Many Yoruba farmers are still living in trepidation of being attacked and butchered by the vagabonds and many have had to sit by helplessly as the heartless beasts raped and slaughtered their wives and daughters before their very eyes. Instead of attempting to calm our nerves and allay our fears by reaching out to us with an olive branch and condemning the criminal actions of his Fulani kith and kin, Rabiu Kwakwanso has instead indulged in his provocative and dangerous diatribe.

It is a manifestation of the crass arrogance that some Fulani leaders have cultivated over the years that they feel that they can insult us in this way and get away with it. Worse still they seek to defend, rationalise and condone the activities of their barbaric and murderous herdsmen who have murdered, raped and pillaged thousands of our people and forcefully taken our lands and crops over the last few years.

I will leave it to Afenifere, the Yoruba Council of Elders, the OPC and others to respond to Kwakwanso and those he represents because these are the groups and people that speak for the Yoruba nation. The only thing that I will say is that Kwakwanso›s thesis and theory about education being the answer to the menace and criminal activities of the Fulani herdsmen in the south west does not make sense. It has no basis in logic, rationality or reason.

In any case if the herdsmen are not properly educated and do not know how to behave in a lawful and civilised manner when they are in the territory of others whose fault is that? Is it not the fault of Kwakwanso and the other Fulani leaders who have refused to enlighten and educate their people over the last 50 years?

That is the bitter truth.

You cannot stop those herdsmen that have chosen to be murderers, vagabonds and rapists by simply educating them because what they do is inherent within them. Those that have chosen the path of criminality and violence are suffering from a sociopathic and psychotic disposition. Simply put they have an insatiable bloodlust and an irresistible desire to hurt others and to steal, maim, rape and kill.

When I say this I am not referring to all Fulanis but only to those Fulani herdsmen who insist on indulging in violent and deviant behavior in our land.

The only thing you can do to stop such people is to make them face the full wrath of the law for the crimes they have consistently committed and ban them from entering our territory. It has nothing to do with education. We do not want these herdsmen amongst us anymore because they are like a plague. All they do is kill, steal and destroy. They have done it throughout the Middle Belt for the last 50 years and now they are doing it in the south and particularly in Yorubaland.

Do Kwakwanso and the other Fulani leaders expect us to keep quiet whilst their people are terrorising, slaughtering and robbing ours? If so they are in for a big shock. We will not only not keep quiet but we will also continue to insist that they must get out of our land. And if the government refuses to protect us from them we shall take strong measures to protect and defend ourselves and our people.

There is no crime in self defense.

The days of talking down to us, treating us with contempt and treating us like slaves are long over. Kwakwanso and those he represents should not test our will or underestimate our resolve. We want peace but it cannot be at the expense of our lives and the liberty and safety of our people.

The Yoruba cannot be butchered at will or treated like sacrificial lambs to the slaughter by anyone or any group of

people. Senator Kwakwanso›s insult on the Yoruba elders will not go unanswered.

Education is not the solution to the problem of the murderous Fulani herdsmen.

Expulsion is.

This brings us to the unfolding situation in our country today. It appears that the Fulani leaders of yesteryear were far more honest and forthcoming in the expression of their views and disposition about the South than the ones of today. Let us consider the following.

In an essay titled ‘’Nigeria’s History and A Morbid Obsession With Unity’’ written in Vanguard Newspaper on October 6th 2013, Dr. Douglas Anele wrote the following: ‘’Now, it should be pointed out that before the July 29th 1966 (northern military ‘’revenge’’) coup, prominent Northern leaders, led by the Sardauna of Sokoto, much more than their Southern compatriots, disliked the unification or amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria. For instance, at the inauguration of the Richards Constitution in 1947, Tafawa Balewa, who later became Prime Minister, declared, “We do not want, Sir, our Southern neighbours to interfere in our development. …I should like to make it clear to you that if the British leave Nigeria now at this stage the Northern people will continue their uninterrupted conquest to the sea.”

Wada, who later became Minister of Works in Tafawa Balewa’s government, was particularly virulent in his choice of words and many are of the view that his fiery submissions and threats of violence resulted in the Kano riots of 1953 which took place two days later and in which thousands of Southerners were slaughtered.

