3rd April 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 2,040

SUNDAY, 3 APRIL, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

I won’t allow religion to destroy Kaduna State — el-Rufai

@nigeriantribune

N200

Nigerian Tribune

APC afraid of Ali Modu Sheriff — Lamido

Pg32&33

Rumbles in judiciary

Pg51

pg4

•Forces move against southern judge as CJN successor •Plot to truncate seniority rule thickens

I didn’t know

my father until age 7 —Ebenezer Obey

Police uncover ritualists’ den in Ogun •Arrest operators •2 victims allegedly escaped

pg50

Dasukigate:

Why probe can’t indict Jonathan Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Barack Obama of the United States exchanging pleasantries during NSS 2016 Scenario-based Policy Discussion in the United States. With them are Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau (left); Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama (middle) on Friday.

— Gulak pg4

Fuel scarcity: Nigerians begin countdown

to April 7 promise

•Petrol sells for N300 per litre in Abuja, N200 in Ibadan, N160 in Lagos •Kaduna refinery to begin operations in 2 weeks pg8

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Sunday Tribune

Rumbles in the judiciary as forces move against S’South judge Plot to truncate seniority rule thickens Taiwo Adisa - Abuja

T

ENSION appears to be brewing within the ranks of the usually calm and quiet judicial arm of government, following indications that some forces are plotting to truncate the seniority rule that has prevailed in that arm of government for a long time now.

Investigations by Sunday Tribune indicate that some forces are already plotting to alter the seniority rule, which would probably see the current second in command at the Supreme Court, Justice Walter Onnoghen, take over after the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmood Mohammed, who will be 70 on November 10.

Sources told Sunday Tribune that the forces behind the plot are quoting a rule put in place by the incumbent CJN to justify the move.

The rule established by the CJN is to the effect that judges to be promoted to the Supreme Court must not necessarily originate from the Court of Appeal, contrary to the practice from time.

The rule is proposing that well grounded lawyers, legal academics as well as Chief Justices of States of the Federation can be elevated straight to the Supreme Court.

It was gathered that the forces trying to truncate the seniority rule in the Supreme Court had argued that the same rule could be adopted to mean that those to be appointed CJN should not necessarily be the most senior judge of the Supreme Court.

It was further gathered that those working to truncate the seniority rule, who are largely political forces, are planning to pay back some justices of the apex court, who were said to have refused or failed to provide assistance for the political personalities in the past.

Specifically, it was gathered that the forces have moved against a possible appointment of Justice Onnoghen as successor to Mahmood Mohammed in November based on the seniority rule.

Justice Mohammed had taken over from Justice Alomar Mukhtar, who also took over from Justice Dahiru Musdapher. All appointments were based on seniority rule.

In fact, the seniority rule

which became institutionalised during the reign of the military had been in place since the beginning of the Fourth Republic.

Incidentally, judges from the northern part of the country have dominated the scene since the rule came into existence in the days of the military.

Incumbent Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Mohammed hails from Jalingo in Taraba State and was born on November 10, 1946.

The man who is next to him, Justice Onnoghen, was born on December 22, 1950 and hails from Cross Rivers State, South-South Nigeria.

It was learnt that a good number of those in the plot against the retention of the seniority rule in the Supreme Court are from the South-South where the Supreme Court judge equally

hails from.

“A number of top political forces are aggrieved with not just Justice Onnoghen.

They are angry with the apex court for failing to support their aspirations in certain circumstances. And that is why they are leading the push against seniority rule,” a source said Besides the seat of Chief Justice that will be filled before the exit of the incumbent, the apex court also has a number of vacancies that are yet to be filled.

The Nigerian Constitution guarantees that there will be 21 justices in the apex Court but only 16 are currently serving.

It was gathered that besides the push for the jettisoning of the seniority rule, those lobbying for fresh appointments are also seeking to influence the court one way or the other.

A list of the Justices of the Supreme Court includes the incumbent CJN, Justice Mohammed; Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen; Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad; Justice Olufunlola Oyelola Adekeye; Justice Suleiman Galadima; Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour;Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, Justice Musa Dantijo Muhammad; Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs; Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta;Justice Mary Odili; Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere Ekun; Justice John Okoro; Justice Chima Nweze and Justice Aminu Sanusi, appointed in May 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The CJN, had while delivering his address at the 2015 triennial conference of Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Associa-

tion in New Zealand, held on September 13, 2015 said that the qualification for appointment as Supreme Court Judge would no longer be limited to justices of the Court of Appeal.

The CJN had said: “My lords, the need for a change in the criteria for the appointment of judicial officers in Nigeria prompted me to direct the National Judicial Council to implement the new Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria 2014.

“It was clear that the old guidelines and rules had become unworkable as it saw anachronisms such as the limitation that saw only justices of the Court of Appeal, as of right, making it to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“Under the new, more

rigorous and transparent rules, any qualified legal practitioner with the requisite intellect has the opportunity of making it to any court in the land and even to the posts of heads of federal and state superior courts, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“As Chairman of the National Judicial Council, I have had to take up the responsibility of ensuring that the overall appointments procedure maintains the institutional integrity of the judicial appointment process while ensuring that only the most competent persons are elevated.”

Forces plotting to have a big say in the affairs of the court henceforth were said to have cited the above submissions to justify the need to also jettison the seniority rule in the apex court.

Dasukigate: Why probe can’t indict Jonathan —Gulak Says PDP needs new managers B y D are A dekanmbi A former presidential adviser on political matters, Mr Ahmed Gulak, has said no iota of guilt will be established against the immediate past president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, no matter how closely details of transactions in the arms deal are scrutinised.

Gulak, who spoke in an interview with an online newspaper, Premium Times, explained that the Jonathan he knew would never have authourised the transfer of state funds into private accounts in the name of prayers, as allegedly discovered in the arms deal probe involving Colonel SamboDasuki (retd).

“Yes, there is a probe going on. Dasuki is facing trial; some ministers are facing trial. Let us allow the court to do their job.The Goodluck I know, you can probe him from morning till night, seven days a week, you will never see him in those things.

“That he authorised for government money to be transferred from government account to a private account in the name of prayers, you can probe Goodluck Jonathan and you can never find him supporting that. That is ridiculous; that is madness. Goodluck will never support that.

“I believe what happened was wrong, for government money to be transferred

from government account to private account without any job done [and] to the tune of N4.6 billion in the name of prayers. It was wrong. Let us call a spade a spade,” he said.

The former presidential aide stressed that, more than ever, Nigerians needed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now. He submitted that an opposition party remains the spice of democracy, as it would keep the governing party on its toes.

He, however, canvassed for a new PDP that would be led by “new managers”, although he declared support for the current acting national chairman, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff.

Gulak said impunity of

the leadership of the party wreacked a lot of havoc on the party’s performance in the last elections and led to the loss of many leaders and members of the party.

He remarked that if the current leadership could reposition the PDP to “harvest the fallout” from the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), the party could find its way back to power.

“Opposition is the spice of democracy. You continue to put the ruling party on its edge to give the dividends of democracy to ordinary Nigerians. So my own take is that the PDP is needed in this country now more than ever before.

“So, we must pick up the

pieces and begin to rebuild it. But we cannot rebuild without people, without new faces, without new managers of this party.Luckily enough, the timetable has been approved and we will have our national convention in May. “If the PDP manages itself well, if the PDP is able to embark on genuine reconciliation and come up with peaceful congresses and convention and give the party new faces and new managers, that will radiate confidence and trust. Nigerians will begin to come back to the party.

“I see a bright future for PDP and I see a new PDP that has been repositioned

to harvest fall outs from the APC, because of the way I see politics being played out in APC. “It is so clear that there are four blocks in APC that don’t appear to be ready to mix and the internal crisis of the four blocks, namely the ACN of Bola Tinubu and his people, the CPC of President Buhari and his people, the PDP of Bukola Saraki and his people and the ANPP of Ogbonnaya Onu and his people.

“These are four different blocks that are not ready to mix. So the PDP, if repositioned, can harvest from the fallouts of the crisis in APC and before you know it, we can bounce back to power,” he said.

Anti-graft war: Group kicks against EFCC’s method

By Dare Adekanmbi THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been accused of “unguarded desperation” in its execution of the mandate of prosecuting anti-corruption war.

A non-governmental group based in Delta State, Young Professional Alliance for Change, made the accusation in a statement signed by its general secretary, Mr ChukwudiIfediora, and made available to Sunday Tribune.

According to the group, rather than investigate corruption allegations

against individuals before arresting them, the EFCC has been arresting people based on “frivolous petitions” which it usually does not investigate.

“An immediate example of this illegal behaviour is the arrest last week of Mrs Esther Ogbue-Nnamdi, the managing director of NNPC Retail Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

“The arrest of Mrs Ogbue-Nnamdi and the ransacking of her office and residence were based on a fictitious petition writ-

ten by some desperate contractors who believed that her adherence to due process at the PPMC has deprived them of opportunity to carry out business as usual.

“The principal reason for her arrest was the falsehood contained in the petition that she built and furnished a N1.2 billion mansion in Maitama within two months.

“This is absolutely untrue because it is on record that the building in question is the official residence of the accused RENTED for her by the PPMC. It is

not her personal property.

“One would have expected the EFCC on receiving the petition to take steps and cross-check with the appropriate agencies of government, including the Federal Housing Authority, the ownership of the property. This was not done,” the statement said.

The group, however, expressed support for the anti-graft crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari, calling on all Nigerians to give their support to such worthy campaign in the interest of the development of the country.

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Sunday Tribune

4 die in auto crash in Enugu

Oyo State governor’s wife, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, flanked by Reverend (Mrs) Omowumi Popoola (third left); guest minister, Pastor (Mrs) Omoniwura Fambegbe (third right); Pastor (Mrs) Funke Adetuberu (right); Mrs Mobolaji Adeniyi (left) and others, at the Women Intercessory Network (WIN) service to mark Mrs Ajimobi’s birthday, at the Government House arcade, Agodi, Ibadan, on Saturday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU

Strike: Oyo advises labour leaders against confrontation with govt

L

ABOUR leaders in Oyo State have been advised to embrace dialogue and consultation instead of issuing threats and ultimatum of strike, as stakeholders brainstorm on how to bail the state out of its financial predicament.

The leader of the government representatives in the ongoing dialogue with labour, Mr. Ismael Olalekan Alli, who is a former Secretary to the State Govern-

ment, gave the advice in a statement on Saturday.

Labour was led to the truce meeting by the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Waheed Olojede.

He, however, said that the labour leaders used the opportunity of a meeting with the government representatives to apologise to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, on Friday, having realised that they acted contrary to the letter and spirit of a subsist-

ing agreement.

The labour leaders had on Tuesday issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government within when they said the governor should meet with the workers’ representatives and fashion out modalities of defraying a fivemonth arrears of salaries owed workers.

Alli said: “At the meeting (on Friday) the state government reaffirmed its compliance with the subsisting agreement with la-

Buhari restates commitment to cutting food import bill Leon Usigbe - Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his determination to ensure that the Federal Government significantly reduces the high bill for importation of food products to Nigeria.

At a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mr. Lars Rasmussen in Washington DC, President Buhari also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rapid diversification of the economy.

He said: “We developed a mono-product economy and lost opportunities to diversify in the past.

“We have great potentials for agriculture and solid minerals. We are now determined to exploit them to the fullest. Addressing the past neglect of these two sectors will help to reduce unemployment and make us a more productive country.

“We will welcome more investment in our agriculture and solid minerals

sectors from countries with expertise in the two sectors.

We abandoned them for petroleum. Now, we have to go back.

“Our bill for the importation of food and dairy products is very high. We want to cut it as much as possible by developing our local potentials.”

President Buhari assured the Danish Prime Minister that the Federal Govern-

ment will continue to work in partnership with other countries to further improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The President said that his administration was determined to stop the huge loss of revenue from crude oil theft and has received assurances of international support to curb illegal shipments of Nigeria’s crude oil.

bour whereby 90 per cent of allocation from the Federation Account is devoted to payment of salaries and wages of workers on monthly basis.

“The government also observed that the present conduct of labour is at variance and in total disregard for due process, labour law and practice.

In view of the foregoing the government believes that the labour centres are being insensitive and confrontational.

“However, the labour leaders denied the allegations and apologised accordingly. It further assured the government of its cooperation and maintenance of industrial harmony in the state.”

The former SSG said that the apology had been accepted by the government and the governor had consequently directed that the subsisting agreement be adhered to, pending the exploration by the government and labour of further avenues to improve the revenue of the state.

Integrates Oil and Gas $116m refinery ready 2016 —GMD INTEGRATED Oil and Gas Limited, on Saturday, said its 116 million dollars modular refinery would come on stream before the end of 2016.

Group Managing Director of the company, Mr Anthony Iheanacho, told newsmen in Lagos that the company had been given provisional licence to commence preliminary work for a 20,000-barrel capacity modular refinery.

Iheanacho, who conduct-

ed the newsmen round the site of the proposed refinery at Tomaro Island Port, off Takwa Bay, Lagos, said that the preliminary approval was received from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

He remarked that work had commenced on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other necessary requirements to facilitate the final approval for the refinery.

He said that funds for the project would be sourced from local and foreign financial institutions Iheanacho explained that the refinery would produce Automated Gas Oil (AGO) otherwise known as diesel, kerosene, export quality aviation fuel and fuel oil.

According to him, the refinery does not have the capacity to produce Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol.

POLICE in Enugu on Saturday confirmed the death of four persons in road crash along Udi-Oji River on the Enugu-Onitsha old road.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the incident occurred at about 6.30 a.m.

Amaraizu said that the accident took place close to Udi Local Government secretariat.

“The auto crash involved a water tanker with registration number ENU 211 XY and a Galaxy Sharon mini-bus with registration number LFA 375 XA coming from opposite directions of the road.

“The accident led to the instant death of four persons including a little girl, and left some injured,’’ he said.

He said that the injured were rushed by a combined team of policemen, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials and public-spirited Nigerians to the hospital.

According to him, the injured were taken to Our Saviour Hospital 9th-Mile Corner, Ngwo, and Victoria Hospital, Udi, while the corpses of the deceased were deposited in the mortuary for necessary action.

Amaraizu said that police had commenced investigation into the incident.

Again, troops kill 9 Boko Haram terrorists, rescue 21 persons Chris Agbambu - Abuja TROOPS of 155 Task Force Battalion, 21 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have again, made another breakthrough by killing nine Boko Haram terrorists and destroying Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory at Wulwuta village, ahead of Jere in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The unit also rescued 21 persons held captives, comprising eight men, four women and nine children.

They have been moved to the Brigade Headquarters for further care, screening and eventual hand over to the appropriate agencies.

This was contained in a press statement released by the acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, a copy of which was made available to Sunday Tribune in Abuja, on Saturday.

The statement pointed out that the troops’ morale remained high and fighting efficiency was equally unprecedented. It, thereafter, announced that one soldier was wounded during the clearance operation.

Among exhibits recovered from the terrorists, were one laptop, one solar panel, a pair of Nigerian military desert and woodland camouflage uniform each, as well as bandolier vest and six ready IEDs pressure plates.

Others included a loaded pistol with registration number D557954, 3 rounds of 7.65mm, 13 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunitions and combat boots.

Disregard expelled members, OPC tells Nigerians Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos THE Oodua People’ s Congress (OPC) has urged Nigerians to ignore a group of expelled members, which has been making “unguarded and inciting statements” in the media.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Ogun State coordinator of the OPC, Alhaji Adesina Musediq and made available to Sunday Tribune.

The group, while reacting to media reports on how the oracle would be used in selecting the next OPC leader, described the reports as originating from “people with lack of vision.”

The Ogun OPC coordinator said in the statement: “ My attention has been drawn to a news story published in a national daily about a purported meeting by some selfacclaimed leaders of OPC. “At the meeting, which allegedly held in Shagamu, Ogun State, the disgruntled people, who have been expelled from the OPC for bringing the name of the organisation into disrepute, allegedly said they were going to use Ifa to search for a new leader for the OPC.” Adesina added that “ While we have maintained maturity in the handling of the matter up until now, I think it is time that we and all sincere and honourable members of the OPC came out to denounce these people masquerading as leaders of OPC.”

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crimereports

Sunday Tribune

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

Our victim begged for his life to be spared but we killed him —Suspected kidnapper Stories by Oluwatoyin Malik

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SMAN Umaru, a 30-year-old suspect in a case of kidnapping and murder being investigated by the anti-kidnapping squad of the Oyo State Police Command has disclosed that one of his gang’s victims, Harande Ardo (50), begged for his life but his gang leader, Yabani, insisted that he should be killed.

Ardo, a Fulani cattle owner, just like his kidnappers, was in his hut at Olokun Village via Oyo town when he was kidnapped at gunpoint on the night of Monday, March 6, by a kidnap gang made up of five men including the gang leader whose name was given as Yabani, others being named as Majo, Smallie, Ube and the suspect, Umaru.

According to the state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, Umaru lived in Oyo town with four other suspects currently at large.

“They were all cattle owners with Harande but the victim lived about one kilometer away from where Umaru was staying.

On that particular night, the plan was hatched at the camp where Usman was staying with his cows.

“The gang went to where Harande was and kidnapped him. As they were taking him to where they wanted to keep him, they met a vigilance group member. Sensing that he could expose them or be a threat to the success of their plan, they attacked him and inflicted machete cuts on him and left him for dead. Since then, the man had been in the hospital where he had been receiving treatment.

“They moved their victim to a stream side in Oyo and started calling the family members to bring N1 million as ransom. When they did not get the ransom after two days, they killed their victim and heaped river sand on him to cover

him up.”

Crime Reports learnt that when the matter was reported at Oyo, Umaru was sighted by the police while buying food somewhere. Suspecting him, he was arrested. He immediately confessed that he knew where others were, but did not disclose to the police that their victim had been killed. The Commissioner of Police reportedly ordered that the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the command should take over the case.

When the anti-kidnapping operatives got to Oyo, Umaru reportedly led them

The suspect, Usman Umaru to where he said he left the victim and other gang

members. In the process of searching the side of the

river which was in a thick forest, the operatives saw a machete on the ground.

They also perceived a terrible odour which they traced to a spot. It was at the spot that they noticed a hand jutting out of a heap of sand. That was how the victim’s body was discovered.

The suspect, Umaru, disclosed that the deceased pleaded with them not to kill him but they did not heed his plea. Yabani was said to have instructed Umaru to kill the victim but Umaru claimed that he told Yabani that he did not have the heart to do so. Yabani reportedly did the job

himself by hacking Ardo to death.

Umaru, who spoke with Crime Reports through an interpreter, explained his arrest thus: “I was arrested because I and others kidnapped and killed one man, Harande Ardo. We were five in number - Yabani, Ube, Majo and Smallie.

We kidnapped Ardo from his hut at the camp and hid him by the riverside. We had yet to collect anything from him before he was killed, but he promised to pay us N500,000. Others killed Ardo and buried him in a shallow grave by the riverside.”

I bought human jaw to do fortune charm for clients —Suspected fraudster A self-acclaimed Islamic cleric, Asifu Ajinikirun (32), who was named by a fake medical doctor, Mrs Damilola Ojo, as the one who collected N48.5million for a non-existing oil and gas business, has denied being involved in any shady deal with the woman.

Ajinikirun, in whose house fetish items and several dry bones, including one suspected to be the lower jaw of a human being, were found, also disclosed that he combined his Islamic cleric job with that of a native doctor because the latter was his forefathers’ mode of worship.

The state Commissioner of Police had told Crime Reports that Ajinikirun belonged to a syndicate of fraudsters and had relocated from Itire, Lagos State to Ibadan. Part of his antics, Oyebade said, was the use of a fake idol known as Osanyin which he cleverly crafted using batteries.

His arrest, it was learnt, was a follow-up on the confession of the fake doctor who told the police that it was Ajinikirun who introduced oil and gas business to her; and that he had collected the sum of N48.5million from her, made up of her own money

The suspect, Asifu Ajinikirun with items recovered from him

and that of other clients.

But Ajinikirun denied the allegations, saying that the only amount he collected from Mrs Ojo was about

N700,000 which she paid for the jobs he did for her.

According to the suspect, “I am an Islamic cleric. I pray for clients and do some

jobs for them. The fetish items found with me were those that I inherited from my forefathers. I combine tradition with religion. I

was surprised when I was arrested over Damilola’s claim that I collected N48.5 million from her. It is true that I know her. Someone took me to her to settle a matter between her and another Aafa.

“Along the line, she asked me to do some prayers concerning her hospital and the chemist shop she had so that the businesses could get a boost. She also said she was pregnant but that it was not being detected by scan. She said she had been advised to seek help in the traditional way.

“The only time I heard about the oil and gas business was October 2015 when she told me that the person from whom she collected N22 million was troubling her that she should take him to the people in charge of the business.

“She also said that the people she was doing the business with had said she should not bring him, so that he would not take her place in the business. I knew she was lying because I didn’t understand how she could have taken so much from someone for business without showing him those using the money for the business.

Continues pg 7

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My abductors threatened to kill me if they didn’t get ransom in good time —Kidnap victim

By Oluwatoyin Malik

A

kidnap victim, Mrs Risikat Badiru has narrated how she was abducted at Oluyole area of Ibadan, Oyo State on Monday, March 14, 2016 while on the way home from her shop and was kept for five days by her abductors before she regained freedom.

This was just as the state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, said that one Danladi Sodiq (28), suspected to be a member of the kidnap gang was arrested by his men at Imodi area of Ijebu Ode when he allegedly came to collect the ransom which was used as bait.

Oyebade had disclosed to Crime Reports during a press briefing that four kidnappers who operated on two bikes abducted Mrs Badiru, took her to an unknown destination and subjected her to all forms of inhuman treatment. He said that the kidnappers later demanded for N20 million which was gradually negotiated to N500,000.

“But the combined efforts of operatives from Oluyole Division and AntiKidnapping Squad led to Sodiq’s arrest while the victim’s car was recovered in Ijebu Igbo, in front of the house of one Sunday who was a close friend of the arrested suspect,” the police commissioner stated.

Narrating her experience to Crime Reports, Mrs Badiru said: “On March 14, 2016, at about 6.30 p.m., I left my shop for home in my Honda Car with a ‘Learner’ sign attached to it. I stopped at a filling station and bought fuel. As I got to the gate of my house, followed closely by my mechanic who wanted to take the car away for repairs, I noticed two motorcycles with two people on each, all masked. They pointed a gun at my mechanic and he ran away.

“They took the car door from me and pushed me in between two of them at the back of my car. One of them asked me for the car key, warning me not to shout. They used mask to cover my face so I could not see anything.

They took me to an unknown destination and kept me masked for five days. They gave me food and water once in a while.

“Two days after, I had a terrible stomach cramp because I am an ulcer pa-

The suspect, Danladi Sodiq tient. I begged them to give me food but they said they could not because my hus-

band refused to bring the N5 million ransom they demanded from him. They

threatened that I was going to die there.

“I appealed to them

and they gave me water, bread and Cocacola. On Thursday, they discussed among themselves that some people were coming to rob. They gave me a live snail to hold and took me from the ground floor of the building where I was kept. We hid in the bush for a long time and they used my scarf to blindfold me. I didn’t know if it was daytime or night.

“We left the bush for a house where they slept and I also dozed. On Friday, they asked whether it was not yet time for my father to bring money, threatening to kill me; but I appealed to them to be patient. Around 4 p.m. (they told me the time), they said those that were sent to collect ransom said that they should release me. They threatened to kill me again.

“Later, they went out through the window of the house where I was put. But leaving, they removed the

Navy arrests impersonator with ID card, uniform A young man, Matthew Kemeke, has been arrested by naval personnel for impersonating an officer of the force.

Commander of the Nigerian Navy (NNS DELTA), Warri Naval Base, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, paraded the culprit late week in Warri, Delta State.

He said the impersonator was arrested at Ageh community in Warri South West Local Government Area of the state.

The dark-complexioned suspect, Kemeke, who admitted to the crime, said he was a sailor.

According to him, he only wanted to pose as an officer of the navy, adding

The suspect, Matthew Kemeke that he collected the naval uniform from his friend

who is an officer.

“I just wanted to flex with

the uniform which belongs to my friend. I was not using the items to perpetrate criminal acts,” he stated.

The unperturbed suspect was caught with a falsified naval ID card, naval uniform and fake documents to further authenticate his claim.

He gave himself the rank of Able Seaman PTI and posed in scanned photographs with a gun as naval personnel.

Meanwhile, Commodore Mohammed has hinted that the culprit would be handed over to the Nigeria Police for prosecution, warning the public to desist from such criminal disposition.

I bought human jawbone to help my clients - Fraudster Continued from pg 6 “What she wanted me to do for her then was a charm that would make the person not to ask for his money again. Meanwhile, I had been hinted that she was fraudulent. I didn’t collect a kobo from for any oil and gas business. But I collected up to N700,000 for the prayers and others jobs I did for her.”

When asked about the fetish objects which were

recovered in his house, including idols popularly called Osanyin in Yoruba, Ajinikirun replied: “Many people know me as an Aafa; I also know myself as one. There is no idol among the objects. The Osanyin is an ordinary artwork to deceive people.

The small coffin was used to keep charmed soap. The effigy is for authority while praying.”

Speaking on the human jaw bone that was found

among other bones recovered from him, Ajinikirun said he bought it along with other bones from Benin Republic.

“I wanted to use it to prepare a fortune charm but it had been long that I bought it. One can do the charm through different methods,” he said.

When asked whether he was a native doctor or an Islamic cleric that he claimed, the suspect said: “I am not a native doctor but it was

the foundation of my forefathers. We only acquired the knowledge of the Qur’an through learning. My forefather’s name was Awojide.”

When asked again why he chose to add diabolic ways with his Islamic religion, Ajinikirun’s answer was simply: “Olorun o tun wa se (God will remould all of us).” He however said that he had never defrauded anyone but only attended to the spiritual needs of those who came to him.

blindfold from one of my eyes and showed me a path which I would take one hour after they must have left. When I came out and walked barefooted to a highway, I saw a signpost that read ‘Ijebu Oru’. Another one read ‘Abeokuta road’.

“As I stood by and called for help, people were running from me until two men on okada reluctantly stopped. They took me to a motor park and gave me N500. I went straight to my father’s house in my clothes that had got dirty.”

But the arrested suspect, Sodiq, denied belonging to a kidnap gang, saying that his arrest at Imodi area of Ijebu Ode where the kidnappers were to collect ransom was just a happenstance.

According to the suspect who claimed to be an okada rider, “it is true I was arrested at Imodi area of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, but I was not privy to any kidnap plan by Sunday. I never knew he was into this kind of business though I was the one who stood as guarantor for him when he rented his apartment in Ijebu Igbo where I also reside.

“When I heard that the police were after him, I fled Ijebu Igbo for Ijebu Ode. But the police arrested me while I was on the okada I was riding. I learnt that they were on the trail of those who wanted to collect ransom.

“I didn’t know that Sunday carried out kidnapping but the victim’s car was found parked and covered in front of his house. Sunday is from Benin Republic but grew up in Mamu. I knew him as an okada rider.”

Speaking on the ownership of the motorcycle found with him, Sodiq said it was given to him by one Gbenga. When asked how the bike owner could be located to confirm his claim, Sodiq said he did not know and that his line was switched off.

Sodiq was also said to have kept three rooms – two in Ijebu Igbo and one in Mamu – all furnished and equipped. On the day he was arrested, Crime Reports learnt that N9,200 (nine N1000 notes and two N100 notes) which countered his claim that he was at work as he was expected to have smaller denominations usually paid by passengers.

The Commissioner of Police said that his men were still on the trail of other members of the gang.

8

news

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Fuel scarcity: Nigerians begin countdown, await

Kachikwu’s April 7 promise

By Our Reporters

F

OUR days to the April 7 date set by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, to end the biting scarcity of petroleum products in the country, which has resulted in untold hardship for motorists and other road users in the last few weeks, Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions on the possibility of the product becoming readily available.

According to findings by our reporters, the prices of fuel remain between N200 and N300 in several states of the country, with the product still scarce in most capital cities, leaving commuters and other road users stranded and on queues at filling stations for hours.

At the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, fuel scarcity continued to bite harder as motorists said they were patiently awaiting the April 7 promise made by Kachikwu.

Queues at filling stations in the FCT had continued to grow on a daily basis, sometimes spanning one to five kilometers, while motorists who could not stand the long wait had to pay their ways in with amounts ranging between N500 and N1,000, depending on the circumstance.

At the NNPC mega stations in Abuja, fuel sold at N85, while independent marketers sold at N86.50 but motorists had to queue for long hours before they could finally get the product, a situation that has led to the proliferation of black marketers who sell a litre of petrol for between N300 and N400.

However, some commercial motorists expressed hope that the government would live up to its promise of easing fuel scarcity on April 7, noting that apart from the scarcity impacting on their daily incomes, the stress mostly undergone to get fuel has begun to tell on their health, as most of them keep vigil at filling stations and still ply their trade during the day.

A commercial motorist who identified himself as Ayo, told Sunday Tribune that despite the hardship motorists undergo on a daily basis to get fuel, “passengers are not being considerate. They still want to pay what they paid when the fuel situation was stable and this is not favourable to us motorists.

“If I tell you what I face

most times to get a full tank, sometimes I sleep in petrol stations and at times if I don’t sleep there, I wake up as early as 4 a.m., because some of these petrol stations sell very early in the morning.

“Now that this man [Kachikwu] has promised us that everything will die down by April 7, we are waiting and praying that it is true, because, my sister, it is not easy,” he concluded

In Ibadan, motorists doubt Kachikwu, pray for April 7 date to be true Motorists in Ibadan, on Saturday, continued to hope against hope that the April 7 deadline set for fuel products to be available, would be met, noting, however, that it might be a pipe dream, because the product was still scarce four days to the deadline.

According to some motorists who spoke to Sunday Tribune at independent filling stations in Ibadan, the price of fuel at major filling stations was normal but only a few of them were selling the product.

But outside the major independent marketers, private marketers now sell the product for between N180 and N200, motorists said, noting that the queues at the filling stations selling at normal prices were frustrating and energy-sapping.

Mr Ayodele Salami, who was cornered at a major filling station at Oke Ado around 4.15 p.m., where he was the next to be attended to by the petrol attendant before the station decided to stop selling the product due to alleged disorderliness of customers, said he had been on the queue since 8.50 a.m., adding that the filling station attendants, despite claiming that they would not sell fuel to those

with jerry cans, have continued to bring jerry cans through the back door.

He said the April 7 date was doubtful, citing the fact that Ibadan, which he said was close to the depots at Mosinmi and Apapa should not be experiencing “this serious hardship on April 2 if the April 7 date is to be feasible,” adding that “if we are still buying fuel for N200 in Ibadan and queuing for seven to eight hours, you journalists should help us ask when the products will start coming in and when they will be offloaded. Now, what will happen to those in far places? I don’t think that date is feasible.”

But another motorist and bystander, who said he had also been at the filling station for hours, interjected, saying “we should give the man the benefit of the doubt.”

‘Motorists in Akure express hope’ The fuel crisis persisted in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Saturday, as most of the filling stations there and its environs did not open for business.

A few of the filling stations that opened sold the product for between N180 and N200 with long queues, while the product is sold for N310 at the black market.

Most of the motorists who spoke with our correspondent lamented the lingering fuel crisis and hoped that the April 7 date would be realistic.

But Funsho Ajo was pessimistic about the April date given by the petroleum minister, saying: “I am very sure the date is not realistic and the statement should be regarded as a political statement. They are just finding ways to save their face after the slip by the minister. The date should not be taken seriously by Nigerians.”

Mrs Mercy Akintomide, while speaking with Sunday Tribune said: “The suffering is just too much.

If they want to increase the price of the product, they should just come out and let us know rather than allow us to face this unnecessary hardship.”

Motorists pessimistic in Lagos, Ogun Commuters and motorists in Lagos and parts of Ogun State have expressed their pessimism at the possibility of the Federal Government to meet the deadline set by the minister to end the fuel crisis.

Many of the motorists also expressed the belief that the deadline by the Federal Government has further worsened the fuel crisis, noting that many marketers have resorted to selling at high prices since they knew that they still had till the date set by the government to revert to normal price.

A commercial motorcyclist told Sunday Tribune that “the price has gone up since the federal government announced when the scarcity will end. Most filling stations now sell at an average of N160 per litre compared to the period before the announcement by the government when we were selling at an average of N150 at the highest.”

A driver who simply identified himself as Soji said “I doubt if the government will fulfill its promise of ending the crisis in the next few days.”

Mixed feelings in Kogi Kogi State residents, on Saturday, expressed mixed feelings on the April 7 date given by the minister of state for petroleum to end fuel scarcity in the country.

This is just as only few filling stations in major towns

Kaduna Refinery to start production in two weeks Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna

THE Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) would resume production in two weeks’ time as part efforts to end the current fuel scarcity bedevilling the country.

This assurance was given in Kaduna, on Saturday, by the newly-appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) Upstream of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Alhaji Bello Rabiu Babura, shortly after inspecting facilities at KRPC.

Babura, who expressed satisfaction with the status of the plant, thanked the management and staff of the refinery for working round the clock to ensure that it operates to the optimum level.

“With what I saw and the current effort of the Minister of State for Petroleum and the NNPC, all things had been put in place to ensure that the company starts production. We are optimistic that in the next two weeks, the refinery will resume production,” he said, adding that by the end

of April, all the other three refineries in the country will start full production.

He said NNPC has taken proactive measures to ensure that the pipelines are secured and guarded from the activities of vandals.

“The corporation (NNPC) is working hand-in-hand with the Defence headquarters to ensure security is provided to these pipelines.

For the past 10 years, our refineries have not been working to optimum level.

We can only put the entire operation at 22 per cent,” he said.

of the state sold the product, with findings by Sunday Tribune in Idah, Okene, Kabba, Ankpa and Anyigba revealing that petroleum is still being sold for between N170 and N180 per litre at filling stations.

However, people who could not join long queues to buy the product at such prices bought it for as high as N250 per litre from the black market.

A cross section of people that spoke with Sunday Tribune were pessimistic on the possibility of the scarcity disappearing before next Thursday, arguing that with the present situation at the filling stations where vehicles were still on long queues, the scarcity might persist.

Pessimism reigns supreme in Rivers While the residents of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, are still battling with the harsh and biting realities of fuel scarcity and its attendant high cost, most of the people within the metropolis are not really enthusiastic about the possibility of the lingering crisis coming to an end next Thursday, as promised by the Minister of State for Petroleum.

Most of those who spoke with our correspondents, especially motorists, while expressing happiness with such a possibility, were however cautious in their expectations.

According to Etim Mark Ibangha, a motorist, the lingering fuel crisis had made virtually everything to become expensive and such an expectation would be a big relief.

“We are all are expectant since the minister has said the fuel will be available.

We have all been patient, although we have really hard tough times in getting the fuel. This has made things to be every expensive in the market.

Ikenna Ama, a commercial cab driver, said, “We have heard so much about the availability of fuel. When it is available today, tomorrow it will not be available.

We do not know why they are treating us this way.

Motorists, business owners lament in Ilorin The lingering fuel scarcity in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital and its environs, has not abated, as motorists and business owners lament over the situation.

Sunday Tribune investigations showed that a li-

tre of petrol is now sold for N180 and N200 at filling stations owned by independent marketers in the state.

It was also gathered that many people spent endless hours at the NNPC filling station located at Asa Dam Road, Ilorin, among others in the state, including BOVAS filing stations, scrambling to buy fuel at the regulated price of N86.50k.

Also, transporters have increased transport fares at intra and inter-state routes by more than 40 per cent, while services at cyber cafes and photocopying centres have been increased as a result of fuel scarcity.

‘Kachikwu must resign, if...’

Responding to questions on how Nigerians should view the April 7 date, a public commentator and politician, Mr. Segun Sowunmi, advised the minister to resign his appointment “if fuel scarcity persists beyond April 7.”

