NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER
NO 1,141
www.tribuneonlineng.com
SATURDAY, 5 MARCH, 2016
CELEBRATING EGBA UNITY: From left, Chairman, Egba General titled chiefs, High Chief Alimi Akinwale; Mr. Olaide Shittu, Chairman, Lisabi Festival Committee; Chief Rasheed Raji, Jagunna of Egbaland; Chief Yinka Kufile, Oluwo of Egbaland; Chief Adeyemi Adeboye; the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Glo Business Director, Ogun, Mr. Ayo Ogunranti; Balogun of Egbaland, High Chief Sikiru Atobatele; Seriki of Egbaland, Chief Tosin Fadare; Aare of Egbaland, Chief Ganiyu Babayeju Alemo and the Asiwaju of Egbaland, Chief Maxwell Ayinla, at the exclusive royal banquet, held on Friday as part of the Glo-sponsored 2016 Lisabi Festival.
Nigerian Tribune
@nigeriantribune
Nigerian Tribune
N150
Ooni, Sultan, Alaafin, govs at Olubadan’s pg5 coronation We’ll review obas’, chiefs’ status —Ajimobi
Judges in pg4 trouble over bank accounts
Security agents obtain financial details
AY, Bovi made me what I am today —Actress Lilian Esoro pg3
141 arrested in Lagos over Mile 12 mayhem
pg4
Teacher kills employer’s granddaughter over unpaid salary pg6
Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (right) presenting the certificate and staff of office to the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, on the occasion of his coronation and presentation of staff of office, held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, on Friday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU. MORE PHOTOS ON PAGES 2 & 47
2
5 March, 2016
OLUBADAN’S CORONATION
Saturday Tribune
PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE AND ALOLADE GANIYU
Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (left) and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Senator Bola Tinubu, at the coronation of Saliu Akanmu Adetunji as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Aje Ogungunniso I, at the Mapo Hall, Ibadan, on Friday.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and Senator Tinubu.
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Adetunji (left), arriving at the Afobaje Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba for the final traditional rite.
Former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (left) and Senator Tinubu.
Archbishop Alaba Job (right) and High Chief A. O. Obi.
Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Agbotomokekere (left) and Alfa Agba, Alhaji Fatai Alaga.
Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha and the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
From left, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari; Oba Ogunwusi and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.
Former deputy governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, and the Baale of Ekotedo, Chief Taye Ayorinde.
The crowd at the coronation.
3
5 March, 2016
Back in 2006, Nollywood actress Lilian Esoro-Franklin was known as Nurse Abigail of Clinic Matters, a TV family soap that was popular for its hospital comic plot. After a memory romance with TV series, Lilian eventually crossed over to the movie industry, gradually proving her class with excellent script interpretation and versatility in movies such as Strive, The Potter, Damsel in Distress, Couple of Days among others. The Imo State born actress and CEO of Goldie Lucks hair salon in Abuja, who prefers a career in fashioning designing to acting told NEWTON-RAY UKWUOMA in an interview that she has no regrets after investing ten years into the make-belief industry. Happily married to the CEO of Made Men Music Record label and manager of Iyanya, Ubi Franklin, Lilian, a graduate of Political Science at the University of Abuja, also shared some of her childhood experiences in this interview.
We may not be as close as we used to be, but that is because we are busy and that we have other responsibilities demanding attention. We understand each other. I was to take up a role in his series ‘Extended Family’ and the rest is history.
I
T has been approximately 10 years since your joined the industry, has it occurred to you that you have invested a decade in Nollywood? My goodness! A decade already? I wasn’t even counting. How time flies! Wow! Na God o.
As a child growing up, what were your aspirations? My aspiration was to become a fashion designer. Looking back at the turn of events in your life, would you have changed anything if you had the chance? Absolutely nothing, because I believe everything I went through shaped me into becoming the lady I am today.
Looking back, what is your appraisal of Nollywood when you started and Nollywood now? A lot of things have changed over the years and I’m glad to be a part of that change. From the directorial angle to the equipment being used, to the attention paid to detail. We now embrace collaborations with other parts of the world which I think is a huge step and also a very good thing. What would Nollywood be ten years from now? Definitely better than it is now. Who would you like to appreciate in the industry for helping you grow as an actor? Firstly, I owe it all to God, then Ay Comedian, who introduced me to Bovi; then Bovi, who introduced me to Paul Igwe. These three guys have played a huge role in my career for believing in me and seeing what I couldn’t see over a decade ago. They are the same people I still run to whenever I hit the brink. How did you meet Ay Comedian? That goes way back in Abraka [Delta State University]. He started his comedy shows in school those days in Abraka, that was where we met. And when he relocated to Lagos, he invited me over to be his presenter. I accepted, though I never presented before, yet it turned out right and since then we have been friends. There are reports that you have parted ways with Ay. That is not true. Yes, we may not be as close as we used to be, but that is because we are busy and that we have other responsibilities demanding attention. We understand each other. And we will always be available for each other when there is need. I support him and will
Saturday Tribune
AY, Bovi made me who I am today —Actress Lilian Esoro
always be there for him. And I know he will do same for me as well. You once said you never wanted to act. Tell us about the story of your
Nollywood entrance. Oh yes! Acting wasn’t something I saw myself doing at all because back then we all had an idea of what actors were wrongly perceived of. But Bovi saw me and decided
Do you have any childhood nickname? (Laughs) Yes o! I was nicknamed ‘Indian Girl’ (laughs). I attended an allgirls secondary school and we weren’t allowed to grow our hair. I had the weirdest hair as a child. My hair was short and really curly. My teachers thought I relaxed my hair. So I got beaten every time for a crime I didn’t commit. On one occasion my Yoruba teacher caught me and was about to flog the daylight out of me for relaxing my hair. I pleaded with all my might that that was the nature of my hair. And instead of flogging me, he decided to take me to the tap and wash my hair, to find out if it would sleep or not. After he washed the hair several times and it remained curly, he stopped, looked at me with other teachers Continues pg33
4
news
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
Judges in trouble over bank accounts Security agents obtain financial details Lanre Adewole - Lagos
I
N what could be the biggest shake-up in the nation’s judiciary since independence, an all-inclusive probe of nearly all judges manning superior courts of records in the country has reportedly commenced, Saturday Tribune has learnt. Already, all information relating to the judges’ bank accounts and transactions are said to have been obtained by security agencies handling the probe. The operation is reportedly tagged “total reform of the judiciary”. The information obtained on the financial transactions of the judges, including justices of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, are reportedly being processed by the probing security agencies, with a certain agency coordinating and sharing information with others. A security source told Saturday Tribune that the outcome of the probe would be far bigger than what was called a tsunami in Ghana, where over 20 judges were sacked for alleged corruption last year. Every suspicious transfer on their accounts is reportedly being pencilled in for questioning while every “heavy” lodgement would have the depositor being queried regarding the purpose of such payment. With litigants suspected of using fronts to allegedly bribe judges, the investigating bodies are reportedly not on the look-out for known names as they are not expected to be overtly involved. The probing agencies are reportedly more interested in cash lodgement and movements on the accounts of the judges, which is outside of their salaries and allowances. Those who participated in the trial of election petitions across the country are also said to be prime targets. Judicial interventions in election disputes have been tainted by claims of alleged bribe-for-judgement. Senior judges who have also handled controversial cases, according to Saturday Tribune source, would attract special interest from the investigators. With many unknown judges also accused of serving as bribe conduits for senior judges, accounts of such unknown judges with “unbelievable” balance and “heavy” lodgement would also receive deep scrutiny from the investigating bodies. A retired judge with strong bond with certain powersthat-be, has been fingered as the brains behind the “ju-
dicial reform”. The judge is believed to have advised in a certain way in order to catch “dirty” judges unaware and clean up the system once and for all. Tremor ran through the judicial circle when pieces of evidence against a couple of justices were presented in court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The source pointed at a recent counter affidavit filed by the EFCC in its case with Ricky Tarfa (SAN) which he said, suggested that bank transactions by judicial officers over the years have come under scrutiny. The EFCC, in the counteraffidavit, alleged that Tarfa paid another judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa, N5.3 million between June 27, 2012 and December 23, 2014. The agency said it uncovered what it called a“network of collaboration and illicit transfer of funds” between Tarfa, Justice Nganjiwa and Justice Mohammed Yunusa, earlier accused of collecting N225,000 from Tarfa. The EFCC added that Justice Nganjiwa, after collecting the N5.3million, transferred N1.6 million to Justice Yunusa through his personal UBA Plc account 1005055617. With the fresh realisation that nearly all the judges are being scrutinised, sensitive conversations among judges are no longer done by phone. The indictment of some senior lawyers in the matters involving the judges is said to be making everyone cautious, while they hold their breath to see the outcome of the current effort to sanitise the judiciary. It was gathered that many senior lawyers with social relationship and friendship with judges are now at a loss as to how to relate with them financially without attracting embarrassing attention from probing agencies. While there is a suspicion that President Muhammadu Buhari is having a sustained tiff with the judiciary, a security source said incontrovertible cases that would be built against the judges would make the allegation of persecution totally irrelevant. Meanwhile, Justice Muhammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Lagos has been transferred to Yobe State. Yobe is the home state of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed. It was gathered on Friday night that the leadership of the judiciary would do nothing to save indicted judges. The Nigerian Bar Associa-
tion (NBA) has put up a robust defence for its indicted members. Two alleged corruption cases have been brought against Justice Yunusa. A judge of the Federal Capital Territory of Yoruba origin may also be pulled in soon for alleged corruption.
Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia is also said not to be completely off prosecution despite the sanctions imposed on her by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for unethical conducts. It was also learnt that a hitherto dormant provision in the Act setting up an in-
vestigative body which empowers it to obtain call logs without going to courts has been activated to monitor conversations between the Bench and members of the public, particularly lawyers. Lawyers have been consistently fingered as the bribe
conduits for judges. Efforts by government agencies to select 37 “clean” judges mainly for corruption trial have not been successful. Nearly all the 100 judges polled for the special assignment failed the integrity test conducted on them.
Sunday Ejike - Abuja
granting him bail. The judge had fixed March 23 for commencement of trial. Similar applications seeking for orders prohibiting the EFCC from further prosecuting him were filed before the two judges. Dasuki urged the two courts for an order discharging him of the alleged crime or alternatively staying proceedings. Meanwhile, Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in Abuja, had on Thursday fixed April 4 for ruling on similar application filed by Dasuki. Dasuki was re-arrested by operatives of the DSS on Dec. 29, 2015 shortly after he fulfilled his bail condition and was released from Kuje Prison.
filed, pursuant to sections 35 (4) and 36 (5) of the 1999 Constitution, saying that his client sought the order of the court to admit him to bail on self-recognizance or on liberal terms pending his arraignment by the antigraft agency. Zibiri said the application was based on the grounds that the former military chief had voluntarily honoured EFCC’s invitation and was held in detention since February 8, 2016. “The applicant was originally invited and interrogated in the Abuja office of the commission but was later moved to Lagos for further interrogation,” Zibiri told the court. EFCC’S counsel, Cosmos Ugwu said Badeh’s detention in a Lagos EFCC facility is not related to the matter for which he was earlier invitated by the commission. Badeh filed a suit against the EFCC for the enforcement of his fundamental right and prolonged detention by the EFCC. The former defence chief is currently in detention over his alleged involvement in the $2.1 billion arms purchase scandal. Badeh denied all the EFCC allegations against him, saying that he is being persecuted unjustly. However, Badeh is set to face a 10-count charge of criminal breach of trust and corruption to the tune of N3.9 billion. He will be arraigned before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court on Monday, March 7, 2016. EFCC alleged that Badeh and his company, Iyalikam Nig Ltd, while serving as
CDS between January and December 2013, did use dollar equivalent of the sum of N1.1 billion, removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase for themselves a mansion at Maitama, Abuja. The offence, the EFCC said, is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act. Badeh and his company were also accused of removing from the accounts of the NAF, and did use dollar equivalent of N650 million to purchase a commercial plot at Plot 1386, Oda Crescent Cadastral Zone Ao7 Wuse ll Abuja. The defendants were said to have, between March 28 and December 2013, in Abuja did use an aggregate sum of N878,362,732.94, removed from NAF accounts and paid into account of Rytebuilders Technologies Ltd with Zenith Bank Plc for construction of a shopping mall of Plot 1386, Cadastral Zone. It was equally alleged that the defendants removed the sum of N304 million from the accounts of the NAF and paid it to Rytebuilders for the completion of the shopping mall. More so, the EFCC stated that the accused did use N260 million dollar equivalent removed from the NAF accounts and paid to one Oluwatoyin Oke, through Platinum Universal Project and Construction, to purchase for his son, Alex Badeh (jnr), a duplex at No 19 Kumasi Crescent, Wuse Abuja.
Dasuki’s trial must go on —Court rules Court turns down Badeh’s request for bail
AN FCT High Court on Friday said that former National Security Adviser, retired colonel Sambo Dasuki’s application to stop his trial lacked merit. Dasuki was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly mismanaging $2.1 billion meant for the purchase of arms for the Nigerian Army fighting insurgents in the North-East. He, however, had pleaded not guilty to the charges. In his ruling, Justice Peter Affen dismissed the application on the grounds that Dasuki’s re-arrest on Dec. 29, 2015 did not violate the order of the court granting him bail. Affen held that the continued detention of Dasuki did not violate his order granting the ex-NSA bail on Dec. 21, 2015. He also said that the application lacked merit and ordered that the trial of the ex-NSA, who was charged along with others, must continue. “The Federal Government and the EFCC did not disobey the order he had earlier granted,” the court held. “Since it was clear that the ex-NSA was not re-arrested by the EFCC but by the Department of State Service, the EFCC could not be said to have violated the said order granting him bail. The judge held that though the EFCC and the DSS were both federal agencies, the wrongdoing of one could not be blamed on the order. He also ruled that the order granting bail to the defendant did not preclude him from being re-arrested by other agencies of the Federal Government in respect of other alleged crime. He said the EFCC did not violate its order, even if it did, Dasuki’s lawyer did not show how that could constitute grounds for discharging him or stay the criminal proceedings. The judge fixed April 20 and April 22 for trial. Earlier, Justice Baba Yusuf of the same court, had on Feb. 8 made similar declaration that the detention of Dasuki was not in breach of his Dec 18, 2015 order
Court turns down Badeh’s request for bail Justice John Tsoho of a Federal High Court. In Abuja on Friday declined to grant the bail application filed by the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Alex Badeh. Justice Tsoho, while ruling on the application, said because there is an existing remand order by a Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, the court cannot give an order for Badeh’s release. He said Badeh did not ask the court to set aside the order of the Magistrates’ Court which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prosecuting the matter got in the application. Badeh’s counsel, Samuel Zibiri had earlier argued that the application was
141 arrested over Lagos mayhem OlalekanOlabulo-Lagos
NO fewer than 141 suspected hoodlums have been arrested so far by the police in Lagos State in connection with the clash between the Yoruba and Hausa communities in the Agilinti area of Mile 12. Saturday Tribune gathered that the suspects would soon be arraigned in court as soon as investigations are concluded on their involvement in the clash .
Tension and fears have continued to envelope the entire area, despite the presence of soldiers and policemen who are patrolling the area as both groups entertain fear of further reprisals. Residents of the area have begun to count their losses and appeal to the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to come to their aid. The image maker of the Lagos State police command, Dolapo Badmos,
while speaking with Saturday Tribune, stated that additional arrests have been made by the police. She also stated that a total of 141 people have been arrested as a result of the bloody clash that led to the killing of more than seven people. She also added that the police would continue to maintain their presence in the area until the tension created by the clash is totally doused.
5
news
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
Falana calls on FG to rescue another 14-year-old girl
From left, Head of APN terminals in Nigeria and Benin Republic, Mr David Skov; Chief Executive Officer, APN Terminals in Africa, Asia and Middle East, Mr Peder Sondekgaard; Special Adviser to MAERSK Group in Africa, Mr Lars Reno Jakobsen; former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief Executive Officer, MAERSK Group, Mr Nils Andersen, after a meeting with President Buhari at The Presidential in Villa, Abuja, on Friday. PHOTO:NAN.
Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin - Lagos WHILE the dust is still settling over the alleged kidnap of Ese Oruru, a 14-year-old teenager, Mrs. Funmi Falana, a human rights activist and chairperson of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), has called on the Federal Government to rescue a 14 year old girl, Lucy Ejeh, who was allegedly abducted in Zamfara State. “We have just received another report of the kidnap and conversion from Christianity to Islam of another 14-year old girl named Lucy Ejeh which occured in Zamfara State. “Miss Ejeh was allegedly abducted by one Hajiya Zarau on the 31st day of October 2009 and taken to an Imam’s house for the purpose of conversion to Islam. “All efforts made by her parents to secure her release have proved abortive. We use this opportunity to call on the government of Zamfara State to ensure that Miss Ejeh is reunited with her family without any further delay while her abductors are fished out and prosecuted”. The WELA chairperson noted that the abduction saga of Ese has confirmed the level of insecurity of life and the inadequacy of legal protection for women and children throughout the nation.
Ooni, Sultan, Alaafin, govs at Olubadan’s coronation We’ll review obas’, chiefs’ status —Ajimobi By Saheed Salawu, TundeOgunesanAndWale Akinselure
M
APO, a location at the heart of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was a mecca, on Friday, as it was besieged by sons and daughters of the ancient city and hosted virtually all rulers in Yorubaland, civil and traditional. It was the coronation of the new olubadan of Ibadan. The traditional rulers, who included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, were on hand to watch the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, swell their rank, again, by presenting the instruments of office to Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I and effectively installing him as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland. Presiding over the coronation, Governor Ajimobi, who was flanked by nearly all his counterparts in the South-West states like Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) and Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti), described the event as unprecedented in the history of Ibadan, given the presence of the crème de la crème of the society from far and near and the attendant glamour. He described Oba Adetunji, who hails from the Balogun chieftaincy line, as being fortunate to attain the position of the Olubadan, having waited in line for 40 years, since 1976, when he became Mogaji. The governor noted that the choice of Oba Adetunji
was customary, traditional and legal without any legal encumbrance. While commending the Ibadan traditional system as worthy of emulation, he announced the intention of the state government to “review the status of our obas and chiefs with a view to insulating them from partisan politics.” “The present administration under my leadership is set to review the chieftaincy declaration of some titles and as the Chiefs Law Cap 28 Volume 1 OYSLN 2000 is meant to enhance the dignity and respect of our royal fathers. “We are set to be a model to others, and to this end, we will carry out a complete overhaul of the institution of chieftaincy in this state with a view to ensuring speedy conclusion of appointment to chieftaincy titles based on the true custom of our people. We will also review the status of obas and chiefs with a view to also insulating them from partisan politics, more so that they are expected to be the father of all. “As revered custodian of our culture, customs and traditions, the obas are expected to be above board and be a rallying point to all citizenry of their towns and cities. “We pray that the Kabiyesi live long. Kabiyesi, the test of your acceptability is even wider with respect to your new position. You will need to remember always that you stand at the head of an enlightened and articulate community and that you are faced with the task of building a new society on a celebrated pedestal of a distinguished predecessor. You must always consider your royal self as the king of the throne of a city upon hills – the eyes of all people are upon you,” Ajimobi said. He thereafter presented the staff and certificate of office to Oba Adetunji
as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland. Oba Adetunji, in a remark, noted that the Ibadan traditional system is such that requires long life for one to emerge as the Olubadan. Oba Adetunji, 87, said this is exemplified by the fact that he began to climb the chieftaincy ladder in 1976 and emerged the Olubadan about 40 years after. Like his predecessor, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, he prayed that Ibadan become a state. “I thank God for long life. To get to this position of the Olubadan, one needs long life. I started to climb this chieftaincy ladder in 1976, that is, about 40 years ago. “In fact, that was at about the time Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III became the Alaafin of Oyo. I call on the government to recognise Ibadan as a state on its own. I thank all chiefs and members of the Olubadanin- Council for their support untill I assumed this position as the Olubadan,” Oba Adetunji said. He expressed delight at the heavy presence of traditional rulers from across Yorubaland and beyond, as well as Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari. A highlight of the ceremony was the show of reverence and respect to the Olubadan by members of the Olubadan-in-Council, including the Balogun Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun and the Osi Olubadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, who prostrated before the king all at once. Proceedings at the ceremony were interjected with performances by ace fuji musicians, Wasiu Ayinde, K1, and Ibadan-born Rashidi Ayinde, who sang to the excitement of the dignitaries and members of the enthusiastic crowds.
Oba Adetunji had arrived at the Afobaje Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, Ibadan, for the final traditional rites, according to the custom of Ibadan, at 9.50 a.m., in company with his wives, children and some chiefs. He was driven to the venue in a deep wine Peugeot 307, while his two oloris and some of his children came on a white chariot. The king was received at the entrance to the palace by representatives of the Afobaje family and was led to the palace at 9.52 a.m. He was said to have undergone another rite, led by the Oluwo Afobaje Labosinde of Ibadanland, Alhaji Wahab Idowu Popoola Mosadogun. He came out of the Afobaje compound around 10.20 a.m. amid praises from people who had formed a crowd at the place to witness the coronation of the new Olubadan, chaired by Chief Adebayo Akande. Alhaji Popoola Mosadogun, in an interview with Saturday Tribune, said his father installed High Chief Saliu Adetunji as Mogaji in 1976. He said the rites, which started a few weeks ago, were meant to purify the new Olubadan for royal priesthood. According to Chief Popoola, “incidentally, my father installed the Olubadan as Mogaji in 1976 and today, as fate would have it, I also have the privilege of installing Saliu Adetunji as the 41st Olubadan.” During the rite, after offering prayers for Ibadanland, Oba Adetunji opened the traditional calabash – containing money and honey - to the admiration of the crowd and was decorated with the traditional Akoko leaves. Thereafter, the High Chiefs were led to the venue of the traditional
rites in front of Labosinde compound by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Lekan Balogun. The new Olubadan prostrated in public for the last time before everybody and the High Chiefs before leaving to perform the last rite at Ose-meji temple, where he received a white crown and staff, at about 11.20 a.m., before heading to Mapo for the presentation of the instruments of office by Governor Ajimobi. While the traditional rites were ongoing, son of the late popular musician Agboluaje, Fatai, was on the bandstand. His performance of his late father’s songs drew crowd to his stand which was branded by telecommunication outfit, Globacom. Other traditional rulers at the ceremony at the Mapo arcade were the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi; the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Adewale Sotobi and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo. Also, former governors of Lagos State and the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu; governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha; Minister of Communications, Bayo Shittu; Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade; General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Ibadan, Major General Laz Ilo; former governor of Oyo State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo; former governor of Osun State, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Saminu Turaki; former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala and the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Alhaji Lekan Alli, were present at the event.
The roll call of guests also included the deputy governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Adeyemo; deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Bayo Adelabu; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; Senator Olusola Adeyeye, representing Osun Central Constituency; Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Michael Adeyemo and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola. Meanwhile, Governor Fayose of Ekiti State has called on Oba Adetunji to unite all sons and daughters, including non-indigenes who are living in Ibadan. Fayose, in an interview with journalists at the ceremony, said “we are happy to be here today to felicitate with the Oyo State governor, the new Olubadan and the entire Ibadan people. Ibadan is very significant to our history and existence as a Yoruba nation. We bring goodwill message from the entire people of Ekiti State.” According to him, “Ibadan is a major player in the comity of communities in Yorubaland. The Olubadan should endeavour to bring all of us together. He is not for Ibadan alone. He should facilitate unity and we can drum up support for him and pray for him. “For instance, I was born in Ibadan, attended primary school in Ibadan, grew up in Ibadan. I left Ibadan to contest as governor in Ekiti. His assignment is beyond Ibadan, it is for Yorubaland and Nigeria in general. “He should collaborate with other obas to unite the Yoruba nation, restore the dignity of the Yoruba. I pray that God help him.”
6
news
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
Boko Haram’s fresh antics exposed Troops rout insurgents fleeing Sambisa forest
Front view of the building of a scene of a fire incident which gutted the top floor of a two-storey building located inside Yaba Police Station and CID Panti Barracks, Yaba, on Friday, in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.
Teacher kills proprietor’s granddaughter over unpaid salaries OlayinkaOlukoya-Abeokuta
A
private school teacher identified as Edet Umoren has allegedly killed a 10 year-old granddaughter of the proprietor of the school where he teaches in Esugbon community in Itamerin, IjebuIfe area of Ogun State. The killing of the girl by the teacher was due to the inability of his employer to pay his salary for the months of January and February. Saturday Tribune gathered that the suspect who was a class teacher at Favour Nursery and Primary School, Itamerin, attacked his victim outside the school premises where she had gone to buy biscuits. The victim was in company with her grandmother and a friend by name Patricia, at the time of the incident. The incident happened on Thursday, a day after the victim clocked 10 years.
Both the grandmother of the victim and Patricia were reported to have escaped through a bush path and informed the school authorities about the incident. The suspect was said to have dragged the girl into the bush then committed the heinous act. Speaking with newsmen, the proprietor of the school, Pastor Joseph Olutoye, said he had promised to pay Umoren as soon as he received his own month-
ly salary from his place of work before the unfortunate incident. The proprietor said the suspect left two notes at the scene of the crime, informing them that the gruesome murder of the young girl was as a result of the inability of the school to pay his outstanding salary. He equally told newsmen that he has planned to terminate Umoren’s appointment following his alleged unruly behaviour in recent times.
