6th December 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 2,023

SUNDAY, 6 DECEMBER, 2015

www.tribuneonlineng.com

DSS uncovers B/Haram terror cells in Abuja

Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

Nigerian Tribune

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•Arrests terror group’s cameraman, others •Multiple blasts kill scores in Lake Chad region

From left; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Legislators Organisation (GLOBE), Malini Mehra; Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki and the Vice-President of the Senate of Brazil, Senator Jorge Viana, when Senator Saraki chaired a session at the ongoing GLOBE/IPU COP21 parliamentary meeting in Paris, France, on Saturday.

Bayelsa’s bloody election pgs 4 & 54

Over 8 persons feared killed Scores arrested Jonathan calls for calm INEC to conclude poll in Southern Ijaw today

Scenes of the fire incident in Lagos on Saturday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Tanker fire razes vehicles, houses in Lagos pg52

pg5

Kogi: I’ll be governor of

all — Bello, APC candidate •Low turnout marks supplementary poll

EXCLUSIVE: Retired

pg4

Generals, others plan new Yoruba group

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

photo

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Inspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase’s one-day working visit to Oyo State Police Command

Photos: Oluwatoyin Malik

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase (third right) with the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone Eleven, AIG Kalafite Adeyemi (left); the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Leye Oyebade (right) and the General Officer Commmanding, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Laz Ilo at the Ibadan Airport on the IGP’s arrival.

IGP Arase with AIG Adeyemi and CP Leye Oyebade.

The IGP observing the guard of honour mounted by pupils of Police Children School, Eleiyele, Ibadan.

IGP Arase (sitting); flanked by senior police officers, signing the visitors’ register at Police Hospital, Eleiyele, Ibadan. The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I (middle) flanked by IGP Arase (fourth left); AIG Adeyemi (third left); CP Leye Oyebade (fourth right); DCP Buba (left); ACP Abiodun Alabi (second left); ACP Bisi Kolawole (third right) and other police officers during the IGP’s visit to Olubadan’s palace.

IGP Arase (eigth right) with senior police officers and heads of other security agencies in Oyo State.

The Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (left) listening to IGP Arase’s speech during a courtesy visit to the governor’s office. With the IGP are AIG Kalafite Adeyemi (middle), CP Leye Oyebade (second right) and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Sanusi Buba.

IGP Solomon Arase during the parade to welcome him to the Oyo Command Headquarters, Eleiyele, Ibadan.

IGP Arase (second right); AIG Adeyemi (second left); CP Oyebade (right) and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Administration, DCP Amba Asuquo at the stakeholders meeting held at police headquarters, Eleiyele.

10. Cross section of traditional, religious and group leaders at the stakeholders’ meeting with IGP Arase during his visit.

news

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

BAYELSA GOV ELECTION: (PHOTO 1) Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Seriake Dickson; (PHOTO 2) former President Goodluck Jonathan; his wife, Dame Patience (left); his mother and (PHOTO 3) candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Governor Timipre Sylva, during the election on Saturday. PHOTOS: EBENEZER ADUROKIYA.

8 feared dead as violence, card reader malfunction mar Bayelsa election • As Jonathan, Dickson, Sylva react •Poll in Southern Ijaw LG to be concluded today From Ebenezer Adurokiya and Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa

BOUT eight p e r s o n s reportedly lost their lives in the violence that engulfed in Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa State, culminating in the suspension of election in Southern Ijaw part of the state where Sunday Tribune gathered was worst-hit by brigandage and violence. The election, which turned bloody as eight supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly had their lives cut short by political thugs, was contested by Governor Seriake Dickson of the PDP and APC’s Timipre Sylva. Sunday Tribune findings revealed that heavy shootings had engulfed Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government on Friday night and early Saturday, leading to the death of no fewer than four persons alleged to be former militants. It was also gathered that about three persons equally died in Nembe. The communities affected by the violence, according to Sunday Tribune findings included Oporoma in Southern Ijaw LGA; Nembe LGA; Brass LGA and Ekeremor LGA, the home of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri. However, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Nasir Oki, when contacted, said there was no killing in the state, saying the election was free and fair. Dickson blames FG, as

Sylva condemns attack on Lokpobiri Governor Dickson, shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 5, Ward 2, Oruerewari in Toru Orua, Sagbama Local Government, accused the opposition APC for perpetrating violence in some parts of the state, which resulted in the killing of some persons during the electoral process. He condemned the killings while addressing newsmen, just as he commended the people of the state for showing determination to exercise their franchise “despite the intimidation and harassment by members of the APC.” The governor expressed concern over reports of violence and killings in some parts of the state, adding that such development would not promote a free and fair election. According to him, he had received disturbing reports of premeditated attacks on PDP supporters in Twon Brass sponsored by a certain APC top shot in Ekeremor town and other attacks on the PDP supporters in Oporoma, resulting in the death of at least one person. “I am not convinced about the steps taken by the Federal Government-controlled security agencies in creating a conducive, safe and secure political environment for voting to take place,” he said. Similarly, the governorship candidate of the APC, Sylva also condemned the violence that greeted the poll, especially the attack on the Minister of State for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chief Heineken Lokpobiri’s house at Ekeremor by thugs suspected to be loyal to the PDP. Sylva said this when he

was accredited at 11.41 a.m. with his wife, Alayingi, at Eseni Square, Unit 4, Ward 4 in Okpoama-Brass, revealing that there were infiltrations by thugs of the opposition party from Delta and Rivers states. “We got security reports of infiltrations by PDP thugs but they seemed to have been ignored by security owing to maybe conflicting reports. Here, there is peace. Everyone is allowed to exercise his franchise,” he said. “The other party didn’t want election from what we can see with the proliferation of thugs and violence. The minister was attacked; he called me that his house had been attacked, we called for security reinforcement and he is safe now,” Sylva

said. The Director of Media and Publicity of the Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation of the APC, Chief Nathan Egba also raised the alarm over the violent attacks on members and supporters of the party across the state. Hoodlums arrested Following the violence in Southern Ijaw Local Government, some former top officers in the state were among the 50 hoodlums allegedly arrested in connection with the violence at Oporoma. Some of the arrested persons were alleged to be members of the APC, though the party also accused the PDP of spearheading the violence.

It was alleged that some members of the APC had unleashed terror on the people of the community in the early hours of Saturday before the accreditation for voting commenced. Sunday Tribune gathered that the affected persons were picked up at various locations within the community. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Anisim Butswa, confirmed that some arrests were indeed made. Dickson, Sylva, others raise the alarm over card readers Meanwhile, Dickson, Sylva and other voters across the state expressed dissatisfaction with the malfunctioning of card readers in some

polling units of the state. Commenting on the epileptic performance of card readers in some polling units, Governor Dickson expressed unhappiness over the malfunctioning of the card reader, as the machines were unable to capture the biometrics of his family. “In spite of trials and assurances, you all saw that my fingerprint was not recognised; same for my wife and mother. So we have a serious problem as far as the so-called smart card readers are concerned. I hope that we don’t continue to portray ourselves as an unserious and fraudulent country, manipulating anything and everything,” he said. Sylva flayed many inciContinues pg54

Revealed: Retired military, paramilitary officers plan new Yoruba group To checkmate Afenifere, others Taiwo Adisa - Abuja

SOME retired military and paramilitary officers of Yoruba descent are said to have concluded plans to float a Pan-Yoruba group, which is aimed at checkmating the influence of the existing pan-Yoruba socio-political organisations. The group, to be known as Yoruba Forum, is believed to enjoy the backing of some influential politicians outside Yorubaland and is being propelled by the thinking that existing sociopolitical groups in Yoruba land are becoming too difficult to handle. Sources in the polity told Sunday Tribune that the promoters of the

yet-to-be-inaugurated organisation are mainly drawn from retired military and paramilitary officers of Yoruba descent, many of who are said to hold the view that the existing organistions have largely marginalised them. Sources in the polity informed Sunday Tribune that the group plans to launch out in the first quarter of next year and that a sort of recruitment drive is currently ongoing. It was gathered that the group intends to play on the sentiment among retired military and paramilitary officers in the South-West region, who are seen as playing what some referred to as second fiddle in the

politics of the zone. “In other geo-political zones, we have seen retired military men and retired police officers playing key roles in political development especially as to the management of power equation in the zones. The reverse is the case in the South-West and that is why the proponents of Yoruba Forum are gathering,” a source in the know said on Saturday. Sources also confirmed that proponents of the new Yoruba group have already got some backings from influential sources in Abuja, while some top members of the group are said to have kicked off discussions with retired Inspector-Generals

of Police (IGP) from the South-West as well as some retired Generals of the Armed Forces from the zone. “There are doubts about the real agenda of this coming group, especially when it was said that the seed money for the take off is being provided by personalities who are not of South-West origin. What is clear is that the group plans to kick off early in the new year. Through its activities, the group also plans to reduce the influence of some of the existing associations and possibly with some backing from Abuja, it could be earn a big voice,” another source said.

news

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Kogi supplementary election peaceful •Low voter turnout greets election •I’ll be governor of all —Bello, APC candidate Yinka Oladoyinbo-Lokoja, with Agency Report

HE governorship supplementary election in Kogi State went on peacefully across the state, on Saturday. Prospective voters in the 18 local government areas, where the election took place, came out as early as 8 a.m for accreditation. Findings also showed that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and election materials arrived on time in the 91 polling units affected by the supplementary poll. Although the turnout was very low in many of the polling units, the exercise was generally peaceful with few exceptions. It was gathered that skirmishes were recorded in Eti-Aja 1 and 2 in Dekina local government areas, following which results were cancelled in one of the units. However, the situation in many of the places where the election took place was normal, as people went about their businesses without hiccups. Some of the results available as of the time of filing this report showed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was leading in many of the polling units. Accreditation of voters for the supplementary governorship election in 91 polling units in Kogi commenced peacefully. A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported from Ayangba, in Dekina Local Government Area of the state that accreditation began at 8.40 a.m. At Ofejikpi polling unit 013 in Ayangba, one of the two card reader machines being used for accreditation developed a fault, but the electoral officials present said that a new one had been sent for. The turnout for the accreditation was low compared to what was recorded on Nov. 21 in the area. A similar situation prevailed at Ojikpadala and Egume areas of the local government. The situation was the same in Olamaboro Local Government Area, where a small number of voters were seen turning out for accreditation, which began at 8.15 a.m. A few voters, mostly male, were at the polling

units in the area to exercise their civic right. However, the situation was different at the six polling units in Okene and Adavi Local Government Areas as voters turned out en masse to cast their votes. Political observers, who spoke with NAN on the attitude of voters in the two council areas attributed the large turnout of voters as a mark of solidarity with the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Mr Yahaya Bello, by the Ebira people. Bello hails from Okene Local Government Area of the state. Security was beefed up at all the polling units visited. Policemen, men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Immigration officials were seen in strategic locations vigilantly watching as people moved in and around the polling units. Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Saturday said he was not an apostle of power shift from one section of the state to another. Rather, he said, he believed in generational power shift that would entrust the leadership of the state on the younger generation, as against the current situation. Bello promised not be a governor of a particular section of the state as he would strive to accord equal rights and opportunity to every resident and indigene of the state. Bello, who said this in

Lokoja, the state capital, also said he was ready for reconciliation with the other warring factions among the APC in the state. Accordi ng to him, despite the fact that he hails from Ebiraland in the central senatorial district of the state, where the agitation for power shift

was more vocal, he did not believe the concept as was being propagated by the people. He said, “I am one person that did not really beleive in power shift, the way it was being pursued. I am of the central senatorial district extraction, I am not going to be the

governor of Kogi central but governor of Kogi State and I am looking forward to developing our state. “If I should make mention of power shift, yes, power has shifted from the older generation to the young generation. That is what I believe in, so not from one section to another.

“I believe that I should evenly develop the state to ensure that there is fairness, equity and justice.” Speaking on the supplementary election, Bello urged the electorate to troop out and perform their civic responsibility and complete the efforts they commenced two weeks ago.

We’ll correct lapses in rail devt agreements with China—Buhari Leon Usigbe-Abuja

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, pledged that his administration would correct the lapses hindering the smooth implementation of rail development agreements signed between Nigeria and China under past administrations. According to a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the president gave this assurance while speaking at bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Johannesburg, South Africa. The statement quoted President Buhari as promising that “the Federal Government would strive to fulfil Nigeria’s obligations under the agreements, as their implementation would help to boost the country’s economy and generate thousands of jobs. “I have looked into the previous agreements and we will now keep our part of the bargain,’’ he further assured. The president applauded China’s ongoing support

for the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He noted that Chinese advisers deployed to some states of the federation were helping to train farmers on water conservation and the use of more productive seeds. In his remarks, the state-

ment added, President Jinping described Nigeria as a very important ally of China in Africa, saying that the two countries needed to boost their bilateral relations for the good of their citizens. He said that China was keen to work with Nigeria

for the mutual benefit of both countries. At the opening session of the summit attended by President Buhari and more than 30 other African leaders, the Chinese President had pledged 60 billion dollars of new development aid to African countries.

Youths vandalise VIO office in Kaduna over death of black marketer •VIO denies allegation Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna UNIDENTIFIED youths, on Saturday, invaded and vandalised the headquarters of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in Kaduna, Kaduna State, accusing the agency of masterminding the death of a teenage black marketer. However, the management of the agency maintained that it was not responsible for the death of the black marketer. Speaking in an interview on Saturday, the Deputy Director Operations, Alh Abdullahi Sambo, remarked that “Around 9a.m today (Saturday), someone called me and

told me that our office had been vandalised. “I rushed to the office only to discover that about three trucks of ‘Operaton Yaki’(security men) were already in our office. Sambo added that he went round to inspect the offices, only to find out that all the windows and doors, as well as two operational vehicles, had been destroyed, making him to report the case to the police. He added: “We want to say that our boys were not responsible for the death of the teenage black marketer.” Narrating what he said actually happened, Sambo stated that a vehicle

owner had stopped at a nearby filling station to see whether he could get fuel, and the deceased blackmarketer rushed to him to ask whether he wanted to buy fuel. “However, the man said no and as soon as the boy was returning back to his shed, a car came from behind and hit the stationed vehicle. ‘Before you know what was happening, the two vehicles burst into flames and the teenage boy died on the spot. ‘This is what we know. None of our officers was at the scene. So, for any one to think we are responsible is just unfortunate,” he declared.

Nigeria, Angola move to shore up oil price

•Demand for OPEC crude to rise by 1.2m barrels daily in 2016 —Kachikwu Leon Usigbe-Abuja

NIGERIA and Angola have agreed to cooperate and reach out to other oil-producing countries in an effort to shore up the dwindling price of oil in the global market. This understanding was struck when Nigerian President Muhammdu Buhari and his Angolan counterpart, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, met at the sidelines of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on Saturday in Johannesburg, South Africa. Both leaders agreed that there was no logic in producing more oil for less money and, therefore,

called for a new consensus among oil-producing nations on the current level of oil price. The two leaders, while acknowledging that their countries depended heavily on oil for sustaining their national economies, also agreed to get their oil ministers to meet urgently with a view to finding a way forward. Eduardo dos Santos had earlier thanked President Buhari for sending a delegation to his country’s 40th Independence anniversary this year. He also expressed sympathy with Nigeria on its security challenges, noting, however, that he believed that President Buhari is

the right person to restore peace to Nigeria given his military background. He described Nigeria as a very important country in Africa that is traditionally looked upon to help solve problems on the continent, adding that his country and Nigeria, which share similar security and oil challenges in the Gulf of Guinea must forge closer relationship to overcome the mutual problems. The Angolan leader said he looked forward to meeting Buhari again and invited him to visit Angola next year with a view to finding solutions to common problems and deepening bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, the President, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has said the demand for OPEC crude is expected to rise by 1.2 million barrels per day in 2016. This was contained in a statement signed by Ohi Alegbe, NNPC’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, and released to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday. The statement quoted Kachikwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum, as saying this while addressing the 168th (Ordinary) Meeting of the Conference of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Coun-

tries (OPEC) held in Vienna, Austria. It said that the expected rise in demand would average 30.8 million barrels per day in 2016, leading to a more balanced market. It said that in the years ahead, a balanced and stable market would be crucial to ensuring continued investment in the industry to meet the world’s growing energy needs. According to the statement, the conference is focused on enhancing market stability, which will be of benefit to all stakeholders and contribute to global economic growth.

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6 December, 2015

crimereports

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

How IGP Arase reaped fruits of community partnership in Oyo By Oluwatoyin Malik

HE gains of community partnership came to bear on November 18, 2015 during a one-day working visit of the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to Oyo State Police Command. Though the Inspector General of Police did not spend more than eight hours, his visit left an imprint that would linger for a long time to come, as he gave a human face to police-community relationship. Arase arrived Ibadan through the Ibadan airport with his entourage, including the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Mobile Police, ACP Abiodun Alabi; the Force PPRO, ACP Bisi Kolawole and other senior officials. He was received by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone Eleven, AIG Kalafite Adeyemi; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade and heads of other security agencies with state or area command headquarters in Ibadan. His first port of call was at the office of the governor of Oyo State where he was received by Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the Deputy Governor and other government officials. He explained to the governor that he was in Oyo State to talk to his officers and men on the need for community partnership and human rights compliance. Noting that no society could develop without adequate security, the IGP thanked the governor on the assistance rendered to Oyo command in terms of supply of logistics, but added that like Oliver Twist, he would still ask for more of such support. In his response, Ajimobi welcomed the IG, placing on record that since he came into power in 2011, the police had been supportive of his administration. He rated the IGP as a professional in all respect, in terms of security, policing, adding that intellectu-

IGP Solomon Arase and CP Leye Oyebade on the arrival of the IGP to Oyo State Police Command headquarters ally, he is acclaimed to be one of the bests in the police force. Oyebade also rated top among the CPs he had worked with, pointing out his human relations attribute. On his arrival at the state command headquarters at Eleiyele, Ibadan, Arase was welcomed by sentry

guards mounted in his honour. Impressed by the policemen’s performance, the IGP announced the promotion of all the policemen involved. They were Corporals Dauda Idowu, Adewusi Oluyemi, Adekanbi Taofeek, Moshood Semiu, Buyide Olajide and Eludini Agboola, who would be promoted to the

rank of Sergeant, while the only female among them, Constable Adesina Motunrayo, would be promoted to the rank of a Corporal. The IG also held a town hall meeting with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, chiefs, farmers, herdsmen, transport unions, bankers’ forum and leaders of ethnic

Sunday Tribune

groups, during which he spoke on the need for harmonious living and partnership with the police to ensure safety and security in their communities. In his address, the state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade spoke on his efforts towards brokering peace among Fulani herdsmen and farmers who had had several clashes, especially in Ogbomoso, Oyo, Oke Ogun and Ibarapa areas of the state. Oyebade also spoke on how he had tackled crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching, burglary and shop breaking, among heinous crimes, adding that several snatched cars had been recovered, as well as arms and ammunition. Speaking on the donation of a school by the people of Igboora in Ibarapa area of the state, which is meant to accommodate Police Children School, Arase gave directives to the police commissioner to liaise with the Force Education Officer for proper

take-over of the school. On the expanse of land donated by Eruwa town, the IGP said he would ensure the documentation of the details, adding that it would be used as a welfare package which would be a housing scheme for retiring officers, so that policemen who are going on retirement could own their own houses At the meeting with police officers and men, the IGP, Solomon Arase was welcomed by pupils of Police Children School, Eleiyele, who mounted a guard of honour for him. Their performance, which was like that of trained policemen, was so impressive that the IG announced an automatic scholarship for those involved. They were Ajewole Temitope, Adewumi Loveth, Quadri Opeyemi, Atokulu Yinka, Usman Fatima, Falade Olawale, Yusuf Nicholas, Mustapha Mohammed and Ela Ngbede. Addressing his officers and men, the IGP promContinues pg 7

I didn’t know my boss was a fraudster —Qu’ranic teacher Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos

WASIU Aribidesi could be described as gullible or ignorant. But since both are no excuses before the law, he is currently cooling his heels in detention in Oyo State Police Command after he and Ganiyu Saheed were arrested for allegedly belonging to a fraud syndicate which successfully swindled a victim (names withheld) of a sum of N1.75 million. The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Leye Oyebade, while disclosing the incident that led to the arrest of the duo, said that his command had recently been inundated with complaints from members of the public who were defrauded by some unscrupulous elements, using different methods. Oyebade stated further

that the criminals, who had no visible means of livelihood, lived by fraudulently obtaining money and other valuable property from unsuspecting victims. The police boss said that nemesis caught up with Wasiu and Ganiyu on November 24, 2015, after his command received credible information that the criminals had concluded plans to prey on another victim. Detectives were reported to have stormed their operational office where 230 pieces of fake dollars, one calabash and three travelling boxes, 600 US Dollars and N22,000 were recovered, among other items. Crime Reports investigation revealed that the leader of the syndicate, one Yusuf Akorede, escaped before police got to his hideout. But Wasiu who spoke in an interview,

The suspects said he was only employed as an Alfa by the fleeing suspect, claiming that he never knew his boss was into defrauding people. According Wasiu, “I am Qu’ranic teacher. I finished

from Qu’ranic school in 2010 and I started teaching young Muslim children the reading and recitation of the Qu’ran. I was working with one Yusuf Akorede when I was arrested. I joined him

February, this year, following his invitation. “We met at a prayer programme attended by Alfas and Qu’ranic teachers, and he said he would like me to be working with him so that we could jointly attend to the prayer needs of his clients. He has his office at Odinjo area of Ibadan. After Qu’ranic recitations and prayers offered to his clients, he would give me between N500 and N1,000. Sometimes, he would just buy me a meal. He did not place me on any salary. I never knew he was a fraudster until the day police came to arrest us. “I never saw the fake dollars with him. I never entered the room from which the fake dollars were brought out by the police after they broke the door. He was not around when the police came.”

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6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

2 brothers, gang members’ girlfriend, sister nabbed over boy’s kidnap By Oluwatoyin Malik

T is not strange to have family members run legitimate businesses together, with each person holding different positions to further expand the business. But in the case of Obinna, Anayochukwu and Kenechi Amoke, the common business they allegedly ran together was kidnapping; until recently when two of them, Anayochukwu and Kenechi, were apprehended by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command in Nsukka, Enugu State. Also arrested with the two brothers were two female suspects Uchenna Maureen Atuokwu and Oluchi Asadu. Obinna and his other gang members – Tobechukwu and Chika are however currently at large. Uchenna, according to reports, happened to be Obinna’s girlfriend and was believed to have supplied her boyfriend with the information about the father of the kidnapped boy in whose hospital she worked as a health attendant. Oluchi, on her part, was a sister Obinna’s gang member, Tobechukwu. Crime Reports gathered that the kidnapped boy was found with her in Nsukka. Speaking with Crime Reports in his office, the state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, disclosed that a gang of kidnappers went to the house of a medical doctor at a housing estate in Abeokuta, and abducted his young son on November 2, 2015. “We were on the trail of the kidnappers for some time until they were arrested on November 19 in Nsukka,” Ali stated. Crime Reports interviewed the arrested suspects. Below are their responses: Innocent Anayochukwu Amoke (35) I am a businessman selling cloth at Adatan, Abeokuta. I am not involved in the kidnap. All I am being accused of now is that the kidnapped child was brought to my house for eight days and I didn’t do anything about it. My brother and I had separate rooms, so I didn’t know that the child was in my house until the last day when they left with the child. I didn’t even see the child; I only had him cough

and when I asked Obinna who the child was, he told me that he was the son of his girlfriend’s brother who cried after her aunt when she went visiting. As I prepared to go out, he came to tell that the child I saw was his own money. Kenechi Amoke (21) I live in Nsukka, Enugu State. I don’t know anything about the kidnap.

The police came to arrest my brother but when he was not seen, they picked me. I am not aware that my brother, Obinna, was into kidnapping. I only set my eyes on the victim in Oluchi’s shop when I went to buy Akamu. Obinna once asked me if I could help him procure a gun. I told him that I have never seen a gun, asking

him what he wanted to use the gun for. He picked a quarrel with me. Reports had reached our parents on the negative behaviours being exhibited by Obinna. Uchenna Maureen Atuokwu (25) I was a health attendant at the hospital of the victim’s father for three and a half years before I resigned

in July 2015. I was one of the best staff when I was there and he used to praise me. I, in turn, would inform my boyfriend, Obinna, of the eulogy I got from my boss. I also told him when my boss increased my salary. I used to experience swelling of my body parts, an ailment I had been battling with for some time.

From left, Oluchi Asadu, Uchenna Atuokwu, Anayochukwu Amoke and Kenechi Amoke

Obinna told he was going to get me a cure in his village. At about 8p.m. on a particular day, he called me to join him in a vehicle at Kuto area of Abeokuta. People were already seated at the back and Obinna asked me to sit at the front. I did not notice my boss’s son until we got down in Obinna’s village. I asked Obinna why he took the boy. I told him the boy was like my son and should not be harmed. I later learnt he did the job with his gang members, Tobechukwu and Chika. He never told me he wanted to carry out kidnapping. Oluchi Asadu (20) My brother, Tobechukwu is Obinna’s friend. It is true I was the one feeding and taking care of the boy. He brought the kidnapped boy to our family house. He told us that the child belonged to Anayochukwu, saying that he impregnated a Yoruba girl.

Yes, I’m an internet fraudster, suspect who impersonates retired DIG admits By Oluwatoyin Malik

A 25-year-old university dropout, Bolaji Afeez Ajao, does not think twice before he admits that he is an internet fraudster. But as if that is not enough, he also confesses to impersonating as the son of a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Israel Ajao. And this has landed him in police net. For a long time, Bolaji used the similarity in his surname and that of the DIG to deceive, not only members of the public, but police officers also. An added advantage he felt he had was that he is also from the same town as the retired police officer. However, the long arm of the law caught up with him recently when he was nabbed while dropping the name of the DIG when he was stopped by the police. Unknown to him, his case

The suspects had been reported to police commands across Nigeria by Oyo State Police Command over a pending case with Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ibadan. Speaking with Crime Reports during a press briefing on November 27, 2015, the state Commissioner of Police, Leye

Oyebade, described Bolaji as a notorious fraudster who had been on the wanted list of the command. According to Oyebade, “Bolaji fraudulently made a car dealer in Ibadan, one Oyalabu Oladayo, to part with an unregistered black Honda Accord (EOD) car (2005 model)

on September 7, 2014. He subsequently sold the car to a criminal receiver in Lagos. Before his arrest, he had defrauded many unsuspecting victims while impersonating as the son of retired DIG Israel Ajao. The suspect has admitted committing the crime and has been helping the police in their investigations. When interviewed, Bolaji confirmed the allegation against, saying: “Yes, I am an internet fraudster.” He however claimed that he paid the car dealer for the car he bought. “I am from Oluponna area in Iwo, Osun State. I am 25 years old. I started internet fraud about six years ago. I finished secondary school but dropped out of a private university in Ogun State in 2013 after spending three years because I could no longer pay the school fees. I was sponsoring myself.