Sowunmi, in an interview with Sunday Tribune in Abeokuta, on Saturday, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the key handlers of critical sectors of the economy were not working to solve the problems, saying: “The unfortunate thing about the APC government, especially the key handlers of the critical sectors like power, petroleum and finance, actually imagined that talking to a problem is equivalent to working to solve a problem.

“He [Kachikwu] has said that his best effort will materialise sometimes in April.

If he fails to achieve this 72 hours after the said date, I think he should just pack his load and go,” Sowunmi said.

Meanwhile, fuel price has gone as high as N200 in some filling stations in Olomore and Adigbe area of Abeokuta, a development that is said to have aggravated the burdens of commuters who could not afford the hike in transportation fare, thus begging for “free ride”.

A university administrator, Mr. Dapo Oke, who said the current fuel situation “is biting hard on Nigerians,” said: “I think this [the April 7 date] is a departure from the earlier declaration that the scarcity will last till May. It’s probably a rethink after the widespread condemnation that greeted his initial comment.

So, the question is how realistic and how feasible is his latest assurance.”

9

photo

From left, Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola; and Senator Olusola Adeyeye, at the burial of the CBN governor’s mother, Alice, in Agbor, Delta State, on Saturday.

3 April, 2016

feature Oyo CP celebrates with orphans, widows during Easter

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Leye Oyebade with the staff and children of Orphanage

By Oluwatoyin Malik

A

From left, Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola; Anambra State governor, Dr Willy Obiano; Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole; Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Secretary to Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir Lawal and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at the burial ceremony.

Olu of Warri, HRM Abiloye G. Emiko (Ogiame Ikenwoli) (left) and his host, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRH Anthony U. Ogbogbo (Ibuka 1) , during the Itsekiri monarch’s visit to the latter in Isoko North LGA, Delta State.

Representative of Lagos State governor and Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, with Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, presenting an award plaque to first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande during the re-birth of the Lagos Weekend Television (LWT), at the Combo Hall, Lagos Television, Agindingbi, Ikeja, last Friday.

From left, Alhaji Olumide Lawal presenting a chieftaincy plaque to Hajia Faosat Omowumi Ayoni, during her installation as the Iyalaje Adinni of Edeland and District Muslim Youths Association at the Ede Central Mosque recently, while her husband, Mr Olagunju and a guest look on.

Sunday Tribune

MONG people of the Christian faith, Easter is a season used to commemorate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who gave Himself up to die so that those who believe in Him might live. His death is perceived as a gift to humankind.

In emulation of this, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Leye Oyebade, was at the SIS Orphanage and Widows Homes, Ashi, Ibadan during this year’s Easter period to share with, and care for, the inmates of the orphanage by praying for them and giving them cash and material gifts to celebrate the season.

The police commissioner, who was received at the Home by the proprietress, Chief Mrs Taiwo Lisk-Carew, described his visit as part of the social responsibilities of corporate organisations, saying that the Nigeria Police Force is not exempted, especially in Oyo State.

According to him, “we see this as an opportunity to meet children before they could go into crime. I have been to higher institutions and the PPRO has been to secondary schools on behalf of the command.

In extension, orphanage homes must catch our attention because if we don’t take care of them, they might be those that would go into crime unknowingly.

“We must also appreciate the care-givers and the proprietress of SIS Orphanage and Widows Homes whom I have known while she was doing same thing at Sango area of Ogun State. The Easter season is for showing love; that is why officers and men of the command are with me to do that, pray along with them and sensitise the children on why they should not go into crime and to let them know that their

future is very bright if they live within the laws of the land.”

He stated further that his donation to the Home was “a token to express our love and assist the management of the Home in bringing up the children so that they can be part and parcel of the development of Nigeria.”

He enjoined the children of the Home to continue to be obedient and Godly, praying that they would become great in the future. Oyebade encouraged the children not to despair, assuring them that God remains their father even if they no longer have earthly fathers.

He told them that everyone present at the Home belongs to the same family of God with the children, which he said is a ground to love one another, just as Jesus loved the people of the world and died for their sins.

The commissioner of police presented some food items, including bags of rice and tubers of yam, and an undisclosed amount of money to the Home for the care of the children and the widows, while he also promised to help in replacing the PVCs used in the ceiling of the Home’s hall which was in a state of disrepair.

The children, who were visibly happy to receive the police commissioner, rendered songs and recited bible verses to show how versed they were in the scriptures. One of them, simply called Cynthia, recited Matthew 1 verse 1-16 to emphasise that no matter the background anyone of those in the Home might come from, they are all members of one family.

The proprietress of SIS Homes, Chief (Mrs) Taiwo Lisk-Carew, expressed her appreciation of Oyebade’s visit, saying that it depicted love for the underprivileged whom many people would not like to associate with.

OBJ, Lawal, Okowa, others attend Emefiele’s mother’s burial NIGERIANS from all walks of life at the weekend thronged Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State to grace the funeral service of Late Mrs. Alice Emefiele, mother of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, with Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh, Primate of Anglican Communion admonishing Nigerians to promote peace and unity in their communities for the growth of the nation.

President Muhammadu

Buhari, represented by Engr.

Babachir Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was among prominent Nigerians from within and outside the country who graced the occasion. Others were former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister of State, Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu; Governors Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Adams Oshiomole (Edo); Ben Ayade (Cross River); Willy Obiano (Anambra) Em-

manuel Udom [Akwa Ibom]; Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); and Deputy Governor of Benue State, Benson Abounu.

Other dignitaries included, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman Dangote Group; Chief Femi Otedola, Chairman, Forte Oil; Mr. Jim Ovia, Former Chairman, Zenith Bank; Speaker of the House of Representative, represented by Deputy Minority Leader, Honourable Onyema, among others.

10

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

life&living Rescued from the jaws of terror-monsters Life inside Adamawa towns

October 2014 would never be forgotten in the history of Adamawa State, as it marked the peak of Boko Haram’s terrorism in the North eastern state, with many of its communities, including Madagali, Michika, Hong and Mubi, among others, captured by the insurgents.

Captured, battered and renamed by the terrorists, Mubi, and, indeed, most of the other embattled towns, have resurged and are now brimming with renewed hopes, writes MOSES ALAO.

Traders at Mubi market, which was ransacked by insurgents in 2014

“I

T was in the morning. But that particular morning was a terrible one for those who lived in Mubi or were unlucky to be in town on that day. I can’t remember specifically what time it was but I was preparing the food I would sell that day. I had made the soup and stew and I think I already put the water for Tuwo Shinkafa (meal made of grinded rice) on fire when I heard shouts of people saying Boko Haram was in town.

“I saw people running here and there and without wasting time, I picked a few things and just joined them.

We ran fast towards the Mararaba-Mubi direction until we got some vehicles also leaving town…,” a resident of the town Martha Elisha narrated to Sunday Tribune.

So what happened to her food and belongings? Martha neither had thought for the food she wanted to sell

nor her belongings, since she didn’t have much to refer to as such. In fact, she could not wait to inform anyone, including her only sister who is a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi; that she was going away. There was just no time for anything else than to run for dear lives,.

Like Martha, the Secretary to the Mubi Emirate Council, Alhaji Tijani Aliyu, knew of the Boko Haram invasion when he saw neighbours scampering for safety. According to him, while speaking with Sunday Tribune at the palace of the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa, he had the ill-luck of also being in town on the fateful day and had the responsibility of securing a few people he could, including the family of the Emir by finding a way of sending them out to Yola.

“I was here in Mubi on that day; that was October 29, 2014. I came back from morning prayers and I saw peo-

ple running away, even the soldiers. It was then that we were informed that Boko Haram was coming to Mubi.

The emir was not around; he went to Mecca. What we did was to secure those running away and the first family in this palace. Immediately we heard that, I came here and took the first family and sent them to Yola,” he said.

Mubi, by all standards the commercial capital of Adamawa State, was overrun with gusto by the Boko Haram insurgents that fateful Wednesday morning on 29 October, 2014. The insurgents were conquering new grounds, expanding their phantasm of a ‘caliphate’ and basking in the euphoria of their total overrunning of several Borno communities when they invaded Mubi through the Northern axis of Adamawa State.

Continues pg 11

11

life&living

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘Don’t wait for me, I am going away…’

Continued from pg 10 Earlier, the towns of Madagali and Michika had fallen to the supposedly superior firepower of the dreaded terrorists, with the presence of military men in Mubi giving a sort of protection to the busy city, which had also become a sanctuary for Internally Displaced Persons from Michika, Madagali, Gworza and other areas in Borno. Despite its closeness to the troubled zone, Mubi, Sunday Tribune was informed, had appeared to be immune to the maddening menace of the Boko Haram insurgents. But that immunity was not to last for long, as the experience of that October morning taught the residents of the city. According to residents who spoke with Sunday Tribune, even soldiers, with their weapons, which were inadequate to face the terrorists, scampered for safety and thus left the people with no option but to abandon their beloved homes and community in search of safe haven in distant Yola.

Mubi fell. The fall was bad. Its economy and its peace, which according to the emirate secretary have made it a safe haven for all, a distinct northern community where religious uprising was unheard of, were shattered. Boasting of how Mubi had always been a peaceful town before the attack, Alhaji Aliyu noted that in Mubi, there was no discrimination or apathy between Muslims and Christians, saying: “Mubi used to be a peaceful town that accommodates everyone. We didn’t have any difference between Christians and Muslims, we were all one. But unfortunately, these boys came and destroyed almost all the churches and we are not happy with this.”

However, following the invasion, Sunday Tribune observed that virtually all churches in the town were destroyed by the insurgents.

Commenting on the destruction of the churches, Revd Saul Danzaria, a top member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in the state said all churches in Mubi were actually destroyed by the insurgents, adding: “As Christians, we are not ignorant of the devices of the devil.

Persecution is one of such devices; it was the devil’s plot to discourage us but we cannot be discouraged. All our churches were destroyed by the terrorists during the invasion of Mubi.”

More devastating was the economic fall of Mubi, which the chairman of the Mubi Chamber of Commerce, Comrade Abdulkadir Musa, described as terrible, saddening and massive. According to him, over N2 billion were lost to the attack, as traders all abandoned their wares and property in search of safety.

“When they [Boko Haram] came in, most people left Mubi and the people lost a lot. Most of our people abandoned everything. Most of our shops were burnt to ashes. They looted the shops and after looting, they set fire on the shops. About 220 shops were destroyed by the fire. The losses we counted were up to N2billion in this market as you see it. Even the goods that were not burnt, we learnt that the Boko Haram sect members started selling our items in the market.”

The economy of Mubi was further affected by the huge losses incurred at the goat, sheep and cattle market, where hundreds of residents and those from outside the community eked out a living. According to the chairman of the market, Alhaji Sani Adamu Usman, the market lost over

One of the bank buildings destroyed by Boko Haram sect

Alhaji Tijani Aliyu, Mubi Emirate Secretary

N1 billion to the Boko Haram attack and has not been able to fully find its feet since the reclamation of the town.

Narrating his people’s experience, he said: “A lot of people ran away leaving their properties; their households and their belongings. The occupants of this market ran away that day, leaving their cows, sheep, goats. Some of them were tied while some were untied. Those that were tied could not get water or food, so after three days, they died. No one could even go home; all we did was to call our family members to find their ways out of town and told them “don’t wait for me, I am going away.”

“The terrorists captured our animals as loot. They looted properties, packed animals inside trailers as we were told by some of those who could not leave town.

They came here and took our animals away,” He added that the market was still compiling its losses, noting that some traders were yet to return to Mubi from where they fled. “Some fled to Yola, some as far as Sokoto and until those people returned, we cannot give an accurate account of the losses. Approximately, we have lost N1 billion. We have even become tired of telling stories of our losses to the media. We plead with government to come to our aid,” Usman said.

The economic devastation was, however, worsened by the destruction of banks, with residents noting that months after they returned to the town, many of the

Alhaji Sani Adamu Usman, Chairman, Mubi goat, sheep and cattle Market

attacked banks were still struggling, with long queues at some of the active banks always being a major issue, according to a banker with a new generation bank. The emirate secretary also lamented the situation saying: “We have more than seven banks before. But after the attack, some of the banks are yet to return.”

But from the saddening and sordid tales of death and pain, from the rubbles of the devastation and destruction, from the conquered town of Mubi renamed Madinatul-Islam, where the terrorists, hoisted their flag after the October 2014 attack, a new Mubi is rising. According to most of the residents who spoke with Sunday Tribune, no sooner had the military re-

Most people affected by insurgency in Madagali, Michika and so on have also moved here and they are now doing businesses in the Mubi market, so the market has expanded

Comrade Abdulkadir Musa , Chairman, Mubi Chamber of Commerce

claimed the town a month after it was attacked than the people put behind them their sordid experiences and pain and moved ahead. Martha, the food seller, is back on her feet.

She told Sunday Tribune: “I spent three months at the IDP camp in Bajabure, Yola and was scared to come back until the emir said things were okay and we could return home. I came back home and returned to my business of selling food and I thank God, I am making sales,” she said.

Comrade Abdulkadir stated that the economy of Mubi was back to normal, saying: “The development in the market is more than before. The volume of business has gone up. Our people have left the situation to God and He has answered our prayers; since people returned to Mubi, the buildings that people are erecting now will surprise you. Mubi is the commercial centre of Adamawa State, people are coming from all over to buy goods here and the little the traders are earning, they are maximising their use.

Most people affected by insurgency in Madagali, Michika and so on have also moved here and they are now doing businesses in the Mubi market, so the market has expanded. The congestion in Mubi is more than before.”

He, however, said there had been been no assistance from the government at any level or from the private sector. “But as we Continues pg 12

12

life&living

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘We need govt assistance here’

Second Baptist Church, Mubi

A destroyed filling station

Continued from pg 11 had a new government, we have told them our losses and the present administration is working tirelessly to assist us, but we also know that because of the financial situation of the country, things have not been as expected. You can see that the governor is rebuilding the stalls destroyed by the insurgents and if you go around Mubi, you will see the construction of roads. Anywhere you go, you will see that people are working.”

The emirate secretary also had a plea for the government when he said “we are pleading with the Federal Government to assist in rebuilding Mubi and its infrastructure. We are particularly requesting that the government help in rebuilding the markets; most shops were looted.”

But Revd Danzaria had a different plea.

According to him, all the talks about the rehabilitation of Mubi had centred on houses, schools and shops with no one talking about the churches destroyed by the insurgents; a development which he said was abnormal since the churches also suffered the same fate as the banks and schools, among others.

“If truly we belong to the same nation, there should have been discussions about rebuilding our churches too. And if government cannot rebuild, since we know that it wasn’t the government that de-

stroyed our churches, it should at least offer compensation to us to start something.

In the least, the government should have addressed Christians in the North-East, who suffered more during the insurgency crisis but nothing of such has been done,” he said.

Reliving the horror of Hong The Boko Haram also left in Hong a horrific landmark of destruction, with the signs of the insurgents still visible on the Housing Estate, the local government secretariat, Government Secondary School, Hong and the Living Faith Church, Hong, among many others.

From burnt shops to houses, Quranic inscriptions were left behind as remainders of the gloomy days of the sect’s occupation; an era of tears, blood and fears that threw the hitherto peaceful hilly community of Hong into hopelessness.

According to a resident of the community, who identified himself as Aliyu Mohammed Hong, the capture of Hong was not strange to the residents, with many of them already prepared for ‘the worse’ following the fall of Mubi, which is about 100 kilometres away. He noted that Hong residents, including those who had fled to take refuge from the sect, could not really sleep with both eyes closed, as they dreaded that the town might be overrun but were encouraged by the presence of

security.

Aliyu, however, noted that as the terrorists advanced through Mararaba-Mubi towards Hong, soldiers abandoned Hong, forcing residents to also leave the town on that fateful afternoon in November 2014.

Recounting the losses of the community, Aliyu said Hong residents lost valuables to the unwanted visitors, having had to either forcibly live under their demonic reign or exit their town, leaving their belongings which were either looted or set ablaze.

Though most of those who spoke to Sunday Tribune in Hong, stated that they have moved on, with Aliyu and another resident, Aisha Idris, stating that people returned to Hong immediately after the army reclaimed the territory and continued living their lives, there is the obvious need for government to rebuild the community as well as improve its infrastructure.

‘In Gombi, people are still living in fear, so to say, but…’

Of the captured communities in Adamawa, Gombi is peculiar; being a gateway community to Borno as well as its central location to Mubi and Yola. Gombi is situated about 100 kilometres from Yola on the Adamawa-Borno highway to Biu Local government Area of Borno

If truly we belong to the same nation, there should have been discussions about rebuilding our churches too

State, one of the communities that fell to the insurgency firepower in the state.

This strategic location, therefore, put Gombi in the line of fire on two fronts at the peak of the Boko Haram attacks, with the insurgents having already captured Hong, which was less than one hour away from Gombi. Though a resident of the community, Alhaji Mahmood Alhassan maintained that he could not say where the attackers came from in 2014, he noted that most of the people had been living in fear before the attack, while some had even fled the community weeks before the eventual capture.

He further noted that following the recapture of the community by the military in November 2014, most residents had returned with renewed hopes and confidence and had put the past behind them to rebuild their lives. Alhassan, however, informed Sunday Tribune that the January 29 bomb blast at the busy Gombi market has put away the hopes of security held by the residents when they returned to Gombi.

“As we speak, people are watching everything going on around here. We are living in fear, so to say; as we were not sure the community would not be attacked again this year. Though the soldiers have been trying, you can see them patrolling the highways, we are still afraid,” he said.

Some of the traders at the attacked market also recounted their experience of the fateful day, noting that though the market has not fully recovered in terms of patronage, people have moved on. Sunday Tribune observed that new stalls were being constructed in the market, with the traders noting that the previous stalls had been affected by the blast.

Madagali, Michika residents not so lucky…

While Mubi, Hong and Gombi residents can move on with life, most of the indigenes of Madagali and Michika communities cannot boast such luck, Sunday Tribune was reliably informed. In fact, while residents of most Adamawa communities affected by the insurgency have returned home, those from Madagali could still not return for fear of the unknown, as they noted that their community is still inhabited by Boko Haram elements who lived in neighbouring hills.

A primary school headmaster in Madagali identified as Mr Jacob, who has been in the Bajabure IDP Camp on Girei Road, Yola, since 2014, told Sunday Tribune that he and his family and indeed, others from Madagali could not venture to return home because the area is not completely rid of Boko Haram elements. “They lurk in nearby bushes and come out in the night to attack people,” he said.

The motorist who drove this reporter to Gombi, Hong and Mubi desisted from venturing further beyond Mubi, even at an extra cost, noting that the Michika road was still not safe to be plied. “Walahi, Michika hanyar ba kyau…” he blurted in Hausa, having noted that the reporter could understand a few words.

From Gombi to Mubi, from Mubi to Madagali, one message is however clear, cutting across all the communities—the message of hope and a Macedonian call to rebuild. How soon the government will achieve that rebuilding and rehabilitation is not yet known, but the pain on the faces of the people are clear, their past will remain vivid until their future is deliberately addressed by governments at all levels.

13 Continued from

T

3 April, 2016 last week

HE political crisis which started in Western Nigeria in May 1962 has acted on the entire Republic of Nigeria like a fairly big stone dropped in a big calm lake. It has produced a series of ever-widening circles of ripples. The violence and killings which commenced in the West eventually extended their infernal and poignant visitations to all parts of the Federation.

We have nothing to be ashamed of in all that happened, as our detractors would wish. But we do need to have remorse in and demonstrate our shock at what happened as well as express our profound grief and sympathy for the dead, the maimed and dispossessed, in all parts of Nigeria, and to whatever political camps they previously belonged.

Those who may be tempted to rejoice at the awful fate that has befallen some of our countrymen, especially during the past nine months, should be reminded of this dreadful warning of Jesus Christ.

At that very time there were some people present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. He answered them: “Do you imagine that, because these Galileans suffered this fate, they must have been greater sinners than anyone else in Galilee? I tell you they were not; but unless you repent, you will all of you come to the same end. Or the eighteen people who were killed when the tower fell on them top Siloam - do you imagine they were more guilty than all the other people living in Jerusalem? I tell you they were not; but unless you repent, you will all of you come to the same end.”

My conscientious appeal to Nigerians is that instead of mocking the dead and fallen; instead of scheming vengeance against those who wronged or harmed us, we should strive to see what lessons we can usefully learn from the historic, though calamitous and tragic, events of the past four years.

As far as I am concerned, it is to the future - a future which we can make great and glorious by our united action, and invincible benevolence towards one another - that I have dedicated the rest of my life. Under no circumstances will I be drawn into any sterile recriminations about the past which, in any case is gone, irretrievable. and irremediable.

Awo’s thoughts PATH TO NIGERIAN GREATNESS

On the campaign trail The imperfections of man*

The above quotation is an extract from a statement which I issued to the Press on 4 August, 1966, the day after my release from prison. I seize this opportunity to reaffirm the sentiments which I expressed in the extract.

In terms of the old party division, the gathering here this morning is a mixed one. There are those who were members of the banned NPC, AG, NCNC, NNDP, etc.

The old political parties, and some of their leaders came to tragic ends on 15 January, 1966 - a date which also marked the temporary termination of political ac-

As far as I am concerned, it is to the future - a future which we can make great and glorious by our united action, and invincible benevolence towards one another - that I have dedicated the rest of my life

Sunday Tribune

tivities.

Now that we are embarking on a new phase of political activities, it is only fit and proper that we should pay homage to those of the old politicians who fell victims of the tragic demise of the First Republic.

The persons I have in mind are: Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Premier of the Northern Region; Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the first and last Prime Minister of Nigeria; Chief S. L. . Akintola, last Premier of the Western Region; and Chief F. OkotieEboh, Federal Minister of Finance under Balewa’s Government.

Whatever may be our individual views about these men, the fact cannot be denied that, at one time or the other, they did make sterling contributions to the progress of Nigeria. They were all, without doubt, brilliant and indefatigable politicians.

At this the threshold of a new era of political activities, I think it is only meet and proper that we should remember them as great pioneers in the path we are now about to tread. I, therefore, ask all of you to rise, take off you caps, and remain in silence for one minute, in cherished memory of Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, SLA and Okotie-Eboh whose contributions to the politics of this country cannot be obliterated.

Welcome to this first congress. As I said before, we are now about to tread a new path. There are pitfalls.

There are promontories of glory. Old pitfalls we can and must avoid. New Pitfalls can with foresight besighted and guarded ‘against. At any rate their adverse effects can be reasonably contained or minimised. The old promontories of glory we must keep. New ones. must be erected. . We, as new travellers in the path under the entirely new and all-embracing, auspices of the UPN, can succeed where others have failed and are failing; provided we allow ourselvesto be guided by this great principle: “The glory of a Ruler is the welfare of everyone of his people.” This is the principle which guided the Committee of Friends in all its deliberations. This is exactly the principle by which UPN as the successor to the Committee of Friends will be guided now and in the future. Pray that our deliberations may be fruitful and may contribute to the good, welfare and happiness of every individual Nigerian.

To be continued

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14

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

specialreport Plateau: Still without tourism

Plateau State is known as Home of Peace and Tourism but it is currently trying to rediscover itself in order to truly live up to its billing.

ISAAC SHOBAYO reports.

B

EAUTIFUL scenery, rich cultural and historical heritage and excellent weather make Plateau State a tourist destination. These gave credence to why the state was a tourist’s delight and often referred to as Home of Peace and Tourism. However, most of the tourist sites that made the state what it used to be have become relics and in a state of disrepair due to sheer and reckless abandonment by successive administrations especially since the inception of the new democratic dispensation.

Jos, the capital of the state is named the Tin City. The discovery of tin led to an influx of migrants mostly Igbo, Yoruba, Europeans and others who constitute a huge part of the population. Today the mining sites have been abandoned, the Europeans who once made the city their abode majorly because of the weather had left in droves, while the major industries which made Jos tick had become moribund. This is the sad tale of Plateau state, which used to be the envy of many other states in the country.

The parlous condition of tourism in Plateau State, coupled with insecurity occasioned by ethno-religious crises, has worsened the industry. From all indications, many no longer consider the state when it comes to tourism. The number of tourists visiting the state has also waned drastically, thus giving an impression that the sector has fallen into a pathetic state.

Apart from a few private individuals who tend to invest in hospitality business, all hotels owned by the state government like Plateau Hotel and Hill Station Hotel have become a shadow of themselves.

Sunday Tribune findings revealed that apart from paucity of fund and patronage, workers in these hotels are being owed about two years salaries. Recently, bailiffs along with security men stormed the Hill Station Hotel to enforce the judgment of Federal Industrial Court following the inability of the management to carry out judgment of the court to pay the workers their outstanding salaries and retirement benefits of those relieved of their jobs.

The state of Plateau Hotel is so terrible that most of the chalets have been converted to residential apartments rented out to individuals on a paltry sum. The popular swimming pool side has become an abode for rodents and reptiles; the band-stand, conference hall, among others are in shambles. For survival, the workers rely on tips from few customers who still manage to patronise the hotel.

Rock Hotel, conceived and started by the late former governor of the state, Chef Solomon Lar, more than twenty five years ago have been lying prostrate and abandoned. The hotel which is about forty-five percent completed has become an abode for criminals and haven for chain smokers. The administration of former Governor Joshua Dariye and his successor, Jonah Jang simply refused to pay attention to the abandoned project through out of

The last lion. Inset: The lion was killed after escaping from the park

their tenures.

Though there are still a few standard hotels owned by private individuals but the general opinion among the stakeholders is that it would be difficult for the tourism industry in the state to thrive without standard hotels.

Jos wild life park This used to be citadel of ecotourism, not only in Plateau State but in the entire North Central geo-political zone. It used to be a beehive as a result of an array of animals in the parks coupled with standard facilities that made it sine qua non and a tourists’ delight. However, the glory of the park, established in 1972 along with Pandam Wildlife Park and Wase Rock Games Reserve by the late Joseph Gomwalk administration in the then BenuePlateau State is waning. Presently, activities at the park are at the lowest ebb due to poor management.

Sunday Tribune investigations revealed that facilities at the park have become outdated leading to a huge decline in its fortunes and patronage, following years of neglect. Though the immediate past administration of Jonah Jang made efforts to inject life into the park and make it regain its lost glory, however its efforts were marred by government bureaucracies.

It is also noticeable that the number of

animals in the park is remarkably on the decline. Recently, a lion which had been in the park since 1972 escaped from its cage thus causing pandemonium within the city of Jos but was later sighted within the park and shot dead in an amateurish way. Sunday Tribune learnt some members of staff of the park pounced on the carcass of the lion and used it for various delicacies that took their fancy.

The killing of the lion generated quite a lot of controversies in which many people condemned the killing of the big cat.

Sunday Tribune also learnt that the state government has set up a committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the escape of the lion and why it was killed in such manner, especially when it was discovered around the vicinity of its abode.

Assop waterfall Located in Hawan Kibo in Riyom Local Government Area of Jos, the Assop Waterfall has a warm ambience and lavish green aerial view that makes it a fantastic spot for picnic and other social events.

The waterfall which used to be a source of revenue to the state government as a result of patronage by tourists that thronged the site on a daily basis including students on excursion especially on weekends, has since lost its allure and place as one of the most sought-after water falls in the coun-

try.

When Sunday Tribune visited the site, one of the guards who spoke on condition of anonymity said patronage has reduced.

According to him, “some years back patronage was so high that we used to regulate people’s visit to the fall. Groups thronged here for relaxation but all these have since stopped, these are further compounded by insecurity in the state. Past administrations in the state only paid lip services to the development of tourism.”

From all indications it seems the tourism sector in Plateau state is jinxed, even before the present democratic dispensation, the military which held sway did nothing to add value to tourism, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Plateau State Tourism Corporation saddled with the responsibility of promoting the sector seems handicapped and constrained.

A senior staff of the Tourism Corporation who spoke with Sunday Tribune on condition of anonymity said “since the inception of this political dispensation no government has shown commitment to the sector,” adding: “money appropriated to revamp the sector never see the light of the day.”

However, development of tourism sector was a major plank of Governor Simon Continues pg 15

15

specialreport

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘Govts have only paid lip service to tourism’ Continued from pg 14 Bako Lalong’s campaign promises and has continued to speak passionately about how he hopes to develop tourism and make it a huge revenue earner for Plateau State.

In his 2016 budget presentation, Governor Lalong who noted that the sub-sector was very dear to the state, given tremendous potentials to be harnessed, added that with the gradual return of peace, the state intends to revitalise the tourism industry.

To this end, he said the sum of eight hundred and two million, five hundred thousand naira (N802,500,000) is estimated in the budget adding that the amount will be used for the completion of the Luka Bentu Indoor Theatre, rehabilitation and upgrading of the Jos Wildlife Park, Pandam Tourist Village and other tourist attractions to boost tourism and revenue potentials of the state.

Explaining further, Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Nanle said with the gradual return of peace to the troubled parts of the state especially where the tourist sites are, the state will give the sector adequate attention adding that peace will be vigorously pursued to enable tourism strive.

“Before we came in, most the areas where the tourist sites are were crises prone areas, that only is enough to scare tourists away but peace has since returned to these areas and the government is willing and ready to give the sector deserved attention. We are presently consolidating on the security on ground,” he said A cross section of stakeholders in the industry who spoke with Sunday Tribune lamented the pathetic state of tourism in the state and challenged Lalong led administration to live up to expectation. They, however, frowned

A tourist spot in Plateau State

on the fund appropriated to the sector.

The stakeholders said the tourism sector has suffered a total neglect under this dispensation. A prominent stakeholder in the industry who craved anonymity chided the previous governments, saying none of them considered tourism as a viable venture that could boost the revenue of Plateau State.

“While states like Cross River, Akwa Ibom and others

were developing and repositioning the sector, their counterpart in Plateau State simply turned their eyes away from it.”

According to him, “the once vibrant sector has been neglected for too long, the present administration will required billions of naira to reposition it, considering the level of decadence already in place. But with dedication and commitment, the present administration can reposition the sector within a short period of time, if the will is there,” he said.

interview

‘We have recovered over 16,000 stolen animals’ The Special Adviser to Governor Nasir el-rufai on Internal Security and Co-ordinator of the state security outfit (Operation Yaki), Colonel Yakubu Soja spoke with MUHAMMAD SABIU on the security situation in the state. Excerpts:

H

OW safe is Kaduna considering the multitute of crimes associated with the state in recent times?

Without mincing words,Kaduna is now the safest state in the country. Since we came on board about eight months ago, the state governor Mallam Nasi el-rufai has been seriously concerned with security. For instance, when we came on board we inherited only 37 operational vehicles but the governor bought over 100 hilux vehicles which were disbursed to other security outfits like the police, army, state security, Navy, airforce, civil defence, etc.

Indeed, when the present administration came in there were a lot of security challenges, bomb blast, thuggery, cattle rustling, theft, house breaking and what have you. Let's take thuggery for example, thugs will just storm an area and be inflicting serious injuries on innocent people. With the help of other security agencies we swung into action and arrested over 500 youths involved in this menace. So if you go to areas like Tudun Wada, Rigasa, Unguwar Rimi, Hayin Danmallam etc, which used to be trouble spots, they are now safe from these hoodlums. People now move about without fear. To say the least, we have secured these places.

The issue of cattle rustling was another challenge. We stormed the dreaded forest at Birnin Gwari and succeeded in chasing out the rustlers out of the state. To date, we have recovered over 16,000 cows, sheep and camels. Also, the Sanga/ Keffi Road which used to be a danger zone as armed robbers held sway is now safe. In short, we are working round the clock to protect the lives of the citizens.

Some are still not clear with the role of ‘Operation Yaki’ as they said you have taken over the role of other security agencies.

Our mandate is clear. We don't interfere with the operations of other security outfits. It is true Kaduna State is the only state in the country that has this kind of security arrangement backed by law. We have members of other

stance, we just secured the freedom of four girls that were kidnapped at Katari. We are going after them. We are not resting. Also, I want to say here, that this issue requires the co-operation of every one to be able to succeed. All hands must be on deck to ensure that kidnapping business does not thrive. So, we commiserate with the victims and families of those whose lost their loved ones as a result of this act(kidnapping). We equally sympathise with those whose wives and daughters were raped. To those whose love ones are been held by the captives we assure them we will do our best to secure their release.

Chief Segun Adekola

security agencies in our outfit. We are a kind of special security outfit. Apart from preventing all kinds of crimes we are also given the mandate to main law and order in times of crisis. In essence, our relationship with other security agencies has been cordial. We don't have friction.

Every Tuesday we meet at the security council meeting to discuss the security situation of the state. The council is chaired by the governor and we are all passionate about the security of the state.

The issue of kidnapping is becoming rampant in the state. What are you douing to curtail it?

Thank you. You see when we stopped the rustlers from carrying out their illicit act they now resort to kidnapping.

Here again, we are giving them a stern warning to desist from such act or they will face the music. Kaduna is not a place for them. Let them find succour else where because we are ready for them. We have mapped out strategies to deal with them but we cannot discuss it on the pages of newspaper. Of recent, we have tackled them. For in-

What further appeal to you have to the people of the state?

My candid appeal to them is to give peace a chance.

Without peace there would be no development. In the last seven months, the state governor has done a lot in the aspect of security. He had extended this gesture to neighbouring states. Of recent, the state has hosted several meetings involving some governors in the North West just to have a common voice in fighting cattle rustling. He had not stop on that when the recent army/shiite clash occurred in Zaria, he again hosted the meeting of the 19 Northern governors just to ensure the situation is curtail.

Every thing is being put in place to ensure that citizens carry out their legitimate businesses. Apart from that because of the peaceful atmosphere the government of Nasiru el-rufai is working. Go to places like unguwar sarki, unguwar Rimi, Marafa etc ,the deplorable roads in these areas are being rehabilitated and re-constructed. Look at the feeding programme catering for over 1.8million pupils every day. Look at the renovation of our dilapidated primary schools going on in all the nook and cranny of the state. Also, over 5,000 tailors have been engaged to provide free uniforms to these kids. There are so many projects going on but these are possible because of the peaceful atmosphere the state is enjoying.

16

3 April, 2016

B

y political convention, the South-West is traditionally reserved as the opposition conclave. The conviction, sown in the mind of its dwellers that they had always been better off in opposition to the ruling party, was arguably the singular magic wand that got the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) nearly all the states in Yorubaland, before the bubble of service delivery burst for a couple of the “opposition” governors. Somehow, the zone got tired of being the antagonist to Abuja and forged an alliance that got it to the centre. Curiously, allies in the opposition habitation, especially those of the civil societies and human rights groupings that should ordinarily remain in the “watchdog” zone, appeared to have relocated with the political class to the centre, with the deafening silence from their end where a persistent roar should have emanated as the change agenda bumbles. Since nature abhors vacuum, an unlikely voice; Ayodele Peter Fayose, took charge.

Is the mythical politician competent and qualified to be the voice of reason, considering the numerous controversies surrounding his confounding politics? Will the moral pedestal on which he stands, be strong enough to carry his message? Is Fayose coming to equity with a clean hand?

Leaders are hardly born. They evolve. While Ekiti House of Assembly may have been too quick to declare him the new opposition leader when he began the criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari’s wobbly change agenda, it is indisputable that the strongman of Ekiti politics has evolved beyond being the nemesis of the bookish ruling clique in Ekiti, emerging as the lone voice in the wilderness, as government consistently strays.

But many are ready to place a bet that nothing good can ever come out of Fayose. Even brilliant government policies in his state are demeaned as bolekaja (pedestrian), with critics always alluding to his “little” beginning in life as an indicator that he could not grow beyond their ceiling.

Opposition leaders are made for moments, seasons and times. Such timing hardly demands angels. All through history, such men always refused to be silent or be silenced when others grew mute. When they saw evil, they condemned; when they saw good, they commended. They had personal histories behind them; some contentious, some outright unpalatable. But they stood for something, braved odds, ventured out of comfort zones, dared, got bruised, lost

Happiest in the world, I once was tagged.