To reiterate this point Bobson Gbinije, in his article titled ‘’Igbo and Northern Leaders: Hate and National Cohesion’’ which was published on September 2015, wrote the following: “’The invidious and inveterate mutual

hatred and antagonisms between Easterners and Northerners through inspired hate speeches and media publications, dates back many years before independence. Sporadic out breaks in Northern towns, particularly the Jos riots of 1945, had been occurring in the past but the British Administration barely took them seriously. However, after the ruthless massacre in Kano in May, 1953 the British were constrained to look into the matter by setting up a commission of inquiry on the Kano disturbances.

The Report on the Kano disturbances posited that the remote causes suggested at the time could not by any means be referred specifically to Easterners. The attacks were attributed to the clash of cultures, the disparities in economic and social development between Northerners and Southerners, the occupation of strategic posts in the administrative, technical and commercial sectors of Northern life

by Southerners and the leveling impact of Western religion and political ideologies introduced into the North by Southerners.

It is on record that there were series of polemical and aggressive verbal exchanges between Northern Representatives and the Action Group Members during the Lagos Conference. But the fuse that really set off the explosion in May, 1953 was the proposed visit to Kano of an Action Group (AG) delegation led by Chief S. L. Akintola, an Ex-Minister (who was Chief Obafemi Awolowo›s deputy and who later became the Premier of the Western Region) .

The organization and preparation of Northerners for the riots did not suggest to Easterners that they would be the main object of the attack. Northerners denied in 1953 that the massacres were ever organized or premeditated. But it is on record that two days before the disturbances began on Thursday, May 14, 1953, Mallam Inua Wada, then Secretary of the Kano Branch of the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) and later Federal Minister of Works, convened a meeting of the Native Administration sectional heads at the works Department in Kano during which he made a very ill-advised and provocative speech against the proposed visit of the Action Group delegation led by Akintola.

Inua Wada said, inter alia, ‘’having abused us in the south these very Southerners have decided to come over to the North to abuse us but we have determined to retaliate the treatment given us in the South. We have therefore organized about 1,000 men ready in the city to meet force with force. We are determined to show to Akintola and his group what we can do in our land when they come. The Northern Peoples Congress has declared a strike in all Native Administration Offices for Saturday, 16th May, 1953.

We shall post a sufficient number of men at the entrance of every office and business place and we are prepared to face anything that comes out of this business.’’

It appears to me that with the ‘’shut up’’ rhetoric of Rabiu Kwankwaso we may have another Inua Wada in the making. Whichever way history must not be allowed to repeat itself and southerners must not be massacred. It is also clear that the violent and provocative rhetoric of todays northern leaders will not go unanswered. Let us pray for the peace of our nation and let us hope that men like Rabiu Kwankwaso do not cause a second civil war.

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opinion

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Why my critics want to crucify me

By Edwin Clark

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RDINARILY at my age and position in life, I should not have to justify myself in a press controversy on my voluntary decision to quit partisan politics particularly when this personal and well intended act has come under unfair politicisation of persons of mediocre temperament. For a couple of days now, I have been more bemused than angry by the not-so-funny, but, predictably, negative ingenuity of Nigerians, aided by an equally incredulous media, to create unpleasant things out of nothing. It has been a circus of those convinced that they have found a peg to hang their own, disloyalty, failure, shallowness and hatred unto, a ball to kick around, over my statement, not for the first time, that I was quitting partisan politics and my statement about former President Goodluck Jonathan, for reasons so obvious that I cannot understand what the orgy of self-flagellation is all about.

I still believe that former President Jonathan performed creditably well in various areas. I am very proud of him and so are millions of other Nigerians. He was good in so many areas, and did many good things for this nation. He resuscitated the railway system that was comatose for several decades; he engineered a robust economy for this nation; he fought against Polio and Ebola; maternal and child health; he did much for the Power Sector upon which President Muhammadu Buhari is now building; he tarred more roads than any of his predecessors; he turned agriculture to agro-business, a multibillion dollar business; he built the Almajiri schools in the Northern parts of this Country; he established new Federal Universities across this nation; he allowed for free speech across this nation, and did not mind when he was criticised or, even, abused; people were not arbitrarily locked up in jail or prison, as he truly respected the Rule of Law; he signed the Freedom of Information Bill into law, which was not done by his predecessors; he modernised the Aviation Sector; he convoked a National Conference that brought Nigerians together and proffered recommendations on how to better bind Nigerians together as one; he sanitised the electoral system of this country, unlike what we had before him, when elections results were announced without actually voting, when ballot snatching were rampant and common place, he brought transparency into the electoral process, when people could vote and the votes actually openly counted without violence.