“Before my arrest, I was living in Offa, Kwara State. I have been involved in yahoo (fraud) for years, even as a student in the university. I made a lot of money through internet fraud. The victims used to pay in foreign currency before now but later, they used to send money through Western Union because of government policy put in place to curb money laundering and internet fraud. “I used to get between $10,000 and $12,000 from my victims. I also received pound sterling and Euro from them.” How he used to get my victims “I got them through chatting with them online, pretending that they had consignments, money transfer or money order. I also dated some of my victims, pretending to be a lady.”

How IGP Arase reaped the fruits of community partnership in Oyo Continued from pg 6 ised to continue to take an interest in the development of the police officers and men because, accord-

ing to the IG, “what you don’t have, you cannot give. I believe that modern policing is knowledge based. The more knowledgeable you are, the more

competent, versatile and professional you will be in handling your duties.” The IG was also at the Olubadan’s palace where he expressed his respect for

the traditional institution. He also appreciated the Olubadan for the support he had been giving the police commissioner and officers. The Olubadan who

spoke through high Chief Lekan Balogun, assured of continuous support of the police to assist them in carrying out their duties.

news

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

DSS uncovers Boko Haram cells around Abuja ...Suspects including cameraman, mai suya, taxi driver nabbed ChrisAgbambuandJacob SegunOlatunji-Abujawith Agency Report

HE Department of State Services (DSS), on Saturday, said that it detected Boko Haram cells around Abuja and arrested some members of the sect who migrated from various conflict areas in the North East to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in order to enable them capitalise on the excitement of the yuletide season to launch attacks on the city. It alerted the general public that the terrorist group had continued to establish and operate sleeper cells whose mandates are to conduct surveillance and carry out subsequent attacks in the territory. This came as troops of 28 Task Force Brigade arrested another Boko Haram suspect, Abdullahi Abubakar Sadiq, believed to be the terrorist’s chief cameraman and suspect number 58 on the list of 100 suspected Boko Haram wanted list. Tony Opuiyo, in a statement on behalf of the DSS, said that the officers, on October 29, 2015, arrested Muhammed Hassan Idris (a Nigerien) and Baba Abdul Maina at Panteka area of Apo, Abuja. He said the arrest followed an earlier arrest of Sanni Mohammed (aka Kakase) and Ahmed Umaru (aka Mallam). He said that on November 19, 2015, Mohammed Shiwar Abubakar and Musa Ta’Ada were arrested at Shoprite Junction, Apo, Abuja.

Opuiyo noted that Abubakar hails from Borno State and operates as a taxi driver in Abuja, and is of an unknown address but claims that he sleeps in his Volkswagen Golf car at the Honda line, Apo mechanic village, Abuja. According to him, the Gwoza-born Ta’Ada also operates under the cover of a suya seller at Apo Primary School along Kabusa Road, Abuja. “Still, on November 23, 2015, one Ahmed Hassan was arrested while carrying out surveillance on a highprofile hotel in the city. He hails from Katagum, Bauchi State. Suspect admitted using the cover of a beggar to sustain surveillance on his targets. Bulama Ali, had previously been arrested in Karu, Nasarawa State, on November 22, 2015,” Opui-

yo said. He went further to say that on December 1, 2015, Hassan Abubakar and Mohammed Gwale Mohammed were arrested at Madalla, in Suleja LGA of Niger State, following intelligence that they were planning to commence attacks in the FCT after successful surveillance of the city. Opuiyo disclosed that before his arrest, Abubakar was working with other sect members in different parts of the country, notably Borno, Yobe, Taraba and Adamawa states, and was arrested in the house of Mohammed Gwale, who claims to be a federal civil servant from Niger State. He said: “So far, preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects and others still at large, may have adopted their respective

trades as plausible covers to infiltrate the city and its environs in their bid to conduct successful surveillance and map out soft targets for the sect’s attacks. “The DSS’ operations are, therefore, aimed at preempting any attacks by the terrorist elements against the backdrop of the upcoming festive period and beyond. “It is in this regard that the Service wishes to advise residents and all law -abiding Nigerians to remain vigilant, especially at this yuletide season, and promptly report to security agencies any suspicious movements and persons in the FCT and even other parts of the country. “The Service also assures the general public that it will continue to carry out its responsibility of ensuring

THE Federal Executive Council (FEC) may meet next week to approve the administration’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the 2016 fiscal year. The MTEF sets out the medium term expenditure priorities and budget constraints against which sector plans could be developed and refined. Officials of government had been engaged in the preparation of the budget inside the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, hoping to get the document ready in time for FEC consideration and approval next week. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was at the Banquet Hall on Saturday to see how far the officials had gone in their assignment.

Triple suicide blasts kill dozens on Lake Chad island At least 30 people were killed and about 80 injured in a triple suicide bombing attack on an island in Lake Chad, according to reports. Security officials told Reuters news agency that the attacks on Saturday was carried out on the Island of Koulfoua on the Chadian side of Lake Char and coincided with market day. It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the attacks, although the maze of islands had previously been targeted by fighters group, Boko Haram, from Nigeria. Chadian government had instituted a state of emer-

From left, Assistant Brand Manager, Eagle Schnapps, Gbemileke Lawal; Head of Marketing, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Mobolaji Alalade; Head, Sales, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Hope Gbagi; a palace attendant and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, saying a prayer ahead of the installation ceremony in Ile-Ife when the IDI team paid a courtesy visit to his palace.

FEC may okay 2016 budget MTEF next week Leon Usigbe-Abuja

peace and security in Abuja and beyond,” he said.

Following the Vice President’s meeting, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, told state house correspondents that the administration was introducing a zero-based budgeting in which every activity of

government must be justified in accordance with the principle of the administration. He said: “We have camped people here (Banquet Hall) to do data cleanup and integrity checking in preparation for the bud-

get. “We invited the Vice President to come and see what we are doing. “When we finish this process, we will then start the bilaterals: discussing with the various (Ministries, Departments and Agen-

cies) MDAs. “Next week, we will get approval from council for the MTEF. After that, we will have numbers to give them. “So, we are working very hard to ensure that the budget is out before the end of the year.”

Mark: Returning officer faults tribunal ruling Taiwo Adisa-Abuja The Returning Officer in the March 28 Senatorial election in Benue South, Prof Latif Tiamiyu, has faulted the decision of the Court of Appeal to void the election of Senator David Mark based on indication that Mark’s victory was announced by him while collation of results was still ongoing. Tiamiyu, who spoke in Abuja on Saturday, said

that former Senate President David Mark won the election which he (Tiamiyu) announced after the collation of results. The Appeal Tribunal in the Benue State Elections Petitions Tribunal had nullified Senator David Mark’s victory in the March 28, 2015 National Assembly elections, which was challenged by Daniel Onjeh of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Onje had approached the Appeal Tribunal seeking

the cancellation of the election and an order asking the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), to conduct fresh election in the district. The Returning Officer however said in a telephone conversation: “I have an integrity to protect and I am ready defend it at anytime. The election was peacefully conducted on March 28. We started collation through March 29 and 30 when the result was declared.”

He also insisted that the result of the poll was announced after the collation of all the results had been completed. The APC candidate had earlier lost his petition at the Election Tribunal headed by Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, who on October 7, 2015, dismissed Onjeh’s petition on the ground that evidences tendered before the tribunal were documentary hearsay.

gency in the Lake Chad region last month, saying the area had become a gathering point for Boko Haram fighters. The state of emergency empowers the governor of the area to prohibit the movement of people and vehicles and to order searches of homes day and night. More than 5,000 soldiers had been deployed on islands and lakeside villages there.

Okorie v Akpabio:

Appeal Court judges berate Okorie’s lawyers for tardiness Judges at the Appeal Court in Abuja handling the appeal of Chief Inibehe Okorie against the upholding of the election of Senator Godswill Akpabio, at the weekend, berated Okorie’s lawyers for their poor handling of the appeal. The judges warned that they would not accommodate any time-wasting antics. Trouble for Chief Okorie’s legal team started when the lead counsel, A. O. Oyegun claimed that she had not been served the processes by the lawyers to the PDP, led by Adekunle Oyesanya, SAN. However, Mr Oyesanya debunked this and informed the court that counsel for Chief Okorie rejected to be served. The judges were miffed by such attitude of the counsel and reprimanded her and urged her to respond to the brief of argument of the PDP even though she claimed she had not read it. Chief Okorie’s lead counsel then sought the permission of the court for her junior colleague to continue the arguments to which the judges said legal representation was not a relay race, that her colleague should write whatever point he wished to make for her to read out. At a point, Chief Okorie was seen tip-toeing to whisper to the lead counsel what she should say. Counsel for Senator Akpabio, Paul Usoro, SAN informed the judges that the singular issue for determination was whether Chief Akpabio was sponsored by the PDP as a candidate for Akwa Ibom North-West and disclosed that several witnesses had testified to that effect during trial at the Tribunal and urged the Appeal Court to dismiss the appeal and affirm the judgment of the tribunal.

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

specialreport

Always in a hurry

Why Nigerians are impatient Against the backdrop of the tendency by Nigerians to hurry up every action, irrespective of the feelings of others, REMI ANIFOWOSE writes on the ways impatience can be triggered and dealt with.

A typical traffic chaos in Lagos, caused by impatience

N 2012, the Lagos State government descended heavily on okada (motorbike) riders in the state, miffed by statistics indicating that not less than 619 people had either been killed or seriously injured in commercial motorcycle accidents in the state in the previous two years. The then state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, lamented the huge loss of life occasioned by the motorbike riders’ impatience. “Many people have lost their lives, limbs and arms, or

become maimed for life through the reckless activities of the commercial motorcycle operators, so what the law has prescribed is that they can no longer ply the major highways.” Actually, impatience is a general affliction in Nigeria. From eateries to petrol stations, and from restaurants to passport offices—and surprisingly even at wedding receptions—Nigerians jump the queue, shout at one another, and cut corners at every turn.

Indeed, a recent experience illustrates this malady. One James Obe who was to attend an interview session after staying at home for five years after his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme needed to rush to the bank to cash a N20,000 cheque given to him by a neighbour who was sympathetic to his plight. Naturally, the queue at the bank was a bit long, so he resolved to dash to another branch for his transaction. A close friend of his Continues pg 11

specialreport

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

No dull moment: The fast, furious life of Nigerians

Solomon Arase, Inspector-General of Police

Abel Obosi, a psychologist

Always in a rush Continued from pg 10

who was to attend the same interview told him to exercise patience, but he insisted on trying another branch. Unfortunately, at the new bank, he got more than he bargained for— longer queue. And then a traffic congestion which made him to spend more hours. When James eventually got to the interview venue, he learnt that his name had been called and that he could not be given a second chance, whereas his friend who remained on the earlier queue met the 9 a.m. target, and eventually got the job. As James suffered the consequences of his ‘impatience’, another victim, Mr Ade Brown, had a similar experience during the recent fuel crisis when he attempted to play a fast one by jumping the queue at a filling station, only to have the windscreen of his Toyota Camry smashed. The virtue called patience Patience is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting in annoyance/anger

in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. It refers to the character trait of being steadfast. On the other side of the coin, impatience is regarded as intolerance of, or irritability with, anything that impedes, hinders or delays. The major religions in Nigeria preach patience as one of the greatest virtues in life. In Christianity, patience is viewed as a gift of salvation and a part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. In the Bible, Jesus displayed unlimited patience as an example for Christians who believe in Him and receive eternal life. In Islam, through patience, a Muslim can grow closer to God. It is also emphasised that God is with those that are patient, especially in suffering. Muslims are encouraged to seek Allah’s help through patience, perseverance and tolerance. Patience or being able to wait, from the philosophical perspective, according to Friedrich Nietzsche, is so hard in humans. He noted that ‘’passion will not wait,’’ citing examples of duels. The psychological view explains patience as involving the choice of either a small reward in the short term, or a more valuable

reward in the long term Do Nigerians love the fast life? In Nigeria, instant gratification is making individuals to be impatient, explained Abel Obosi, a postgraduate student of Psychology at the University of Ibadan. To him, Nigerians face a lot of problems today because of their impatient nature. While the quest for success and advancement would relatively make some individuals or countries to be impatient, some display impatience out of greed, said Mr Sola Ebenezer, an accountant resident in Lagos. He acknowledged the fast life of the typical Nigerian, likening it to an act of impatience, especially of Lagos residents, saying “I think it is generally in-borne.’’ Narrating his experience on his first day of visit to Lagos, Ebenezer told Sunday Tribune: “I was in Lagos to attend a job interview slated for 9.a.m. I had left Akure early enough and got to Lagos at 7.30 a.m that fateful Monday. Before we got to Ojota, from where I was to board a bus to Oshodi, we experienced a terrible traffic congestion. The queue was so long that I thought it was an accident that caused it. By the time we were almost out of the gridlock, I realised there was nothing to the long queue of vehicles but the typical impatience or ‘short cut’ regularly displayed by Nigerian drivers to beat time. “Drivers drive impatiently and recklessly, even on the wrong lanes, thereby causing confusion and delay. A journey that should naturally take 10 to 15 minutes was already taking us two hours. At a point, we got trapped in the queue, as it was not moving at all. We were stationary for over 20 minutes.’’ On getting to Ojota, Ebenezer witnessed further drama, watching people fighting to board the BRT bus to Oshodi. Those boarding the smaller ‘Danfo’ vehicles, on the other hand, were actually running after the buses on motion. “I stood right there in front of the bus I alighted from at Ojota for almost 15 minutes, forgetting that I had a job interview,’’ Ebenezer recalled. Also speaking on the exhibition of impatience by some Nigerians, an educationist, Mrs Ayodele Michael, linked the general impatience that Nigerians display to the desire to acquire material wealth in no time. He said: “Our youths are so impatient now. They want to own the best of possessions and lead the best of lives. They want to ride in the best cars without working, just like the song mofe lowo ju daddy mi o, daddy mi o, mofe lowo ju mama mi ooooo. (I want to be richer than my parents)’ indicates. “In the good old days, only few made money through dubious ways and even if you were making your money dubiously then, you would have worked a while or reached a certain stage in life, unlike now that even teenagers are spending millions of Naira acquired through crooked means.” She added that marriages are no more sacred and dignified due to impatience, adding that an increasing number of marriages are now negotiated for short term rewards, rather than on true love and perseverance. ‘‘It is now driven by what one party wants to gain from the other,’’ she lamented. Dealing with impatience ‘‘Often times, the characteristics of impatience are significantly evident in our everyday lives, and these include delay, difficulty and annoyance,’’ according to a phychologist, Toni Bernhard; who defined patience as the capacity to tolerate and accept delay, difficulty and annoyance without getting angry or upset. When things aren’t going one’s way sometimes, Obosi advised, impatience should be dealt with in the mind. Corroborating Obosi’s claim, Bernhard explained: “You may know some of your triggers already: being put on hold for a long time; getting stuck in a long line; struggling to figure out a computer problem; facing an extended wait at the doctor’s office; having to listen to someone take what seems to be an interminably long time to explain something simple.” It seems to be the case, however, that Nigerians will never learn until they experience hardship while trying to cut corners, jumping the queues or even trying to make easy money.

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

13 Continued from

6 December, 2015 last week

T is true that since 291h May last year, there have been persistent rumours that the power-that-be would find a pretext to ban or proscribe our illustrious party. I do not rule out this possibility, because in the post- independence Nigeria anything can happen - however unjust and outrageous. If such an eventuality were to take place, we would be automatically compelled to adopt another name. But until then, I take my place for better for worse on the side of ACTION GROUP OF NIGERIA and its electoral sysmbols—THE PALM TREE in the West, East and the Federal Territory, and the BROOM in the Northern Region. It is my charge to you that you should all do likewise. There is room for as many political parties as some people may choose to establish. But we must remember that for upwards of THIRTEEN YEARS, we have nursed the Action Group to a very sturdy and mighty growth. Furthermore, our Party enjoys an international reputation of a very high order. It would not only be folly but plain suicide to contemplate, in the present circumstances, a voluntary change of . the name ACTION GROUP. In the third place, the field organisation of our party must undergo a radical re-organisation. In the past, it was the headquarters that supplied the Local Organisations with the financial wherewithal to run their affairs. Henceforth, the position should be reversed. Each Ward of Constituency should not only be autonomous financially, but should contribute its quota to the Federal Organisation coffers. It is extremely gratifying to me to note how the Youths have risen to the occasion by fending for themselves in all their activities. Certain constituencies are already financially self-supporting. It is my charge to you that from henceforth, you should depend wholly and solely on yourselves in regard to the financing of your local organisations. Wherever there is a Will, there is always a Way. In the fourth place, in the past there had not been sufficient adherence to the provisions of our party’s Constitution. On the occasions on which we had departed from the provisions of the Constitution we found ourselves on an uncharted sea where the unscrupulous members beguiled us into a ‘haven of strife, dissension and sharp practices of a most infamous character and magnitude. It is my charge to you all, and in particular to your officers, that in the conduct of the affairs of our party, the provisions of our party’s Constitution should be strictly observed and adhered to. No extraneous body, however elevated socially or politically not provided for in our Constitution should ever again be allowed to meddle in the affairs of our party.

Awo’s thoughts VOICE OF REASON

The just shall live by faith The message sent to the Western Regional Conference at the Action Group held at Ibadan on 6th July, 1963. Amiel says: ‘Order Is Power.’ It is, therefore, my further charge to you that discipline, in accordance with the relevant provisions of our Constitution, should be promptly enforced on any offending member, however high or low he may be in the Party hierarchy. Wherever order or discipline is absent, levity, complacency, or naked opportunism, of a necessity hold sway. In the fifth place, questions have been asked about, and many of you would like to know, what my opinion is on the recent political manoeuvres among members of the Western House of Assembly. Quite frankly, I want to assure you that I keep open mind. Past experiences dictate caution and reserve on my part; more so as the manoeuvres so far as they can be committed into writing consist of vague generalisations and profound ambiguities. I am resolved not to commit myself one way or the other unless I feel satisfied that concrete proposals have been worked out by the negotiating panel, which will redound to the best interests of the entire people of Western Nigeria in particular and of Nigeria in general. It is, for the time being, my charge to you that your Executive Committee should select a Sub-Committee which should be empowered to carry out such negotiations as are necessary. In the sixth place, I understand that the agenda of the Conference includes (a) Republican Consti-

Sunday Tribune

tution, (b) Census and (c) Implications of the Creation of the Mid West State. In my considered opinion, the issues of Republican Constitution and Census are of a country-wide nature. It is, therefore, my advice to the Conference that final decisions on these two matters should not be reached but should be left to a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, which will be convened at an early date. ‘Implications of the Creation of the Mid West State’ is a subject within your competence, and I pray that your deliberations on it may be fruitful and prove beneficial to the people of the Mid West and of Yoruba West. In the seventh place, it is clear from the little I hear and read that Nigeria is on the brink of an economic precipice. As for Western Nigeria, it has for some time now been bogged down in an economic quagmire. Those who are responsible for the present economic ills of the country and of Western Nigeria are very loud in putting the blame on innocent people. In August last year, I made genuine and strenuous efforts to help in arresting the baleful trends which were then gathering swift momentum. My motive was misunderstood, and I was spurned. In any case, the hounds of persecution were only then just loose: they were insensate, blood thirsty, and determined to refresh themselves with my blood. True, I am in gaol; and though in spite of this, all manner of evil things have been falsely said and written about me even by those who are regarded as custodians of truth and justice, yet by the Grace of God, I continue to enjoy a peace of mind which only faith in Jesus Christ can bestow. Says Paul: ‘The Just Shall Live By Faith’. At the same time, the hounds which were let loose against me last year, have now begun to dog the steps and plague the lives of their proprietors with the same murderous blood-thirstiness. Be that as it may. What should interest us in this connection is the fate of the common man under the present dreadful and cheerless circumstances. The ranks of people with empty or half-empty stomachs are increasing daily by the hundreds. Many a youth sees the future as a long vista of bleak and hapless journey. They look with expectant yearning to the power-that-be, but they receive no favourable response. Why? Because the existing powers in the land are much more preoccupied with devising ways and means for the destruction of their political opponents than with catering to the best interests of the millions who are hungry but are not fed, who have not but are not supplied. From the present position of our party, there is very little we could do, in a practical manner, to alleviate the prevailing despondency.

To be continued

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voxpop

6 December, 2015

Can you ride a bicycle on Nigerian roads?

There are a lot of dangers attached to it. There is the lack of respect for bicycle riders by the average road user.

The condition of many Nigerian roads is now in a deplorable state, which has made many Nigerians to lose interest in driving their vehicles, motorcycles, or bicycles. HANNAH SASODJE, YETUNDE TIJANI, BUKOLA IPINMOROTI, ADEMOLA BAMISE and OLUWATOMISIN AKINGBOLU sought the opinion of Nigerians on whether or not they can opt for riding bicycles on Nigerian roads instead of cars. Here are some of the responses:

MRS DEBORAH ADENEYE

MR LUKMAN OYIRI I can never do that because I don’t have the time. I am a very busy man, so a bicycle will be a very slow means of transportation for me. Also, riding bicycles is not socially recognised here in Nigeria. One could be tagged an irresponsible or poor man.

ADESHOLA ADEYANJU I was raised and born on this (Nigerian) road! I have trod on it all my life so there is no reason why I cannot ride bicycle on Nigerian roads. Definitely, I can ride a bicycle very well on the road without any fear.

LATEEF OMOWUNMI I can ride a bicycle, irrespective of the fact that we do not have good roads here in Nigeria. Since I am doing it for fun, then my passion for riding can keep me going.

Sunday Tribune

It is not possible. The roads are bad. Even the riding of motorcycles, is dangerous in Nigeria not to talk of riding bicycles. Besides, bicycles are not fast.

OREOLUWA AZEEZ I don’t like it, as a lady. Moreover, Nigeria does not have good roads and riding a bicycle on bad roads can be risky. It can cause accidents.

VICTOR ONYEDIKACHI Yes, I can ride bicycles on Nigerian roads, though some of our roads are very bad and it is one of the major problems facing the country. I will just need to be very careful while riding the bicycle.

OLUWAFEMI LAWAL GOODNESS AKPAN Yes, I can. Some of the roads are bad, but I just have to be watchful of approaching vehicles, and be careful of the roads, in order to avoid accidents.

I can ride a bicycle if the road is good, but since the roads we have here in Nigeria are bad, I cannot, because I don’t want to risk my life.

OLUWAFEMI IROJU No, I can’t; because the majority of the roads are so bad and are not even safe for bicycle riding, unlike the situation abroad where separate lanes are made for bicycles. I can’t endanger my life all because I want to ride a bicycle.

AKANDE HAZEEZ I can ride a bicycle on Nigerian roads. There is nothing to fear about riding bicycles, just that one should ride with caution and care. That is what it takes.

ALADE TIMILEHIN OLUWASEYI Nigerian roads are not good for riding bicycles. I still love my life and I am not ready to die or hurt myself and waste money on treatment. Also, the taxi drivers are not patient enough, but it will be better if the government can construct lanes for riders.

MR TAIWO ADEWOLE Yes! Though the roads are bad and other motorists drive recklessly, which is frightening, I am confident; I can ride a bicycle on our roads.

MR KOMOLAFE FOLUSO I can ride a bicycle on Nigerian roads but there are a lot of dangers attached to it. There is the lack of respect for bicycle riders by the average road user. Second, there is the poor condition of the roads to consider. Thirdly, there is the lack of bike lanes on our roads. But all said and done, it is still possible to ride bicycles on Nigerian roads.

MRS. OLUFUNMI AKANBI Abroad, there are roads for bicycle riders. If the government can do that here in Nigeria, then I can ride a bicycle. If not, I can’t , because of accidents. The roads here are bad.

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

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

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he introduction of the Curved OLED TV is now trending in the home entertainment industry. It is a technology that is taking TV performance to a new level. The OLED technology is an advanced ultra-slim depth of 5.97mm that comes with a unique curved design which represents a new era in home entertainment. It also marks the beginning of a whole new era in home entertainment. Its IMAX-like curvature guarantees an amazingly immersive and comfortable viewing experience. Indeed, it is a point of pride. Featuring a gently-curved screen and WRGB OLED technology, the set offers exceptional picture quality and an immersive viewing experience. The cuttingedge TV has been awarded the prestigious Red Dot and it is recognised by respected international product testing and certification bodies. By switching off individual pixels, blacks are rendered truly black, creating an “infinite” contrast ratio. OLED’s exquisitely nuanced colours exceed the industry’s BT 709 standard, producing more realistic content. A further benefit of this stunning technology is that the OLED TV itself is remarkably slim and around half the

weight of previous generation displays. The self-illuminating OLED screen also uses less power than any other display technology. OLED TV, which is made from organic plastic molecules, provide the platform for self-emitting coloured lights when powered with electric current.

The TV set, which creates a breathtaking visual experience, indeed ushered in a new era in TV technology unlike traditional, Synthetic LED’s, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) uses an organic, carbonbased compound that emits its own light when hit with an electric current.