But aeons ago that seems, A ring from ancient history it bellows.

Long my face now is, Sorrow my companion has turned.

Bruised, bitter and battered, Wounded and worsted, Wrecked and wretched, Pauperised and perplexed, Hurt and halting, The once glad is now morose.

The gaiety gloomy is turned.

Who stole my joy?

Who switched my dancing to mourning?

Happiest in the world?

Oh no, I am no more.

Enmeshed in want and lack, Bordered by deprivation and degradation, Fasting all day and night cos of fading food, Clothed in nakedness, my ribs exposed, Covered with squalor on which I spring when hunger pangs strike How happy can I be with my back glued to my stomach?

Can the hungry leap in ecstasy?

Can merriment misery marry?

Can malnourishment be joined with enjoyment?

Hunger surely a killjoy is.

Lost my job, Bad that was!

State destroyed my shop, Crazy, no doubt!

Council demolished my stall, Filling me with gall!

No job, no shop, no stall, no state buffer, No fuel, no electricity, no water, Hell certainly is here.

I am left to groan, gripe and suffer.

No one cares whether I live or leave.

Still wondering why I am sad?

My potentialities are going to waste, My abilities are going to rack and ruin, My talents are going with me to the grave.

0811 695 4647

olanreade@yahoo.com

What does Fayose want?

stuffs in the process, paid heavy prices, but ultimately triumphed.

In the South-West, two opposition leaders stood tall; the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

While Awo will always be in his own class, Fayose could end up in Tinubu’s shoes, completing the circle by leading a new opposition coalition to power in near future. But does Fayose really have to do this, putting all his allies, especially the fiercely loyal lawmakers, in the way of harm? Only Fayose can explain his decision to confront an extremely stubborn president with near limitless power of coercion, suppression and persecution. But he has a place in the hearts of millions already, who now look up to him to speak to a power that is getting nearly everything wrong, and being let-off by those assigned the traditional role of “watching” governments.

With Sulaimon Olanrewaju 08055001708

lanresulaimon@yahoo.com

Lamentation for me

Unemployment certainly cremates creativity It does entomb endowments.

Afraid of AIDS? Not me.

Frightened by syphilis or gonorrhoea?

Never.

Cancer holds no scare for me, As dreary as it is reputed to be.

My worry is malaria, My concern is cholera, My fear is diarrhoea.

Simple diseases they say they are;

Sunday Tribune

Without doubt, Fayose is making plenty sense in his everyday attacks on Buhari’s administration, reminiscent of Lai Mohammed’s days against the government of Goodluck Jonathan. Even those who didn’t take him serious when he began this political advocacy, especially APC and Buhari’s administration, are now shaping things up to meet his positions whenever he catches them pants down. After consistently ramping up his condemnation of Buhari’s global junket and the outrageous cost to tax-payers, the president had to personally challenge the governor to provide evidence of $1million being spent on each trip.

Without doubt the price would be huge for Fayose. Buhari is a no-nonsense fellow. The available literature on him does not suggest he forgives. Today, Fayose is without doubt, the most troubling of his government’s assessment. If the social media evaluation is bankable, then the Ekiti governor can be said to be drawing daily followers in hundreds. There isn’t a way a president like Buhari won’t fight back with all in his “rich” arsenal. He had given the signs of things to come.

Ekiti lawmakers, who could be used to get rid of the “irritant” that Fayose has become to Buhari, are now refugees in their country. Since Fayose won’t let up, things are bound to be rougher in days ahead.

Fayose is now an international interest. If over-hunted, sympathies may come from unlikely quarters. In an attempt to silence him, Buhari may quicken his ascendancy to what his government doesn’t want him to be. As of today, Fayose’s party, PDP, is on a perforated life-jacket. He has also not pretended to be doing Olisa Metuh’s job. That is the major difference in his oppositional role. That is why his appeal is going national, despite the sustained dip in PDP’s fortune. One may not completely discard the arguments that he isn’t daring a cold post-governorship in 2018, mainly for altruism. His dare had been dubbed survival strategy, 2019 positioning et al, but it is also factual that he could choose to be on bended knees like other PDP stalwarts.

Going by what PDP top-shots had suffered in the course of anti-corruption war, it is almost certain that Buhari will go after Fayose in 2018 when his immunity is over, but the administration then, may have to contend with more than half of the nation, especially if the rudderlessness at the centre continues. Right now, Peter is the Rock of opposition and a lone voice that cannot be ignored and should not be silenced.

But grim reapers I know them to be.

Many souls have the trio harvested albeit prematurely, Who will save me from maternal mortality?

And my children from infant malady?

Who will rescue my brother from cholera?

And my neighbour from malaria?

No help from state hospitals, No succour from the general ones.

Healthcare is commoditised; It’s strictly for cash.

How can the sick be happy?

Or the weak be merry?

The strength to laugh is since vanished.

Iceberg tips these are.

The icing on the pains is insecurity; Stressed by petty thieves, Harassed by burglars, Waylaid by robbers, Threatened by kidnappers, Conned by fraudsters, Hemmed in by bombers, I am in a cul de sac.

Chased by hunger, joblessness, ill health, Gunmen, kidnappers and now bombers, Oh, for the poor, living is dying.

O God of creation, When cometh the joy of citizenship?

When will pride fill my heart at the mention of our Fatherland?

How long more will hopelessness linger?

Direct our noble cause of ending deprivation, Let respite come speedily to the people, And succor to the land.

Guide our leaders right, Prick them with our pains Jab them with our woes.

Force on them a volte-face.

So that there will be victuals for us to munch, Fuel for our vehicles to consume, Electricity in our homes and water in our taps.

Let there be change in the land.

Grant my request, O God of creation.

That once more, I may be the world’s happiest.

17

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

My mother was barren for 18 years —Ebenezer Obey

Qualities my man must have —Lara samuel

I didn’t sleep with Kunle Afolayan to get October 1 role — Kehinde Bankole

18

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Laffmatazz:

9 hours of fun that set

legends against the raves

By Segun Adebayo

T

HE venue was Jogor Centre, Liberty Road, Ibadan, Oyo State. The event was Laffmatazz, a comedy and music event that has found its way into the hearts of many residents of Ibadan, especially the lovers of entertainment events, who have craved for an event of that magnitude and class.

Stand-up comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, the convener and host of the comedy show had promised to return with something special when he was rounding off the fourth season. It was the fifth edition of Laffmatazz and he wanted to prove a point that shows of this nature can indeed sell out in Ibadan as against the general belief in some quaters that entertainment shows ‘don’t sell’ in Ibadan.

True to his words, Adeyinka upped the ante. He returned with what he called “The Legends, The Rave and I and literally set

Ibadan on fire last week Sunday.

It was a nonstop, back to back afternoon of fun and excitement that later metamorphosed into night. For those who were at the venue, it was a feeling that would not be forgotten in a jiffy.

Sponsored by Maltina, the expectations were high, but the acts who were more than 40 in number did not disappoint the excited audience that was thrilled for more than eight hours with music from raves of the moment, such as: Jaywon, Que Peller, Simi, Adekunle Gold, Skales, Capital F.E.M.I., Still Ringing and Dremo.

But that was not all for the night.

Adeyinka had more in store for the people who had parted with

their hardearned money to buy tickets, and he delivered.

After the raves came the comedy session. Seyi Law, Omo Baba, Peteru, Arole, Bash, Kelly B l i n d , R a p i n Daddy, Lepacious Bose and a host of o t h e r s cracked

up the audience. The stars of the night in the comedy category were Seyi Law and Bash. They once again illustrated the essential difference between them and other comedians.They proved why they have remained two of the most funniest comedians in the country.

The legends, Tony Tetuila, Olu Maintain, Artquake guys, African China and Daddy Showkey dished out some of their favourite songs that made them the toast of many back in the days.

Olu Maintain’s ‘Yahooze’ raised the roof, Artquake’s ‘Alanta’ electrified the hall while African China and Daddy Showkey reminded the people about the ‘Galala’ fame and its Ajegunle connection.

It was almost 12 a.m., and one

would have expected that the hall would have been empty by then, but the star of the night, D’Banj was yet to perform.

Not a single person was feeling sleepy. They all chorused “Give us D’Banj, give us Kokomaster”.

To some of them, the fun would not be complete if they had left without watching Baganlee perform. Some minutes later, D’Banj stormed the stage in style and justified the long wait. His performance was rated the best.

There were presentation of gifts, such as generating sets and table top freezers to lucky people just as comedy pioneer, Ola Omonitan, also known as Ajimajasan, got a cash reward of N100,000 from Gbenga Adeyinka and another N100, 000 from Daddy Showkey.

Mr Sexy urges Buhari to boost entertainment industry

By Seyi Sokoya SOUTH African-based Nigerian artiste, Ogunjobi Oluwaseyi, popularly know as Mr Sexy, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to boost the Nigerian entertainment industry so as to discourage youths from crime and reduce unemployment.

The international brand singer and songwriter, who is currently

making wave with his music career in South Africa, has become a force to reckon with through the establishment of his entertainment company, Xknights Entertainment in Pretoria, South Africa towards inspiring and promoting talented artistes.

The ‘Mukulu Muke’ crooner is also currently working towards the release of the audio and visual to his new single entitled: “Ibadi Re-

mix” produced by C-Tec Beats which will also feature St. Seaba and Qwcrty.

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3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Obasanjo pledges support for AFRIMA

By Seyi Sokoya

AFRIMA Delegates with President Olusegun Obasanjo during a courtesy visit and meeting with President Obasanjo on the planning of 2016 All Africa Music Awards in Abeokuta, Ogun State, recently.

I did not have sex with Kunle Afolayan to get ‘October 1’ role

FORMER president Olusegun Obasanjo has commended All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and African Union Commission (AUC) for unifying Africa through music, just as he noted that music was part of African culture and reiterated the need for music and culture to be commercialised in order to create jobs and reduced poverty among African youths.

He implored the organisers not to relent in achieving their objectives and called on brands and governments in Africa to partner with AFRIMA, while he recalled similar projects hosted when he was president like All African Games, COJA 2003 and Festival of Art and Culture in Africa (FESTAC ‘77) as platforms for promoting African culture and unity that require huge resources to organise.

The executive members of AF-

I’m a Kenyan girl with global dreams —Victoria Kimani

—Kehinde Bankole

By Segun Adebayo

By Segun Adebayo

POPULAR Nollywood actress, Kehinde Bankole has come out to clear the air on the insinuations doing the rounds that she landed the big role she played in Kunle Afolayan’s ‘October 1’ movie after sleeping with the movie producer, saying it was not true.

Bankole disagreed with the notion that actresses have to sleep with producers and directors to get movie roles. Bankole said playing lead role in Afolayan’s ‘October 1’, which won her the AMVCA Best Actress award, was made possible because she auditioned for the role. She denied sleeping with the award-winning director before clinching the role.

The actress added that she landed the role after the auditioning, imploring fans to change their thinking. Hear her: “ how would a director put an expensive investment and the fate of other staff in the hands of an actress, simply because she was good in bed?.”

KENYAN-BORN Chocolate City singer, Victoria Kimani, has continued to put out more works and does not seem to be resting on her oars despite the misconceptions trailing her personality and career.

Speaking at the Gidifest2016 in Lagos, Kimani said she would continue to mix culture from different African cultures to suit her style of music. “ When I joined Chocolate City, I made it known that I wanted to be a pan-African brand. Which means my music is not going to be limited to just Kenya. I can move round and do my stuff. I was recently in South Africa and I’m exploring their music industry. I’m working on releasing

‘Lincoln’s Clan’, ‘Buzz Live with Owen Gee’ to debut on TV TOTAL Recall Media Limited, during the week at Banex Hotel, Anthony, Lagos, unveiled “Lin-

coln’s Clan” and “Buzz Live with Owen Gee”.

In his opening speech, the

RIMA, AUC and the International Committee of AFRIMA paid a courtesy call visit to Obasanjo as part of the activities to the buildup for the 2016 edition recently at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria recently.

In his earlier opening remark, President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr Mike Dada, said the meeting and visit was in recognition of Chief Obasanjo former chairperson of the African Union (AU) between July 2004 to January 2006. He is an African global icon, a cultural enthusiast and champion of African renaissance.”

The 30-man AFRIMA team include Associate Co-Producer, Efe Omorogbe, jury Member, Mr. Laolu Akins, media committee member and Mr Biodun Kupoluyi, production manager, Mr Henry Alade, Entertainment Editor of The Sun Newspaper, Mr Tosin Ajirire, among others.

Group Managing Director of the company, Mr Oluseyi Adebanjo, said ‘Lincoln’s Clan’ will debut on Silverbird TV on Saturday and 35 other TV stations across the country, while Buzz Live With Owen Gee will debut on same station on Saturday by 12.30p.m and 32 other TV stations across the nation”.

A brief comedy interlude was done by MC Wyze and Elder O. Shortly after that. The reason for the gathering finally came to the fore when clips from the Lincoln’s Clan’ and Buzz Live with Owen Gee were shown.

my album in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria as well. The album should be done later this year”.

Kimani, who has been described as the Lady Gaga of Africa, talked about the similarities between them “this Lady Gaga thing is a very dramatic comparison to Victoria Kimani because I don’t wear ‘Meat Dresses’, I’m not in costume 24/7. I wear sexy clothes! Lady Gaga is an amazing artiste; she’s a huge person to be compared too. It’s an honour, but I do not see my brand in that way. But it’s cool though. Anyone who studies me would know that we are two different artistes. I always encourage people to study who they are criticising or otherwise just stop,” she said.

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3 April, 2016

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

good relationship with God. A good Christian will always thank God and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit during the good and bad times.

You are a musician and a religious leader, how have you been handling these two at your age?

God makes it easy for me. To be an evangelist is the assignment God has given to me. I see myself as an evangelist who is on a mission, but my members address me as their General Overseer. Some people call me Chief Commander. As a visiting artiste at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ogun State, some people prefer to describe me as professor. I will say that I am a man of many parts. I have got to a stage in life that I cannot stop people from giving me various names and this is as a result of the fact that God has made me to make impact on many lives positively beyond what I can comprehend. I was a musician before going into the ministry. The most important thing in life is how you percieve or handle life issues; that’s what makes you a man.

With your achievements in music, religion and academics, would you say you are fulfilled?

I am a very fulfilled man and I have every reason to thank God for the grace to have come this far. There is nothing a man desires that I have not done in life. I bless God that I am a grandfather of many grandchildren and also a great grandfather. I am also blessed to have the opportunity to serve God. The ministry started 24 years ago and I thank God that it has grown in leaps and bounds with the aim of impacting lives.

Technology has made our children lazy —Chief Enebezer Obey

Music legend, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi’s pedigree and personality as a musician speaks volumes. Fondly called The Chief Commander , Obey who is the General Overseer of Decross Gospel Mission, in this interview by SEYI SOKOYA, speaks on his life, the entertainment industry and state of the nation. Excerpts:

C

ONGRATULATIONS on your 74th birthday. How do you feel attaining this age?

I feel extremely happy and I thank God for the journey of life. It feels as though I just clocked 70 years old. It is a thing of joy attaining the age of 74. I want to thank God for my life; He made me a star in my chosen career. Looking back to what I have gone through in the last 74 years, I see this as a rare grace and opportunity. I am more happy that this birthday falls on a Sunday. Usually, my children, grandchildren and the church members come around to celebrate and pray with me in the house during my birthdays, but since my 74th birth-

day falls on a Sunday, I have decided to take the celebration to the presence of God with a thanksgiving service.

How do you see life now, looking back at the events that have shaped your life?

I have every reason to continue to thank God. I have gone through a lot in the last 74 years and God has been so good to me. No one will live without having one challenge or the other, but I thank God for the good and bad times I have experienced. The interesting thing is that, the Holy Spirit has always been with me through the journey. I see the Holy Spirit as my comforter and I have a

What exactly led you into the ministry?

I invested in different kinds of businesses in the past.

I have been a businessman at a young age. At 74, I am happy and contented with my achievements. Even when the ministry came on board, people still wanted my music and as a result of this, I started reaching out to people who cannot come to the church through what I call special appearance. This makes it easy for me to win more souls for Christ. The best thing for a man to do is to have a direction and be led by the Holy Spirit. I thank God that I have a direction and I have been following the path the Lord has chosen for me.

How was life before you gave your life to Christ?

Anyone who claims to be saint today was a once a sinner. According to Jesus Christ, anyone born of a woman is a sinner. The fact that I was born into a Christian family also helped my life. But I realised that the faith and salvation of my parents cannot save me; salvation is a personal experience. I thank God that I know Christ.

The entertainment industry has witnessed a massive development compared to when you and your contemporaries started. How do you feel about this?

Nigeria is a very blessed country and we have a lot of talents in the industry. It is to our delight that the new generation of artistes has taken over the industry with rare display of talents. There are still good songs in the industry, but there are quite a number of things that set this generation and ours apart. There are meaningful lyrics and messages in our songs that teach people good lessons. However, I guess the new musicians are meeting the demands of their generation, because it is always overwhelming when the young ones react to the young musicians. As a result of this development, we elders in the industry should appreciate them more and continually advise and nurture them so that they can learn from us. In fact, some of them have been remixing some of our works. It is important that they follow our path in delivering good music. Music is good; it is a mode of communication and it is obvious that people are receiving it with joy and happiness. My advice to the young musicians is Continues on pg21

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3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘Change will not come unless...’

The change we are clamouring for will not come, because it is not only about Buhari-it is everybody’s fault.We need to cooperate if we want the change to manifest.

Continued from pg20

that they should perfect whatever they are doing. We should also not forget that every artiste has their own identification; everyone knows what each artiste stands for. It is a great privilege that we still have veterans who are still impacting greatly in the industry.

Would you say your upbringing influenced your ageing?

I was lucky because my mother came to this world to live for her children. The first thing we did every morning was to chew our chewing sticks, bathe and eat; our mum made sure we always eat very early in the morning. This made us not to look at our friends whenever we visited them. She will stock meat in the house, especially during Ileya festival because she knew we might be tempted to eat meat outside. She will fill the home with food, so we will not have any reason to eat elsewhere. I enjoyed her food so much. She was a very good cook; no other food can match what my mum prepared. She was a disciplinarian and a strong woman.

Her first marriage was dissolved because she was barren for 18 years and that really affected her. She was not prepared for the divorce when the move was made by her first husband’s family. She left Lagos and relocated to Idogo, in Ogun State where she met another man, a carpenter and also a farmer; they enetually got married and the woman they had written off gave birth to me and my siblings. I really love my parents and I took good care of them. Though, my father thought he had done my mum a favour for her to be fruitful. My mum said she did not feel dejected about the development. She was a successful trader and also used the proceeds to take good care of us. My father never looked back when he left for Lagos for years. In fact, I was seven years old before I knew my father and when I asked him why he abandoned us, he replied that he trusted our mum that she would take good care of us.

Why do you think the name Obey still rings bell in the minds of the people till date?

It is God that made it so. It is the grace of God. I have done so many songs that no fewer than 30 to 50 radio or televition stations play my records in a day.

Are you getting the deserved royalty?

I will say it is becoming better; this is why the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has shouldered the responsibility.

They are doing so much for the artistes and I can see them perfecting the system.

One needs to give them more chance to perfect their operations and the distribution network. They have really started well, but the musicians need to cooperate with them to do more. Stakeholders should also not hesitate to advise or call their attention to some areas that should be amended.

What is your take on the dwindling resources of the Nigerian economy?

I think people need to be patient with Buhari’s administration. He has just spent a year and we can all see what he has been doing. Corruption has eaten deep into every sector of the nation and it has become a cankerworm that should be handled with care. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, Buhari is trying to recover all the stolen money. It is sad that Nigeria refused to make good use of the oil money when the price was good. Buhari is working hard to put the country in shape and at the same time fighting insurgency. I will say it has been tough for him in the last one year, but I know that by the grace of God we will all rejoice. President Buhari needs support of Nigerians; we need to collectively fight corruption to a halt. Otherwise we will continue to condemn him. I believe this government can achieve the change if we all support the President.

But there have been complaints from the masses that this was not the change they voted for?

The masses will complain because everyone wants to live in peace, but when people begin to say that this is not the change they voted for, then how do they want Buhari to fix the country? The oil price has gone down so bad and money is not circulating. This is because Nigerians have neglected what we ought not to neglect. We have neglected agriculture which was what we survived on before oil was discovered. Let us plant what we eat and stop the importing foods.

Another thing is that Nigerians are lazy; we always want to be pampered. We are turning out graduates every year with no jobs for them. This is why we must embrace skill acquisitions. What stops with a graduates from learning bricklaying. Do you know how many houses that are being built in a day in this country despite the bad situation of the country. There will be enough jobs if graduates can venture into vocational jobs.

We should not shy away from the fact that it is not everybody that will get a white collar job.

Some broke,

people say Nigeria is do you believe this?

There is money in Nigeria, but people are too lazy access it. I used to trek to and from school when I was young and, at weekends, my mother and I would trek eight miles to sell clothes in the market. Today’s children spend more time on the internet doing nothing. They use big phones. I think the advent of technology has made them lazy. Though the idea is good, but the usage should be regulated. People don’t want to go to farm again. We all crave for white col-

lar jobs. During our days, we went to farm after school. I am not sure if there are still farms in schools today. We must go back to agriculture. It should be inculcated into schools’ curriculum. That is the only way to develop agriculture. We also need to start raising our own Julius Berger to build our bridges. This is how we can grow as a nation. In the days of Papa Awolowo, Oni and Sons was the indigenous contractor who tarred roads. He was a Nigerian; he was empowered and he did very well. We now hire foreign experts to develop our country.

It would have been a good thing if we bring them to train our people. Indigenous contractors should also emulate Oni and Sons.

Nigeria is a good country, yet we are crying.

Music is as easy as anything to me, though I had a lot of challenges to push my music career, especially on how to become a star.

What were your youthful days like?

Everything I learnt from my mother helped me when it was time for me to be independent. I tried many businesses in aspiration to become successful in life. I was a vendor and later became a bricklayer.

Along the line, I ventured into icecream business, which I enjoyed most. The bicycle I used then was different from what we have today. In fact, I loved it so much.

It was like a car and I enjoyed riding it to sell icecream and run errands. I was also a painter. Having experienced all these things, I came to realise that my mother really tried for us. Above all, the music that I took as a hobby eventually became my profession which gave me a breakthrough.

How was it like when you started as a musician?

Music is as easy as anything to me, though I had a lot of challenges to push my music career, especially on how to become a star. I have a documentary on that.

How did you become a star?

It was a sudden turnaround. I became a star within 24 hours. I got the gift of music from the school band when I was in the choir. I later became the band leader.

After school, we set up a band at Idogo.

Though I was the youngest. I played all the musical instruments and I took the lead vocal. All this contributed to my professionalism.

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3 April, 2016

entartainment Malete film village births with ‘Tangled’

By Segun Adebayo

E

DUCATIONAL entertainment is set to be served to Nigerian television and movie enthusiasts as a new soap, ‘Tangled’ is set to hit the screens. ‘Tangled’ is the first of TV productions of the Malete Film Village, located in Kwara State, conceived to bring about a social change.

Scripted by, Dele Gbadebo, Tangled is directed by Muyiwa Ademola,Tope Adebayo and Emeka Dibia, Emelobe.

‘Tangled ’ is a story of tact, fate and the consequences of human actions in the face of selfish desires. It illustrates the conflicts that ensue between two determined figures: one who intends to obtain political power at all costs to perpetrate acts of decadence, and the other who altruistically wishes to serve and entrench the ultimate standards of humanitarian ideals, beliefs and foster national development.

The production is evolving at a crucial time when Nigeria is going through all sorts of transitions politically and

attitudes towards engendering what is best for Nigeria but also, as one of the big shots behind this production Adebayo Salami (who is the main producer, and

Kenny K’ore, Mike Abdul, others dazzle at Easter Fiesta in Ibadan

By Seyi Sokoya GOSPEL artistes Kenny K’ore, Mike Abdul, Damola Dipo, Babatunmise and other up-and-coming artistes thrilled guests at the maiden edition of Easter Fiesta in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, last week Monday.

The event was one of the most anticipated shows in Ibadan and it lived up to expectations, as leading gospel singers came to town to give the people the best of Easter celebration.

Mike Abdul gave the people more than they bargained for with his melodious tunes and popular hit tracks; fastrising artiste, Babatunmise also proved his readiness to join the leagues of stars in the gospel industry. Dipo who was the only female among the top artistes also did not feel inferior as she lifted the souls of the audience in a special way.

The event which was

with Segun Adebayo tegbollistic@yahoo.com 08116954644

My new album, game changer —Femi Solar

By Segun Adebayo

economically.

With this imaginative depiction of reality not only is ‘’Tangled’’ destined, to instigate Nigerians and political leaders to reflect on their

graced by religious leaders, including the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, His Grace, Most Revd Dr Gabriel Abegunrin; Archbishop (Dr) Felix Alaba Job; His Lordship Most Rev Dr Emmanuel Badejo; Bishop of Oyo Diocese who is also one of the guest artistes at the event and the representative of the Rehoboth Cathedral, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, also had the presence of the former Senate Majority Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, Chairman Ladson Construction Company, Prince Samuel Adeniyi Oladeinde, former Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Prince Abass Alesinloye and the Women of Grace.

One of the high points of the event was the rain of cash on the talents following a competition of various upand-coming gospel artistes, dance groups and comedians who showcased their talents.

A family of eight including their parents, The Larlee-B emerged the winner of the competition, as they won cash prize of N100,000 from Senator Folarin, who was thrilled by their outstanding performance, while they also claimed another sum of N100,000 and three-year record label deal with CLETCOM Services.

The Pillar Dancers who came second, went home with cash prize of N50, 000, while a fourteen year-oldboy, Fantastic, who plays the talking drum came third and got a cash prize of N20,000 and an additional N85, 000 from guests who were thrilled by performance of the young talent.

The chairman on the occasion, Prof Isaac Olawale Albert expressed his joy and commended the organiser of the event, while he described it as unprecedented and good for all. He further called for the support for such event.

veteran film actor of long standing) puts it ‘’bound to give credibility to the development and reputation of Nollywood’’.

Before the commencement of this project and at the period of its conception, the expertise of ace filmmaker, Mr Tunde Kelani who also serves as technical supervisor had come to bare, alongside with the administrative prowess of the Director of the Malete Film Village Mrs Joke Silva and also Mr Adebayo Salami, who is the producer. This team, in a statement signed by Tunde Onikoyi of the Film and Film Unit, Kwara State University has inspired a rare determination towards ‘Tangled.’

Sunday Tribune

WITH less than two weeks to the launching of Femi Solar’s album, which he called Mercy Beyond, Solar has assured his fans of a swell time.

The album, according to Solar, will be launched on April 10 as leading gospel singer and CEO of Fresh FM radio, Yinka Ayefele, is expected to lead other prominent Nigerians to Genesis Suites and Hall, Challenge, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Wasiu Alabi Pasuma has been penciled down as the star artiste of the day. “Pasuma is coming to rock the city of Ibadan. I can confirm that to you. He’s not the only one coming that day, but I would not like to reveal much now,” Solar said.

On the same day, Solar said he would launch his latest video, entitled Grace with no fewer than 30 gospel acts across the country expected to perform at the event, which is said to be an all-white party affair.

Speaking on the choice of white dress, Solar said white symbolises purity and peace, hence his decision to go with white.

He insisted that he would not be toeing the usual path for the event, saying those who have been following him in the last few years would know that he likes to do his things differently.

“I have been working on this project for more than eight months and I am glad

The Larlee-B group, winner of the competition

that things are already taking the shape that I want.

This new album is a game changer for me. My team and I have been working to ensure that everything works according to plan. I will be launching my new video, Grace on that day as well, so you can see that it is going to be an afternoon that will be loaded with lots of activities,”he said.

On what his fans should expect from the album, that is said to have featured Adegbodu twins, Mega 99, Prince Abel Dosumu and other artistes, Solar, who is releasing his seventh studio album said he decided to step up his game this time by reaching to other popular names in the industry that could add value to the project.

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3 April, 2016

sundayzest Saving the ‘witch-children’ of Akwa Ibom

Sunday Tribune

With Victory Oyeleke victoryoyeleke@yahoo.com

S

IX weeks ago, a starving child who had been living on the streets for eight months after being dumped by his family, was rescued by Danish Aid worker and founder of the African Children’s Aid Education and Development Foundation, Anja Ringgren Loven.

She took the child to the nearest hospital where he was cared for and re-named “Hope” Hope’s progress was documented online and just like pictures of him when he was first rescued went viral, his recent pictures are also trending but this time, Hope’s pictures depict love and care. He looks healthy and well looked after. In only six weeks, a malnourished starvingto-death boy is unrecognisable. Hope is among the lucky few who survived. Many children and women had lost their lives due to witchcraft branding.

The fear of witchcraft or Wiccaphobia is not a new phenomenon and has caused mass hysteria throughout history with innocent people caught in the middle.

During the burning time in Europe – where witches were burnt at the stake, those accused of witchcraft were nothing like the traditional stereotype of the carbuncled hags shrieking incantations around a cauldron full of devilish potions.

They were ordinary people, often the convenient scapegoats for anything from a death in the village to the failure of crops.

Eventually, witch pricking came to be seen as fraudulent and the notion of witchcraft discredited.

Though the Age of Enlightenment, with its emphasis on reason and logic seems to have liberated the Western world from illogical beliefs, Africa it seems, has refused to be enlightened. The devil and his little helpers are still seen as the architect of most sufferings.

The belief in witchcraft among Nigerians both home and abroad cut across societal class- rich and poor. According to NGOs, this issue has caused problems in many homes. Relationships have been destroyed and lives lost because of witchcraft branding. Mothers-in-law are now convenient scapegoats for problems in their children’s homes and wives are readily accused of witchcraft when their husbands are facing hardship.

The new mantra is “witches from my father’s and mother’s household must die by fire by force,” no thanks to Pentecostalism; we are no longer responsible for our failures. When things are difficult, we blame it on spiritual wickedness in high

places and those around us who might have wronged us in one way or the other.

The easiest way to make someone a pariah within an African community is to brand them a witch. They will be avoided and isolated within minutes.

Traditional and religious beliefs have taught us to be scared of the supernatural and things our naked eyes cannot see. Numerous religious crusades wagging war on

Relationships have been destroyed and lives lost because of witchcraft branding. Mothersin-law are now convenient scapegoats for problems in their children’s homes and wives are readily accused of witchcraft when their husbands are facing hardship.

the devil, pointing at and killing witches and lectures on how to identify witches have placed most Africans especially Nigerians in a perpetual state of fear.

This is not to say that witches do not exist and caution should not be taken. By all means protect yourself against evil as much as you can, but is it not the height of evil to brand a 2-year-old a witch and abandon him on the streets to die?

Several people saw the helpless child on the streets and did nothing. Why? Were they scared he will use his powers to bring them misfortune? Or were they simply non-chalant because he was associated with witchcraft.

Nothing but fear prevented Hope from getting help from bystanders during the eight months he spent on the streets.

Akwa Ibom, like every other state in Nigeria has an ample number of churches yet none came to his aid despite sermons on love and charity. But for the humanity and care of a white woman, Hope would have ended up like hundreds of children who have died needlessly in this witch frenzy.

Despite The Child Right Acts that was enacted by Akwa Ibom State in 2008 to curb child witchcraft branding, it still

persists. This in part might be due to the wording of the Act, which makes it punishable with imprisonment term of 10 to 15 years without an option of fine, for anybody falsely accusing a child of witchcraft.

Accusers have found a way of meeting the ‘falsely’ requirement by extracting confessions from victims by way of torture.

According to reports, religious leaders and pastors claiming to have had a revelation from God are responsible for most of the accusations and branding, in order to confirm their allegations, the accused is tortured till they admit sorcery.

Since the child has confessed to witchcraft, the accusers can claim it is not a false accusation regardless of the method used to extract said confession.

The fear of witchcraft is in most of us and since we are a product of our society, factors within our environment have to change for us to be liberated by reason and logic. Religious leaders have also played a huge role in reconditioning the minds of their congregations. It is time for learned and enlightened pastors to educate their followers on their misplaced fear because God will not raise “The Queen of Okoyong”-Mary Slessor from the dead to teach us how to be humane.

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3 April, 2016

makeover

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

Looking younger with makeup

A

S a woman gets older, her body experiences change. In spite of the thinning in various areas, makeup can be a woman’s vantage weapon to look younger. Below are a few tips:

Moisturise The first step to achieve an overall beautiful look is to ensure the skin is in great form and, as such, moisturising is very important. Remember that as you get older, the skin needs care. For better results, apply moisturiser while the skin is still damp.

Highlight natural lip colour As a person ages, the lips tend to thin out and it helps to keep them hydrated with the use of lip balm. For makeup, go for natural lip colours. They not only accentuate the lips, they also help to give a certain youthful allure to the lips. Reduce the use of darker shades of lipstick. You can also add a light tint of lip gloss. It will give your lips just the right amount of shine.

Match foundation to skin tone Many dark-skinned Nigerian women, unknowingly, add years to their original age as a result of the wrong use of foundation.

Some celebrities are guilty of this. After applying makeup, the face and neck look like two mismatched parts of the body because one appears lighter than the other. It is not only aging, it also looks very unnatural. For the best foundation type, take a skin test or better yet, talk to an expert.

Accentuate your bones For those who can successfully pull it off, a blush is your friend as you age. Noting that the skin on the face gets thinner with age, now is the time to bask in nature’s gift.

Choose the right kind of blush and highlight your cheek bones. For the best effect, go for your natural blush colour.

Always fill brows Over-plucking the eyebrows can thin out the hairs, and, as a person gets older, she may not get them back. Also, naturally, the

Photo: PSM

brows have a tendency to thin out with age.

Fill them in with the right eyebrow pencil colour, taking note that the colour matches the hair roots.

Go liquid Solid concealers are usually a favourite

for many older women, seeing as they seem easier to apply than the liquid form, but in actual fact, liquid concealers work best for making a person appear younger. They can spread evenly across the skin and are not usually cakey after application, a feature which can only enhance aging, and give off

the impression of wrinkles.

Discard tweezers Whatever your younger daughter, cousin, niece or even friend advises, avoid tweezers as they only help to permanently thin out the eyebrows.

P.S. For the best overall appearance, talk to a makeup expert on the choice of products, especially regarding chemical components. An expert can also help to determine the best colour of eyebrow pencil for you, according to hair colour, match your cheek bones to a blush colour, among other services.

Makeup Tip For bright lipstick that lasts longer, apply very mild foundation on your lips before applying the lipstick.

It lasts longer and prevents bleeding.

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3 April, 2016

relationships

. . . issues, family, sex

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

Photo:www.verysmartbrothas.com

Handling mismatched sexual styles

Sunday Tribune

Many couples find themselves at loggerheads over sexual styles that do not match. Sometimes, a woman wants it in the mornings, while the male partner wants it only in the midnight. Two relationship experts, Dr Phil McGraw and Sandra Petrot, share their views on how couples can manage this issue.

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TOP complaining If your sexual relationship is not living up to your needs, stop complaining and start asking for what you want. This means you first need to look within to identify your needs. When you communicate, be specific.

Maybe you and your partner are not as far apart as you think. Talk about things when you are both calm and rational. Don’t blame each other; talk openly.

Negotiate and compromise Relationships are about negotiation and compromise – and it never stops. Carve out time. Negotiate a plan that works for both of you. Behave your way to success. If you agreed to a plan and it’s no longer working for you, sit down together and negotiate a new plan. Partners rarely have the same level of sex drive at the same time. Negotiate for some middle ground that you can both be happy with.

Relationship isn’t based on sex Don’t base a relationship on sex. You need love, compassion and caring – and then sex can be a reflection of that. Don’t think of it in either/ or terms: You can cuddle when it’s time for that, have an active sex life as well, and have tremendous love and respect for each other throughout.