Oyo doctors helped Osun colleagues pay exam fees —Olatunji, NMA chairman By Sade Oguntola
MEDICAL doctors in Oyo State have come to the aid of their counterparts in Osun State by paying the bills for their residency examination. Chairman of the Oyo State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Muideen Olatunji, made the revelation on Friday, in
Ibadan, at a press briefing on the plight of doctors in Osun State. Olatunji said the gesture of the Oyo State doctors became necessary because the Osun State government had refused to pay their colleagues their outstanding salaries. According to him, the Federal Government should show concern on the situ-
Fire guts Panti police barracks OlalekanOlabulo-Lagos THERE was confusion on Friday afternoon as fire ravaged the police barracks at the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) of the Lagos State Police Command. Goods, mostly household items, worth millions of naira, were burnt in the fire accident which lasted for over an hour. The timely arrival of firemen saved the office of the deputy commissioner of police in charge of Panti as the fire was almost spreading to the SCID. The upper floor of the two-
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident. He said the matter was reported by the proprietor of the school at about 2.00pm on the fateful day. Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said that the State Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, had ordered that the case be transfered to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Command.
storey building was destroyed in the fire incident which created panic among residents in the area, policemen and officials of Yaba Local Government. Saturday Tribune gathered that fire started from one of the rooms on the upper floor of the building but did not spread beyond the floor before it was curtailed. The fire was said to have started from an explosion from stored petroleum product in one of the rooms. A policeman who spoke with Saturday Tribune under the condition of anonymity said:“The fire actu-
ally started from a petrol explosion from one of the rooms.” “The woman who owned the room also has a shop on the ground floor and she was in the shop when thick smoke was noticed from her room,” the policeman said. Director of the Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe confirmed the fire incident to Saturday Tribune and added that his men were able to put out the fire. Fadipe also warned residents of the state to always be very careful with the way they store petroleum product in their homes.
ation of Osun State, saying Osun State is on “a dangerous precipice, hanging precariously.” “One of the reasons for this outcry is that this adamant government has become totally unreachable and inaccessible by individuals who sought to resolve these issues and are becoming weary by the attitude of the government. “As if to add salt on injury, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has issued the third sack threat, pretending not to know the difference between resignation and sack, peddling lies and propaganda about our wounded striking members,” Dr Olatunji said. He said instead of using the bailout fund from the Federal Government to clear the arrears, the state government decided to “embark on white elephant projects” to the detriment of the doctors and other citizens of the state. Olatunji described as untrue, the government’s claim that hospitals in the state were functional, as patients, have actually now resorted to private hospitals.
BORNO State government says it has discovered that Boko Haram insurgents have schemed a plot to trade in stolen cattle and use proceeds from the sales to fund their terror plans. As such, the state government on Friday announced a ban on imports of cattle through various routes as well as sale of dry meat across the state. Secretary to the Borno state government, Usman Jidda Shuwa said on Friday that intelligence reports hinted Governor Kashim Shettima government of Borno state that most of the cattle being traded at Gaboru, Dusuman, Shuwari and Ngom cattle markets in Borno were direct proceeds of castle rustling perpetrated by Boko Haram insurgents. ‘These cattle were sold at prohibitive costs to unsuspecting customers through some unscrupulous middlemen who use underhand ploy to deliberately disguise the transactions as legitimate,’ said Shuwa. Accordingly, a new management committee comprising the military, police, the Department of State Security ( DSS), civilian Joint Task Force, (CJTF), have been asked to take full charge of the cattle markets and scrutinise sources of all cattle, delay slaughter of certified cattle for claims in addition to the ban on ‘imported’ cattle and sale of dry meat. Shuwa said Governor Shetima had mandated the committee to ensure that a mandatory period of three to four days is observed on all cattle sold before they are sent to the slaughter house in order to enable interested parties to inspect them so that those whose cattle had been rustled could make claims and counter claims. The government also presented cheques amounting to N100m to the leadership of cattle traders and butchers as bail-out to those who have been negatively affected by the activities of cattle rustlers. Meanwhile, troops of 21 Brigade Bama under 7 Division area of operational responsibility, on Friday routed Boko Haram terrorists who came through Sabsawa axis of Sambisa forest. A statement from Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, said the troops also recovered a Toyota Hilux, 2 AK-47 rifles with registration numbers 58006915 and KO35839 as well as 37 rounds of 12.7mm metal linked ammunition.
7
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
8
news
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
Fayose: Sack of VCs unconstitutional, unfair Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti GOVERNOR Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has again condemned the recent sack of vice chancellors of some federal universities by President Muhammadu Buhari and contended that the move was “unfair.” Governor Fayose, while receiving the new vice chancellor of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Kayode Soremekun, in his office, said, “the sack is unfair and unlawful. We must allow these institutions to survive. Every action that will be termed political or against common sense should be avoided.” He said he “openly condemned the action of the Federal Government in the sack of the vice chancellors. They should respect the laws establishing these institutions.” He also handed down a warning to the authorities of FUOYE against defaulting in their taxes, saying they either remitted taxes due to the state or risk the institution being shut down.
From left, South West chairman, Campaign for Democracy, Prince Goodluck Obi; lawyer to the victim of violence, Barrister Kolawole Love; president, Women Arise Initiative, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin; victim of violent attack by her husband, Gloria Izuakor and member, Women Arise, Ayo Olohuntade, at the trial of Jude Isuakor over the violence on his wife, Gloria, in Lagos, on Friday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.
Melaye unqualified to talk about matrimony —Oshiomhole Banji Aluko -Benin City
F
OR castigating him on the floor of the Senate over his choice of wife, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has come down heavily on a Senator Dino Melaye, saying that the senator was unqualified to talk about marriage since he could not “maintain a decent matrimonial home.” The governor, therefore, demanded an unreserved public apology from the Kogi Senator for what he described as unprovoked verbal
assault launched against him on the floor of the Nigerian Senate. In a remark on the floor of the Senate last week, Senator Melaye had said, “apologies to my uncle, the governor of Edo State, we must as a people stop paying dowries in dollar and pounds. It is time for my colleagues here to become born again.” However, in a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Oshiomhole, Mr Peter Okhiria, the governor said “as a “nephew” of the governor and members of the same
party, we expected Senator Melaye to tender an unreserved public apology to the Comrade Governor, to no avail. “It is an open secret that Senator Melaye cannot maintain a decent matrimonial home hence he could descend to this pedestrian level of using the hallowed chambers to “cargorise” women as if they were pieces of items for purchase. “The liberty of free speech guaranteed in the hallowed chambers does not impose lunacy on anyone to disparage other Nigerians, let alone
pry into their matrimony in a very derisive manner. “We had intended to ignore this uncomplimentary comment as one of the several empty displays of the Senator, but the fact that it tends to reduce women to pieces of tissue calls for this response. The statement added that by delving into the private affairs and marriage of Governor Oshiomhole , “Senator Melaye has exposed himself as a simpleton and a court jester whose words and tactlessness cannot be taken seriously by matured people.”
Teenagers having sex in front of hotel remanded in prison Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna A teenager, Aminu Iliyasu, who was caught having sex with his girlfriend, Safiya Umar, in front of a hotel in Katsina, Katsina State, in broad daylight have been remanded in prison custody by a Sharia court. Eyewitnesses told Saturday Tribune that the duo, who have been lovers for three years, dared each other to have sex in public while damning its consequences. It was gathered that the teenagers threw caution to the wind and began to have sex in broad daylight. Passersby who stopped
to watch the illicit scene arrested them and handed them over to the police. When their case was mentioned in court during the week, the prosecuting police inspector, Mohammed Usman, told the Upper Sharia court that some concerned
citizens of the state caught the two lovebirds having sex around 4:00 p.m. in front of a popular hotel in the state. The accused persons who pleaded guilty to the charge when they were brought to the court, however, begged for leniency.
The prosecutor told the court that their offence contravened sections 120, 187 and 347 of the Sharia Penal Code of Katsina State. The Sharia judge, Ibrahim Korau, then remanded the suspects and adjourned the case to 21 March for hearing.
Buhari salutes Obasanjo at 79 Leon Usigbe - Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as he turns 79 years old today. According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Friday, the president affirmed that the former president, who is approaching the octogenarian cycle, has contributed im-
mensely to the institutionalisation of democracy in Nigeria and Africa through personal sacrifice, extensive local and international networks, and God-given wisdom. The statement expressed the president’s belief that Obasanjo’s place in global history “is assured for successfully handing over power to a civilian government in 1979 after serving as a military head of state, and returning to power in 1999 through elections to stabilise the polity, during which he most remarkably negotiated a debt relief for Nigeria.” The president warmly commended Obasanjo’s vision and commitment to
the growth of Nigeria and Africa, “which translated into a historical growth rate of 6 per cent for the Nigerian economy after a long period of slow growth, and also created a rippling effect that buoyed other African economies.” According to the statement, President Buhari averred that the former president’s regular shuttles across Nigeria and Africa to counsel on economic, social and political issues, and his willingness to head election monitoring teams that have heralded smooth transitions in many countries are legacies which generations will remain grateful.
Lam-Adesina congratulates new Olubadan By Moses Alao THE member representing Ibadan North-East/SouthEast Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adedapo Lam-Adesina, has congratulated the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, on his ascension to the throne of his forebears, calling on him to be a father of all. Lam-Adesina, who noted that the position of the Olubadan conveys influence, power and striking authority, in a statement made available to newsmen, on Thursday, said, “Ibadan, the political headquarters of South-West Nigeria is blessed to have an accomplished entrepreneur and a seasoned businessman as its royal father at this particular point in time,” noting how the new royal father promoted many musical artistes into prominence with his Omo Aje, Adetunji and Babalaje Records labels.
Those calling for scrap of NYSC don’t mean well for Nigeria —Catholic Bishop Sylvanus Viashima -Jalingo THE Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese The Most Rev. Dr. Charles Harmawa has described those calling for the scrapping of National Youth Service Corps as enemies of the country who do not wish for the harmonious existence of the country to continue. Harmawa stated this at the commissioning of some Community Development Service (CDS) projects in Jalingo executed by a corps member, Uche Emem, serving with the Diocesan Directorate of Information. According to Harmawa, the NYSC scheme is the only scheme in the country at the moment that chronicles and emphasises national unity by encouraging youths to traverse other parts of the country to get to know and understand the diverse nature of the country thereby dismissing some of the wrong notion that have subsisted over the years. “There are a lot of wrong notions formed as a result of wrong information about various groups in the country. These create a situation of animosity towards such groups. The NYSC provides a platform for youths to traverse different parts of the country to get first-hand experience with people from these areas and that invariably creates some level of understanding and tolerance that we really need as a nation so as to move forward.”
9
interview
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
Oduduwa controversy: Yorubas are right; Benins are right, says Benin prince
Prince Edun Akenzua was born into the Benin Royal family as he was the sixth son of Omo n’ Oba n’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Akenzua II, Oba of Benin. This makes him the brother of the present Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa. He is also the Enogie (Duke) of Obazuwa in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. He spoke in Benin with BANJI ALUKO on the ever contentious Benin-Yoruba history, the story of Oduduwa (Ekaladerhan) Oranmiyan and the classification of some traditional rulers as done by the Alake of Egbaland.
W
HY does it always end in argument anytime the historical account of the Benin-Yoruba relationship or history is told by any of the two sides? As I have always said from the time I lived in Lagos about forty years ago, both groups are right. There was an argument at Lagos Island Club one day when I was there. My cousin was playing billiards upstairs when we heard some people arguing over something. We left the ground floor to see what was happening there. When we got there, we saw that the argument was over the Yoruba-Benin story. I told the two people involved to stop the argument because both of them were right. Yorubas tell the story from the point they met Oduduwa, the point of impact. The Benins also tell their story from the point of impact. They asked me what I meant by that and I illustrated thus. I said if I ask someone to move from Broad Street down to the airport in Ikeja, he will definitely talk about his movement from Broad Street to Tinubu Square, to Carter Bridge, Oyingbo, Ebute Meta, Yaba, down to where you have the Sheraton Hotel and to the airport. If he returned to write it this way, you will not fault him, will you? On the other hand if you ask someone to start the movement from Yaba to the airport, he will also return to tell you about Yaba, Oyingbo, the Sheraton Hotel down to the airport. He will write a composition detailing these places. Will you fault him? Will you say he is wrong? That is the way I look at the story of Oranmiyan, Oduduwa and others. Yoruba people tell the story from where they met Oduduwa, while the Benin people say it from their contact with him. The Benin people know that he was Ekaladerhan, a prince, who left here and wandered away. Somehow, he survived. Don’t forget these things happened more than one thousand years ago. At that time, there was no relationship between one town and another as there were no roads. The Benin people did not know of a place called Ife (Uhe) and the Ife people did not know of a place called Benin. Suddenly, they (Ife people) saw some people, who said they were from a place they had lost their king and have come to ask for a king from Oduduwa. Oduduwa obliged them and gave them his son to these complete strangers (who could have been savages). When Oduduwa got to that place (Ife), he became Izoduwa. How does this bring issues of seniority in? In Ooni Sijuwade of Ife’s welcome address when the Oba of Benin visited him in 1982, he did say “welcome to Ife, welcome my son and brother.” I was privileged to be on the Oba’s entourage to the trip and I was at the meeting. Though the Ooni spoke patronisingly like a father who was welcoming home a son who had made good fortune abroad, the Oba rejected the insinuation that he was the Ooni’s son. He said “if the Ooni of Ife calls the Oba of Benin his son and the Oba of Benin calls the Ooni of Ife his son, both of them are right.” The poser that follows is how can two people call each other son and be both right. I will refer you to the book I wrote, ‘Ekaladerhan’. If you read the book, you might know why. Both statements established two facts vividly. One is that there was a relationship between Ile-Ife and the Benin Royal family. The second one is that Oduduwa manifested in Yoruba history in the 10th century. I have recalled the story of the visit of the Oba of Benin to the Ooni of Ife to fill in some gaps in the often told, but often wrongly told story of the link between Ife and the Benin Royal family. Records in the Benin palace show that there was a time in history when a delegation from Benin arrived in Ife (Uhe) to request from Oduduwa to give them a king to rule their country. Oduduwa obliged and gave them his eldest son. This raises some fundamental questions. Who was Oduduwa? Was he ever Ooni? Was he so famous that people from far went to him to give them a ruler? Why did he give these strangers his son instead of of a war chief? (Why did he give his son to people who might be savages?) How did the Benin people know that Oduduwa was the same Ekaladerhan that left the Benin palace? They looked for him. They knew the point he left them and knew that he was just going straight as there were no roads. Eventually, they (the emissaries from the palace) got to a place, where a hunter saw them and arrested them. They took them to Ekaladerhan, who at this time had been accepted by the people as one of them. Ekaladerhan asked them their names and told them his adopted name, Izoduwa,
Prince Akenzua
which means “I chose the path that leads to fame or prosperity”. The emissaries wanted to know the name of his father and he (Ekaladerhan) told them that he was the son of Ogiso. They asked him the meaning of Ogiso, he told them that Ogiso means a king from the sky. Obviously, that is where the Yoruba got the idea that Oduduwa descended from the sky. If the Yoruba/Benin history is this simple as you have described it, why do we have so much animosity between the two groups as to that history? There is no animosity. The Yoruba tell the story honestly as far as they know it. They are honest about it because this man (Ekaladerhan) when they discovered him in the jungle, he never told them who he was; he let them go on with the belief that he was a spirit. When the emissaries came, he told them that these people had come to ask us to give them a king. They (the Ife people) were even afraid to leave him alone with the emissaries. This did not just happen overnight, it took some time. So a search party was organised to look for him? Yes, because his father still died without a heir. He was the only son and child. Why did he leave Benin in the first place? His father sent some people to the Oracle to find out why he (Ogiso) did not have any other child or children. He had many women in the harem but he had no other child apart from Ekaladerhan. A woman, one of the king’s wives, went with
Theemissarieswantedtoknow thenameofhisfatherandhe (Ekaladerhan)toldthemthathewas thesonofOgiso.Theyaskedhimthe meaningofOgiso,hetoldthemthat Ogisomeansakingfromthesky.
the people the king sent to the oracle. The oracle told them that they must go and kill a woman called Esawu for the king to have more children. The oracle told them that Esawu was responsible for the problem. This was the same woman who followed them to the oracle. When they were coming back, this same woman blackmailed them. There was a storm when they were coming back and this woman, somehow, allowed her loins to fell off. So, she told them point-blank that she would tell the Ogiso that they wanted to rape her. The people knew that if she said that, nobody would believe whatever they said and the executioners would behead them. So, they pleaded with her. She struck a deal with these men that they must corroborate whatever story she told Ogiso. So, when they got home, they told the Ogiso that it was his son, Ekaladerhan that must be killed. They now asked the executioner to take Ekaladerhan away for execution. Ogiso believed that this would allow him have more children. However, the executioners somehow knew that Ekaladerhan was not the one to be executed. So, when they got to where they were going to execute him, the executioners said they knew the real story and would not have Ekaladerhan’s blood on their hand. They asked him to keep going and never come back again. That was what happened. What does the Benin account say of Oranmiyan? Oranmiyan was regarded as the eldest son of Oduduwa. Oranmiyan came to Benin but he couldn’t stay because the time he came was a period of anarchy. So, he left Benin because he could not cope with the acrimony and anarchy in the land and returned to Ife. By the time he went back home, he had fathered a son here. So what do you make out of the Alake’s classification of Yoruba Obas and the Oba of Benin ? It was abolutely uncalled for, especially as the Ooni was visiting the Alake. There was no need at all for him to have made such classifications. There was no need at all. He (Alake) is a young retired military man. I’m not sure he’s quite vast in the history of his people. I understand the Ooni has reacted to it, saying that he was not interested in all that and that his interest was to foster the unity of the Yoruba race. That was a more mature way. The one the Alake did, I don’t know why. I recall that a meeting of all traditional rulers in the Western Region in 1942 was hosted in Benin by the Oba of Benin. The colonial administrators organised it and all the Yoruba Obas came, off course they were not called Oba then as they all had their different titles. The Alake of Egbaland was there, the Ooni of Ife was there, the Awujale of Ijebuland was there, all of them. As of that time, only the Oba of Benin was called Oba.
10
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
Toluwani Olamitoke 08050498504 toluwaniforever@yahoo.com
My hubby’s love, support,
spurred me
to success
While growing up, she had a taste of both the sweet and unpleasant sides of life, but this did not thwart her dream of making a success of her career. Today, Mrs Pauline Ehusani is the Zonal Director, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). She speaks with TOLUWANI OLAMITOKE on her youthful days, her career and marriage.
A
As a wife and mother, what were the sacrifices you made? I started as a regulator in 1996 after my extinct with the press media. As a young wife who had a baby, my job entailed working at weekends and public holidays. I had the understanding of my husband. He actually understood the intricacies of the job. After I lost him, it became very difficult. Some believe men are better bosses considering the way they relate with their subordinates? It’s true we women have our issues. It is said that women think with their hearts, men, their heads. Women are passionate and also take into consideration the challenges of their staff. Women, if better appreciated, can be better persons. Before I became the ZD, we had another woman and there was never a case of staff writing petitions. As a boss, you must accept the fact that human beings are not the same. We are distinct as individuals. Managing people involves understanding them. You put yourself in your subordinate’s position, find out why he or she is behaving the way he or she is doing. You try to feel their pulse and develop a cordial relationship with them. Relationships are reciprocal even on the home front and it’s true that you reap whatever you sow. What did your childhood look like? It was very interesting. There was story telling in the evenings. Then the family who had a TV was regarded as noble. My father was a bit well-to-do but I lost him at age 12. I grew
Today when a male professes love what comes to the mind is sex, why is it so? I guess it is the influx of the Western culture. In the past you knew who you would marry on your wedding night. Our culture supports sex only after marriage. But these days people make excuses that they want to check if they are compatible. The truth is when there’s love, that compatibility will be there. Was your meeting with your spouse love at first sight? I wouldn’t say so. We met in Lagos. He was a friend to a friend in my office. I was then the Director of Advert at News Real, a weekly newspaper. We would go out together for lunch or watch sports. One day he invited me out for dinner and made his purpose known to me. Were you a hard catch? I initially gave him some problems. It took six months before we got serious.
S the Zonal Director of the National Broadcasting Commission, how easy was getting to the top, especially as a woman? I will say it was not easy. The zone comprises three states–Oyo, Ogun and Osun. It entails a lot. It’s like a policeman trying to find a fault. We monitor activities of broadcast stations and we are always on guard. We have 77 broadcast stations and to coordinate human resources in order to make people stick to regulations is difficult, but we are on top of it. How does the commission censor the quality of what is being aired on radio and television stations? We have specified standards which the television and radio stations are meant to comply with. When they don’t do these we have procedures for correcting them. We call them on phone; if it still continues, we write letters of admonition; we warn–the procedure is so long. Again, there are different classes of punishment. Under Class A is the revocation of licences when they commit treason, for example, against the unity of the country or make a broadcast through a transmitter that is not yet approved. Under Class B, we ban musicals that are vulgar or the airing of programmes which are superstitious or where we have someone who comes up to say he has the power to heal all diseases which is contrary to medical conviction.
like the one that happened recently. Unconditional love is giving and expecting nothing in return. The Bible gave the characteristics of love. Without love it’s impossible to trust. My husband loved and trusted me and gave me his support. It’s unfortunate I lost him early.
How long was your marriage? Eight years. We got married in 1994 and he passed on in 2002.
up in a conducive atmosphere and went to school early. My father was a Catholic and so valued education. I had an elder brother and elder sisters to look up to. They are all graduates and are doing fine. My brother is today a reverend father. One of my sisters is a medical doctor and the other, a pharmacist. They motivated me. I therefore had to be on my guard to compete healthily with my mates. But then, growing up had its hardship too. Since I lost my dad early and being from a polygamous family and the only child of my mum, I had to be there for her. Despite the challenges, I was determined to make a headway in my academics and life generally. I took JAMB and got admitted for Law at University of Ilorin, but since the course wasn’t yet accredited, I changed to Sociology. What are your favourite television and radio programmes? Reality shows, especially the competitive ones like talent shows. I also love sports. I was in The Guardian Newspaper for a year and covered sports. I love football and lawn tennis. How do you censor what your children watch especially on the television? They have learnt what to watch and what not to early enough due to the nature of my job. It eventually influenced their conduct. They would even be the ones to point out the faults in whatever is being aired. My first son loves news and is always on the social media while my second child is a bookworm. How early did you start dating? That was when I was at the University of Ilorin. You know, sometimes such relationship doesn’t go out well. Talking about love, to some, the four-letter word is a reality, to others, it’s mere farce. Where do you belong? I believe in love and I also teach my children to love. Many times we happen to confuse obsession or liking with love. That’s why we have couples fighting and killing each other
In which ways did his ways rub off on you? His attitude of saying things instead of having them bottled up in him. He was openminded and believed communication builds the home. I appreciated it because it shaped me kind of. If I feel you have offended me, I will tell you and we will talk things over which is same if I was the one who offended you. Doing this makes life easy and also makes you be at peace with those around you. What would you have loved to change about him? In a relationship you learn to accept your spouse because nobody is perfect. Again, you have to be mindful of the fact that both of you are from different backgrounds. My husband was the first born and was spoilt. When we got married, he was in the habit of dropping his tie here, his shoes there and I was always complaining. But I later stopped complaining. So when he’s back home, I would ask him to come into the room so that he could take off his tie and shoes there. What do you miss most about him? His companionship. Being the only child of my mother and living like a loner, he became my friend. Now, I confide in my children. What do you miss about Nigeria whenever you are out of the country? I miss our uniqueness. I miss our food. Although they have fresh food there, yet it’s not like ours. Added to these is the freedom–we interact freely here. One other thing is the disorderliness. Here in Nigeria even at conferences where you are expected to queue let’s say during tea break, you will be surprised to see people jumping the queue. Can you tell us what you do to look good? I do a lot of exercise. I jog, walk and play tennis with my children at home. I believe what I eat is important. Sometimes in the office rather than taking snacks, I will eat carrot or roast plantain. I don’t take everything that is sweet, I believe in applying moderation, while I also take a lot of water too. We have a timetable at home which guides us in eating healthily. A lady is said to always have many things in her handbag, what do you have in yours? I have my make-up bag, wallet, hand cream, pen, card holder and hair brush.
11
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune BLESSING EKUM ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639
food&drink
Editan : Sumptuous, nutritious soup for dry season
With close to two decades of professional cooking, Mrs Rose Bassey Okon, chef at D-Prince Hotels, shares with BLESSING EKUM some tips and common mistakes to avoid when preparing native Efik dishes the proper way.
HOW long have you been a chef? ’ve been cooking professionally for close to 20 years. But before going into catering, I had always enjoyed cooking. This may be because of where I am from where we are known to have a variety of foods and are also good cooks.
I
And where is that? I am from Calabar, Cross River State. Do you mean that every person from there is a good cook? I would say yes. Every child is practically brought up in the kitchen. So, we learn how to prepare all kinds of dishes right from childhood. This is not just for female children; male children are also raised to know how to cook. When my sons come home, they do the cooking. They don’t usually allow me to cook. What are some of your favourite native foods? In Calabar, we are blessed with varieties of food and I find almost all of them enjoyable. But I particularly enjoy oto, ekpang nkukwo, otong soup, atama soup, etidot soup, edikang ikong soup and afang soup. Most of the soups you mentioned are vegetable soups. How does one manage during the dry season when there is paucity of fresh vegetables? Even during the dry season, some vegetables are still available, though they may be expensive and not very fresh. However, during the rainy season when there are fresh vegetables, some of them can be stored and used during the dry season.
For instance afang can be cut and dried and then stored. Other vegetables can be stored in the vegetable section of fridges or wrapped in sacks and kept in a cool, dry place by day. In the evening, you can open it down to air overnight and wrap up again by day. However, with waterleaf, you should air the leaves and not cover because the leaves get rotten easily. But for those who
don’t like stored vegetables, there are some soups that are prepared during the dry season that don’t need much vegetables. Can you mention one of such “dry season” soups? Editan soup is one of them. It is traditionally prepared at the start of the planting season when there are no vegetables such as ugwu. How is this soup prepared? There are some basic pieces of information about this soup. First, there is the fresh editan leaves and the dry one. However, the dried ones are less preferable because they take up much palm oil when you cook. The leaves can be bought and shredded at home or you could buy the already shredded ones. Also, there are two ways of preparing it. With the first method, because the leaves are quite bitter, they are first boiled, then strained repeatedly till you achieve the level of bitterness you prefer. Then you can then go ahead and add shredded waterleaves to prepare the soup. For the second method, you would have to pound editan leaves in mortar. Bring little water to boil and add pounded leaves with a little kaun (potash). This would reduce the bitter taste. You can then go ahead and add other ingredients and cook. With this pounded editan method, you do not add waterleaves. The beauty of this soup is the variety of protein added to it such as dried fish, snails, stock fish, beef and the like. Other ingredients needed are palm oil, salt, pepper. What do you enjoy about it?