A thin-film transistor (TFT) backplane switches each specific pixel on and off and light passes through a combination of filters to reproduce amazing high-definition images. Since OLED displays do not require a backlight, pixels that are switched off are truly black, so OLED achieves deeper black levels and a higher contrast ratio when compared to LCD and LED TV’s. This revolutionary material enables drastically thinner, lighter televisions, with truly remarkable resolution. The precise curve of the screen ensures that the viewer’s eyes are equally distant from all parts of the screen, providing the most natural and immersive viewing experience. The innovative technology of OLED TV permits a simpler internal structure. This means the TV is unbelievably lightweight and pencil-thin, making it slimmer than your Smart Phone. Ordinarily, watching fast paced programmes like an action packed movie, or a pulsating football match on the conventional TV, sometimes seems like your TV is struggling to keep pace; blurs appear, thereby creating less than stellar display. OLED TV has a solution to that. With speeds a thousand times faster than regular LED TV, OLED TV produces crystal clear, blur-free visuals that delight the eye.

6 December, 2015

HURSDAY morning, airtime of one the mobile telecoms operators just appeared from the blues on my mobile phone. Blues, because I had no clue about the sender. The mobile number was unknown to me. I had no intention of finding out as I had none of loading the straying airtime. I knew the mystery around it would not endure. Even if a yuletide surprise package; not in Nigeria of all places would the giver remain anonymous forever. I was determined to wait out the “long” it would take the sender. I didn’t have to wait for too long. I returned a missed call to hear “Ekaaro sir. Awon Baba Onifa niwon fe fi ranse somo won”. (It is the herbalist that wanted to send the airtime to his son and mistakenly sent to my mobile line). I calmed the hurrying voice down with “credit won wa nibe” (The airtime was intact). Then a flurry of general blessing with a promise that Baba Onifa would personally call to show appreciation. I tried to discourage the caller but he was adamant. The maddening Lagos traffic erased Baba and Omo Ifa from my subconscious but definitely not my act from theirs. As I was settling for a meeting somewhere, Baba Ifa’s call came in. He was astounded that a Nigerian could still be found who would be honest enough to return what isn’t his, when keeping such would not even amount to dishonesty. Speaking in undiluted Yoruba, the Ifa priest mentioned his name which didn’t stick. But I remember clearly claiming to be the numero uno of Ifa priests in the entire Ogun State. He said it was also his practice to send airtime to his children whenever they could not make it to the annual Ifa festival which preparation, according to him, was in full swing. He purred his appreciation. The receiver mobile line is my public contact number on this column and Lagos Metro, Nigerian Tribune’s dedicated daily publication on Lagos which by God’s grace, I coordinate. But I guess a likely mix-up when punching the beneficiary number got me the airtime instead of the original target. I doubt if Baba Ifa is lettered in English language which unlikely makes him a Tribune reader. By his admission, he had also not met me anywhere including on Metro and Gibbers. I also didn’t bother him with enquiries. After the general prayer, Baba Ifa said God had destined that we would meet this way and then tabled a proposal. He wanted Ifa to appreciate my honesty. I didn’t even allow him to go further before I said “I am a pastor Baba”. Baba Ifa didn’t push but the groan he let out,

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari was the choice of majority of Nigerian voters at the last presidential election because he was considered, among the lot aspiring for the office, as the one who could bring into reality the Nigerian dream. However, the president is not the people’s hero yet. For Buhari to be our hero, he has to do just one thing. He has to bring Nigeria to the state that no Nigerian would want to live outside the country just because things are not right at home. I came to this conclusion after listening to the dispiriting account of a Cote d’Ivoire returnee who said Nigerians are treated as dirt in the country. He explained that no matter how educated a Nigerian is in Cote d’Ivoire, the best he can get is a menial job; yet Nigerians daily troop into the country. When asked why they decided to stay in the country despite such treatment, his answer was; “Are we treated better in Nigeria?” So, my demand from President Buhari is to make Nigeria a country that cares for the generality of her people and not just a select few. He should make Nigeria a country that retains her talents. He should transform Nigeria into a country loved and respected by her nationals. For him to achieve this, he has to ensure the provision of jobs for as many Nigerians as are willing to work. He also has to ensure that they are well remunerated and are provided an environment that will enable them give their best to the country. To many Nigerians who live abroad, east or west home is the best. They would rather stay in their country were there opportunities for them to thrive. But since the opportunities in the country are thinning out, many Nigerians have decided to look for opportunities where they think the grass is greener. I am aware that the president has promised to provide job opportunities for Nigerians. But the number being bandied about is a far cry from the nation’s requirement. The point here is that the government alone cannot provide adequate job opportunities; it has to work with the private sector to accomplish this. At the moment, private companies are groaning under the burden of having to pay so much for diesel with which they power their generators. The cost of generating power has bloated the cost of doing business in the country. This has made imported materials cheaper than the ones produced

0811 695 4647

olanreade@yahoo.com

Even Ifa rewards honesty!

carried the depth of his disappointment. Considering the widespread claim of men of God seeking extra-terrestrial miracle-working powers from his likes, it is either he hasn’t had much of such customers or there was something in my voice that conveyed my conviction that this son-on-God doesn’t do Jesus+x. Without any deprecating prejudice to Ifa’s capacity to bless its (her/his?) own, it would be sheer greed to have Jehovah El-Shaddai, the More-Than-Sufficient God and still take from the very little (if anything) that Ifa supposedly has. In this season of integrity anomie, I’m pleased to give Baba Ifa something to celebrate. I won’t still have loaded the airtime even if it dropped like manna. At least, I would wait for God to confirm it as a blessing from my open heaven. While awaiting answers to the airtime riddle, I had engaged my very informed and critical 78-year-old landlady in a chit-chat over Nigeria. A few of her age-mates

With Sulaimon Olanrewaju 08055001708

lanresulaimon@yahoo.com

When Buhari will be our hero

locally. So, while importers, who add little value to imported items and employ insignificant number of people, are smiling to the banks, manufacturers are daily counting their losses and are forced to lay off workers. Therefore, for the Buhari government to create more employment opportunities in the country, it has to take seriously the issue of electricity. Again, I am aware that Buhari is working hard to solve the electricity conundrum. I am also aware that the president believes that if he is able to tackle this particular problem, he will be regarded by many Nigerians as very successful. But I am also aware that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had good inten-

Sunday Tribune

would be more concerned about this nation, despite not having much time left to “enjoy” the desired new Nigeria. As usual, her verdict on PDP and Goodluck Jonathan was damning. To her, PDP is a nightmare that the new dawn with Muhammadu Buhari should forever wash away, but not until every unjustly-spent kobo, has been retrieved. She was, however, worried about Buhari’s obvious disregard for rule of law in the fight against corruption, particularly the spitting on court orders. Having written Bukola Saraki and his senatorial colleagues off as no-hoper, Alhaja was worried Buhari may not be able to handle the potency of the likely legislature/judiciary conspiracy against his administration. I assured her things won’t likely get to such level. Honest, while the corruption stories flying around may be lyrical to the ears of Nigerians who had long desired a clean-up, I’m not as enamoured of the so-called earthshaking revelations in the media (outrageously subjective, subservient to proprietary interests and largely corrupt) as the little little acts that seem to be igniting a renaissance of lost values. Wherever such act is found, no matter how minimal, Gibbers will celebrate maximally because the resurgence will no doubt have a small beginning which the Holy Book says should not be despised. Whatever Baba Ifa has been teaching his understudy before now, our little encounter will surely bring honesty into the Opele curriculum. Without being pessimistic, the drama of much-celebrated Dasukigate will soon be marooned where others before it, were stuck. With Sambo’s denial of implicating anyone, the media coverage of the exclusive gist of the probe, is already mired in controversy. Any of such stories won’t excite anyone again. Soon, media consultants would move in for him and co. Large-wigged, law-empty lawyers would cut the right deal for the right price. Narratives would move from criminality to cremationism. God help Buhari if Sambo should suffer genuine medical malfunction while in detention. Then, we would be looking for the next villain in the open theatre we call anti-corruption war. Instead of dissipating energies on the obviously-unproductive, why not on little things we can do to save us from ourselves. Doing it right begins with all of us. Many who are celebrating Sambo’s travails today are of worse brigandage mentality. But in a conscienceless society like ours, robbers are always the first to cast stones at petty-thieves. A new Nigeria is possible. Time is now.

tions about ensuring the provision of stable electricity. His administration voted about $10billion to revive the sector through the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP). Similarly, late President Umaru Yar’Adua had good intentions about improving electricity generation in the country. For this reason, his administration approved a special intervention fund of about $5.09bn to the sector to facilitate the generation of 6,000 megawatts by the end of 2009. Immediate Past President Goodluck Jonathan also voted huge sums of money to electricity generation, transmission and distribution. But despite these huge investments, adequate electricity supply seems to be light years ahead of Nigerians. Why? Corruption is at the root of the problem. The investment between 1999 and 2015 of over $20 billion into the energy sector should have yielded better results but because corruption is institutionalised in Nigeria, most of the dollars have gone down the drain. While it is true that Buhari is striving to succeed where his predecessors failed, unless he is willing to root out corruption completely from the system, he should not expect any result different from theirs. But the war against corruption should be total, not selective. Everyone who had wrongly dipped his finger into the nation’s till should have his rendezvous with justice. If the president fights this war and wins, then Nigeria will have stable electricity supply, abundant job opportunities and even Nigerians in the Diaspora will want to return home. However, if he makes it selective, it will not matter what else he does because the demon of corruption will swallow the fruits of his efforts. One common denominator of heroes is that they decide the wars they fight. It is almost impossible to fight a war without having casualties. The casualties of the Buhari-corruption war will be some well-heeled members of the political class who the president may not want to hurt. He has to decide between them and the rest of us. But we shall be glad to have these stumbling blocks taken off the tracks so we can make progress. I hope the president is ready to fight and have casualties. If he fails to fight this battle rightly, he will be an also ran president and that will be a terrible bungling of this second and final chance because he won’t be anybody’s hero, not even his well-heeled friends.

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Police Youth Ambassador:

My new role at Chocolate City — Audu Maikori

Why I cut my

dreadlocks after 13 years —Dakore

I can’t do it alone —Korede Bello

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Tade Makinde tademt2@yahoo.com 08055001753

Police Youth Ambassador: I can’t do it alone‑ Korede Bello By Tade Makinde

OREDE Bello has promised to work with the Nigeria police to ensure that youths do not engage in crimes, but admitted it would be a tough task on his part to do alone. The Nigeria Police unveiled the musician as the Police Youth Ambassador on Wednesday. Korede expressed surprise at his choice as it never crossed his mind for once that the security agency would pick any musician as an ambassador, let alone him. He however promised to do his best to live up to NPF’s confidence in him. “I will need the support of Nigeria’s understanding youth to make this work as expected. I am just a face because anyone could have been made Police Ambassador. I just consider myself fortunate to have been picked. We the youths of this country will not disappoint you”, he promised. Unveiling the youth ambassador, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, said that youths were critical to the fight against crime in the country. Arase described Korede as a positive representation of Nigerian youths. “We believe Korede Bello’s exem-

plary behaviour and tenacity of purpose, like that of the Nigeria Police, will be the needed influence to change the wrong or misconceived habits of some of our youths. “It is my firm conviction that in fighting crimes in our system, the youths are critical elements that must be incorporated. The process of bringing the youths into our fold as crime-fighting

channels is very critical to the policing of this country.” Arase, who was represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Danazumi Doma, Director, Finance and Administration, said the idea was aimed at spreading security awareness and sensitisation to schools and universities in crime prevention. Korede follows in the step of Late Fela Kuti who was made “A

EMCOAN set for 2015 annual dinner ALL is set for the forthcoming Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria (EMCOAN)’s annual dinner on Saturday at the Main Hall, R&A City Hotel at Ikeja, Lagos. The President of EMCOAN, Mrs. Deborah Odutayo, said that the dinner is not only to get the stakeholders and members of EMCOAN to a round table, but also to foster better relationships. The chairperson of the Planning Committee, Mrs. Anita Agarry-Oke, also said that the event would bring together stakeholders who had contributed to its members’ businesses and equally chart a direction for next year. The event will be chaired by Mr. Emeka Mba, the Director General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), who is expected to deliver a speech on the theme: The role of Independent Producers in the era of Digitalization, while the keynote address will be given by the Registrar, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi, on the topic: The Importance of Content in Advertising in Nigeria. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is the host, while the chief host will be the President of EMCOAN. Other dignitaries expected are Hon Jide Jimoh;

Engineer Joe Igbokwe; Mr Dayo Adeneye (D1) and many others. The event hosts are Yaw and Toyin Ohio-Alegbe. The red carpet will start at 4.00pm.

Friend of The Police” in the 70s to further relationship between the police and the entertainment industry. The relationship, however, did not last with Fela. Police spokesperson, ACP Olabsisi Kolawole, said the opportunity would build aware-

ness and foster development of the youths. “I hope that this new opportunity given the Nigerian youths will be judiciously utilised by preaching positive changes to their peers all over the country,” he said.

Taye Currency out with new album on Monday FUJI music lovers are eagerly awaiting the release of Taye Currency, the Apesin of fuji kingdom’s, latest album entitled “Birthday Bash & Message” (BBM) tomorrow. The album will be released by record label, Golden Point Music. According to Currency’s spokesperson, Tope Eluyefa, many of his fans besieged Currency’s house recently to ascertain the release after it was reported in the media last week. “I can authoritatively confirm that people have been calling, while others have continuously besieged the house of Taye Currency; and marketers are booking copies. We are sure that by the end of today, all marketers in Nigeria should have got copies of BBM CDs,” Tope told R during the week. Currency not only confirmed the Monday release date, he also told R that the 10-track album is full of modern classical and afro beat music with different percussions. “The new album is a

confirmation that fuji has transcended the level of mediocrity and serious people now listen. The album will end up an evergreen,” he asserted. He stressed further: “BBM preaches a way of life and the importance of individuals sustaining high level of sound integrity. The fuji musician assured his fans of his best always, promising them that the album would not fall short of their expectations.

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

TFAA ’15: Diamond Platnumz, D’banj are headliners THE Future Awards Africa (TFAA) will have Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and D’banj on stage, its organisers have confirmed. Both are alumni of the awards - D’banj was Young Person of the Year 2007 and Diamond won the Prize in Entertainment 2014. The 10th anniversary of TFAA will be hosted by Dare Art-Alade and South African OAP, Bonang Matheba. The award is held in partnership with the British High Commission, the Ford Foundation, Microsoft, the US Consulate, Canadian High Commission, Sterling Bank Plc. and The Tony Elumelu Foundation. The Future Awards Africa 2015 will hold today at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria. Diamond is one of Africa’s most

influential artistes following his two-time nomination at the MTV MAMA’s award where he won

the Best Worldwide Act in 2015, just as D’banj this year won the MTV MAMA Evolution award.

Both will be joined by Omawumi who makes another return to the TFAA stage.

Myro releases Plantain remix with Oritsefemi

Odunlade Adekola christens son AWARD winning actor, Odunlade Adekola, whose wife, Ruth Adekola, delivered a son penultimate week, has christened the newborn. The ‘Sunday Dagboru’ actor took to Instagram to share a photo of himself, his wife and the baby. He captioned the photo “Oruko Omo wa yo ma jeeeeee Adedore”(our son’s name is Adedore). Odunlade and Ruth Adekola joined other celebrities who have welcomed a bundle of joy in 2015 after they announced the birth of their son –their fourth child– on Monday.

ELOY AWARDS 2015: Seyi Shay shines THE 2015 edition of the annual Exquisite Lady of the Year Awards, ELOY, held on Thursday night at The Red Carpet Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos with top celebrities and other dignitaries in attendance. Hosted by media personalities, Sika Osei and Ozzy Agu, the event had in attendance Michelle Dede, Toyin Lawani, Susan Peters, Gbenro Ajibade, Osas Ajibade, Toke Makinwa, Tomi Odunsi, Bolanle Olukanni, Toju Foyeh, and many others. Seyi Shay clinched the award for the ‘Music Artist of The Year’, beating Yemi Alade, Tonye Garrick, Simi and Cynthia Morgan to the prize.

NIGER-DELTAN, Oghenemairo Daniel Ozah, has released a remix version of “Plantain” featuring Oritsefemi. The musician, who was nominated for the Nigeria Music Video Awards’ (NMVA) “Best New Artiste” of the Year few days ago, released the video this week. Riding on the success of tracks like Ocha and Ngala, Myro, latest work, produced by Puffy T, is enjoying massive airplays across the country. The Caleb University graduate has performed in many shows in the country but he eventually got his major break when the video for his song ‘Ocha’, which was shot in South Africa by Godfather Productions, got massive rotation on TV.

Tito in auto cruise with new single

2Shotz denies battery allegation against estranged wife 2SHOTZ has denied recent media report that he assaulted Precious, his wife of two years. He told R via a phone chat on Friday that he never committed battery or assault his wife, but admitted that their relationship had been tested and he had become an emotionally stronger man. “It is normal in a relationship that there would be misunderstanding, but mature couples are those who are able to resolve their differences. I don’t have any

problem with my woman, he said through his spokesperson,” Favor. According to report, 2Shotz allegedly assaulted Precious several times, prompting her to move out of their home. 2Shotz was first accused of physical abuse by a former girlfriend while Precious also shared on social media that “on one occasion we were driving, and he was talking to me about my make up… I told him there were better ways to address me than name-calling and he just slapped me”.

TITO Da.Fire has come out with a new track entitled Auto Pilot. The song is his first release in two years. It was produced by Aizbag. The single brings American rapper, Cleron McCoy, to the mixing and mastering boards and features Grinding Records new acts, IG Flamez and T.Brown. Auto Pilot is a rhythmic and percussive dance track about a girl who controls her man in an unusually weird manner (Universal Mind-Control) while the man is willing to go all the way, oblivious of her sources of powers of control. Each verse is crafted to convey the deepest emotions and the vocal delivery did seal the track from the first note through to the last. It is believed that “Auto Pilot” might be Tito’s most-expressive record till date. The singer has won several media awards and has contributed to the launching of several music careers of other music artistes such as MI, Djinee’s Ego and several others.

6 December, 2015

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

My new role at Chocolate City —Maikori The President of Chocolate City Music Group, Audu Maikori, in this interview, opens up on the court tussle with former Chocolate City act, Brymo, and other issues. Excepts:

s a legal practitioner and music stakeholder, what is your opinion on the KSA recent legal victory and its implication for the industry? That is a precedentce now, though it took four decades for justice to be dispensed. It can only encourage others to seek legal redress if their rights are breached. Will anyone want to wait that long again because he/she wants justice? Who is laughing last now? It is KSA. Whatever profits the label might have gained in those years have been lost. It would have dented the owners image if he were to be alive today. Be that as it may, justice has prevailed and Sunny himself has expressed satisfaction. It is a good omen for the industry for sure. Who should be blamed for the rising court cases between labels and artistes? As long as people err when it comes to contract, such should be blamed. The blame goes either way. Label and artist are binded by the sole aim of ensuring that the artist is huge so he can make money for both parties. But crisis arises when there is a problem of how either party approaches the goal of making things work out for the financial benefit of the investor especially. An investor must make returns on his investment and he won’t be comfortable when things begin to go the wrong way. Was that what happened between your label and Brymo? It wasn’t our plan to take Brymo to court. We made more than enough efforts to get him to sort things out with us amicably and continue the relationship, but many were feeding him stories. Brymo is my friend, but there is an issue to be resolved after he infringed on my right and it is my duty to make sure it is sorted put because we are talking business here. I have never stopped telling people that I have no problem with Brymo as a musician or as a person. But for the interest of our investors to be protected, we have to seek legal solution to the problem at hand. This tells others on our stable that we will do everything possible to protect their rights and even career. This assures our board and the fans that the business is sustainable because we can protect their rights. Any amount, which usually runs into millions, invested in a musician could

be invested in other business and one can still make a huge return. So, why will you invest money in a talent and not expect a return? If you take a loan and invest it in music business and your artiste walks out, you will not just keep quiet because keeping a calm face will not repay your debt and the bank will swoop on you. This industry is not about emotions, it is a business. If you had a contract that an artiste should release some numbers of albums for your record company, he can’t just walk out of it because he suddenly hates your face. There has to be a very good reason for you to want to walk out. Is there any chance for Brymo to be accepted back in the fold? I have told many reporters what I am going to tell you today-Brymo will always be welcome back, but there has to be an agreement. Can two walk together if they don’t agree? Before we can do anything together again, we will have an agreement. We are open to discussions with him or anybody. If he wants to come back, I have no problem. All I will want from him is his readiness to work with the team. Many artistes believe that they can go it alone once they achieve a bit of success, only for them to realise that they cannot. By the time they realise this, it is already late. What has MI’s ascension to Chocolate City CEO changed about your perspective as regards the label? It has improved a lot. I now see things that I was not able to see before. I am learning things that I never had time to do before. What we are doing right now is partnership and all I do is review activities, give necessary inputs where and when necessary. What do you do at Choc City? I am no longer involved in the day to day running of the label’s affairs but I am involved in positioning the label for achieving set goals. I am also in charge of the other subsidiaries. We now have a media company, an office in Kenya office and also a distribution company. My job is to make sure they are all functioning, make profit and also align with our set mission and vision. The label has about 10 artistes ... cuts in 14

Okay. Are they all getting equal attention? That can’t happen of course, because they can’t all be on the same pace. But we give everyone time to develop their talents. Doing that is even the most expensive part in music business. You find that you might spend years pushing one artist who might not break even for you to recoup invested funds. But when they do break through, you make money. MI broke through in 2009. That was three years after he joined us. It was same thing for Iceprince. It takes a while before an artist can make a name. Choc group will venture into movie production. Should we

expect any film soon? Our company, Chocolate City Media, has other companies under it. These companies have different aims to achieve. For the media arm, we focus on content creation and the movie has been something we are very excited about over the years. There are plans to release our first feature film and we are going to sign agreements with every party involved. Will any artist on the label feature in the film? Yes, but we need to take into cognisance what appeals to everyone across the industry and not our artistes alone.

6 December, 2015

PEOPLE

places&parties

Sunday Tribune

Segun Adebayo e-mail : tegbollistic@yahoo.com 08116954644

Happy

times

for the

Ayubas

OR the family of Bonsue Fuji creator, Adewale Ayuba, it is time to party and celebrate. The news coming out from the abode of the Fuji singer is that his daughter, Tiwalade Saliu Okeola, will be getting married on the 28th of December. As you are reading this, PPP reliably gathered that Ayuba

Toyin Subair still doing fine

has been putting finishing touches to the celebration to make it memorable for his daughter. Those who should know informed PPP that the day has been set aside and preparations are already in top gear with top socialites and close friends of Ayuba in Lagos and outside the country gearing up for the special day.

La Vida-Bella debuts in Lagos A compelling lounge and bar for the rich and tasteful has debuted in Lagos. Called La Vida-Bella, the exclusive lounge is fitted with the most modern equipment tailored to suit the yearnings of the high and mighty. The elite bar, conceptualized and run by the quartet of Harif Ojikutu, Kazeem Abina, London based top DJ and entertainment buff Abayomi Abbas Tijani( DJ Abbas) and night life crooner and former manager of the Auto Lounge in Lagos, Babs Shonibare, was thronged by the cream of Lagos on Friday when it formally threw its doors open to the public. The guest list was an A list comprising the best the country has to parade in business, politics, entertainment and

academia. The exclusive bar and lounge set on two and a half floors is finished exquisitely with a poolside smoking area and exclusive car park right on the high street. The lounge located in The Lekki Coliseum (TLC) complex on Providence

Street Lekki Phase One, right beside Bras Motors and Peninsular Hotel, is the place for those who desire first class value for their hard-earned resources. Some of the dignitaries that graced the opening on Friday include Chief Demola

Seriki, Prince Dipo Eludoyin, Mr Gbenga Oyetola, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, Niyi Adeseun, AIG Tunde Alapinni, Vanessa Cojucara, Lovett Yembra, Soji Asolo, Kunle Adedigba, Obianu Ohiwerei, Lanre Adanijo, Adepitan Adeniran and Yomi Eluyomi, among others.

From left, Dr (Mrs) Flora Olaifa; Dr Lanre Olaifa Samuel and Dr Abayomi Olaifa Kayode, at the Convocation ceremony of the University of Ibadan MVS (Pathology) graduate held recently at the International Conference Centre.

High society gets ready for Tayo Ayeni’s 53rd birthday

Something new from Omowunmi

WHEN of the country’s most famous auto dealers adds another year, one can be sure it will be marked in the most special and remarkable way. It is no more news to top socialites that Tayo Ayeni, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Skymit Motors, will clock 53 years old in a matter of weeks. But what may appear to be new is the fact that the Ijesha socialite will not

SOMETHING new appears to be coming up for celebrity beauty queen, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, as those who should know have informed PPP that Omowunmmi is ready to launch a clothing line anytime soon. The celebrity queen, who celebrated her 28th birthday with a stunning photoshoot on Friday, is one of the most adorable celebrities whose game

be celebrating this year’s birthday in the usual manner. Reputed for his penchant for philantrophic activities, PPP gathered that Ayeni will be reaching out to friends, neighbours and relatives this time. PPP gathered that the auto dealer is putting finishing touches to arrangements for the celebration of his birthday which will coincide with the Yuletide.

keeps changing from time to time. She recently did a shoot with photographer Fireshone in London. The University of Lagos and Kings College London graduate recently completed a course at the London School of Fashion. Inspired by her experience there, she will be launching a female ready-towear clothing line called “Omowunmi” soon.

CONTRARY to reports that have been flying around that former owner of Cable television, Hitv has been struggling with life, PPP has relaibly gathered that Subair is currently living it up in his London base. His disappearance from the social scene provoked a debate in social circles and many people have been asking about his whereabouts. After the collapse of his cable TV, not much has been heard about him. PPP gathered Subair is gradually staging a comeback to the scene where he once dominated. Those who spotted him at the Steam bar of Paddington Hilton Hotel in London recently confirmd that things are looking up for the well-connected dude.