Understand your partner’s language Different people have a different language of love. For example, a lot of guys think, “I mowed the yard. Doesn’t that say I love you?”

Are you speaking a language that your partner understands?

Understand emotional needs Look at your emotional needs because they affect your sexual relationship as well. What sexual baggage did you bring to the relationship? For example, if sex defined previous relationships that failed, you may be reluctant to get too sexually active in a new relationship.

Look at your history and learn from it.

Don’t use sex for the wrong reasons, and burden it or load it up with too much meaning. For example, it shouldn’t be a way to validate your partner. It should be an extension of the caring, feeling and respect you have for the other person.

Quality, not quantity Remember that quality, not quantity, is the most important factor. The choices you make have consequences. For example, if you choose to work, go to school and have a family, you may have very little left to invest in a sexual relationship. Change your behaviour and decisions if you want different consequences.

Try delegating responsibility if you’re too exhausted or over-worked for sex.

The quality of a relationship depends on how well it meets the needs of those involved.

Consider your partner’s needs as legitimate, and look at how you can meet those needs.

Don’t label your partner as being wrong or having something wrong with him/her because that dismisses the issue.

Talk to your doctor Talk to your doctor for more information about whether biochemical and hormonal factors can be contributing to a low or high sex drive.

Dr Phil McGraw is arguably the most popular international mental health professional.

SENSUAL lovers Sensual partners with an Erotic or Dependent partner are especially prone to fear that their lovers value sex more than the actual relationship. Instead of retreating when you feel hurt by your partner’s advances, find a gentle way to communicate that you want to feel close and you need plenty of kissing and eye contact, especially when you try something new in bed.

Erotic lovers You are passionate and inspired when it comes to sex. Never one to fall into a rut, your sexual energy can be both a blessing and a burden. Beware of impossibly high sexual expectations that can deprive you of a close, loving relationship. Try to find creative ways to keep sex interesting without pressuring or pushing your partner. Instead of directing sex, be gentle and explore together.

Also, remember that sex isn’t going to be spectacular every time. Routine sex can be a sign of comfort and love, and the occasional lack of fireworks in the bedroom doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong with your relationship or your partner.

Dependent lovers You can’t live without daily sex. While regular sex is great for your health and your relationship, acknowledge the fact that most relationships experience a decline in the frequency of sexual activity as they

Don’t use sex for the wrong reasons, and burden it or load it up with too much meaning. It should be an extension of the caring, feeling and respect you have for the other person

progress; it’s part biology and part psychology. If you want sex every day and your partner wants it once a week, try to prevent your feelings of frustration from becoming your partner’s problem. Work together to find a middle ground that works for both of you when it comes to frequency.

Reactive lovers You give 100% to your partner’s pleasure, but your own desire is a mystery. Take the initiative more, even though it is bound to feel uncomfortable at first. Tune in to your own pleasure and sexuality, not just your partner’s. Try regular masturbation, fantasy and erotic reading or movies. Share whatever pleases you physically with your partner, even if it’s something as simple as a foot massage. Also, don’t expect your partner to have an orgasm every time.

Stressed Lovers Take a step back and assess the situation. Perhaps your partner has expressed disappointment with your sex life and created enough anxiety that you’ve stopped initiating sex. If so, your partner may feel rejected. You may have a valid reason for feeling turned off by sex, whether health-related or relationship-related.

Whatever the case, it’s important to reach out for help. A sex therapist can help with sexual function and related issues, such as orgasm and ejaculatory problems. A general therapist can help get to the root of fears and other issues that may be inhibiting your desire for sex.

Detached Lovers You can help yourself and your relationship by paying more attention to sex. Add it to your to-do list if you have to, and make it fun. Try to identify what works for you sexually. You may have forgotten your turnons if you’ve drifted away from sex.

Sandra Petrot has worked as a clinical psychologist and sex therapist for more than 30 years.

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3 April, 2016

With Akintayo Abodunrin akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk 08111813058

Why documentary filmmakers must document the world honestly —Jane Mote The keynote speaker at the opening event of the 2016 iREP International Documentary Film Festival explained how wrongly used images can create false stories that shape generations of views

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V and media consultant for companies including BBC Worldwide, Turner Broadcasting, Discovery and London Live, Jane Mote, has charged aspiring and established documentary filmmakers to ensure they use images correctly.

“Images are powerful and wrongly used they can create false stories that shape generations of views,” Mote noted in her keynote speech at the opening of the 2016 iREP International Documentary Film Festival with the theme ‘#Change, Documentary Film as Agent Provocateur’.

The festival, which featured several film screenings, panel discussions and training workshops for young filmmakers, held at multiple venues including Freedom Park, Lagos Island; Afrinolly space at Oregun and the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ikoyi from March 24 to 27.

Using a 1953 photograph showing a beautifully dressed but barefooted girl offering the Queen of England a bouquet of flowers during her visit to Uganda as an example, Mote said the image was beamed around the world and “heralded as wonderfully happy moment.”

But this wasn’t exactly true as revealed in the documentary, ‘On Tour with the Queen’.

The girl, Bayata, is from a wealthy family but was forced to remove the matching shoes her parents bought alongside the dress because the producer thought it would make a better picture to see a barefooted African girl offering the Queen flowers. She [Bayata] had spent her whole adult life ashamed of what she agreed to do that day.

According to Mote, “The documentary series ‘On Tour with the Queen’ wasn’t designed to change the world but it changed this now older woman’s life, finally allowing

Professor Wole Soyinka (left) about to be presented his iREP 2016 portrait.

Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi (left) and Steve Ayorinde at the festival her to express her distress about succumbing reluctantly to colonial coercion.”

Consequently, Mote said documentary filmmakers “have a responsibility to document the world honestly and to ask the questions that get us nearer to the truth,” because “I passionately believe everyone should own their own stories. They are who we are. And they can change the world. Stories are as central to our lives as eating and sharing food. They are part of what defines us and our cultures. They are nourishment

for the human spirit.”

Continuing, Mote stressed that documentary story-telling needs to stand out from the crowd and “needs to elucidate issues through human stories and strong images.”

On the theme of the festival, ‘#Change, Documentary Film as Agent Provocateur’, Mote listed several examples that fit the bill including Errol Morris’s ‘The Thin Blue Line’; ‘In the Land of the Free’; ‘Call Me Kuchu’, ‘The Look of Silence’; ‘Gasland’ and ‘Virunga’. She also mentioned those with

AVRS gets new chairman FORMER president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Bond Emeruwa on Tuesday emerged the new president of the Audio-Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS) at the body’s maiden Annual General Meeting held at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos.

Emeruwa, Chair of the Coalition of Nollywood Guilds and Associations (CONGA) from 2010 to 2013, defeated pioneer chairman of the nation’s first and only Collective Management Organization (CMO) for cinematographic work, Mahmood Ali-Balogun to emerge the new chairman.

He polled nine of the 15 directors’ votes while Ali-Balogun got six. Norbert Ajaegbu and Prince Jide Kosoko, two of the new 15

Bond Emeruwa directors who had earlier emerged during the first ballot, nominated the two aspirants for the chairmanship.

The 15 new directors that emerged after the first round of voting from the 264 members present at the AGM were: Jide Kosoko, Lilian Amah-Aluko, Fidelis Duker, Ahmed Sarari , Emmanuel Isikaku , Sanni Muazu , Bond Emeruwa, Paul Okoli , Chico Ejiro, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Olurotimi AinaKushoro, Okechukwu Ogunjiofor, Anthony Anih , Norbert Ajaegbu and Peddie Okao.

With the new executive in place, players expect the AVRS which in the last one year has embarked on series of stakeholders meetings across the country with a view to enlightening stakeholders in the film industry on the purpose, nature and operations of the new CMO, to start issuing licenses for use of audio visual works.

Nigerian subjects including ’Finding Fela’; ‘Naija Documentary’ and ‘The Supreme Price’, adding “It’s important that documentary is shown not just online and in cinemas but on mainstream TV.” Though she admitted that it is hard to fund a documentary, she told her audience that there are now grants and funds that can be leveraged. Documentary, she further noted, can have a strong place in the Nigerian film space with more support.

Earlier while welcoming participants, Executive Director/Co-founder of iREP, Femi Odugbemi noted that documentaries are vital in growing democracies across Africa.

He said, “This year’s IREP festival comes at a time when it is most important to take the African storytelling experience to a new level of reckoning and celebration. The post-colonial issues of identity and inequitable sharing of economic resources have created constant tensions and armed conflicts in many of Africa’s nations, with devastating impact on politics, governance and development. The landscape in countries where bitter civil war and armed struggle raged for decades is littered with experiences needing articulation especially as regards its impact on young people.

In countries like Nigeria the absence of armed conflict has not always meant peace, given the violence and corruption of our politics and its adverse effects on development. The dimensions of documentary as a tool for deepening experiences and mediating history make it a powerful tool to unpack what we need to grow our nascent democracies.”

Odugbemi added that though fiction films are now flourishing on the continent, what Africa needs most are documentary films which offer reflections and invite debates.

“Clearly, Africa needs cinema that does more than entertain. We need cinema that deepens democracy, strengthens governance structures, advocates responsibility, elevates accountability, fights diseases poverty and illiteracy. The critics of corruption, poor governance, ethnic divisions, economic paralysis can find a stronger footing if filmmakers turn their cameras on the issues of realities. These are issues of depression for the viewers,” said Odugbemi who further noted that documentaries today must be about engineering open and more vibrant democracies.

He used the occasion to announce the launch of the Foundation for Development of Documentary Film in Africa, under whose banner the iREP International Documentary Film Forum will now operate.

Aside speeches, the opening event also featured the presentation of a self- portrait to Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, a strong supporter of the festival since its inception six years ago.

The outgoing Director of Goethe-Institut Nigeria, Marc-André Schmachtel was equally recognised for partnering iREP since inception. In his short remarks, Schmachtel commended the founders of iREP, saying that he envisages a situation where his successor would uphold the partnership.

Continues p27

27

arts&culture

3 April, 2016

With Seki, Heritage Bank affirms love for culture The bank’s decision to sponsor a dance drama shows it’s not all about profit making

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HOUGH the name Okrika is synonymous with second hand clothes in the south west part of Nigeria, it is actually the ancestral home of a proud, colourful and courageous people with a rich heritage in Rivers State.

Penultimate Saturday evening at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, guests witnessed firsthand the unique culture of this proud people through the dance drama ‘Seki’ created and directed by Yibo Koko and sponsored by Heritage Bank.

The dance drama, an official entry to the 10th National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, US is a collaborative rhythmic agreement of dance patterns of five different masquerade groups of Okirika. The featured groups were the Owembe Dancers, Owuama/Pioru/Ogwein Dancers, Ojongo-owu Dancers, Village Dancers and Iria Dancers.

And while each dance was interesting in itself, featuring bright and great costumes, energetic dance moves including the awigiri, guttural chants and voluptuous women who swayed regally to the music, the dances could have been better fused. Koko’s decision to introduce each piece as the narrator also made it seem as if there was no connection when better choreography and directing could have eliminated all that and given us a single, riveting narrative.

Nonetheless, the spectacle that was the dancers and masquerades with their interesting costumes and headgears made up for the lack of internal unity. Special applause was reserved for the matchete wielding male

A scene from ’Seki’ dancers who beat their ankles fearlessly and rhythmically with the dangerous tool during one of the dances.

In all, it was a great evening for guests who got to know more about the resistance of the Okrika people to foreign domination with their culture and religion.

Earlier, Minister of Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was the special guest of honour at the event, commended Heritage Bank for the initiative.

He said his presence reinforces President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s “re-

solve to always identify with programmes and events that celebrate our heritage. Seki showcases the rich culture, music and costume of the Okrika people of the Niger Delta.”

The Minister added that ‘Seki’ is a good source of entertainment, education and information and that the nation is united by her different cultures. He appealed to Nigerians to celebrate our diversity by reinforcing the things that unite us.

Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo, explained that as a bank that seeks balance between tradition and innovation, it always

Enkay drops first album TWO years after releasing her first single ‘Yes! You are the Lord’, Tehila crew member and gospel music sensation, Nkiruka Ogboruche, popularly known as Enkay is set to release her first-ever full-length album.

Titled ‘The Kingdom Anthem’, the debut album is an eclectic mix of urban contemporary sound fused with alternative rock, Afro twist, R&B, hip hop, pop and soul meeting the spiritual needs of the diverse and vast audience cultivated during her past tours of Nigeria, Europe and the Americas.

A statement from the singer’s publicist, Olujuwon Bukunola-Philips disclosed that ‘The Kingdom Anthem’, a 10 track album is a fusion of different genres of music showing different expressions of Enkay as she was led and inspired to record.

The album features fast paced upbeat energetic numbers ‘Yes! You are the Lord’, ‘The Kingdom Anthem’ and ‘O Sing’ featuring Sammie Okposo and Tim Tehila, as well as mid-tempo sonorous numbers such as ‘I Need You’ featuring Onos Ariyo and Nikki Laoye, and ‘Bless my Home’s’ Afrocentric feel.

Commenting on the album, Tim Ogboruche of Tehila Crew who is also CEO of Tehila Records said, “The focus of ‘The Kingdom Anthem’ is to praise and worship God, expressing our love and awe of who He is.

When we fail to worship God we always find a substitute, even if it ends up being ourselves. Songs in the album were put together to inspire listeners to constantly praise and worship God, and not to lose sight of the kingdom of heaven no matter the circumstance of life, its twists and turns.”

On her part, Enkay, who is still the part of the award winning gospel group - Tehila

portunity to minister to millions all over the world under an atmosphere of anointing, healing and breakthroughs.”

This year, Enkay is set to release videos for some songs from the album such as ‘Yes! You are the Lord’, ‘O Sing’ and ‘You are Amazing,’ among others. She will also be hosting some concerts with the aim of leading people to the presence of God in an atmosphere for miracles.

Enkay Seasoned producers including Phat-E, Crew, said “The Kingdom Anthem is an ex- Wilson Joel, Chris Jones and El-Jamin pression of my commitment to praise, exalt, worked on the album which was mastered honour, glorify and please God for the op- by Husky Lim in Houston Texas.

responds positively to African tradition through various art forms as a way of promoting culture.

He said, “The name Heritage Bank was borne out of a desire to project an essence that fosters a generational mind-set, and is reflected in the unique physical and ideological atmosphere that defines our business.

“Dance combines philosophy, literature, religion, music and visual arts. The stories, costumes, movements and expressions all have a profound positive influence on the mind, which in turn, is the starting point to crafting a renewed view of wealth and value creation in the Nigerian people.”

Sekibo added that though Nigeria is a nation of diverse people, there is strength in our diversity and that it is the diversity that has kept the country strong.

The MD, who also made a case for the diversification of the economy through culture, lamented that “since oil was discovered in our shores, we mortgaged our future on a thing we don’t understand.”

On how he created the piece, Koko, who earned a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt said: “We searched for sources for this contemporary theatrical dance drama from traditional, cultural and religious rituals which are the main characteristics of the communal life of the Okirika people…Our experience is taken from oral tradition.”

‘Why documentary filmmakers must document the world honestly’ continued from pg26

To describe the 6th edition of the festival a roaring success will be an understatement as it attracted quality participants and featured enlightening panel discussions and screenings of a rich selection of films. Expectedly, the film screenings led to very thought-provoking conversations among the audiences.

Amongst others, Prof Niyi Coker’s ‘Ota Benga’ which tells the story of an African forcefully removed to the US to be displayed in zoos for his size encouraged the audience to re-imagine the African identity as not only of the continent but as a global identity while Tom Richards ‘The Drills of Afi Mountain’ brought home the dangers of deforestation to the audience. The already endangered drill monkeys are set to be further endangered by the 260 km superhighway the Cross River State government

Jahman Anikulapo (left) with Julian Reich from DOK fest Mün Germany is planning to build from Esighi in Bakassi Local Government Area northwards via

Obudu to Katsina-Ala in Benue State as the route passes close to their habitat.

28

Sunday Tribune

Sunday Tribune

3 April , 2016

glamour Omolara Mojirola Samuel, a graduate of Purchasing and Supply from The Polytechnic Ibadan, is an actress, producer and costumier. In this interview with TAYO GESINDE, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OMOH Costumes speaks on her acting career, her fashion obsession and the pains of being an actress. Excerpts:

With Tayo Gesinde temiligali03@yahoo.com 08054727801

Qualities my man must have

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Foray into acting I am just trying to live my dream and fantasy. As a child, I have always wanted to act and be on the big screen. I was a member of the French and drama team in my secondary school. We did stage performances during inter-school competitions. So far, my involvement in acting has always been my passion.

My first experience on set The experience was awesome. It was a 10-day shoot in Abeokuta and I was privi-

What puts me off I am a very reserved person. I hate lies; it is always white or black for me. I can’t stand – in- between. So I detest people who tell lies and I always move away from them. It will always create a gap between us.

Fashion obsession I love bags.

Favourite colour My favourite colour is white.

My take on cosmetic surgery I have nothing against cosmetic surgery in as much as it is safe. Breast lift, tummy tuck and so on are all processes of taking care of one’s body in order for it to be in a great shape. If you can afford it, you can always get the body you want.

leged to work with many big actors that I was only seeing on the screen at the time. I acted and mingled with them. At first, I had stage fright but with their support and encouragement, I was able to deliver my lines.

Opinion on provocative dressing As for provocative dressing, it depends on what you mean by provocative. Basically, it is all about values and because we are Africans we tend to criticise a lot.

Special treat I travel outside the country to pamper myself.

This is because in the United State and the United Kingdom, it is great to have a time out. You are not in competition with anyone and you can have all you want to make life good.

The most embarrassing thing a fan did to me That happened in Plumstead, South East London, when a fan I met at a train station insisted on a selfie. I was about to catch a train and in the process she made me miss my train.

How I handle my male admirers What I do is to politely keep them at arm’s length.

With time, I have learnt to deal with them anytime they try to cross the line without necessarily being rude to them, because I see them as part of my fans.

How I have been coping with competition in the industry God has been helping me and the sky is so big for everybody to fly in their craft.

The qualities I want in a man First of all, I want sincerity of heart. Others are; good look and honesty.

The gains and pains of being a celebrity Like the saying ‘no pain, no gain,’ as an actor, people don’t expect you to be human as they are. The pain is that the expectations are so high and you are expected to be above board. Take for instance, being in the market, where an item goes for X naira, the seller, after identifying you as an artiste, will want to sell to you at twice the price, because his perception is that as an artiste, you have a lot of money. The public perception is that we are super rich so the hike in price. When we shop, we pay more. And on the other hand, being a celebrity is a great privilege; it opens doors. Most times, I enjoy the unusual recognition in fuel stations, cinemas, and clubs and so on, where I am invited to do some spectacular things, I didn’t plan for. We are given recognition and accolade which open doors for business opportunities.

Other things that I do you do aside acting I am into artiste production wardrobe management, commonly called costuming. I am also into film production movies.

Advice to young people I will advise them to follow their dreams and see all obstacles as stepping stones. They will get to actualise their dreams only if they do not give up on themselves.

Philosophy of life Live and let live.

Favourite designers I have a whole lot of them. For bags, I love Louis Vuitton, Feragamo, Gucci, Michael Kors, but when it comes to dresses, I wear any brand as long as it is pretty and sits well on me.

I exfoliate, cleanse and moisturise. I also go to the spa once a month.

Favourite perfume As for perfume, I do Cartier and Elizabeth Arden’s Red door.

—Lara Samuel

HAT has been happening to me career-wise A lot has been happening. I have been trying to break new grounds.

As an actress, you cannot afford to rest on your oars; I have expanded my scope by moving into production, that is, movie production, and it has been an excellent experience all the way, I have produced Derinsola; Temi Ni – Tie ko and Aso Agba, and I also produced a TV Series ‘Tomori’, which is still at post-production stage. Even though I am still in the business of costuming, I have raised my stake. I decide which job to do and which to turn down. This is to enable me to give the professional and painstaking touches I have garnered so far when it comes to costuming, which is an additional virtue OMOH brand offers.

Role models Genevieve Nnaji, Peju Ogunmola and Bimbo Oshin.

Definition of style Style, to me, is comfort. Whatever makes you

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comfortable is what you should put on. Personally, I am a modest and casual person and I like to be free. So what I wear depends on my mood and where I am going to.

Beauty regimen

I am a very reserved person. I hate lies; it is always white or black for me. I can’t stand – inbetween.

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aspire

3 April, 2016

BY OLAIDE SOKOYA 0807 449 7425 (sms only)

BB pin: 290B9652

Believe in yourself and put God first —MC Jonny

Taiwo Johnson Balogun, popularly known as MC Jonny, is an award-winning comedian and psychology graduate of the University of Ibadan. In this interview with TEMITAYO ILIASU, he speaks on his foray into comedy among other issues. Excerpts:

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ORAY into comedy business I tell people that hunger brings up talent. I discovered myself when the hunger was too much, so I discovered that I am good at making people laugh. I have always been a funny person; it came easily to me and now I’m even passionate about it and there is nothing I can’t sacrifice for it. I’ve already sacrificed my degree.

Why did you abandon your degree for comedy?

Was it due to unemployment?

No, it has nothing to do with unemployment, though I could say it was due to the economic situation of this country. If you don’t have any talent, you will suffer; but if you are gifted, then you will definitely make it, despite the economic hardship because you won’t be dependent on anyone. I actually got an employment offer after I graduated from the University of Ibadan, but I declined the offer because I had already developed the passion for comedy.

What was your parents’ reaction when you decided to choose comedy as a profession?

My parents are wonderful people. They are caring and supportive. They were not surprised because I had started doing it since I was in school. I remember a time my mum came to my department to complain to my Head of Department (HOD). My HOD told her not to worry that they are sure I can manage myself. However, she now supports me wholeheartedly. They believe in my talent.

What other business are you involved in, apart from comedy?

Apart from comedy, I am also a Master of Ceremony (MC) at events; I anchor and manage events and I am also into laundry business. So, in other words, I work for myself and make my money so it all has to do with creativity. I’m not denying that I may venture into other businesses as time goes by.

What would you consider to be the major challenge in the industry?

There is no work that does not have its ups and downs.

Due to my philosophy, I will say there are no challenges because I take life and handle problems as they come.

Sometimes, I set targets for myself and at the end of the day, I end up meeting the target and if not, life still continues.

How do you get invited to handle shows?

Thank God for the good people that surround me, people that want progress for me, people that believe in me. People like Reverend Albert Oduwole, my friends, Babatunmise and Rappin daddy, who saw me and saw success in me. I get invited to shows through them and when I get to that show, I will surely get another show from there. So I will say it’s been God who has using people to help me.

Do you think the youth should also follow their talents rather than work in their fields of study?

I can’t really say for others because it depends on the passion they have for what they are doing. If they are convinced and believe in themselves and in their talents, then nothing pays than their talents.

If you look at where you are now, would you say you are satisfied with how far you have come?

No way, I’ve not reached anywhere. By God’s grace, I will be greater than where I am now. In the next five to ten years, I want to be where God says I will be, because I believe so much in God for the best. By that time, MC Jonny would have become a big brand name in the entertainment industry.

Your advice to youths?

Believe in yourself and put God first in everything you do. Work hard and be persistent. Every star comedian in Nigeria started from somewhere years back.

What is the best thing about your job?

Comedy is something you do and get paid for and at the same time, you also derive joy from doing it. Not only that, it has taken me to places that education did not take me to.

What is your advice to your fans?

To my fellow youths, I will say anything you can lay your hands on that can be sustainable, do it well, and make God your ultimate companion.

Your Life Counts

Sunday Tribune

by Tunde Jaiyebo 0803 406 2013

Fear not FEAR is a natural human emotion which must be handled well. Psychiatrists tell us that we are only born with two kinds of fear – the fear of falling and the fear of loud noise. They say all other fears are learnt. If you think about this well, you will discover this is true. If you notice you will discover small children don’t fear anything until the adults “teach” them. A small child is “fearless” until he is taught to fear. A small child wants to play with fire until we teach him to fear it.

Fear can either be positive or negative. The problem is that fear is more of a negative than a positive emotion.

“Fear is a darkroom where negatives develop.” Usman B. Asif Fear cripples and paralyzes. “To lead is difficult when you’re a follower of fear.” T.A. Sachs “Fear of danger is ten thousand times more terrifying than danger itself.” Daniel Defoe Fear closes the door to liberty. It destroys our joy. It creates unnecessary tension and anxiety. Fear adversely affects our thinking process. “Of all the people I have ever known, those who have pursued their dreams and failed have lived a much more fulfilling life than those who have put their dreams on a shelf for fear of failure.”

Author Unknown Most decisions taken when fear is dominant are usually wrong, for example fear that the stock market is crumbling can make people just offload their shares prematurely.

“Cowards die many times before their death” – W. Shakespeare In view of the times we live in, we need to be very careful that fear does not become our motivation for doing things. We must put fear in proper perspective so we don’t get unnecessarily encumbered from reaching our maximum potential. “To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another.”

Katherine Paterson When we look at what is happening around us there is a great tendency to fear. Fear grips our heart as we see the insecurity in the society that has led to unnecessary loss of lives. Fear invades our hearts when we see what is happening to the global economy. Fear seems to be the logical thing that occupies our minds when we see the corruption that pervades our society. We must banish fear from our hearts at these trying times, else we will go through life full of anxiety, worries and unhappiness. “Obstacles are like wild animals. They are cowards but they will bluff you if they can. If they see you are afraid of them... they are liable to spring upon you; but if you look them squarely in the eye, they will slink out of sight.” Orison Swett Marden Fear can sometimes produce positive results. The fear that reckless driving might increase the risk of accident makes us drive carefully. The fear of that your boss might give you a query for a shoddy work makes an employee sit up to do a good job. The fear of the teacher spanking a child for not doing his homework makes him take his homework serious.

The fear of failure drives some people to succeed and make money. The fear of a bad marriage can compel a spouse to succumb to anything just to avoid a bad marriage.

Much as fear can sometimes produce positive results, it is not the ideal motivation for doing things. We must never allow fear to dominate and rule our lives. “Many of our fears are tissue-paper-thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them.” Brendan Francis We must never use fear as a weapon to have our way.

We must graduate from being motivated by fear to being motivating by the desire to do things right. This is a major feature of a mature and responsible person.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline”. 2Timothy1:7 We must learn to bypass our fears and step out in courage to do what ought to be done. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” Ambrose Redmoon.

We can never make our lives to count if we do not have courage. Courage is a great antidote to fear.

For enquiries/comments please send email to urlifecounts@yahoo.com

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3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

thepolity Between Ekiti State and DSS

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Dare Adekanmbi

T

he Department of Security Service (DSS) has come under unceasing criticisms for a number of unseemly developments since the appointment of Lawal Daura as the Director General of the Service. The first was the controversial invasion of the Akwa Ibom State Government House in Uyo, on September 3, 2015 by about 48 of the DSS operatives. Allegedly without a search warrant, they burst into the Government House and ransacked some buildings within the premises.

The action was dogged by tons of criticisms, with civil society organisations and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) denouncing the invasion as a descent into the inglorious past. Reacting, the DSS said it acted on intelligence.

Following the Uyo episode was the siege laid to the residence of the immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), who is standing trial for misappropriation of $2.1 billion during the immediate past administration.

His lawyers approached the court to get him released on bail and to use the opportunity to attend to his health overseas. Regard of the truth or otherwise of the claim of ill health, officials of the DSS refused to release him after three courts granted him bail.

Although the DSS maintained sealed lips, President Muhammadu Buhari gave reasons for the non-release of Dasuki during his maiden presidential media chat in December, last year. Buhari said: “If you see the atrocities these people committed against the country, we can’t allow them to jump bail. They would just say to Central Bank give so and so N40 billion. Just like that? N40 billion?”

Buhari’s defence of the DSS action drew flaks from many quarters. Human right

Governor Ayo Fayose, Ekiti State

activist, Mr Femi Falana SAN, called on President Buhari to obey court orders, warning that Dasuki’s detention after bail was a violation of the rule of law which Buhari promised to uphold. He described the action of the DSS as impunity.

While the dust over the Dasuki matter and that of the leader of a pro-Biafra group, Nnamdi Kanu, was just settling, officials of the DSS stormed Ekiti State, early last month, whisking away four lawmakers to Abuja. Reactions to the Ekiti invasion were mixed. All but Honourable Afolabi Akanni were later released. Many condemned the action and described it as portending danger for the country’s democratic governance. However, others likened it to the just desert Governor Ayo Fayose ought to get for his unceasing verbal outburst against the Buhari administration.

The state Commissioner for Finance and Business Development, Mr Toyin Ojo, who was also arrested by the DSS officials, regained his freedom a few days after. Speaking with newsmen after he was let off the hook, Ojo said his detention and interrogation by the security service were based on rumour and unfounded allegations.

The remaining members of the state House, led by Speaker Kola Oluwawole, called a press conference where they dared the Federal Government to arrest more and alleged that the lawmakers were being persecuted for their fierce loyalty to Governor Fayose. They added that 18 of them had been penciled in for similar action unless they buy in to a secret plot from above to impeach Governor Fayose.

“The plot is to harrass, intimidate and embarrass top officials of the Ayodele Fayose government because of his critical stance on the Buhari’s government,” they had said. “This reign of brute force over constitutional democracy will fail…Nige-

ria is not a banana republic that can be ruled anyhow by anyone,” they said.

One serious aspect of the Ekiti lawmakers’ statement was the drawing of historical parallel between last month’s invasion and a similar one in the past. They alleged that the role currently being played by the DSS under Daura, who is from Katsina State, is similar to the one played by Lawal Rafindadi, another Katsina State-born head of the National Security Organisation (NSO) between 1984 and 1985, when Buhari was a military head of state.

Determined to use all legal channels to secure his release, Akanni’s lawyers, Obafemi Adewale and Bunmi Olugade, took an ex parte motion before an Ado Ekiti Federal High Court to press for the release of Akanni seeking the enforcement of Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution on the sacrosanctity of fundamental human rights In his ruling on the application on March 11, Justice Taiwo Taiwo ordered the DSS to produce the detained lawmaker and prove before him reasons he should not be released. The DSS ignored the court order, whose processes its officials refused the bailiff to serve on them prompting substituted service in two national dailies.

Speaking against the background of the court order, Governor Fayose condemned the DSS for going beyond their brief and declaring that they had taken on a wrong customer by attempting to coerce the state lawmakers to get at him. He wondered why the DSS, saddled with the statutory function of protecting the country against threats to internal security, would be involved in arresting lawmakers over alleged criminal offence, a duty he said belongs to the police.

The governor said: “Beyond this judgment, I have always said that the DSS are taking on more than their brief. They have

become an instrument of oppression.

They are now taking up the job of the police, the EFCC and all other security agencies.You would recall that they were at the Akwa Ibom government House to harass the governor. They came to Ekiti too to do the same thing. But this is Ekiti. They are taking on a wrong customer.”

Human right activist, Mr Mike Ozekhome SAN, described the alleged invasion as curious, condemnable and an affront on democracy. He noted that the hallowed chamber of the Ekiti Assembly had been desecrated by the DSS action.“The action of the DSS in invading the Ekiti State House of Assembly and taking away a lawmaker is condemnable and undemocratic.

A House of Assembly is hallowed and sacred and should never be desecrated on any account.

“The DSS is established primarily for security matters and for intelligence gathering within Nigeria, for the protection of senior government officials. It is neither the police nor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.The invasion is more curious and detestable, happening as it did, in Ekiti State where Governor Ayodele Fayose has been a well-known critic of President Muhammadu Buhari, his government and his All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The impression must not be given that the present government, which rode to power on the crest of popular opposition and critical dissent, is muzzling the opposition or brow beating and intimidating those who hold different opinions, he said,” the senior lawyer said.

It was not until the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Youths and Sports Development, Mr Lanre Ogunsuyi addressed a news conference where he alleged that Akanni’s health had deteriocontinued on pg 34

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sundayinterview

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

This is not the best time to be gov in Nigeria —el-Rufai Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai in this interview with select journalists, speaks about some of his policies in the last 10 months. MUHAMMAD SABIU was there. Excerpts:

H

OW has running a complex state like Kaduna been for you in the last 10 months?

I want to say it has been an interesting and successful journey and we are grateful to the God for His intervention that led to our election in the state.

I know we got elected because the majority of the people of the state wanted a change, because the way things were going was not acceptable to them and that was why they all came out to vote for us. We are very grateful.

This is the toughest time in Nigerian history to be a state governor, particularly states that have been ruled by the PDP for a long period of time. Taking over from a system that has institutionalised itself in 16 years and trying to change direction is always tough. But in addition, we took over at a time when the crude oil price had collapsed by 70 per cent. We have inherited structures of government and machineries of government but most importantly, an attitude in the public service and within the larger community of a country that has been selling crude oil at $100 per barrel.

So, expectations remain high while the revenues are very low. The third reason is that I never expected that running a state is very different from being a federal minister.

I thought that running a state would be the same as running the Federal Capital Territory. But I was wrong at that. I have seen that things are quite different and more complex.

One of the challenges we are facing in this state is that everything seems to be politicised, ethnicised and ‘religionised.’ A very simple problem that can be discussed and resolved by logic and facts becomes converted into issues of ethnicity and religion and so on. So, these are some of the challenges we have to face. But we are doing the best we can.

As far as governance is concerned, we have addressed frankly what we felt were the issues; first low revenues. In the first month of assumption of office, we got about N5 billion as federal allocation. But in the last two months, we got N2.8 billion each. So, even from the time we started till now, there have been massive changes and we are taking steps.

We know that all things are scanty and we need to do some things. That is why, from day one, the deputy governor and I decided to give 50 per cent of our salaries as our contribution because we are going to ask public servants to make similar sacrifice.

We also reduced the size of government. The number of commissioners has been reduced from 24 to 13. It was all in an effort to cut cost. We inherited 38 Permanent Secretaries, but now we are operating with about 18 of them. We looked at ministries, departments and agencies that have similar functions and merged them just to cut cost. This is because, if your revenues are collapsing, you need to cut your cost. We are reducing the length of convoys. The governor’s convoy had 21 vehicles, but now, we only have five or six cars that go out with me and they are all essential. I don’t go out with ambulance, because I don’t expect to drop dead anytime. This is all in the bid to reduce the cost of running the government.

What we saw clearly in June was that, unless we did something to reduce the cost of governance, we would end up being a government that only pays salary from month to month and nothing more, which was what the previous government ended up becoming in the last few months, because they could not make the adjustment. On the other hand, we are also raising revenue. In December 2015, we collected N224 million naira as internally generated rev-

Governor Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna State

enue. In January, we started blocking leakages through the no-cash payment policy. We deployed POS to hospitals because people complained of hospitals telling them to go to banks to make their payment. So, in hospitals now, you don’t pay cash and the money doesn’t leak. After blocking these leakages, we raised N1.2 billion in January and in February, it increased to about N2 billion. This year, we are going to be raising about N3 to N4 billion a month by the time all the policies are put in place and settled.

So, we are generating more revenue than depending on the federation account. We are doing all these because we

know there is a limit to how you can cut cost. You can’t cut personnel cost. You can verify, remove ghost workers but salaries and pensions are fixed cost and you have to pay that every month. Unless pensioners die, the pension keeps on increasing. So, we have to ensure that we raise enough revenue to cover our fixed cost and also have some resources for development. That is what we have essentially been doing. It has been tough.

As you know, 27 states of the federation have to be bailed continues pg 33

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sundayinterview

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘Once you play religious card, I see you as enemy that must be brought down’ ligion or anybody. Some people have argued that there is freedom of religion; of course Section 38 [of the 1999 Constitution] is very clear. We must not have a state religion. Every Nigerian is allowed to practise his faith or even if he doesn’t have any religion at all.

continued from pg 32

out by the Central Bank and we were not one of those. But we went and got similar financial support because we inherited N14 billion pension liability that we are planning to pay. We are just verifying the pensioners to be sure that they all exist.