My husband used to like it, so I developed a liking for it. Besides, it is very nutritious because of the bitter nature of the leaves. Also, the juice from the leaves is traditionally used to treat women with fertility issues. What is it best served with? It can be eaten with any swallow; eba, pounded yam, fufu and even amala. What did you find strange about the food and the way they are prepared when you relocated to the south west? It was preparing ewedu soup using a broom. I didn’t know there was actually a special broom for it. I was also surprised to see okra soup being eaten with stew ,whereas in my place, it is made with vegetables. Edikang ikong is a popular Efik dish. Can you share one common mistake people make when cooking it? I have heard people say that you add onions to the soup. Proper edikang ikong soup does not have onions. Onions may be used in seasoning the beef to be used, but it is not added to the soup as an ingredient. Also, it is a not a soup that should be cooked for long. Once you add vegetables, it shouldn’t cook on fire beyond three to five minutes. You allow it cook for about three minutes and take it down for residual heat to complete the cooking. Do you use any native condiment for this? Although iru (locust beans) is the common local condiment used in the South West, it is not used in preparing this soup.
12 interview
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
My dad’s stay in Kuje prison is not something I want to remember —Homto, Dokpesi’s daughter Daughter of the chairman of DAAR Communications, High Chief Aleogho Raymond Dokpesi, Homto Dokpesi, in this interview by KATE ANI, shares her feelings about her father’s ordeal at the hands of the Economic and Financial Commsion (EFCC), her entrepreneurial skills and more.
W
HAT is the best piece of advice you have ever got and from whom? That should be from my father, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, that life is not about how fast or how slow you climb the ladder, but how well you eventually end up. Your father, Chief Dokpesi, was recently remanded in Kuje Prison for alleged money laundering but was later released on bail. How did your family take it, especially you? I am not in a position to speak on behalf of my family, so I will speak on how I took that development. It was tough emotionally for me as my dad is the wind beneath my wings. That memory is not one you want to save in the hard drive of your mind. But it’s what life is, it’s full of ups and downs. But if you do not embrace the downs, how then can you appreciate the ups? Do you think he is being victimised for strongly supporting former President Goodluck Jonathan? I, unfortunately, will not be making any comment on that. The matter is in court and I believe the judiciary will do the needful. But one thing I am sure of is he would come out strong, shining brighter than a diamond. He still is my cat with nine lives. How is your mother taking all this? All my mothers, as I am blessed with more than one. There are strong women and are handling it well. What do you admire most about your dad? I admire my dad’s humility, tenacity, perseverance, doggedness and his very large heart. Who is Hompto? I attended Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City for my junior secondary education, Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, for my senior secondary education, Igbinedion University, Okada, for my first degree in Accounting and Westminster Business School and University of Westminster, United Kingdom for my master’s degree in International Business Economics. With your educational qualifications, why did you shun white-collar job for fashion and style business? I can’t truly say that I abandoned my academic profession. I have gone far in business because of the financial intelligence I acquired from the classroom. So, it is difficult to take away my current business from my academic profession. I have always had an adventurous mind, a mind that runs faster than me most times. I had just moved back from the United Kingdom at the time and I needed an outfit to wear to an event which I was called impromptu to attend the next day and I needed a piece made of African fabric. I was directed to a store where I bought from, even though it was quite pricey. On another occasion, the store had closed and they were not going to open the next day so I was given numbers of a few people who made clothes from home but none of them had any piece on the ground. So, I thought to myself, ‘definitely, there is an opportunity here. There must be people like me who would need outfits impromptu for an event, relatively priced and readily available.’ So, I jumped at the opportunity and created a business for myself. Nigerians boycott made-in-Nigeria products because of lack of quality, how does that affect you as an entrepreneur? When I started the business, it was tough convincing people to trust the product just as it is for any new brand. People didn’t quite understand the reason for my business. Nigerians typically follow the Western trend. If it’s not foreign, it’s inferior. Some would rather go to Katangua (where foreign second-hand clothes are sold) and buy
second grade or third grade) than buying Nigerian made goods. But when the likes of Beyonce and Rihanna started strutting Ankara pieces, a lot of people then picked interest in it and that boosted the business. So, it made me double up on production to ensure the quality was at par with
The matter is in court and I believe the judiciary will do the needful. But one thing I am sure of is he would come out strong, shining brighter than a diamond. He still is my cat with nine lives.
international standards as I always had the intention of not limiting my products to the local market. I also wanted to explore the international market and when they saw the amount of creativity I put into each piece I produce, they started patronising easily and with customer referrals it helped build my brand to where it is today. What is your unique selling point? I would like to say my unique selling point is my creativity, quality control, cost savings and readily available nationwide. You always refer to yourself as a ‘mumpreneur’, what is that about? A ‘mumpreneur’ is a mum who has a kid on her hips and runs her business(es). Motherhood in this part of the world is viewed as a setback for most people but a ‘mumpreneur’ thinks differently. She seeks opportunities within and creates businesses for herself, irrespective of the major timeconsuming commitment caring for family may seem like. She realises neither priority (family or business) nor has to come over the other. This enables her to master the art of balancing business, family and self in a way that may seem totally effortless from the outside world.
13
5 March, 2016
intimacy
Saturday Tribune
With Bosede Ola-Samuel 08112658560 bosedeola_samuel@yahoo.com
STRICTLY FOR ADULTS
What makes married couples violent at home?
T
HE unprecedented increase in the recorded cases of domestic violence calls for concern from every sane person. In the last few weeks, two deaths have been recorded as a result of domestic violence among married couples. Amazingly, the recorded cases involved both sexes - one male, and one female. This, to me, is an indication that both husband and wife are guilty of this dastardly act at the home front. In the United States, 35.6 per cent of women and 28.5 per cent of men have experienced some form of domestic violence (including rape, physical violence, or stalking) by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Globally, however, a wife or female partner is more commonly the victim of such violence. It is also an indication that urgent steps should be taken to address the issue of domestic violence among married couples. What is domestic violence among married couples? Domestic violence (also domestic abuse, spousal abuse, intimate partner violence, battering, or family violence) is a pattern of behaviour which involves violence or other abuse by one person against another in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is violence by a spouse or partner in an intimate relationship against the other spouse or partner. For the purpose of this concern, I want to define domestic violence as a situation where husband and wife go physical as a means of settling their quarrel and misunderstanding . Such physical means include throwing of punches, teeth biting, use of weapons such as knife, cooking utensils, dining chairs and settee, small supporting tables among other weapons. This shameful act is a gross violation of the couples’ marital vow. For avoidance of doubt, let me state below a version of such a vow: The man states as follows: I take you to be my wedded wife, to hold forever in sickness, and in death, for richer and for poorer... till death do us part. The woman states as follows: I take you to be my wedded husband, to hold in high esteem, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, with my body will I honour you... till death do us part. Engaging in physical fight therefore is a negation of the marital vow between each couple and a gross violation of the marital covenant, which the marital vow between each couple represents.
Not only is domestic violence a gross violation of the marital vow, it is also a breach of peace for which the couple could be liable. It is therefore needful for everyone to be concerned about the remedy therapy for this menace. How can domestic violence be minimised or completely eradicated? To be able to eradicate domestic violence:
If your boss in the office does the same thing your wife has done, will you go physical with her? After all, you are physically stronger than her and you can easily overpower her. But you dare not try it for the fear of the consequences.
• Couples must do away with the myths that promote it, especially against the female partners. These include the belief that a woman must be put under subjection to her husband, and this is better achieved through physical beating. It is also a common belief that a wife will respect a man better if she is subjected to physical beating. • Domestic violence occurs when the abuser believes that abuse is acceptable, justified, or unlikely to be reported. Domestic violence should be promptly reported to the law enforcement agencies. This will curb the tendency in couples getting into it. That it is not an acceptable step to report such incidents in most customs has promoted it beyond acceptable limit. • Couples should put their partners in their bosses mould. If your boss in the office does the same thing your wife has done, will you go physical with her? After all, you are physically stronger than her and you can easily overpower her. But you dare not try it for the fear of the consequences, which is usually better imagined than experienced. • Be convinced that you can control your anger despite the provocation. One reason why couples go physical with each other is due to provocation. We wrong ourselves and become provoked to the point of losing our temper. Thus, before you know it, verbal abuse occurs and in the process, slaps land on the face, punches begin to fly. But I have come to discover that we do so because we know we are capable of venting our anger on each other. After all, he is my partner, so I am permitted to do so. But, if it is someone who is more powerful than us, we will restrain ourselves, despite the provocation. I discovered that the day some area boys screamed on my hubby to move his car away from where he packed to pave way for their exit. Despite the provocative manner the order was issued and the anger he felt, my hubby, realising who they were, quickly applied wisdom by controlling his anger, and quickly reversed his car out of the way, without uttering a word. End of story. Anger can be controlled despite the provocation. In response to my readers’ request, I have packaged some of my previous articles into a book with the title: ENJOYING GREAT SEXLIFE. You can call me on 08112658560 for the book. Couples Day Out with Bosede Ola-Samuel comes up at Ibadan on Saturday, 26th of March, 2016. You can call me for details.
14
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
with aunty yemi 08056834515 ojeleyeoyeyemi@yahoo.com
A professor was travelling by boat. on his way he asked the sailor: “Do you know biology, ecology, zoology, geography, physiology? The sailor said no to all his questions. Professor: what the hell do you
ke
mouthology
know on earth. You will die of illiteracy! After a while the boat started sinking, the sailor asked the professor, ‘do you know swiminology & escapology from sharkology?’ The professor said no.
Praise to a gin r i v s o Virtu
Sailor: “well, sharkology and crocodilogy will eat your assology, headology & you will dieology because of your mouthology.’ By Coca Cola CEO Brian Dyson
PUZZLE
TRIBUTES to the one who doesn’t have her wall broken. She is the poetry of the world. As the stars are poetry of heaven clear, lightening and harmonious She has more strength in her look than we have in our laws. Strength to her, who has her hymen in place. She will not be despised. She is flamboyant in her deed, give her a place to stand. She builds the future with steady hand.
RIDDLES
I am a nine letter word; I am the exact inverse to expression ‘neighbourly and active’; I contain the word ‘over’; I begin will a vowel.
ANSWERS
By: Jacob Boluwatife, ss1
Bir
To kill you all at once. Stop boasting, You this skilful hunter If death comes It will kill you at once. Stop boasting around, You killer of men. On judgement day. God will chain you at once.
th da y
I am word ‘introvert’
POEM Stop boasting
Stop boasting around, You this small cockroach. The hen and the rooster will soon come, Run after you and make a meal of you. Stop boasting around, You this small hen. The fox will soon come, To tear and eat you up at once. Stop boasting around, Stop boasting around, You this powerful fox. The hunter will soon come,
Find the number of triangles in the snowflake picture
answers
•There are 56 triangles add up to in the snowflake plan. • There are 5 in the big equilateral triangle part into littler equilateral triangles. • There are 3 inside the focal little equilateral triangle utilizing the core vertex. • There are 18 (3 * 6) with the additional hexagonal sides around the little equilateral triangle. • There are 30 (3 * 10) with the additional hexagonal sides around the huge equilateral triangle.
J
get inspired
By: Fatoki Richard Oluwafemi J.SS. 2
OLUWASEMILOSO HEPHZIBAH ADEBAYO
@ 10 recently.
Many happy returns of the day
Don’t undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special.
15
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune BLESSING EKUM
health&fitness
ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639
Could your pillow be making you sick? By Blessing Ekum
F
EW things can be as rewarding as well-needed, restful sleep and a comfortable bed and soft pillow is key to achieving that. But did you know that besides supporting your head and neck, a pillow can also be home to organisms that can be a source of health problems? Considering that we spend at least a quarter of the day with our heads on the pillow amounting to a third of one’s life sleeping, it is important to ensure that we are not cuddling with harmful microorganisms that could affect our health. A study by British health care provider, Barts, and the London NHS Trust presented at the Healthcare Associated Infections 2011 Conference in London, showed that “up to a third of the weight of your pillow could be made up of bugs, dead skin and house dust mites and their faeces.” The researchers examined hundreds of used hospital pillows and discovered E. coli, respiratory and urinary tract infection-causing germs, and “more than one million Staphylococcus hominus per millilitre.” Another study from the University of Manchester published in the journal, Allergy, found that both synthetic and down pillows were full of dust mites as well as millions of fungal spores. The researchers described it as a “miniature ecosystem inside your pillow.” The research consisted of testing pillows that had been used for 18 months to 20 years. Upon testing, the result of the samples showed that each pillow had what was identified as four to 16 fungal species per sample. A few thousand spores of fungus were found per gramme, with the synthetic pillows having the highest number of specimen. The presence of dust mites and fungi in the pillows were largely attributed to the sweat produced as well as dead skin shed during sleep. Dust mites are microscopic relatives of the spider and live on mattresses, beddings, upholstered furniture, carpets and curtains. They mostly feed on the shed flakes of human or animal skin and they grow in warm, moist and humid environments. For fungi to thrive, they need moisture and this is provided
by sweat and saliva. The researchers also said that fungi use the dust mites’ faeces as a major source of nitrogen and nutrition. So, the pillow therefore provides the ideal environment for these to thrive. The most common fungi found during this research was the aspergillus fumigatus, which is also the most likely to cause disease, the researchers said. Experts say it is the leading infectious cause of death in leukemia and bone marrow transplant patients. They also add that this micro-organism can cause a long-term, incurable infection in the lungs known as chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, which not only causes symptoms such as a severe cough and shortness of breath, but also fatigue and weight-loss. Although for most people, the body’s immune system could destroy the spores of this fungus which is usually inhaled, but those with existing lung problems or who have had previous lung surgery or a collapsed lung or common immunosuppressive conditions such as diabetes, are more vulnerable to the disease. According to Dr Eniola Adekunle, a medical practitioner, “Dust mites are not parasites; they don’t bite or sting or suck blood from our bodies. They are not bedbugs. However, they are a major cause of allergies
For fungi to thrive, they need moisture and this is provided by sweat and saliva. The researchers also said that fungi use the dust mites’ faeces as a major source of nitrogen and nutrition.
and can trigger an asthmatic episode for those with asthma, especially in vulnerable individuals, such as children and the elderly. The allergen they produce comes from their feaces and broken body fragments and some people are allergic to this. They feed off dead skin which the human or animal body produces thousands of. So, you would find them mostly on mattresses and pillows where the perfect environment of warmth and dead skin are available. Unfortunately, they are microscopic so you may not see them with the naked eye but they are there if you don’t take deliberate steps to get rid of them. Sometimes, your pillow may look clean on the outside but it’s harbouring micro-organisms invisible to the naked eye.” Moreover, your pillow can contribute to neck pain. This is why a pillow that provides adequate support for the neck is necessary. Ideally, a pillow should fill the gap between the head and shoulders when one lies down. So, a flat pillow might defeat that purpose and not only cause discomfort but can cause neck pain. One test to know if your pillow needs a change is the folding test. Fold your pillow in half, and if it stays folded instead of springing back into shape, it’s time to find a new one. Care for your pillow Having clean beddings doesn’t end with your pillowcases and bed sheets. You need to take special cleaning care of your pillow. Washing your pillow once a week in hot water (cold or warm water doesn’t kill dust mites), spreading the pillow in the sun or freezing the pillow overnight can kill dust mites and other harmful microorganisms. Not only should you wash your face to remove makeup before hitting your pillow, you should also wash your face to reduce oils and sweat that can provide moisture for fungi and dust mite to thrive on. There are dust mite casings that can be put around your pillow to protect the pillow from dust mites. Invest in one especially if you have allergies. The findings of the University of Manchester study found that synthetic pillows were the major culprit. Substitute these for cotton or wool-filled pillows.
16 healthandfitness
5 March, 2016
Am I still pregnant?
Dr. Wale Okediran
I recently aborted a month old pregnancy in a hospital. Two days later, I did a pregnancy test and it was positive. I am confused doctor. Does it mean that I am still pregnant? Ngozi (by SMS)
I have pimples
I have pimples which make my friends to make jest of me. Kindly help. Samuel (by SMS)
Is this filariasis?
Although most of your complaints can be found in filariasis, they can also occur in some other ailments
D
such as some skin diseases, worms infestation and psychosomatic ailments. Having taken so many drugs, I will advise that you stop all medications and see
a specialist doctor (dermatologist or internal physician) at the nearest Specialist or teaching hospital to you for more thorough examination and treatment.
My baby’s mucoid stool I recently commenced my six-year-old baby on formula feed only for her to start passing mucous stools. Kindly help me as all the medications I gave the baby failed to work and she is losing weight at a very fast rate. Olukemi (by SMS) Your baby’s condition could be due to an infection or a reaction to the formula feed. You will need to review the hygienic procedures with which you are preparing her feeds in order to make sure that you sterilise your utensils and wash your hands thoroughly. If after this the
EATH is best treated by prevention. Death does not just occur, there would have some form of diseases incubating in the body without detection. Most sudden deaths are associated with heart disease. One influential man, popular in his community and loved by everyone once went to his village and had a nasty experience. There was a reception in his honour and as soon as he approached the venue, the traditional drummers went praising this man and when he could no longer resist the praise, he came out of his car to dance to the rhythm but after few steps he passed out and was rushed to the nearby hospital where he was resuscitated. Unknown to him, one of part of his heart had been damaged. He did not die, the heart issues were fixed and he is still alive today. Our esteemed readers, many are not as lucky as this man! This embarrassment would have been there if the man had done medical check up to detect the heart disease. Prevention measures are better put into use when there is perfect understanding of the disease. So, this will remind us the details about sudden cardiac death. What is sudden cardiac death? Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is natural death from cardiac causes, heralded by abrupt loss of consciousness within one hour of the onset of acute symptoms. In other words sudden death occurs when the heart stops beating and breathing ceases abruptly or unexpectedly. In SCD, the heart function is suddenly lost and there is impaired blood flow and oxygen to the brain and the heart itself as well as other vital organs in the body. Sudden cardiac death can occur in those with known heart diseases or in undetected heart disorders. Cardiac arrest is abrupt cessation of cardiac pump function, which may be reversible but will lead to death in the absence of prompt intervention. In other words, death is an irreversible cessation of biological functions in the body. What is heart attack or acute myocardial infarction? Heart attack occurs when an area of the heart muscle is deprived of blood flow and oxygen for a prolonged period usually more than 20 to 30 minutes and the muscle begins to die. This is usually the result of severe narrowing or complete blockage of a diseased coronary artery or plaque rupture or
waleokediran@yahoo.co.uk
08055069356 (sms only)
No, it is not likely that you are still pregnant since it takes a while for the hormone of pregnancy to completely disappear from the urine and the blood even after normal pregnancy. However, in other to be doubly sure, you can do a pelvic ultrasonography to determine if the foetus has been completely removed from your womb.
MY name is Jude. I am 26 years old. I recently went to the laboratory for a test because I was feeling dizzy and my skin started drying up and lost its fine texture. I also had a moving sensation under my skin and eyes. In addition, something keeps biting my stomach and skin. The laboratory test I did confirmed filariasis. I was treated with banocide for weeks, yet the condition persisted. Another pharmacist gave me Ivermectin which he said should be taken once a year but the condition persisted. I just finished taking herbs last week, still the filarial worms remained defiant. Kindly help me with a strong medication that will clear the filariasis. Jude (by SMS)
Saturday Tribune
condition still persists, you may need to change the formula feed or better still, stop all kinds of feeds and practise exclusive breast feeding which is usually recommended for the first year of life of babies. Meanwhile, make sure that you replace your baby’s lost fluids by giving her the well-known salt and water solution.
Although you didn’t state your age, pimples are usually an affectation of adolescence, a period where excessive production of hormones can produce oily and skin lesions on the face of young people. Since it is an age related ailment, it is a passing phase which after the period of adolescence will go away. In the
meantime, try keeping your skin dry and reduce your intake of oily foods
such as groundnuts, butter and fried food.
My whitish penile discharge I used to masturbate before but I have since stopped the practice. Since I stopped, I now notice that something whitish like sperm but watery comes out of my penis. Kindly help me so that the situation will not turn into something serious. Akanbi (by SMS) From your antecedence of masturbation, the whitish discharge could be semen which is unconsciously released due to your long standing habit of masturbation. However, to be on the safe side, it will be advisable to send a sample of
the discharge to a laboratory to rule out the possibility of an infection which
must be treated accordingly. If it is just semen, this will abate with time.
Dr. Abiodun Adeoye adeoyemoshood@yahoo.com
08056564360, 08072000017 (sms only)
Prevention of sudden cardiac death
erosion with secondary thrombus formation. How frequent? Worldwide, the prevalence of SCD varies from one country to another. It largely depends on the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in each country. In the United States of America, with high incidence of CHD, the rate of SCD in estimated as between 300,000 to 350,000 annually. In fact, more than 50% of patient with CHD present with sudden cardiac death. The spate of sudden death among Nigerians within and outside the country is equally terrifying. Although most of the deaths in the country are not fully investigated because of our socio-cultural and religious belief that do not support post-mortem, non-traumatic sudden death can only be explained by cardiovascular disease. Amongst the cardiovascular diseases, except massive hemorrhagic stroke, coronary artery disease will still explain most of the deaths in hotel rooms or in rowdy sessions in the houses of assemblies. What are the causes of sudden cardiac death? Many are related to heart disease while others are from brain or lungs. Coronary artery disease still rank first among the heart causes of SCD. Age, heredity, gender, and race are non -negligible factors in the event of SCD or cardiac arrest. Age There are two ages of peak incidence of sudden death: between birth and six months of age (the sudden infant death syndrome as a result of severe congenital heart anomalies) and between 45 and 75 years of age. The incidence of sudden death caused by coronary heart diseases increases
is a factor of advance in age. Ageing is inevitable agreed, but death should not catch us unaware. The progression of coronary artery disease can be slowed down by changing our lifestyles and eat healthy diets. Heredity Talking about syndromes may be beyond the scope of this column but few ones will be mentioned here for some of us that have interest but I know that in these days of information technology, we all have access to these important facts. The function of the heart is engineered by the electrical impulses and mechanical forces that are well coordinated by genetic makeup. In the event of any genetic defect these forces work in disarray detrimental to the owner of the heart. Examples are congenital Long QT interval syndrome (occurring as delay or prolongation of conduction time in the electrical impulses of the heart, leading to abnormal rhythm of the heart). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy among others is a disproportionate enlargement of heart muscle consequent upon which there is abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia) or blockage of blood flow to brain and the heart during exertion. The patient may die on the field of play or during other rigorous exercises. Other syndromes are rather for medical classrooms than pages of newspapers. Gender The sudden cardiac death syndrome has a large predilection towards males compared with female during the adult and early middle age years because of the protection females enjoy from coronary atherosclerosis before menopause.
17
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
18
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
crimeandcourt
She plays all sorts of pranks to escape sex with me, husband tells court I starve him of sex cos’ he acts strangely —Wife Stories by Ayomide Owonibi with Agency Reports
A
middle-aged man, Dare Falana, has told an Igando customary court in Lagos State that he caught his wife, Ganiyat, eating ‘take-away’ from an eatery with her boyfriend in his living room. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Dare had urged the court to dissolve his marriage blessed with three children because of his wife’s infidelity, sex starvation and frequent fighting. “Usually I come home late at night, but on this faithful day I decided to come home early, only for me to meet her with her boyfriend eating in our home. “I was too shocked to say anything; I left them there and went out but by the time I came back, the man had left. “There was a time I went to Abuja, before I came back, she got into a fight and was arrested. I spent the N40, 000 I brought from Abuja on that case.” He told the court that, “my wife starves me of sex whenever I demand it. “I have to beg my wife for sex as if she is still my girlfriend. She plays all sorts of unimaginable pranks to escape having sex with me. “She only comes to me for sex when she feels like it and not the other way round. “When I complained to her sister, she told her that I had a disease and that was why she stopped having sex with me. “I’m fed up, I can’t continue this way,” he said. The respondent denied the allegation of infidelity, but admitted that she usually starved her husband of sex. “He married me a virgin, how can I be so bold and bring my supposed boyfriend to my husband’s house, the supposed boyfriend is my distant relative. “I called my distant cousin, and told him I was hungry and that my children didn’t have food to eat when they return from school. “I specifically told him to get food for me and my children from the eatery. “My husband’s ways are questionable. He acts and talks desperately about making money at all costs. “He keeps comparing me to his friend’s wife. “My husband told me that his friend’s wife is an ogbanje (witch) and she used to bring good luck to her husband, that I should be doing same for him, which I refused. “He beats me up, but in spite of this, I still love my husband,” Ganiyat said. President of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, ordered the couple to attend an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) on March 17. He, therefore, adjourned the case till March 29 for hearing.
31
She has derailed from my vision for my family, man tells court He’s a difficult man, my kids know this —Wife “MY wife indulges in witchcraft and has ordered our eight children to dishonour me and weaken the progress of my household,” a man, Mr Emmanuel Ugwuja, seeking the dissolution of his almost 30-year-old marriage, has told an Ikorodu customary court in Lagos State. “I no longer love her because she is now a threat to my life,” Ugwuja said at the hearing of the case, insisting that he was fed up with his marriage to Virginia. He told the court that the respondent had become estranged from the vision he wanted for his family and added that she had instigated her children against him. I do not wish to continue to tolerate a wife that will dishonour me with her attitude and witchcraft as well as use my children against me,” he said. Responding, Virginia, told the court that Emmanuel was the problem of the marriage. She said that her eight children were solidly behind her because they knew she was not the cause of the strains in her home. “We are Catholics and out of the blues, he wants us to be attending the Lord’s Chosen Church which will not go down well with my family. “He is a difficult man and my children who are old enough will attest to this,” she said in court. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the
union was blessed with eight children, the eldest daughter, being Chime, 28. Meanwhile, Nnamdi, the first son of the petitioner, said that his father was the difficult partner in the marriage. “The house we presently stay in was not rented by him because he asked us with his wife to pack out from our former place. “My father has even disowned me for trying to save his marriage,” Nnamdi said in court. The president of the court, Mrs Irene Abiola, said that differences in religious beliefs ought not to lead to dissolution of a marriage if the partners were tolerant. Abiola said the court would not wish to dissolve a union with eight children that has lasted for almost 30 years. “A happy home is the ultimate joy of a woman and there will be no happy home if a wife is not tolerant, submissive, flexible and sincere to herself, husband and children. “It is not your religious righteousness that will make this court dissolve this union but the consent of the two of you. “There can be no life of fulfilment and enjoyment without a happy home and marriage is a strong bond that should not just be brokers without cogent cause,” she said. Abiola ruled that the case would continue for settlement in her office after the day’s proceedings and adjourned till March 31 for continuation.