6 December, 2015

entartainment

Sunday Tribune with Segun Adebayo tegbollistic@yahoo.com 08116954644

Contestants battle each other in Glo’s Dance With Peter THE stage is set for an interesting battle in tonight’s episode of Globacomsponsored Dance with Peter reality TV show, as the ten contestants take on one other to get the judges’ nod into the next round of the competition. G-Xtreme, Tee Jay, TRubber, Amazing Amy, CFly, Julius Fakta, Kelvin,

Miracle, Da Octopus and Mali Hot Boy, who was recalled by the judges last weekend after he was initially evicted, will make up the five pairs who will perform for the next stage of the show. The originator of the show and one half of PSquare, Peter Okoye, announced at the end of last week’s show: “Next

week, the challenge will be a tough one. I call this the Battle Face Off, it is one against one,” Peter declared. He explained that it was because of the need to complete the five pairs that Mali Hot Boy was recalled. “Because you will be performing in pairs, we are bringing back a wild card to rejoin you. He is Mali Hot Boy and he has a massive crowd appeal,” Peter stated. Dance director, Wale Rubber, who added his voice said: “We will be looking for the contestant

who brings it the most, creative-wise, dancewise. We will have a situation where two will step forward to perform and the judges will say: you are good, you are good, but this guy was better, you are up for eviction.” It promises to be an exciting show as five of the ten remaining contestants may be put up for eviction. Viewers will find out how the dancers battle one other during the broadcast of the show on Africa Magic Urban (Channel 153 on DSTV) at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

MR. 2KAY bags new awards THE rising profile of budding waterside boy and Grafton Entertainment rave of the moment, Mr. 2Kay, went up another notch as he took home most the of awards at the 6th edition of the Niger Delta Advancement Awards held last Saturday, at the Glass House in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Afro-pop artiste, who was also the most nominated artiste

at the show, won two awards for his hit song “Bad Girl Special”;(Best Video and Song of the Year). He also won the Niger Delta Artiste of the Year Award. Mr. 2Kay recently released the video for his collaboration with Timaya called “Moniegram” and is obviously warming up for a bumper 2016; a year that promises to witness the steady rise of the young prolific artiste.

I will drop one more single this year —Harrysong

015 has been a good year for Five Star Music act, Harrysong. Apart from having his mouth-watering deal with MTN renewed in the middle of the year, Harrysong has established himself as one of the leading artistes in the country. Having dropped hit songs and videos back to back, the singer, who joined Kcee’s Five Star Music few years ago, has continued to prove his musical prowess in a special way, hence the success he has recorded in a space

of two years. His latest track, Raggaeblues, was another statement-making song from the Delta State-born songwriter. He dragged Kcee, Olamide, Iyanya and Orezi on the song and it turned out to be a widely accepted song that has become a banger in clubs and gigs across the country. Harrysong, who has said he might not be dropping his much-anticipated

Tundey Fa Tundey drops My Money video AFRO pop singer, Tundey Fa Tundey is back on the roll. Tundey is not new to music lovers, especially in the South West where his songs and videos have remained on top of music charts in different radio stations. After the success of his hit songs like, Igboro which featured Vector, and Dundu which had Reminisce on it, Tundey’s name has been coming up as one of the new revelations in the music industry who will take the industry by storm in 2016.

His new video, My Money, was released on Thursday to the delight of his fans and has been receiving massive airplay on TV, while the audio, which was produced by Mr Magic, has also been played on radio stations across the country. Speaking, on his new video, Tundey said “This is something very different from what I have been doing before. It is another side of Tundey’s Rand B and I am sure my fans will love it”, he said.

album this year, has promised to compensate his fans with another single before the end of the year, saying,” the concentration now is not on the album, but the Reggaeblues, which Nigerians have come to love as a beautiful party song. Apart from that, I am going to drop a new single before the end of the year to usher my fans into the new year. After this, we will take the focus back to the album fully”, he said.

6 December, 2015

sundayzest B

EING a Jesuit, it was only a matter of time for Pope Francis to become the poster boy for tolerance. Not shy to commune with other religious groups, the Argentine pontiff seems to toe a softer line of Catholicism. His passion for social justice and preference for collaboration over peremptory have endeared him to many but disaffection from traditional Catholics. Though some might not approve of his calls for tolerance, his position on terrorism and fundamentalism has considerable merit. On the way back to Rome at the end of his three-country tour of Africa, he is quoted to have said, fundamentalism ‘is a sickness that is in all religions. . We Catholics, we have a few, even many fundamentalists. ‘They believe they know absolute truth and corrupt others. I can say this because this is my church. ‘We are all God’s children, we all have the same father…we need to live peacefully alongside one another, develop friendships” Despite the vitriolic atrocities Islamic extremists are causing all over the world, Islam is not the only religion plagued by fundamentalism. Every monotheistic religion – Judaism, Christianity and Islam have fundamentalists with the need to return to fading or ignored rules and traditions. These fundamentalists are constantly seeking to impose their will on others by any means necessary and are still shaping our lives with or without the use of weapons The gender inequality women face today can be traced back to religion as sexism is deeply rooted in it. All the major monotheistic religions agree on the inferiority of women whom they regard as second–class citizens. Women are considered the weaker sex who was created as an afterthought from Adam’s rib. Scriptures establish her role as a home keeper and child bearer. The great Catholic theologian Thomas Aquinas taught that, women are defective men, imperfect in both body and soul. The Protestants were no better than the Catholics and their teachings are even more absurd. The phrase ‘a woman’s place is in the home was coined by Martin Luther and the Kinder, Kirche, Küche (Children, kitchen, Church) movement continued. He also insisted on a man’s traditional Christian right to beat his wife and held firmly to the traditional line on a woman’s duty to bear children, even if it killed her “If they become tired or even die, it does not matter. Let them die in childbirth - that is why they are there”.

With Victory Oyeleke victoryoyeleke@yahoo.com

How religious fundamentalism is shaping the world

It has been argued that unlike Christianity, Islam champions feminism because, Islamic law made the education of girls a sacred duty and gave women the right to own and inherit property however, it must be noted that, he preserved their inequality in irreversible law. Qur’an 4:34 “Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel over the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are obedient, guarding in secret what Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish

them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever Highly Exalted, Great. Theoretically, the fear of rebellion is enough justification to punish even though there was no wrongdoing. The Qur’an also gives daughters half the inheritance of sons. In financial court matters, women’s testimonies are worth half of a man’s. Compensation for the murder of a woman is half the going rate for men. Women can have one husband while the husband is allowed four and girls are married off at a very young age.

Sunday Tribune

Judaism does not allow women to take an active part in orthodox worship services and are often relegated to the kitchen. This idea that women are inferior to men is still seen in the labour market where women earn lesser than their male counterparts, despite having the same job with the same qualification. In the UK, women make up only 17% board directors of FTSE 100 companies and in the United States, on average, full-time working women earn 74 cents for every dollar a man earns. This amount is lower for women of colour. Religion was used to justify slav-

Religious atrocities have significantly reduced the world’s population with more people killed in the name of God than any other reason.

ery - the greatest displacement of humans in history. The Muslims took the north and east Africa whilst the European Christians subsequently Britain took over West Africa. Biblical scriptures were used to justify this barbarism. Genesis 9:24-27 was interpreted to mean; slavery of Africans is as a result of sin. In the Genesis passage, Africans were said to be the descendants of Ham, the son of Noah, who was cursed by his father for looking at his nakedness. However the “Table of Nations in Genesis 10 while describing the origin of the different races revealed Cush as the forefather of Africans not Canaan. Therefore, Noah’s curse to be a slave of slaves, a slave to his brothers” does not apply to black people but this biased connection Christians made between sin, skin colour and beliefs condemned Africans to slavery. After sailing them across the sea in conditions not suitable for today’s animals, religion was again used to make them submissive. Conversion into Christianity was mandatory and the possibility of being a slave and Christian was drummed into the slaves using Paul’s epistles. which called for slaves to ‘obey their masters’, and Peter’s letters (1 Peter 2: 18-25), which appears to suggest that, it was wholly commendable for Christian slaves to suffer at the hands of cruel masters. Where religion failed to get the desired results the slaves were beaten within an inch of their lives. Religions that preach peace and love to all mankind seem to abandon their philosophy when race is added to the equation. Started at the end of the American civil war in 1865, the Ku-KluxKlan, which was a Christian group believed white people were superior to blacks and wanted them to remain in slavery. They also discriminated against Roman Catholics, Jews and Mexicans. Lynching, hanging without trail on a fiery cross was meted out to blacks without much repercussion. Today, blacks are still marginalised in the States despite the introduction of affirmative action aimed at righting the wrongs of the past. Blacks are more likely to be pulled over than whites, black men are more likely than white to be sent to prison for minor crimes, and blacks more than white live below the poverty line and are dependant on state benefits. Religious atrocities have significantly reduced the world’s population with more people killed in the name of God than any other reason. It is estimated that wrong practice of Christianity is responsible for approximately 17 million deaths. This includes the Crusades, inquisitions and witchcraft trials.

6 December, 2015

makeover

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

Top 10 foods for healthy hair

early every woman wants and deserves healthy hair, and according to a review by Dr Stephanie S. Gardner, practicing dermatologist for the past 20 years, below are some foods to achieve luxurious hair.

leafy greens do too. For thickness When you don’t get enough protein, hair growth “rests.” Since it stops and older hairs fall out, you can have hair loss. To get protein from meat, pick lean options like chicken or turkey, which have less saturated fat than sources like beef and pork.

For shine Fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Your body can’t make these healthy fats, so you have to get them from food or supplements. They help protect you from disease, but your body also needs them to grow hair and keep it shiny and full.

To fight dull locks Have dry hair that’s lost its shine? Sweet potatoes are filled with a good-foryou antioxidant called beta carotene. Your body turns beta carotene into vitamin A. That helps protect against dry, dull hair. It also encourages the glands in your scalp to make an oily fluid called sebum that keeps hair from drying out. You can also find beta carotene in other orange vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe, and mangoes.

For growth Yoghurt is packed with protein, the building block of locks. Greek yogurt also has an ingredient that helps with blood flow to the scalp and hair growth. It’s called vitamin B5 (known as pantothenic acid) and may even help against hair thinning and loss. You may recognise pantothenic acid as an ingredient on hair and skincare product labels.

For circulation Sprinkle cinnamon on your oatmeal, toast, and in your coffee. It helps with blood flow, also called circulation. That’s what brings oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.

To battle brittle hair Like so many dark green leafy vegetables, spinach is full of amazing nutrients. It has tons of vitamin A, plus iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C. These work together for a healthy scalp and mane. They keep your hair moisturised so it doesn’t break. Want to mix it up a little? Kale is another great green choice.

For additional growth Your protein and iron bases are covered when you eat eggs. They’re rich in a B vitamin called biotin that helps hair grow. Not having enough of this vitamin can lead to hair loss. Biotin also helps strengthen brittle fingernails.

To prevent breakage Guava brims with vitamin C. It protects the hair from breaking. One cup of guava has 377 milligrammes of vitamin C. That’s more than four times the minimum daily recommended amount. To prevent loss Getting too little iron

can lead to hair loss. But you can find this impor-

tant nutrient in fortified cereal, grains, and pastas,

and in soybeans and lentils. Beef, especially organ

meats like liver, have lots of it. Shellfish and dark

For fullness Oysters are rich in zinc. When you don’t have enough of this mineral in your diet, you can have hair loss – even in your eyelashes. Cells that build hair rely on zinc to help them work their hardest. You can also find this mineral in beef, crab, lobster, and fortified cereal.

6 December, 2015

relationships

. . . issues, family, sex

How to make his friends like you By Oluwatomisin Akingbolu

or many men, the verdict of their friends regarding a significant other is usually an important factor in deciding on whether or not to settle down with her. As a result, it is equally important for women to make sure they are doing things right, when it comes to being friends with a partner’s acquaintances. Marriage counsellor, Pastor Gideon Adeleye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ososami Chapter, Ibadan, shares tips on how a woman can make her boyfriend’s friends like her: Be humble For a lady to get along with her boyfriend’s friends, she has to be humble. Humility will surely open doors for her from them. Be straightforward A lady has to be as straightforward as possible with her boyfriend’s friends, but even this requires wisdom. If she is not straightforward or lies a lot, when something negative happens, she may not be able to convince her boyfriend of her innocence.

The fastest way to turn your boyfriend’s friends against you is when you treat him badly

Watch your character/attitude A woman should endeavour to respect her boyfriend’s friends, even if they may seem too much to handle. However, this depends on their attitude towards her, the relationship and the boyfriend. Understand the kind of friends they are and make mature decisions about what to do. After all, whatever bad decisions he takes as a result of his friends’ influences, she will share in the consequences. Think of them as your friends Make friends with your boyfriend’s friends. Talk to them; find out what they like and dislike. Don’t pretend with them. Rather, engage in friendly conversation and activities with them as you deem appropriate. Encourage your boyfriend to make time for his friends Now that both of you are dating, your boyfriend should try and make time for his friends so that his friends won’t think you are pulling him away from them. Let them see you as a lady who has a life of her own. You can as well suggest some interesting activities for them but try not to impose. Don’t make plans that will interrupt the activities your boyfriend planned

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

Photo: Super wallpapers

with his friends. Respect the relationship’s privacy If misunderstandings occur between a lady and her boyfriend, it is not right to involve his friends. When we talk about relationship, it involves two people. You don’t have to involve third party in your affairs, because this may eventually lead to breakdown. A woman must learn to control her relationship, especially when it comes to bringing in third parties.

Sunday Tribune

Treat your boyfriend well The fastest way to turn your boyfriend’s friends against you is when you treat him badly. Surprise him with little gifts, and he will surely inform his friends and they will like you better. When there is a misunder-

standing between you and him, they will surely know how to handle it, without being in the middle. P.S. Meeting your boyfriend’s friends is like meeting his second family or his parents. Try to make a good and lasting impression.

10 signs you’re dating the wrong person EACH relationship is different, and some people are more prone to outbursts than others, but there’s a big difference between communicating disagreements and working through them with fighting. According to HuffingtonPost, below are a few pointers to a troubled relationship: People don’t like hanging out with you as a couple Maybe your friends aren’t always busy every Friday night you ask them if they want to join you and your partner at a bar. Instead of getting annoyed or offended, which are both understandable reactions, examine your interaction with your significant other. Your friends dislike your partner Even though when it comes to relationships we think we know best, it’s a good idea to explore why your partner is not your friends’ favourite person. You don’t like your partner’s friends Your partner might be a dreamboat to you, but if they’re hanging out with a bunch of losers, that says a lot. You don’t think about your signif-

icant other during the day When you really like someone, they should be on your mind. They make you feel small Not physically small, but emotionally or mentally “lesser.” You should feel equal to your partner. Be sure that the relationship is balanced. You feel resentful Resentment is a stealthily destructive force in a relationship. When feeling resentful, it’s easy to fall into a silent, simmering case of passive aggression. Fight against this trend and talk about the grudges you’re holding before they eat away everything that’s good in the relationship. You have trust issues What’s a relationship if there’s no trust? They want you to change You should date each other for who you are, not for who you want each other to be. You don’t look forward to being with them At their best, relationships are a source of joy. Is yours?

6 December, 2015

With Akintayo Abodunrin akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk 08111813058

At LABAF, panel discusses 59-year-old book on Niger Delta Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta, written by late Professor Kenneth Dike, was chosen to understand how far the people of the region have come in the last 200 years

HOUGH written 59 years ago, the late Professor Kenneth Dike’s ‘Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta, 1830-1885’, was discussed at a special conversation during last month’s 17th Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) held at Freedom Park, Lagos Island. With the festival theme, ‘Texts of Self Determination’ having been inspired by the memory of the late writer and human rights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, the Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA), organisers of LABAF, decided that the book is still relevant to happenings in Nigeria. “To understand how far the people of the Niger Delta have come in the last 200 years,” CORA’s Secretary General, Toyin Akinosho, offered on why the book was included among the 20 discussed at the festival which ran for three days. Fittingly, the chair of the panel tagged ‘Keys to the Knowledge Economy’, Chief Abdulaziz Ude and the two discussants, Temi Halim and Ed Keazor were up to the task. Ude, founder of Nok Publishers and the first African editor at Double Day, New York who spoke first, held that Nigeria’s history is about trade and politics and that it was all started by trading company, the Royal Niger Company which later metamorphosed into the UAC. He said that the company, expectedly, got involved in the

Chief Abdulaziz Ude politics of their trade and that it later realised that it was better to consolidate its position by turning its area of influence into domination. The quiet philanthropist who funds intellectual causes further noted that no issue in Nigeria could be discussed without trade and politics coming into it, and that the book was written for two major reasons. The first is that it details the economic history of the Niger Delta. Secondly, it highlights the politics of the Niger Delta which is the history and politics of Nigeria. Ude added that the first Nigerian Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan wrote the book at a time Europeans didn’t want us to have history and that they queried Dike’s sources because they didn’t want to acknowledge Nigerians have their own history. “Dike’s book is a very significant piece of

Temi Halim was on the panel history and until we solve the problem of the Niger Delta, we haven’t started to grapple with the issues of Nigeria; issues thrown up by trade and politics. The issue is not just oil; Dubai and Abu Dhabi were developed with oil from their land, sadly the reverse is the case in the Niger Delta,” he said. The publisher of Financial Post also faulted all the interventions in the Niger Delta so far, noting that the Niger Delta

Book on Sam Amuka for launch

Book cover

A book dedicated to one of the leading figures in Nigerian journalism, the founder of The Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Sam Amuka will be launched on December 17 at Simi Johnson, Victoria Island, Lagos office of Quramo Publishing Limited (QPL). The book which is a collection of contemporary thoughts by Jimi Disu, under its Q Books imprint, features some of the finest ideas, drawn from rare and remarkable interviews, from a cross section of famous Nigerian personalities such as Fela’s thoughts on his music and politics; Festus Keyamo’s views on Nigerian justice; TOS Benson’s opinion on the Yoruba tribe; the symbol of Lagbaja’s mask and Pastor Wale Adefarasin’s thoughts about the Pentecostal movement and much more. In this collection, Jimi Disu establishes his skills as a conversationalist and pays homage to the roots of his journalism style, whilst prompting his subjects to reveal their passions, insights and stories to

Book cover paint a picture of contemporary Nigerian life.

Development Corporation (NDDC) and all other agencies have failed. He added that even during the tenure of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who hails from the region, there was no marked improvement in the Niger Delta. Ude lamented that though Saro-Wiwa died for the emancipation of the Niger Delta, nothing has changed in the area. “Nothing has been done about cleaning up the Niger Delta; you see the governors collecting security votes while the people wallow in poverty. This should not be,” he said. Historian, lawyer and art connoisseur, Keazor aligned with Ude, describing “Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta, 1830-1885” as an “extremely important book.” He said it defined the formal history of the Niger Delta and that it proved that Africans were long civilised before the arrival of the Europeans. He likened what Dike did for the Niger Delta with the book with what the late Samuel Johnson did for the Yoruba with ‘History of the Yoruba.” Keazor, who strongly condemned colonialism, regretted that slavery, palm oil and crude oil had since turned out to be the foundation of the Nigerian economy. Culture activist and writer, Halim held that what happened in Nigeria and across Africa was not colonialism but “invasion and subjugation. We have refused to understand the nature of our own problems.” The presenter of the programme Shekere on iGroove radio explained that Europeans “invaded, conquered and set up Prisoner of War camps across Africa which we now call countries. When they could not afford to run the POW camps they appointed African wardens. Sadly, the POW camps were not set up to work, hence the troubled and broken countries that we have across the continent now.” She added that there was trade before Nigeria came into being but that Europeans resorted to colonialism because they needed new markets, especially since India was restive and America had just finished a war. The fact that Benin had cotton merely aided them as they came initially as traders before transforming to missionaries and later conquerors. The trio noted that the current situation needs to be addressed and that Nigeria has to chart her own path of development instead of remaining in a rut. Written in 1956 and based on his doctoral dissertation from the University of London, Dike examined how economic change affected the political and social life of 19th century Nigeria in ‘Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta.’ Though his methodology has since been queried by other Nigerian scholars, it remains an important book on how Nigerians lost out to the British with whom they started out as equals.

27 arts&culture

6 December, 2015

Winners emerge at grand finale of 8th National Art Competition

The three winners with officials of NB Plc and others at the event

The collaboration between Nigerian Breweries Plc and African Artists’ Foundation continues to blossom with the successful completion of the 8th National Art Competition

ABASTINE Ugwuoke on Thursday, November 26 emerged overall winner of the 8th National Art Competition (NAC) sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc and coordinated by the African Artists’ Foundation (AAF). Ugwuoke’s No rest, No Comfort, Confusion Everywhere made with foam with pins on them to represent a visual image of inaccessibility and lack in the midst of plenty, was adjudged the best out of the 12 finalists at the colourful grand finale held at Freedom Park, Lagos Island. Ugwuoke, who got N2 million and a solo exhibition at the AAF for his efforts, was however not the only winner on the night. May Okafor and Ngozi Umeje also went home with N1 million each. While Okafor got the prize for her work, Dear Content, adjudged as the Most Outstanding Production, Umeje’s Against All Odds, fetched her Most Outstanding Concept prize. The other finalists of the competition which had ‘Future Histories’ as its theme, were Adetunwase Adenle, Funmi Akindejoye, Michael Enejison, Chinenye Emelogu and Maryam Kazeem. The others were Stacey Okparavero, Komi Olafimihan, Babatunde Oyeyemi and Folami Razaq. The 12, who were shortlisted from over 100 applications received, were taken on a retreat from August 3 to 6, where emphasis was placed on the process of artistic creation and how the artists can better communicate the core ideas of their works. They were thereafter left to produce their works which were displayed at the Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park on the evening of November 26. Leading artist and former Deputy Rector of the Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Kolade Oshinowo, was head judge of the competition which also had Theo Lawson, Olu Amoda, Omoligho Udenta, Amaka Osakwe, Fauzi Fahm, Bob Aiwerioba and Akeem Lasisi as judges. Speaking earlier before the winners were announced, one of the jurors, Fahm, dis-

closed that appraising the works was “extremely challenging”, but that the judges learnt a lot in the judging process. He also commended the 12 artists for their ingenuity, noting that they brought their backgrounds in fashion, architecture, painting and sculpture to reflect on the brief. Also speaking, Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Nicolaas Vervelde,

described the works produced by the contestants as “mind blowing.” Represented by Kufre Ekanem, the company’s Corporate Advisor, Vervelde, added that it has been eight exciting years of partnering with the AAF to “promote the development of contemporary art in Nigeria, with the objective of raising awareness on relevant social issues, using creative artistic

expressions.” The CEO reiterated the company’s commitment to growing Nigeria’s art and culture through identifying and developing talents in line with its philosophy of ‘Winning with Nigeria’. “Our sponsorship of this competition therefore remains a significant part of a broad spectrum of initiatives which cover diverse areas such as talent development, youth empowerment, interventions in education, health and water across the country,” Vervelde noted. He expressed gratitude to the AAF for its dedication to making the competition a success over the years and told the winners that: “I hope that winning this year’s edition of the National Arts Competition will make a difference in your careers and lead you to greater success.” In a brief remark at the event attended by the Lagos State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Folly Coker and where five members of Dance Na D Main Thing entertained guests with a dance piece, the Head Judge, Oshinowo, praised Nigerian Breweries for backing the festival. Oshinowo, who corroborated Fahm’s earlier statement that judging the art works was not an easy task, however pleaded with NB Plc that the public be given more time to view the works. Fittingly, the company agreed and instead of being dismantled the following day, the works were displayed till Sunday.

AVRS clocks one, seeks cooperation of Nigerians CHAIR, Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS), Mahmood Ali-Balogun, has appealed for the cooperation of Nigerians as the body continues its quest to establish a solid and inclusive collective management regime for the audio visual sector. Ali-Balogun made the appeal in a statement he issued to mark the first anniversary of AVRS, Nigeria’s first and only Collective Management Organization (CMO) for cinematographic works licensed in November 2014 by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC). Giving account of his stewardship so far, Ali-Balogun disclosed that following its approval, the CMO swung into action by organising a series of meetings across the country to enlighten players in the film industry on its purpose, nature and operations as well as their obligations to the Society. He noted that though enervating, the meetings brought an unprecedented boost to the membership of AVRS and that the sensitization drive afforded the CMO the opportunity to interact with major commercial users of audio visual works, including Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) on its obligations to the Society. Aside the meetings, continuous public enlightenment, documentation of members and training for its directors and management staff, Ali-Balogun said that AVRS is collaborating with similar organisations outside Nigeria ahead of the commencement of licensing and distribution of royalties. He said, “Presently, AVRS can boast of an authoritatively large repertoire of audio visual works by hundreds of its members across the country. The Society is also firming up MOUs and agreements for reciprocal representations with sister CMOs and organizations such as the Ugandan Federation of Movie Industry (UFMI), Audio Visual

Ini Edo Rights Society of Ghana, Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS), Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) and the Anti-Counterfeiting Agency of Kenya, among others. “Still in pursuit of the primary objective of ensuring global protection of Nigerian audio visual contents, AVRS has equally initiated high level discussions with relevant international organizations such as the France-based Confederation of International Societies of Authors and Composers, the Geneva-based Association of International Collective Management of Audio Visual Works, and the Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) based in the United States. “With strong international alliances, accreditations and endorsements, AVRS shall not only guarantee global copyright protection and payments for the works of its members in due course, but also achieve the assignment of the International Standard Audio Visual Number (ISAN) for its mem-

Ramsey Nouah bers’ works. ISAN is a peculiar identification number similar to the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) for books, which makes for seamless identification and tracking of audio visual works globally.” The producer of ‘Tango with Me’, who disclosed that AVRS will commence licensing for use of audio visual works from the first quarter of 2016, called on broadcast stations, banks, cable transmitting and retransmitting companies, advertising agencies, hotels, telecoms companies, hospitals, restaurants and relaxation spots and transport companies among others “to cooperate with us and meet their copyright obligations in line with extant laws.” He also requested his colleagues in the creative industries to participate in the ongoing review of the Nigerian Copyright Act and urged the Federal Government to speedily implement the Copyright Levy (on material) order of 2012.

Sunday Tribune

6 December, 2015

glamour

With Tayo Gesinde temiligali03@yahoo.com 0805 472 7801

Nollywood actress, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, broke the heart of many of her fans when she turned her back on acting five years ago after she got married to her beau, Olumide Akande. The talented actress, who recently returned to the screen, speaks with TAYO GESINDE on her experience on the set of the soon to be released movie, Fifty, how she has been combining the home front with acting and her fashion preferences. Excerpts:

How I deal with male admirers —Dakore Egbuson-Akande

Why I don’t look like mother of two HAT was the plan. A lot of mindful eating, exercising and just caring about what I put into my system.