Today he stands as the first African president to concede an election to an opponent, even before the final counts.

There are many more achievements to his record, but because of time and space let me end here for now. These are all lasting legacies that he has left behind. He has certainly set a precedent for others to follow.

My open support for former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR My support for President Goodluck Jonathan predates his presidency.

It dates back to the period when he was the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. So for people who are thinking that I only knew Dr. Jonathan when he became the President or that I was one of his hangers on, I think there will be need to give

them a little information. My relevance and leadership of my people as an elder statesman and a critical stakeholder in this Nigeria project far pre-dates Dr Jonathan’s public life and presidency. I have been relevant in politics and I have served my people honestly and creditably well. I became very close to Dr Goodluck Jonathan when he was Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. I was present in London when the late former Governor of BayelsaState, the Governor General of the Ijaw Nation, Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha (may his soul rest in perfect peace) was arrested in London on the prompting of the Nigerian government under Pres ident Olusegun Obasanjo because of his hatred for Chief Alamieyeseigha. I had to cancel my flight to Nigeria at the London Airport when the news of the arrest of Chief Alamieyeseighawas conveyed to me by Ambassador Pereware from Paris.

I went with a few well meaning Nigerians to Essex where we had been informed that he was kept, but could not find him. We went to a few other places before we were able to locate where he was. I remained in London for one week with him to put in place machineries for his bail. I recall the large heartedness of Lady Ann Iyoha who brought out the title deed of her property in London to secure his bail and also the magnanimity of another woman from Amasoma, the home town of Chief Alamiyeseigha in Bayelsa State.

When I returned to Nigeria, I went to Bayelsa State to meet with stakeholders to see that a peaceful transition of power took place whereby Dr. Jonathan who was the then Deputy Governor became the Governor. Ambassador Godknows Igali became the Secretary to the State Government.

Of course, I openly supported President Jonathan not only as my son but also as the first person to emerge from the minorities of the Niger Delta as the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I had no choice but to support him and I have no regrets. My support is total and unyielding. If most of President Jonathan’s close associatesand political leaders exhibited such support, by espousing all his achievements, rather than the pretence and betrayal they were engaged in, the story today would have been different. It will be recalled that I had on several occasions openly criticised the former President in the Press and in my statements for actions or inactions which

were damaging to the President’s image while he was in office. When the President failed to check the excesses of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice which included his undue interference with the activities of the EFCC, I did not fail to speak my mind openly in opposition to the President. When the President did not deliver on his promise to complete the construction of the East-West Road, I did not fail to speak my mind openly. I even told him publicly that he should not leave the South-South people poorer than he met them.

Inability of successive governments to fight corruption in Nigeria My declaration to the TNFI was to the effect that corruption had been the bane of Nigeria’s sad arrested development. A simple click on the website will show the number of times (not less than 25) that I have mentioned or talked about corruption before and during Jonathan’s administration. It has been the reason for the neglect of the ordinary man in Nigeria by all governments. Therefore, I declared, not for the first time, my support for any effort to eradicate the cankerworm from our body polity. I traced the forces that had made the eradication of corruption impossible in time past. My analysis did not begin and end with the Goodluck Jonathan Administration. I actually traced them from the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, with former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo failing to even scratch the surface beyond using some Special Purpose machineries to harass real and unreal enemies. For the eight years of President Obasanjo’s administration, he definitely institutionalised, legitimised and legalised corruption in this country.