He denies me sex, love and peace —Wife
I deny her sex due to her infidelity —Husband AN Ikorodu customary court in Lagos State has dissolved the five-year-old marriage between Mrs Nkechinyere Ukeko and her husband, Godspower, due to irreconcilable differences. The president of the court, Mrs Irene Abiola, dissolved the marriage after the estranged couple refused to continue to live together. Abiola also ruled that the petitioner, Nkechinyere, should have temporary custody of the two children until it can be proven that she is incapable to care for them. “This court is truly unhappy that this marriage has to be dissolved. “It has tried within the boundary of its powers to save this marriage, but the unwillingness of the petitioner and the respondent to settle forced us to divorce them. “The accusations and counter-accusations show clearly that they wish not to continue as husband and wife. “But this court will not tolerate a situation where children of a union that has been dissolved should suffer. “This court, I assure you, will have keen interest in the affairs of the two of you as they affect your two children,” Abiola said while delivering her judgement.
He beats and send thugs after me —Wife Dissolve the marriage, she’s a wayward woman —Husband A Mapo customary court in Ibadan, Oyo State, has dissolved a 12-year-old marriage between Toyin and her husband, Semiu Tiamiyu, for persistent threats to life by thugs. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the President of the court, Mr Ademola Odunade, in his judgement, held that there was no need to allow the union to continue under such threats. Odunade awarded custody of the two children to the wife, and ordered Tiamiyu to pay a monthly feeding allowance of N3,000 for the upkeep of the children. Toyin had accused her husband of persistently sending thugs to threaten her life, in addition to beating her anytime he had the opportunity. “Tiamiyu usually sent me out of his home at the slightest provocation. This he did by often packing my property out
Saturday Tribune
of his apartment. “In fact, the last time, he also dismissed the children from home. In short, my lord, there is no more love between us,” Toyin said. Tiamiyu, a vulcaniser, did not deny the allegations, but maintained that he was not ready to allow Toyin the custody of the children. “My lord, Toyin is a very wayward woman who could easily misguide the children. “I truly want this relationship to be dissolved because she is highly disobedient and always returns home late in the night. “This so because she mixes and cohabits with bad people. Worst still, Toyin’s mother is a negative influence on her; so, I am happy with the divorce suit,” Tiamiyu said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the divorce suit was instituted by the petitioner on October 8, 2015. Nkechinyere, 35, a teacher, had accused her husband of denying her sex, lack of care for her and psychological assault on her person. “I do not love him anymore because of the way he treats me. “We did customary court marriage in 2010 and since that time I have not known love and peace,” she said. But the respondent, Godspower, 43, said that he wanted the divorce because the petitioner was adulterous. “I deny her sex because it will bounce back negatively on me, the children and even herself due to her infidelity. “She is disrespectful to me and goes out without my consent. “She has shown by her conduct to be an unfit mother and wife that will not want to make a home of love, peace and progress,” he said. The husband had urged the court to give him custody of their children. “I do not want my children to suffer from this divorce because they are innocent,” Godspower told the court.
She beats me at will, even in public —Husband He doesn’t want to accept my son —Wife A man has begged an Alimosho customary court in Lagos State to dissolve his marriage on the grounds of domestic violence. John Ayoade, 42, pleaded with the court to dissolve his five-year-old marriage to his wife, Deborah, over threats to life. Ayoade, who narrated to the court how his wife had taken on the habit of beating him at will, said she had beaten him more than 10 times, even in public. According to the complainant, on one occasion, Deborah attacked his manhood and caused it to bleed and then dashed into the kitchen, brought ground pepper and poured it on his bleeding penis. “I didn’t marry her legally. In fact, I’m married. I have my first wife. Deborah and I were only dating. We met at the Sawmill where we both sell building materials. She always came to my shop to complain to me about her former husband. It
was in that process I developed interest in her,” he said. Ayoade said further that two years into their relationship, Deborah came to tell him that she was pregnant but he rejected the pregnancy because before they started having sex, he had already told her that he didn’t want any kids, especially not out of wedlock and she agreed to the proposal. “Moreover, I still love my legal wife. When Deborah delivered the baby, she named him Emmanuel. I was not aware. After the naming ceremony, she started behaving strangely. “Some of my friends advised me to report the matter at the palace of the Elegbeda, where I was asked to cater for the upkeep of the baby. I have been doing that since last year.” Ayoade added that after the traditional ruler ordered him to take up the responsibility of the child and he did everything he could to cater for him and his mother, she was still not satisfied. “One fateful day, she came to my house and pounced on
my wife. She beat her mercilessly. The matter was reported to the police and later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, for threatening the life of my family members. “Since I met her, I have not known peace. If I had known this is the kind of woman she is, I wouldn’t have approached her. I have developed hypertension since we started this clash. “Even in my matrimonial home, I don’t have peace. I can’t concentrate anymore on my business. It was after I met her I knew she is from Ilesa. I have been advised by my father not to marry any woman from that part of the country,” he lamented. But Deborah, a mother of three, denied the allegations levelled against her by Ayoade, saying she loves him and would not want to leave him because of the child they have together. “I love him. I don’t want to leave him because he is the
father of my son. He is the one who came to file for divorce in the court. If not because of the problem I had with my former husband, I wouldn’t have come across him. I have two children from my former marriage. “When the problem between me and my former husband was still raging, I always confided in Ayoade. It was in the process that we fell in love and got married. The marriage produced a baby boy. Before my son came, I had two abortions for Ayoade. “My problem with him is that he doesn’t want to recognise my son as one of his children. This is why I went to his house and introduced myself to his wife. I didn’t fight her,” she said. The president of the court, Alhaja S.O Mumuni, told the couple that because the rightful father of the baby was in doubt, a DNA test will be conducted to know the real father, while the case was adjourned to March 15, 2016.
19 fortherecord
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
Envisioning national progress building on the legacy of Obafemi Awolowo
Being keynote address delivered at the 2016 Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Symposium by Professor Segun Gbadegesin at Ikenne, Ogun State, on Thursday March 3, 2016.
Introduction: A prophet is not without honour except in his domain “For I know the plans that I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). That was the Prophet Jeremiah revealing God’s plan for His people. Based on the African understanding of naming and destiny, it should not have come to us as a surprise that our own Jeremiah zeroed in on “welfarism” for his people. It was God’s destined mission for him. It is still God’s destined mission for any public servant. But then a prophet is not without honor save in his domain as Jesus the Christ knew so well: “Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying…. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘if we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets’ “Therefore, you witness against yourselves that you are the sons (and daughters) of those who murdered the prophets… “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! “See! Your house is left to you desolate…” (Matthew 23: 1, 29-31, 37-38) That was the prophet of prophets, the Son of God in Christian reckoning, chastising the men of substance of his times for the atrocities that they committed in the name of religion in particular but also in general for their contempt for the truth that hurt their ego. He referred to them as hypocrites for not being true to their conviction and for believing and practicing something in private that they condemned in public. In the end, he left their house to them desolate. Chief Obafemi Awolowo did not fake being Christ or the Son of God. He claimed no sainthood while on earth. But it is safe to suggest that as a human being, he must have felt the kind of anguish that Christ the Messiah felt when, gifted with such an unusual capacity for zeroing in on the nation’s challenges and the responses they required, he was shunned time and time again by his peers. In his own words: “…in order to justify the rationale for its evolution and existence, the State has an imperative duty to declare economic, social, and political objectives, and through its programmes, to pursue such objectives most sedulously. The objectives must be such, when implemented, as to bring to every citizen, without exception, maximum welfare, social justice and equity, and happiness.” Path to Nigerian Greatness, 76. This was the supreme moral imperative which guided his leadership of the Western Region. It was for the same
objective that he struggled unsuccessfully to lead Nigeria. Existential challenges Upon attaining independence, a former colonial enclave, which had been brought together under inauspicious circumstances, whose conquerors had no visible commitment to its cohesion or unity, is faced with three fundamental existential challenges: 1. How do we carve a national identity out of a motley crowd? This is the question of political structure and constitutional arrangements. 2. How do we equip each individual with the necessary skills to make him or her a useful member of society? This is the question of education and human development. 3. How do we organize the social means of production for the benefit of all? This is the question of the economy and production and equitable distribution of resources. Had the entity in question come into being in a natural process of evolution and not through the imprimatur of an imperialist robbery, it might still face the three questions but perhaps with different answers to the first of the existential questions. These were the questions and issues that Chief Awolowo, as a responsible citizen, felt morally compelled to address and to offer workable and pragmatic answers. He did with remarkable thoughtfulness and uncommon passion. Let us dismiss the false assumption that every political leader struggles for political power in order to benefit the people and make progress for the nation. There are quite a number of power seekers whose motive is selfish interest. Therefore, we must not get conned by a pretense to universal altruism on the part of leaders. In our own
clime, too often we have been beaten and bruised not to understand this logic of egoistic power-seeking. By the same token, we should not assume that every political leader seeks power for his or her own selfish motive. If this were the case, we would have no morally upright role models in politics. But we do. And though, we have been captivated by some ugly revelations in recent times about our immediate past as a nation, it is just as unfair to brush every political pot with the paint of corruption as it is to naively paint everyone with the beautiful color of saints. Let us then make a justifiable assumption that a selfacclaimed progressive party is in quest of power to make progress its watchword and therefore to seek national progress on the issues of existential concern that constitute the core of a nation’s being and which must therefore move it forward to greater heights. By the same token, then, it makes sense to assume that such a progressive political party, once it secures power, would, like the proverbial bird, seek to flock with those of its kind, whether present or past, political birds which have ascended greater heights in the matter of progressive governance. After all, provided that we deal with similar entities albeit separated by a time lag that need to be taken into consideration, why would there be a need for reinventing the wheel of governance? If the assumptions turn out to be false, it is not unfair to challenge the claim of that party to the progressive label. Therefore, my intention in what follows is to bring back to our collective memories, the feat once performed by a progressive political party in this country under conditions that were not too dissimilar from where we find Continues pg20
20
fortherecord
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
Building on Awo’s legacies Continued from pg19
ourselves today. Indeed, back in 1952, Nigeria was in a worse shape because she was under the yoke of an imperialist rule that couldn’t relate to the idea of progress for a colonial enclave. It was under such inauspicious condition of suspicion of every move that progressive nationalists made that Chief Awolowo and the Action Group, through sheer determination, made their lasting contributions to the progressive development of the Western Region. Awo, the thinker Deep thought has to precede great achievement. Indeed, in the case of Chief Awolowo, it was the payment of adequate homage to thought that facilitated the action required and that clarified the means to adopt. True to his humanity, he put his mind to work for the progressive advancement of the nation that he believed in. It was thus that progressive governance has its thought leader and its foremost agent of praxis. He was an active thinker and a thoughtful actor. A: Here is a sampling of Awo’s logical reasoning on the three existential issues: 1. ON EDUCATION a. Human beings are the sole dynamic agents of development b. Education is fundamentally important for humans as individuals, family, and society to fully develop their skills Therefore, c. The state has a duty to provide free education at all levels to citizens. 2. a.
ON THE ECONOMY The welfare of citizens is the most fundamental concern of the government b. The economy is the most fundamental social political arrangement that impacts the welfare of citizens c. A good economic outcome requires adequate planning Therefore, d. A progressive government must have a sound economic plan that prioritizes diversification and integrated rural development. 3. ON POLITICAL STRUCTURE AND CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS a. There is a scientific and objective formula that determines the best political and constitutional arrangement for nation-states b. The best political and constitutional arrangement for a multi-ethnic and multi-linguistic state is a true federal system Therefore, c. The best political and constitutional arrangement for Nigeria is a true federal system It has been almost seventy years since Chief Awolowo first published and enunciated some of these ideas in his Path to Nigerian Freedom (1947) with subsequent reformulations and refinements in his other books and monographs. Since then, and especially since his passing, every serious contribution on the matter of Nigerian social and political challenges has been a series of footnotes on his seminal ideas. An interesting question presents itself: How is it that Chief Awolowo, a politician who never attained the highest political office in the land, continues to be relevant to social and political discourse in the land almost thirty years after his transition? An answer is not far-fetched: It is not Awo the body that resonates. It is Awo the mind that continues to animate and confound. Awo the mind remains an enigma of immense proportion. This is an interesting thought which again is traceable to him. Didn’t the sage himself place premium on the development of the subjective mind? Indeed, Awo himself was not shy about his worth in ideas and thoughtful solutions to national challenges: “Look at the books which I have written, the lectures which I have given, and the many speeches and statements which I have made. You will find that there is
no problem confronting or about to confront Nigeria to which I have not given thought and for which I have not proffered intelligent and reasoned solutions.” “The Framework of National Policies” in Path to Nigerian Greatness, 1981, page 89. AND “I have never regarded myself as having a monopoly of wisdom. The trouble is that when most people in life and in the position of leadership and rulership are spending whole days and nights carousing in clubs or in the company of men of shady character and women of easy virtue, I, like a few others, am always at my post working hard at the country’s problems, and trying to find solutions for them. With them the slogan always is: Drinking and Dancing Till Day Break; but with those of my breed, it is: Hard Work Till Midnight or the Early Hours of the Morning. Now, when out of the inflated emptiness of their minds they speak, they are naturally superficial. Only the deep can call to the deep. When, on the other hand, others of my ilk speak out of the fullness of their minds, what they say more often than not command attention and sometimes appeals to the majority of the people. This is the difference.” In a series on the essence of progressivism as a body of ideas, I asked and attempted to answer a few questions: What issues present themselves to the mind of the pro-
gressive? What challenges agitate their mind? In the circumstance of a nation to which they express unflinching loyalty and express an unparalleled affection, what keeps them awake at night? And I suggested that at a time such as this, when the morale of the nation is at the lowest it can be before despair gives way to anarchy; when the level of corruption is sky-high and neck-deep, in an environment of thick social dysfunction occasioned by joblessness and hopelessness on the part of the youth; progressive thinking cannot just be reactive, it must be proactive and deep. The message of progressive governance is simple. It stakes a claim in the arena of the progressive development of every citizen. It does not exist for the 1 per cent. The present reality has shown that where the fortune of the 1 per cent is the objective, there is no guarantee of peace and stability. Besides this instrumental and prudential reasoning, however, the rationale of progressive governance is substantive. The right policy is one that promotes the progressive development of all without bias or discrimination on any ground. It is an obligation which a government must discharge faithfully. The common good of all as opposed to the special interest of a few must be the battle cry of a progressive government. In the wake of the political tension in the horizon, in the face of economic inequality, in the climate of religious bigotry and educational decline, this is an opportune time for progressive thinking and action. To paraphrase one of my favorite philosophers, action without thought is blind and thought without action is empty. Let us then examine Awolowo’s thought and practice in the areas of education, the economy, and political structure or constitutional arrangements. Awolowo on education AWO’s defense of the right to education (PNG, 164-172) is based on a philosophy of family relations between the paterfamilias and materfamilias and the children. We bring children into the world. That act comes with a heavy dose of responsibility which was not lost on our ancestors even without the benefit of formal education themselves. They knew well that they had to train their children so they can assume their role as grownups. Consider the following empirical claim by AWO: “Many rights are enjoyed within the family; these rights are fundamental and inalienable, because the urge for their enjoyment is inherent and instinctive in man….. Because of their inherent and instinctive nature, these rights cannot be permanently suppressed. In the short run, they can be held in abeyance, but even only at great risks to the peace, harmony, and cohesion of the family.” (PNG, 164) On this basis, he provides a list of 12 rights, which includes the right to life, right to freedom from torture, right to freedom from slavery or servitude, right to freedom from interference with privacy, right to freedom of expression, right to freedom of assembly and association, right to freedom of movement, right to freedom from discrimination, right to education, right to work and just reward, right to support in the event of sickness, disability, or old age, right to personal property, and to protection thereof. Out of curiosity we may raise the question whether the rights identified by Chief Awolowo here were indeed construed as rights in our traditional societies. That won’t matter much as he himself didn’t rely solely on the reality of these rights for his argument for educating the youth. Rather he anchored his argument on the “instinctive urge” on the part of parents, an urge which makes them “feel compulsively impelled to consider it their bounden and inexorable duty, as much as it is within their competence, to instruct their offspring to the best of the abilities of such offspring.” (165) In other words, one may feel an obligation or duty to someone (a child) without acknowledging a right on the part of the recipient. In the end, however, Chief Awolowo presents ideological, ontological, politico-economic, and moral arguments in support Continues pg26
21
5 March, 2016
Saturday With
O
NCE in a while, like a fetid lagoon that flings out the dirt captives inside its bowels, the Nigerian society flings its social contradictions, leaving an agape world that grapples with details in wonderment. The world marvels at such contradictions, fazed and bemused that in spite of the hopelessness that decorates Nigeria, the country could still harbor such base social issues of which virtually the rest of the civilised world had been weaned almost a century before now. At the beginning of this week, Nigeria flung one of such contradictions. Straddling two states with converse credentials, especially population and religion – Kano and Bayelsa – the putrid emissions from this latest fling by the Nigerian society has arrested the nose of the world. It is the story of a 14year old girl, Ese Oruru, who was preyed upon by a predator seeking minors for sport. This narrative has been trending on global discussion fora with ribald commentaries about the Nigerian society’s complicit implication in the base drama. The tale bears no elaborate retelling. Miss Oruru, Bayelsa-based girl living with her family, had escaped to Kano since August 2015 during which the highly revered stool of the Emir got sucked into complicity in this modern day variant of slavery. Famous blogger, Linda Ikeji, also prized the lid off yet another case recently. A 13-year old Christian girl, Patience Paul, a primary six student of Mohammed Zako Model Primary School, Sokoto, she said, was also abducted from her home in Benue State and forcefully taken to Sokoto State, sequestered in the Sultan’s palace, against her will. Two years ago, a 13-year old Christian Igbo girl, Charity Uzoechina, was allegedly abducted and kept inside the Etsu Nupe’s palace in Minna, Niger State. In spite of campaigns for her freedom on the social media, the metal locks that hem her feet from freedom are yet to be released. These stories have since thrown up some existential deformities about Nigeria, revealing some inner social maggots that have been wriggling within the landscape unnoticed for quite a while now. The first deformity but which is a stark reality about us is the prevalence of child predators whose notoriety and impunity for abducting juveniles for sexual
Saturday Tribune
ayinla mukaiba ayinlamukaiba@yahoo.com
Emir Sanusi and the Oruru conundrum gratifications is on the upswing in some unnoticed corners of Nigeria. It is rather unfortunate that the narratives that surround the predatory abductions bear similar geographical lining. Mallam Yunusa, the abductor, represents this age-long maggot which might not have escaped into the public sphere at this time for general condemnation but for the maturity of time for its unraveling. The second deformity is elite complicity in this voyeur as represented by the narrative of the involvement, even if complicity, of the highly-rated Emir Lamido Sanusi of Kano and the coterie of named accomplices in the Emir’s palace, who became cast in this drama of abduction. For this set of people, what is most instructive is their loss of a sense of anger at the abduction, at first encounter with such predatory episode, and their subsequent rationalisation of the event. Any man who still retains affinity with humanity would nearly burst an artery at the sight of a 14-year old girl shawled under the amorous libido of a Yunusa who is that old. The third deformity in the Nigerian social and cultural space that the Oruru abduction reveals is that there is a wide filament of cultural and religious gaps between the North and southern parts of Nigeria. It is indeed these differences which allow for the abduction in the first place. From above examples and indeed many of the predatory dramas that often have an elderly philanderer and a minor as hero and heroine, the locale is predictable – the North. Islam as a religion would easily have been implicated in this but for wide-ranging empirical examples of virtually all southern moslems who are horrified by this absurd child molestation. So it would be convenient to hold geography responsible for the drama. Existing customary law marriage practices in Nigeria abet these geographical differences, no doubt. Though Islamic law marriage is a union between a man and a woman (and not at the exclusion of all others) it is lax on the matter of the age of the spouse. But where the balderdash of Yunusa,
the Emir of Kano and all the travellers in this boat will be revealed is that Islamic marriage demands simultaneous consent of the spouse and the parent (the father). Did the young Oruru’s father give consent to this daylight child robbery? In Islamic law marriage, even an adult virgin has no capacity to contract marriage by herself, even if she is 21 years of age. Where is Oruru’s waliy (the marriage protector) as specified in Islamic law marriage without which an Islamic marriage is void; to whom was the dower (bride price) paid and at what point was the mahr (marriage gift) given to the child who obviously is still under the age of majority? More fundamentally, who were the witnesses to this apparent pedophilism? Islamic law marriage demands these conditions. While there is no clear and concise age of marriage in the North, the Child’s Rights Act is definite about it and imposes penalties for its abetment and violation. Any marriage contracted with a girl of less than 21 is null and void, it says. Unfortunately, most states in the North have not domesticated this law, allowing pedophiles like Salisu a window. The most shocking of the Ese Oruru conundrum is the complicity of the Emir in the roulette. Emir Sanusi should be too urbane, too educated to be complicit in this rot. He literally papered over it, rationalised it and was too dismissive of its implications, perhaps because of its ten-a-dime prevalence in his domain. The least we expect from him is a national apology, having traversed the two worlds of the cultures that abet and disdain the Oruru roulette. The dilemma is obvious though: the culture that abets it makes him the Emir and the one that disdains it took him to the pinnacle of its commerce as the Central Bank Governor. An apology and atonement would be more like it.
AFRICAN NEWSPAPERS OF NIGERIA PLC Founders: CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO GCFR, SAN (1909 - 1987)
Chief (Dr) H.I.D Awolowo CON (1915 - 2015)
Chairman Rev. (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran Co-Chairman Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Edward Dickson Controller (Business Development) Fola Oke Chief Accountant Oluremi Olufisayo, ACA
Ibadan Office (Advert Hot Lines): 08077227269; 08034135733 Lagos Office (Advert Hot Lines): 08055333067; 08033013177 South South Regional Office: No. 50 Ikwerre Rd., Mile 1, Diobu, P/Harcourt, Rivers State
Snr. Manager (Advertisements) Kayode Titiloye Sales Manager Omotayo Lewis, Ph.D Consultant/Director Segun Olatunji, Ph.D
GOT NEWS?
Abuja Office: Suites G2. 05-07, PEB04 Plaza, Plot 2027, Dalaba Street, Beside NAPTIP Headquarters, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja Advert Hot Lines: 08033199716; 08078891797 Kaduna Office: AN 20, Lagos Street, by Keffi Rd., Kaduna. Ikeja Marketing Office. Block C, First Floor, Motorways centre, Opp., 7up Alausa, Ikeja.
Contact: saturdaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com or call:07030004233
22
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
Maternal mortality: Nigeria loses 145 women per day —UNICEF
Saturday Tribune
interview
It is an aberration that childbirth is still a risky venture in Nigeria —Shekarau, ex-FIDA president
The immediate past president of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria and IPAS Country Director, Hauwa Shekarau, in an encounter with SADE OGUNTOLA, appraises women’s health and rights in Nigeria.