On why I cut my dreadlocks Boredom, I was just tired of it. I had the same hairstyle for 13 years, so it was just time. It wasn’t anyone that said I had to cut it. My husband didn’t say I should cut it. I just decided that I was done with it. I still have them though. I kept them in my safe box for sentimental reasons. I never thought that my hair could grow that long, but I am still sticking with my natural hair but not with dreadlocks. Definition of style Style is neat. Style is how you express yourself. It’s not too much about the clothes you wear; it is how you wear it. Cost of looking good Not a whole lot of money. To be quite honest with you, it is about being smart with the choices you make. Instead of me spending money on buying Coke or Fanta, I would rather buy a juice, so it‘s little things like that. I won’t say it’s seriously expensive. Beauty regimen It’s quite regimented. I wash my face twice a day, unfailingly, just because I wear a lot of make-up to work. I drink a lot of water, vegetables and fruits. Any regret quitting five years ago? Sometimes, I ask myself why I did that. However, I did that because I believed it was time. I believe that God takes us through different stages and at that point in time, it was time for me to focus on another aspect of my life which was as important as my career and that is family and that was the way it happened. I honestly didn’t plan it, but I’m grateful because leaving the scene made me to be more determined to make a huge success of it this time round. The journey so far It wasn’t easy to bounce back. I have been doing a lot of adjusting, a lot of trying different ways, but always trying to make the best of the opportunities I was starting to get

again. When you’ve not been around, some people will be like, ‘are you still working or not?’ People will not even be sure whether to give you script so I had to prove myself all over again. And it happens to a lot of women that had to take time off work to tend to the family. It is always trouble for them to come back into the work space and things have changed but you can’t moan about them. You just have to get in there and compete and do what you have to do. And I knew that if I wanted to come back, I had to make sure I was fit. I had to make sure my time management was better, so that I can plan and juggle all these things. Combining the home front with my career I think it has not been too bad. I have great support system: my mum, my husband and nanny. I have them behind me. So it makes it easier for me when I have to work. My husband and I don’t travel at the same time. If he travels, I have to be home and if I travel, he has to be home. When you have that support, it makes it easier for you. Coping with competition I don’t really believe in competition. I feel like we are all here to fly. There’s enough space in the sky for us all to fly. I don’t look at it like that. I am my competition. I am like, what have I not achieved? What do I want? And that’s what I focus on. I don’t really make it an outward thing because that’s where ugliness comes in and all that ego. I am a competitive person, but I don’t look at it that way. My experience on the set of Fifty I was just excited to go to work everyday. I couldn’t wait to be back on set. It was a professional environment. Everybody knew its place, and it was such a great energy. Everybody came to work, because we all knew it was a special thing; a big deal and we all wanted to show up. Fitting into the character It wasn’t easy, because Tola is crazy and different kettle of fish as a person. I eased into her. We had rehearsals and that really helped. So I started getting a sense of her and her voice just became stronger and stronger and now I couldn’t even notice myself transforming into her, because I was just Tola and my director helped me to always stay within the

perimeter of Tola as a character. She’s very opinionated, very strong but much damaged inside. It was very challenging to be able to play all those nuances, the sensitivity and to also make sure I was able to tell her story, because most women have experienced what Tola had been through. So I had to give it my all. What one needs to succeed in the movie industry Talent is certainly not enough to succeed in this industry and I think it’s very obvious. There are people you heard about yesterday, but you don’t get to hear about them again. Yet, they are talented. Talent is important, but it’s not the only thing. You have to be savvy; you need to keep up with the trends. Sometimes, you should set trends to be able to stand on your own and have the sense of what you are trying to say through your personal brand. So there are many hats to wear. Luckily, the industry is getting professional. But don’t be desperate, because desperation brings “I can do whatever it takes” and with that attitude you won’t even recognise yourself again. For me, I was not desperate. It came to me and I prayed about it. If you don’t have the talent, don’t waste your time. There are many people that have the talent, but are not successful. So don’t do it because that’s what will bring you quick money, but do it, because you are passionate about it. Don’t join the bandwagon. I don’t join the bandwagon, because if everybody is doing something that’s when I don’t want to do it and there are some people

I respect myself and they respect me too they know that this is a woman that respects herself

who just like to follow what is in vogue. Try and make sure you are with your own purpose. Fashion fetish Shoes. I can’t count them. I have a whole lot of shoes that I just hold on to, just because I like the heels, designs or colours. I can’t go through a shoe shop without coming out with at least two or three pairs. Special treat I love to go to spa to get massage. I love to go to the beach. I love nature. I love listening to music; soft lighting, then I’m good. Description of self I will say I’m a calm, easy-going person. Very flirtatious. I love to have fun and I like everyone around me to be happy, but I’m also straightforward and also have high sense of justice. I’m very big on respect. Inasmuch as I’m nice, I have a tough side, a serious mind. Strengths and weaknesses My strength is my compassion, because it helps me in my work. It helps me connect with characters in the field. It’s a bit of a double edged sword too, I also think I have the tendency to be shy. You know, sometimes, I can just go to a place and want to be anonymous and people will be like, ‘oh! It’s Dakore; then I remember I am a celebrity and I will switch on again. But I think my strength definitely is my compassion, I think that shows through my humanitarian works. I’m now the ambassador for Action Aid Nigeria, Amnesty International, UN and various orphanages. You know these are things that will last at the end of the day. My weakness has to do with trust. Sometimes, I feel like I trust the wrong people. So I need to be careful. Assessment of Nollywood Nollywood is doing very well. I’m proud to be a part of Nollywood, now. There was a time when Nollywood was a bit of joke. If you think of anything bad in a film, you think of Nollywood. But now, it has changed. We have the new Nollywood. We have African cinema, where our films are being shown in the cinemas and online and we have more vari-

eties i n terms of quality. You can watch 10 quality films as opposed to before when you had 10 films and only one is good. Now, it’s become the order of the day. We are getting international recognition; collaborations are coming in. For instance, Fifty was screened at London film festival. So it’s a great time to be in Nollywood and I’m happy that I’m still here. What my fans should expect from me They should expect more amazing films, more amazing works from me. I’m going to do my best. I’m determined to go the farthest. The Lord is going to take me and do films like Fifty and, who knows, I may feature in Hollywood movies. I just want to do my best so that when I get to heaven, God will say Dakore, well done. Coping with male admirers My male admirers are very respectful of the fact that I’m married and I think that has to do with the way I comport myself. But then, I’m very professional and they give me my space. So you never hear me in any scandal. I respect myself and they respect me too. They know that this is a woman that re-

spects herself. I’m blessed to have gentlemen as fans, no recklessness or anything. Advice for young people I want to leave them with the quote from my sister Lupita Nyong: Don’t let anything get in your way and don’t be desperate. When you’re desperate, anything goes, but be confident that God brought you into this world with a special gift and a special talent and He will bring you to the place you can express those talents and you will be at peace and have joy and prosperity from it. But don’t live another person’s life. Live your own dream.

aspire

6 December, 2015

Your Life Counts

BY OLAIDE SOKOYA 0807 449 7425 (sms only)

BB pin: 55CBFA49

Media in wrong hands is a dangerous tool —Advert executive Omolara Lamikanra, a content developer/media executive, is the creative head at Shift7 Media. The graduate of Philosophy from the University of Ibadan speaks with OLAKUNLE TAIWO about her career and how Nigerian youths can thrive at this time of economic depression.

ow do you affect the people? Basically, people contact us to write scripts for them, direct and produce commercials, infomercials for them. We also help start up companies brand their businesses and plan marketing strategies. We are also spreading our tentacles to stage plays. With your experience in media and public relations, how would you describe the use of media in our contemporary society? Media has always been a vehicle of transformation and like I love to say, media is a tool of revolution. In our time, media has been aided by new discoveries and technology and the power of media has been doubly-enhanced. Just a few years ago, we experienced the Arab Spring; an uprising that started with the media. In the society today, I make bold to say media is possibly the easiest and most effective tool for change. Unfortunately though, this change and this revolution are not always positive. We have seen how media has been used to influence people negatively. This is why we need people who will use media right, because in the wrong hands, media is a dangerous tool. You are young but married, how do you still cope as an entrepreneur and a wife? It has been by God’s grace. God is the one who can infuse strength into a person and make her capable of assuming such tasks. Secondly, I am married to an amazing man. When you marry your friend who supports your dreams, being married becomes an advantage, not a disadvantage. When people ask how I am able to cope, I tell them that I don’t cope, I thrive! You studied philosophy as a course but ended up in media, what is the link? If you study philosophy in school, you are equipped to do nothing and everything; it’s your choice. I have always wanted to do media. I also wanted to study philosophy, I didn’t settle for it. I studied philosophy because I was told that it expands your mind, which is true. You need a broadened mindset to do media. You need to be able to think deep. Besides I hope to have a doctorate degree in Media Philosophy someday. You recently bagged an award on one of your movie productions. Why do you think you deserve the accolade? The panelists that gave me the award are the ones that really knew why they thought I deserved that award. As much as I wanted to win, I felt like there was a fierce competition. What I realise though is that my work specifically addressed a social vice (rape and domestic abuse) and the panelists thought it was deep. What’s your next line of action? We are organising a broad way show this December in Ibadan. We are taking stage plays beyond people just acting on stage. We are combining music, dance, poetry and digital media to produce something very thrilling. We believe that media is a weapon stronger than guns and if you use that weapon, you can cause a very tangible change.

Lamikara How would you advise young people who are interested in what you do? I would say that they had better be really interested. Sometimes, we young people are carried away by glamorous and shiny things and media can be glamorous. But it also has thorns and you need to really be interested to be able to stay through it all. What do you want the government to do for the youths? I think the greatest gift the government can give to the youths is to create an equal playing field for us all. Let no one have an undue advantage, because they have some political powers backing them up. Let everyone get an access to quality education and when they get out, provide a platform for them to thrive if they are truly driven.

I make bold to say media is possibly the easiest and most effective tool for change. Unfortunately though, this change and this revolution are not always positive.

Sunday Tribune

by Tunde Jaiyebo 0803 406 2013

Just aresolution thought Conflict (I) (1) LIFE is a web of relationships. And wherever there are relationships, there is bound to be conflicts, crisis and misunderstanding. “Human beings and human groups need time to deal with emotional and relational issues. . . . Groups spend 60 percent of the time . . . working. . .The remainder is used for group maintenance, dealing with interpersonal issues that arise, and the like” -Susan Wheelan. We cannot go through life if we keep running from conflicts. "The more we run from conflict, the more it masters us; the more we try to avoid it, the more it controls us; the less we fear conflict, the less it confuses us; the less we deny our differences, the less they divide us."-David Augsburger Our lives cannot count if we shy away from the responsibility to resolve conflicts that arise in the course of our journey in life. We must realize that conflicts are inevitable and our attitude at such times is critical. A wrong attitude to conflicts will greatly impede our relationships with people. "There's been a quantum leap technologically in our age, but unless there's another quantum leap in human relations, unless we learn to live in a new way towards one another, there will be a catastrophe." -Albert Einstein Unresolved conflict causes stress and this ultimately will have a knock-on effect on productivity. Unresolved conflict is a cancer that destroys inter-personal relationships and when interpersonal relationship is strained, cooperation among people is almost impossible. Unresolved conflict adversely affects the morale of people. Unresolved conflict also is a major cause of competitive jealousy and the existence of camps and cliques. We all must acquire skills in conflict resolution and there are some things we need to know if we are to be good conflict resolution managers. We must understand that conflict and misunderstanding among people is not strange. Wherever we have two people, conflict is bound to occur. We cannot all agree about everything every time. Like someone said, if we agree about everything every time, then, someone is not thinking. A measure of conflict is needed for healthy relationships. “Conflict prevents the ossification of the social system by exerting pressure for innovation and creativity."-Lewis Coser To expect that everybody will agree with us every time is to live in a fool’s paradise. "In business, when two people always agree, one of them is irrelevant." William Wrigley It is, therefore a fact of life that conflicts will always occur in every relationship. There will be conflict among friends. There will be conflict between spouses. There will be family conflict. There will be conflict among groups and among nations. Conflict and life are partners but we owe it a duty that the partnership is beneficial and not destructive. "Every conflict we face in life is rich with positive and negative potential. It can be a source of inspiration, enlightenment, learning, transformation, and growth - or rage, fear, shame, entrapment, and resistance. The choice is not up to our opponents, but to us, and our willingness to face and work through them." -Kenneth Cloke and Joan Goldsmith We must not view life as a battle else we will be living in and out of conflict. We must know what conflict to tackle and which one to just allow to die a natural strength. "To make life more bearable and pleasant for everybody, choose the issues that are significant enough to fight over, and ignore or use distraction for those you can let slide that day. Picking your battles will eliminate a number of conflicts, and yet will still leave you feeling in control."-Lawrence Balter For enquiries/comments please send email to charismokola@yahoo.com

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

thepolity Issues as Oyo Assembly lawmakers boycotted plenary Recently, members of the Oyo State House of Assembly boycotted plenary to express their displeasure over unpaid wages, prompting the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi to intervene in the situation. Though the lawmakers have since ‘called off the strike,’ resuming plenary after some days, MOSES ALAO and WALE AKINSELURE write on the issues and controversies that prompted the lawmaker’s decision and whether it’s now Uhuru in the state Assembly.

N November 19, 2015, the Oyo State House of Assembly became the cynosure of all eyes, following the decision of 20 members of the 32-member assembly to boycott the day’s sitting over unpaid salaries and allowances. These members flipped the lid off a laden disquiet that has burgeoned since the eighth Assembly was inaugurated by state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on June 10, 2015. In August, Minority Leader of the House, Honourable Olagunju Ojo, had provided a precursor to the boycott action when he declared that all had not been well with members of the assembly since inauguration. Ojo voiced the lamentation of members over the non-receipt of their running cost allowance, constituency allowance, transport allowance, housing allowance and their salaries. He described what members had, so far, received from government as stipends. That boycott, however, became full blown with news getting into town that all 32 members of the House had decided to embark on strike a week later. The strike, which lasted only a few days, had shocked watchers of political events in the states, with most of them divided on a development that was considered weird and intriguing. Though the strike was halted following last Monday evening’s meeting with Governor Ajimobi at his residence, political observers have not ended discussions on what went wrong and whether similar things would not happen in the not-too-distant future given the circumstances that led to the failure of government to honour its commitments on the lawmakers’ allowances and salaries. According to them, the dwindling resources of the states following the decline in the international oil market and continued reduction in allocations accruing to Oyo State was solely responsible for the failure of government to meet the commitments. They added that it was clear that such challenges would arise following the state government’s inability to pay workers’ salaries for over four months until it received a bailout from the Federal Government. As a result of the biting paucity of funds, state governors recently insisted that they could no longer pay the N18,000 minimum wage. Similarly, the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Zamfara State governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, disclosed at the weekend that governors were faced with the options to either reduce salaries of workers or retrench. These developments, political observers noted, were sufficient reasons the legislature in Oyo State became victims of the trying times though the state government should not have allowed the situation to get out of hand to the point of lawmakers embarking on strike. However, some of the observers questioned the decision of the lawmakers to boycott sitting for days, calling for their sacrifice in the face of dwindling allocation to states, especially since workers were facing the same situation without going on strike. But some of the lawmakers justified the action, noting that while they had been diligent in the performance of their constitutional duties, to including presence at sittings twice or three times a week aside from oversight functions, the executive failed to fulfill its financial obligations to the legislature, culminating in the low morale among the lawmakers. According to the members, justified the performance of their duties with the consideration of bills, including the Revenue Administration bill, Self-Accounting bill, bill to

Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo State

Honourable Michael Adeyemo, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly

repeal Oyo State laws, bill to reconstitute ministries, bill for a law to provide for the Establishment of Oyo State Meat and Abattoir Regulatory Authority and for Connected Purposes. Also, they listed some motions considered at plenary like the one requiring Governor Ajimobi to constitute the governing council for Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki and Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa, motion on exploitative practices of filling stations in Oyo State, morbid state of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. Members had also referred to oversight functions performed by the Assembly on the IPMAN Ibadan depot crisis, security cases at LAUTECH, among others. A member of the House, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The boycott was a failure of several efforts by the leadership of the House to suppress the looming crisis. Members were aware of the fact that principal officers, in being loyal, may not overtly participate in the planned boycott; that was why a majority of the members took their destiny into their own hands. My brother, all of us are badly affected and we knew we had to do something, because the hope of many members to settle the debts they incurred on electioneering once they got to office has been dashed. Many others have also acquired loans running into tens of millions to settle tribunal cases as well as members’ demands. Some of us could not even attend to family challenges. You know what I am talking about? People see you as a member of the House and think you have become a big man but in truth, it has not been easy.” The member representing Ibadan South-East I, Honourable Fatai Adesina, also said the action was expedient because the situation had become unbearable for lawmakers. He said: “We have not received furniture allowance, salary, car allowance. We need these allowances so that the public does not see us as part of the executive. What we have re-

ceived so far is part payment of July and August salaries and running cost allowance. Since that time, nothing has been paid to any lawmaker. Our furniture allowance has not been paid. As a result, we use our personal money to run our offices since inauguration of the House in June.” Commenting on the situation, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Alhaji Yinka Taiwo, criticised the governor for what he described as the insensitivity of the executive to the legislature, noting that the strike action by lawmakers casted a blight on the “legislative heritage of Oyo State, which dates back to the pre-independence days.” Taiwo carpeted Senator Ajimobi for the development, noting that the state government should never have allowed the legislative arm to face financial crisis to the extent of its members embarking on strike given the importance of that arm of government to the development of the state. “Though the governor oversaw four years of financial abundance, he failed to save for rainy days. Now, he must put on his thinking cap and find solutions to the myriad of challenges facing our people, ranging from lack of salaries for jobs done to gnashing unemployment and general stalemate in governance,” he said. But those close to government commended the governor for the quick and efficient way he handled the situation with the lawmakers, noting that the economic situation in the country and not the governor’s insensitivity was solely responsible for the situation. At the meeting between Ajimobi and four representatives of the 32-members Assembly, the lawmakers, Sunday Tribune presented their case to Ajimobi, who assured that the arrears would be cleared as soon as the finances of the state improved. Following the rapproachment reached by Continues

pg 34

interview

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Battle for Mar

Mark has not brought development t Onjeh is one of the beneficiaries of M The APC senatorial candidate, Honourable Daniel Onjeh, who floored ex-Senate president, Senator David Mark, at the Appeal Court in Benue State, spoke with newsmen on the judgment and his chances of winning the rescheduled election. JOHNSON BABAJIDE presents the excerpts:

HAT would be your comment on the verdict given by the Appeal Court as regards senatorial elections in Benue South? We thank God for His providence. And let me express my heartfelt and most profound gratitude to the good and long-suffering people of Benue South senatorial district, whose liberation is at hand.

There are questions to ask David Mark over this assertion: was it Senator George Akume or Governor Ortom that prevented him from bringing the dividend of democracy and development to Benue South? What happened to Senator Mark’s 2012 constituency project? Was it diverted by the duo of Akume and Ortom? I am calling on Senator Mark to stop the diversionary tactics of blaming his failure to provide quality representation to Benue South on the Tivs. I wish I had the support of Akume and company, I would have had the needed resources to protect the ballot boxes, and would not have spent money going to the tribunal. One should ask Mark whether in all the years the PDP claimed to be winning, the PDP ever supported a member of the opposition. So, why should the support of Tiv members of the APC be an issue?

So, what is your take on the rescheduled election? Senator David Mark claims the people of Benue South are solidly behind him because he has brought them to the limelight. This is a gratuitous insult on the collective sensibility of the people of Benue South. First and foremost the Idoma nation and Benue South as a whole have been blessed with qualified people in all fields of human endeavours, and who have held positions of responsibility and have greatly contributed to the development of Benue South. For the eight years that David Mark was the No. 3 citizen in Nigeria, including the last four years when he was the de facto president, the standard of living of the people of Benue South deteriorated greatly and his position did not translate into any development for his Senatorial zone for state. Are you saying his claim of support from his constituency is, therefore, preposterous? How can the people want him back in the Senate when presently he is not chairing any significant committee and is permanently mute in the 8th Senate? Is it not a waste of Benue South’s slot? Or was Mark aware that since he did not win the last election and will be thrown out, only waiting for the inevitable, hence his complete lack of interest in legislative business? He has already served for 16 years in the Senate, half of this as the third highest ranking Nigeria, yet the road in Benue South is not motorable; it is a death trap. The Senatorial zone he claims wants him back has no potable water, no electricity and is completely disconnected from Nigeria. Would the people of Benue South endure another four years of Mark as their representative, for a total of 20 years representation without development? Absolutely no. Mark had previously used the

Honourable Daniel Onjeh

creation of Apa State and the fact that he was Senate president, but this strategy is now expired and untenable. So he is now claiming to be the facilitator of a College of Health Science in Benue South District. What will you say of your alleged romance with Tiv politicians? Senator Mark has been whipping up

ethnic sentiments in Benue State by claiming that I am being sponsored by Senator George Akume and Governor Samuel Ortom, who are both Tivs to undermine the Idoma. How pathetic! The duo are from Benue and are said to be his friends. They are both members of the APC and it is only right and proper they support me as an APC member.

On the reversal of Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo approved by immediate past administration, what would you say to that? The College of Health Science transferred to Benue South was cancelled, because it did not follow due process. Buhari does not hate Benue South people. Senator Mark should have followed due process and brought federal presence to our people, which he never did in 16 years. As the youth leader of Buhari’s campaign, l am in a better position to bring the dividend of democracy to the good people of Benue South. They should not be resorted to negative sentiment against President Muhammadu Buhari or their Tiv brothers. Senator Mark should have left the stage when the ovation was loudest. It is probable his lawyers and advisers have not been telling him the truth, but only what he wanted to hear. His boast that he will win the rerun election a hundred times is a sign of panic and desperation. This is the time, the first time ever, for him to test his popularity in a free and fair contest under a president who won in a free and fair contest and an INEC that cannot be compromised. Boasting of winning a hundred times is just an empty boast. All votes obtained by David Mark with few allocated to me were predetermined. That is why he was declared winner while votes were still going on in seven out of nine local governments.

interview

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

rk’s seat

to Idoma — Onjeh Mark’s scholarship scheme —Adakole As the Court of Appeal judgment on former Senate President, Senator David Mark, continues to generate controversies among politicians across the nation, his campaign publicity director, Dr Adakole Elijah, spoke with JOHNSON BABAJIDE on the judgment, the wish of Idoma nation among other issues. EXCERPTS:

OW do you see judgment delivered by the Appeal Court nullifying Senator David Mark’s electoral

victory? We are trying to protect history because human judgment will come and go; historical judgment will come and go but divine judgment is the ultimate. We have accepted the judgment of the Appeal Court nullifying the election of our leader, Senator David Mark, in good fate, but there are pertinent questions we want to ask and there are things we want to present to the public I strongly believe that the judgment is shallow and defies all legal logic. The grounds of the judgment are that the returning officer for Benue South Senatorial district in the last senatorial election signed the returning sheets on 28, March, 2015, whereas the result sheets from all the nine local government areas make up of the senatorial district which were endorsed by the participating party agents, including the PDP and APC, reflected 29 March, 2015. The fact that all the agents of the parties signed the result sheets from the various polling units, wards and local government areas show that the election was valid, but the Appeal Court used Justice Zainab Buckachuwa ruling on Mark and Usman Abubakar case of 2011. Unfortunately this reference authority was wrong; what Justice Buckachuwa said was that election is like a pyramid. It drove from down to the top and you cannot stay at the top and quash any election that has properly taken place from the beginning. This means that the election that has not been challenged at the poling unit, ward level and local government level cannot be nullified by the returning officer. This is what the Appeal Court judges misapplied in this case when it said that the tribunal ought to have taken cognizance of the result sheets where all the agents signed. The APC candidate never challenged the figure from the election, his petition only hinged on the issue that when the election was still going on, David Mark had been declared winner. The constitution empowers the court to set aside the declaration of the returning officer and then collate the figure, especially when there are no conflicts in the figure from poling units to local government levels to ascertain whether the figure

prompted such reaction? That is a multimillion naira question every right-thinking member of the state is asking. Without prompting, no one was accusing anybody. We were yet to digest the judgment and the state government quickly went and denied not having a hand in it. That act has given them out, but Mark is not bothered by their primitive and barbaric politics going on in the state. One thing is certain, if Mark contests election in Idoma hundred times, he will win hundred times.