The cases of Halliburton and Siemens are typical examples. Today, former President Olusegun Obasanjo is one of the richest former rulers. The same forces were also at play in the time of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, GCFR, when anti-corruption activities slowed down because of some of those who assisted him in his Presidential election in 2007. A situation where Chief James Ibori, former governor of Delta State who was facing criminal charge, was playing a significant role in the affairs of Nigeria at Aso Rock and whereby his former State Commissioner for Finance, Mr David Edebve became late President Yar’Adua’s Principal Secretary, could not help the situation.

My statements on President Jonathan

and my quitting involvement in partisan politics were wickedly, sensationally presented by sections of the Media for reasons best known to them. It must be admitted that President Jonathan was very willing to fight corruption, but he believed that due process should and must be followed otherwise he could have initiated investigations into the scandals of Halliburton, Siemens and other serious alleged corruption charges leveled against some former Heads of State and other prominent Nigerians. He believed that there are institutions set up by the government such as the EFCC, the ICPC and other anti graft agencies. But regrettably, some of those who surrounded him led by the Attorney General (AG), Alhaji Hassan Tukur, etc, made it impossible for these institutions to work either by stopping them from arresting offenders or prosecuting some of the cases.

Over 50 high profile corruption cases are still pending in the various courts for over 8 years now. Laughable Plea bargains and settlements out of courts became the order of the day. It was at this juncture, when there was general complaint about the government not aggressively fighting corruption, I addressed an open petition to the then Chief Justice of the Federation, Honourable Justice Dahiru Musdapher, dated November 2, 2011, complaining that most of those charged to Court especially those of the former governors who have become Senators were still pending. He promptly replied my letter on 3rd November, 2015. Most of the petitions written against some prominent Nigerians, addressed to the anti graft agencies, did not see the light of the day. Ironically, the perpetrators of these corrupt actions were the same persons who attacked former President Jonathan’s inability to eradicate corruption in Nigeria.

My relationship with Jonathan was not based on material gains It is indeed most disingenuous to insinuate that my relationship with former President Jonathan was based on what benefits accrued to me. Far from the truth as I never benefited any material thing from President Jonathan in all his six years of President. With all modesty, I am at this age contented. I state publicly therefore, that I never sought nor obtained any contract, oil block, oil lifting allocation or financial gratification from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs) during his years of administration. Similarly, I never solicited for appointments or special placements for any of my children or relations in any government or private concern on account of my relationship with President Jonathan. It is, therefore, ludicrous and totally ill-motived for these wicked and mischievous persons to sell to the public that my decision portends a plan to seek any special favours from President Muhammadu Buhari and his government, or to protect those gains which I acquired from President Jonathan’s government which never existed. On the contrary, my public service in this country which spans over 60 years had given me the opportunity to seek the political, social and economic development of my people and Nigeria in general. I remain committed more than ever before to the economic, political and social emancipation of the people of the Niger Delta, South South, the entire minorities and the development and unity of this great nation.

• Clark was a former federal commissioner for information.

54

1 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

turbaning and installation of alhaji (chief) hazeem gbolarumi as PHOTOS: YEMI FUNSO-OKE balogun adinni musulumi of ibadanland AnD oyo state

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1. Grand Mufti of Ibadanland, Mogaji Abdfatai Alaga (right) and Mogaji Abata, Imam Abdul Mojeed (left), turbaning new Balogun Adini Musulumi of Ibadan and Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi.

2. Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Alhaji Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakri Agbotomokekere (left), presenting staff of office to Alhaji Gbolarumi.

3. From left, Professor Abass Adedibu; Chief Bayo Oyero; Alhaji Gbolarumi and Are Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawood Makanjuola Akinola.

4. Alhaji Gbolarumi; General Raji Rasaki; Alhaji Lateef Oyelade and Alhaji Lamidi Ajadi.

5. Alhaji Gbolarumi (middle), his wives, Alhaja Simiat; Alhaja Sarafat and other relatives..

6. From left, Alhaji Taofeek Akehugbagold; Alhaji Muyyideen Bello and Chief Imam, Ansar-ud-Deen Society Ibadan.

7. Alhaji Gbolarumi (second left), Alhaji Idris Arisekola Alao and other guests.

8. Members of Olugbesan family with Alhaji Gbolarumi.

9. Alhaji Gbolarumi and PDP chairman, Oyo State, Mr Yinka Taiwo.

10. From left, Alhaji Gbolarumi; Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and Honourable Akeem Ige.

55

sport

Toure’s penalty takes City back to top Manchester City needed a late Yaya Toure penalty to beat Norwich City and stay top of the Premier League following a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.