H EVERY single day, Nigeria loses about 2,300 under-five year olds and 145 women of childbearing age. This makes the country the second largest contributor to the under–five and maternal mortality rate in the world. Underneath the statistics lies the pain of human tragedy, for thousands of families who have lost their children. Even more devastating is the knowledge that, according to recent research, essential interventions reaching women and babies on time would have averted most of these deaths. Although analyses of recent trends show that the country is making progress in cutting down infant and under-five mortality rates, the pace still remains too slow to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of reducing child mortality by a third by 2015. Preventable or treatable infectious diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, measles and HIV/AIDS account for more than 70 per cent of the estimated one million under-five deaths in Nigeria. Malnutrition is the underlying cause of morbidity and mortality of a large proportion of children under-5 in Nigeria. It accounts for more than 50 per cent of deaths of children in this age bracket. The deaths of newborn babies in Nigeria represent a quarter of the total number of deaths of children under-five. The majority of these occur within the first week of life, mainly due to complications during pregnancy and delivery reflecting the intimate link between newborn survival and the quality of maternal care. Main causes of neonatal deaths are birth asphyxia, severe infection including tetanus and premature birth. Similarly, a woman’s chance of dying from pregnancy and childbirth in Nigeria is 1 in 13. Although many of these deaths are preventable, the coverage and quality of health care services in Nigeria continue to fail women and children. Presently, less than 20 per cent of health facilities offer emergency obstetric care and only 35 per cent of deliveries are attended by skilled birth attendants. This shows the close relationship between the well being of the mother and the child, and justifies the need to integrate maternal, newborn and child health interventions. It is important to note that wide regional disparities exist in child health indicators with the North-East and North-West geopolitical zones of the country having the worst child survival figures. Courtesy: www.unicef.org
OW would you describe the state of Nigerian women’s health and rights from the standpoint of your work on reproductive health? For you to be able to properly appreciate the state of women’s health, you need to look at the nation’s health index. What gives a very good impression about the state of women’s’ health is the 2013 National Demography Health Survey (NDHS). One, the contraceptive prevalence rate is still very low. It is said to be between 10 and 11 per cent among people of reproductive age group. That the contraceptive prevalence rate is very low tells you that there are so many unwanted pregnancies. Regulating fertility is no rocket science. If you do not know how to regulate your fertility, what it means is that you will constantly be getting pregnant so long as there is sexual activity. The maternal mortality rate is also about 575 per 100,000 live births. That is still high. By that statistics, it means that childbirth is a very risky venture in Nigeria, in this day and age. In fact, one out of 16 women is likely to die as a result of childbirth. In developed countries such as Italy, it is one out of 13,000 births. The gap is so much. So, when you compare it with that of other countries, then you will know that women’s health in Nigeria, particularly as it pertains to their reproductive health, is in shambles. The government has done its part but whether they have been able to successfully take good care of women’s health, to me, is the critical issue. They have done their best but their best is, still, not good enough. There is a lot more to be done. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 3, 4 and 5 centred on women and children’s health. We all know that Nigerian did not really meet those goals. Now, there is the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that has taken over. We are hoping that a lot more will be done in order to see that we are on track towards achieving the targets of the SDG. In a nutshell, what I am saying is that the state of Nigerian’s women’s health is still very far from where we want it to be. There is no doubt that there have been some achievements but a lot more still need to be done. Governments at all levels need to work hard to improve women’s health. Every day, someone somewhere is abused sexually emotional, physically and physiologically. Unfortunately, the socio-cultural African attitude of keeping private issues private has not helped issues. As FIDA’s past president and an advocate for women’s health and right, what support system should be available for them especially now that we are talking about Violence against Persons Prohibition Act? It is so sad. Generally, in African society, family members, people who are in the community, people who you relate with, maybe your church members, your age grade and so on form the available support systems. But the truth of the matter today is that those support systems are practically crumbling. On a daily basis, you read about those that should be in that support system actually inflicting violence. You hear of men sexually assaulting their young nieces, another beheading his niece and fathers sexually assaulting their daughters, some raping them and making them pregnant. Now, if your family who should be there for you, who you should run for help are the ones perpetrating the sexual or physiological violence on you, it is an indication that these support systems are crumbling. In fact, I recall reading the police arresting a man who, for a long period, had been raping and assaulting his daughter. And the statement he made was that he was proud to own up that it was his daughter he raped and not a stranger. So, you wonder if that kind of person is mentally sound. So, those are the issues. Our African and societal values are fading away, particularly as regards issues of sexual violence. In fact, I am wonder what is happening to us; we are losing our humanity. Lives no longer
Childbirth is a very risky venture in Nigeria, in this day and age. In fact, one out of 16 women is likely to die as a result of childbirth. In developed countries such as Italy, it is one out of 13,000 births. The gap is so much... Women’s health in Nigeria, particularly as it pertains to their reproductive health, is in shambles.
mean anything. The other day, a colleague was showing me the picture of a woman who cut off her husband’s penis because, they said, on Valentine’s Day, she did not see him. He went to sleep outside, so, as soon as he came back, she cut off his penis. However, you look at that it, men, women, we are all guilty. I do not know what is getting into us. Will the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act that was recently signed help out? Organisations like FIDA and IPAS, women groups and the
civil society were among those that worked hard to push for the passage of the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act. But the truth of the matter is that the fact that the act has been passed does not automatically mean that violence has come to an end in the society. That it will be implemented is another thing entirely. The passage of the law is a right step in the right direction. It puts in place, the legal frame work that ensures that perpetrators are brought to book. At the moment, one of our advocacies is to create awareness to let people know that there is a law in place and encourage law enforcement agents and other stakeholders to insist and ensure the act is implemented. There
are so many things that need to be put in place in order to ensure that it is implemented. It is also important to note that the act is only so far applicable in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). One of the things that we are putting in place is to see how other states in the federation can pass and replicate this act. This is a task ahead of us all and we are hoping that something will be done. But having said that, it takes a lot more than just having a law in place to address the issue of violence; there has to be commitment on the part of every Nigerian to ensure that violators are brought to book. This culture of silence, fear of stigma that is making people not want to come out and report these perpetrators is not going to help us. So, we are carrying out a lot of awareness creation and sensitisation, asking people that we need to face sexual violence head-on otherwise we will wake up and discover that the fabric that holds our society together is gone completely.
There is a scourge of unsafe abortions in Nigeria despite the fact that the law on abortion is restrictive. Its operation also varies from one part of the country to another. In your opinion, is there any need to have a rethink on Nigeria’s abortion law? There is the absolute need for us to sit down and look at the abortion law again. IPAS and other organisations have constantly said that the country’s abortion law is obsolete. It is a law that came from Offences against the Person’s Act of England 1861. That law has been changed more than four times by the English people, yet we who copied it from them have left it the way it is up till today. Clearly, events have shown that the law has outlived its usefulness. Despite the fact that we have the law in place, abortions are going on daily in this country. The sad thing is that those who are economically empowered know how to get safe service. But those that are not, we are talking about people who are earning below one dollar per day and who form about 70 per cent of the population of this country, are the ones who are left to the whims and caprices of quacks to whom they go to deal with issues of unwanted pregnancies. Many of them do not live to tell the story. Some die or get maimed for life. They lose their wombs and fallopian tubes and as such, may never have the opportunity to conceive again. So, that is a very big issue that we are concerned about and we are saying that as long as women’s reproductive health is an issue to the government and dear to the people of this country, there is the need for us to take a second look at that abortion law and see how we can make things better. Only recently, Sierra Leone, a neighbour country, changed their abortion laws. They were operating obsolete laws and saw the need to change them. There national assembly or legislators passed the law to make it accessible.
27
Clearly, in the NDHS 2013, Nigerian women do not use contraceptives and there are many myths surrounding the use of contraceptives. So, how do people regulate their fertility, considering that sex is something that you cannot predict? It happens at any point in time and if it does occur at a time a woman is not safe, she is going to be pregnant. So, that is a major problem. Sex cannot be criminalised even though it can lead to unwanted pregnancy. But Nigeria has criminalised abortion, is that really fair? Well, the thing to even ask is why government now wants to get involved in people’s private lives. It is a difficult thing and that is why laws that border on people’s personal lives are difficult to implement. At the end of the day, things will be going on underground. People will hide themselves from law enforcement agents. It does not mean that it changes their lives. They continue to do their thing. But their watchword is ‘though shall not be caught.’ That is what is happening in cases of abortions. That is what is happening in the case of same-sex relationships and also on. So, I do not think that government has any business getting involved in people’s lives, provided they stay within the realms of their rights as human beings; provided that they do not stray and affect another person’s rights. I think that it will be a difficult thing or fruitless effort to want to criminalise sex. Sex is something that is God-given, God ordained it but then under certain parameters and if God says do not do this, if you do it, God should be left to exact penalty or punishment on whoever refuses to follow His injunctions. Women are the ones that are actually dying; they are the ones that feel the effect of violence the most. Should women stand up as advocates of better laws and ensure that their reproductive health, including the health of their children, is maintained? He who wears the shoe knows where it pinches. Women are the ones who are dying from maternal-related issues; men are not dying from reproductive health issues. A man can only be empathetic and show concern. It is the women that need to stand up and be accounted for; they need to articulate their concerns and issues and tell the government that this is what we want. Any development that is sustainable or that will achieve the desired result must be one that is participatory, one that the stakeholders are involved in conceptualising and implementing the processes. That is why we encourage women in our community sensitisation to speak up, no matter who they are. I recall during Nigeria’s inaugural summit on accountability for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH) summit, one of the issues that came up for discussion was the need for us to involve women that are in the informal sector, including the uneducated housewife at home on conceptualised programmes for women. We might have our own ideas and they might be different from what they are thinking or what they need to help them in their own lives. So, participation is very critical and so women must be part and parcel of all the engagements. The way rape cases are handled is said to leave much to be desired. Sometimes when a raped girl walks up to the police, the questions she is asked and so on further traumatise her, what is the way out? It has been said that one of the reasons some victims shy away from reporting rape cases is the fact that when they go to report, they end up being the ones on trial. From the kind of questions they are asked, even during prosecution or cross-examination, it is the life history of the woman that comes under trial. Focus is not on the act by the perpetrator which was done without the consent of the woman. Now, even in a relationship with a man, as boyfriend and girlfriend, if he wants to have sexual relations and the woman says no, her ‘no’ must be respected. If I slept with a man yesterday and I did it out of my volition, good and fine. If today, he wants to have it and I say no, he should respect my ‘no’ because if he goes ahead and does it without my consent, he has committed an offence, which is against the law. But then because of the way some of our law enforcement agents and persecutors handle some of these cases, some of the women are discouraged and that is why for us also at FIDA, we try getting involved in such cases. We are not prosecutors but we go there, watch brief and make sure due process of the law is followed. We also follow closely and monitor until perpetrators are brought to book. And that has helped in some of the outcomes we have seen but we do not shy away from insisting that justice must be done. We continue to encourage victims of sexual violence to come out, to speak up. We at FIDA and other organisations in the area of access to justice for women continue to work hard to ensure that justice is done.
23
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
views.com
Here we stand: Against Donald Trump
By Peter Feaver and Will Inboden
T
ODAY, a statement is being released by a number of Republican foreign policy hands declaring why we can not support Donald Trump as our party’s nominee for president. As signatories to that letter, and as co-editors of Shadow Government, we want to elaborate on that statement in explaining to our readers why our role as the “loyal opposition” may well put us in the uncomfortable yet necessary role of standing in loyal opposition to our own party’s presidential nominee. Now that Trump holds a strong lead in delegates, an internal debate is roiling the ranks of Republicans who have not supported him, but who recognize the growing likelihood (though not a certainty) that he will become our party’s nominee. On one side are those Republicans who personally detest Trump but who think that as president he might prove more pragmatic than bombastic, who see him as, at heart, a centrist dealmaker and strong leader, and think he can press a compelling case against Hillary Clinton. On another side are those who see him as a congenital peddler in falsehoods that coarsen our politics, a vainglorious demagogue who holds the Constitution in contempt, and an incompetent narcissist who would put our national security at grave risk. Which would he be? We do not know. If elected, we hope that he would prove to be the former, but because we fear he could be the latter, we signed the letter and declare ourselves opposed to his candidacy. We do not transgress Ronald Reagan’s Eleventh Commandment lightly. But because we believe in the party of Lincoln and Reagan, and because we believe the GOP stands for a set of values and ideas and not grandiose personalities, we urge our fellow Republicans to stand for our party’s historic principles by standing against Trump. Trump’s many outlandish, indeed repellent, statements have been well-documented. Does he actually believe what he says, and will he actually try to do what he has promised? Again, we do not know; only Trump does. But whether or not he believes his own words, merely uttering them renders him unfit to be commander-in-chief. Consider: if Trump does not believe what he says, he is a demagogue and a char-
There may not be a place for Donald Trump in the Republican Party of Lincoln and Reagan, but there should be a place for most of Trump’s supporters. We share their burning desire for America to be great. And because we want America to be great, we stand against Donald Trump. latan, who neither knows nor cares that his reckless rhetoric has already done serious damage to our nation’s international credibility, and given succor to our authoritarian adversaries. Whereas if Trump does believe what he says — praising Chinese and Russian and North Korean tyranny, disparaging religious and racial groups, indulging the fever swamps of left-wing conspiracies — then he is not only unqualified to lead the world’s greatest democracy, he would place it in considerable peril. We both have seen, up close, the power of the presidency. Such power in the hands of a person who has shown no interest in thoughtful policy and no self-awareness of his own limits is unsettling. We and other Republicans have often tendered the criticism that under the Obama administration’s foreign policy, our allies do not trust us and our enemies do not fear us. Under a Trump presidency, our allies would detest us and our enemies would have contempt for us, or even pity us. We do not arrive at these conclusions lightly. We believe in spirited debate over policies and recognize that Republicans can responsibly disagree on this or that policy. We recognize our own limits, and are prepared to discover that there is a principled case to be made for Trump that has hitherto escaped our attention. We
have offered Shadow Government space for any foreign policy expert who believes he or she can make a persuasive case that Trump would be a capable president on matters of national security. No senior voice among Trump’s legions of enthusiasts has stepped up to do so, in this venue or any other. The few political endorsements he has gained are telling for what they do not say: They offer no serious argument for why we should jettison the best traditions of American leadership and strength for the sake of joining the Trump bandwagon. Let us be clear: We are not endorsing former Secretary Hillary Clinton, the inevitable Democratic Party nominee. We both have written extensively on Obama’s dismal foreign policy, a legacy she shares since so many of the fateful choices were made when she was secretary of state. She has much to answer for, and so far has managed to dodge most of the toughest questions. A small but not insignificant reason why we lament Trump as a Republican nominee is that he is the least-qualified candidate to press the case against Clinton. Nominating Trump will give Clinton a free pass on all the mistakes she has made and still refuses to address forthrightly. Let us also offer a word to Trump’s supporters, some of whom we count among our friends. We understand, and share, many of your frustrations with the parlous state of our nation, with our sclerotic and dysfunctional political system, with the disdain shown for traditional American values by too many elites (especially in the Obama administration), with our eroded standing in the world. We recognize that many Trump supporters think that with this vote they are doing something good for the country we all love. We believe they are mistaken, but we also believe that their concerns need to be heard and addressed. Whatever else, this is a wakeup call for all leaders to respond to voters and translate their concerns into meaningful policy. Such is the essence of self-government. There may not be a place for Donald Trump in the Republican Party of Lincoln and Reagan, but there should be a place for most of Trump’s supporters. We share their burning desire for America to be great. And because we want America to be great, we stand against Donald Trump. Courtesy: foreignpolicy.com
24
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
The knotted top trend
style
Saturday Tribune With Kate Ani 08071080888 anikate92@yahoo.com
It’s all about turtle neck! DESPITE the hot weather condition, fashionistas who have dubbed themselves ‘slave for fashion’ don’t seem to mind as they fully embrace the current style obsession, which is the turtle neck trend. This trendy outfit covers entirely from the neck downwards and can be made from any fabric. It can translate to any style; it can look proper, polished, sexy, retro, luxe, glam… you name it. Not a style and a look in the world that turtlenecks can’t nail.
L
25
ET’S talk knotted shirts! You can tie a knot to any shirt you’ve got, or even borrow one from your husband, brother or boyfriend, because even it’s a few sizes too big, it’ll still look great once you tighten it up to your waist. How to do this trend? Tie a knot on either your shirts or T-shirts and you’ll get a fun-looking style. The key is a showing a bit of bare midriff and balancing your silhouette. This knotted trend is pretty flattering as it is because it accentuates the waist and elongates the legs, but you have to do it with high-waist bottoms like shorts, jeans, skirts of all lengths. For crispy mornings add a blazer or jacket on top Important note: If you’re going for the tight-knotted top, you might want to balance it all with loose trousers or jeans and large or maxi skirts to avoid looking cheap or desperate.
Tinuola Ayanniyi tayanniyi@yahoo.com 08055069379
Do-it-yourself
Zigzag wire wrapped ring Tools: Ring Mandrel, wood dowel or pipe to form ring base. Round nose pliers. Chain nose or needle nose pliers (if they have ridges on the jaws, cover with masking tape to avoid marring the wire). Wire cutter or flush cutter Sand paper - 180 or 220 grit, emory board or small metal file. NOTE: If your zig zag is not centered on the ring, you can carefully pull or push each part of the zig zag along the large wire loops until it is centered.
26
fortherecord
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
How would Awo have responded to today’s directions on education?
Continued from pg20
of the obligation of the state to educate its citizens. From the ideological angle, the Nigerian government has a duty to freely educate the citizens who come from various ethnic groups with inherent right to education which they cannot be expected to give up upon their voluntary agreement to become citizens of Nigeria. But in case there is no such inherent right, the state, having taken over as the adoptive parent has a duty to educate her wards. The ontological argument, on the other hand, is based on the nature of man as a living soul which must be nurtured through sound education so that the man/woman retains that quality of being above other animals. Since many cannot do this by themselves, the duty falls on the state. On the politico-economic basis of the argument for free education, AWO insists that the rapid political economic development of Nigeria by Nigerians for Nigerians requires the full development and full employment of all Nigerians. To be fully developed is to be fully educated and this is the responsibility of the state. On the moral argument, the state is construed as an institution with objectives to, among others, protect citizens, promote their welfare, and guarantee the exercise of their rights. It is immoral and unethical for the state to discharge its responsibilities to a small section of “haves” while a vast majority of “have-nots” are neglected. With regard to practice, Chief Awolowo introduced the first universal free primary education system in the nation. Other regions soon followed. Those who still engage in disparaging and badmouthing that singular achievement cannot truthfully identify what else was responsible for the advancement of the region in the late fifties and up to the early eighties when there began a deliberate policy of reversal supervised by the military. The regional governments of the 1st Republic, in spite of their known deficiencies, ensured that government was responsible to the people. Members
of the various regional Houses had their regular jobs for which they were accountable. An educated citizenry is a vital bulwark against an uncaring and contemptuous government, the kind that we have been forced to endure in the last fifteen years. Without a good education, a citizen is at the mercy of those who see him or her as expendable and exploitable. Ignorant of their rights and ill-equipped for decent jobs, the uneducated become puns on the chessboard of the powerful and wicked. A human being with a good education doesn’t volunteer to become the thug of another. And a caring and compassionate politician with a sense of justice and fairness must feel the pinch of conscience when he or she exploits and takes undue advantage of fellow human beings. IN LIGHT OF THE FOREGOING CORE POSITIONS ON EDUCATION, HOW WOULD AWO RESPOND TO CURRENT THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL POLICY DIRECTIONS ON EDUCATION? Awo insisted on the responsibility of the state to educate her citizens rather than leave it to private hands. The reverse appears to be our policy orientation now as private institutions literally litter our streets and residential blocks because the state has abandoned its responsibilities. In his response to a respected Catholic Archbishop on the matter of private education, Awo objected to the latter’s preference for private schools “the existence of which emphasizes the division of our society into classes.” He might have also added the unfortunate unintended consequence of private religious institutions on unhealthy sectarianism. Surely, these institutions blazed the trail of education in the country. But the prize that the nation had to pay was the division that naturally comes with that approach. Where national unity despite sectarian division is a priority, an independent country cannot afford to outsource the education of citizens. In spite of his rebuke of the Archbishop’s critique of the UPN educational policy, Chief Awolowo did not foreclose a role for private institutions in the education of children. He must have believed that it was an area where freedom of choice should be available. In his term as Premier, private institutions including religious institutions participated in the education of children. What he was against was the divisive and discriminatory role that those institutions are capable of playing. A more thoroughgoing approach would prefer the public, through its government, to educate its children. There are good reasons for such a radical position which was actually adopted by the UPN when the party took over all schools as government institutions. First, it appears that at all levels, we are inadvertently managing to entrench a dangerous system of inequality with our educational system in which the public education of our children is fast becoming a relic of the past while we enlist the services of private institutions and agencies and we seem to relish the idea. From pre-school to college, private institutions have become the vogue. The impact of this shift on citizens could be serious, with the poor and middle class being more adversely impacted than the wealthy. We cannot allow this to continue because of its implications for egalitarian development. Second, it is in the interest of the nation to be in the driver’s seat as far as the upbringing of its children is con-
cerned. Where the inculcation of national values matters, this cannot prudentially be outsourced. But that is exactly what we do when we neglect public institutions and expect private institutions to fill the vacuum. I still marvel at the thought by those in position of authority over our system of higher education when they claim that private university is the future of the nation. There is no better response to the current national and state policies with regard to the imposition of impossible fees and tuition on poor kids than Chief Awolowo’s original defense of the duty of the state to provide universal and free education at all levels. But let us acknowledge at least two thoughtful objections, both of which can be answered conclusively. Contemporary objections to free education First, there is the matter of budget and the paucity of national resources. In the current state of national fiscal challenges, it would be argued that it is even more unreasonable and impractical to suggest free education at all levels. The response to this is two-fold. First, even when the nation wallowed in stupendous wealth, critics of free education objected on the ground of its impracticality. That is just to say that for them, there is no season when it is practicable simply because they do not support it. Could it be that for them, when the gates of educational institutions are open wide and everyone takes advantage of what it offers, the special advantages and privileges that accrue to the ruling class would disappear? In other words, they are against free education because it comes with creative destruction, a purely selfish motive on the part of the ruling class. The second response to the matter of budgetary concern was made by Chief Awolowo himself with detailed tables of numbers and figures about the sustainability of his proposal. It calls for the removal of waste and the elimination of corruption. That is the real issue. There is a second thoughtful critique which makes reference to the fact that not a few parents in the upper echelon of society are more than able to pay for the education of their children. If so, why should the state pay for those children? Why can’t the state identify indigent students, make funds available for them through scholarships or fellowships? This is a reasonable observation. However, Chief Awolowo would respond that all children must be seen as children of the state and the state has the obligation to educate her children. But it is also necessary for every parent as citizens to make contributions through tax payment to the social responsibilities, including education and health, that the state assumes on their behalf. And since there will have to be progressive taxation, every citizen, including the filthy rich, will pay toward the education of all children and every child will therefore see him or herself as a citizen of a country that takes seriously her responsibility to her children. That is the beginning of national consciousness. Examination and examination malpractice As Chief Awolowo saw it, education is not only good as a leveler, it is important as the means of nourishing the subjective mind, the cultivation of which makes the human being closest to the image of God. To educate, therefore, is to move a child towards his or her ultimate destiny as a Godlike being. But what if that process is adulterated and polluted? What if despite the nobility of the intention and the sacrifice of the public purse for its achievement, those charged with the responsibility to educate prove incapable of that trust. That unfortunately appears to be where we are at this juncture of our development and commitment. Chief Awolowo would be justifiably alarmed at the state of our education in terms of the quality and the attitude of those in charge to this very crucial aspect of national journey. Continues tomorrow
28
5 March, 2016
businessextra
Saturday Tribune
Edited by Sulaimon Olanrewaju
lanresulaiman123@gmail.com 0805 500 1708
The March 1 ‘No Banking Day’ and the Nigerian consumer Akin Adewakun - Lagos
I
T started like a wild dream. Sola Salako, a consumer rights activist, Chief Executive of Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON) and the convener of the “No Banking Day” campaign, was chatting with one of her numerous friends on a social media platform, and the topic was on consumer rights and their infractions. But this time, it was the activities of the nation’s financial institutions that were being scrutinised by Salako and her friends. In the course of the chat, which had started attracting others on the platform, a common ground was established: Nigerians are not getting the best of services from the nation’s banks and it had become imperative for Nigerians to seek redress. “Perhaps, we consumers in this part of the globe should even organise a “No Banking Day” when every bank customer will shun the nation’s banking halls to protest those excessive charges he is being burdened with,” suggested one of those friends in the course of the chat. Interestingly, the idea stuck! The CAFON Chief Executive was excited, and the fact that it was coming from a customer this time around made it worth pursuing, she believed. Moreover, for her, it was an indication that the war against consumer rights violations, which had been the essence of her organisation’s being, was being won. “Surely, consumerism had begun to take root in the country’s marketing firmament and this must be encouraged,” she said. Known for not allowing such opportunities to pass her by, the CAFON boss quickly sounded out some other consumer rights activists, and they too believed it was a just course and a press conference was organised after dotting the I’s and crossing the t’s of the campaign in February. Tuesday, March 1, this year was fixed for the execution of the campaign and the rest, as they say, has become history. The “No Banking Day” was held, with the ripples generated among Nigerians yet to subside. It is an open secret that the average Nigerian consumer no longer sees his bank as his financial ally, but rather as a necessary evil he is left with no choice but to tolerate. He believes since he is left with no choice but to keep his funds in the vaults of the banks for safekeeping, the bank has been taking advantage of this to ‘fleece’ him of these hard-earned funds. Temilola’s experience comes to mind. Temilola, a printer and a father of three, had gone to one of his banks to transfer funds from his account to another person’s account within the bank. After asking for the transfer form with which to do the transaction, he was shocked that he was being asked to ‘cough up’ the sum of N250 to be able to get the transfer form. “I was shocked and very enraged because it was obvious that the bank was no longer seeing me as a customer it should provide value for, but that which must be milked and fleeced. I had no choice but to pay N250 for a transaction that should not have cost me a kobo since the two accounts were within the system,” he said. Funke Olaniyi’s case was a bit different! She had wanted to transfer the sum of N350,000 from her account she runs with one of the first generation banks in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos to another within the city, and she was told she couldn’t and the only option was to use the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) for her transaction. Curiously, after creating a scene in the banking hall, she was allowed to make the transfer. No doubt, the above represents the plights of the average Nigerian customer in the banking hall today. More worrisome, perhaps, is the fact that despite the army of regulatory agencies statutorily put in place to protect his interests, such interests are still daily violated. “Those agencies for me are like toothless bulldogs, a
major reason the banks can afford to treat their customers like rags,” Mrs. Theresa Okon, another bank customer said. Therefore, the decision to call a “No Banking Day” was seen by many as that which provided the otherwise voiceless Nigerian consumers the opportunity to make their plights known and a way of getting themselves ‘liberated.’ Interestingly, despite the goodwill of the campaign, not a
Even when it looks as if this present action did not result in the real boycott of bank services on that day, the campaigners have been able to beam the searchlight on the plights of the Nigerian consumers and put it in public domain.
few still expressed doubts about the campaign achieving the desired impact among Nigerians considering the fact that consumerism still remains a culture that is quite alien to people in this part of the globe. But Salako, the convener, was not unaware of this challenge as evidenced in her chat with Saturday Tribune on her efforts at making the day resonate with the people. “You know consumers’ rights in this part of the globe have been violated for a very long time, and unfortunately, the Nigerian consumers seem immune to all these infractions now. There is nothing you will do to the average Nigerian consumer now that will make him want to press for his rights. He is no longer bothered. But what we have discovered is that this is what brand owners have been exploiting for a very long time and we believe we have to start from somewhere,” Salako said. One of Salako’s strategies was to enlist the support of the media, both local and foreign, with the aim of bringing the plight of the average Nigerian consumer to the court of public opinion, a strategy that many believe paid off. For instance, while the campaign might not have resulted in a significant reduction in the number of customers that entered the banking premises or engage in virtual banking on that day, not a few would would want to see the success of the campaign in the number of discussions the bank fast campaign had been able to generate among Nigerians since inception. Some Nigerians who spoke with Saturday Tribune believe that is the way to go if the consumers really desire to be fairly treated. While commending the organisers of the campaign in an interview with Saturday Tribune recently, a bank customer, Toyin Hamsat is of the opinion that the action quite demonstrates the fact that Nigeria ‘is on that path to robust consumerism.” “The days of consumer rights violations have been numbered. Even when it looks as if this present action did not result in the real boycott of bank services on that day, the campaigners have been able to beam the searchlight on the plights of the Nigerian consumers and put it in public domain. The fact remains that it will be very difficult to rally round all bank customers in the country and ask them to go on bank fast, but what the campaign has been able to achieve among Nigerians is an awakened consciousness that they also have a right as consumers which must be protected,” Hamsat stated. Interestingly, Hamsat’s view succinctly captures the views of a cross section of other bank customers, who spoke with Saturday Tribune. “Though I couldn’t participate, I was fully in support of the action. We have been taken for granted for too long and it is good that we are beginning to speak up. For me, that is where the success of the campaign lies,” said Mr. Bayo Tunmise from Ikorodu. Perhaps the good news for Tunmise and other Nigerians who were thrilled by the modest success the campaign recorded is that the campaign may not be a one-off thing. The convener had assured that it might be escalated if it failed to elicit the desired reactions from the appropriate quarters. While expressing satisfaction about the discussions the campaign had been able to generate, the CAFON boss disclosed that the organisation might hold a town hall meeting with stakeholders that will include operators from the nation’s financial institutions to enable all parties to vent their views on the issue. “But the fact remains that if we are not able to achieve our objectives of stopping excessive charges and other infractions against the consumers by our banks, we may again embark on another consumer action,” she stated. No doubt, an indication that the end to the passive customer protests flagged off on March 1, this year, may be far from being in sight.