Adakole Elijah

is in tandem with what the result sheet. So, what the Appeal Court has done was to hinge on the error by the returning officer to void the election of Senator Mark, and looking at it legally, there has been judgment from Appeal Court where discrepancies in date were subject of argument and the judge ruled that date cannot invalidate election if it does not conflict with figures from poling units, ward levels to local government. Secondly, the Appeal Court also erred when it relied on rejected collation sheets by the lower tribunal, the reason the lower tribunal gave for rejecting it was that it was not pleaded by the petitioner, no appeal against that ruling by tribunal, but we were surprised that the appellate court help the petitioner to resurrect it. Now that the case has terminated

at the Appeal Court, there is little or nothing one can do. What is the next step of action? Yes, it is true it has reached terminal stage. That is why I said earlier that we accept it in good fate, but one thing is that I consider it necessary to get the copy of the judgment and ask our legal team to study it very well and perhaps take it up to the Nigeria Judicial Commission. Unfortunately, five days after the judgment was delivered our legal team is yet to get the copy of that judgment only God knows why the delay. Barely one hour after the judgment was delivered, Benue State governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, hurriedly went on to deny his government involvement in the verdict of the court. What do you think

The APC candidate, while speaking to newsmen, described the 16years of Mark in the Senate as a waste, saying the man has not achieved anything? If Mark has not done anything to his constituents, I’m proud to let you know that the same man (Onjeh) was among the 12,000 beneficiaries of Mark’s scholarship programme. I am one of the directors of this foundation. What of the construction of federal roads like Loko bridge, which is 75 per cent concluded, Oweto road, which is 80 per cent completed. Mark attracted multipurpose dam to the tune of N17 billion at Otobi Apa, construction of blocks of classrooms across the nine local government areas, the one in Ogbadibo where the APC man comes from was sited in his village, Adumoona, rural roads at Obi and Oju. The same Mark brought federal university of health sciences to Idoma land, but it will interest you to know that Onjeh’s APC government has reversed the approval of last administration establishing what is supposed to be first of its kind in Nigeria. What is the feeling of Idoma people concerning the rerun? Well it is too early to say anything now, but one thing I know is that Idoma people will not allow anyone who will want to rubbish the pride of the nation by serving as a stooge, a lackey and attack mockery of our traducers to represent them. Mark has placed Idoma nation on the map of Nigeria. As a minority in the Nigerian context, we need strong character like Mark to fight our cause. It will be foolhardy for Idoma people to toil with their future. When the time comes, the Idoma people will surely talk.

thepolity

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘State assemblies should have autonomy’ Continued from

pg 31

the governor and the lawmakers, culminating in their return to holding sittings as scheduled and continuous performance of their statutory duties as legislators, the Assembly members resumed sitting on Tuesday, December 1, 2015. The members have continued to groan, in muffled tones, over their displeasure at the executive for failure to settle about three months of unpaid salaries and allowances. When the Assembly was inaugurated on June 10, the Speaker, Honourable Micheal Adeyemo, had assured that the lawmaking business of the eighth Assembly would be as transparent as possible and that the leadership would be fair to everyone. Adeyemo had assured of the cooperation of the eighth Assembly with the executive arm of government towards a well-coordinated direction in governance and politics in the state. Both returning and new members of the House had expressed high hopes the quality lawmaking experience. However, about six months since their inauguration, members bemoan that the high expectations with which they assumed office has hit rock bottom, just as motivation to continue to perform has been dwindling, with the leadership of the House being questioned about the manner it has been handling the affairs of the House before the executive. Honourable Adeyemo affirmed that the decision of the lawmakers to clamour for improvement in their welfare was legitimate, appealing to lawmakers on the need to be more

diplomatic in addressing their grievances. “We don’t put condition to our sitting. The business and rules committee informs us that we have a job to do, and we sit. We are elected representatives. If the workers have been working without getting salary; we are responsible individuals and the issue of unpaid allowances should not stop us from performing our legislative work. We will continue to do it,” he said. But beside the grouse of members over unpaid wages, members have also begun to express reservations over the running of the House, citing the failure to constitute House committees till date and why sittings do not hold whenever the Speaker was not available. The member representing Oyo East/Oyo West constituency, Honourable Muideen Olagunju, noted that non-formation of committees meant the House was being run in a straitjacketed manner, saying: “It is negatively amazing that up till now, we have not been able to form committees. I expect us to hit the ground running. Unfortunately, we are still stalling on certain critical aspects, which include forming committees. Committees make things work faster and more effectively. This is the sixth month of this Assembly and we are still in the process of doing things in a straitjacketed way. This is not encouraging for me who had looked forward to hitting the ground running.” On not allowing the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Abdulwasiu Musa, to preside when he was away in Ilorin for the Conference of Speakers, Honourable Adeyemo “the LAUTECH issue was pressing at the moment and members had resolved to

utilise the day to travel to Ogbomoso and attend to other oversight functions, as the committees had been given a deadline to make their findings and submit their report to the House.” With the executive solely in charge of determining the finances that can be assessed by the legislature, meetings have continued to be held between the Assembly leadership and the governors. But for many members, particularly first term members, it has been a mixed experience. Most of those in this group have noted that the motivation to perform their legislative duties to the optimum level has continued to in the wake of unpaid wages, with observations showing that despite the ceasefire, things are not yet Uhuru, as the ceasefire was predicated on the payment of the funds owed the lawmakers based on expected improvement in the finances of the state. But a former Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Michael Okunlade, has, however, noted that the House of Assembly members might face the current crisis more than once if things continue the way they are economically, noting that the finances of the state might not improve impressively if it continues to depend on the allocations from Abuja. He called on the governor to quickly explore other options of raising funds, just as he noted that the House might continue to run into troubled waters if it continues to be tied to the apron string of the executive, noting that the much-sought-after autonomy for Houses of Assembly, which will put its funding in the first line charge, is the only solution to the problem.

opinion Ambode’s red card to criminals By Ayodeji Afolabi

F there had been doubts about Governor Akinwumi Ambode’s policy to rid Lagos State of criminals, such was laid to rest on Friday, November 27, 2015. It is also instructive to note that for Ambode’s critics who have unfairly concluded he has no answer to the security challenges in the state, they have been proved wrong by the presentation of various security vehicles and equipment to the police to combat crime. Here is a checklist of the N4.8billion worth of vehicles and equipment handed over to the police by Governor Ambode; 100 4-Door Salon cars, 55 Ford Ranger pick-ups, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser pick-ups, 15 BMW power bikes, 100 power bikes, Isuzu trucks, three (3) helicopters, two(2) gun boats, 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers, revolving lights, siren and public address system, Vehicular Radio Communicators, security gadgets including bullet proof vests, helmets, handcuffs, uniforms, kits and Improved Insurance and Death Benefit Schemes for officers. The above is a comprehensive package geared towards fighting crime in Lagos. While we cannot deny the fact that there was an upsurge of crime in Lagos in recent times after Ambode had hardly settled down as governor, it is unfair to conclude that he is not doing anything about it. We should take cognisance of the fact that policing a city-state like Lagos can’t be a tea party. It, indeed, involves huge investment in security equipment in assisting the police to effectively police the city. While we all know that previous governments also committed huge resources in assisting the police in the area of equipment, logistic and training, we should not forget that this gesture must be continuous for the police to remain focused and active in combating crime. There is no doubt that most of the vehicles that were bought for the police in the past had become unserviceable; many of the equipment have either become outdated or faulty, gadgets have become faulty or obsolete. This means that these must be replenished and modern equipment must be provided for the police. What Ambode has done is to restore confidence in Lagosians that their safety as well as that of their property is assured. It is also a red card to criminals who have devised new ways of making life hellish for Lagos residents. These criminals suddenly found it easier to rob unchallenged inside traffic gridlock while they have also discovered that waterways have provided a shield for their ne-

farious activities. But the criminals who I am sure would watch the presentation ceremony which was televised live, would have had a rethink by now. The power bikes would come handy in apprehending traffic robbers while the helicopters would be used for surveillance and transmission of information to the security agents on ground. The gun boats will no doubt put the fear of God into the creek robbers who rely on speed boats to get away after robbing their victims. Helicopters and gunboats will put these creek robbers in check. Bank robbers will also have a rethink as the Armoured Personnel Carriers will be deployed at short notice. I cannot agree less with the Minister of the Interior, Lt Gen Abduraman Dambassau, who represented President Buhari at the occasion, when he called on men of the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that the equipment is preserved through diligent maintenance culture in order to justify the huge resources expended. The Inspector -General of Police, Solomon Arase, who was also at the occasion was so impressed that he made a promise on behalf of his men that they will be more alive to their responsibilities with the new vehicles, equipment and gadgets presented by the state government because to whom much is given, much is expected. Ambode did not stop at providing vehicles and gadgets but he provide for the welfare and insurance of men and officers of the police. The involvement of the police high command and the Minister of Interior in the effort to combat crime in Lagos state underscores Ambode’s capability to confront the security challenges of Lagos state head-on as a team player who believes that the issue of security involves all critical stakeholders. The minister of the interior, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, was so fascinated with Ambode’s

gesture that he enjoined other governors to emulate him. The first thing that comes to the mind of an average Lagosian with the display of the sophisticated equipment and weapons is psychological relief that alas, we can sleep with our eyes closed. There will be no more excuses on the part of the police that there is no patrol vehicle, no bullet proof vest, no gunboat to combat waterways robbers etc. The new items presented to the police have started yielding results as the State Commissioner of police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, has increased the police presence at dark spots in the state from about 165 locations to over 200 by adding an addition 85 or thereabout. This is possible because of the new vehicles and gadgets. Apart from the vehicles and equipment presented to the police, Ambode still has a lot of job to do in terms of easing the traffic gridlock in the state which gave the robbers the chance to operate in the first place. While Lagosians have noticed a tremendous improvement in the traffic gridlock in the state in recent times due to the collaborative effort of the various drivers’ unions who are now Special Traffic Marshals and the enforcement of traffic rules, the situation could still be better if this tempo is maintained. Little wonder he told the police authorities that Lagosians would no longer accept any excuses after the huge investment his government has committed on the vehicles, equipment, gadgets, training and their insurance. What Ambode has done is to take the security agents to the public court and tell them that he has played his own part leaving the rest to the police. This is the best way to go as the whole world now shift attention on how the security agents utilise the items presented to them to the benefit of the general public. As the Chief Security Officer of the state on whose table the buck stops, Ambode has demonstrated that he is in charge and on top of the security situation in the state. Be that as it may, the Federal Government whose responsibility it is to kit and supply equipment and gadget to the police should not abandon this role to state governments. If Lagos state government is buoyant to invest such a colossal sum on the police, what of other states that are not so buoyant but with security challenges? As Lagosians basked in the euphoria of the new equipment and gadgets presented to the police to secure them and their property, we hope the police will reciprocate the gesture as promised by the IGP by chasing the criminals out thereby making the state safe and secured. • Afolabi writes from Surulere.

35 thepolity

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Any government that fails to look inwards now for revenue will crash —Adelusi, Ekiti CPS Idowu Adelusi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti State governor, Governor Ayodele Fayose, speaks with TAYO GESINDE on efforts by the Ekiti State government to raise its internally-generated revenues, among other issues. Excerpts:

he Ekiti State House of Assembly recently declared Governor Ayodele Fayose as Nigeria’s leader of the opposition; what necessitated this? I see the House recognition of Governor Ayodele Fayose as leader of the opposition in Nigeria as an endorsement of his performance. You know the members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly are representing the 26 constituencies in the state. By and large, Ekiti people have spoken through these honourable members of the House that they are in support of Governor Fayose and that they appreciate the way he has been administering the state since October 16, 2014. Don’t you think that the action of the honourables can cause controversy amongst PDP members, even at national level? I don’t think that would generate any controversy. The House has aired its own opinion and you know that when you call someone a leader, that person has to be recognised at home first before being recognised nationally or globally. And you know Chief Obafemi Awolowo started as a Yoruba leader before he was later accepted nationally and globally as leader of the opposition. So, the House has spoken and the Ekiti people have aired their opinion. Ayo Fayose has been the lone voice of the oppressed, the lone voice checkmating the ruling party. While others are refusing to talk for fear of harassment and intimidation, Fayose has come out and has continued to articulate the views of the opposition and that is why the Ekiti people have appreciated him, not only for the good work he has been doing in Ekiti State but also for standing as the lonely voice opposing the tyrannical politics of the Buhari administration. Recently, Ekiti State introduced N1,000 tax on a slaughtered cow for butchers, and another form of tax on transporters, as parts of its steps to shore up the state’s revenue. Don’t you think this could cause friction between the people, since some people have already protested against the development? It cannot cause any friction. These people you are referring to are the same people who voted Ayo Fayose as governor of Ekiti State. And they are expecting good governance from the governor. When you talk of good governance you are talking about maintaining peace and stability. It entails overall development of the state, economically, morally, physically and socially. And for a governor to be able to perform and deliver the dividends of democracy, money must be available, since development can’t be done in isolation. And you know that what is coming into the state as monthly federal allocation is far below what is expected, as the money in question reduces each month. For instance, the last one that came in October was N1.4 billion, and the total monthly wage bill of Ekiti State is N2.6 billion, including the subventions to the Ekiti State University, College of Education, and Ikere, College of Health Technology in Ijero, Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, teachers’ and workers’ salaries, among others. That means if you deduct what has come from N2.6 billion, you have N1.2 billion shortage and that necessitated the need for the government to look inwards to shore up the state revenue. If the people want to continue to enjoy the peace and security that we now have, if the people want to continue to enjoy the streetlights in Ekiti, there must be diesel to power the generator. If the people want water to continue to flow in their pipes, there is need to buy chemicals and all these are bought with money. So, the government has to look inwards. Even governments of other states also need to look inwards to augment the allocation coming from FG and shore up internally generated revenue.

But considering the fact that Ekiti people are alien to these taxes, is it not likely to cause friction between them and the governor who is seen as a man

Idowu Adelusi

of the people? Truth is that any government that refuses to look inwards now will soon crash. And that is why the governor himself explained to the people that you elected me and you want dividends of democracy from me, there is a need for little tax and the money realised from these taxes will be used for the development of the state and for the benefit of the people. Although, as expected, there were pockets of protests here and there, but now the affected people have come to realise that there is a need for them to make some sacrifices. The butchers in question have agreed and are already paying the N1,000. N1,000. The money is for government to maintain the abattoir, provide water, pack of the dirt and other things. It is the government that takes care of them all. The abattoir workers too are being paid by the government and so on. And look at all these patent medicine shop owners, many of them have been operating for long without regularised documents. They have not also been paying tenement rates. Even the banks and other institutions where the state should be generating IGR have been left unexplored for so long. Nothing is being generated from them. And now that we have a reasoning governor who has started to look inwards to generate revenue for the state, the people have welcomed the idea. And let me tell you, why these people could reason with the governor and support him is because they have seen his transparency and accountability in running the affairs of the state. They know he cannot steal their money. Govenor Fayose is the only governor in Nigeria who would announce the federal allocation coming to the state at the end of the month to all the members of the public. Not only that, he is the only the governor who has constituted a committee of stakeholders in the state who would meet to deliberate on how to share the allocation as it comes. In the history of Nigerian politics, I have not seen a situation where the governor would give the power of appropriation to the people. Money coming to the states is usually solely appropriated by the governors and that is why, in

most cases, the people do not know how much comes to the state coffers from the FG. What are the projects that are matters of priority to the state government now? The Erekesan market, otherwise known as Oja Oba, in Ado-Ekiti, happens to be the biggest market in Ekiti and it is very ancient, but the market is now a slum, shanty. The last time it was gutted by fire, it caused serious damage, because the fire fighters who had arrived at the scene on time could not gain access to the inner areas of the market where the fire gutted. There was no thoroughfare at all, because the rowdy nature of the market had blocked all routes. Look at Fayose market, which he built during his first tenure, that place in Ajilosun was a slum. In fact, a dumpsite. It had been an abandoned area for many years and even there were superstitious beliefs that the place was forbidden for human activity. But the governor, through a strong political will, turned it into a commercial centre that has created a lot of great opportunities for the Ekiti people. It is that same political will that the governor is exercising now with the Erekesan market. And thank God, the place has been demolished now and the construction of a modern market would soon commence. Another priority project of Governor Fayose is the airstrip project which in the future will be expanded to a full-fledged airport. And by God’s grace, before the end of next year, airplane would land in Ekiti. The third priority project is a flyover in the state capital. This flyover would have been built by Governor Fayose during his first term in office if he had not been ousted. Governor Fayose always scores first in developing the state. He is the first governor to build the Ekiti State Governor’s Office, Government House. First to dualise the roads in the state capital and first to build the multipurpose Adetiloye Hall, first to build the trade fair in Ekiti Sate and so on. And he would be the first governor to build an airstrip in Ekiti, a modern market and a flyover.

interview

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

How CRU’ll make police serve Nigerians better —Shogunle The 18th indigenous Inspector General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase recently inaugurated a new project tagged Complaint Response Unit (CRU), aimed at bringing the police closer to the citizens, which it is supposed to service. The Officer in charge of the CRU, a project aimed at stopping impunity in the force and making the police a citizen-friendly force, CSP Abayomi Shogunle speaks with CHRIS AGBAMBU and ADETOLA BADEMOSI on what the first-of-its-kind project in the sub-Saharan Africa intends to achieve.

HAT is the background on the CRU programme? It is a community-based reporting mechanism where members of the public can report their complaints and queries about policing activities and solutions are provided and the complaints are resolved in real terms. Can you give instances of countries where this project have worked out? Let me start by saying that based on the study I have carried out, the Nigeria Police is the first police force that would carry out this kind of elaborate complaint and reporting mechanism using different platforms. Based on the studies I carried out, I have discovered that other police forces around the world have carried out similar things but they are not this elaborate. For instance, the New Delhi police in India, sometimes in 2010, introduced the use of WhatsApp messaging to try to resolve the issue of corruption among their officers. They provided a number on WhatsApp where members of the public in New Delhi could report corruption cases against police officers. But WhatsApp is only one of the seven other platforms we have provided and I have also done a check and discovered that Nigeria Police is the only police force all over the world at the moment that will take distress calls using social media. Even police forces in the most developed countries still discourage members of the public from reporting distress calls through the social media but Nigeria Police will be taking distress calls on social media through the use of Facebook, WhatsApp, BlackBerry messenger and Twitter. Concerns have been raised whether the platform will not be form of witch-hunting against other policemen? As I have stated, the CRU is a community-based reporting mechanism and there are three things we do once the report comes in. First is to verify and in verifying the report, we have three CRU responding officers in each command across all the states of the federation including the FCT; these are the officer in charge state intelligence bureau, the officer in charge of police control room, and the state provost marshal. So, once a complaint comes in like that, we send it out for them to verify and after verification; we will resolve the complaints. After resolving the complaint, we will send the feedback. We have received several reports that have not passed the verification stage. So, once the report doesn’t pass the verification stage, then it stops at that. For instance, you are sending a report that some policemen are at a particular location doing a particular thing, immediately we dispatch the responding officers in the state

half of them within the 24 hours. Some of the reports were also considered to be false, only few were true. In fact, we have not seen that fear of making complaints. Are there incentives attached to complaints by members of the public? The incentives I see here are that we have been putting smiles on the faces of complainants by resolving their complaints. Now, people are beginning to put more trust in the Nigerian Police; that is a bigger incentive not only to the complainant but also to the Nigeria Police. What measures do you have against officers who may be implicated for infringement against the rights of the public? We have already existing measures as contained in the Police Act and regulations, so once that has been discovered; we send the case to the appropriate unit or department of the force to take the necessary disciplinary action as stipulated by the Police Disciplinary Act. If it is the case of senior police officers, we will refer the case to the office of the Force Secretary who will issue the query and ensure the disciplinary procedures take place and if it is for the members of inspector and rank and file, we push the complaint to the Force provost marshal who will initiate the rule and ensure that the disciplinary procedure is followed.

CSP Abayomi Shogunle

to the spot to verify whether the policemen are actually there or whether the police men are even on duty or for instance you are talking about a case of an alleged illegal detention, the officer in the field immediately goes to the police station and to the cell to find out whether such person is even detained in the first place. How long does this case take from verification to the conclusion? Depending on the nature of the case, in some cases, within five to 10 minutes, the verification is done and where it can be resolved immediately, it will be resolved. Some other cases take a day but the maximum we have given ourselves is seven days, depending on the nature of the complaints. What update can you give regarding the CRU? So far, Nigerians are very happy based on the feedbacks we are getting and they are happy about the new platform, because it is a platform through which they can connect with the police authority. So far, we have been receiving positive messages from members of the public; they

wish this has been on long before now. Prior to the directive to set up the unit, does it mean that there was no way brutality by police officers was being managed? Well, there had been ways, but we are talking of the most effective way. In the past, what we saw, say for instance, you are in Lagos, was to write letters and send to the Commissioner of Police in Lagos. Mind you, these letters sometimes take days or if you want to complain to the IGP in Abuja and you are in Sokoto, you have to write a letter and it takes days for the letter to get to its address where you are sending it to and it takes days before you get your response. But with the advancement in technology and platforms provided by CRU, things can be done instantly. Don’t you consider that members of the public may have some fears in coming out with complaints, an attitude could hamper the achievements of the programme? This is the third week since we started and as at last week, we received over 300 complaints out of which we resolved about

The issue of unruly behaviours of some police officers have become a major source of concern, are you confident that the CRU can resolve the situation? I don’t know what you mean by unruly behaviour, because I wouldn’t want us to make examples of some unprofessional conducts of one or two isolated cases and generalise that to mean that is what police officers do. Inasmuch as I don’t want to be defending police actions, we have not seen any report to suggest that. But the issue of friction between the police and members of the public is global; it is not peculiar to Nigeria. Even in the most advanced worlds, it is a global issue and if you have been monitoring the news in the past weeks and months, you would have seen an increase in the shooting of unarmed civilians in the United States by the police. So the issue of frictions exists not only in Nigeria but world over. One thing the Nigeria Police leadership under Solomon Arase believes we will achieve with the CRU is that it will put in place a measure that will close the gap between the public and police. It is a platform where members of the public can report because it takes a good person to open himself up for criticism; and it is something of joy to the police and public that complaints are made and are resolved and justice is served. We see this increasing the trust that people have in the police.

opinion

6 December, 2015

In Paris, Buhari makes a strong pitch for Lake Chad By Garba Shehu

sk President Muhammadu Buhari what he thinks is the chief reason for the violence and insecurity in Nigeria, including the Boko Haram terrorism in the North-East, bloody wars between cattle herdsman and farmers in central Nigeria, erosion in the east and the environmental catastrophe in the coastal regions and he will say, almost upon instinct that it’s the climate change. The new Nigerian president, who promised to tackle the problem of climate change in his inaugural speech, has spun a compelling narrative on the disappearing Lake Chad, the environment around the Chad basin and how these have become the problem of the economy of the neighboring states through the failure of agriculture and joblessness, which in turn have provided an easy recruitment into violent extremism. It was a narrative so compelling that it literally arrested the attention of the world as 190 countries met in Paris to agree on the first global agreement on climate change. President of the United States, Barack Obama, took it from here, illustrating how the drying up of the lake is becoming a major factor in the migration of Africans to the west, and on account of which, he agreed with our President that the revival of the lake had become a global imperative. It will require $14 billion (USD) to divert East African rivers to empty into the lake, the kind of money President Buahri told world leaders that his country cannot pay. He, therefore, asked for global assistance. President Buhari’s speech at the conference centered on two major planks: one, Nigeria under him, has the political will to secure its ecological interests and two, we will work with the rest of the world to protect the environment without compromising industrial development. Starting with the Lake Chad, the President illustrated his awareness of the risk the changing climate presents to human security by recalling the richness of the waters and surrounding agriculture of the Lake Chad that attracted settlers, allowing the settled communities to enjoy education and comparable economic wellbeing. However, with prolonged drought and desertification, Lake Chad is now one-tenth of its original size, leading to poverty due to the failure of agriculture and fishing causing instability in the region that the insurgency of the Boko Haram has been able to cash in upon. The lake that once spread its territorial waters onto the four countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission has now been reduced to a miserly presence on the Chadian territory, denying thereby direct access to its waters to Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon. Traders in Baga, the major trading hub, which the army just recovered from the Boko Haram, said on a good day, five truck-loads of fish are now transported out of town, in stark contrast to the 100 a day that carried fish from the interstate market in the past. Beyond the drought conditions of the Lake Chad, the President successfully showed the world Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change as manifested in the various ecological zones. He cited the problem of soil erosion in the South as a consequence of “climatechange-related heavier and steadier than normal rainfall” that is worsening soil

erosion in the sub-region. “The recent increase in the number of reported severe landslides in the South-Eastern states of the country is an attestation to the possible climate change-induced changes in erosion intensity.” The President also reported on the sealevel rise, stating that Nigeria’s coastline is already undergoing “pronounced morphological changes as a result of natural extreme events, such as sea surges and tidal waves.” He projected that 35 per cent of the highly-productive Niger Delta could be lost if nothing was done to stop the anticipated global warming-induced accelerated sea level rise of between half-a-meter to one meter. Much of Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital will be abandoned if the sea waters rise by one meter. Forests and other ecosystems, he noted, which are already under significant pressure are being affected by the worsening climate change. In particular, he warned of persistent flooding and water logging that would make the coastal regeneration difficult and the Savannah region of Northern Nigeria becoming vulnerable to the reduction of rainfall. The recent violence wracking Kaduna, FCT, Plateau,Nassarawa and Benue states pitching herdsmen and farmers was equally cited, its primary factor, no doubt being the weather. The President listed a myriad of other implications arising for the climate change vulnerabilities of Nigeria including a major risk to access to potable water, increased energy demand for cooling; negative implications for tourism, one of the country’s fastest growing industries, as well as consequences for agriculture and food security. In line with the principles of the Paris conference, Nigeria joined 179 other countries-which together are responsible for 97 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions- to submit voluntary commitments on how and when they plan to cut emissions. In our specific case, the President submitted a two-stage proposal- an unconditional first phase to cut our own contribution to global warming by 20 percent, and this included a decisive plan to end the flaring of gas in our oil fields and a commitment to extending power supply to parts of the country that don’t enjoy electricity

using solar energy and other renewable sources. On account of the latter, President Buhari accepted an invitation by Narendra Modi to join an international alliance of 121 “solar-rich” countries to advance the use of this clean source energy. The second phase of the Nigerian proposal described as equally bold would see the country cutting the emission by a total of 45 percent, however on condition of international support. The measures here include increased level of energy efficiency and a significant reduction in the use of generators while providing access to power to all Nigerians. To do this, Nigeria has asked for support from the rich countries accused by Indian Prime Minister Modi of “powering their way to prosperity on fossil fuel” at the expense of the developing countries. The moral underpin of the Paris conference states unequivocally that the rich countries must actually take responsibility for the current mess up of the global climate and lead the fight against global warming through several compensatory steps, one of which is a proposal to fund redemptive activities with an annual fund of 100 million U.S Dollars. In addition to drawing from this, Nigeria is asking for further international support in the form of finance and investment, technology and capacity building. All these proposals are in a document Nigeria joined other countries to table as its “Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, INDC.” In these documents, the countries of the world each outlined their goals and action plans towards a redemption of the environment and the steps, going forward they will be taking to achieve sustainable development and delivering on government priorities. In the case of Nigeria, President Buhari approved several policies and measures that will deliver immediate development benefits which are in addition to the climate benefits. These policies and measures, according the government document, set out to alleviate poverty, increase social welfare and inclusion, as well as improving individual wellbeing in a healthy environment. President Buhari made clear the political will on the part of the government at the center in

Sunday Tribune

Nigeria to tackle the catastrophic problems associated with climate change. Some of these, as manifested by the dirty air in our cities deriving from the use of diesel generators, cars and trucks as well as the burning of wastes that in turn spew up toxic gases are matters he said government will tackle. To achieve this massive transformation (oh,no! Transformation again?), the approved policy document sets out what it calls sector-specific strategies, policies, programs to reduce the impact of climate change through actionable measures by the federal government ,the states, local governments, civil society, private sector, communities and individuals. In a nutshell, these measures will, hopefully improve awareness and preparedness for climate change impact; mobilize communities for climate change adaptation actions; reduce the impact of climate change on key sectors and vulnerable communities and integrate climate change adaptation into national, sectoral, state, local government planning and into the plans of universities, research and educational organisations, the civil society, the private sector and the media. Broken down, there are strategies for agriculture (crops and livestock); fresh water and coastal water resources and fisheries; forests; biodiversity; health and sanitation; human settlement and housing; energy; transport and communications; industry and commerce; disaster, migration and security. Equally, there are strategies for livelihoods which are about encouraging community participation including civil society organisations; the vulnerable groups who are not to be left out and strategies for education. The overall participation by Nigeria at the Conference of Parties to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-UNFCCC) agreement at the Paris Conference on Climate Change showed a rare type of seriousness on the part of our country. This is in terms of both preparation, pedagogy and actual participation. While this is a true reflection of President Muahmmadu Buhari’s self-professed seriousness of commitment to issues of the environment, it is also a testimony to the solid teamwork the new ministers, Mrs Amina Ibrahim Mohammed and Ibrahim Usman Jibrin are injecting into the ministry responsible. It is equally important to note that this ministry which enjoys a rare combination of bureaucrats, scholars and technocrats in its staff had spent not less than one year setting out scenarios and priorities for the country at the conference, a spectacular effort that won the appreciation of the ministers and the President. No doubt, Nigeria’s historic presentation at the climate change conference is a milestone at the start of a long, tortuous journey. In the final analysis however, it is the resolutions taken and the actions that follow that will determine the success of Nigeria at the COP in Paris and the policies and actions that will be pursued. For now, however, it is gratifying that the President’s appeal to the rich nations, the UN and other world bodies has been heard and heeded, somewhat to a degree, with world leaders including India’s Modi and Barack Obama coming in tow. Garba is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity.