We have borrowed enough money from the Central Bank to pay gratuities and pensions. It has really been difficult, but we are lucky, we have a good and hardworking team in Kaduna. We try to bring the best people we know can deliver and we are making progress in many areas, despite the challenges. In some states, the battle of salary alone has incapacitated the government.

But in this state, we pay salaries. Yes, there are issues, but on the whole we have done pretty well.

One of the policies that have generated a lot of controversies is the Preaching Bill. What does your government want to achieve when it becomes law?

Kaduna, more than any state in Nigeria, if you take out the Yobe, Borno and Adamawa axis that have suffered from Boko Haram insurgency, I think has suffered the most from death and destruction of property, due to misuse and abuse of religion. More people have been killed in Kaduna from the words that people have said and if you go back to history, some of you are not old enough, but I was when Maitasine happened. He was a Cameroonian that came to Nigeria and started preaching. The Emir of Kano, that is the grandfather of the current Emir, had him deported back to Cameroon. After then, he managed to smuggle himself back again and continued preaching. He was preaching a version of Islam that was intolerant, that called other Muslims pagans and so on and so forth. But in spite of what he was preaching, he began to acquire followers and we all know what happened. Military operation had to be mounted to flush them out. Those that escaped from the Maitasine moved to Borno State and started the Kalakato sect, which, again led to many deaths and destruction in the early 90s. All these came from people that are not trained in religious matters, people that woke up and started preaching and acquiring followers and inevitably that sect will grow in large number to threaten communities and there will be clashes.

That was also how Muhammed Yusuf started. He was a student of Sheik Jaafar Adam in Kano. They fell out because Jaafar felt that some of the views he was expressing were extreme and intolerant. He went and started his own sect and we know what happened and we are still dealing with it. So, when you have such kind of things happening in your country, I think as leaders, we have to sit down and examine ourselves and the society and see what we can do to prevent that.

In my opinion, it is the lack of regulation of religion that led to this cycle of deaths and destructions. I believe that before you start preaching in any religion, you should have gone through a system of education, training and some kind of certification.

Even those that deal with the physical life get certified let alone those that deal with

Governor el-Rufai

the spiritual life. We initiated this bill from the Kaduna State security council, based on reports of new sects emerging in Kaduna.

There is one around Makarfi called Gausiyya. They do their Zuhr prayer around 11 a.m., different from other Muslims. This is how this thing starts and if you don’t resolve it quickly, it grows into something else.

A woman in Makarfi said Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is speaking to her and sick people started coming to her for their healing. The husband of this woman is busy collecting N1,000 as consultancy fee before people can see his wife. We had to take steps to end that movement, because before you know it people would start coming from far and wide and this woman would become our next problem.

It was the report of two or three of these that compelled us in the security council to ask a question, whether there is a law that regulates preaching. Then we were told there was a law enacted in 1984 after the Maitasine problems. It was subsequently amended several times to increase the fine and the imprisonment terms. This is a living problem and we know it. Christian priests, the ones I know, go to seminary and spend so many years there, study under a more experienced Reverend to learn what to say and what not to say.

Religious leaders don’t preach hatred; they preach peace, tolerance and love. But today in my religion—Islam—anybody can wake up and start a sect without any control. In those days, from Islamiyya school, if you choose that line, you need to study more books. After that, you go to East (Borno area) for more studies and training, and from there you go to a mosque and begin to call prayer before you become Imam in any

mosque. Before you become an Imam of a Friday mosque, the community must agree that you are well learned and competent.

But now, everyone can build a mosque, put loudspeakers and call himself Imam and start disturbing people at night.

A priest that has gone through thorough teachings and training would not go and ask people to cause trouble and kill one another.

They are trained men of God. In Christendom today, we all know that some people would drink something overnight and wake up the next day and claim they are Apostles, that God has spoken to them. You cannot disprove that because you are not there with him and he begins to collect followers and when he begins to preach hatred what can you do? Is it the society we want? This is the question.

The logic behind this law is to strengthen the 1984 laws so as to regulate and ensure that those that are given the opportunity to preach at least know what they are doing.

They have a level of responsibility to develop society rather than divide it. This is our goal. We don’t have anything against any re-

Jesus said: “give to God what is God’s and to Caesar what is Caesar’s.” Government is the Caesar

You said it was tougher to administer a state than a federal ministry.

Can you shed more light on this?

I think the difference in running FCT and Kaduna State is a matter of both scale and scope. FCT is 8,000 square kilometres and that is one local government in Kaduna.

Kaduna is 46, 000 square kilometres in just land size alone. And when I receive any briefing on a project while I was in FCT, the moment the briefing is over, I would say “let’s go and see it” because you can go to any part of Abuja and come back that same day because it has a small scale.

The scope part is that the multiplicity of functions that you face as a governor is sometimes absent in the FCT. In FCT, I didn’t have someone in charge of environment. The place is small. We were busy developing roads and so on. Abuja was not designed to be a commercial city. So, there are many issues that you find in Kaduna that are off the radar in the FCT. But in addition to this, as the minister of the FCT, I was isolated from the politics of it.

The president was the governor of the FCT. If I had any issue, I went to the president, he signed off and I did what I wanted. I didn’t have to explain to anybody. Once I convinced President Olusegun Obasanjo, that is it. I just moved on.

Finally on resources, the FCT is the Federal Government and it can raise unlimited amounts of money. The minister can go to the market and issue bond and raise money when they need it because they are a sovereign entity. But a state government cannot easily go and raise money. A Federal Government can go to the CBN and raise an overdraft. But a state government cannot do it, it needs to go through the state assembly.

First, I need to have an Executive Council resolution before going to the state assembly before I get the overdraft. So, the context and everything is different.

What did you mean when you said that things had been either ethnicised or politicised in the state?

This is something I find both disturbing and disappointing. In any argument and situation, if you have your facts and you are right, you don’t need to refer to religion. Religion doesn’t win arguments for you. What I have found in life is that the moment a person introduces religion in any situation, I know he is wrong, because if you are right, you have facts and you can justify your position, why bring God into it? God will judge us on the Day of Judgment. People only revert to religion and ethnicity when they have run out of convincing arguments. What I found in Kaduna State is that in everything, even come and eat, people can bring religion into it. I thought, more than any state in Nigeria, Kaduna has suffered in terms of religious and ethnic divisions and that should be lesson to us to walk away from that.

But what I found out is that the elite have continues pg 34

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sundayinterview

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘To save cost, my convoy has five cars’ continued from pg 33

one weapon and that is religion and it is sad. But, unfortunately for them, they have not studied me. If anyone has studied my career at FCT, he would have known that playing religious card would fail all the time, because the moment you play that card, I know you are an adversary that needs to be put down and I will not look back until I am done with you. Our religion is our personal business. Most people in this country believe in one God. We believe we are worshipping the same God in different ways. The moment I got elected, the number of people that came to me who wanted to be the Secretary of Muslim Pilgrims Board showed to me that there is a problem. Nobody wanted to be Commissioner of Finance and so on. That means there is something happening there in the name of religion. But, honestly, one of the legacies Architect Barnabas Bala Bantex and I want to leave behind in this state is the complete separation of religion from governance and the hypocrisy associated with. I say hypocrisy, because the same person that preaches and incites people against a Christian has no problem going to the hospital to see a Christian doctor. If the doctor is good, he would not remember that the doctor is a Christian then.

In my opinion, they are just blowing this thing to cause problem and distract ordinary people, while they take advantage of the situation and system. We want to eliminate that in Kaduna. We want everyone to feel that in Kaduna State you can practise your religion without hindrance and your religion and ethnicity would not be a factor in getting government services and appointment. It must be your capacity and competence to deliver. That’s all.

In my speeches, I have made it clear that I am the Governor of Kaduna State and I have a duty to give everybody that lives in the state, whether he is a Muslim, Christian or pagan, his right and also protect him and his religion and I would do that with the last drop of my blood. However, those that are quoting Section 38 of the constitution conveniently forget Section 45 which says that you can regulate any human right if it would affect the right of others. You can practise your religion but you can’t do it in a way that abuses the right of another. So, there is nothing in this law that is not in

What we saw clearly in June was that, unless we did something to reduce the cost of governance, we would end up being a government that only pays salary from month to month and nothing more conformity with the constitution.

There is nothing new about it other than expanding the scope and after we sent the bill to the House of Assembly, I saw an article that alerted us to what we did not include: blocking of federal highways. But that is in the Penal Code.

It is good to have put it there, because every Friday you see most mosques blocking roads, why? We had to call them in a meeting to have a system that police will be there to guard and also control the traffic. In my opinion, this is a law that we need not only in Kaduna State but also in almost all states in Nigeria and I want to assure you that, I just came back from the National Economic Council meeting, and a handful of the governors have asked me to send them our own law, because they think they also need it in their states. Everybody is watching to see how we will handle ours. We sent it to the state assembly in October 2015 because some people are saying we sent it because of the Shiite problem. No! It was the state assembly that kept on looking at it and saying this one na hot potato until now. But, on a very serious note, we don’t have any ulterior motive other than to put a framework that would ensure that Kaduna State people live in peace with everyone practising his religion and disallowing every Tom, Dick and Harry to come and say he can preach.

We do not regulate as such. We have formed two com-

mittees that will issue the licence. It is not the government that will issue the licence. It is a committee of Christians ‘umbrella body and Muslims’ umbrella body.

We will just have an inter-ministerial committee to be checking once in a while and be keeping records because we want to know who is preaching where and who is doing what elesewhere.

So, for us, the reaction was just disproportionate and many of the people that are talking about the law have never even read it. If you read that law, it is very short, it is 16 Sections. I tell people who disagree with the bill to read it and tell me what they don’t like. Don’t tell me you don’t like the entire law because we know we have a problem and I am the governor and I need a solution.

Don’t say the solution is not to have the law. We need the law, but tell me what you don’t like then we can discuss it.

We want to find a solution that brings peace. We are not fixed in our position, what we are fixed about is that Kaduna State people must live in peace and everyone must be allowed to practise their religion without hindrance. We took an oath of office to do that. Apart from that, every other thing can be discussed.

Are you telling me it is okay for someone to put speakers out in the night and start blaring, preaching whether Islam or Christianity, disturbing people? Is that okay?

Which chapter in the both holy books says that Jesus or Muhammad (SAW) did that? Are we not trying to copy them? Are they not the perfections of both our religions?

Jesus said “give to God what is God’s and to Caesar what is Caesar’s.” Government is the Caesar. We have informed CAN and JNI that if they have problem with any section, if there is anything to be done, if they don’t want the government to be involved, we will remove it. But they must regulate preaching.

There is nothing in that law that prevents or infringes the practice of religion. It seeks to ensure that those that preach religion are qualified, trained and certified by their peers to do it. And the some sections of the media have made it as if the law was drafted against Christianity, it is most irresponsible and I have nothing to say except to leave the matter to God.

thepolity Implications of the Ekiti saga continued from pg 31

rated as a result of which he had slumped and died that the DSS brought the lawmaker before public glare. This was weeks after the court ordered his release.

An official of the DSS, Abdullahi Garba, while reacting to Akannni’s death claim at the news conference where the lawmaker was publicly presented, said: “This press conference has become necessary in order to debunk a rumour which is being dangerously spread in Ekiti State by some mischief makers to the effect that Hon. Afolabi has died in custody. Nigerians and Ekiti people, in particular, are convinced to see that Afolabi is hale and hearty as he is being presented to the Press today.”

“The fact is that one of the members of the Assembly, Honourable Akanni Afolabi was duly invited by the service over some serious breaches bordering on state security and for which he has some explanations to make.

These breaches fall under the purview of the DSS to investigate.

“The DSS will, therefore, warn all those who have planned to make a meat out of this to desist from it and stir clear from trouble as the service will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law against anyone or persons that may engage in violent actions of any kind,” he said.

Observers have opined that the DSS saga in Ekiti threw issues that Buhari administration should, as a matter of urgency, respond to in words and in deeds. To analysts, the explanation offered by the DSS on why the lawmaker was detained for 18 days “over someserious breaches bordering on state security and for which he has some explanations to make” was certainly not enough. The reasoned that with the public outcry that the arrest generated, the DSS ought to come out with the specifics of Akanni’s al-

Lawal Daura, DG, DSS

leged offence, at least to convince the public that it was not on a vendetta mission as sympathisers of Governor Fayose were alleging.

According to such analysts, even in the face of serious breaches as the service alleged, what it ought to do with-

in the confines of the law is to prefer necessary charges against the lawmaker who would have been promptly dragged before a court of competent jurisdiction.

According to analysts, assuming that the undisclosed breaches fall with the powers of the DSS to investigate, would it not have been civil if the offending lawmaker had been invited by the DSS to answer questions on the allegations, rather than resorting to an action that would impugn its hard-earned integrity among the public or give the antagonist of the Federal Government a cause to rail and kick.

To analysts, the claim by Ropo Ogunjobi, one of Fayose’s aides, who was also arrested and quizzed, that the DSS accused him of laundering N22 billion and another N2.5 billion ecological fund for Fayose, punched a hole in the DSS explanation of its action. As observed by Ozekhome SAN, any allegation of graft or misappropriation falls within the purview of the EFCC and ICPC to investigate and prosecute.

Analysts further submit that, should the DSS and other government agencies continue to ignore court orders, especially when those involved are opponents of the Buhari administration, the implication is that the government may fit into the pre-election mould and frame of one that is intolerant of criticisms and contrary views. It would also go to justify the criticisms that trailed the appointment of Daura, when the opposition figures alleged that he was a member of APC security committee during the election.

To observers, the rule of law, due process and independence of all arms of government are some of the basic ingredients of a representative democratic government that must not be suppressed for the health of the country’s democracy to continue to be robust.

35 opinion

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Kachikwu must not be vilified or distracted

By Emmanuel Ajibulu

The appointment of private sector-based knowledge to drive the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) operations and the affairs of Ministry of Petroleum simultaneously through a competent individual, Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, remains commendable; the new Sherriff in town, President Muhammadu Buhari truly got it right in this regard.

Dr Kachukwu, undoubtedly, is an experienced oil and gas captain of so many years. A former investment attorney in the United States, the publisher of several magazine titles; he has also taught law at Harvard, Nigerian Law School and several globally acclaimed institutions of high repute. He has three published law books in Investment Law and Contracts and numerous articles in various Journals. In his capacity as the Vice Chairman and General Counsel of ExxonMobil, he oversees the compliance programmes of the company and advises on issues related to adherence with compliance regulations and anti-corruption laws in Africa.

Before he joined Mobil, Kachikwu worked as General Counsel of Texaco Upstream and Downstream in Nigeria.

Lately this technocrat has been using his good experience to reform the NNPC, the era of impunity in the corporation is now over, the oil and gas sector is now experiencing rebirth in the hands of private sector driven person that is the change the people had been clamouring for. The days when a single marketer or individual will be given allocation to control the sales of oil and gas market are over.

Since August 4, 2015 Kachikwu has been addressing issues of corruption and dubious accounting practices in the NNPC and using his vast experience to restructure NNPC, pursue creditors and recover missing funds. He has assisted the nation in repositioning NNPC into a world-class corporation, amongst several other tasks.

However, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu recently came under scathing criticism over comments relating to the current fuel scarcity across the federation. He was reported to have said he could not perform magic in solving the problem of fuel scarcity. In fairness to him he was only speaking the truth when he said Nigerians would have to wait for a while for the scarcity to go away. The truth which Nigerians should accept was that it would take weeks before the scarcity could disappear.

Reacting to the matter personally on Tuesday, Dr Kachikwu, in a sober reflection, openly apologised to Nigerians for his comment on the nationwide fuel shortages, adding that enough measures had been put in place to end them by next week. Specifically, he said even though a two-week target

had been set to end the scarcity of fuel, he was working assiduously to ensure that between April 5th and 7th, the lingering queues would have largely disappeared.

Kachikwu, known to be a man of his words, gave the assurance before the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) in the National Assembly and also tendered an unreserved apology to Nigerians over the comment he made last week stating that “he was not a magician.” He explained that he erroneously made the statement because he was not a politician. He also apologised to any personality who felt offended by the comment, saying he made the statement in jest while speaking with journalists.

He blamed the current scarcity on the non-availability of foreign exchange by oil marketers to sustain the importation of petrol; a situation he said now placed the entire business of fuel importation on the shoulders of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

He also said that whilst the current government inherited a subsidy bill of N600 billion, about N500 billion had been paid while the balance had been brought forward in the 2016 budget.

According to Dr Kachikwu, the government has saved N1 trillion since January 2016, because it has not paid subsidy on petrol, adding that the issue of pipeline vandalism had further complicated the problem. However, he said for the first time, the NNPC had recovered the Escravos pipeline to the Warri refinery; a development he said would aid the movement of crude oil to the refineries. He added that most of the 18 depots operated by NNPC are not in use, pointing out that moving fuel from Lagos to different parts of the country takes about a week and only compounds the free and quick distribution of fuel.

Kachikwu added that the inability of independent mar-

keters to access forex overstretched NNPC, explaining further that poor infrastructure also aggravates the situation.

According to the Minister in instances where 3,000 trucks are moved across the country to distribute fuel in this advanced age was not civilised.

He further disclosed that a major factor responsible for the scarcity was the continuous diversion of products by marketers from the petrol stations where they are destined to be delivered. He blamed the incidence of fuel diversion on the non-availability of a tracking system to monitor the movement of every truck from the depots to their final destinations, adding that through vigilant surveillance, the number of litres of petrol said to be consumed everyday had been brought down to 45 million litres from 55 million litres.

Disclosing that fuel supply between oil marketers and NNPC should be in the ratio 60:40, Kachikwu added that his leadership was working hard to provide a strategic reserve of 2,000,000 tonnes of petrol with the intention of finally putting paid to periodic fuel scarcity.

The minister also stated that the latest arrangement between NNPC and marketers would be in the ratio of 47:53.

He said in due course, 150 per cent of national consumption would be deposited into storage tanks, adding that meaningful solutions would be secured when refineries are working at optimal capacity.

Furthermore, Kachikwu said he was working on a plan to make Chevron take over the Warri refinery and another plan for Shell to take over the Kaduna refinery. He, again, apologised to Nigerians for the difficulties they have been going through as a result of the shortages, explaining that it was not the intention of NNPC to solely take over the importation of petrol, but was forced on it by emerging developments.

However, he said NNPC was currently working on an arrangement that would aid the availability of forex for marketers to import fuel. Dr Kachikwu lamented that Nigeria was one of the very few countries where citizens choose to willfully destroy pipelines meant to serve them, a development that had made it difficult for NNPC to provide fuel for the citizenry. The Petroleum Minister also used the platform to tell those who had called for his resignation to perish the thought because he has a job to do. According to the minister, he did not accept to be Minister of Petroleum in order to create scarcity. He also promised to embrace the advice given by the Senate committee to employ the services of the civil defence corps to accompany petrol tankers to intended petrol stations in order to stem the diversion of products.

•Ajibulu writes from Lagos

Service retains four per cent of its own collections. While the technical committee chaired by Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission works out how much NIPOST can retain, it is necessary to clarify that Stamp Duty is not another form of taxation. Its collection does not lie with the FIRS. It is not a ‘tax’; rather it is classified as a ‘duty’. Its collection is sanctioned by the Stamp Duty Act, enacted in 2004 but largely ineffectual owing to the complacency on the part of NIPOST and its managers.

The Stamp Duties Act, Cap, 441LFN, 1990, is a variant of the original law crafted written in 1939. And Mr. Sote reasoned that banks had largely failed to comply with the law owing to its cumbersome details. He has also reminded NIPOST that the honey pot is quite large. Documents covered under the Stamp Duty Act include bank notes, promissory notes, share certificates, mortgage notes, agreements, conveyance of sale land, powers of attorney, contract notes, valuations, capital or limited liability companies, debentures, share warrants, insurance policy, customs bills of laden, bills of sale and receipts.

Section 89(2) of the Stamp Duty Act says: “Every receipt given by any person in acknowledgement of goods produced or services rendered should be donated by an adhesive postage stamp worth N50 issued by the Nigerian Postal Service.”

Section 14(2) of the same Act compels a mandatory receipt to be denoted. The Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, on assumption of office, had vowed to clean the Augean staple by clearly articulating his vision for NIPOST and his mission to make telecommunication service providers behave responsibly. The re-engineering at NIPOST began a few weeks ago with the appointment of Pricewaterhouse Cooper to screen and evaluate applicants for the post of Post-Master General. Needless to emphasise, the incoming helmsman must be innovative, smart and technology-savvy. That is the direction the Minister has outlined.

With a workforce of about 10,500 and 1,184 post offices and postal agencies, the new NIPOST requires more hands to serve an estimated 100 million literate Nigerians. But that is after the on-going revitalisation and re-invigoration being introduced by Shittu. “The new NIPOST we are working on will be competitive, responsive and dynamic. It will provide financial inclusion services, real time, on-line, and serve as an internet hub for local communities”, the minister said recently while unfolding the Road Map for the communications sector.

The new NIPOST envisioned by Shittu must attract and retain qualified hands to drive its ICT platform. Such a feat requires that the agency must be run as a modern business entity. NIPOST is currently on the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure with no special allowance as applicable in similar revenue generating agencies such as NCS and FIRS. Records indicate that NIPOST earned N4.87 billion in 2013, Stamp Duty contributing a mere N870 million.

In 2014, after a decade of Stamp Duty Act, NIPOST made N1.036 billion from that sub-head.

Going forward, NIPOST employees have presented a request for “a job-specific-allowance of 50 per cent mark-up on the current salary. It is in that regard and on the need to have a living wage for NIPOST staff that can compare with organizations that have similar mandates and functions that management is proposing an appropriate remuneration. They have the backing of the minister who has promised to take their case to President Buhari very soon.

•Kareem is a public policy analyst

Buhari, Nipost and stamp duty

By Tajudeen Kareem Whereas the Stamp Duty Act became law in 2004, relevant government agencies were lethargic, or I dare say myopic in identifying it as a veritable source of national income.

The Buhari Administration, with an expansionary budget, has vowed to harness all accruable income and plug all leakages.

Now, with the proper implementation of the Stamp Duty Act 2004, the Nigeria Postal Service has become the new kid on the block. Financial experts reckon that government can rake in about N3 trillion from stamp duties on financial services industry transactions per annum. Indeed, in realisation of this new reality, NIPOST is now classified as a revenue-generating agency and promptly admitted as a bona fide member of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee.

The Federal Government has projected to earn this year about N2.5 trillion from payment of Stamp Duties from the financial services industry as outlined by the Central Bank of Nigeria. This is indeed a significant contribution to national revenue pegged at N3.8 trillion in the 2016 budget. It therefore needs no emphasis to state that Buhari Administration places a big premium on earnings from the enforcement and diligent collection of fees on Stamp Duty. The CBN had, in January, issued a circular directing all banks and financial institutions to charge stamp duties on lodgments into current accounts with value of N1, 000 and above. Indeed, the apex bank had emphasised the need to shore up government revenue from the non-oil sector, especially from taxes and rates. The bank also reiterated that the measure was in compliance with the provisions of the Stamp Duties Act, LFN 2004 as reinforced by a court pronouncement in suit No. FHC/ L /CS / 1710/2013.

As a revenue-generating member of FAAC, NIPOST now has the privilege of retaining a portion of its revenue, including those accruing from Stamp Duty fees as the cost of collection. Presently, the Nigeria Customs Service keeps seven per cent of its revenue while the Federal Inland Revenue

36

opinion

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Saraki, CCT trial and the game of thrones

By Mohammed Raji

A

FTER the Supreme Court decision that the Code of Conduct Tribunal, has the jurisdiction to continue with the trial of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, the case has continued in earnest. Since then, several legal luminaries like Professor Ben Nwabueze, SAN, former Justice of the Supreme Court, Samson Uwaifo, Mr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, and many other leading lights of the legal profession have faulted the judgment by the apex court on the grounds that it established a wrong precedent, as the CCT was not meant to prosecute criminal matters.

However, it appears that those legal opinions have been treated as merely academic and therefore do not really matter now. The decision of the Supreme Court is final and anyone who seeks a redress from the apex court, would have to turn to God. If anyone ever thought for a moment that this case was going to be determined by sound interpretation of the law, what happened at the last sitting of the tribunal must have cured that illusion. This case is not about law. It is a sinister act in the ultimate drama of the ‘game of thrones.’ The plot may thicken, it may twist and turn, but it inexorably leads to only one predetermined outcome: the script has been written. Like anyone who has followed that TV series would recall, in a game of thrones, there is no middle ground; you either win or you die!

The defence team had asked that the case against Senator Saraki be dismissed on the ground that he was not invited to clarify issues raised over his asset declaration before he was dragged to the tribunal. Their argument was based on the provision of Section 3 (d) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which states that on receiving “complaints about noncompliance with or breach of this Act and where the Bureau considers it necessary to do so, refers such complaints to the Code of Conduct Tribunal established by section 20 of this Act in accordance with the provisions of section20--25 of this Act: provided that where the person makes a written admission of such breach or noncompli-

ance, no reference to the tribunal shall be necessary.”

In fact, it was on the basis of this that the CCT dismissed the charges against Senator Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos and one of the leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2011.

However, while delivering his ruling on the Saraki case, Mr. Danladi Umar said, to the utter astonishment of everyone present, that his decision in the Tinubu case was made par incuriam, that is, made in error. To any dispassionate observer, this is not only distasteful but in far more serious terms, a mockery of Nigeria’s judicial system. This willful abnegation is till date the strongest indication, that Mr. Danladi Umar may himself be an unwilling pawn in a political chess game that he himself probably does not fully understand.

If Umar was not the judge in the 2011 Tinubu case, it would probably have been easy for him to depart from the ruling and move on to put himself in whatever service he desires to. But fate is a terrible thing. And like the late Uthman Dan Fodio famously declared, conscience is an open wound, and only truth can heal it. The Danladi Umar that I saw deliver that infamous ruling last week is still a good man. But it takes a conscience that is still alive to torture its owner so much whenever he decides to act contrary to its dictates.

The brutal truth is that those that are determined to get Saraki down would not relent until they have accom-

plished their insidious mission. Saraki is a smart politician.

He has survived many battles. But this time, it appears he has taken on too many enemies who would give him no quarter.

Saraki’s legal team has the opportunity to appeal the ruling of the CCT on jurisdiction based on section 3(d). They probably would. It is ordinarily within the discretion of justice Umar to continue with the case, while the appeal is pending or waits for the appeal to be decided. My guess is that the CCT would rely on the Administration of Justice Act to continue the trial. Saraki’s lawyers would speak all the laws they know, act all the drama that they have mastered, and apply all the tricks in the legal bag, but ultimately, there would only be one outcome. Saraki would be convicted.

Once convicted, whether rightly or wrongly, the judgment would be executed. Yes, Saraki and his lawyers would appeal the judgment, and they would probably most certainly get the ruling upturned, but by then, the job would have been done. Truth, they say, would eventually catch up and overtake a lie. But truth’s victory would only be puerile, because by the time it catches up, the lie would have done its damage.

Like they say, when you leave a man with no options, you leave him with no choice. It appears that the only option left for Saraki now is to fight back. This is where the generality of the APC as a political party should be worried. I believe those who are hell bent on cutting Saraki down now are well aware of what he is capable of. They know he can give as much as he can take, almost in equal measures. That is why they won’t blink until they see his back. However, sometimes wisdom lies in leaving that small room of escape for your enemy. No one should underestimate a man whose only way of staying alive is to fight to the death.

No matter what happens to Saraki in the end, this period would go down as a dark chapter in our judicial history. It would be remembered as the time, when the court was conscripted by powerful politicians to fight in their battle for power. The ultimate loser in the dirty fight is our democracy and the rule of law that undergirds it.

• Raji writes from Ikoyi, Lagos.

Ondo: Olabimtan as PDP’s greatest threat

By Tony Jayeola

A

globally accepted democratic practice requires citizens to recruit leaders into political offices through their votes. In conformity with that norm therefore, the people of Ondo State will recruit a new governor for the Sunshine State through the ballot in November, this year. While the incumbent Governor Olusegun Mimiko of the state’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is naturally strategising to install his trusted ally as his successor, close to 30 aspirants are jostling for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Good a thing, the state is peculiar, with very a politically sophisticated people who cannot be pushed around or be swayed by crumbs from the master’s table.

As the incumbent state chief executive officer, Mimiko is touted to have the joker that will swing the votes to his direction. It is therefore pertinent for the APC and its leaders to show more seriousness, determination and commitment to winning the next election. It is a known fact that the electorate in Ondo identify more with one of their own than with a candidate with an elitist posture.

Historical records have confirmed this. Adekunle Ajasin, Adebayo Adefarati and Olusegun Mimiko rose to power through mass movement and support of civil servants and the middle class. Each of them was seen and considered as regular, everyday people that can be accessed in and out office. The fear of the civil servants and the middle-class of Ondo is the beginning of wisdom for any serious-minded politician.

Mimiko is out again with his political gimmick with over 100 newly appointed aides and the already selected and soon-to-be sworn-in local government chairmen and councilors. The man is busy empowering and positioning his foot soldiers for the battle ahead. Mimiko may not be the best manager of men and resources, but there is one thing we cannot take away from him. He understands the politics and psyche of the state’s electorate more than anything else, even more than the field of medicine where he studied. He was quoted to have boasted that he will defeat APC any day the election is conducted.

Although many in APC may not take this threat serious, with the present disorganised and segmented Ondo APC,

Mimiko will win the next gubernatorial election, unless the APC puts its house in order. The APC aspirants must put the party before themselves so as not to rock the boat after the primaries. The party leaders, for the very first time, have come out with pronouncement that there will be no imposition. That’s cheery news and a positive development. However, deliberate efforts should be made to downsize the number of aspirants, either through zoning or any other mechanism. It’s a good thing that the APC today can boast of almost 30 aspirants. This seeming blessing can be counterproductive if not well managed.

All the aspirants are fine gentlemen and lady. The unfortunate thing is that some of them cannot win their unit or ward at the gubernatorial election if picked as the APC candidate. Beyond money and affluence, the electorate in Ondo easily identify with whom they know. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) lost to the Labour Party (LP) and came a distant third in 2012 because the people couldn’t identify with the ACN flag bearer. Deliberate effort should be made this time for a bad history not to repeat itself. On the list are high profile aspirants like Senator Ajayi Borrofice; Senator Tayo Alasoadura; Honourable Bode Ayorinde; Jamiu Ekungba; Victor Olabimtan; Olusola Oke; among others. However, of all of them a name stoutly stands out! That is Victor Olabimtan.

Olabimtan, besides being a rallying point in the state politics and a grassroots mobiliser, has consistently used the privileged positions he has occupied in life for the comfort and wellbeing of the masses. This is a man who has spent 90 per cent of his years on earth in Ondo state, living among the people. He knows and understands the state and its people can easily access him. He left the civil

service as a secondary school principal to join politics. He was elected into the Ondo State House of Assembly as a lawmaker and became the Speaker under whose leadership good laws were enacted. His next appointment was the Chairman of Ondo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM). Olabimtan’s uprightness, trustworthiness and loyalty to the party earned him another appointment as the Commissioner to represent Ondo, Ekiti and Edo states at the Federal Civil Service Commission. In all of these exalted positions, God consistently used him to touch and transform many lives in the state and this is attested to by many.

We need a well-rooted politician like Olabimtan to outsmart the self-acclaimed master strategist at his own game. The defunct ACN lost the last governorship election to LP in 2012 not because the candidate was not good or brilliant, but simply because he was not a grassroots politician. Olabimtan is the best option for APC. If election is organised in Ondo state today more than 60 per cent of the electorate will vote for Olabimtan. This is common knowledge and verifiable fact across the length and breadth of the state. Olabimtan has invested so much in the people over the years and naturally the people trust and believe him.

Olabimtan, at the risk of sounding immodest, is the aspirant that can guarantee victory for the APC at the next governorship election, no matter what trick or magic the incumbent intends to employ. You only need to move across Ondo to listen to what people are saying about him. The civil servants and teachers are all yearning for him because he was one of them. He was a renowned labour leader that was punished several times while fighting for the right of his colleagues. As the Chairman of Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), he employed over 3,000 teaching and nonteaching staff. All through the years he spent as Commissioner in the Federal Civil Service Commission, all the 203 wards in the state were assisted through employment. More than half of the inhabitants of each of these wards know at least ten civil servants (state or federal) that gained employment through Olabimtan. Instead of amassing wealth for himself or building castles, he chose to build people by securing the future of our youths.

• Jayeola wrote in from Akure.

37 Late in January and early February, 2016, the Nigerian Supreme Court came under unusual pressure from political forces that watched the rulings of the apex court on some governorship contests go against their expectations. One of the actors was quoted as lamenting “why are we (APC) losing oil-rich states?”

In their estimation, the Supreme Court, in its “right senses,” cannot possibly rule against the sitting government in Nigeria. These actors could not comprehend a Supreme Court damning the fabled “federal might” to rule against the party in power in Nigeria. It did not matter that the same Court, in upholding the elections of some targeted opposition states had only reproduced the logic it had formulated while ruling on the governorship tussles of states held by the ruling party. Incidentally, those rulings, which adopted the now obnoxious parameters, went down well with the party leaders while it favoured the party in power.

As far as the elements of the party in power were concerned, the apex court must satisfy their yearnings in all situations. Two particular actors went further than mere lamentations. They accused the judges of the apex court of underhand dealings. One alleged that a victorious governor met with judges in Dubai and another claimed that a meeting between the governor and the judges took place in a South-East state.

As expected, the unwarranted attacks on the voiceless judges attracted a lot of fuss in the polity. Not a few legal minds queried the ploy to drag the Judiciary into the murky world of politics. It was shocking that while the Supreme Court applied its logic to the election contests in Lagos, one of the earliest states to get to the Court and others including Ogun and Oyo, no one raised issues of alleged compromise.

But that’s the signal from the winner takes all politics of the Nigerian Federation. Politicians talk about “Federal Might” as if this is the only Federal Republic on the face of the earth.

When they use that term, they are actually reminding us all of the manipulative powers at the disposal of the party that controls the Federal Government, not the powers to fight disease, poverty or graft.

But a good example is coming from Nigerian alter ego, whose democracy is by and large younger than that of Nigeria. Last week, South Africa showed the way in which institutions should run; notwithstanding that it is running a clearly young democracy compared to Nigeria, the acclaimed Afri-

THE recent abduction and eventual murder of a senior serving officer in the Nigerian Army, Col. Samaila Inusa, is cause for concern. The manner in which he was abducted and murdered is indeed a shame and it is reinforcing the general belief that no one is safe in this country.

The Colonel was reportedly abducted at gunpoint at the Refinery Junction in Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State, on Saturday March 26. He was in his Mercedes-Benz car with his wife when they were accosted.

Reports have it that the abductors dropped off Colonel Inusa’s wife and left with him heading towards Abuja and that was the last heard about him until last Tuesday. Late Inusa was an instructor at the Army School of Infantry, Jaji, near Kaduna.

If a whole serving officer, a senior one for that matter, could be so easily abducted and killed, then what happens to us, the defenceless “bloody civilians”? Before his decomposing body was found, some were gloating “let him experience what civilians experience” “let him experience the humiliation that abducted ordinary Nigerians experience”, “surely, his family and the army would pay whatever huge ransom is demanded” and so on and so forth. Sure the army offered an initial N500, 000 to anyone who could help locate him. The money was doubled within forty eight hours, yet there was no news about him. However, the shock of the completely sad saga hit home when his already decomposing body was found at about 6 p.m. last Tuesday, a few days after his abduction.

The Army authority had told newsmen in a statement that Inusa’s body was found in Kaduna and that it was suspected that he was killed the same day he was abducted. According to the statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, “preliminary investigation revealed that most likely the late senior officer was killed the same day he was kidnapped by his abductors. This is because the already decomposing body was found around Ajyaita village off Eastern Bypass Kaduna, Kaduna State. We wish to state in unmistakable terms that whoever is behind his abduction and murder would be fished out to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement read.