29
5 March, 2016
ntertainment News
Society Gist
Saturday Tribune with Joan Omionawele and
jistwtjoan@yahoo.com Twitter:@joanbajojo 08054682201 Newton-Ray Ukwuoma 08052271251
Celebrity Interviews
As women
take centre stage
in Nigeria’s movie industry...
30 entertainment
5 March, 2016
As women take centre stage in Nigeria’s movie industry...
THE Nigerian entertainment industry has continued to evolve with talented producers and filmmakers like Tunde Kelani, Tade Ogidan, Lancelot Imasuen and Zeb Ejiro leading the charge. But it appears that female producers and actors have decided to seize the bull by the horns and quit the sidelines as they are now making awardwinning movies. JOAN OMIONAWELE X-rays the activities of some of these breakout filmmakers.
T
HE EARLY 20s was not graced with a lot of female producers except for the late Amaka Igwe, who set the pace for others to work and walk on, but Emem Isong, a female producer and director did not mind being a greenhorn in the field. Isong, who co-runs Royal Arts Academy with Nollywood acts Uche Jombo Rodriguez, Desmond Elliot and Monalisa Chinda, has been going against all odds and rising over the challenges of movie production in Africa for over a decade. Having featured hundreds of actors and actresses in her movies, Isong has shown that her love for filmmaking is not just a job but a burning passion. She has over 30 movies to her credit. As the much-anticipated award winners in the 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) are unveiled today, it has emerged that Nollywood actresses are no longer comfortable with being confined to the action aspect of movie making by producing their own movies. Breakout producers such as Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Linus and Omoni Oboli especially stand out. Nnaji’s Road to Yesterday, a movie which reflects the past of a couple’s turbulent marriage, was nominated at the AMVCAs in six out of the 26 categories. And it contends for the Best Overall Movie (Africa) category with six other films; Dry, by another award-winning actress, Linus; Freetown (Adam Abel and Garrett Batty), Ayanda (Sara Blecher), Tell Me Sweet Something (Akin Omotosho), Silverain (Juliet Asante) as well as House Arrest (Joseph Kenneth Ssebaggala). The movie was also nominated in Best Writer of a Movie/TV Series (Emil B. Garuba), Best Director (Ishaya Bako), Best Actress in a Drama (Genevieve Nnaji), Best Picture Editor (Chuka Ejorh), Best Movie – West Africa (Chinny Onwugbenu, Genevieve Nnaji, Chichi Nwoko) and Best Sound Editor (Kulanen Ikyo). Slithering through the entertainment airspace is Mildred Okwo, who also has carved out her own niche in the industry with her movies, The Meeting, a satire that mirrors the corruption in Nigeria’s civil service, which won lots of awards after its release and the new movie, Surulere, which was co-produced with her business partner and Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic.
Although Okwo reveals that movie making is difficult in Nigeria, her company, The Audrey Silva Company, is willing to keep trying until they finally get it. “We know we still have a lot more work to do on our films, but we will get there someday soon, she said. Okwo also clinched the Best Director award at the fourth Africa Movie Academy Awards. Linus’s second attempt at movie production with her recent flick, Dry, has been rewarded with five awards at the Best of Nollywood awards (BON) as well as the Best Movie at the Zulu African Awards (Zafaa Awards). Now, at the AMVCA, Dry also made a statement in eight categories: Best Overall Movie (AFRICA), Best Costume Designer (Uche Nancy), Best Makeup Artist (Gabriel Okorie), Best Director (Stephanie Linus), Best Supporting Actress (Zubaidat Ibrahim Fagge), Best Art Director (Gabriel Okorie), Best Cinematographer (Angel Barroeta), Best Movie, West Africa as well as Best Sound Editor (Marquex Jose Guillermo). With the success recorded by her counterparts in the field, Omoni Oboli decided to up the ante by also proceeding from being an award-winning actress to producing her own movies — Being Mrs Elliot and The First Lady. Records show that she is the first actress to break box office record at the cinemas. Her movie was a financial success with N20 million made from a nationwide distribution across cinemas. The actress, who has been praised for her roles in movies such as Anchor Baby, Figurine, Render to Caesar, among other flicks, is doing great with her new status as a movie producer. The Yoruba movie scene is not left out as Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry, Funke Akindele, Eniola Badmus and a host of others have also set in motion processes that would birth their personal movies. Light-skinned actress and CEO, Mag Divas, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry, who has produced a few movies, including Osas and Victims, also clinched yet another award nomination at the 2016 edition of the AMVCA in the Best Indigenous Movie, Yoruba category, with her latest movie, Victims. It will be recalled that Aigbe-Gentry is the first Yoruba actress to win an AMVCA award. Sadly, it has not been a smooth sail as stakeholders have continued to identify piracy as a cankerworm in the Nigerian movie industry. Worse still, there are hardly any Continues pg33
Saturday Tribune
32
entertainment
5 March, 2016
Waje featured on CNN African Voices
Australian record label signs Nigerian artiste, Shawncriis
Releases new video
Stories By Joan Omionawele And Newton-Ray Ukwuoma
A
WARD-WINNING Nigerian singer and UN ambassador, Waje featured on CNN’s African Voices last month. She talked about several issues, including the African women project, her new album and her mission to help homeless kids in Nigeria. The songbird also talked about how she uses her music platform to impact lives and be a voice to several Nigerians. Following the interview, Waje dropped the visuals of her song ‘Ominiknowest.’ Produced by EKelly and directed by Clarence Peters and shot in black and white, ‘Ominiknowest’ shows Waje at her fiercest hitting back at ‘naysayers’ and critics. While Fela influenced the video, Waje take on several personas; from a fiery Malcolm X, to a sultry Marilyn Monroe, a 90’s Janet Jackson in all her tomboy glory and shades of the king of Pop Michael Jackson.
Fred Amata elected president, Directors Guild of Nigeria POPULAR Nollywood actor and film director Fred Amata has been declared president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), after an election held in Delta State during the week. Saturday Tribune gathered that this was the third time the filmmaker was giving the post a shot. Amata polled 48 votes to defeat other contenders: Kingsley Omoefe (7), Dickson (3), and Lancelot Imasuen (43). Few minutes before the election was held,
Dickson had withdrawn from the race, to back the candidature of Amata. According to him, “considering the presentations made by us, I have sensed that supporting Fred Amata will be better. The truth of the matter is that I was not in the race for some selfish reasons. It was about the Directors Guild of Nigeria and the entire Nollywood. That was why my campaign was centered on Nollywood rebirth. “This is a professional Guild. So I have to make the sacrifice as part of my intention to serve. I have to step down so that the bickering could subside.’’ Amata, who was congratulated by members of the guild, thanked all present for their support and promised to discharge his duties to the best of abilities.
Nigerian Army ready to fund Nollywood on movie depicting war on Boko Haram THE Nigerian Army has charged the Nigerian entertainment industry known as Nollywood, to beam its lights on the war against insurgency in the country, adding that the military is ready to in fund any of such initiative. Major General Rogers Ibe Nicholas, the Chief of Civil/ Military Affairs, Nigerian Army Headquarters, who made the call during the unveiling of the movie titled ‘76’, a tale of love, trust and family in Lagos, stated that the Nigerian army will be open to collaborations with Nollywood filmmakers on movies that will endear the military to the people, including a possible story about war against Islamist extremist group, Boko Haram. Major General Nicholas said that the call was part of the focus of the military in the new dispensation under the leader-
ship of Lieutenant-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, to mend the relational gap between civilians and the military and also to engender more collaborative efforts from the people in tackling current and further insurgency in the country. “With every regime,” he stated, “comes different concepts and ideas. With the coming of Lieutenant-General T.Y Buratai as Chief of Army Staff, comes a vision which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in discharge of its constitutional mandate. And part of that is to develop a military/civil relationship that will close the gap between the military and the civilians. That is what we are trying to do. The issues of people not having channels to complain are now a thing of the past. Right now we have a human
Saturday Tribune
rights desk in our office. We are collaborating with the National Human Rights Commission and the Nigerian Bar Association. “Also, we want to welcome and encourage any filmmaker who wants to do a movie on the insurgency war as long as it is within the confines of the law. Interested participants can come up with their ideas and we will look into then and collaborate.” “When we are collaborating with a filmmaker, it means that there is counterpart funding for it. This means that it is a two-way traffic, not that the Nigerian Army alone will fund such movies. If you come up with a proposal and you think that it will be beneficial to the Nigerian Army and indeed, Nigerians as a whole, then we will be ready to look into it,” he stated.
An Australia-based record label, Rulers Records, has signed on its Nigerian artiste, Shawncriis, to a five-year recording contract. The international record label which intends to invest in the booming industry and has been on the hunt for a Nigerian star, has discovered Christian Oluwayomi Odeneye, also known as Shawncriis, a Nige-
rian entertainer based in Ghana, as its preferred choice. The official contractsigning and endorsement ceremony which was held at the Beerhubz of Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, during the week, was attended by the cofounder of the label, Tobiaz Kings, the Nigerian label producer, Jocky-B, the signee, Shawncriis among others. Speaking during the official signing of the contract, the co-founder of Rulers Records, Tobiaz Kings, who enumerated the regimented process of selecting a recording artiste, expressed confidence in their choice of a Nigerian artiste, stressing the importance of Nigeria in the global
music industry. He said: “We started back in 2009, but officially registered as an Australian business early in 2015. And from them, we have been scouting for artistes. We have about six artistes lined up in Australia at the moment. We go through a lot of process before actually signing an artiste, but we want to come to Nigeria. “This country is full of resources. There are so many beautiful young kids with so much talent. This is one of the biggest markets in Africa and a major contributor to global music, and you wanna tap in there. That is why we are here. We want to be part of something great,” he said.
Olaribigbe Sarumi dabbles into movie-making with ‘Adalute’ PREPARATIONS are in top gear for the release of ‘Adalute’, the maiden flick of popular Yoruba actor turned producer, Olaribigbe Sarumi. The one-time banker who has spent ten years on the scenes of many indigenous movies including ‘Oke’, ‘Akobimi’, ‘Hadiza’, ‘Ogbon’ and ‘Alase Odo’, will join the guild of moviemakers with the release of Adalute. As his first crack, Sarumi, who recently bagged a filmmaking degree at the New York Film Academy, was not one to hide the teething problems of his new pursuit. “This movie took me a while to produce,”
the multi-talented actor said during a media chat during the week. “Because it’s not like the regular Yoruba movies we always see on the street”. ‘Adalute’, according to the thespian, tells the story of a wealthy family who in spite of their riches and fame, live in misery and whose attempt to trace the source of their predicament lets hell loose in a dramatic turn of event spiced with suspense and intrigues. In the Yoruba movie circle, Sarumi belongs to the Odunfa caucus and this conclave allied forces to make his debut movie a success. ‘Adalute’ features stars like Yinka Quadri, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry, Jaiye Kuti, Ayoka Ologede, Leye Adeshile, Saheed Spider as well as Sarumi.
Ruth Eze feeds the needy in Ajegunle IT was with the poor in Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos that Nollywood actress, Ruth Eze, associated during the 2016 Valentine’s Day celebration. The Imo State-born script interpreter, in company with her friends and fans, was seen feeding the indigents at the Ajegunle market square. Ms Eze excitedly distributed to street beggars foods and assorted drinks leaving a lasting smile on the faces of the poor and the underprivileged. On the reason behind the gesture, Ruthy, as she is fondly called, said: “Valentine’s Day is not only for lovers or married couple. It’s also a day we should take time to reach out to the less-privileged and the needy. Even those in the prison need to be shown some love. I celebrated my day with some beggars. I felt so fulfilled inside of me feeding the hungry in my own little capacity. That’s my own little way of reaching out to those that re-
ally need this love. “At a point I was so moved to tears, seeing how they were almost fighting for food, probably they haven’t eaten well for so
long. Painfully, most of us had so much to eat and even trash that day. Let us all learn to show love, not hate to others, no matter how little,” she said.
33 entertainment
5 March, 2016
As women take centre stage in Nigeria’s movie industry...
‘I paid for my curly hair and pointed nose’
Continued from pg30
sources of funds to embark on successful projects. Such finances often have to come from personal pockets. Aigbe-Gentry told Saturday Tribune: “One of our major challenges is finance. It is difficult to put resources together to produce a movie. I put my personal resources together with that of my husband to produce my movies and it is never enough. “Another huge problem is piracy. Every producer is a businessman or businesswoman. Aside from the passion, we hope to produce these movies and get our money back with profit. But these days, before you even finish packaging a movie and send it to your target audience, it is already out there with the pirates who sell to unsuspecting members of the public. It is disturbing, really disturbing.” Asked if she had made inquiries about the plans of Bank of Industry (BOI) to give loans to thespians and moviemakers to aid production, distribution and exhibition of their movies across outlets in the country, Aigbe-Gentry stated that she had not tried to secure loans because of the huge interests attached to them. According to her, “we will continue to do our best. Our best is yet to come.” Also on the radar is delectable Tope Oshin-Ogun, who has, against all odds, chosen to be a trailblazer on the entertainment scene. The movie director claims to be inspired by the late Amaka Igwe. Oshin-Ogun has also carved a niche for herself as a producer cum director of drama series as well as movie. Tinsel drama series is one of the soaps that she has handled. Tope has produced a couple of short films as well as well as directed a movie, Journey to Self. In the same vein, Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, who took movie lovers by surprise with her movie, Jenifa years ago, has not rested on her oars as she has produced a follow-up to the movie, Jenifa’s Diaries. Pundits had advised the actress to take a bolder step by documenting the activities of her movie character “Jenifa” into a series. The pieces of advice culminated in the birth of the title Jenifa’s Diaries, which airs on the Nigerian Television Authorities (NTA), Africa Independent Television (AIT), among other stations. The actress constantly brings innovations to her series by introducing various comedians like Folarin Falana, a.k.a. Falzthebahdguy (who is also a rapper), Kaponesky and other popular thespians in the industry. Other actress who have produced their own movies include Ruky Sanda, Iyabo Ojo, Monalisa Chinda, Ini Edo, Fathia Balogun, Lizzy Anjonrin and Dayo Amusa. As these female producers seek to abide by the tenets of entertainment, which are basically to entertain and educate the public, it is evident that piracy and funding remain major hindrances to their activities. But they do not want to be seen as mere female producers as they strive to make a difference, giving their male counterparts a run for their money. They are proving that they are not merely for the sidelines but as image makers in the industry. They also have unique African stories to tell.
Continues from pg2
inspecting, and said in Yoruba: ‘Ha! Indian Girl leleyi o” (This is an Indian girl). With my pointed nose, small mouth and curly hair it seemed fitting. Each time my teachers enter the class, they would say, ‘Indian girl, how are you? and the whole class would laugh. That was how the name stuck. What are your fondest memories as a child? Playing and dancing in the rain. I never missed rain plays as a child. I guess I miss it now. Who/what do you still cherish about growing up? My brothers and sisters. Oh! We had a blast. We weren’t allowed to mingle or play outside with the other kids and we were seven. So, we had a blast with one another. I cherished every moment with them. Even till date when we all have our little reunion, we go over our childhood fun moments and laugh over them. How did you come to love roast corn and pear? Do you still secretly relish it? Are you kidding? (laughs) Who doesn’t love roast corn and pear? My love for them will never die (laughs). What were the wisest things you did as a teenager? Cutting and remaking every piece of clothing my mum got for me with needle and thread. But looking back, it wasn’t so wise because she got frustrated and stopped buying them (laughs). Have you been in a position to play a Good Samaritan before? Always. I try to always do the best I can whenever I see people in need. Have you fallen on hard times before? How was the ordeal? Oh yes! I’m sure everyone
has had a taste of it before. And believe me it was nothing pleasant. Some people see you as a very reserved person, do you feel so? Well, it’s not my fault, and no they are not entirely wrong because growing up we were taught to always mind our business. We scarcely went out to be seen unnecessarily, that has been a huge part of me growing up till date. What has fame taken from you? My privacy! As a fashion designer and entrepreneur, what principles guide your business operation? Always work hard. Stay in constant competition with yourself. Just because you are successful now doesn’t mean you should chill, because someone else is working hard while you chill. Always aim to be better than your last job. These are the principles I live by. You are known for playing Nurse Abigail in a popular TV series, how did you get a hang of it? It was tough. Seeing I’m the total opposite of that character, but I love challenges that made me work harder with research and hard work I am glad I was able to make the character believable, and lovable despite the character being annoying. Since after moving to movies you have done over eight movies. ‘Couple of days’ seems different from them all. Kindly tell us why? It’s simple because the story line is different. And it’s a story that everyone relates with in their day to day activities. These things do happen. What other movies should we anticipate this year?
A couple of them actually, there is 4-1-love and The other woman. You once said you were brewing a surprise project, how is that coming? It’s going well. This is all I can tell you for now. Else it will ruin the surprise. How is married life? Married life is beautiful, and I’m enjoying every bit
Saturday Tribune
of it. Marrying someone in the showbiz comes with its own good and challenging sides. What have been yours? Mine has been good thanks to my husband, he carries me along in everything he does. And I’m glad he knows and differentiates husband time from boss time which just makes everything nice and easy.
34
5 March, 2016
The South-West Editor Wole Efunnuga | 08111813056
From Ayinde Barrister’s shows to the palace:
Alaye of Ayetoro reminisces
BetweenMay23,2003thathewascoronatedandtoday,theAlayeofAyetoro,OgunState,ObaAzeezIsolahasrisen likeacolossustogivepositiveleadershiptothepeopleofhistown.TUNDEBUSARIwrites
Oba Isola
H
e was always on the stage where the late Fuji music lord, Dr Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was performing. He was not a drummer. Neither was he a back-up singer. Yet he was always seen on the stage, especially before Barrister would start his show. Barrister often referred to him as his twin brother perhaps on account of their very close affinity. The Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba Azeez Isola is yet to fully recover from the exit of Barrister, his bosom friend. Barrister died in a London Hospital on December 16, 2010 and was interred on December 30, 2010. The Alaye was one of the regular faces at Barrister’s Fuji Chamber, Isolo residence while awaiting his remains. Oba Isola would always attribute his rise to the throne to Barrister whose influence came to bear during the succession process. “I can recall that he called me one day to Fuji Chamber and said we were going to Abeokuta to meet Chief (Mrs) Bisi Edionseri popularly known as Cash Madam. He said she was already waiting for us. I cannot exhaust the roles he played during our relationship. “There are friends, there are friends, Alhaji Barrister was a friend, a kind of whom you cannot easily come by. There is nothing
he could not do to satisfy his friends. I will never forget our time together. . It was through him I travelled to the United States of America (USA) and Europe. I first visited the USA in 1986 during his tour to that country, ” he said. While in the company with the late Barrister, Oba Isola never flaunted his royal composition as he maintained his humble self and mixed freely with Barrister’s band boys and other auxiliary workforce. Hardly could anyone refer to him as a prince because he never used the title. He was comfortable and indeed catching fun with Barrister on and off stage. Does it then mean he detested the throne? Oba Isola said he had nothing against the stool but believed that only God makes a king.
“God comes first before any other thing because He created everything. The stool means so much to me as an African. It is symbolic. It is our history. That is why traditional rulers are known as custodian of customs and tradition of their respective towns or communities. “Even though before I became an Oba, I did not present myself as a prince, I respected the traditional stool because of its significance to our culture. And there is nothing anybody can do about our culture, it remains our culture and it will outlive us because it outlived our forefathers,” he said. His eventual enthronement, according to him, caught him unawares because it did not cross his mind that he would become the Alaye soon. Oba Isola again noted that it was the work of his creator, giving glory to God in his daily supplication as a Muslim who is expected to observe his prayers five times a day. “I think God reserves this power to Himself because we are all His making. I am saying this because of the way the issue of becoming the Oba came. Let me give all the glory to God because the time it came, it never crossed my mind that I would be the next Oba. But whatever God has designed, no human being can question it,” he said. Oba Isola recalled vividly the circumstances leading to his emergence as the Alaye of Ayetoro after the demise of his predecessor. “It happened that my people back home called me that I had been chosen as the next Oba. I ignored it because I could not understand the message. Not long after the message, my first wife ran to me and said she ran into some people in the town discussing me and how they could get me. “I was a bit scared at this stage. I planned to flee to the US. Later, Alhaji Barrister called me. When I got to him, he gave a strange compliment and we travelled to Abeokuta. I thank God for how it turned out in the end. And I also thank the people of my town for finding me worthy of the position,” he recalled. Also on the monarch’s appreciation list is the governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Governor Amosun, to Oba Isola, is a governor whose place in history is assured for the massive physical development of the entire Ogun State.
It was through him I travelled to the US and Europe. I first visited the United States of America in 1986 during his tour to that country.
Saturday Tribune crew sari n Tu de B9u3530 081275 ndare nga - Ogu Yejide G8b1e16706853 0 unesan Tunde O9g54634 08116
t: r us; contac Got news fo bune@yahoo. ri tt es hw ut ne so bu @ uthwesttri co.uk or so ail.com gm
Governor Amosun is generally respected for the ongoing transformation in the state created out of the former Western State on February 3, 1976. “My town is not what it used to be when I came to the throne. The fact that Governor Amosun is not restricting his good work to the state capital makes him a governor we must support to succeed. I am happy for what we have achieved so far and happy to tell you that Ayetoro is going to witness greater development in years to come. All we need is total support and faith in the administration,” he said. However, Oba Isola frowned on those who are contemplating bringing traditional rulers into politics. This, he maintained, won’t preserve the honour with which the Obas are identified. Arguing further, he said the traditional rulers are fathers of all politicians irrespective of parties, urging his colleagues not to be tempted to be partisan for the general interest of the town. “We are the father of all politicians in all parties. That is how it should be to preserve our respect. Anything short of this can easily bring embarrassment and even ridicule to the throne, which is not good for the traditional institution,” he said. Marital status of traditional rulers is not an issue of contention before the Alaye of Ayetoro. Rather, he said, each monarch is entitled to his choice because what is most important is finding joy in one’s preference. While he is at home with monogamy, nothing, however, is wrong with polygamy. “Individuals make the difference in the two. There are many who have no peace with one wife. What is most important to me is living a peaceful life. And a man can live this life if he is blessed with good wives. I am a polygamist and I am proud of it,” he declared. Oba Isola trained as a spray painter by one Omo West at Challenge, Mushin, Lagos. But before then, Oba Isola had attended United Primary School and United Secondary Modern School in Ayetoro, after which he gained admission into the Technical College, Ile-Ife, Osun State. Having his heart elsewhere cost him a Technical College certificate but he made it up under the apprenticeship of Omo West, who taught him all that was needed to know in the art of painting. Soon after his freedom, his outstanding testimonial made him a choice for his parents who wanted their child to be trained in the art. So, his workshop at Matori, now Fatai Atere Way became a training centre for young boys to the extent that within a short time, he had many apprentices undergoing training in his workshop. “I thank God for giving me the opportunity to share my knowledge with them. I am somebody who believes that any knowledge you don’t share is a waste. People should share their knowledge for the benefit of the young ones who naturally take over from them. “For instance, I am an Oba now, is it easy for me to be at my workshop at the same time? No, but my workshop is still operating because I have trusted men I trained in charge. But everything is to the glory of God,” he said.
35
5 March, 2016
achievers
Saturday Tribune
With Ronke Sanya (Winner, NMMA Innovative Reporter of the Year 2015) 07036050161 | sanyaaderonke@gmail.com
& Oyeyemi Okunlade | 08056834515 | ojeleyeoyeyemi@yahoo.com
Winning ‘Speak Out Challenge’ was an eye-opener — Esther Agbolade,
IEA UK 2015 Budding Young Economist
Esther Agbolade, in an online chat with RONKE SANYA, shares her experience of winning a public speaking competition where she defeated 950 other students when she was the Head Girl of Kingsdale Foundation School, East Dulwich, London and her recent selection by Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) UK as 2015 Budding Young Economist. Her personal project is named Project Afrika.
B
ORN in United Kingdom to Nigerian parents —Mr Femi Agbolade and Ms Adetutu Lawal, seventeen-yearold Agbolade is a young girl full of dreams and ambitions and she is already on her way to actualising the dreams. She is imparting other young people with her project named Project Afrika, where she distributes books to African and Caribbean countries. These, she explains, were borne out of her experience at a public speaking competition. Her mother is from Ota, Ogun State, while her father is from Isonyin, Ogun State. What was it like participating in Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge? Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge is a programme run by Speakers Trust and funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation. It is a registered charity which aims to help young people build the skills, confidence and desire to speak in public. Public speaking is a necessary part of life yet it is one of the scariest and most nerve-racking things that many people will experience. With 38 boroughs and over 950 students taking part, it was one of the biggest competitions I have ever entered. When I was eventually announced winner of the competition, I felt overjoyed and extremely excited. I also felt relieved because many of my friends and family had come to watch me and all I could think of before I went on stage was not letting them down. The calibre of students there was so high but the fact that I won was also an eye-opener. It made me realise that nothing is impossible. It stimulated my motivation and made me even more grateful. I was also humbled by my win. Upon winning, I received a golden trophy, a framed certificate, a £100 gift card and the honour of hosting the Speak Out Challenge regional finals for the years 2014/15. What does it entail hosting the 2014/15 edition of the competition? Hosting the next edition of the ‘Speak Out Challenge’ required me to get to know each of the contestants. This allowed me to introduce them personally with facts about them before they took to the stage. I also had to keep the audience engaged in-between speakers and during the intermissions which I enjoyed as it allowed me to speak freely to the audience.