OU can’t doubt the power of the judiciary in the tripod that makes up the structure of government in a democratic environment. Even though it appears the most silent of the triothe executive and the legislature completing the chain; it does have the power of judicial review on all actions of the other twin. And to whom much is given, much is equally expected. Judges are highly respected in the democratic circumstance. At the peak of their careers, they go home with the best of what the system could afford; salaries and allowances guaranteed on first line charge. The powers of their lordships were well captured in a proverb which translates to: God gives you a verdict and you are grumbling, who do you want to complain to? But you do know as well that whoever is loaded with authority needs to exercise power with caution; for there is but a thin line between authority and autocracy. Some developments emanating from the Judiciary in recent months tend to be interesting, just as they send cold shivers down the spines of the laymen at the same time. When in 1993, a number of courts of coordinate jurisdiction started issuing out different interpretations of the June 12 scenario of that year, not a few were alarmed of the ominous signs. At the end of the day the military capitalised on the discordant tunes to annul the election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola. Right now, some scary signals are already coming out of the courts. One would be uncomfortable at those signals not just because of the implications for the larger Nigerian society, but the real danger they pose for the search for justice. For many, the recourse to the courts at particular times is not just to ventilate their anger and correct a wrong done, but to establish the sanctity of truth. The motivating factor for that would easily derive out of the cliché; the Judiciary is the hope of common man (or the oppressed). We have got to state it clearly that once the hope in that cliché is dashed, the society exposes itself to serious danger. While approaching the courts either for election petition or civil cases, the navigational aids relied upon by petitioners are judicial precedents and settled matters. The Judges are expected to regulate their pronouncements based on decisions and authorities to be cited by the litigants. It would however remain worrisome where judges at intervals determine their own AFTER a civil war that claimed between one and three million lives in a particular region, one would have expected the people in that region to tread softly even while demanding what they believe are their inalienable right – the right to self-determination. I believe this should have been the approach of the pro-Biafrans whose protests in the past few weeks have virtually brought life in the south eastern states to a standstill. The protests took a violent turn last Tuesday when the supporters and sympathisers of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Tuesday clashed with the Joint Military Task Force comprising the army, police, navy and the civil defence at the Niger Bridge head in Onitsha. The IPOB were protesting the continued detention of their leader Nnamdi Kanu, by the federal government. Media reports have it that the cause of the clash was the insistence by the joint military task force that the Onitsha-Asaba road barricaded by the IPOB be opened. But they insisted that they would protest for three days until Nnamdi Kanu was released. At the end of the clash, about nine members of IPOB activists were allegedly killed by the joint task force. The news of the death of the IPOB members early Wednesday morning, which broke out in Onitsha ignited another round of violent protests as youths and protesting IPOB members went on rampage destroying everything on sight. They converged on the bridge head, marched to the central Mosque near Onitsha Main Market, and set it ablaze, as well as a Hilux Pick Up van with a federal government number plate. And I wonder what does self-determination have to do with the burning of a mosque? Are we starting another religious war here? I thought the main demands of Pro-Biafrans was that modern-day Nigerian states that made up Biafra should be allowed to go and form an independent state as people who inhabit these areas, and identify themselves as southerners, feel disenfranchised from those who live in the north? To justify their demands, pro-Biafrans cite the expiration of a socalled “amalgamation contract”. The contract was issued by Britain during the colonisation era and aimed at integrating people from the north and the south within 100 years since it was issued despite cultural,

6 December, 2015

the lynxeye with Taiwo adisa

08072000046 taiadisbabatj@gmail.com

Interesting times at the election tribunals

barometers even in the face of earlier pronouncements of higher courts and settled matters. One of the cases in recent times that will not stop baffling the layman is the situation in the 2015 Benue State governorship election as well as the Taraba state governorship election. One party had approached the Tribunal in Benue and claimed that the elected governor was not properly nominated as a candidate (or a product of primaries). The matter was dismissed. In Taraba, the defeated party approached the Tribunal,

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

The agitation for Biafra

religious and economic differences among the various ethnic groups. The contract, now at the National Archive of London, was created in 1914 by Frederick John Dealtry Lugard, the governor general of modern-day Nigeria. This is the crux of the IPOB agitation. They are insisting that since the document expired in 2014, the North and the South should be allowed to go their separate ways. Pro-Biafra activist Ifeanyi Adibe said, “There has never been any basis for unity or integration of ‘north’ and ‘south’, not within the fraudulent context of ‘Nige-

Sunday Tribune

indicating a similar reason as given at the Benue Tribunal in a bid to nullify the election of the incumbent governor. The Taraba governor was asked to vacate his seat. Incidentally, the Taraba governor claimed that he emerged at a primary election shifted to Abuja due to security concerns. The Tribunal, which in itself was also relocated to Abuja due to the same security concern, nullified the primaries and the election of the governor. Last week, we were told that the election of former Senate President David Mark was nullified as a result of errors in dates written on the result sheets by the returning office of the election (clerical errors). There were no clear complaints about the votes of the people but a rerun was ordered. Another interesting dimension was introduced in the Kogi State senatorial election. While the Appeal Tribunal ordered rerun election in Kogi East and Central Senatorial districts because the elected Senators were not properly nominated, the same Panel affirmed the election in Kogi West. We were told that the litigants from the three Senatorial districts, who happen to come from the same party, had tendered similar documents before their lordships. INEC documents before the court and the public domain had also affirmed the failure of the winning party in Kogi Senatorial election to conduct primaries. The scenario in Kogi East is particularly striking because the candidate who was seeking redress through the Appeal Tribunal was earlier a victim of the judicial precedent which affirmed that once a candidate is not a product of primary election, he is not validly nominated and therefore not qualified to contest the election. The man was removed from the last Senate on account of his failure to emerge from a primary election. He was automatically replaced in the red chamber by his then opponent. In 2015, the table appeared to turn in his favour as his opponent was seen to have failed the primary election test. Even at that, he got half the measure as he was asked to proceed to rerun election. Such undulating scenarios cannot but continue to confuse the laymen. Their lordships must be seen to walk the straight lines in their determinations, especially as we have been told that the Judicial profession rests on clear logic and not voodoo.

ria’ at least. He supported his argument with an alleged quote by Lugard who, before issuing the amalgamation contract, is believed to have said people from the north and south were like “oil and water, they will never mix”. Despite these justifications, I, like others see the proBiafran movement as simply the desire of people from Nigeria’s oil producing states to form a new nation of their own because they think they are not getting enough oil share. Fine. But what the pro-Biafrans tend to forget is that the south does not consist of only the Igbos and other tribes that fall within the Biafran confluence. There are other tribes and tongues which fall within southern Nigeria and who are not enamoured with this separatist demands. Truly, it is not a crime for a group to demand to be independent or to renegotiate their terms of relationship with other strange bed fellows, which they find themselves, lumped with through no fault of theirs. Yet the way the pro-Biafra agitators are going about it may spell doom not only for them, but also for the whole nation. What happened last Tuesday and into the early hours of Wednesday is just a tip of the iceberg. Nigeria does not need a second war and as the saying goes, no country goes to war twice and survives it. Having said this, I think it is unwise of the Federal government to approach the issue with the kid gloves it has done right from the onset, by declaring that the government does not consider the separatist movements as a threat to the current leadership and defining pro-Biafrans as an “insignificant number of frustrated people who are not a threat to the existence of Nigeria”. If care is not taken, the Biafra issue may turn out worse than the hydra –headed Boko Haram that is becoming more and more difficult to handle by the day. There should be serious dialogue with the different groups clamouring for Biafra. They have a right to make their demands; we should not make the same mistake made with Boko Haram - dismissing them as a gang of hungry youths being used by politicians. See where it got us? Nigeria harbours the deadliest terrorist group in the whole world. We can’t afford another war.

6 December, 2015

on the

Sunday Tribune

With Bolanle Bolawole turnpot@gmail.com 07052631058

lord’sday If they were Faleke or Bello...

t is not all the time that I visit the newsstand; I do once in a while when the vendor is late or goes on AWOL. Last Friday, I did because I needed to pick additional newspapers. On such occasions, the hustle and bustle of the typical newsstand becomes added attraction. Some of the most profound “Public Affairs Analysts”, “Current Affairs Commentators”, and “Sports Gurus” are to be found at the newsstands. It usually was a cacophony of voices, with the crowd divided into “departments” and “faculties”. There is, for instance, the “Faculty of Sports”, with the various “departments” of the Nigerian league, Premier league, La Liga etc. the “Faculty of the Social Sciences” has the “departments” of economics (which focused on the ongoing Dasuki-gate), the “department” of politics, whose focus last Friday while I was there was the Kogi election debacle. The court judgment was still being awaited early that day; nevertheless, it did not prevent animated discussions of the intricate web that was spun by the unexpected death of the APC governorship candidate in the election, Prince Abubakar Audu. “If I were Faleke, I would not have pursued my case the way he did”. “What’s wrong with what he did?” “He is too desperate for my liking” “See you! How can you accuse a man who has been cheated of desperation?” “There are better ways of redressing the wrongs he has suffered” “It is an under-statement to describe what the man suffered as mere wrongs; it is day-light robbery” “I agree; but, then, he should have been circumspect to pursue justice” “His case is so straightforward. The court will give him the justice his party has denied him” “Don’t be too sure; have you forgotten that this is Nigeria? The more you look, the less you see” “Then God is on the throne; he is not a Nigerian judge who can be bribed” “Agreed, but even God has standards; He expects you to follow His leading” “Faleke has not done anything against the standards or principles of God. The Bible commands that we let justice flow like a mighty river”. “Yes, but the path of the flow must be determined by God Himself. If you don’t get it right, you might miss it”. “Are you praying for Faleke to miss it?” “On the contrary, I am praying for him to land it. He is Faleke while I am Fabiyi” “So you are the same ‘Ifa’! I used to think you were a Christian?” “What has that got to do with my name? Have you not heard ‘Ifa n ke Alleluyah?’ ” “So you must be praying really hard for Faleke”. “Sure; that his case will not become like that of a ‘big grammar’ Pentecostal pastor”. “How about him?” “He saw a vision that God will make him president of Nigeria” “I also heard the story. Are you confirming that it is true?” “Yes. Because of that he went to form his own

political party”. “But he never became president” “Not yet; because he did not understand how God works” “How do you mean a big man of God like that did not understand how God works?” “When Obasanjo was looking for a minority person to package with Yar’Adua, I understand he asked the pastor to abandon his party and join PDP; but he refused” “And you think he was not right to have refused?” “That was how he skinned himself alive” “How do you mean? Would Obasanjo have made him PDP presidential candidate?” “No” “How, then would he have achieved God’s revelation for his life?” “In the same way that the shoe-less Otuoke boy came from nowhere to become one of the longest-serving presidents of this country” “I still don’t understand you” “ Simple: Assuming the pastor joined PDP and was picked as Yar’Adua’s running mate...” “I can see what you are driving at! And Yar’Adua died the way he did!” “Exactly; God’s revelation would have come to pass in that pastor’s life a long time ago” “It is true that the Bible says God works in ways we cannot see” “So it is not God that fails to fulfil prophecy; it is man that fails to know how to work it out” “But how does that relate to Faleke?” “Of course it does, in the same way it also related to another powerful man of God” “And who could that be?” “The one who said God asked him to be Buhari’s running mate in 2011” “Okay. A vibrant and fire-brand preacher” “But is it not surprising that he is yet to make it to the Presidential Villa?” “Are we then to say that God did not speak with him?” “Of course, God might have done so” “What then went wrong?” “Timing; if he got the timing right, he would have been by now” “It is true God says there is an appointed time for everything under the sky” “Now, going back to Faleke, what

is your take: Is this his appointed time or not?” “He is the one eminently placed to answer that question, after marathon prayer, fasting, and vigil” “One thing I know is that if it is his time, no Jupiter will torpedo it” “You are right; in addition to doing the right things at the right time” “Why are you still qualifying it?” “Not for him alone but also for all the others because we live in the midst of men who are quick to read meanings to every innocuous action” “Like what?” “Did you not read the PDP say Audu was poisoned or assassinated?” “That is true; but do they have evidence?” “You talk again as if you are not a Nigerian. No evidence is needed; just drop the bombshell and move ahead” “I agree. The harm would have been done before any evidence emerges” “If ever it emerges”! “If I were in the shoes of those jostling for Audu’s shoes, I will be careful not to allow any suspicion trail me” “The truth of the matter is that had Audu not died, we would not have had half the controversies that now trail the Kogi election” “That is true. And do you know the useful lesson they have all neglected to learn?” “I am listening” “It is the Yoruba proverb which Ebenezer Obi turned into a best-selling record ‘Eni ri nkan he’; which means the person who chanced upon what another man had lost...” “T’o fe ku pelu e! (i. e. vows to die with it) What does he want the person who lost it in the first place to do?” “You got it! What do all these people want Audu to do?” “If only the dead can look back; Audu would be shocked at what is happening in APC right now” “How can we be too sure that the dead don’t actually look back? Maybe Audu will be having a good laugh at all of them right now” “Let all these people just pause for a moment and think: What if they were the

one who dropped dead like Audu did?” “You are right because it is by the mercies of God that we are not consumed” “Yes, o! Yoruba say, “ko ki n se mimoo se” “You are right; it is not ‘I am perfect’” “Come to think of it: None of the people fighting tooth and nail in Kogi actually lost anything” “How do you mean?” “If Audu had not died, the best Faleke would have got was deputy governor, which his party still offered him” “That’s right. And Yahaya Bello, who is being upgraded by the party to the governorship, never expected it” “Something just came to my mind now: Audu voted in the Saturday, November 21st election; they had even started announcing the results before he died. Who knows what will happen on or before the date of the supplementary election or as they begin to announce the result or even beyond?” “Only God knows. This is real food for thought” “It is amusing how men behave as if they are the owners of life or controller of destiny” “Whatever Bello gets with the death of Audu is bonus. Why disturb the peace of everyone because of that?” “It still boils down to the fact that men are finite” “What do you mean by that?” “Even when God tells you that you will be governor or president, He still leaves a huge gap between the prophecy or revelation and its actualization” “That is what causes all the confusion” “It need not be. Follow up by diligently asking the how and when from God” “Which means that if you run faster than the appointed time, it could boomerang” At this point there was an interjection by an “expert” from the Faculty of Sports. “Was that not how Samson Siasia ran too fast and got the Eagles’ coach job ahead of Stephen Keshi, with some people pulling the strings of Niger Delta connections for him?” “Was that what happened?” “Of course; but what was the outcome? He crash-landed badly” “Keshi, the stone which the builders rejected, later became the head of the cornerstone” “You are right; but the same Keshi also fell out of favour and was more or less forced out of office” “It was because the same processes brought him and Siasia into office. It was a game of musical chairs” “Will it be true to infer that both relied on the same system?” “That’s true; and it was therefore not surprising when both also departed through the same dug-out” “But how does Siasia\Keshi impact on the Kogi imbroglio?” “You must remember that just like you have many interested parties dragging the seat that Audu vacated through death, so also we had so many dragging for the Eagles’ job” “Yes, I remember, even if I am not a soccer buff or aficionados”. “The new coach, Sunday Oliseh, was one of those interested in the job. Had he come at the wrong time, he, too, like Siasia and Keshi, would by now have become history”. And everyone at the newsstand chorused: “May we not come at the wrong time”!

language&style More on altar and alter…

NE of the grammatical points to which we devoted time and space last week has to do with the difference between the words alter and altar, two words differentiated by just the letters e and a at the level of spelling. The meaning of each was furnished, followed by extensive usage examples. There can be no doubt that the discussion and illustrations were fairly exhaustive. But we have returned to this discussion because there is a third word which beginners have a tendency to confuse with alter and altar. That word is utter. There is the verb utter and there is the adjective utter. The adverb form is utterly. Used in the adjective sense, the word means complete, total, absolute. Please read the following sentences: 1) I listened with utter disbelief as he narrated how he was robbed by young men. 2) The worst part of it is that our boss treats us with utter contempt. 3) What followed thereafter was a show of shame and utter confusion. 4) In spite of the setbacks, I would not describe the project as an utter failure. 5) The prisoners were released into an open space and into utter darkness. 6) He displayed utter ignorance of the subject under discussion. 7) The man is utterly unfit for the job. 8) A mother of four, she has proved to be utterly irresponsible. 9) Are you suggesting that the future is utterly bleak? 1o) The food is utterly tasteless. Those sentences illustrate the usage of the adjectival and adverbial forms: utter and utterly. The verb means to produce verbally, to articulate, to emit words, to produce verbal sounds. The following sentences illustrate the usage of the verb form: 1) Here was a total stranger who didn’t speak my language, uttering words that were completely meaningless to me. 2) In that dream, an angel uttered words which could not be decoded by man. 3) He insulted me, yes, but those words were uttered more in confusion and embarrassment than from an intention to be rude. 4) He is almost completely deaf and dumb, occasionally uttering meaningless sounds. 5) She sat there alone, depressed, engaging in deep reflections, uttering groans and sighs once in a while. 6) He shouted and railed, but I didn’t utter a word. Sample 1: “The two other judges of the CCT, Robert Odu rtd and Agwaza Atedze had in a joint letter to former President Goodluck Jonathan and copied to the EFCC drew the attention of the government to the #10 million bribery allegation made against Umar, saying the issue had brought serious embarrassment to them and the tribunal.” (#10 Million Bribery Scandal: Presidency in Dilemma Over CCT Chair? The Sunday Vanguard, November 15, 2015) I draw readers’ attention to the relationship between the form had and the verb-form drew both of which occur in the following structure: “had in a joint letter to former President Goodluck Jonathan and copied to the EFCC drew…” The form had, as used in this context, like have and has, is a marker of the perfect tense. As we have pointed out repeatedly in this place, the perfect tense structure is of the following form: have/has/had plus a relevant past participle: had spoken; has written; have taken; had withdrawn; has accepted; have deceived; had washed; has created; have flown; etc. In many cases, the past participle ends in –en; but in many other cases, the past participle, like the past simple form, is either totally unpredictable or identical with the past simple form. But the structure we have in the context under review is: “had…

As we have pointed out repeatedly in this place, the perfect tense structure is of the following form: have/has/had plus a relevant past participle: had spoken; has written; have taken; had withdrawn; has accepted; have deceived; had washed; has created; have flown; etc

Sunday Tribune

6 December, 2015

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

drew.” The form had, as we have noted, is a marker of the perfect tense, but the form drew which follows it is a past simple form and not a past participle. Obviously, then, the structure of the perfect tense breaks down. The reporter made a wrong choice probably because of the intervening words between the form had and the point the form drew occurs. At any rate, the appropriate form is drawn. Sample 2: “Although there is no time limit for appointing ministers, the release of the list attracted scathing criticisms from Nigerians. Some said the list does not worth the four or five months wait.” (Behind-the-scenes Look at Buhari’s Cabinet-making, The Nation On Sunday, October 25, 2015) The structure that interests us is: “the list does not worth the four or five months wait.” Specifically, we note the relationship between the verb form does and the word worth. The following sentences contain each an aspect similar to what obtains in this structure: *1) How much does this car worth? *2) You travelled such a long distance, spent such a long time and collected a paltry five thousand naira. It did not worth it. *3) The result did not worth the time and trouble.*4) Do you think university education worths the resources that go into it?*5) The man does not worth the kind of respect you give him.*6) A bird in the hand worths two in the bush. All the sentences are defective in that the word worth is used as if it is a verb. The choice of the form does/do/did is an indication that the word is regarded and treated as a verb. Even where the sentence does not contain the word do (or any of its other forms) it is clear that the word is presented as a verb. Readers should realise that the word worth is an adjective, and like all adjectives it complements a relevant form of be. Readers who are familiar with this column know that the forms of be are: is, am, are, were, was, be. Please pay attention to the relationship between the adjective and the relevant form of be in each of the following sentences: 1) The house is beautiful. 2) The job is laborious. 3) The workers are rude. 3) The suggestions are irrelevant. 4) Teachers are indispensable. 5) The commodities are expensive. 6) The criticism was harsh. 7) I am unperturbed. 8) She was faithful to her husband. 9) I am intelligent enough to know you are deceiving me. 1o) All the people you see there are hungry. 11) The workers who are productive will be retained on their jobs. 12) The remedies are effective. Please note these phrases: is beautiful; is laborious; are rude; are irrelevant; are indispensable; are expensive; was harsh; am unperturbed; was faithful; am intelligent; are hungry; are productive; are effective. It should be obvious that the adjective is preceded by a relevant form of be in each case. Like each of those adjectives, the word worth (being an adjective) should be preceded by a relevant form of be. In the light of this fact, the six defective sentences are corrected as follows:1b) How much is this car worth? 2b) You travelled such a long distance, spent such a long time and collected a paltry five thousand naira. It was not worth it. 3b) The result was not worth the time and trouble. 4b) Do you think university education is worth the huge capital the government invests in it? 5b) The man is not worth the kind of respect you give him. 6b) A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. At any rate, the form is should replace does in the context under review: “the list is not worth the four or five months wait.” Sample 3: “In attendance was his wife Pastor Mrs Wumi Olukilede and other members who have tirelessly contributed to the growth of the mission.” (We are on a Mission to Heal the World…Sunday Vanguard, November 1, 2015) Let’s pay attention to the verb was which occurs in the following context: “In attendance was his wife Pastor Mrs Wumi Olukilede and other members…” It is obvious, I think, that the verb was is in its singular form. To have selected this singular form of the verb, the reporter must have been convinced that the subject is singular. He must have supposed, furthermore, that the subject is a singular nominal item which immediately succeeds the verb. That noun phrase is: “his wife Pastor Mrs Wumi Olukilede.” The noun phrase indeed is singular, but it is only a part of the subject. The whole stretch of the subject is: “his wife Pastor Mrs Wumi Olukilede and other members.” When the phrase “other members” is added to the earlier phrase by the use of the conjunction and, the result is a plural noun phrase, a plural subject. This has led us to a decision to reject the singular verb-form in favour of the plural. Thus the form were replaces was in the context under review: “In attendance were his wife Pastor MrsWumiOlukilede and other members…”

line

life with

Niyi Osundare

Random Blues Not yet done With my Blues of Abuse Say, not yet done With my Blues of Abuse My words throb with a charge Hard to pass, impossible to refuse

Hacksaw teeth Tongue ferocious with nettles Ah, hacksaw teeth A tongue ferocious with nettles You invade our common peace With bile and baneful rattles

Breadfruit eyes Rabbit ears Hear? Breadfruit eyes Rabbit ears You look every inch A relic from ancient years

One hand on a thirsty sword The other in the public till Say, one hand on a thirsty sword The other in the public till Your greed is a bottomless hole that Neither honour nor virtue can ever fill

Forgive me, dear listener, for this, Still, is not my season of songs Joo*, forgive me, dear listener, for this, Still, is not my season of songs How can we just see and feign contentment In this land of many wrongs?