3 April, 2016

the lynxeye with Taiwo adisa

08072000046 taiadisbabatj@gmail.com

Zuma’s Nkandla and lessons from South Africa

can giant is currently running on its Fourth Republic.

For the South Africans, charity begins from the very top.

The constitutional court in the Mandela country found sitting President Jacob Zuma guilty of using public funds to renovate his private residence. The court did not mince words in praising the private protector for seeing through the suit, which government investigators including the Ministry of Police had waved off. In a unanimous judgment, the 11 Justices of the Constitutional Court upheld a damning re-

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

Wither Nigeria?

The assurances by the army authorities that the killers would be fished out did not foreclose the questions that the incident raised. For example, did the army know where to look in the first place and was only playing for time? Who really were these heartless killers? What did they want? Obviously not money, for they would have kept him and demanded for millions, in whatever currency took their fancy! From the way the operation went, the aim was to eliminate and silence him. Who is behind it then and why? We may never know given the way in-

Sunday Tribune

port released in 2014 by the public protector, Thuli Madonsela, which indicted the president of tampering with public funds in renovating the Nkandla.

The court found that Zuma showed a “substantial disregard” for the constitutional powers of the public protector, who had asked him to refund some amount expended on his private residence, which were not related to security. Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng said that “the president is the head of state, his is the calling to the highest office in the land, he is the first citizen of this country,” adding that the: “The nation pins its hopes on him to steer the country in the right direction.

“In failing to comply with the remedial action, the president thus failed to uphold, comply and respect the constitution. The president may have been acting on wrong legal advice, in good faith. But the illegality still stands.”

Reports indicated that the report by the public protector had asked Zuma to repay the funds spent on Nkandla, which included the sum of £131,000 for the swimming pool and a parking garage for VIP guests and another £56,000 for a cattle culvert. The president, as expected, did not just stand by and await the hangman. He denounced the report, asking the public works and police ministries to conduct separate investigations. The reports of those ministries largely exonerated the president with a claim in one report that the swimming pool was a reservoir designed to protect against fire.

The Chief Justice interestingly described the office of the Public Protector as “the embodiment of a biblical David who fights the very well-resourced Goliath, that [is] the impropriety of government officials.”

Going by the god-king mentality that pervades Nigeria’s government houses, it would be unthinkable to see a public prosecutor indict a sitting office holder like the god-king Nigeria’s president. It should not be out of place to see the office of the Public Complaints Commissioner, the Human Rights Commission or even the anti-graft agencies take on a sitting Nigerian governor, president and officials with foolproof reports that would stand the test of trials. The current rigmarole around power by anti-graft agencies and even some levels of courts cannot, in anyway, take Nigeria out of the sinking boat of corruption and graft. The South African example should provide a global best practice option to the acclaimed change agents here.

vestigations into such high profile murders have gone in the past. Even where the perpetrators were known, would they be fished out? Perhaps they are too big to be touched!

Since the incident happened, there have been many conspiracy theories flying around. I present here some of the ones I gleaned as comments on the social media.

First, there is the Shi’ites’ angle, which some believed the government and the army were using to cover up the real culprits behind the abduction and murder. “There is something suspicious in the whole drama. The Army was alerted by the intelligence that the Shi’ites might come after them. A few days later, the Colonel was abducted.

Immediately after, the Villa said it is suspecting the Shi’ites”; a commentator posted. Could this be related to the recent killing of Shi’ites, which was never explained to the nation? Only the killers would know.

Another posted “I will not be surprised if it has something to do with the arms sharing funds and some generals. Criminals do not kidnap a soldier and kill him without a reason!” Then there is the theory that perhaps he knew too much and that he had to be silenced before he spilled more than he should. And the commentator got bold enough to point accusing fingers at the late Colonel’s constituency, the Nigerian army. Hear him, “the army should take a long hard look at itself. The killers of this Colonel are most likely to have emanated from the army.

This killing is most likely related to some army business.

The killers of this soldier are also the same people who quickly mentioned the Shi’tes Muslims as the suspects as a way of diverting attention from themselves.”

No matter the permutations or the different theories being propounded by the different commentators, one thing is very clear. This killing has clearly demonstrated that no individual arm of the security forces can singlehandedly tackle the security challenges facing this country. And that spells trouble doesn’t it? If an institution like the army can have the life of one of its serving officers snuffed out the way late Col. Inusa’s life was snuffed out, then we should all just leave our security in the hands of God. Shouldn’t we?

38

3 April, 2016

on the

Sunday Tribune

With Bolanle Bolawole turnpot@gmail.com 07052631058

lord’sday Things that should make us cry

S

occer-crazy Nigerians must still be licking their wounds as a result of the ouster of the Super Eagles from the African Cup of Nations 2017 holding in Gabon. For many, it will be too much a grief to bear.

Twice in succession, we have failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations – a nation that used to be the power-house of African football has become the butt of cruel jokes. What has plagued our football is not different from what has plagued the other sectors of our national life. Everywhere, we are nostalgic about the past, because the present is in ruins while the future is uncertain and frightful. Only in the past do we have something to cheer.

So we talk of the “Golden Eagles”, “Golden Eaglets”, “Golden Falcons”, “Dream Team” – all in the past.

The man under whose watch the worst of disasters have befallen the country’s sports insists he will not quit; Amaju Pinnick says he must remain in the saddle, pinning his hopes on the foreign coaches he hopes to employ for our national teams. This country is truly sick; sicker, I am sure, than the then Ottoman Empire which in those days was referred to as “the sick man of Europe.”

A country reeling from shortage of foreign exchange will wangle out about 50,000 euros per month in salaries alone for a foreign coach. Available statistics are to the effect that there has been no wide gap between the performance of foreign coaches and their Nigerian counterparts. Assuming that the foreigners are even superior to the locals, when shall we begin to elevate the levels of our own people to those of the foreigners that we hanker after now and again? In a saner country, Pinnick would be whipped on his bare buttocks – and in public glare – reminiscent of the “public disgrace” of recalcitrant students that my school proprietor and principal, Pa Michael Adekunle Ajasin, instituted at my alma mater, Owo High School. Pinnick would be allowed to wear only white pants and singlet, would be made to stretch out on a bench in the assembly, and a very muscular “executioner” armed with “atori” will be ordered to give him 12 strokes of the cane. At the landing of the 12th, Ajasin’s magisterial voice would ring out: “And one for Ojukwu” and the 13th stroke would land on Pinnick back/buttocks, which by now would have become a mesh of “atori” peels and freshly-minted blood. In a country that lacks orderliness, tradition, and culture and where so-called leaders have no sense of shame, expect Pinnick to have his way. No coordination; everyone is law unto himself and haphazardness is the rule of the game here. Otherwise, why should the country’s economy reel under the weight of crashed crude oil prices and scarce foreign exchange give the authorities grey hair while a Pinnick is on a binge throwing much-needed forex at foreign coaches? Will his foreign coach deliver the World Cup? Last Friday, I read a public service advert on the country’s current economic travails by Chief Don Etiebet, which made a lot of sense to me. Some of the salient points he made are that “one way to get more foreign exchange is by Nigerians producing products and services (including Nigerian coaches, I dare to add!) that we can sell abroad other than crude oil”; that one way “to improve our foreign exchange position is by cutting our appetite for some foreign consumer goods (foreign coaches inclusive)”. Saying that “necessity is the mother of invention”, Etiebet also admonished us to “use the little foreign exchange (that) we have to import only production and research equipment and technology to produce finished goods locally” and that “the gap between our consumption and our productivity is so wide that we need to bridge it with lots of suffering and sacrifice to survive economically”. The Pinnicks of this world will have none of these. They have foreign tastes; self-reliance, to them, is bunkum and cutting corners to appear “successful”

have an appeal they cannot resist. If we had kept faith with Nigerian coaches all along, by now, we would have travelled far on the road to having sound indigenous coaches for ourselves and for export. In like manner, we have to disabuse our minds of over-reliance on foreignbased players. The bulk of our national teams should be home-based.

When the head is rotten, every other part of the body is affected. Reports say that in the last two editions of the West African School Certificate Examinations, Ghanaian students cleared the first three slots of first, second, and third. Not only this, the results have shown a progressive deterioration in the performance of Nigerian students.

The South-West of Nigeria has been especially hit; a region which used to be on top flight has regressed badly.

It is a shame that our education has gone to the dogs – from the cradle to the so-called citadel of higher learning, things have fallen apart. Quality teaching is absent today as many qualified teachers have brain-drained abroad.

The few remaining ones are spread thin over mushrooming so-called “private universities”, many of which are not as glorified as the Teacher Training Colleges of yore. Many of today’s “lecturers” are blackmailers and masquerading rapists; extortionists selling all manner of hand-outs at cut-throat fees to hapless students. Facilities are decrepit; the environment is hardly conducive for teaching, least of all, learning. Cultism has overtaken the intellectual fervour of yore; tin-gods and Lilliputian administrators licking the boots of political godfathers humour themselves in flowing academic gowns to mimic the glory days of academic excellence. If you studied in any of these institutions, return there now and shed tears.

What we have at the moment is an eyesore; more than that, it is a sure destruction of the future of this country.

Sadly, nothing suggests that the situation will be ameliorated soon as states that cannot pay workers’ salaries are not the ones that will adequately fund education. According to President Muhammadu Buhari, there are 27 of such states – out of 36. Even the FG is cash-strapped!

When news broke that the National Assembly had, finally, passed the 2016 budget, many Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief, thinking that the shenanigans that had attended the budget had come to an end. Alas! More theatrics have since unfolded. The National Assembly is said to have passed only the headlines while the details are still under wraps in their hallowed chambers. Is this a trap for Buhari? If the president signs the headlines, who knows what will emerge thereafter as the “details”? Ilorin

“jamba”! Buhari has withheld his signature until he gets and scrutinises the details; but the president is only paying the price for his initial wrong steps. Did he not say he can work with anyone? Now, let him settle down and work with those folks! I bet you, they will wear him out.

Or can all of these shenanigans be sheer accident? Remember Dr. Olaseni Akintola-Bello, the financial expert/ economist who was Commissioner for Finance in Ogun State under Mohammed Lawal, a naval officer who was Military Administrator? The same Mohammed, I think, later became civilian governor of Kwara State. AkintolaBelo described his governor’s budget as “Budget of Madness”. Those were the few honourable men in the system.

Wherever you are, Dr. Akintola-Belo, take a bow. And then tell flustered Nigerians how you will describe the 2016 budget.

Have you noticed the alarming rate of criminal activities all over the country? The one that surprises me most is the escalation of cases of rape – when there are an uncountable number of brothels all over the place. Prostitutes, sorry, commercial sex-workers (imagine that!), are all over the place; scantily-dressed ladies flaunting their vital statistics. Is it that the rapists don’t have the money to engage prostitutes or they are simply demonpossessed? Crime is spiralling out of control – killings of all sorts, by ritual murders, assassins, kidnappers and abductors; police stray bullets; extra-judicial killings; armed robbers and the terrible things they are said to subject their victims to; cult and gang groups, homicides and so on. This is not to talk of Boko Haram and their cousins, the Fulani herdsmen. The torrents of carnage on our roads and the spate of building collapses also dull the imagination. In the midst of all these and many more that should make us cry – or angry – we are a merry-go-round people. Nigerians are a special breed – but if and when the patience of such a people snaps! Oh my God! FEEDBACK Your write-up of March 13th was scintillating. To be born black is God’s favour; intellect is the same; only adaptation and development differ. Donald Trump should rule America for Nigeria to prosper. God bless Mother Africa! We are proud of men like you! – Atanda Olalekan Buhari has good intentions but is yet to unfold solid plans and a blueprint to that effect. This is why the defeated PDP is resurgent. Let us continue to assist Buhari with prayers so he will lead us to the Promise Land. May God prevent purposeless leaders from ruling us again!

–Olusola Taiwo It is not a party that is at the end of its tethers that will win the next election. In the re-runs, PDP won in its strongholds. You should observe that there are no more landslides. We have had enough of the PDP. – 09055063722

Your conclusion on PDP’s resurgence was very interesting. Buhari made a mistake with his initial comments, which has affected APC badly, especially in the National Assembly where the party is not really in control. PDP appointees also still control Federal Boards and agencies. The Judiciary has not fared better; how many anticorruption convictions have they delivered? The global oil glut has made matters worse. Let’s continue to pray for Buhari’s success because if he fails, the country is doomed.

–Dr. F.O. Olakolu The problems being tackled by Buhari\APC are products of PDP’s 16 years of misrule. It is, therefore, too early to assess the government.

—0802 3700260

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feature

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

The pride of Idanre

By Yemi Olowolabi

I

DANRE has a new song that captures its captivating scenery and defines its existential essence. It is entitled Udane ma s’enwa, which literally means Idanre is beautiful. It is a three-stanza lyrical composition that richly compliments the natural elements in a town like no other. It is a land of honour where hills make headlines as nature’s frills for tourists’ thrills. From sunrise to sunset, Idanre smoulders in the ethereal radiance of its ubiquitously smoking hills and unbelievably luxuriant sprouts on hard rocks. And they all flourish in aerial relish, ushering visitors into a refreshing land of ravishing magnificence. Indeed, Idanre dazzles with undiminishing glitters of glistening gold. All of these are summarised in the rhythmic mantra, Udane ma s’enwa, the raving lines with avid refrains.

From the allures of nature to the halo around the hills, Idanre draws the attention and admiration of tourists and indigenes alike. Indigenes? Yes! Some indigenes of this historical town cherish the picturesque natural architecture of the town and they are fanatical in the celebration of its beauty. The composition of Udane ma s’enwa is the best illustration of how to love one’s town dearly. Romanticising nature in rhymes and lines is an admirable feature of English literature. From ST Coleridge to DH Lawrence, poets of old acknowledged the transcendental essence of nature in delightful lyricism. Our own Wole Soyinka, Niyi Osundare and other icons of African literature pay glowing tributes to nature in their respective poetic compositions. No one can easily forget Osundare’s lyrical toast on Ikogosi warm spring. Entitled Ikogosi mo ki o, meaning Ikogosi I greet you, the world-acclaimed literary scholar romanticised Ikogosi Ekiti with cryptic and charismatic metaphors, very much like the fabulous verses on Idanre, Udane ma s’enwa!

Guess what? Udane ma s’enwa is not a song, neither is it a poem. It is the club anthem of Club 66, Idanre.

Yes. That is what it is. A sublime rhyme composed by the club’s immediate past president, Biyi Akinseye, a multitalented socialite, businessman and financial analyst. The origination and recitation of this poetic anthem have a strong magical appeal that serenades the resplendence of a city set on the hills and reinforces the commitment of its members to the progress and development of the land.

Indeed, the contents of the anthem have become the article of faith that brooks no infidelity. In other words, members live and work in the full consciousness of the avowed commitment to Idanre as affirmed in these verses of bliss. Without any doubt, Club 66, Idanre, as a frontline social club, has distinguished itself in selfless community service and exemplary leadership.

Clearly not the oldest club in Idanre but unarguably the boldest in terms of visible and palpable presence in the community. Every year, the club disburses scholarship and bursary awards to brilliant but indigent indigenes in both secondary and tertiary institutions. The award was instituted with the active support and patriotic zeal of the club’s patron, Chief Pius Oluwole Akinyelure, the national vice chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the South-West. Akinyelure, an accountant, businessman, socialite, politician and a community leader is surely a topic for another day. But what cannot be withheld about him is that he has consistently used the platform of Club 66, Idanre to dispense kindness to his community without drawing any attention to himself. This is a paradigm shift from the one who hugs the limelight for highlighting thugs. Akinyelure is an oxymoron; a resilient socialite famous for his reticence.

Club 66’s interest in education is very strong, so is the passion to preserve the rich culture of the community.

Recently, the club invested about N1.5million to buy musical equipment for Rotimi Akinlamilo, an Idanre-based traditional musician who propagates the town’s cultural renaissance through songs. Again, like the scholarship scheme, this significant intervention also enjoys the unsung imprimatur of its club’s patron. Akinlamilo is young but his music is old. The investment in him, therefore, is an investment in the past in the interest of the present to safeguard the future of the community’s cultural heritage. Of a truth, before the emergence of Akinlamilo, many of us were already paranoid about the future of Idanre music, the dateless reservoir of our culture. From the inspiring stagecraft so far exhibited by the young singer, we are relieved that someone is stepping into the shoes of Idanre music legends like Sir Francis Akintade, late Adebayo Kuroloja and other forerunners. I remember watching Akinlamilo on stage recently; his lexical finish and lyrical flourish were evocative of the years of yore when Akintade ruled our world with mores, myths,

mementos and muscular panegyric. Isn’t that beautiful?

Indeed, Udane ma s’enwa!

Apart from the originality of this composition and the centrality of its theme, the anthem sufficiently encapsulates the heroic activities of the club: to develop Idanre and transfer the genes to younger generations. At a glance, the founding fathers of the club are men who spot grey hairs with graceful mien. Some of them include former director of press at the presidency, Eric Teniola, former Editor-in-Chief of Nigerian Tribune, who is now a media consultant with ICPC, Folu Olamiti, executive chairman of Media Link, Babu Akinbobola, Lagos businessman Kelly Olurankinse and U.S.-based Marcus Akinboni. Just like the club is trying to save Idanre traditional music from extinction, it has never lost sight of saving itself. Hence, these granddads have danced out of the executive affairs of the club, thus leaving the stage to much younger patriots who have been baptised in the faith. The love for Idanre is the cardinal article of faith in Club 66. This is evident in the musical anthem that rings like a typical declaration of commitment to a cause.

In a smart move to perpetuate the club’s vision, the pioneers identified Biyi Akinseye, who was relatively younger and made him president. That was a turning point.

Radical and vocal, Akinseye took the leadership challenge with unequivocal commitment. He was president of The Apapa Club, a foremost recreation club in Lagos between 1996 and 1998. With such enviable track record, success was not unexpected. What was exceptional was the triumph of a transitional leadership which was largely experimented with Akinseye’s ascendance. In January this year, the club recorded the ultimate success when Akinseye also handed over to a much younger Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika as the new president. While most of the pioneers are in their late 60s, the president is 50. It is an interesting development. But the important lesson here is that any club that wants to outlive its founding members must not only admit younger people but it must also yield leadership to them with a view to enjoying new ideas and fresh perspectives. That is the strength of Club 66. That is its beauty as well. And that is the pride of Idanre, where a new song has burst forth in the likeness of an anthem: Udane ma s’enwa o!

• Olowolabi is the chief executive officer of Red Carpet Communications Limited, Lagos.

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3 April, 2016

language&style

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

Adherence to rules

S

AMPLE 1: “The nutty issue that will test APC’s abhorrence of impunity, which was one of the major reasons Nigerians voted for the party is the zoning of the listed leadership offices in the National Assembly...This is a golden opportunity that APC must not miss. In the spirit of fairness and adherence of federal character, the position of Speaker, House of Representatives should be zoned to the South-South geo-political zone...” (Speaker/Senate President: PDP Plots to Take Control of N’ Assembly, The Punch, Saturday, April 25, 2015) Let’s study the word nutty which occurs in the following context: “the nutty issue that will test APC’s abhorrence of impunity.” Enclosed in quotation marks as it is together with other words, the word nutty admittedly does not belong to the reporter but to one of his sources. There is textual evidence, however, that the quoted words were originally spoken, and reduced to writing/print by the reporter. Of course the reporter’s only duty in this regard was to transcribe what he heard or what he thought he had heard. And what did he hear or rather what did he think he heard? That is what he has represented in print: nutty.

Those readers who have more enlightened familiarity with English would know immediately that nutty is a gross misrepresentation of the word knotty. There is nutty in English, yes but it is so foreign to the context that it is only its pronunciation that gives us the hint that the writer may have mixed it up with the word knotty.

If we should shift the blame, the first culprit would be the English spelling system: its unpredictable relationship with the pronunciation system of the language. It can be so confusing in many places that it could render some not-so-surefooted users vulnerable. The spelling system of the language is not for happygo-lucky, half-hearted learners. In other words, the mastery of both spelling and pronunciation requires enormous intellectual discipline on the part of the learner.

Nutty is about nuts or when used colloquially, it means crazy, cranky. But as we have noted, the context requires the word knotty and not nutty. Please read the following sentences: 1) The knotty problem that the new government would have to solve has to do with creation of jobs. 2) There are many knotty issues waiting to be addressed, but we need to prioritize them. 3) I fail to see how that simple, straightforward issue can be called a knotty problem. 4) That knotty problem requires intellectual rigour and extreme resourcesfulness. 5) We all have to sit down and pool our ideas to be able to address the knotty issue effectively. 6) There is no problem, however knotty it may be, that can completely defy an intelligent solution.

Next, I draw your attention to the expression, “adherence of federal character” which occurs in the following context: “In the spirit of fairness and adherence of federal character.” First, we note the particle of following the noun adherence directly. The verb form of that noun is adhere. The verb of course usually collocates with the particle to. Please read the following sentences: 1) Participants are advised to adhere to all the rules as enunciated in the papers. 2) All Christians are encouraged to adhere to the doctrine of Christ. 3) It is essential for journalists to adhere to their code of conduct. 4) You cannot be a member of the association if you are not prepared to adhere to our rules and regulations. 5) The policemen were dismissed because they failed to adhere to the code regulating the conduct of members of the force. 6) Public officers should adhere strictly to the principles of transparency and accountability. 7) The national assembly complained that the presidency had failed to adhere to the principle of separation of power. 8) Religious leaders should learn to adhere strictly to the principles of their religions.

Like the verb, the noun adherence also collocates with the particle to. Let’s read the following sentences: 1) Adherence to the rule of law should be the hallmark of a corrective regime. 2) It is by strict adherence to legislative principles that the legislators can make both themselves and the country great. 3) The primary concern of a good government should be adherence to the constitutional principles. 4) The radio station’s operational licence was withdrawn because of its non-adherence to the laws as spelt out by the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON). 5) Adherence to the basic principles of our culture can guarantee a sane and stable society. 6) The first condition for the promotion of our staff is evidence of strict adherence to the

Sunday Tribune

line

life

with Niyi Osundare

Random Blues basic rules of the organization.

At any rate, let’s delete the particle of from the context and replace it with to, so that we have: “adherence to federal character.” But even that expression is still not good enough. What is to be adhered to should not be “federal character” but the principle of federal character.

Sample 2: “The House of Assembly primaries penultimate Saturday in the same local government area was marred by violence.” (Violence Mars Exercise in Kwara, the Nation On Sunday, December 7, 2014) We focus on the verb was which occurs in the following context: “the...primaries...was marred by violence.” It should be obvious that the auxiliary verb was is in its singular form. If it is singular, as it certainly is, then we have a duty to identify the relevant noun whose singular character can explain the singular form of the verb. Could it be “the same local government area”?

Of course that nominal entity is singular, but it bears no relevance to the verb slot. The only noun which both logic and grammar support as the subject of the verb is primaries. Would anyone by any curious logic describe the noun primaries as singular?

Read the following sentences: 1) This is the season in which primaries are being conducted by all political parties. 2) According to INEC, all primaries are to be concluded at least three months before the general elections. 3) As a result of alleged irregularities, the primaries were cancelled twice. 4) The primaries are to be guided by the laws of the respective parties. 5) This year’s primaries are not as controversial as those of last year. 6) The primaries are as important as the general elections.

At any rate, the verb was should be changed to its plural form, were, in consistency with the plural nature of the noun primaries.

Sample 3: “The Team Nigeria captain to the 2012 London Olympics told Olalekan Okusan of Nation Sport that he is not yet ready to quit the sport as he is still keen in winning medals of Nigeria.” (For Chukwumerije, Taekwondo is a Life Style, The Nation On Saturday, November 8, 2014) I draw readers’ attention to the expression, keen in which occurs in the following context: “he is still keen in winning medals for Nigeria.” Of particular interest to us is the particle in that the reporter has allowed to collocate with the adjective keen. That adjective does not take the particle in; the appropriate particle is on. Now read the following sentences: 1) The young man seems keen on obtaining a higher degree. 2) President Jonathan is keen on finding the Chibok girls before he leaves office. 3) The chairman is keen on holding two meetings before the Annual General Meeting. 4) Many young Nigerians are keen on travelling abroad, little realizing the danger inherent in that ambition.

5) Despite the daunting hurdles, the man is keen on obtaining the bank loan. 6) If you are keen on joining our club, you must be ready to pay a huge sum of money as subscription.

Sometimes, the adjective keen dispenses with the particle (on) altogether as the following sentences illustrate: 1) She is keen that all her children go to school abroad. 2) She is keen to see her husband transform to a great politician. 3) The government is keen that all pregnant women have safe deliveries. 4) He is keen for one of his children to qualify as a medical doctor.

5) We are keen to keep in check the security challenges in the neighbourhood. 6) He is keen to have his estranged wife back.

The world does not listen to silence* Speak, dear friend, and unchain the future Say The world never listens to silence Speak, dear friend, and unchain the future The battle for Freedom may sometimes Look like a war without a closure

The mouth is a temple The tongue is its priest Yes, the mouth is a temple And the tongue is its priest Simmering incantations intone their cause The Word calls us all to a rousing feast

Let the seasons sin o nigbereete** Incite the incision to a riot of words Say, let the seasons sin o nigbereete Incite the incision to a riot of words Look up the branches of the orator’s tree And witness a council of eloquent birds

Keep your ears close to the drifting sands Let sea-shells tell you their salty tales Friend, keep your ears close to the drifting sands Let sea-shells tell you their salty tales The waves gallop forth with their liquid cargo Their frothy fare that never falters nor fails

Silence is a sneaky serpent Aim the Word at its lethal head Yes, Silence is a sneaky serpent

First, we note the particle of following the noun adherence directly. The verb form of that noun is adhere. The verb of course usually collocates with the particle to

Aim the Word at its lethal head Well-spoken Truth flies like a bird The Lie lies supine like corrosive lead * . . . as said by KwadzoOpoku-Agyemang in Cape Coast Castle ** Let the seasons fortify your lips with magical incision

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3 April, 2016

tribunechurch

Sunday Tribune

With Rita Okonoboh rosarumese@gmail.com 08053789087

Photo:www.proof.nationalgeographic.com

‘We’ll refund your tithe 100% if you don’t get blessing in 90 days’

By Rita Okonoboh with Agency Report

B

“

ECAUSE we believe what the Bible says about tithing, we commit to you that if you tithe for three months and God doesn’t hold true to His promises of blessings (Malachi 3:10), we will refund 100 per cent of your tithe. No questions asked,” were excerpts from a statement entitled 90-Day Tithing Challenge, made available on the website of Perry Noble’s NewSpring Church, South Carolina, USA.

Fuel crisis: Cleric

The church’s website features a tithe calculator, stories of miracles people have received and articles on why tithing is necessary for Christians.

The nearly 30,000-member multisite church, in its latest annual financial report from 2014 available online indicates that the tithing challenge has been in place for at least two years.

In 2014 the church reported that 1,689 people participated in the 90day tithing challenge and the church collected some $59.3 million in tithes

We must support Buhari with prayers

tasks govt on urgent, lasting solution —Atilade Pg 42

Pg 43

and offerings. This was a 17 per cent increase over the $50.7 million given in 2013.

As published by the Christian Post, speaking on the 90-day challenge, Noble said: “Here’s what we believe here at NewSpring Church, you cannot outgive God. And the very first way we put God first in the area of our finances is the tithe – 10 percent of our gross income. We believe that what the Bible says in Malachi chapter 3:10 is true.

If we will put God first with the tithe, He

Okowa advocates partnership between state and church Pg 44

will bless us; in fact, He will open up the flood gates of Heaven and pour out so much blessing on us that we won’t have room enough for it.

Continues on pg43

SCRIPTURAL inspiration

Ephesians2:8-9.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.

42

3 April, 2016

Sunday Tribune

With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425

churchnews

Primate Udofia challenges govt on unemployment

By Olaide Sokoya

T

HE Primate of the African Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Emmanuel J. Udofia, has challenged the three tiers of government, including the church to be proactive regarding the challenges facing the youth in this country.

Primate Udofia stated

this at the opening of the four-day African Church Youth Conference held at the African Church Cathedral, Ilesa, Osun State.

According to the cleric, a nation that fails to develop its youths may end up in failure.

He said although many challenges are facing the youth of this country, the challenges could be check-

mated with steady prayers by the church while moral and financial support could be given by the government and other stakeholders in the country.

Primate Udofia, who oversees African Churches in Ijesaland and beyond, further hinted that the neglect of youths for so long by the government was responsible for the criminal

tendencies among them, as they take active practice in drug abuse, cultism, armed robberies and other vices.

The National President, Sele Francis, also stated that the campaign by President Muhammadu Buhari to checkmate corruption among the political class is a welcome development, noting that the people found culpable in the act

of corruption are usually around the ages of 70 and above while no youths have been found in the shameful act so far.

Francis also appealed to President Buhari to include

Fuel crisis: Cleric tasks

govt on urgent, lasting solution

By Olaide Sokoya

From left, Chancellor, Lagos West Diocese, Justice Opeoluwa Ogunade; Bishop of Lagos West Diocese, Anglican Communion, Right Reverend James Odedeji; his wife, Lydia; Venerable Abel Ajibodu, and other clerics after the Easter Service held at Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church, Ikeja GRA, Lagos State, on Easter Sunday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

the youth in his service programmes so as to allow them know the position of things in Nigeria, with a view to taking charge of their destiny, as they are leaders of tomorrow.

THE Federal Government has been called upon to, as a matter of urgency, find lasting solution to the issue of fuel crisis that has engulfed the nation in the past weeks, especially as government has a responsibility to the masses.

The call was made by Prophet Mike Agboola, the General Overseer of Jehovah Power Miracle Tabernacle Church, Ibadan, Oyo State, while speaking with newsmen during the week.

The cleric pointed out that many Nigerians were really suffering as a result of non-payment of salaries and pension to workers and retirees in many states.

Prophet Agboola said this issue has crippled many homes, resulting in the inability of many par-

ents to adequately cater for their dependants.

He, therefore, pleaded with the federal government to take another step further by distributing part of the money being recovered from looters to states to pay workers’ salaries and pension.

He added that if this trend is not checked, the federal government’s efforts and its good intentions to make Nigerians comfortable might not be realised.

He also advised politicians to show love to one another in the interest of moving the nation forward, just as he assured President Muhammadu Buhari of constant prayers from peace-loving Nigerians, saying the president can only succeed with prayers.

218 Niger Christian pilgrims airlifted to Jerusalaem Adelowo Oladipo - Minna

From left, Founder and Spiritual Head, Cherubim and Seraphim, Solution Church, Prophet Gideon Adebare Owoseni; His Eminence, (Dr) Lekan Akintayo; Prophet (Dr) Solomon A. Alao; Special Apostle/Pastor Timothy Odedele; and His Eminence, Prophet Olusegun A. Akintobi, during the facilitation visit to the headquarters of Solution Church (Chosen Generation) worldwide, Elebu road, Ibadan, Oyo State, last week.

Buhari cannot Islamise Nigeria —Prophet Alao

By Tunde Ogunesan THE Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Prophet (Dr) Solomon A. Alao, has declared that President Muhammadu Buhari cannot Islamise Nigeria, because it is beyond him.

Prophet Alao made this declaration last week, during a facilitation visit to the headquarters of Solution Church (Chosen Generation) worldwide, Mekun,

Elebu road, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Alao, who urged Nigerian leaders to move closer to God, declared that “Buhari cannot Islamise Nigeria.

It is beyond him. But he should tell Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State to take it cool. He has no business licensing ministers of God. He should be called to order not to ignite the country with religious crisis because it is dangerous.”

The cleric admonished members of the denomi-

nation to rediscover themselves and do away with controversy in the church.

According to Alao, “I want you to make yourself the beginning of beginning. God’s gift to Africa is Cherubim and Seraphim. We started drumming in the church, so, that means you are role models. So also is the practice of what is being done in most churches today – water, oil, white garment and even speaking in tongues.

Let us leave what people criticise us for. Our time has

come to proclaim the awesomeness of God.” The host minister, Prophet Gideon A. Owoseni, assured the national arm of the church of its support, saying “be rest assured that Solution Church is representing the work we are all assigned to do by our creator.”

He said the church is concerned about preaching the original doctrine of C&S church as entrenched in the Bible as revealed to him in visions.

NO fewer than 218 Christian pilgrims from Niger State traveling to perform this year’s holy pilgrimage in Jerusalem left Minna for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, last week to be airlifted to the holy land same day.

The state’s Pilgrims Board, and the state government tasked them to seek the face of the Lord to help the country overcome some of the myriad of problems bedeviling both the state and the country.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Jonathan Vatsa, informed the pilgrims before their departure that Nigeria is at the moment, economically, politically and socially sick and asked for their intercession on behalf of the

country while in the holy land .

According to him, “You are not going there for sight-seeing; all the theories to revamp the economy have failed, but the spiritual theory will not fail us. That is why you are going there to pray for God’s intervention, especially this time that the country is going through a lot of challenges.”

Also, Chairman of the Niger State Pilgrims Board Commission, Hon. Justice Ndatsu Ndajuwo, charged intending pilgrims to remain good ambassadors and shun any unpatriotic act like absconding to other lands.

“You are going there to pray for the state and the country. To abscond is not the charter establishing pilgrimage. Follow and obey the laws of the land,” he advised.

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HE National President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, will finish his tenure this year, just as CAN will celebrate its 40th anniversary. Not much has been heard about the election or the anniversary. What is going on?

Activities are ongoing regarding the election. To state the fact, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has not in any way indicated any interest in elongating his tenure in office.

So, don’t let anybody confuse us. What is important is for us to move forward into the future and place round pegs in round holes. Don’t let me pre-empt what will take place at the national level, but for the South West, we will make a big deal out of it. We will thank God for how far we have gone in the spread of the gospel. We have cause to glorify God for taking us from where we started to where we are now.

3 April, 2016

We must support Buhari with prayers —Atilade

Archbishop Magnus Atilade, who has served as the first vice-president of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC); member, Christian Elders Forum; Chairman, OAIC South-West, and is the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) South West zone, in this interaction with RITA OKONOBOH, defends his unrelenting support for the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, why he thinks a woman president is in Nigeria’s interest and the achievement of the OAIC. Excerpts:

I still stand on it that Nigeria will have a fighting chance if a woman leads. We have tried men. Let’s try women. Things would be better

You openly supported President Muhammadu Buhari for the 2015 election, and even went as far as organising a 25,000-man prayer march for him. With the situation of things in the country, would you say he has performed?

President Buhari needs our prayers. He is an answer, maybe not yet complete but he is marching towards completion. A major part of our problem is corruption and he is facing it. He cannot do everything at the same time. There is a saying that if two/three trees fall on one other at the same time, we remove the one on top first, and gradually like that until the entire thing is cleared. With corruption pervading all strata of society, it is a situation that needs urgent attention. We need to be patient with Buhari and give him time. We also need to assist him with prayers. The situation had been muddled up before he came in and we should not forget he is just a man. Nobody has the instant answer to our problems. It has to be done gradually.

It is said that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. He wears the crown and we must support him with our prayers so that he can find solution to our nation’s problems.

Twenty years ago, you stated that a woman president would rule Nigeria. Do you still stand on that?

I stand on that 100 per cent. Many men are dubious, liars, cheaters. In Proverbs 6: 16-19, there are seven sins the Lord does not like and we are guilty of all of them.

Everything that the Lord hates is what we are practising. Women are still redeemable. I’m not saying they are 100 per cent better. I am from a family of three boys

Sunday Tribune

that Nigeria will have a fighting chance if a woman leads. We have tried men. Let’s try women. Things would be better.

As the chairman of OAIC for South West zone for five years, what are some of the achievements of the organisation?