Nicolas Otamendi’s header put the hosts in front, before Joe Hart inexplicably dropped the ball at the feet of Cameron Jerome for a Canaries equaliser.

That sparked a frantic finale, as Toure scored from the spot after Russell Martin’s red card for handball offence.

There was still time for Aleksandar Kolarov to miss a penalty in injury time as Man City laboured to victory.

It was a combination of Norwich’s organised, solid setup and Man City’s sluggish approach play that caused frustration for Manuel Pellegrini’s side for long periods.

The few chances the 2013-14 champions did create in the first half predominantly fell to Wilfried Bony, who failed to hit the target with two notable openings.

Forward Kevin De Bruyne was central to most of Man City’s build-up play, but they struggled without the imagination of playmaker David Silva and the work ethic of striker Sergio Aguero, who were both injured.

Otamendi’s first goal for the club, a planted header from an outswinging De Bruyne corner, looked like it might lift Man City’s performance.

But Norwich was handed an unlikely equaliser with seven minutes remaining when England keeper Hart dropped Robbie Brady’s cross at the feet of Jerome, who prodded into an empty net.

Hart’s error did not prove costly though as Martin, with his keeper John Ruddy out of position, handled a shot by Raheem Sterling while diving to block the ball.

Martin was sent off while Toure calmly converted from the spot.

1 November, 2015 Liverpool striker, Roberto Firmino (left), shields the ball from Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel during Saturday’s EPL game at the Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea beaten again at Stamford Bridge Jose Mourinho MANAGER watched helplessly as Chelsea on Saturday suffered its sixth defeat of the season in the English Premier League with a 1-3 loss to Liverpool.

The Stamford Bridge came crashing again after the last home loss to Southampton on October 3, also by the same margin.

The painful, pitiful truth is that the Chelsea manager has tried every trick in the book to bring these players back onside.

Nothing has worked and nobody inside that Chelsea dressing room is listening any more. They are done with him, that much is clear.

Mourinho revelled in his billing as the master of motivation and mind games when he gained a reputation across European football as the game’s ultimate trophy hunter.

Now they players who won the English Premier League title and the Capital One Cup last season, have lost faith and trust in him.

Here they capitulated, unsure

and uncertain about their individual roles after Ramires had converted Cesar Azpilicueta’s fourth minute cross from the left.

Why? Because Mourinho has dug these players out in so many dressing room outbursts and team meetings this season that they are no longer capable of listening to him. Mourinho’s voice is just noise now.

They were beaten here, well beaten in the end, humbled and embarrassed by the brisk, adventurous football that Liverpool’s players have taken to playing under their new coach Jurgen Klopp.

Philippe Coutinho’s goals were both peaches: one from his left boot to equalise two minutes into added time in the first half and one from the right that beat Asmir Begovic deep into the second half.

By the time substitute Christian Benteke scored Liverpool’s third seven minutes from time, Mourinho carried the haunted look of a man who had run out of ideas.

I have nothing to say —Mourinho EMBATTLED Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho refused to discuss his future after the champions suffered their sixth English Premier League defeat of the season with a 1-3 loss to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

The Portuguese came into the match under pressure after a poor start to the season but saw his side take the lead at Stamford Bridge after Ramires opened the scoring.

However, Jurgen Klopp’s side came from behind to take all three points after Philippe Coutinho scored twice and Christian Benteke added a third, leaving Mourinho in feisty mood after the final whistle “I have nothing to say. Nothing to say. Nothing to say,” he told BT Sport after being asked his views on the match. “I’m so sorry I have nothing to say.”

When asked if he was wor-

Ighalo’s brace sinks West Ham N

By Ahmed Pele With Agency Report

Ighalo

Sunday Tribune

IGERIAN international, Odion Ighalo was the match hero on Saturday as he scored a brace which gave Watford FC a 2-0 victory over West Ham in the English Premier League.

The feat took his goal tally in the EPL to seven this season.