Watching the video of the ‘Speak Out Challenge,’ I observed that you spoke quite flawlessly and confidently. Where did you learn the art of public speaking? I am constantly inspired by my parents. The compassion, beauty and wisdom of my mother mixed with the intelligence, understanding and levelheadedness of my father creates an environment which births nothing but positivity and motivation. I have never really been taught how to speak in public directly, however, I constantly watch and engage in debates which I’m sure plays a large role in my public speaking ability. Additional influences on my public speaking are my Pastors, Simeon Oladokun, and also Pastor Oladele. Their ability to convey messages and speak personally to each and every person in the room (in church) is truly a God-given gift. I remember how each of their sermons touched me and I hope to spark similar feelings in others. What are the new projects you are currently working on? I recently formed a charity called Project
I have never really been taught how to speak in public directly however, I constantly watch and engage in debates which I’m sure plays a large role in my public speaking ability.
Afrika. The aim of this project is to create more pathways to education by sending books to schools in Africa and the Caribbean and building new primary school buildings in disadvantaged areas in Africa and I have started with Ait Attab in Moroc-
c o . This charity means so much to me as I know education has the power to give individuals a voice they never knew they had. I am also in the production phase of creating an app. This app allows households in the United Kingdom to synchronise individual shopping lists which limits confusion; minimises mixups and cuts down the time spent on grocery shopping. Has any organisation recognised these projects or sponsored them? No sponsorships yet, probably because the projects are still at the initial stage, but talking about recognition, in 2013/ 2014 I took part in the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Mathematics challenge in which I won both a bronze and gold medal. Math is one of my favourite subjects which made the wins even more pleasant. In December 2015, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), UK also recognised me as a ‘budding young economist’ and invited me to the launch of the Paragon Initiative which was a highly exclusive event. I felt so honoured to be in a room with such great
economists and the experience was truly enlightening. What are your future goals? When I get older, my dream is to become an economist. Economics is one of my many passions so a career in it would be a dream come true. I would also like to continue my charity work and hopefully expand Project Afrika so we can reach places further than Africa and continue to aid people in finding their voices through education. How did your parents feel when you won the Speak Out Challenge? My parents were extremely proud when I won the Speak Out Challenge and to be honest, that’s all that mattered. Bringing joy to your parents is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I’m happy I got to experience that and I hope and pray that I continue to bring them joy and make them proud. Have you ever been a victim of any form of racial discrimination at any point in time,being a Nigerian in a foreign country? I have lived in London my entire life, a city renowned for its diversity. Accepting attitudes and cultural awareness means that being an ethnic minority here is simply not a problem. Thankfully, I have never experienced any form of racial discrimination. A large Nigerian community means that I can remain close to my Nigerian roots despite living as a Brit. Words of advice to other teenagers reading this and aspiring to be successful like you. One thing I would like to get across to every young person reading this is the fact that you have everything it takes to be successful within you. Be attentive. Develop a hunger for knowledge. Work hard and follow your dreams. Believe in yourself, have courage and faith and the world will be yours. Remember, life is short but it’s the longest thing you’ll ever do, so make it worthwhile.
36
5 March, 2016
weekend cartoons
Saturday Tribune
Adeeko Olusegun adeeko.olusegun@yahoo.com 0811 695 4638
Just a Laffing Mata
Sin of lying
One Sunday, a pastor told the congregation, “Next week, I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you all understand my sermon, I want everyone to read Mark Chapter 17.” The following Sunday as the pastor prepared to deliver his sermon, he asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many people had read Mark 17. Almost every hand went up. The pastor smiled and said, “Mark only has 16 chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying.”
POLITICO
It’ good to know the bible
FUNOLOGY
At the close of work on one fateful Friday, a young man decided to give any lady that came his way a ride. After the second turning from his office junction on the Ikorodu Expressway, he saw a pretty Christian sister and gave her a ride. While they were going he did not know how to start conversation with her, therefore, he placed his hand on her laps pretending he was reaching out for the gear stick. The sister softly said, “Mathew 7:7.” He quickly removed his hand and resumed concentration on his driving. He attempted it the second, third and fourth time, and each time, she repeated, “Mathew 7:7.” When the sister got to her destination, she opened the door and said to the man, “Young man, the problem with you is that you don’t read your Bible.” When he got home, he opened his Bible to Mathew 7:7 which reads, “Ask and it shall be given unto you….” He nearly cried.
...They sleep around
37
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
with Tunde Ayanda ayandaayotunde@yahoo.com 08034649018
Yinka Adedayo back on the radar
Bode Agoro’s rising profile
TFC boss, Yinka Adedayo, may have put her pains behind and now opts to stare at the bright side of life. The businesswoman, who lost her only child, Olubunmi to the cold hands of death a few years ago, has regained her groove on the social turf which she left many years ago while mourning her child. She was spotted some days ago at a wedding ceremony in Lagos. The outing was her first since the death of her son. The TFC boss was in company with her husband, they both had a good time with friends who were glad to see them. The Adedayos launched The Bunmi Adedayo Foundation early this year in honour of their late son at an event attended by dignitaries from all part of the country.
HIS recent appointment as the Permanent Secretary of the Lands Bureau in Lagos State has made him the darling of everybody based on the public knowledge that his office is among the geese that lay the golden eggs in Lagos. Not only that, Agoro is living up to his name as his generosity also endears him to many. Now, wherever the young man goes attention trails him and he enjoys it. The ‘P.S’ as he is fondly called, has a closet that boasts of the best in Italian wears and popular Nigerian clothmakers.
Wife fetes Jide Owoeye at 60 T AIWO, wife of the chairman, Governing Council of Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Professor Babajide Owoeye, played a wonderful host to many of her husband’s friends and associates a few days ago in celebration of the 60th birthday of the academic. The house of the Owoeyes in Jericho, Ibadan, was the place of the celebration
Ganiyu Solomon’s daughter weds TODAY, the Classique Events Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, will host one of the biggest wedding ceremonies that will highlight 2016 as Lagos politician, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon gives out his first daughter in marriage. GOS, as he is fondly called, may never have had the cause to host a big event for many years, is said to have planned this wedding to have all the trappings of a society wedding that is worth the mention in the diaries of many event planners. On the guestlist are top government officials, politicians and other dignitaries who are connected to the politician in many ways. Solomon’s daughter, Risikat, will marry her partner, Abdulrasheed Lumors, in a fairytale-like wedding.
which the family called a thanksgiving Service and Reception where people like Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, Rotimi Akeredolu, Muyiwa Ige, Femi Babalola, Jide Agbeja, Tunde Ologburo, Oba Dokun Abolarin, Tope Fasuyi, Lanre Otiti and many others gathered to witness the occasion. It was an evening of wine, light music and praise-singing that ushered the Lead City boss to the milestone age.
John Obayuwana drifts towards Ghana MAKING men look trendy is his profession as he remains the biggest seller of valuable wristwatches in Nigeria, but now the Polo boss, John Obayuwana, is setting a new sail with Ghana as the destination. The new Polo store will soon open in Accra, the capital of Ghana which has in recent time become the new fashion centre in this side of the world. Operating a business in Ghana seems to be a simple task for Obayuwana with friends claiming the opening in Ghana is a deliberate move to get closer to many of his clients who reside in the country. The fashionista daughter of the businessman, Jennifer, who is already a director in her father’s company has been saddled with the responsibility of making the move to Ghana a success.
38
politics&policy
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune With Saheed Salawu
0811 695 4643
yinkadejavu@yahoo.com
Judiciary is under siege —Akintola, SAN
The Bashorun Bamofin of Ibadanland, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), doesn’t take prisoners when he feels strongly about issues. He was his combative self in dissecting thorny national issues with LANRE ADEWOLE.
W
ITH an unprecedented assault from the public and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is this the most trying moment for the judiciary, particularly the inner bar? Certainly not. We have passed through this route before. This isn’t the first time we have faced unjustifiable criticism from ignorant folks out there. And if you ask those who are criticising the Bar and the Bench to substantiate their allegations, you find them wanting. I remember vividly that at one of our NEC meetings in Port-Harcourt [Rivers State] some years back, during the reign of [Nuhu] Ribadu [as EFCC chairman], the [Nigerian Bar Association] NBA took him up and one of our respected senior colleagues, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), took on the NBA and of course, we gave it back to him. In fact, he threatened to resign from the NEC, even though he was not even a member of the NEC in the first place and I remember that it was my lot to move a motion against the position of the EFCC then, because the EFCC started derailing then and we saw it coming and we took our decision. We don’t bother about the comments of the ignorant. There are three sets of criticisms going on out there. There are those who are criticising us out of ignorance of the position of the law. There are those criticising us out of mischief and there are those criticising us for selfish reasons and that category includes some of our own members. For those criticising senior members of the Bar over representation of accused persons by counsel, we can only pity them. They don’t appreciate the fact that the constitution guarantees every litigant the right to choose their counsel. He has the right to determine how many lawyers will represent him in court. And if you look at the trend since the beginning of this dispensation, in 1999, you will discover that most high-profile cases were manned by seasoned lawyers. Nobody has ever raised any eyebrow. Some of us have taken up high-profile cases that involved top politicians, top bank executives. SANs, in their scores, have represented them and there has been no outcry because the law allows that. But what are we seeing now? Because scores of senior lawyers represented one of their own in court, some people, out of ignorance, are asking, why should it be? And I ask them, those politicians we have defended before the Code of Conduct, how many senior lawyers represented them? In the last administration, when the powers-that-be wanted to prevent Buhari from contesting election at all costs, how many senior lawyers came to the aid of Buhari? Are the ignorant out there pretending not to know that many senior lawyers represented Buhari at no cost? Many out there think all the representations are done because of fees, how ignorant could they be? When the struggle started to emancipate this country through the legal system, when we were in the trenches, those who are opening their mouths wide now were nowhere to be found. You can’t find their names anywhere for making any meaningful contributions. It was some of our colleagues like Chief Wole Olanipekun and Lateef Fagbemi who went to court to make oral applications before the Federal High Court to maintain the status quo so as to allow Buhari to contest the election. There was nothing the [Peoples Democratic Party] PDP government didn’t do to stop him from contesting the election. How many SANs were there? Why are people behaving like ostrich? They should credit some Nigerians with some level of intelligence. Some of us keep records, because memory is very short in this country. How many SANs defended the governors at the election petition tribunals? Because they were politicians, they are entitled to have 50 or 100 lawyers, but a member of the Bar isn’t entitled to the services of his colleagues, is that what they are saying? The EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu, said the show of solidarity was designed to intimidate the commission and court, tagging it ‘corruption fighting back...’ I read in the papers today where he was apologising for making blanket statements. Now, who is intimidating who? Is it the suspect who is presumed innocent and decided to engage a number of counsel he could through goodwill or he himself who decided to go to court with over 150 armed policemen to intimidate the judge? That is why I was talking about ignorance a little while ago. Has he forgotten that every judge, every magistrate, has sworn to do justice to
Nobody is immune. The impression being given is that we are all saboteurs; blanket condemnation. In this country, we use one bad apple to describe the whole. It is called fallacy of hasty generalisation. all manner of men, without ill-will, affection or favour? No judge worth his or her salt will be intimidated by any prosecutor or counsel. But the presiding judge actually said... (Cuts in)... No, no, no. That was the interpretation given to it by the press. You know the Nigerian press, when they want to slant things to suit a particular purpose. Look at this, for example: a case was withdrawn from court and some newspapers reported that the matter was dismissed for being incompetent. Ricky Tarfa’s suit? Yes and that was Nigerian press for you. What happened was that there were two similar actions and he decided to withdraw one in order not to make them an abuse of court process. But those who wanted to sell their newspapers slanted it. Most times, when you read the headlines of some Nigerian newspapers, they often commit fallacy of accent. The headline will convey a particular meaning but when you read the content, you see a different thing. Are you calling the media a collaborator in this EFCC onslaught against the inner bar? The truth of the matter is that we are in a country where
the illiterate govern the enlightened. It is a country of the illiterate by the illiterate for the enlightened. Many of us, including my humble self, are not literate enough to appreciate certain things. We have those who are legal illiterates, political illiterates, economic illiterates, medical illiterates, media illiterates. I admit my limitations when it comes to media operations, perhaps I’m an illiterate in that area but I was taught in my philosophy class that when the content of the story doesn’t reflect the headline, it is called fallacy of accent. That is what you find in some newspapers. But the media has also been criticised by Magu... Of course, nobody is immune. The impression being given is that we are all saboteurs; blanket condemnation. In this country, we use one bad apple to describe the whole. It is called fallacy of hasty generalisation. Even the EFCC, about a month ago, one of them was found collecting $150,000 from a suspect. Shall we say because of that, all EFCC operatives are corrupt? Magu is passionate but he has not been able to draw the line between what ought to be and what it is. Is Magu going about his job the wrong way? Certainly, yes. When you look at the statement credited to him talking about the number of lawyers, what about politicians who had, at different times, scores of senior lawyers defend their cases? But the public is applauding Magu... ...out of ignorance. And again, who are these members of the public? We are talking of media trial, mob justice. If you have been following the trend of the investigation of EFCC, you will see that there is nothing for the public to applaud. Including Dasukigate? They have been doing shoddy investigations, shoddy preparations. I don’t want to comment on Dasuki’s matter because it is pending in court. Again, that boils down to the issue of the illiteracy we are talking about. When a matter is pending in court, you don’t comment on it. Continues pg39
39 interview
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
‘Nigeria is a country of the illiterate by the illiterate for the enlightened’ only needs to be creative and think out of the box. But he is playing to the gallery. He talks too much. I believe the AGF should rise up to the challenges ahead of him.
Continued from pg38
What role is the vice-president playing in all of these as a member of the inner bar? I wouldn’t know because I’m not in government. I wouldn’t know the template of their operations. The only person I can comment about is my colleague, the AGF, who should rise up to the challenges and ensure that things are done the rule of law way. In our own way, some of us have been assisting behind the scene. We have given them position papers but the society expects us to be flippant. It is not everything you know that you say in the public but the Bar has been playing beautiful roles to ensure things are done properly. I know some of our senior colleagues who have given position papers that are serving as templates even on this issue of corruption. [Professor Itse] Sagay even said I should send some of these position papers to him. You don’t need to go to the marketplace to announce what you have been doing behind the scene. In fact, my position is stronger than Magu’s position because if I have my way, these corrupt elements will be executed.
But Ricky Tarfa’s case is also in court. I have refrained from commenting on what is before the court in Ricky Tarfa’s case. I frown upon any attempt to undermine the integrity of the judiciary and legal profession. When the judiciary is disrespected, it is the society that will suffer for it. Some lawyers now stay on the TV from Monday to Friday, even citing authorities. What kinds of lawyers go to the TV in the morning quoting the constitution, which is unethical, unprofessional? Many don’t even know about the cases they are commenting about. They have no contribution to the anti-corruption war or how this government came to be, but they will be the first to go on television condemning their colleagues who have toiled day and night to have a government that goes by the rule of law in the country. Don’t you think they are contributing their own quota to national debates? By dishing out rubbish? You can add your voice to national discourse but you must speak from the position of fact and logic, not of sentiment or morality. Lord Denning said morality is an unruly horse which takes you to where you don’t expect. You don’t run government on the basis of morality or how you feel. It must be by rule of law. But it is said that Magu is being advised by some senior lawyers. It is one thing to be advised, it is another thing to take the advice. There is a case of a senior lawyer advising the National Assembly and what they would bring out will always be different from his advice. I remember when a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, challenged us that we weren’t doing enough to assist the National Assembly to generate quality debate on constitution amendment. We went to Uyo [Akwa Ibom State] for 10 days under Rotimi Akeredolu’s leadership, dissected the constitution at our own expense and put up a draft for the National Assembly. We assembled again in Abuja on the bill of the Bar to prepare a draft for them, but they threw it aside and brought out something else. I know the inner workings of the EFCC. Nobody gets to prosecute without higher approval. There are a lot of things that are shrouded in secrecy from the members of the public. Do you support the prosecution of indicted judges and SANs? Yes, of course. Nobody is above the law. So, why are you leading the defence of Ricky Tarfa? Every suspect is entitled to the services of a lawyer. In fact, when he fails to get one by himself, the state is under obligation to get him one at tax payers’ expense. In our profession, we have a code of conduct on professional ethics. It is an offence for any lawyer to refuse to defend any suspect except if the fellow can’t pay your fees or if you have personal interest. Just like doctors who are under obligation to treat patients under whatever circumstances, especially discrimination. It is same for a lawyer who refuses brief due to discrimination. He will be guilty of misconduct.
Things are not working the way we envisaged, because the man seems to be the only person who knows which direction he is going. The rest of us don’t seem to know and he alone can’t do the fighting in a country of 170 million people... We have left Egypt but still wandering in the wilderness.
Will you accept Dasuki’s brief if he approaches you?
I would not want to use any strong language because he is the president.
It depends. I will not now because I have advised the power-that-be on how to go about it. So, it would be unethical on my part to now step forward again and argue against what I have advised.
Is the president’s mindset not a manifestation of what is being witnessed in the EFCC? The judiciary and the legal profession are under siege now, but a leader is as good as his subordinates and aides. Where the leader is going overboard, it is the duty of the aides to pull him back by advising him to take the path of rule of law.
What about Diezani Alison Madueke? If the conditions are right, yes. A lawyer is like a cab driver, whosoever flags him down with correct fare, so be it. Will this not justify the lamentation of President Buhari that judiciary is his headache in the anticorruption war? That statement coming from Mr President is rather unfortunate. There are certain statements that should not be credited to certain classes of people, including little me. The oath taken by SANs is the same taken by governors and the president. Everyone is sworn to abide by the provisions of the constitution, which emphasises rule of law. If he spoke about the judiciary being his headache, is it not the same judiciary that saved him from the hands of his traducers? If not for the judiciary, would he have contested that election? For those of us who put our lives on the line for him, it is very demoralising. It was a blanket statement.
Are you talking about the Attorney-General of the Federation? Yes. The truth of the matter is you don’t even know who is in charge now. The AGF is to be seen or heard but not Magu. For crying out loud! Magu is heading an agency under the AGF. But what are we having now? I said a little while ago that judiciary is under siege. Do you know Magu has been going around courts, gathering judges like school pupils together, promising to send them abroad, give them incentives and retain them and what have you? If that is not inducement, what is it? And he was complaining about inducement, about intimidation. Last week, Magu was in Oyo State and the judges didn’t even sit for that day. The members of the Bar complained. I understand that he had done a similar thing in Lagos. That is intimidation of the judiciary. Magu can fight this battle with the instrumentality of the law. He
That is, when they have been found guilty? But you don’t need rocket science to get them convicted. It is the inability to be creative that is putting Magu in this state of quagmire. Let me give you an example. We all know from experience as a prosecutor for the EFCC and a defender of suspects that what most Nigerian public officials do is anticipatory declaration of assets. We can meet them at their doorsteps and there are enough laws in our statute books to deal with the situation. I remember that a governor upon being sworn in, in 1999 put in the asset declaration form that he had a house in London when he had none. He never bought one until 2003 when he was going for second term but he had declared that. If they had called him for his tax clearance certificate when he made that declaration, he would have been guilty of perjury and go in for 14 years and still face the issue of corruption. Do you need an expert from the United States to do that? All the AGF and Minister of Finance need to have is synergy, the finance minister making available the tax declaration of these people and the AGF comparing and contrasting the asset declaration form and they [corrupt officials] will be walking straight to jail. At the national confab, I said that if that is implemented, 90 percent of public officials will be in jail. They declare what they don’t have as assets and they will now be stealing towards meeting that target. I sold the idea to two prosecutors of EFCC. They are talking about legal fees. If that is the agreement you voluntarily entered into, they can do nothing. But why bother their head about lawyers’ fees? Just ask them for tax payment on the fat fees like it obtains in the United Kingdom. If you have collected $5 million for recovering money for Halliburton, how much tax did you pay? It is so simple, they will just be railroading them to jail, not questioning what can’t be sustained in law court. With your insight, what do you think Buhari wants from the judiciary? I am sorry to say this but President Buhari is the only one fighting corruption. Give it to him. He has no comparison among all our public officials today. One can understand his anger from where he is coming from but I want to assure him that he can carry out the fight successfully using the instrumentality of the law, rather than resort to jackboot tactics or blackmail. But the statement on judiciary is very unfortunate. Given your support during the poll, are you having buyer remorse now? I am not regretting my actions over [former President Goodluck] Jonathan. If Jonathan had remained, the situation in Nigeria would have been worse than that of Greece. We started the campaign of Jonathan-Must-Go in 2012 and I didn’t regret it, because the man was clueless. I was one of those who saw to his coming to power but I have no regret seeing his back and if the opportunity presents itself again, I will do the same over and over. With Jonathan eased out, all hands must be on deck to ensure that Buhari does not take us back, because there is no point digging one pit to fill another because a pit remains and that is what is happening now. Things are not working the way we envisaged, because the man seems to be the only person who knows which direction he is going. The rest of us don’t seem to know and he alone can’t do the fighting in a country of 170 million people. We must harness all resources. We have left Egypt but still wandering in the wilderness. At our NEC meeting, two of our colleagues accused us of bringing Buhari and I admitted it but I have no regret whatsoever. When the election was approaching, there were more than 13 cases against him and many of us defended him at no cost. Some of us started this struggle in 2012, courtesy of Senator Bola Tinubu, who recruited many of us.
40 feature
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
Kidnapped Lagos schoolgirls: ‘They have to wait until they see these children’ Naza Okoli – Lagos
B
ABINGTON Macaulay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu, was very quiet on Wednesday. It was strange because there were many people – mostly journalists – poking around the premises in search of news. There were many policemen too. Most of them sat in their vans parked beside the main driveway, not far from the main gate. Many of the journalists waited in front of the Principal’s office, with cameras, microphones, recorders and writing pads. Yet there was silence everywhere. Further up the school, at the large chapel, a prayer meeting was on. It was gathered that many people had been keeping vigil at the chapel since the unfortunate incident of the abduction of three female students from the school by gunmen, Monday night. Some parents were seen around the canteen and in front of an office block not far from the Principal’s office. Attempts made to locate relatives of the abducted children yielded fruit when a parent identified both the father and an uncle of one of the missing girls, Popoolaniyan Tofunmi. Mr Toyin Popoolaniyan, a middle-aged man, dressed in grey-coloured ankara, promptly Government Junior Model College, Ikorodu. declined to speak when he was approached. “No, no, no, no,” he said, shaking his head. ists to allow security operatives some time to do their work. Tofunmi’s uncle, Mr Abiodun “Things like this are done in a discreet manner,” he Awomuti (himself a parent) however shared his thoughts. “Tofunmi is my aunt’s daughter; but she calls me uncle,” said. “We are not trying to hide anything. The incident he said. “Her parents often send me to her to give her happened on Monday night around 8.30 pm, and we were things because I live in Ikorodu. Actually nobody expected alerted immediately, and we came here around 3am. We something like this to happen. You know, initially there have been following it up. Our people are working hard to was no fence around the premises, and even then nothing secure their release.” happened. Now that we have a fence and there is security, “Land grabbers” we couldn’t have believed something like this could hapOnly weeks ago, it was reported that gunmen had atpen. This a large school, so I expected the government to tempted to attack another boarding school in Ikorodu, ensure that the environment is safe. If the government had Government Model College, Owutu Ikorodu, not far from been coming here to survey the environment, maybe this would not have happened. It is through surveillance that Agric Bus Stop. There are two schools within the premises, the police can spot strange people around the neighbour- each with its own Principal – Government Model Junior hood, and then take them out. Again even when people are College and Government Model Senior College. Neither of the Principals was around at 3.00 pm on planning to do something bad and they know that there is Wednesday when Saturday Tribune visited. One of police around, they would not go ahead to do it.” Asked if he would consider withdrawing his own child the three Vice Principals in the Junior School, who asked not to be named, however, said he was not aware of any from the school, Awomuti said it was not necessary. “Nobody is withdrawing their children,” he said. “Those such incident. you see leaving are those who have JAMB exam. I can’t take my child away; and I know my child would not even want to go anywhere else, because this is a good school. They have only stopped academic work temporarily; and they are praying. They have to wait until they see these children before they can return to their classes. We are sure they will be seen soon. Maybe by Monday everything will be back to normal. “Bad story” When the Principal, Venerable Olaoluwa Adeyemi, eventually emerged from his office, it was to order journalists out of the premises. “You should leave,” he said. “We have already narrated our story. The Deputy Governor was here; he came with her press crew and we still narrated everything. You are here to get bad news, instead of joining us in prayer.” The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who had just risen from a closed-door session with the Principal and members of the Vigilante, also urged journal-
Nothing like that happened here. But land grabbers had attempted to take a part of our land. They even made a hole in our fence. We have reported the matter to the government, and I am sure that very soon work will begin there to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
Policemen around the school area.