In the past years, general meetings have not been held regularly. There was no bank account and programmes were not held regularly as well. However, we now have programmes of evangelism. All the states went a-fishing last week. We now have crusades in all states of the South West. By the grace of God, we are doing very well.

and three girls and I have a wonderful relationship with the women in my family.

Women in our present country are not as bad as our men. At least, they still have fear of God to some extent. For the reasons that some men commit some sins, women cannot do such. Some of the reports I

have read have alleged that certain houses in Abuja are rented for women. The sins of fornication and adultery are some of the reasons men steal. So, if we can have women in leadership positions, the fear of God will prevent them from committing such sins as men do. So, I still stand on it

What does the future hold for OAIC? We would work to implement the prayer of Jesus Christ which states that “That they all may be one.” We are also working on functional unity, not organic unity. It’s not about asking one person to leave his church for mine. The important thing is to win souls for Christ. We are working seriously on evangelism.

‘We’ll refund your tithe 100%...in 90 days’ Continued from pg41

“We believe that and we believe that to the point that we are challenging you to take our 90-day tithe challenge and in 90 days, if you don’t feel like God has blessed you, if you don’t feel like God has done what his word has said, if you believe God’s a liar, here’s what we’ll do. We’ll refund every dime you gave during that 90 day period,” he ended in the clip.

In a video posted in the church’s website, NewSpring member Roshanda Fuller testified that she took the challenge and gave what she thought was her last $11 without even thinking about how she would buy gas, and discovered small amounts of cash in places she didn’t realise she had money.

You cannot outgive God. And the very first way we put God first in the area of our finances is the tithe – 10 percent of our gross income. We believe that what the Bible says in Malachi chapter 3:10 is true. If we will put God first with the tithe, He will bless us “Everybody has a problem with money and I say ‘well, I’ll trust You.’ It’s hard but ‘I’ll trust You. This past Sunday I put my last $11 in the collection plate. And I was like ‘ooh, I forgot about gas. How am I gonna get gas? But I found it in my wallet.

It worked. It was wrapped up in receipts I didn’t even know I had,” she explained with a bit of excitement.

Her blessings didn’t end with just finding $11, however.

“Everyone thinks it’s a financial change

that He’s going to bless you with but it might not be monetary. I didn’t imagine how it would change me. A promotion at my job, being recognised for the work I’ve done for patients at work. I just don’t worry about finances anymore. I just give to Him and say You’ll provide and I’ll never fail. He always does (provide),” she said.

Tithing challenges are not unique to churches, with some in Nigeria challenging members to trust God for amazing miracles and wonderful testimonies. In Nigeria, although in many Pentecostal churches tithing is compulsory, Orthodox churches are gradually following this example, making tithing a necessity and many Christians have testified to the miracles received after paying tithes. However, offering a guarantee of refund is not common.

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Sunday Tribune

President of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo (middle); Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (fifth left), during a visit by Bishop Okonkwo to the governor, in Asaba, Delta State, recently.

Okowa advocates partnership between state and church ...as Bishop Okonkwo storms Asaba for mentorship training EbenezerAdurokiya-Warri

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HE need for the state and the church to synergise for the total good of man and development of society has been reiterated.

Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, made this call last week, when he received the President, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop (Dr) Mike Okonkwo and his team during a courtesy visit to Asaba.

Okowa said that the church should partner with the government to ensure the development of the people through enlightenment on government’s policies and programmes.

According to him, “The church and government are partners in progress; any government that seeks to succeed must have some partnership with the church: it is the best place to mould the character of the people.

Our society is faced with various vices, and the church has a major role to play in curbing these vices and pray harder for our nation.”

Okowa added that “the church should be an advocate of government to have a stable society; it should be able to communicate to our people and explain to them what government is

doing.”

He charged the body of Christ to impact on the lives of the underprivileged in society, especially those in the rural setting.

“The church should rise

up to meet the needs of the underprivileged in our society through assistance to their poor members. It should create programmes that will allow rich members impact on the lives

of the poor members,” the governor averred.

The governor, who commended the mentoring programme of the church, said the same should be reflected in the public ser-

vice.

Meanwhile, Bishop Okonkwo has said that his team was in Asaba to carry out a mentoring programme for young ministers of the gospel in order

to impact on them how to preach the Gospel, adding that his church would continue to pray for the success of the governor and his cabinet.

Holy See urges recognition of women’s role in peace-building The Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York has paid “special homage” to “women who have had profound and lasting effects on the lives of millions of people and on the development of nations through their selfless and long-term work in education, healthcare and values formation among the young.”

In a statement presented to the Security Council Open Debate on Women, peace and security last week, and made available on Vatican Radio, Archbishop Bernardito Auza addressed the issue of “the role of women in conflict prevention and resolution in Africa,” saying that

women, “even in the most difficult circumstances, distinguish themselves for their bravery, constancy and dedication.

“Women and girls who have become victims of rape and other forms of violence during conflicts find security and understanding in the institutions run by these women, more often than not by women religious.”

The Vatican diplomat recalled with “gratitude and sorrow” the sacrifice of four Missionary Sisters of Charity, Sister Anselm from India, Sister Marguerite and Sister Reginette from Rwanda, and Sister Judit from Kenya, “who were massacred by cowardly

Pope Francis fundamentalists on March 4 in Aden, Yemen.

“They devoted their lives

for poor and elderly women, a dozen of whom were also killed with them, while

some sources claim that the terrorists who kidnapped the Indian priest Father Tom from the same institution crucified him on Good Friday.”

Archbishop Auza praised efforts by the U.N. and governments to “raise awareness and arrive at a fuller recognition of the vital role of women” in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

The Vatican diplomat said women have a “special gift in educating people to be more receptive and sensitive of the needs of others around them and beyond” and that their contribution in this area “is crucial in conflict resolution and in fostering post-conflict reconciliation.”

‘Fear of God necessary for fight against corruption’ UNLESS people in leadership positions across the country have the fear of God in their daily endeavours, the move to stem the tide of corruption would never be achieved.

The Senior Pastor of Jesus Discipleship Ministry, Challenge, Ibadan, Oyo State, made the submis-

sion during the family love feast and official presentation of marriage literature as part of the activities marking the 2016 Easter festivities.

He admonished Nigerians, most especially people in positions of authority to return to God, adding that no positive change can ever

occur in the country unless Nigerians have a rethink.

“The change the country needs today is the change that must commence from individuals, home, church and end with the larger society. If Nigerians still put their hope on the president alone, the expected change may be a mirage,” he said.

He lamented that if religious organisations in the country have a grip of the people in leadership positions, corruption and other social problems might have not reached an alarming rate as it is now.

While saying that the main focus of Easter is the redemption of the human

race, he urged Christian faithful to continue to follow the principles of Jesus Christ, who shed His blood on the cross for the survival of mankind.

He, however, said that the love feast was heldto address the alarming rate of divorce in Christian marriages.

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When WOCOM stormed Liberia for Total Recovery crusades

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ETWEEN January 28 and February 28, 2016, Liberia received a mighty visitation of God through the month-long crusades held across the country in five major cities of Buchanan, Ganta, Gbarnga, Kakata and Monrovia by Word Communication Ministries led by Apostle Sunday Popoola. It was a culmination of a leading by God to go to Liberia for a prophetic payer and action which he undertook in 2013. This sparked up a strategic move of God for the recovery of the nation.

Liberia was Africa’s first independent nation and 1847, the date of her independence was dedicated to God. Liberia’s former President Tubman was a Methodist Pastor whom God used greatly in aiding many African nations to gain their independence in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

His successor led the nation into fraternities in rejection of her godly heritage. This was the beginning of her fall. The nation has suffered so many setbacks that have left her one of the poorest and most backward nations of Africa.

The civil war paralysed the nation and when the Ebola plague hit, it claimed a sixth of the population of about four million people.

Many people were afraid for Apostle Popoola and his team and dissuaded them from going in fear that Ebola might still be a threat.

Satanic opposition rose against the crusade, the crusade equipment were stolen through two different robbery attacks. They also escaped accidents that could have claimed lives. God was however faithful as everybody in the 25-man team

was safe in the end.

The nation was led in repentance and strong intercession in the five cities, the gospel was preached with power, and God gave miracles in confirmation. Since the spiritual antedates the natural, the spiritual atmosphere for Liberia to take her place as a leading and model African nation was created. The authority in the nation monitored the crusade from beginning to the end. A soldier came to our host a day to the Monrovia crusade to say that they have monitored us from the beginning and that Apostle Popoola should be warned that in Monrovia he must not talk about Fraternities and corruption. He threatened that if he did there would be consequence and the crusade will not conclude. A fearless preacher, those were the exact issues Apostle Popoola fiercely preached about because it was obvious that these were roots of the nation’s problem.

Buchanan Crusade January 28-31, 2016 The crusade kicked off from the city of Buchanan, a coastal town and the first place the released slaves from America who later became the founding fathers of Liberia settled. Apostle Sunday Popoola led the people to pray the prayer of repentance for the atrocities that have been committed in the land. He declared an end to occult and fraternity, injustice and bad governance and also prayed for God’s visitation. Many Souls gave their lives to Jesus.

Ganta Crusade 4-7 February, 2016 GANTA, located in the northern part of the country is a border town between Liberia and Guinea

as well as the second largest city in the country. The Crusade was attended by no fewer than 2,500 people who trooped out to partake of the blessing of the Crusade. Well over 1,000 people responded to the altar call made by Apostle Sunday Popoola at every night of the Crusade.

Notable miracles were also recorded.

These ranged from salvation, healing and deliverance. One of them was a dumb girl whom God restored her speech, many deaf ears were also opened, among other miracles. Many people continued to share testimonies even after the crusade.

Gbarnga Crusade February 15- 18, 2016 The city of Gbarnga is noted as the headquarters of wickedness, where a lot of atrocities such as kidnapping, ritual killings were committed. The 3-day crusade held on the County Office complex ground and it drew many people from all works of life in the town.

The County Office became important to the deliverance of the land of GBARNGA and the nation of LIBERIA especially with the wide spread story of a one-time Superintendent (equivalent of a governor) of the County who was framed up as being a mastermind of a plan to overthrow the government at the centre.

He was arrested, jailed humiliated physically and openly in front of the office he occupied as a superintendent. He was quoted as placing a very strong curse upon the nation, the County and any occupier of the office of the superintendent, that “they will always be disgraced out of office and that the county will know no advancement.” This

curse continued to have effect on the County as subsequent superintendents have always been disgraced out of office, with the incumbent presently on suspension over very trivial allegation.

Apostle Sunday Popoola immediately swung into action by first and foremost leading the people in the prayer of repentance for their rebellion and all occultism and ritualistic practices, anointed the land and then prayed prayers of deliverance for the people and the land.

He openly informed all the powers that have held sway on the city and the nation that there is a significant change in the spiritual atmosphere of the nation and that County, that when they make their consultations in their shrines, there won’t be any response whatsoever. There was also a Ministers and workers Conference in which the main focus was encouraging the people to take their place on the Seven mountains of Social impact.

KAKATA CRUSADE FEBRUARY 19 -21, 2016 At KAKATA Apostle Popoola who preached on the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem declared that God has personally decided to beautify the lives of the people of Liberia and Liberia as a Nation, adding that it is practically impossible for the devil and his cohort to truncate or hamper this beautiful plan of God for his people and the land. Apostle Sunday Popoola also prayed for the deliverance of the people and the land. Many people testified to the deliverances and healings they experienced. Many people also gave their lives to Christ during the

Crusade. There was confirmation among the people that the crusade is actually a fulfilment of a prophecy of God through another Nigerian preacher, Pastor Tunde Bakare about 10 years ago, that in the next ten years, “the nation of Liberia will receive a divine visitation of God that will usher the nation to a new level and cause the nation to occupy her rightful position in the nations of Africa and the world at large.”

MONROVIA CRUSADE FEBRUARY 24 – 28, 2016 The grand finale held in MONROVIA at the popular Samuel Kenyon Doe stadium also known as SKD STADIUM. Apostle Popoola traced the history of rebellion in the land to the way the name of the capital city was changed to what it is today (MONROVIA), how their founding father broke ties with the nation of Israel just because of personal gains.

Apostle Sunday Popoola then led the people in prayer of repentance on behalf of the founding fathers, anointed the land to break all the forces of darkness that have hitherto taken charge of the nation. He ensured the nation is thoroughly delivered by calling people from the 15 different Counties that made up the nation to stand in for the deliverance of the land, prayed for them and anointed them. The people were asked to get a white piece of cloth, write JESUS in the middle and after he has prayed on it, go around the whole Country and hang it in conspicuous places to symbolize the ‘banner of Jesus Christ’ in the whole nation of Liberia.

livingword

dawnofanewera with Most Revd J.O. Akinfenwa Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese

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

...But the labourers are few

Understanding the wonders of kingdom stewardship!

Continued from last week MAY the Lord deliver His church from lukewarmness and inertia.

Lukewarmnessrefers to our bad habit of not showing appreciable enthusiasm, excitement, seriousness or conviction about our faith and the preaching of it to others. Inertia refers to our unwillingness to act or to move so that the Gospel message can advance with us. I pray again, may God deliver us from lukewarmness and inertia, in Jesus’ name.

It is that inertia that the Lord usually deals with when he creates circumstances that compels His servants to move. When the apostles and the early disciples developed inertia in Jerusalem (Acts chapters 6 to 8), something had to happen to scatter them into other places as our Lord had commanded in Acts 1: 8; Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

May we not wait for persecution before we do the will of the Lord. That is why we should always do the work of evangelism. We must always be on the move as the Holy Spirit directs. In his time on earth, our Lord did not allow success to make him overstay his divine timing in any place. Once his work was done, he moved on.

Mark 1:38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

WISDOM is knowing the right thing to do from God’s Word and doing it. It is knowing the right way to go and going there. Also, it is knowing the right step to take, and taking it.

As it is written: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock (Matthew 7:24-27; see also Proverbs 3:35; Daniel 12:3).

In other words, Word practice is what makes wise, not intellectual prowess; and one of God’s ordained wisdom platforms for our rising is Kingdom stewardship. This is because Kingdom stewardship is what puts us in command of all things that make for life and godliness. As it is written: But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33; see also Exodus 23:25-26; 2 Peter 1:3).

That is what makes Kingdom stewardship the most profitability venture in the world. It is, therefore, wisdom to subscribe fully to its demands in order to reap the benefits therein.

What is Kingdom stewardship?

Kingdom stewardship is serving the interest of God’s Kingdom in all its ramifications.

It is not theoretical, but a demonstrable commitment to the growth, expansion and enlargement of the Kingdom of God. Kingdom stewardship can be categorized into practical

In fact, there was a time that in a particular place, the people actually wanted to make Jesus king. He quickly escaped! John 6:14-15: John 6:14-15 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Our Lord kept evangelizing; and we must too. We must keep fulfilling our divine mandate. We must not allow lukewarmness or inertia in our lives. Apostle Paul says: 2 Timothy 4:1-2 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

May the grace of God so overwhelm usthat we become preachers of the Gospel by instinct.

Jeremiah said: Jeremiah 20:9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any.

More in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

May the word of God set us on fire for the Lord. May we become habitual and instinctive preachers of the Gospel. And may the Lord grant us plentiful harvest of souls as we go to reap for Him in His field that is ripe for harvest. Amen.

and spiritual stewardship. Practical stewardship involves the tireless investment of time, energy and resources towards the advancement of God’s Kingdom. On the other hand, spiritual stewardship entails soul-winning, prayers, intercession for salvation of souls, and establishment of new converts in the faith, resulting in church growth. However, though the Bible says: “In all labour there is profit” , it is important to note that spiritual stewardship, which involves soul-winning, stands out as the most profitable of all Kingdom advancement endeavours (Proverbs 14:23).

Jesus speaking to His disciples said: Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you (John 15:16; see also Daniel 12:3; Matthew 6:33). Every Kingdom stewardship endeavour has rewards attached to it, but none can be compared with the rewards of soul-winning. However, before you can engage in soul-winning successfully, you must first be born again. Are you born again?

If you are not, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

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Word Communication Ministries’ Total Recovery Crusade in Liberia

Apostle Sunday Popoola, his wife Omowumi, with the Liberia Total Recovery Crusade team during their visit to the Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia.

A deaf receiving his healing in Liberia during the crusade. He promised to tell the whole world of his miracle.

Ministers conference in Buchanan.

New converts in Gbarnga listening to Apostle Popoola.

New converts, responding to altar call by Apostle Sunday Popoola, at Buchanan.

Apostle Popoola addressing new converts in Monrovia.

Kakata crusade also recorded huge turnout.

Apostle Popoola with other ministers breaking frontiers and anointing the land.

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Sunday Tribune

Mimiko’s magic wand and the Ondo NURTW transformation

From left, Comrade Bose Daramola; Honourable Joseph Akinlaja; president, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Nasjeem Yasin; Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; NURTW state chairman, Ariyo Adetula; deputy governor, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo; Commissioner of Police, Hilda Harrison, at the inauguration of new NURTW exco, in Akure.

By Femi Adepoju

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HE evident peace and cohesion that characterised the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)’s 8th Quadrennial Delegates Conference at The Dome Event Centre in Akure, where members of the new executive of the Ondo State chapter of the body were sworn in last Wednesday, are confirmation of the transformation that has become the lot of the union in the state under the supervision of Dr Olusegun Mimiko.

Debo Oyetayo, a member of the union from Ondo unit submitted during proceedings at the event that in time past, electing new leadership for members, was the appropriate time for rival groups to show their capacity for blood spilling, wondering, however, how Governor Mimiko was able to tame members of the union and ensure that peace has become a feature and part of the union since he assumed office.

In apparent appreciation of this development, Governor Mimiko, at the conference, thanked members of the road union workers for allowing peace to reign supreme among them, saying he was particularly delighted to associate with the union as members have realised the fact that a re-orientation away from the ugly past to decent behaviours, devoid of violence should be the guiding principle of their operations.

He said the body must be so recognised and accorded the desired attention and honour as hooliganism, breakdown of law and order, rancour amongst the various groups of NURTW has become things of the past. He used the occasion to congratulate members,”for complementing the efforts of our administration in engendering an orderly and peaceful society in which our people can go about their normal businesses without fear of molestation.”

Governor Mimiko could not hide his joy for the transformation of the union occasioned by efforts of his government as he declared that a look at his government’s policies since assumption of office would reveal the fact that members of the union have not been left out of the benevolence of his administration as their lives have been touched through direct and indirect government empowerment.

“You will recall that 150 buses and 200 mini cabs were presented to your members as part of our strategic efforts at making life much more bearable for our people par-

ticularly in the transport sector.

“We did not only guarantee the loans for the purchases, they were heavily subsidised to make them affordable to the operators and by implication, bring down transport costs and their attendant effect on prices of goods and services.

“In furtherance of our vision and mission towards the total transformation of the transport sector, we have recorded giant strides in ensuring that the operational environment of the NURTW meets international standards and best practices. Consequently, in 2011, the Ultra Modern Motor Park located along Ondo Road, Akure first of its kind in this part of the country was constructed and commissioned for the use of your members as well as commuters who have since been travelling under a much more conducive atmosphere,” he said.

Governor Mimiko said the government have also embarked on massive road construction, dualisation and rehabilitation across the state, even as he appealed to the Federal Government to take necessary steps for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of federal roads in the state.

“The expectation out of our efforts mentioned so far is to see that lives are supported and to remove people from below the poverty line. I am therefore, happy to inform you, that these activities have crystallised into the transformation of this critical sector for the benefits of all and sundry,” he added.

Coincidentally, President of the State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Bosede Daramola had earlier showered encomiums on Governor Mimiko

…Hooliganism, breakdown of law and order, rancour and acrimony amongst the various groups of NURTW have become things of the past

for empowering members of the road union workers and praised him for creating the enabling environment for Labour unions to thrive in the state.

The NLC boss, who specially recognised Governor Mimiko at the function, said he deserved every accolade for his support and the peace being experienced by labour unions in the state.

She said the recognition of the governor’s support became imperative because according to her, “labour unions are not allowed to operate in Edo state where our own is governor.”

While speaking at the event, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Hilda Harrison challenged the road union workers to maintain the noticeable peace in the state in general and their union in particular as it was their reigning peace that allowed for the union to record achievements it has been able to record so far.

Congratulating the new state President of the union, Hon Adetula Ariyo, the police boss urged the road union workers to be law abiding and ensure that peace in the state is sustained.

At the conference which showcases a 30-minute documentary on the operation of the state’s Road Accident Emergency Service initiative of the government, credit was given to the Caretaker Committee chairman, Comrade Folajimi Akinnifesi for his ability to hold the union for the 4 months and 2 weeks he held fort before handing over to the new executive, even as Governor Mimiko urged the new leadership and members not to allow any selfish politician masquerading as leaders to call them out to violence under any guise.

“I wish to advise the new EXCO to continually mobilise its members to come to terms with their responsibilities.

The relative peace and calmness presently being enjoyed must be sustained. As we approach the 2016 local government and governorship elections, let me implore you to continue to be agents of good conduct and civility. You should not allow selfish politician masquerading as leaders to call you out to violence under any guise,” he said.

Dignitaries at the event include the NURTW National President, Alhaji Ismail Yassin, with members of his Executive, members of the Ondo State executive council, traditional rulers and representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corp and Ministry of Labour, among others.

• Adepoju is with the Ministry of Information, Ondo State.

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3 April, 2016

children’sarena B

ODY structure The jaguar is stockier and more muscular than the leopard, with a compact body, a broader head and powerful jaws.

The jaguar’s tail is also generally shorter than the leopard’s tail.

k ild ee Ch e w th of

Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 0807 449 7425

Do you know the difference between a Jaguar and a Leopard?

Fur pattern Though jaguars and leopards both have coats that feature rosette patterns, a jaguar’s rosettes have spots inside them.

Both jaguars and leopards can have either golden colored fur or appear black, which is called melanistic.

Leopard

Body size The leopard is considered the smallest of the four “big cats.” The other three are the tiger, lion, and jaguar.

Goodness Boluwatife Akinbode clocked Happy birthday.

5

Behaviou

Jaguar r Jaguars and leopards can both swim very well.

Words from the kids

What I like most about my school Rosegate Nursery and Primary School, Bodija Ibadan, Oyo State.

Popoola Fiyinfoluwa, 9 years, Basic 4 I like my school because it is big, fine and wonderful. Our teachers teach us very well with love and care. My school is decorated with flowers of various kinds, swings to play with and a play ground. I also like the fact that my school makes it a point of duty for us to be comfortable in our class room by avoiding overcrowding of students in our classes, we have 14 classes and 18 teachers in all.

Akintola Toluwalase, 9 years, Basic 4 What I like most about my school is the extracurricular activities which the school engages in. We have so many groups where we always think of how to build and promote our school. There is no room for laziness in my school because we are leaders and we also have God-fearing teachers at our disposal.

Anjola Oginni, 9 years, Basic 5 What I like most about my school is the various activities we have such as Press Clubs, Jet Club and so on. My school is always neat and clean. I also like parties that my school always organises for us such as Christmas parties, Independence day parties and the rest. We learn so much from the activities of our clubs because the aim of the clubs is to give us exposure.

Akinboye, Joshua, 9 years, Basic 5 What I like most about my school is the extra curricular activities we engage in. We have participated in Ibadan International Schools competition, Spelling Bee in which my school did very great. We are taught how to be diligent, punctual, obedient and brilliant in our academics.

Teniola Byron, 9 years, Basic 5 My school is a well educated school; the proprietor, administrator, teachers are well educated. My school takes us on excursions every month and we also engage in sporting activities are all divided into different clubs. Our teachers are the best who are always doing their best to widen our horizons. I love my school because it teaches me so many things I did not know.

Sunday Tribune

Though jaguars love to spend time in the water, leopards will avoid it.

Jaguars are braver than leopards when it comes to facing off with another species that’s bigger.

Leopards tend to shy away at the sight of a bigger animal like a lion or hyena while jaguars will boldly stand their ground or even attack anaconda or large caimans in their native habitats.

Habitat range In the wild, jaguars and leopards inhabit totally different continents.

The jaguar once roamed from Argentina in South America all the way up to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Today, jaguars have been almost completely eliminated from the US and are endangered throughout their range, stretching down to Patagonia in South America.

BRIEF HISTORY

Water heater

ELECTRIC water heater was invented around 1850 with an experiment that was created in which both water and bath, on the underneath side, were heated by gas jets. An Englishman Benjamin Maughan, however in 1868 invented the first instant water heater called “The Geyser”, a device where the water was heated as it flowed into the bath. They were known to be quite dangerous.

Maughn’s invention influenced the designs of a Norwegian mechanical engineer by the name of Edwin Ruud, who immigrated to Pittsburg. Ruud who invented the electric water heater (automatic

storage) in 1889, founded the Ruud Manufacturing Company, which is still in operation today, and pioneered the advancement of water heaters, in both the residential and commercial market.

The water heater is still sometimes referred to as a geyser in the UK. Other terms include: an electric water boiler, electric dispensing pot, or electric water urn.

There are various kinds of water heaters. The most common water heaters are the storage water heaters.

Instantaneous (tankless) water heaters are newer on the market, and newer still, solar water heaters.

PROVERB

As you make your bed, so you must lie in it.

Be prepared to face the consequences of your wrong actions.

To fulfil his dreams, he had left his parents alone in their old age. Now his won son wants to go abroad with his wife and settle there. He has made his bed, now he must lie in it.

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FG set to revive moribund Olokola liquid natural gas

F

EDERAL Government is set to revive the 12 year-old proposed moribund Olokola Liquid Natural Gas, (OKLNG), project which is a brainchild of Ondo and Ogun states.

The plan towards this was flagged off on Wednesday with a stakeholders and panel review meeting on the environmental, social and health assessment of works and preparation for the project, held in Abeokuta,

Ogun State.

The panel chairman, Engineer Anthony Ojesina hinted that OKNLG would be revived by the Federal Government, just as he commended President Muhammed Buhari for showing commitment and seriousness towards the project.

“I want to commend NNPC, OKLNG and President Muhammadu Buhari for re-awakening this sleeping giant, OKLNG”, he said.

“I call it a sleeping gi-

ant because of its enormity and potential to become one of the largest foreign exchange earners for Nigeria, particularly at this stage of economic meltdown and temporary strangulation occasioned by the significant drop in the price of crude oil globally.”

Ojeshina, while speaking on the need for Nigerians to be excited over the project’s revival, expressed optimism on the positive economic and social impacts that it would

offer,’ such as commerce, employment generation, infrastructural development and foreign exchange earnings.

The Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, in her welcome address noted that the proposed project belongs to the infrastructural sector of the economy and by extension Oil and Gas, saying that the attendant environmental, social and health implications and effects are evident and quite glaring.

Sunday Tribune

Police recruitment: 24 hrs after, websites still down Chris Agbambu-Abuja

THE two websites designated to take applications from police recruits remain inactive more than 24 hours after they went down.

Huge traffic had downed www.psc.gov.ng and www.npf. gov.ng,the two websites, at the commencement of the recruitment process, on Friday, after only about 8,000 were said to have successfully submitted their application details.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) had invited applications from those interested in joining the Nigeria Police Force in its drive to add 10, 000 new men and women to the Force.

PSC, on Saturday, acknowledged the difficulties being experienced by applicants logging in to their website to fill in the forms for the recruitment.

An inside source at the commission disclosed to Sunday Tribune that they have received several phone calls regarding the problem.

The source said that the commission was working hard to expand the base so that applicants could easily assess the website.

According to the source, as of 12 midnight when the portal opened, about 4,000 applicants had logged in and by 6 a.m. on Friday, about 8000 had submitted their applications.

The commission assured the applicants that all the difficulties being experienced would be rectified in a few hours.

Ogun: Two die in multiple accidents Olayinka Olukoya-Abeokuta

From left, Vice-Chancellor, Augustine University, Ilara-Epe; His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos, visitor to the university, Most Reverend Alfred Adewale Martins and Executive Secretary, Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Julius Okojie, at the maiden matriculation ceremony of Augustine University held on Friday.

Osinbajo, Remi Tinubu extol Braithwaite’s virtues Bola Badmus-Lagos

VICE PRESIDENT, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) on Saturday remarked that Nigeria will always miss human right activist and elder statesman, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, who passed on last Monday in Lagos at age 82 for his interventions in all the political and social life until his death.

Osinbajo said this while speaking with journalists shortly after paying a condolence visit to the deceased’s wife, Grace, and the children left behind by Braithwaite.

“We will always miss him for all his interventions in all the political and social life until his death,” the vice president said, adding that the late elder statesman always stood for rights, justice and was consistently doing that all through his life.

Prof. Osinbajo, while describing Dr. Braithwaite as a good scholar, said, “I am sure many would remember his jurispundence pursuit on incredible issues and law, especially, natural laws.”

“Dr. Tunji Braithwaite stood for all right causes for so many years and a

good scholar too and I am sure many would remember his jurispundence pursuit on incredible issues and law, especially, natural laws. I think he stood for all the great causes,” Osinbajo said.

Also, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said Nigeria will miss Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, describing him as one of

the fearless critics that Nigeria needed to move forward.

Senator Tinubu, said this on Saturday, while speaking with newsmen shortly after paying a condolence visit to the deceased’s family residence at Victoria Island, Lagos State.

The lawmaker, further described the late political ac-

tivist and one of the nation’s foremost lawyers as “one of the greats of our time.”

According to Senator Tinubu, Dr. Braithwaite, while alive, was one of the great men and fearless critics who are not afraid to speak their minds and also speak for the people without minding the consequence.

Student union govt not needed in private varsity —NUC sor Okojie traced the hisBy Paul Omorogbe

EXECUTIVE Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Julius Okojie has said students’ union governments are not needed in private universities where the vice-chancellors maintains an open door for students to air their grievances.

He said this while delivering a keynote address at the maiden matriculation ceremony of Augustine University (AUI), the Catholic University of Lagos Archdiocese, at Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, on Friday.

In the address he captioned Standing on a very strong tradition,’ Profes-

tory of catholic university education beginning from papal institutions in 1254, and advised the faculty and students of AUI to continue the tradition of hard work and excellence in all aspects.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stephen Afolami, in his speech at the ceremony, pointed out that 54 out of over 780 initial applicants were matriculated into seven out of 13 programmes approved for the university which include Banking and Finance, Computer Science, Economics, among others.

According to the VC, “Augustine University was officially licensed on March 5, 2015 by the Federal Gov-

ernment and was officially inaugurated by the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos on October 23, 2015.”

Most Rev (Dr) Alfred Adewale Martins, Visitor to the university and proprietor, said AUI would “epitomise the noble tradition of catholic higher education in achieving intellectual, cultural and moral excellence by preparing students for leadership and enterprise.”

The event was attended by dignitaries from the host community, catholic community, academics from private and federal institutions, as well as parents and well-wishers of the matriculating students who have since began academic work.

TWO people died in a multiple accident that occurred along Abeokuta-Siun-Sagamu expressway on Saturday afternoon.

The accident which happened at in front of the Police College of Information and Communication Technology at about 3.45 p.m,involved a Toyota Sienna marked APC 929 HU, a taxi car painted in Ogun State colour with registration number OGUN ABG 810 XA,a Nissan Pathfinder Jeep with number plate LAGOS KJA 311 CW and an unregistered Toyota Corrolla car.

According to the Public Relations Officer of ?the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency(TRACE),Mr.Babatunde Akinbiyi, attributed the accuse of the accident to over speeding.

He said that the driver of the Sienna car who was travelling to Abeokuta skidded off of his lane and rammed into other vehicles on the other side of the highway.

The PRO said the two victims died on the spot, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crash.

He further said that a 3-day old baby girl was rescued alive while her father died instantly in the accident.

Agric, mining, alternatives for job creation, revenue generation —Fayemi Ademola Adegbite-Lafia

MINISTER of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has posited that agriculture and mining remained the alternatives for Federal government to create employment opportunities for Nigerian youths roaming the streets, as well as to generate revenue, due to dwindling income in the oil sector.

Dr. Fayemi, who further said that Nigeria could not remain oil dependent if her economy must grow in an integrated and robust manner, stated this while receiving the report of the Ministerial Committee on Roadmap for the Development of the Solid Minerals Sector in his office in Abuja.

He explained that President Muhammadu Buhari was determined to return the lost glory of the two sectors which was responsible for the economic growth of the country in the early 70s.

The minister pointed out that the government was already charting the path for sustainable growth in the sector with the involvement of representations from the spectrum of stakeholders within the sector.

Dr. Fayemi further added that the present administration was ready to embark on the journey for sustainable development for the Nigerian mining and metals sector, promising that the government would continue to engage all stakeholders to move the sector forward.

He, therefore, assured the committee to review the roadmap, and subject it to other stakeholder reviews, so as to ensure an airtight document that could withstand the test of time.

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Police uncover ritualists’ den in Ogun Olayinka Olukoya-Abeokuta

P

OLICEMEN attached to Sango Divisional Headquarters in Ogun State have uncovered another ritualists’ den in Iyana-Ilogbo axis of Sango-Ota area of Ogun State.

Sunday Tribune learnt from a reliable source that two middleaged men had been arrested by the Police in connection with the discovery.

It was gathered that the den was located at an abandoned filling station at Iyana-Ilogbo bus stop, along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, on Saturday morning, following a tip-

off by spirited members of the public.

An unconfirmed report had it that two victims in the custody of the ritualists escaped from the building and attempts by the ritualists to recapture them led to the discovery of the den.

A source, who did not want his name in print, told Sunday Tribune that a used fuel tank was allegedly used by the criminals to block the frontage of the building used in perpetrating their evil act.

Sources who gained entry into the building said an offensive smell pervaded the air and that several holes were filled with blood, while shoes, underwears and wigs were found inside the building.

Scores of residents of the area expressed shock about the development and urged security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous act are brought to justice.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state Command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident.

Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police told Sunday Tribune that the incident happened at about 7.00a.m., and that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Sango Division and men of the Anti-Robbery Squad, immediately swung into action having received the information.

He said one Babatunde Taofeek and one Hammed

Hassan were found at the scene with a lifeless body of a man suspected to have been killed by the criminals.

Items recovered from the scene included a cutlass, clothes, shoes and caps, saying that the suspects were at an abandoned filling station (Ayokunnu), Iyana-Ilogbo.

He said that efforts were on to arrest the owner of the abandoned filling station and that the suspects are under interrogation.

Adejobi added that the state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, has ordered that the case be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Command for further investigation.

Sunday Tribune

Ocholi’s associates laud Buhari, FG over burial Yinka Oladoyinbo-Lokoja FOLLOWERS and associates of the late Minister of State for Labour and Employment, James Ocholi, SAN, have commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the federal government for according the former minister a befitting burial.

A statement by the group under the auspices of the General Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation (GMBCO), signed by its state leader, Samuel Ocheja, noted that Ocholi was accorded an unprecedented burial in the history of Kogi state.

According to the group, which is the political group built around Ocholi, who was the state coordinator and leader, the burial had helped to send a strong message that the Buhari administration did not only demand the best from its officials, but was ready to give the best in return.

He said the approach of the federal government had shown that Ocholi served his fatherland with diligence, passion and commitment to have merited such a glorious burial ceremony.

The group, however, called on its members, the entire people of the state in particular and Nigerians in general to be motivated and remain faithful to the ideals of President Buhari in the best interest of the country.

Abduction: Enugu gov promises to rehabilitate abducted 14-year-old girl Jude Ossai-Enugu

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi (left), at the installation of the Babaloja of Iwoland, Chief Ashiru Alagbe Ogundokun, held at the palace of the Oluwo, at Iwo, Osun State. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

Fayose extends Ikere dualisation project, pays compensation EKITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has flagged off the further extension of the dualisation of Ado-Ikere Road in Ikere-Ekiti with a promise to extend the project into the town’s roundabout before leaving office.

The governor, who stated this in Ikere-Ekiti, said the extension being undertaken now would be completed before the year runs out.

In a statement on Friday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor also supervised the payment of compensation to people whose houses and structures were affected by the project.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor noted that it was unfortunate that where he left the project over 10 years ago during his first tenure was where he met it.