Ighalo, who is among the 23 players invited by the Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh for the

2018 World Cup qualifiers against Swaziland later this month, got the opener in the 39th minute after Nathan Ake robbed a dallying Andy Carroll and crossed the ball for the Edo State-born player to finish.

The former Lyn of Norway forward doubled Watford’s lead just four minutes into the second half, firing home from Ikechi Anya’s cut-back for his seventh goal of the season.

Enner Valencia, who came on to

replace another Nigerian international, Victor Moses at half time, intercepted Craig Cathcart’s poor backpass but hit the post, before James Collins saw red.

The centre-back was dismissed for a foul on Ighalo, who was later replaced by Adlene Guedioura in the 86th minute.

Ighalo, had been involved in Watford’s last nine EPL goals, scoring seven with two assists.

ried about the current situation, Mourinho replied: “Worried about what?” and when pressed further about whether he was concerned about his future at the club he simply answered “No”.

In an awkward interview which lasted only 55 seconds, Mourinho was also asked how he could improve results but again shied away from giving a response adding only: “I cannot say”.

Arsenal wins 3-0 at Liberty Stadium Arsenal kept up the pressure on the English Premier League leaders, Manchester City with a ruthless second-half 3-0 dismantling of Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.

Swansea’s Bafetimbi Gomis squandered the best chance of an entertaining but goalless first half.

Olivier Giroud headed Arsenal in front soon after the restart, before Laurent Koscielny seized on an error by former Gunners goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to double their lead.

Joel Campbell struck on his first Premier League start to seal victory and keep Arsenal, missing several key players because of injury, level on points with Manchester City, who has a superior goal difference.

For Swansea, the result is a setback after ending a six-game winless run against Aston Villa in their previous outing.

Having had to withstand concerted Swansea pressure in the first half, the Gunners were transformed after the interval as they strolled to a convincing victory.

SIDELINES NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

1 NOVEMBER, 2015

no 2,018

www.tribuneonlineng.com

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President Muhammadu Buhari has indicated that some ministers will not have portfolios in his cabinet. Mischievous Nigerians would quip that partaking in the sharing of the national cake alone is a wonderful exercise to savour, portfolio or no portfolio!

For the Yoruba nation and for Nigeria: New path forward

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OURTHLY, we must create various incentives to encourage investment in businesses in our country – investments by Nigerians and by foreigners, and in all facets of our economy (industrial, commercial, service, agricultural, research and development, tourist, social services, real estate, etc).

We must device ways and means to attract Nigerians scattered all over the world to be part of this investment movement. And we must establish various incentives to encourage businesses in Nigeria to pursue an aggressive export orientation – to produce high quality products that can easily penetrate the richest economies in the world, and to evolve superior and efficient export management practices.

Fifthly, we must de-emphasize politics as a means of livelihood among our ambitious citizens. We must drastically reduce the emoluments and perquisites earned in politics and public offices, shut down the unrestricted and uncontrolled access of politicians to public money, revive the public service rules and regulations that guided the handling of public money during the 1950s (rules and regulations that were destroyed by the military regimes in 1966-99), and institute enforceable limitations and controls over political and electoral expenses.

All these will deal a heavy blow on public corruption in our country – in addition to whatever other methods the Buhari presidency may choose to use to fight corruption. It is a great relief that a man who sincerely hates public corruption is now president. Let him be advised, however, that to crush public corruption effectively and abidingly, we will need to reform or

change the pubic structures, institutions and practices that uphold public corruption in our country. Merely striking at the manifestations and culprits of public corruption at the top cannot really eliminate corruption. If it subdues corruption to some extent now, it cannot ensure that

we will finally employ the general surge of efficiency in our governance to eliminate Boko Haram and other kinds of religious terrorism in our country.

Most of the developmental strategies summarized in this column today are by no means new to our country’s debate.

diranapata@yahoo.com

corruption will not return.