“You said it almost happened?” he asked. “Well, that means it did not happen.” Asked what he thought about the incident at Babington, he said: “Well, I am sure that after this, there will be more security around here. That is the sad story. Something bad must happen first before we learn.” The Vice Principal (Academic) in the Senior School, however, said it was not gunmen, who threatened the school but “land grabbers.” “Nothing like that happened here,” he said. “But land grabbers had attempted to take a part of our land. They even made a hole in our fence. We have reported the matter to the government, and I am sure that very soon work will begin there to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.” Rising insecurity Even though the police have claimed they are on top of their game, many people who spoke with Saturday Tribune were not impressed. “If it happened at 8 pm, what time did they (the police) go there?” a teacher at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Owutu Ikorodu, who did not wish to be named, asked. “And this happened on Monday, and up till now, we have no idea where they are. I think it’s not good enough.” Also, outside the premises of Babington Seminary where a group of people were gathered Wednesday afternoon, many criticised the police for their late response. “There should have been a kind of house-to-house search as soon as it was reported,” a woman said. “They would not have been able to escape. The entire town should have been cordoned off. That is how it is done in developed countries.” The abduction of the Babington girls indeed came at a most inappropriate time. For close to two years, law enforcement agents had attempted with little success to locate and free over two hundred schoolgirls kidnapped from their hostels in a school at Chibok in Bornu State. “We have to make sure it does not go the way of the Chibok girls,” Mrs Rose John-Ojima, convener of the Lokoja-based Support for Girl-Child Education told Saturday Tribune on Thursday.
41
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
42
Saturday Tribune
5 March, 2016
social
media .com
with Doyin Adeoye
m:08058130577 e:doyinadeoye@tribuneonlineng.com t:@kreatif_ink
Ese Oruru: One of many abused girls
S
TORIES like that of 14-year-old Ese Oruru, is a reminder of the struggles of many teenage girls in Nigeria. Ese is just one of the many young girls out there who are forced into early marriage, and having their hopes and dreams cut short. Allegedly abducted by a Yunusa Dahiru, a.k.a. Yellow, Ese was taken from Bayelsa in August 2015. She was, however, reunited with her family this week, following a national outrage. With the #FreeEse, many people fought for the right of the young girl. Chairman, Silverbird
Group, @benmurraybruce said on his twitter handle “I will not relent until Ese is
freed and released back to her parents. #FreeEse.” Through her twitter
FG to unbundle NNPC into 30 companies WHO stands to gain from this move? How will that benefit Nigeria’s economy? Won’t it worsen the case of our dwindling oil sector? These, among others, are the questions raised by concerned Nigerians since the news broke that the Federal Government is making a move to unbundle the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into 30 companies.
@DejiAnubi said “Splitting NNPC is simply creating another problem. What is the difference between six and half a dozen? Breaking up NNPC is simply kicking the can down the road. The solution is privatisation.” “I know they unbundled the NNPC for efficiency, but there is work to be done, else it is going to be more burden for the government,” @JMamfa said.
handle @JummaiAlhassan, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, noted that “No culture, religion or personal conviction supersedes the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ese Oruru must return home. #FreeEse.” While news of Ese flooded the social media, little or nothing was heard on where Yunusa stands. With the #WhereIsYunusa, many people questioned what is being done to ensure bringing Yunusa to justice. @mayorstringz said: “Yunusa’s face ought to have plastered the internet now.
All we keep hearing is the news about Ese. #WhereIsYunusa? “No reason why Ese should bear this stigma alone #WhereIsYunusa,” @ OluAdebar said. “You’ve plastered the internet with pictures of the 14-year-old rape/abduction victim. Where is the monster who took her? #WhereIsYunusa? @bubusn said. In her reaction, Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus, shared on her handle @ stelladamasus: “#EseOruru’s freedom is victory for everyone who stands for justice and a great signal to those who think the weak are voiceless.”
PHOTO OFTHE WEEK
@DonTheMerchant said “They say they are splitting NNPC; they should just tell us that they are selling NNPC to 30 people.” “If Federal Government likes, let them break NNPC to one million companies, it will be a waste if the basics are not attended to; refining and exporting finished products,” @ PublicOpiniong said. @OluyomiOjo said “Split NNPC to 30 companies and create 30 problems.”
Is 48hrs to discuss NGR enough to make a change? THERE have been lots of calls and discussions, especially on social media, on charting a course towards achieving the Nigeria “of our dream.” With the #48hrsToDiscussNGR, many charged government to do more for the masses, while others are of the opinion that despite all the talks, there have been no results. @adewale_lakes said “Will #48hrsToDiscussNGR be enough to talk and take reasonable actions? Rather than just make our usual noise here (social media), why don’t we engage our government? In another reaction, @ wabbylie wrote “Nigerians are never tired of talking. I’m not surprised. That is why the country is still where it is… #48hrsToDiscussNGR.” “Yet again another promotional hash tag to continue with the endless talk about Nigeria. When shall we get into action than talk? #48hrsToDiscussNGR,” @anolysis81 said.
Lets discuss rape, an unending menace THE issue of girl-child rape has become one that cannot be overemphasised. Over the week, hash tags were created to discuss bringing the menace to a halt. One of which was #LetsDiscussRape2mao, created ahead of an event, and which got people talking. @theblogger50 said “It is obvious the girl child needs extra and more protection, while the boy child needs to be trained to protect and respect her, to avoid raising potential rapists. No rapist should see the light of the day. Rape is like murder. #LetsDiscussRape2mao.” “And then, it is even
worse when everybody/ everything around makes you feel as though it’s a lost cause. Lord knows I’m quite vocal when it comes to this rape matter, but
man, it is exhausting when you fight alone. #LetsDiscussRape2mao,” @seunodukoya said. @Hibeekaydaboss said “#LetsDiscussRape2mao,
but after the discussion, what’s next? I’m all about the action, not the discussion. After all action speaks louder than words.”
43 MAIDEN MEETING OF WIVES OF SOUTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM IN OWERRI
1
2
3
4 1. Wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, JP being received by the host and chairperson of the forum, wife of the Imo State governor, Mrs Neoma Rochas Okorocha 2. From left, wife of the Anambra State governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano; wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi; wife of the governor of the State of Osun, Alhaja Serifat Aregbesola and wife of the Delta State governor, Mrs Edith Okowa, during a church service at the Imo State Government House Chapel to flag off the Forum’s meeting. 3. From left, wives of the governors of Enugu, Mrs Monica Ugwanyi; Abia, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu; Delta, Mrs Edith Okowa; Ogun, Mrs Olufunso Amosun; Imo, Mrs Neoma Rochas Okorocha; Akwa Ibom, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel; Osun, Alhaja Serifat Aregbesola and Oyo, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, in a group photograph at the Forum’s meeting. 4. Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha (middle) flanked by members of the wives of the Southern State Governor’s Forum, who paid him courtesy visit at his office in Owerri, Imo State.
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
44
fortherecord
5 March, 2016
Saturday Tribune
THE AWOLOWO LEGACY LIVES ON
M
Remarks by Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, as the chairman of the 2016 Obafemi Awolowo Commemorative Birthday Symposium, held at Efunyela Hall, Ikenne, on 3rd March, 2016
AY I begin by thanking my sister Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu, egbon mi atata, Pastor Tunde Bakare and indeed all the trustees of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation for inviting me to chair this commemorative event. The topic chosen for the symposium features aspects of the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo as a man whose politics were governed by progressive ideas, and a leader who combined what he called mental magnitude with an ability to implement his policies. Chief Awolowo was rightly regarded as a giant in his lifetime. At his death, a Nobel Laureate eulogized him as one tree that made a forest. That tribute is more than poetic license. His achievements were legendary. As a political colossus, he galvanized the West with a disciplined and thoughtful political organization that supplanted the hegemony of the NPC. The Action Group had a programme that is one of the clearest expressions of pragmatism and vision. And in power, he had the discipline and governance orientation to tough out the obstacles to his party’s policies. It is conventional these days to salute the thinking and the comprehensive execution of the free education policy. Sixty years after that signal policy, the consequences still echo in the dynamism of the professional classes and the political consciousness in the West. Less well known are the battles he waged to overcome the impediments to that policy, including resistance to higher taxes to fund that service. Chief Awolowo stood his ground for the common good. It is a lesson for political office holders, an admonition to do what is necessary, important and consequential, rather than the merely popular. When in 1979, some of his political opponents sought to propose a wooly notion of qualitative education in opposition to free education, the people of the West gave them short shrift, and rejected them at the ballot box. After his ministry as Premier of the West, Chief Awolowo gave the nation a taste of his acumen and capabilities as civil-war era finance minister. He managed the resources so well that the country emerged without debt from the war. Flush with the headiness of victory and newly buoyant financially, the immediate post civil war era demanded leadership vision. Unfortunately, the Gowon government
el-Rufai
did not endorse Chief Awolowo’s suggestion to deploy the new wealth to building human capital through the implementation of a nationwide free education programme. Nigeria as a whole is still paying the price for that error. In Kaduna State, we embrace the Awo formula for education. A year ago, we campaigned against the dismal state
Awujale restates call for community police Endows chair on governance at OOU By Laolu Harolds
T
HE Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has renewed the call for community policing in Nigeria, saying it has become even more relevant today than ever before in the light of the nation’s recurring security problems. He made the call on Friday in his palace in Ijebu-Ode while addressing a world press conference on his plan to endow a professorial chair on Governance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. Awujale recalled that “in those days” when there were the Nigeria Police, the local government police as well as some regional para-military officers working together to maintain law and order, things were much better. Today, however, he noted, the federal governmentcontrolled police do not have the required number
of personnel to effectively police the country. “I believe that regardless of whatever number (of personnel) we have in the Nigeria Police, we need this community policing because it is they who will know the criminals around. We need community policing; we know ourselves. That will assist to minimize the incidence of criminality in our society.” On the objectives behind the professorial chair at OOU, Oba Adetona said that he had been on the throne for a little over 56 years, but that he had noticed that Nigeria had not been making much progress with governance. “We seem to be going from frying pan to the fire; we’re not making progress at all. Rather than make progress, we are retrogressing in terms of our governance. “We’re not getting good results; and my idea is that we should get a way of intervening to bring about
changes that will affect the governance of this country; so that all future generations will benefit from it, and Nigeria will be a better place for us and our children,” he said. However, the paramount ruler said that candidates for the chair, which he tentatively values at “half a million naira,” would be sourced both locally and internationally. “The search will not be limited to Nigeria alone, but “wherever we can get
people who can deliver what we want. It is open to everyone, not Nigerians alone. We want the best for the university, and ultimately we want to assist the government of Nigeria,” he added. On the anti-corruption fight of the present administration, Awujale said he believed that President Muhammadu Buhari is going in the right direction; but he advised those who are prosecuting the crusade to “try and do thorough jobs.”
Jonathan’s ADC released MILITARY authorities have released the former AideDe-Camp to former President Jonathan, Colonel Ojugbane Adegbe. Though he was said to have been released on Friday, sources in the military said that the former ADC was released on Thursday. It was gathered that the military authorities ordered
the release of the Colonel. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arrested Adegbe in February but he was later transferred to the military. Adegbe had also sued the EFCC over what he called wrongful detention, a case that is ongoing at the Federal High Court.
of most of our schools, with many lacking furniture, doors, windows, roofs and water. After the election, the things we railed against became our problems to solve. We have 4,254 public primary schools in Kaduna, and many are in very poor shape. Between September 2015 and January 2016, we have spent more than N6billion on school rehabilitation, and the provision of water and toilets to our schools. In our 2016 budget, the education sector has by far the highest allocation accounting for more than a third of the budget. We have therefore started the journey, but we have a long way and lots of hard work ahead of us to complete our programme of school repairs, provision of furniture and tools, students’ feeding and teacher training in an era of declining revenues. What no one can doubt is our commitment to expand access to education, deliver nine years of free, compulsory basic education with well-trained and incentivized teachers. Chief Awolowo rightly deserves his reputation as a master executor of grand visions. Although he was thwarted in his attempts to federalize the impact of his progressive programmes, it must be noted that Chief Awolowo strove to build alliances and networks countrywide. The most famous of this is the 1983 understanding with prominent politicians of northern extraction who had tired of the NPN’s profligacy and incompetence. But it was by no means the first attempt to forge an alliance between the North and the West to firmly anchor national unity. Efforts made before and shortly after independence were stillborn; further proof that mutual desire is just a first step in consummating an alliance. I seize this opportunity to congratulate the three progressive leaders from the North (President Muhammadu Buhari) and West (Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande) for finally cementing the political unification that achieved the feat of 2015, and that will achieve more for Nigeria if carefully managed and nurtured by all sides. The outcome of the 2015 elections is both our present and our future, as it is our collective burden and opportunity. As the inheritors of the progressive legacies of Awo, we, the leaders and members of the APC, must strive as he did, to meet the expectations of our people for a peaceful, secure and corrupt-free nation that delivers social services to all, and rewards ingenuity and hard work. I must now yield the floor to the keynote speakers. Thank you for listening. May the souls of our departed leaders, fathers and mothers rest in peace. May the Almighty God Bless you all, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
45
5 March, 2016
SATURDAY
Editor: Ganiyu Salnan 08053789060 tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com
Nigeria league: Siasia wants midweek matches suspended
Quadri
C ITTF championship:
Nigeria, Egypt miss promotion AFRICA’S best teams – Nigeria and Egypt were on Friday, beaten by India at the ongoing ITTF World Team Championship to miss out from gaining promotion to the Championship Division of the tournament. Nigeria and Egypt were unbeaten in the group stages winning all their five matches to top group F and H respectively to make it the quarter-final stage. But the two teams were beaten by India in the quarter-final and semi-final stages of the competition. Despite beating India 3-0 in the group stage, Nigeria met a strong Indian team in the quarter-final as Nigeria’s trio of Aruna Quadri, Segun Toriola and Bode Abiodun met a formidable Asian side led by Sharath Achanta.
Despite losing the first two games against Gosh Soumyajit, Aruna Quadri levelled up to win 3-2 and this gave Nigeria a 1-0 lead, but Achanta restored parity with a 3-0 win over Segun Toriola. Bode Abiodun put Nigeria ahead again with a 3-1 win over Harmeet Desai to put the encounter at 2-1 in favour of Nigeria. The battle for supremacy now turned to Achanta and Aruna Quadri, but experienced prevailed over youthfulness as Achanta defeated Quadri 3-1 to put the match at 2-2. However, youthfulness overcame experience when Gosh Soumyajit and Segun Toriola clashed in the fifth match with Gosh Soumyajit winning 3-0 to give India the unexpected victory against Nigeria.
OACH Samson Siasia has said he wants midweek matches in the Nigeria Premier League suspended for him to work fully with the home-based players from Monday. Siasia has called up 22 players from the domestic league for a training camp in Abuja beginning on Monday ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Egypt later this month. “I have spoken with the Nigeria Football Federation and I would want midweek league matches suspended, that will help with my preparation,” Siasia told reporters at a
life&living
NO fewer than 56 clubs will be featuring in the 2015/2016 Winners Golden Bet /Lagos FA Cup scheduled to commence today at the Agege Stadium, Lagos. Speaking at the draws held for the competition which attracts about N4million as prize money, the Chairman, Lagos State Football Association, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who expressed appreciation to the sponsor for believing in the board in the last three years, urged all participating teams to see the FA Cup as a family affair. Akinwummi, who is also the first vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), noted that this year’s edition will be tough going by the de-
termination of clubs in the state to outshine each other. In his remarks, the General Manager, Winners Golden Bet, Mr Ayowale Sajimi, having reiterated the continued commitment of the company to the sponsorship of the FA Cup described the board of the LSFA as thorough and open hence, their decision to partner with it on the development of football in the state and Nigeria at large. Sajimi, disclosed the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for male and female will get N15,000 per match as cash award, while the overall MVP will go home with N100,000, as best goalkeeper receives N50,0000 in the male category and N25,000 in the female category. The MVP in the female category will smile home with N50,000.
press briefing. The selected players from this training camp will move to Kaduna on March 21 to be joined by the foreign-based professionals.
Siasia also raised concerns over the sharply different weather conditions the country’s Europebased stars will battle with when they fly in for the AFCON qualifiers.
“It’s cold in Europe and it will be hot in Kaduna, so I am very concerned about this,” the man who coached Nigeria to win silver at the Beijing 2008 Olympics stated.
ITF/CAT African Junior championships:
S/Africa embassy denies Nigerian players visas AHEAD of the ITF/CAT African Junior Championship scheduled to hold from March 9 to 18 in Pretoria, South Africa, Team Nigeria were on Friday denied visas by the South African embassy in Abuja. National Junior tennis head coach, Mohammed Ubale expressed frustration at the development saying its a big blow to the country’s preparation for the tourney. “The South African Embassy took us by surprise this morning (Friday) by denying five out of the six players that are going for the AJC. “We have submitted our passports since 10 days ago and they keep requesting for one thing or the other which we presented
to them before they gave us appointment to come and collect it today (Friday) which was why we fixed our departure for Saturday (today) because our plan was to travel earlier,” Ubale, who alongside Marylove Edwards were the only two of the sevenman contingent that were granted visas for the tournament billed for the ITF High Performance Centre, Pretoria, said. He added: “What annoyed me mostly is the fact that why should South African embassy grant visas to just two of us when we are all covered by one letter which the organisers sent to them in the course of seeking clarifications.”
When children can’t speak mother tongue
NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER
6 MARCH, 2016
www.tribuneonlineng.com
N200
The Fayose interview
‘Anti-corruption fight must not be political’
56 clubs battle for WGB/Lagos FA Cup By Oluwabunmi Ajayi
Saturday Tribune
feature
glitz
—Fisayo Ajisola
Death in the water
glamour
Lagos boat operators speak on the increasing accidents on the waterways.
—Queenette Awukam
Plus news, sports, fashion... and more! Book your copy
46
5 March, 2016
NIGERIA
PREMIER LEAGUE SPECIAL Who owns Tope Orelope? THE question followers of the Nigeria Premier League are asking is who owns Tope Orelope? The midfielder reportedly penned a deal with Enyimba before the season’s opener last month and later moved to Enugu Rangers before he re-united with the team he played for last season, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC). Orelope who emerged the highest goalscorer in 3SC last season with eight goals, after missing the first two games of the season, told Tribunesport by phone that he was yet to be cleared by Rangers from Enyimba. However, fans of the Oluyole Warriors were excited to see Orelope in a surprise return at the Lekan Salami Stadium against MFM of Lagos last weekend. What also paved the way for Orelope’s return could not be unconnected with the home defeat 3SC suffered in the first match of the season to Lobi Stars, as the new manager, Kadiri Ikhana lamented that 3SC needed at least two quality midfielders and two strikers. The dark-skinned player did
not disappoint in his sensational return as he was instrumental in 3SC’s first victory of the season. He held onto the midfield while the game lasted as 3SC triumphed 3-0. The former Crown FC player had lamented that cleareance was the main problem that sidelined him from playing in match day one fixture. “Rangers supposed to pay Enyimba N1million for my clearance which they have not paid and that really deprived me of the opportunity to make my debut for Rangers in the opening match of the Nigeria Premier League against Kano Pillars. Until they pay the fee, that is when I can feature for Rangers,” Orelope had told Tribunesport before he eventually made a U turn to 3SC. Following his return, is Orelope still a property of 3SC or playing on loan from Enyimba, on what condition was he released to Enyimba in the first instance? These are pertinent questions that fans as well as stakeholders want the 3SC management to answer.
Saturday Tribune
With Olawale Olaniyan olaniyankay@yahoo.com 08055165128
I don’t have any goal target —Jimoh
Tope Orelope
THE first and only player to score a hat-trick this season in the Nigeria Premier League, Jimoh Wasiu of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), has said he has no specific number of goals as his target this season. Jimoh made this known while speaking with Tribunesport after his heroics at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, where he scored all goals in the 3-0 spanking of the newly-promoted MFM FC of Lagos in a match day three fixture. “As a matter of fact, I am delighted to have scored three goals in today’s match but that is not what I am after. I cherish this modest achievement but I won’t allow it to distract my attention. My only target this season is for 3SC to perform better than what we did last season. Our ambition is to win the league title or feature at the continental championship next year because it is been long 3SC had done so,” said the former national U-20 player. The Kwara Football Academy graduate, increased his goal tally during the week as he scored 3SC’s only goal in the 1-3 loss to IfeanyiUbah in an away match day four fixture. Jimoh is tied on the goal chart with four goals by Rivers United midfielder, Fredrick Obomate.
47
5 March, 2016
OLUBADAN’S CORONATION
Saturday Tribune
PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE AND ALOLADE GANIYU
From left, Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode; Senator Tinubu and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.
From left, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayo Fayose.
From right, High Chief Lekan Balogun; High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin and High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.
A cross-section of high chiefs.
From right, wife of the Oyo State governor, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi; Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III and Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja.
From left, Dr Omololu Olunloyo, Chief (Mrs) Ladoja and former governor of Oyo State, Chief Christopher Adebayo AlaoAkala.
Rear Admiral Adetokunbo Lateef Akintola,Mogaji Balogun Ibikunle (left) and Baba Ajorosun, Chief Oladejo Adebayo.
Oloye Lekan Alabi (right) and Oloye Adebayo Ajobo.
Arrival of Sat Gurumaraj at the venue of the coronation.
NO 1141
N150
SATURDAY, 5 MARCH, 2016
TODAY’S EPL FIXTURES
Tottenham
vs
Arsenal
1:45pm
Newcastle
Chelsea
vs
Stoke City
4:00pm
Southampton vs
Sunderland
Everton
vs
West Ham
4:00pm
Swansea
vs
Norwich City 4:00pm
vs
Aston Villa
4:00pm
Watford
vs Leicester 6:30pm
Man City
vs
Bournemouth 4:00pm 4:00pm
Foreign coach, best for Eagles —Warwick Brunks By Olawale Olaniyan
Siasia invites Balogun for Egypt cracker COACH Samson Siasia has extended invitation to FSV Mainz 05 of Germany defender, Leon Balogun ahead of this month’s two-legged 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against the Pharaohs of Egypt. The latest invitation brings to 21 the number of overseas–based players invited for the match and 43 overall invited by Siasia for the matches. A statement by Ademola Ola jire, NFF Assistant Director, Communications, on Friday quoted Siasia as saying that only those who showed guts and grit would be fielded against the Pharaohs. The statement also quoted Siasia as saying that ability to adapt to conditions would also be considered in drawing the final list for the encounter as there would be no sentiments or consideration for previous ability. “Only the training sessions in Kaduna and Alexandria will be used to decide the 18 players on the roll for each game. “These are two matches that we have to win. There will be no looking at what someone had done in the past or current form at club level. “If you are doing well at your club at the moment and you can’t show ferocious form in training and ability to adapt to the environment, then you would have no place. “I am excited at the debate that has been generated by the team list because you can never satisfy everyone. “The important thing is that we know the players we want for these big games and we have invited them and we believe in them to deliver.”
Balogun
Oliseh’s resignation is abnormal —Odegbami Says new FIFA boss won’t mess up
F
ORMER international, Chief Segun Odegbami (MON) has described the resignation of the former head coach of the Super Eagles, Sunday Oliseh as abnormal. “I don’t know the way forward now; the only thing is that it is not normal for anybody, particularly a Nigerian to behave in such a way. “For a coach to just wake up and walk away from his job? A job that pays him between N5 and N7million every month is not normal. “There is more to it than meet the eye; I hope that one day we will be able to have the truth of the matter about what transpired between Oliseh and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“There could be a reason behind his abandoning his job because it is not in the culture of coaches to resign their job, there is more to it than meet the eye,” he told The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Mathematical as he is fondly called by his admirers believes the new FIFA president, Gianni Infantino will not mess up. Infantino, a former secretary of UEFA was elected by 270 countries to lead FIFA last weekend. Odegbami, it will be recalled, bided for the coveted position of FIFA presidency before he jettisoned the idea, when he could not win the required backing of five member associations of FIFA. “I have not met him, but I have read what he said in his speech
and I think they are accommodating enough for anybody expecting reforms. “What I think I am expecting is that he will perform to the level of everything he has said in his speech and if he does that, it is very good for the game. “I have little expectation because there is little wrong about the game; nothing has been wrong with the quality of world football. “You can notice that while the whole corruption mess was going on, it did not disturb the flow of the game. There are no problems in football,” he said. Odegbami noted that the problem with world football was not in the standard of the game, but the administration which had little
effect on the quality of the game. “Nobody will come into FIFA and make drastic changes or reforms in the game because the game is okay. “The problem is the administration, finances, the authenticity of process and fraud; these are the things that scandalise the body and not the game. “The new president has been with Sepp Blatter before and fortunately survived him, which is a lesson enough for Infantino to do things correctly this time around. “I think he will not mess up, but rather try to justify the confidence that 270 countries around the world have in making him the president,” the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner said.
AS the declaration by the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amanju Pinnick on the choice of foreign trainer for the Super Eagles continues to raise dust, a Nigerian-born UEFA (A) Licensed coach, Warwick Brunks has backed the latter’s stance, saying it remains the best decision that would move Nigerian football forward. The former assistant national coach of Guinea-Bissau U-17 team, Brunks in a chat with Tribunesport noted that Nigerian football is not moving forward again due to the presence of wrong hands handling the senior team. He stated that the decision of Pinnick to opt for a foreign coach in order to take our football back on track is a welcome development. “The main solution to Nigerian football is by hiring a foreign coach to handle the Super Eages, we need to get back to the right direction and regain the enviable position Nigeria is known for in the world of football,” said the Delta State-born tactician. The man who coached former Liverpool star, John Moore in the United Kingdom noted that Nigeria, though blessed with a lot of tested coaches who did not pass the theoretical aspect of coaching. “Our coaches did not study their coaching courses properly ,but only after the certificates that will be awarded to them. That is why the Bible says ‘By their fruits we shall know them’. So, the fruits Nigeria produced show that we are not good, we don’t have world-class players again. “We now play kick-and-followfootball all around clubs in Nigeria and that is why coaches like Kadiri Ikhana is dominating Nigerian football, because he (Ikhana) worked under experienced coach, Alabi Aisien, former Bendel Insurance coach. “A foreign coach is better for our football at the moment. It’s not that we don’t have competent coaches but how competent are they is the question? The competent ones can work alongside the foreigner. We all know what is happening in Manchester United for sometime now, Ryan Giggs is learning from Van Gaal and that is the direction we need in our football. “Today, we don’t have a playmaker in the Super Eagles again unlike in those days when we had the late Samuel Okwaraji, Austin Okocha, we must get it right and that is why the expertise of a foreigner is required,” said former Saint Etienne of France and Elfborg FC of Sweden player.
Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: saturdaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: LASISI OLAGUNJU. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 5/3/2016.