“We are embarking on projects like this because it is better to use state money for the development of the

state and her people. My mission is to make life easy for the people of the state and that is why we have to pay compensation before demolishing affected structures.

“We are bringing hope to the hopeless and doing the best for the development of our society. What we need is your support and coopera-

tion. Don’t allow disgruntled elements to come and cause trouble in our communities.” he said.

Fayose gave the assurance that the project would be completed in a matter of months and that his administration would extend the road deep inside the town.

The landlords, who were compensated, praised the

governor for his determination to provide social amenities for the people despite the prevailing economic challenges.

One of them, Hon. Aluko Abayomi, said, “This is great. We appreciate his love for the people and his determination to leave the state better than he met it.”

Troops didn’t block GOC over shortage of food, water —Nigerian Army Chris Agbambu-Abuja THE Nigerian Army, on Saturday, refuted the claims of a news story on the online page of one national daily, not Sunday Tribune, entitled: “Angry soldiers block, release GOC over food, water shortage,” at Alagarno forest in Borno State.

A press statement by the acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani

Kukasheka Usman, a copy of which was made available to Sunday Tribune in Abuja, said the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Brigadier General VO Ezugwu actually visited the troops and also supplied them water.

While urging the public to disregard the story and continue to support the troops in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency

in the country, the Nigerian Army said the GOC did not leave the troops as insinuated, but he was rather hailed for his passion and empathic disposition towards the soldiers.

According to the statement, “as a matter of fact, he actively participated in clearance operations along Bulablin-Alargano axis with the troops and was with them in their defensive location throughout.”

GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has promised to assist in rehabilitating the Enugu-born 14-year-old SSS2 student of Government Secondary School, Apo Resettlement, Abuja, Miss Ifesinachi Ani, who was abducted about six months ago and converted to Islam.

The girl who is the daughter of one Sunday Ani from AniChime family, Umunachi Ngene, Amaechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, was reported to have been taken to the Central Police Station, Uwani, Enugu by the abductors, after an alarm was raised in the media.

The development prompted Ugwuanyi to dispatch a delegation of top government functionaries, led by the state commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Princess Peace Nnaji, in company of her counterpart in the Ministry of Health, Dr Sam Ngwu; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs Felicia Ikpeama; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr Louis Amoke, among others, to pay a solidarity visit to the family on the reported abduction of their daughter, Ifesinachi.

Addressing members of the family, Governor Ugwanyi who spoke through his Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Princess Nnaji, told them that his administration was touched by the news of the unfortunate incident of the abduction of the 14-year-old girl, adding that he will do everything possible to ensure that the girl is fully rehabilitated and taken adequate care of in line with the government policy on Child Right Act.

Unpaid salaries: ASUU, SSANU, others blast Dickson Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa WORRIED over their unpaid three months salaries and the lack of concern shown towards their plight, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Niger Delta University (NDU) branch, have blasted Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State for being insensitive to the harsh conditions they have been subjected to.

Also, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the National Association of Technologists in the state-owned university, have joined in condemning Dickson for the myriad of challenges they are grappling with.

The university-based unions in a communiqué issued on Saturday and signed by Chairman, ASUU, Dr Stanley Ogoun; Chairman, SSANU, Wilcox Fakidouma; Chairman, NAAT, Ekipre Dienagha, and Chairman, NASU, Kenneth Akpofagha, said the non-payment of their salaries had made lives unbearable for them.

The groups, which said they supported the state government’s staff verification as a means of exterminating payroll fraud, however faulted its timing and therefore called on the Dickson-led government to immediately pay their three months’ salaries – January to March – on the basis of the Bank Verification Number they had earlier submitted, while the current verification exercise continued.

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Sunday Tribune

CCT trial: Why I’m supporting Saraki —PDP chieftain Biola Azeez - Ilorin

Professor Festus Adesanoye with his wife, Bamitale, during the thanksgiving service to celebrate his 70th birthday at the Shepherd Hill Baptist Church, Ibadan, recently.

No need for Buhari to visit Agatu, Boko Haram victims —Presidency Leon Usigbe - Abuja

T

HE Presidency has said that there was no need for President Muhammadu Buhari to visit Agatu, the Benue State community ravaged by marauding Fulani herdsmen which left hundreds of people dead.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said the president did not have to visit victims of the Boko Haram insurgency as was done by his predecessor in the past as such visits did not change anything.

Speaking in an interview with Osasu Igbinedion on “The Osasu Show,” he posited that Buhari had already made a statement on the Agatu massacre and should therefore not be expected to talk every time because “he is not a talkative.”

Adesina said: “A section of this country wants a talkative president and it doesn’t work that way.

When the Agatu thing happened, we issued a statement – a statement in which President Buhari said he would ask for briefings, and it would be looked into.”

He continued: “Some people kept saying Agatu, Agatu, he has not spoken, and I asked myself, what else would he say after the statement that had been issued?

“We are used to the style

of the last administration in which whenever anything happened, the president would go there. But do you know that before that last president left, that style had begun to backfire.

“They had begun to say, every day he would go there, he would go here.

What came out of it?”

He rejected suggestions that Buhari did not show enough empathy with victims of violence, saying: “It’s not true. It’s a perception, and those who have the perception, there’s nothing you would do that

APC afraid of Modu Sheriff —Lamido Adamu Amadu - Dutse THE immediate past governor of Jigawa State and one of the founding fathers of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has described the emergence of Ali Modu Sheriff as

interim national chairman of PDP as a sign of doom for the All Progressive Congress (APC), in Nigeria.

The ex-governor made the disclosure at his home town, Bamaina, on Saturday, in a chat with newsmen shortly after his first

Detectives intensify manhunt for ritualist pastor Jude Ossai - Enugu POLICE detectives in Enugu have intensified manhunt for the pastor who allegedly buried corpses under a church foundation at Ugwuaji, near Enugu, the state capital.

The police arrested two persons suspected to be killers of seven tricycle operators in Enugu metropolis, last week.

It will be recalled that in early February 2016, three tricycle operators were found dead on a piece of land at Ugwuaji near Enugu but their tricycles were not found till date.

will satisfy them.

“When anything happens and the presidency has spoken on it, anybody who wants to remain deaf to it, there is nothing that can be done.”

On the regular visits made by former President Goodluck Jonathan to such terror victims, Adesina said Buhari does not have to emulate his predecessor.

He added: “It doesn’t have to be that way. There are many ways to kill a snake. Going there to visit is not the only way.”

It was learnt that two weeks ago, the Northern Community in Enugu raised an alarm that another three of its members who were tricycle operators were missing. Also last week another tricycle operator named Sule Lado got missing again which led to uneasy calm within the community.

But hope of getting justice came alive following the arrest of the suspects.

Chief Imam of the Enugu Central mosque, Owerri Road, Alhaji Rukalmeni Saidi, was full of praises to God, and the state government, Commissioner of Police, Commander of the Anti

Kidnapping Base, the State Security Services (SSS), and all other security agencies in the state who helped in arresting the hoodlums.

He also thanked the Human rights community, stressing that the community was becoming worried over the disappearance of its members resulting in suspicion of hostility of the host community until the police arrested two of the murderers.

The suspects revealed how they used to charter commercial tricycles to lonely areas and kill them and thereafter take their tricycles to Anambra state for sale.

appearance at a public function, since he left office on May 29, 2015.

According to him, “the APC leaders are scared of former Borno State governor, Modu Sheriff as PDP national chairman. The APC is jittery because of Sherrif’s political sagacity.

“I am confident that the Sherrif leadership will bring back the lost glory of PDP and build the party into a strong and formidable force that would put an end to APC in Nigeria.”

Lamido accused some of the past leaders of the PDP like Bamanga Tukur for creating unnecessary confusion, nepotism, impunity and other unnecessary crises within the party which consequently led to the humiliation it suffered during the last general election.

“I am opstimistic that Sherrif is competent to help my party and would add value to it. That was what made some APC leaders to launch an attack on him,” he said.

THE Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Chief Rex Olawoye, has described his support for the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, in the ongoing trial by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), as a political gain for the people of the state.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin at the weekend, Chief Olawoye, who said he remained an active member of the PDP, added that politics should be made to benefit the people.

“Politics is a beneficial game when the benefits are overtly seen and an ideology when there is a need to be rigid.

“At the beginning of this episode on Saraki, he got the full support of all the PDP senators at the Red Chambers and by an extension the support of the party at the national level. That was what produced for us the post of the Deputy President of the Senate.

“Besides, whatever anyone would say, the state is at the driving seat today at the National Assembly and I see all these as derivable benefits from the occupation of the post of the office of the Senate President.

“Even though our political views no longer tally today, I remember how I risked my life for him when the going was rough against the then incumbent governor (late Mohammed Lawal). I will, therefore, not want the house we jointly built to collapse,” he said.

Bristow helicopters resumes flight operations Shola Adekola - Lagos BRISTOW Helicopters, Nigeria, has fully resumed flight operations with the promise to continue to keep its obligations to clients and employees.

The development followed the withdrawal of an earlier picketing of the airline premises by the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), over what it called workers’ condition of service.

For few hours on Thursday, the premise of the airline was picketed by NAAPE to protest the condition of service of members of the association currently employed by Bristow Helicopters, Nigeria.

The temporary action disrupted Bristow’s flight operations in Nigeria.

Bristow had been in dialogue with NAAPE over the past few months regarding this matter and a proposal was recently put to NAAPE for their consideration.

Equally, the Federal Ministry of Labour had intervened in the matter and advised the union to stop its action and maintain the status quo until a meeting scheduled for this month.

Burial rites for ex-IG, Adewusi, begins Tuesday A four-day programme of events has been mapped out for the final funeral rites of former Inspector General of Police and the Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland, Chief Sunday Adewusi.

The events will kick off on Tuesday at 11.00 a.m. with tributes and cultural day at the 1,500 -seater Lecture Theatre, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, by the Ogbomoso Community Foundation (OCF), a nonpolitical social organisation of which the deceased was the founding father.

On Wednesday, there will be a lying-in-state at his Ilorin, Kwara State residence between 2.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. followed by service of songs and night of tributes at Ilorin Township Stadium beginning from 4.00 pm.

According to a press statement signed by the publicity secretary of OCF, Alhaji Amusa Ladiran, commendation service will hold at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Sabo-Oke, Ilorin, Kwara State on Thursday between 10.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. followed by another lying-in-state and Christian wake-keep at the deceased’s ancestral residence, Adewusi House, LAUTECH area, Ilorin road, Ogbomoso between 2.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m.

The final funeral service will hold on Friday, April 8 at Beulah Baptist Conference ground, Ogbomoso at 10 a.m. followed by interment at his residence while guests will be entertained at Ogbomoso Recreation Club.

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THE

Fabio Lanipekun 08050498512 lanipekunfabio@yahoo.com

Chioma Ajunwa, the first Nigerian to win an Olympic gold.

Police Games to the rescue?

T

HE Nigeria Police have won laurel for Nigeria in the field of sports and the resuscitation of the Police Games recently in Abuja should bring smiles on the faces of sports inclined Nigerians. Just recall Nigeria’s gold medal performance in the Men’s 4x100 metre race at the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia, anchored by Ikpoto Eseme, or the 1996 Atlanta Olympic gold in women’s long jump by Chioma Ajunwa, not to forget policeman Sunday Bada becoming the world indoor champion in 400 metres men, the list is long.

There are many laudable legacies bequeathed to us by the colonial masters, and had we not bastardised some of them, we would be flying higher than now. Take sports for an example. All the structure

Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Olanrewaju Durodola, the reigning WBC Silver cruiserweight champion. He was one of the sportsmen honoured by President Muhammadu Buhari in January this year at the presidential sports reception in Abuja.

Sunday Tribune

erected by the British had been demolished and the most painful was the police force sports.

The British had identified the police as potential breeding ground for sports and as far back as 1946 sports had been introduced here. And when Nigeria became independent to join Olympic Movement, the country had been relying on its police personnel to represent them in regional, continental and global sports competitions.

The Nigeria Police had sports units all over the country, but the most prominent, quite naturally, were based in the then capital, Lagos. Even before infrastructure began to spring up in the country, the authorities had seen to the need to build a sports arena, and the first was at the Police grounds, Obalende, Lagos, where for several years, the all Nigeria athletics championships were held.

The Police Grounds Obalende became the “Mecca” of athletes, the country’s dignitaries converged there regularly to watch star athletes like policeman Thomas Obi, Joseph Adeola whom the President of the Federation, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe gave the nickname, the “Flying Policeman” because of his sputnik-like speed out of the starting block. When was the last time you saw or heard the President of the country at any athletics event? In the days of Dr Azikiwe his official residence at Onikan was a stone’s throw from the Police Grounds. Another police athlete, Sam Igun was equally popular and easily recongisable on the street with his constant hairstyle. Igun always went for the double, and after winning the gold medal in the high jump, he also doubled it with the triple jump, both at national sports event, and at the Commonwealth Games. At pre and post independence Nigeria, Police chose to embrace athletics and football and they did fairly well.

Thomas Obi was an indefatigable sprinter and in 400 metres men, Okeyandun, alias Okebadan was a dogged opponent. But it was in football that the Police enjoyed a sweet and sour relationship with the football crowd.

Lagos Police were vey combative and padded their team with their best from all over

the country, which got them to the final of the 1959 Challenge Cup, only to be beaten 1-0 by an Ibadan team led by Teslim Thunder Balogun. Three years later, there was no stopping Lagos Police, whose Captain, goalkeeper Emmanuel Omiunu was the first to captain the national team. On a lighter note, whenever the Po-

lice, usually called the Machine Team lost in Lagos, traffic offenders had a hectic day, but merry merry day if they won!

The Nigeria Police have always had the best opportunity of doing very well in sports like their counterparts in other countries’ security services do. The main reason why the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) were non pareil was in their admission policy. During the days of Isaac Akioye as Director of Physical Health, specially talented applicants were given priority and going into their selected disciplines was like going for master’s degree or Ph.D. If the Police Games are to provide opportunities to create a platform that will throw up potential world-class athletes the recruitment must reflect the realities of modern time. The Police should head hunt for potential at the school inter-house level and be prepared to offer incentives to retain budding star. One should however, remind readers that the Police Games, like all other human undertakings, have been subjected to one or two vicissitudes that had affected its growth. The Games had been going on smoothly every biennially until 1984 when the military government threw a spanner into the works.

Every arrangement had been made when the Chief of Staff at Dodan Barracks, Major General Tunde Idiagbon, on behalf of Major General Muhammadu Buhari, stopped the Games saying the Police were not set up to do sports, but to fight crime. The disruption adversely affected the growth of sports in Nigeria as the Police were unable to make effective contribution to national sports.

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase and his men should be congratulated on the successful revival of the Police Games but much more importantly, the police should produce athletes that will make Nigeria proud at international fora.

The late Sunday Bada during one of his numerous outings for Nigeria.

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Sunday Tribune

PHOTOS: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

BURIAL CEREMONY OF VENERABLE JOSEPH OLAWOLE OGUNBANWO, FATHER OF THE BISHOP OF IJEBU SOUTH WEST (ANGLICAN COMMUNION), RIGHT REVEREND DR BABATUNDE OGUNBANWO

Children of late Venerable Joseph Olawole Ogunbanwo, dancing with the deputy governor of Ogun State, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga (middle), during the burial ceremony of Venerabel Joseph Olawole Ogunbanwo, held at the Cathedral Church of St Paul, Odogbolu, Ogun State, on Friday.

Bishop of Ijebu South West (Anglican Communion), Right Reverend (Dr) Babatunde Ogunbanwo, his wife, Olatundun (middle), flank by clergy men. The Most Reverend Dr E. Adebola Ademowo (fifth left), Bishop Olusina Fape (second right) and other bishops during the ceremony.

Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu and Bishop Babatunde Ogunbanwo.

General Oladipo Diya (left) and Asiwaju S.K. Onafowokan, Asiwaju Remo.

Former Ogun State governor, Chief Gbenga Daniel and Bishop Babatunde Ogunbanwo.

Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Bode Kaseem.

Cross section of the children and grand children at the graveside.

Bishop Babatunde Ogunbanwo (middle) paying last respect to his father at the graveside.

Bishop Ogunbanwo, his wife, Olatundun (middle) in group photograph with royal fathers.

Chief Seun Kassim (left) and Olotu Omoba Michael Oyedele.

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sport

SUNDAY

Eagles AFCON debacle: Club owners appeal to stakeholders FOLLOWING the inability of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Football Club Owners Association of Nigeria has called on all stakeholders to rather concentrate on building a solid structure that would help the system as Nigeria prepares ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

In a statement by the Club Owners Association, jointly signed by the Chairman, Barrister Isaac Danladi and the Executive Secretary, Alloy Chukwuemeka, the body commended the high level of commitment exhibited by the players in the last two matches against the Pharaohs of Egypt, despite the outcome of the matches.

It identified the incessant change in the coaching crew of the senior national team as one of the major causes of the inconsistency in the performance of the team, which had made the country to lose out of two consecutive AFCON finals, Equatorial Guinea 2015 and Gabon 2017.

The body charged the technical committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to rise to the challenge and arrest the ugly trend.

The association enjoined the NFF to take advantage of the improved standard of the elite domestic league, the Nigeria Premier League by ensuring that the future Super Eagles are made up of greater number of quality players from the system, even as the body praised the performance of Oghenekaro Etebo and other players from the local league.

“It is our belief that the ouster of the Super Eagles was indeed painful, but as football stakeholders, we urge all concerned Nigerians to see it as a time for sober reflection and for us all to look inwards and address every structure aimed at helping us in getting our house in order, devoid of the incessant changes in the technical crew which has brought about the inconsistency in our play before now.”

Sunday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Siasia, best for Eagles’ Job — Bosso

F Siasia

Mayweather , come out of retirement and fight me —Brooner ADRIEN Broner challenged Floyd Mayweather to a return to the ring on Friday night after defeating Ashley Theophane, a client of Mayweather in a ninthround technical knockout.

The 26-year-old’s victory left the WBA super lightweight title vacant after he weighed in 0.4 lbs over the 140 lb limit on Thursday and was stripped of his belt.

Theophane could have won the title with a victory, but the 35-year-old veteran never looked a serious threat to his opponent before referee Luis Pabon stopped the fight 1:10 into the round.

At the conclusion of the fight Broner then challenged the retired and undefeated champion Mayweather to a bout.

Speaking ring-side he said: ‘I don’t know how you

all look at it, but I don’t like it. “I’m a man that learns s**t from physical activity.

So Floyd, he’s got to see me.

I’m a man at the end of the day, I come from the streets, the trenches. From the bottom, from nothing.

I’m talking about water and cornflakes, I come from nothing.

“And I will never let a man disrespect me like that. So he’s got to see me. I don’t care if we spar or we fight, let’s get it on.”

He was responding to comments made by the 39-year-old earlier in the week.

After Broner called the five-division world champion’s promotion company ‘Hateweather Promotions’, Mayweather responded by alleging that his label ‘About Billions’ stood for ‘Always Broke’ instead.

ORMER Flying Eagles coach, Ladan Bosso has said coach Samson Siasia performed creditably well to be named substantive manager of the Super Eagles.

Siasia was named interim manager when Nigeria faced Egypt in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in Kaduna and Alexandria late last month.

Bosso said despite the unfavourable results from the double header, the Eagles gave good account of themselves given the prevailing circumstances.

“In Samson Siasia I believe and trust for the Super Eagles job, Nigerians

should thank him for taking up the daunting task when he did it.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was on track to have named him caretaker coach and should hasten to name him the substantive coach of the side.

“We should assess the team based on performances in the two matches against Egypt not the results per se.

“The problem of Nigerian football is not coaching. I have been there severally and I fully understand what I’m saying in that regard.

“Eagles under Siasia performed creditably well in the matches against Egypt though the results may not have been right for us

but the commitment of the players was commendable.

“If that team had stayed together for a longer time prior to the AFCON matches the results would have been quite different from what it turned out to be.

“Instead of wasting further time undecided the NFF should brace the odd to name Siasia head coach so that the World Cup campaign can continue without disruption,” the El Kanemi Warriors coach told supersport.com.

Eagles missed the 2017 AFCON final party in Gabon having amassed two points five behind leaders Eygpt with a game to spare against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.

Omeruo (right)

Omeruo on Crystal Palace radar

Brooner (right) deals with Theophane

NIGERIA international, Kenneth Omeruo could be on his way back to the Premier League at the end of the season as he has been linked with Crystal Palace.

Omeruo, is currently on loan from Chelsea at Turkish club Kasimpasa, who has an option to buy him outright by season’s end, but will not because it

cannot come up with the cash to do so.

The central defender still has two years left on his contract at Chelsea and so he could return to Stamford Bridge or move to another club on loan or on a permanent basis.

“Crystal Palace are one of the clubs connected to Omeruo,” revealed a top source to

AfricanFootball.com.

“Hopefully, they will stay up and they could then buy him outright or take him on loan.”

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner, Omeruo has already gone on loan at Dutch club ADO Den Haag as well as Middlesbrough in the English Championship.

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Shut up, Wenger tells Ozil A

RSENE Wenger vowed to hold talks with Germany international Mesut Ozil over unwelcome comments he made about Arsenal’s title before the team’s 4-0 win over Watford on Saturday at the Emirates.

In an interview with website spox.com, the 27-year-old World Cup winner said: “Looking at our season so far, we have to be honest and admit that we screwed it up ourselves.

“We did not play to our potential in the games against the so-called smaller teams.

“You immediately get punished for that in the Premier League.

“But we still have a chance of winning the title. We have to hope Leicester and Tottenham slip up and then make the most of it.”

Wenger revealed ahead of his team 4-0 win over Watford that he will discuss with Ozil what he said to the media while away on international duty - with the Frenchman wanting to keep his squad united at a pivotal moment in their season.

“I will make sure they don’t feel that,” he replied when asked if he was wor-

ried such comments suggested his players had given up on their title fight.

“The statement is not welcome, I agree with you. Because we have to believe, no matter if it just one chance in 100, we have to believe.

We only have a real chance if we believe.”

Asked if he would discuss the quotes with Ozil, Wenger said: “We will talk about that. Yes, of course.

“I have nothing against that. You want to be fair and honest.

“But you want as a well to look forward. Our biggest deficit compared to last season was the chances we created and the goals scored. We’ve created more chances than last year and scored less goals.

“I think the worst thing in life is to have wrong beliefs.

So you have to make sure that you give absolutely your best, and at the end accept that if somebody is better than you, that you have given your best.

“The worst thing for us would be not to believe, and then if we had a good run it was available, possible. I believe that we have to make sure that we play with passion until the end.

That is the best way to get the supporters behind us.”

Sanchez (left) celebrates with Iwobi. Both players scored in the 4-0 drubbing of Watford on Saturday, at the Emirates.

City still good for EPL title —Pellegrini MANUEL Pellegrini has declared that Manchester City is still not out of the Premier League title race and his team made that point spectacularly at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday with the 4-0 drubbing of Bournemouth.

Key players are hitting form or returning from injury and there was an urgency and intensity about the way they overran Bournemouth to suggest they are by no means out of it. Their deficit on Leicester City is significant, but in this of all season

Less than a minute into the second half, Chelsea had a third. Pato and fellow substitute Oscar, on at half-time for Kenedy, combined down the left side of the penalty area and Pedro turned in Oscar’s low cross from close range.

Pedro netted his second of the game just before the hour mark and Pato was involved again. His curling shot was saved by Brad Guzan but he did not get enough on it and Pe-

games and is becoming a contender for the Golden Boot. That was his 17th of the season and he is not far behind Harry Kane. In the last seven games of last season he scored nine.

Kevin De Bruyne’s return from two months out with a knee injury coincided with a phenomenal display of football from City and he got on the scoresheet too, after Fernando had volleyed an early lead. Substitute Alexsander Kolarov completed a punishing display.

Pellegrini considers it ‘no risk’ to start De Bruyne again on Wednesday in their

Remy’s season may be over LOIC Remy’s season could be over after the striker suffered a groin injury during Chelsea’s 4-0 victory at Aston Villa.

Remy hobbled off after 23 minutes and shortly afterwards Ruben LoftusCheek opened the scoring.

He was replaced by Alexandre Pato who, making his long-awaited debut for the Blues, went on to score and have a hand in two other goals.

Hiddink savours Pato’s debut with goal MANAGER, Guus Hiddink has lauded Pato who scored on his debut for Chelsea on Saturday in the 4-0 spanking of Ason Villa.

The striker, who joined Chelsea in January on loan from Brazilian club Corinthians, marked his first appearance for the Blues with a goal in the final minute of the first half. After Aly Cissokho had barged into the back of him, Pato picked himself up to score from the penalty spot.

nothing can be ruled out.

“I have a mentality and I always have the same answer for the same question: If you have the winning mentality you must always believe you can do it if the maths allows,” Pellegrini said.

“Of course if you drop points in the way we did in the last four games it’s more difficult.

But the only way to do it is to think you must win the next game, that’s West Brom for us in the Premier League.”

Sergio Aguero scored his ninth goal in 10 league

Man City players celebrate after Saturday’s 4-0 win over Bournemouth.

Right is Kelechi Iheanacho.

dro clipped in the rebound from an acute angle inside the six-yard box.

“It was good to see him coming in. I could have brought him in earlier but now with his physical condition he can show his quality and that is why he has come in the team relatively late.

“It was not the most toughest game, you have to take that into consideration, so we will see how he copes against more resistance.”

While Remy has yet to be fully assessed by the club doctor, Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink fears the Frenchman will be sidelined for ‘a long period’.

“It is a tendon, a groin problem,” said Hiddink.

“I think he will be out for a long period.”

Asked if Remy would play again this season, he added: “I can’t say because the doctor has to make analysis tomorrow and next week we will know more.

“But if you go out with this injury, my experience is you will not recover in just a few days.”

It is another injury blow for Chelsea, who were without central defenders John Terry and Gary Cahill at Villa Park.

Blues captain Terry has a minor Achilles problem while Cahill returned from England duty with a knock, which surprised Hiddink.

“He was on the bench (against the Netherlands), did the warming up, didn’t

play but came in the club a day later and appeared to have an injury.

“I cannot neglect the facts as they are. He didn’t play but he came in to us with an injury.”

Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, but will assess him on Sunday before making a decision.

“He’s worked the last 10 days, he worked on football twice in the week and he did very well,’ Pellegrini added.

‘This match was important for him. And after that just to play 57 minutes because it could have been dangerous for him to play more minutes.”

Fernando scored the first after seven minutes, a Jesus Navas corner flicking off Andrew Surman’s knee into the Brazilian midfielder’s path for him to coax the ball into the left of goal.

De Bruyne, 12 minutes into his comeback, added a second when Charlie Daniels overran the ball outside Bournemouth’s box and David Silva poked it to Aguero.

The striker looped a pass back to the Spaniard who volleyed it to De Bruyne who in turn volleyed in.

Remy (left) stepping out after the injury.

SIDELINES NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

3 APRIL, 2016

NO 2,040

www.tribuneonlineng.com

N200

One of the four students arrested regarding the death of one Mr Eniola Jacobs, a student of UNILAG, has refuted the allegation that they were trying to exhume the corpse of the dead student, claiming rather that they were only praying in tongues. Pray, in what language or which tongue would they interpret their exact mission at the graveside, considering the spiritual importance and superstitutions Nigerians attached to the dead?

Nigeria: Let’s be realistic!

I

T used to be that a Nigerian could not even say that Nigeria was made up of different peoples or nations without being called a “tribalist” – without being stigmatized a “Pakistanist”. Look through our newspapers of the 1950s and 1960s. “Tribalist” would very probably come up as our most popular epithet – our most popular word of abuse – in our partisan political fights.

In more recent times, particularly since the time of the Civil War, the usual addition to that has been to accuse this or that section of Nigeria of not fully accepting Nigeria and, ultimately, of working towards “secession”.

The foundation of it all was a woollyheaded superficiality – a refusal to look at facts, or a deliberate rejection of obvious and inescapable facts. Our country is a country of very many peoples or nations. That is the unavoidable fact. That fact does not presuppose that we cannot build our country, with its many nations, into a harmonious and prosperous country. Sure, we can. Sure we could have done it from the beginning in 1960 if we had cool-headedly accepted the fact of our country, and if we had proceeded from that point to find ways to make our country a land of equitable opportunities, and of harmonious co-existence, for all its many nations and all its millions of citizens.

None of us needs to reject his own nation, or to play down its interests, or to distance himself from its unique ways, in order to be seen to be contributing to the unity of Nigeria. Absolutely not. Building Nigeria does not demand that from any Nigerian.

But unfortunately, in certain quarters, it has been made to look as if loyalty to the Nigerian entity requires that each of us needs to subdue any show of interest in, and loyalty to, our own particular nations, or that each of us must let go of the unique characteristics, and the assets from the heritage, of our particular nations.

And because we human beings are the weak beings that we are, many Nigerians quietly and timorously allowed themselves to be pushed into that pernicious frame of mind.

For very many of us Nigerians, being “educated”, being “sophisticated”, being “broadminded” came to mean that we must subdue any show of interest in the particular interests of our own nations. Being “detribalized” (as it is called) became a virtue. Any Nigerian who shows concern about his own nation’s experience in Nigeria becomes suspect.

Not surprisingly, those who discerned some way to exploit that kind of mind-set moved in to develop it into some sort of idea of “nation-building” – which ulti-

mately matured into the concept of a Nigerian Mainstream. All this had gradually developed under the successive military regimes, in whose hands Nigeria had progressively been transformed into a kind of military establishment commanded by a central directorate. Because it all suited the desires and stratagems of the political elite of Nigeria’s politically dominant nation at independence (the Hausa-Fulani political leadership), it was quickly elevated into the unquestionable philosophy of Nigerian nation-building. And, like all philosophies, it spawned champions and warriors of its own. It was ultimately enshrined in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which the champions of the philosophy wrote for the military boys, and which was later touted as the product of “we the people” of Nigeria.

This was then usually followed with the accusation that the nation being critiqued did not accept the idea of Nigeria, and was progressing towards secession. The objective was to scare people to move closer to the Mainstream – to abandon whatever good thing they were doing for their own people.

In my memory of these deleterious developments at the time, a very strong example of this intimidation and arm-twisting showed up in an article written by one IshaqModibboKawu, and published in the VANGUARD of Thursday, February 23, 2012.Kawu was giving his version of the summit which the elected governors and legislators of the Southwest held at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan at that time to consider Regional Economic Integration in the Southwest. After describing the events

diranapata@yahoo.com

At the peak of their power under the 1999 Constitution and the Obasanjo presidency, some of the champions and warriors of the Mainstream philosophy allowed themselves to lapse into extremes of pontification and language. To them, it became important that most of the nations of Nigeria be told that they do not qualify to be regarded as nations at all. In this regard, some pundits at a federal think-tank, the Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training (CEDDERT), wrote in 2000 -2001 two fiery treatises challenging the claims of most Nigerian nations to be nations, and especially asserting that there is no Igbo or Yoruba or Urhobo nation.

Other champions of the Mainstream philosophy were, however, more subtle. In their hands, the usual script was to critique the behaviour of the “political elite” of this or that nationality in the light of how much they conformed, or did not conform, to the demands of the Mainstream. Their script always said things like, “The problem with the Yoruba political elite is - - -“ or “The problem with the Igbo political elite is - - -“.

of that summit in his kind of way, Kawu at last went to his real objective. From all the things that the elected governors and legislators of the Southwest said and did at that summit, all that Kawu chose to see was that these Yoruba leaders were demonstrating the fact that the Yoruba nation has never really accepted Nigeria, that Yoruba leaders were “forcibly attempting to fundamentally reorganize Nigeria”, and that they were working towards the secession of the Yoruba nation from Nigeria.

Since then, similar articles or speeches, written by Northern intellectuals, have followed. Commonly, such articles deny the existence of the Nigerian nations and peoples, and insist that “Nigerian nationhood” is the only reality that exists. Routinely, they accuse all who show any loyalty to their nations as subversives who are working to secede from Nigeria or to break up Nigeria. Commonly too, such articles reject, point blank, any need to restructure the Nigerian federation in ways that would accord recognition to Nigeria’s various nations. Not infrequently, they threaten that the North would go to war

Iwobi scores again for Arsenal •As Ighalo’s Watford loses 0-4 at Emirates

By Oluwabunmi Ajayi NIGERIAN international, Alex Iwobi, was on song again for Arsenal on Saturday in the English Premier League, as the Gunners spanked Watford 4-0 at the Emirates.

His compatriot, Odion Ighalo, who is one of the leading scorers in the premiership with 14 goals, fired blank this time, as he was unable to prevent the humiliation of the Hornets, whose last visit to the Emirates early month ended Arsenal’s FA Cup title defence

with a shocking 2-1 victory.

Both Ighalo and Iwobi were during the week on duty when the Super Eagles lost 0-1 to the Pharaohs of Egypt in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

Iwobi, on Saturday had in the 38th minute of the game brilliantly finished the effort of Alexis Sanchez with a simple tap-in for his second goal of the season in the EPL. The youngster had equally assisted Sanchez to grab the opener in the fourth minute when

his tailored cross was first nodded down by the Chilean before he jabbed the rebound in after Heurelho Gomes initial save.

Iwobi, who was adjudged the man of the match was replaced by Theo Walcott in the 74th minute, as Ighalo, on the other hand, was substituted one minute into the second half.

Hector Bellerin’s shot deflected in for Arsenal’s third goal in the 48th minute, while substitute Walcott completed the rout on the dot.

rather than see the federation restructured.

Unfortunately, there are still many Nigerians who still play it safe by cautiously avoiding speaking up for their nations even when they believe that their nations need to be spoken up for. In the current general poverty of Nigerians, it is becoming obvious that, to revive the economic strength of Nigeria, the economic and development energies of various sections of Nigeria need to be revived – and that this should mean that the excessive concentration of power and resource-control in the federal centre should be ended. Yet, many ambitious politicians believe that, to be able to get positions in the governance of Nigeria, they must keep a distance from the needs and desires of their own nations.

Thankfully, however, among most Nigerians, the philosophy of the Mainstream is manifestly receding. It has done Nigeria a lot of harm. Even Kawu made the point very strongly in his article under reference that fighting poverty is the real expectation and need of the masses of Northerners. The chimera of “Northern domination” of Nigeria has done the masses of Nigerians in the North no good at all. It has done incalculable harm to our whole country. It is time to turn around and face the real tasks that will chase poverty away from our people.

Even Kawu recognizes in his article that the boys in Boko Haram are fighting because they want measurable improvements in their quality of life, not because they want Northern elite domination of Nigeria. But, sadly, in the same breath, Kawu talks about a desire for “fundamentally reorganizing” Nigeria as if it is a crime. People like him need to be asked, how can we defeat poverty if we don’t fundamentally reorganize this country? Is anybody seriously suggesting that we can make much progress in our present political, economic and moral chaos if we leave the structure of our federation as it is? Of course, the peoples of Nigeria want and need to have Nigeria fundamentally reorganized. It is the only way forward.

The people of the Southwest are like the rest of Nigeria. They are experiencing poverty and decline in a massive way. And they hate it and want to end it. Their elected rulers and representatives, both at the State level and the Federal level, know what their people want, and they must not be sacred away from that. Like all other nations of Nigeria, the Yoruba people of the Southwest are a nation that want, and need, to rediscover its strength. Such a desire does not negate the existence of Nigeria; in fact, it is the only way to strengthen Nigeria.

EPL results: Aston Villa 0 Bournemouth 0 Arsenal 4 Norwich 3 Stoke City 2 Sunderland 0 West Ham 2 Liverpool 1

Chelsea 4 Man City 4 Watford 0 Newcastle 2 Swansea 2 West Brom 0 C/Palace 2 Tottenham 1

Pools: 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 22, 26, 28, 29, 31, 34, 35, 41, 46.

Today’s matches: 04, 06, 47.

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. 3/4/2016