Sixthly and finally, it is time we put to rest the growing influence of religion in our political life. Our country was much more peaceful and stable in the 1950s when religion was not so much a force in our politics. Of course, all should be free to try and convert their neighbours and compatriots to their religion. But the government of a country of religious plurality like Nigeria should not be involved in promoting any religion. Fortunately, the two highest officials in the Buhari presidency are significant religious leaders in their own right – one a Muslim leader, and the other a Christian minister. We will hope, therefore, that, under them, religion will simmer down in our country’s federal governance and politics, and that

We must drastically reduce the emoluments and perquisites earned in politics and public offices, shut down the unrestricted and uncontrolled access of politicians to public money I am sure that they are very well known to many of the progressive elements who

GLOBACOM PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

U-17 World Cup: Eaglets can stop Brazil —Amuneke

By Ganiyu Salman

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IGERIA’S Golden Eaglets head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke is not losing sleep over the quarter-final pairing against the junior Selecao of Brazil tonight in the quarter-final of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

The showdown is billed to start at 8:00pm (Nigerian time) at the Estadio Sausalito in Vina Del Mar. This is the first meeting of both countries at the U-17 level.

Nigeria is the most successful nation at the tournament with four wins in 1985, 1993, 2007 and 2013, while Brazil is aspiring to equal the latter’s record having won the championship on three occasions.

Amuneke’s optimism is reinforced by the victory (2-1) of his wards over the Samba Boys when both met in a 4-Nation Suwon Continental Cup international (U-17) football tournament in South Korea early September.

have laboured in the past two years to put the APC platform together. Many of these elements are the younger generation of a progressive direction in Nigerian politics which germinated in the then Western Region in the 1950s and reached its maximum flowering in the late 1970s, in the UPN under Chief Awolowo’s leadership.

Though it started in a region of Nigeria, its purposes have never been regional or sectional. Its objective is to reinforce growth and development in all corners of Nigeria, to put the opportunity to prosper within the reach of all Nigerians, and to make Nigeria a prosperous, powerful and great country. In the course of the 1970s (after the civil war), its people (of whom the present writer was one of the younger men) bent over and studied development strategies intensively, and travelled the world from end to end in search of development wisdom for Nigeria. Its ideas and strategies can make Nigeria (can make any county) great. If it does so for Nigeria now under the Buhari presidency, it would be a historic service to Nigeria, to Nigerians, and to all Black Africans.

As for the Yoruba in this scheme of things, the demands are obvious. To benefit reasonably from the chances that are now opening up for all Nigeria, the leaders of the Yoruba nation need to strengthen their front line. They must strive to find some kind of working unity. They must thoughtfully put away the tendency to exaggerate the apparent failings of the Buhari presidency in its present beginning.

They must learn to push together for the well-being of their Yoruba nation and their Nigeria country.

Also, the Eaglets subdued another South American challenge when they beat Argentina 2-1 early last month during their training tour of Argentina.

“My boys are in high spirits to take on Brazil. We met them in Suwon and we beat them 2-1. We are aware that this is a World Cup situation, we will come up with a good plan to play Brazil. We are candidates to win the title, but so are Brazil. We will work to put up a good fight. We’ll continue to work and believe in ourselves and through hard work and commitment, we will get there.

“We are not there yet, the road to the final is still far. I want to assure that we will give a good account of our work against Brazil,” said the 1994 African Footballer of the Year.

Perhaps, Amuneke will pray for his goal merchant, Victor Osimhen already with seven goals to be in his best element tonight, to reenact his devastating form against the Brazilians handled Osimhen celebrates after

by Carlos Nascimento.

scoring against Croatia.

Wikki vs Dolphins Heartland vs Giwa 3SC

vs Ifeanyiubah Nasarawa vs Sharks Kwara Utd vs Taraba Abia Warriors vs Enyimba Warri Wolves vs Bayelsa Utd Sunshine Stars vs Lobi Stars Rangers vs Akwa Utd El-Kanemi vs Kano Pillars

EPL RESULTS Chelsea 1 Liverpool 3 C/Palace 0 Man Utd 0 Man City 2 Norwich 1 Newcastle 0 Stoke City 0 Swansea 0 Arsenal 3 Watford 2 West Ham 0 West Brom 2 Leicester 3 POOLS: 2, 6, 14, 19, 26, 30, 41. 47.

TODAY’S MATCHES: 3, 6, 38.

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. 1/11/2015