*Please

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune With Rita Okonoboh rosarumese@gmail.com 08053789087

tribunechurch

Global goodwill will not save Nigeria unless... —Bishop Orji The Right Reverend Dr. Felix C.C. Orji is the Diocesan Bishop of the Missionary Diocese of the West (CANA & ACNA) comprising of parishes in the US and Canada, and the immediate past rector of St. Francis Anglican Church, El Paso, Texas, a Nigerian church with 99 per cent Caucasian members. He tells Rita Okonoboh why he left the Catholic Church, how the Nigerian Anglican Community abroad tackles racism, his expectations of the Buhari-led administration, among other issues. Excerpts:

What is Bishop’s Orji’s story? was born in Umuohiagu to Charles and Dorothy Orji in 1962 in Imo State and attended both primary and secondary schools in that part of Imo State. However, my home village is Ngwama village in Isiala Ngwa LGA of Abia State, Nigeria. There are nine of us and we truly care for one another. My father was a school headmaster and we were devout Roman Catholics. But early in my life as a teenager, I began to have doubts about some of the theological foundations of the Catholic Church. This led to my reading the Bible to see what the truth was and that led me to a realisation that I was just a nominal Christian with a lifeless faith. As a result, I decided, by the grace of God, to repent of my sins and surrender my life to Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord. Since then, I have endeavoured to follow Christ, leaning on the Holy Spirit for help. It was after I gave my life to Christ that I left the Roman Catholic Church and eventually was received into the Anglican Communion through the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). It was a good and godly decision as I think about it now. In fact, I need to say that the Lord led me to join the Anglican Church and nudged me strongly to become a priest in the church. However, I did not like the idea of becoming a priest. So I held off as long as I could. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Education from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and a Master of Education in Educational Administration at the University of Lagos in Nigeria. I completed my Master’s degree programme and went to teach at the College of Agriculture in Umuagwo in Imo State. From there, I left for Canada in 1990 to attend seminary at Regent College. God enabling, I earned a Diploma in Christian Studies from Regent College, Vancouver, BC, and a Master of Divinity from Vancouver School of Theology in 1991 and 1994 respectively. In 2004, I earned a doctorate in leadership and evangelism from Gordon-Conwell

Over 700,000 Nigerians storm TBS for The Experience Pg43

Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina (USA). While in Canada, I was ordained in 1996 in the Anglican Church of Canada and for several years I served as Associate rector at St. Johns Shaughnessy in Vancouver, BC, the largest evangelical Anglican parish in Canada until I moved to the USA. I served as the President of the Anglican Fellowship of the Southwest from 2005 to 2010. I am a member of the Order of St. Benedict whose focus is prayer, study, work, and service, a member of the FBI Citizens Academy Association and Executive Director of Scout Troop 82 here in El Paso. I was the rector of St. Francis Anglican Church in El Paso, Texas, until the end of August this year. Our church is a Nigerian church with 99 per cent Caucasian members and just a few Nigerians and a Nigerian Rector and Bishop! This church breaks all the racist rules! St. Francis is a truly godly example of what the Christian church should be in matters of race relations and so on. Currently, I reside in El Paso with my wife, Lilian, and four children: Cara, John,

President Buhari is well received in the West and has the goodwill of the American people, which I am very pleased about. But such goodwill and profound reception will not save Nigeria unless Nigerians are willing to face their own internal dysfunction squarely and proceed to do what is right from the top down before it is too late!

Greed, politics, fuelling CCC crisis

—Prophet Evans Pg44

Jadon, and Justin. Cara just graduated from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and my son is a student at University of Toronto in Canada. Earlier in 2011, March precisely, I was elected a bishop by the House of Bishops of the Church of Nigeria and later consecrated Bishop by the Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, His Grace, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh at Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church in Ikeja, Lagos on September 25th, 2011. Since then I have been translated from Suffragan Bishop to become the Diocesan Bishop of the Missionary Diocese of CANA West with St. Francis Anglican Church as my Cathedral

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Church. St. Francis is an evangelical Anglican parish that is committed to the primacy of scripture, the centrality of Christ as saviour and lord in the Christian life, reverent, high church, and vibrant worship, evangelism, and mission outreach in El Paso and beyond. You oversee the Nigerian churches that are Anglican in the western part of the United States, about 20 churches. What are some of your achievements? In specific terms, how does your work benefit the Nigerian community? I actually oversee about 30 churches. Some of our churches are Caucasian and the rest are ethnically Nigerian or black American. So we have a multicultural, multiracial and multiethnic diocese. I am very pleased to say that we do truly get along well despite a few normal problems here and there caused by personal and cultural differences. Even siblings from the same mother and father quarrel! How much more would people

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6 December, 2015

With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425

churchnews

Cleric urges Nigerians to trust God for true change

Bola Badmus - Lagos

ounder, Christ for All Peoples Church, Ojo, Lagos, Prophet Samuel Oyadara, has urged Nigerians to trust God for their salvation, noting that it is only God who can provide the needed change in Nigeria. Prophet Oyadara stated this while speaking with TribuneChurch, declaring that the fundamental problem confronting Nigeria was that the country was built on occultic foundation, which he said would require fervent prayers spanning no fewer than 30 years and the grace of God to wipe off. The man of God, who maintained that changing Nigeria was not only the responsibility of President Muhammadu Buhari, however, urged all Nigerians to follow God’s counsel and pray for all leaders for the success of the present administration in the country.

“God said we are building our political foundation on occultic leaders. All the complaints about crime and corruption, among others, are minor things. “We need to put our sal-

vation in the hands of God. Buhari is not the one that would change Nigeria, but if he follows God’s counsel, and Nigerians also back him with prayers, Nigeria can change. We need to be

prayerful,” he said. When reminded that most men of God had prophesied good things about the country, Prophet Oyadara simply said, “Most of the prophets are

not saying the truth because of what they want to benefit personally. We are short of political leaders anointed by God just as we are equally short of credible men of God.”

Reverend Ufuoma Okotie (left); Reverend T.B. Ogundele (fouth right), Right Reverend J.A. Ajetunmobi, Diocesan Bishop of Ibadan South Diocese (sixth right); Venerable O.I. Ogunrinde, Vicar/Archdeacon, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Odo Ona; Venerable A. Jesulola and the confirmees, after the confirmation service, held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Odo Ona, Ibadan, recently.

Christians, Muslims work side by side in CAR capital Since the sectarian conflict that began in 2013, thousands have been killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee Central African Republic, but the story is different for Bangui’s PK5 neighbourhood, home to a bakery that sees Christians and Muslims working side by side. According to a report by the Voice of America (VOA), this type of workplace is practically unheard of in the Central African Republic today. Bakery owner, Rahama Atthir Abdoulaye, a Muslim, said that despite the city’s division, people in C.A.R. need jobs, and he sees no problem with hiring Christians. The avenue is lined by U.N. peacekeepers who try to keep the Muslims in the neighbourhood from clashing with the anti-balaka that ring its edges. Dignitaries like U.N. Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon and Pope Francis have visited PK5 and called for peace.

Sunday Tribune

General Overseer Church of Evangelism, Reverend Dr (Mrs) Edith Adefunke Okubanjo (middle) and other ministers of God, at the Renewal Congress held at Awoyaya, Lekki, Lagos.

Church of Evangelism Awoyaya declares 2016 year of Divine Expansion The Church of Evangelism Awoyaya, Lekki, Lagos has declared 2016, the year of “Divine Expansion.” The declaration was made at the Annual Renewal Congress and thanksgiving held at Awoyaya, Lekki, Lagos. Speaking at the event, the General Overseer, Reverend (Dr) Mrs Edith Adefunke Okubanjo, said the annual congress which started with a four-day crusade was aimed at praying and thanking God for His mercy. Okubanjo urged Nigerians to pray for leaders, and called on the newly appointed ministers not to disappoint Nigerians, just as she called on those whose appointments were controversial to prove to their critics and Nigerians that they are capable of working beyond expectations. Speaking on the declaration, “Divine Expansion,” Okubanjo said she is optimistic Nigeria would expand in different areas as well nationally and internationally. She used the medium to advise youths not to indulge in vices this yuletide season, urging them to reflect more on the meaning of Christmas, rather than on material things. The Renewal Congress featured performances by Evangelist Debbie Ajayi; Kehinde Oshadipe; Cross Drama Ministry; Pastor Thomas Imokhai; Pastor Oluade Adeniran; Reverend Olanrewaju Abayomi, and other clerics.

Terrorists offer N150,000 for pastor’s head A reward of N150,000 has been offered for the life of Pastor Hassan John, a Jos cleric, by terrorists for his stance against insurgency. According to a report published by Christian Today, the pastor, aged 52, but who looks much younger, is currently in Oxford for a year, studying Apologetics at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. He is also on placement at Latimer Minster, the groundbreaking Christian missional church under

leadership of Frog and Amy Orr-Ewing. According to the report, “extremist Islamists want him dead, even though a substantial part of his week is spent working with Muslim women in the community, helping to educate them and to set up their own businesses.” Speaking on his experience as a Christian in an environment constantly threatened by the rise in insurgency, Pastor John noted that ““One of the horrendous things I’ve

seen is coming up to this village and seeing bodies on the ground; women, children, men that have been killed overnight, blood everywhere. It was heartrending. You kind of ask yourself: what is the meaning of all this? You see it again and again and again. You get to places where a bomb has just exploded. Lots of people have been killed. There are bodies all over the place. You visit people in hospital. You go back and meet families, you cry with them,

you console them, you do the best you can with them all the time.” He acknowledged that there were different explanations for what was happening, but puts it down to a general collapse in relations between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. The report stated that Pastor John had been putting his energies into trying to rebuild friendships between the faiths, and now, there are about 160 Muslim children who attend school, with their

fees paid by the Anglican Diocese of Jos, led by the Anglican churchman in the area, Archbishop of Jos, Ben Kwashi. “We have built it to a level where the Muslim and Christian women would come and sit together, they would cook and eat together. “Now, in Nigeria, that is a big thing. You don’t eat with your enemy because you are afraid that you will be poisoned. Now they interact, it is just so marvellous,” he said.

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Sunday Tribune

Over 700,000 Nigerians storm TBS for The Experience Sylvester Okoruwa - Lagos

ver 700,000 Nigerians, top government functionaries, state governors and officials and ministers of God, on Friday, stormed Tafewa Belewa Square, Lagos, the venue of the 10th edition of House on the Rock Lagos Experience Concert to listen to top gospel artistes from Nigeria and other parts of the world. The annual gospel event, which unites Christians and non-Christians, witnessed renditions from top Nigerian gospel artistes like Chioma Jesus; Frank Edwards; Midnight Crew; Nathaniel Bassey and Sammie Okposo, who entertained the crowd with their talents and left thousands asking for more. The foreign artistes featured top rated gospel singers such as Don Moen; Fred Hammond; Donnie McClurkin; Hezekiah Walker; Jessica Reedy; Micah Stampley, Kim Burrel and Julius Nglass, a Ghanaian born US-based gospel artiste, and they thrilled the crowd with their performances. While Sammie Okposo sang his Na only you know, Praise party and Naija praise tracks, Don Moen sang his popular tracks, God will make a way, Rivers of Joy, God

From left, Sonnie Badu; Frank Edwards; Chioma Jesus; Sammie Okposo; Pastor Paul Adefarasin; Don Moen; Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin; Micah Stampley; Midnight Crew, and Donnie McClurkin at the House on the Rock Lagos Experience Concert press briefing, held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, on Friday. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa. is Good, I will sing and Give thanks. Nathaniel Bassey performed Wonu mi, Ko wa Bami Soro and God is too good featuring Micah Stampley; Midnight crew performed Igwe while Frank Edwards did justice to his new track, Nkuku Nkulu and Grateful, among other performances by other artistes.

The founding and Senior Pastor of House on the Rock, the Visioner of The Experience Concert told TribuneChurch that the Lagos Experience Concert is geared towards unifying Nigerians from all religious backgrounds to feel the impact of God’s glory on their lives, thereby, helping to

transform them from evil ways to positive ways of living. The Experience, according to him, is 11 hours of uninterrupted praise night of music, prayers and the coming together of Nigerians to lift their hearts and mind in praise and worship to pray for our country, so that the much talked about change would come to pass.

‘The Church of Nigeria will not succumb to the push for sexual perversion’ Continued from

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from different parts of the world. God has done and continues to do a good work in us! The Caucasian churches have been extraordinarily gracious and have borne much of the financial burden of our predominantly Nigerian diocese. And I am very grateful to my own parish of St. Francis that has carried almost 90 per cent of it. Gradually, Nigerian parishes are beginning to do more, which is very good. As I noted in the previous question, I have been working hard to enable our Nigerian churches to become properly organised, legally conform to the laws of the United States (especially Immigration Laws, etc.), fiscally responsible, and more importantly, learn what it means to behave like Christians and reach out to others with the gospel. Initially, some Nigerian churches in the USA were set up as charitable organisations controlled by certain individuals in ways that are contrary to the way an Anglican church should be run. My job has been to inform them that they are not allowed to do that. Anglican parishes never ever belong to individuals. They belong to Jesus Christ and the Diocese under a Bishop. To the glory of God, the Lord is using my work as Bishop to help Nigerians become Christians and thus become more godly, more devoted, more loving, more responsible, more generous to the community, more evangelistic and biblically Christ-centered, more wise, less self-centered and opinionated, and more Anglican in the way churches are administered. I am also working hard to equip the clergy to lead our churches so we can participate in more community outreach and strengthen the faith of the faithful in knowledge and godliness. I do need to note that the Primate of the Church of Nigeria(Anglican Communion), The Most Rev’d Nicholas Okoh has been of tremendous help to me and our Diocese. He is a man of vision, clarity, courage and commitment to Scripture and the wellbeing of both the Church of Nigeria and

our Diocese of CANA West which is also part of the Church of Nigeria. I am very grateful to him for all he does and continues to do for the progress of the gospel in the Anglican Church in North America. You have made home in three different nations – Nigeria, Canada and the United States. What has your experience been as a cosmopolitan citizen? It has been stellar. I love the cultural and racial diversity. I find that learning things about other cultures is fascinating. I love people so I find it easy to get along with them simply because I’m genuinely interested in them and in their cultures. More so, God has called me to preach the gospel to all nations so it’s fun to reach out to all people. As part of my experience I have discovered that Canadians are very polite, sometimes aloof due to fear of strangers, and make good lasting friendships. Americans, especially Texans, are very direct, generous and sometimes over-protective of personal space. Nigerians love parties, family and are loud and domineering. Each culture brings something good and bad to the table. Only the gospel can unite us and curb the evil tendencies and the alltoo-human penchant for overreach. There is more to say but it’s wiser to move on! What would you be if you weren’t a minister of God? I would be a professor in a theological school or secular university. As a cleric who has roots in Nigeria and beyond, how do you see the call for legalising homosexual unions affecting the church in Nigeria and influencing the Nigerian society? The Church of Nigeria will be put through a time of trial to see if it will capitulate to accepting and blessing samesex relationships. No part of the Anglican Communion will escape it, especially Nigeria. It is just a matter of time before external and internal pressure will mount against the church of Nigeria. But it is

my strong conviction, with what I know as a member of the House of Bishops of the Church of Nigeria, that our Anglican Province will not succumb to the push for sexual perversion and unfaithfulness. Our Nigerian clergy, Bishops and lay members are determined to be salt and light in this matter and will continue to be the bold voice of faithfulness and reason in the Anglican Communion, as they have been for the past decade. As a Nigerian Anglican and evangelical Christian living in the United States, I cannot tell you how proud I was and still am to see the Church of Nigeria take on the worldwide Anglican Communion as they called it to biblical faithfulness in the area of marriage, family, and sexuality. Having said that, I am afraid to say Nigerian society will not survive the siren call to homosexual perversion. Nigerians love to ape the West and, in time, they will follow the path of the United States and Canada and then pressure the government and the church to surrender, as well. It is perhaps important for me to state that I do not agree with idea of criminalisation of homosexuals. Homosexual activity is a sin just like adultery and fornication and I think the church undercuts its integrity and effectiveness when it supports the persecution or punishment of non-violent sexual sinners such as homosexuals. We must love them and show that love by correcting them and praying for their conversion. We must continue to proclaim the truth of God’s Word knowing that the gates of hades will not prevail against the Church for whom Christ died. The apostates, however, will increasingly fall by the wayside but the truly faithful will go from strength to strength, by the mercy and power of our Lord Jesus Christ. What are your expectations of the Buhari-led administration? President Buhari is well received in the West and has the goodwill of the American people, which I am very pleased about. But such goodwill and profound reception will NOT save Nigeria unless Nigerians are willing to face their own internal

Bishop Orji dysfunction squarely and proceed to do what is right from the top down before it is too late! I am not hopeful that much positive change will happen in the Buhariled administration until he is willing to crack down on corrupt political, traditional and economic leaders and uphold the rule of law no matter the cost to his political aspirations. I say this because as a matter of fact, no lawless society can have economic growth or dependable national security for the populace and neither can it truly protect and provide for the poor, the needy and the disenfranchised. At this point, I can only pray and I do pray that the Lord will help him and give him men and women of integrity who will help instill new values and uphold the Law in Nigeria. That is the way true change will materialise. I also believe that churches in Nigeria have an opportunity to support his leadership by praying for him and becoming a good example for others to emulate. As far as Nigerian politics is concerned, I consider myself a hopeless optimist whose optimism is anchored in God alone not politicians. I feel hopeless because various would-be political saviours have appeared and gone with the money in the wind. But God is sovereign and will in good time help Nigeria for the sake of helpless masses through our prayers.

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Sunday Tribune

Greed, politics, fuelling CCC crisis —Prophet Evans

Prophet Gabriel Evans is the Head of Diocese “G” of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), New Nigerian Diocese, and the Shepherd-in-Charge of City of David Parish, Onireke, Ibadan. He speaks with Rita Okonoboh on the current CCC leadership crisis, why predictions fail, what Nigerians should expect in the next few months, among others. Excerpts:

of the clergy in March 1991. What inspired the theme for the church’s 23rd harvest thanksgiving service, “Transition” taking place today? The movement of people who believe in God should be gradual. Some people believe transition has to do with moving from the mortal body to the immortal, but in the spiritual realm, God can move a person from poverty to prosperity; there can be a turnaround in a person’s situation from a lower state to a higher state and I can see God doing that in my life and those of the members of the church. There is a spiritual growth, even beyond our understanding that the church is experiencing and we see the hand of God in everything we do.

Prophet Evans

hat is the story of your journey into the ministry? I studied mass communication at the University of Lagos and graduated in 1990. Sometime in 1985, my shepherd in my church told me I had a calling but I told him I didn’t believe in such things. I’ve been a member of the CCC since 1979 and became a prophet in 1980. However, being a prophet doesn’t make you a member of the clergy. Events began to unfold and I discovered that I had no choice but to obey the call. After much prayers and consultations, my mother convinced me. In December 1990, at Festac, Lagos, my friends also convinced me. I became a full member

As a prophet and in line with the theme of the harvest, with the new government in power, do you think Nigeria will also experience that transition? To be candid and as a minister of the gospel, I am not seeing any change anywhere. The fuel situation is still in a mess; we had a miracle power surge three weeks after the new government came into power and after that we returned to status quo. If any blame will be laid on the previous government, three months is enough for that and we should see that new government is really working. I want to see a non-partial fight against corruption. I want to see a leader who is the president of the country and not a leader of a party. I don’t want to see cabals hijacking the government which is already happening again. We have never had fuel crisis this bad since the June 12 crisis. If we continue with this trend, we will remain in

the same place. However, with prayers, all things are possible. Do predictions fail? One beautiful fact is that some ministers of God are spiritual prostitutes. We should ask some of these people if their predictions were really from God. Some of these predictions were based on the fact that some ministers are stooges to the government in power or as a result of what they read from happenings in the society. I predicted the coming of President Barack Obama to power and to the glory of God, it came to pass and many converted to the CCC because of that. When a voice is of God, the recipient has no blame. For those that have said that former President Goodluck Jonathan lost the election because he didn’t do what God asked him to do, what were those things he did not do? Those are flimsy excuses. God has said He is the Lord, He changeth not. If God speaks concerning a person, it doesn’t matter what the person’s inadequacies are, God will elevate His words because His words are constant. As a Diocesan head, you oversee 27 churches. With the rise in the number of churches, why does moral decadence also seem to be on the rise? Many churches today are not really preaching the gospel. Many of those who have embezzled are respected in those churches and some are even ministers and elders. As such, one begins to wonder what is preached in those churches. Failed bank owners even pay tithes in those churches – monies which have been siphoned from the poor. Churches shouldn’t be involved in the messy politics of the society. The church should be non-partisan. A minister of God should

Glory Tabernacle Ministry celebrates Festival of Nations 2015 Glory Tabernacle Ministry, recently, held its annual groundbreaking event, Festival of Nations, at the church headquarters located at Bodija, Ibadan, Nigeria. The event, attended by high-profile individuals from within and outside Nigeria, and Christians from all walks of life, featured cultural presentations, rendition of special songs by the choir, drama presentation, among other spirit-lifting and entertaining events. In his message, the Pioneer General Pastor, Pastor Uzodinma Obed, noted that the event was a celebration of the unity God expects of Christians and the world at large, and commended those present for identifying the theme of unity. The General Pastor, Pastor Gabriel Akinbola, who also spoke on oneness and its attendant benefits, which will ensure that

the nation and the world, in general, is at peace, expressed that it is important for all people to embrace unity, seeing as we are all created in God’s image. Elder Joseph Uponi, in his message which was based on

John 17:11-15, focused on unity, and the need for Christians to celebrate oneness, noting that “there is no time better than now when it has become evident that we must break down all the walls of persecution, and barriers. There is no place to

show it than in a gathering like this. We are all together here because of the oneness we celebrate in Jesus Christ.” The event was a time for rejoicing, celebration, dancing, singing and general worship all to the glory of God.

Pioneer General Pastor, Pastor Uzodinma Obed (fourth right); Pioneer Associate Pastor, Pastor (Mrs) Chinyere Obed (third right); General Pastor, Pastor Gabriel Akinbola (second right); Assistant Pastor, Pastor Joseph Emmanuel (left); Director of Programmes and Acting General Manager, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, Mrs Olufunmilola Peluola (third left); immediate past PPRO of Oyo State Police Command, Mrs Bisi Okuwobi-Ilobanafor (second left), with representatives of different cultures, cutting the cake at the Festival of Nations 2015, held at Glory Tabernacle Ministry headquarters, Ibadan, recently.

minister to all. When it was necessary, Jesus scolded, rebuked and even preached. To correct the situation, there must be genuine repentance. Also, these ‘super’ rich men of God should also pay tax. Maybe, somehow, things will begin to change. As we approach the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016, what do you foresee for Nigeria? To be candid, if Nigerians want to have peace and enjoy God, it won’t be soon. We need serious prayers. Maybe sometime around July 2016, there will be relative stability but there will be crisis. I am not a prophet of doom. The crisis is incubating but when it comes to the forefront, we will understand. How would you assess the state of insurgency? Who are the sponsors? Terrorists are not spirits; they are day-to-day people. It is the handiwork of politicians and it has snowballed out of their control. Every time there is a terrorist attack in the Western world, Boko Haram borrows a leaf, so Abuja should be careful of what happened in Paris. The new administration promised to end insurgency in December and find the Chibok girls. Where are the Chibok girls? There have been speculations about disunity in the CCC. What is really happening? Greed, church politics, leadership tussle and money. I tell our leaders that there are a million and one ways money will come to Christians. Psalm 72 is specific on this. The first division came after the death of Reverend P.H. Ajose. Members of the trustees who are not church workers wanted to decide who rules the church and we, members of the clergy said No. Ordinary men do not decide for Levites who rules them. That is the standard. That was the beginning of the division. Anyone who says anything contrary is not saying the truth. We, the Levites, went with Reverend Gilbert Jesse, who is late now. Along the line, when further division came up, the other camp wanted to take Reverend Mobiyina Oshoffa, son of the late founder, Reverend S.B.J. Oshoffa, but we said no because Baba Oshoffa did not say it is a family thing. Even in the Bible, church leadership is not a family affair. Moses handed over to Joshua; Elijah handed over to Elisha; Jesus handed to Peter. It is in the Pentecostal world now that church leadership has become a family affair. What is the role of women in CCC leadership? There is a clear difference between civilisation and religion. Unfortunately, people are bringing civilisation into religion and I will continue to disagree with that till eternity, unless scripture tells me otherwise. The scripture is explicit on the role of women in the church. Even in the New Testament, women did not mount the pulpit. A woman must not be on the altar before she does wonderful things in the church. The scripture says women should keep quiet, but we are not saying so. There are many roles women can play in the church. In the CCC today, women are allowed to establish churches but they cannot mount the altar and they understand that. In as much as we accommodate civilisation, we should not let it take over religion. As much as we accommodate change, holy sanctity must be kept.

tribunechurch with Most Revd J.O. Akinfenwa

with Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, fradebadejo@yahoo.com

Harvest of new songs

We all need mercy Mercy is God’s name ive thanks to the Lord for he is good for his mercy endures forever” (Ps 118:1, 136:1). So goes the refrain from both psalms here cited, two only of the numerous verses which proclaim the mercy of God in the Bible. Such appraisal of God is not mere platitude because in the relationship between God and man in the history of salvation, mercy is the dominant factor. When God made the irreversible covenant with His people in the Bible after bringing them out of slavery, he said: “I will make my Dwelling among you and I will not reject you. I will walk among you; I will be your God and you will be my people” (Lev 26:11-12). It was clear that God’s relationship with the people was an unequal one. It was more a covenant of love rather than a contract. Man did not really bring that much to the table. That equation was re-established many times all through Scripture and sealed by Jesus’ witness and death. It was also eminently confirmed by no less a person than Peter, the lead apostle of Jesus, who wrote of God’s people: “At one stage you were no people, but now you are God’s people, you had not received mercy, but now you have been given mercy” (1Pet 2:10). Mercy, indeed is God’s name.

Our world needs mercy Few people would contest our need for divine mercy in today’s world. Prayers for Divine Mercy have become a permanent feature of Christian practice and devotion over the last decades. Just as well, in a world fast succumbing to multiple vices of corruption, decadence, violence, war , oppression, and various forms of inhumanity and Godlessness. Pope Francis is eager to teach that the Church’s mission is as a witness of mercy and compassion. He has called for the celebration of a Holy jubilee Year of Mercy, from December 8, 2015 till November 20, 2016. A meaningful and relevant celebration of the year is to challenge the Church and God’s people to promote and engage in prayer and action which will make God’s mercy more evident in the world. That is why in his document for the declaration of the year he wrote: “Mercy is the very foundation of the Church’s life. All her pastoral activity should be caught up in the tenderness she makes present to believers; nothing in her preaching and in her witness to the world can be lacking in mercy. The Church’s very credibility is seen in how she shows merciful and compassionate love. The Church has an endless desire to show mercy’”. (Bull of Indiction no 10). What a noble task for Christians in all sectors of society! Blessed are the merciful Indeed the imperative of mercy does not lie only with Christians. A wicked world affects all its citizens without exception. Except for twisted and damaged

Sunday Tribune

dawnofanewera

firmfaith:rightreason

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6 December, 2015

people, every human heart feels a tug of compassion and solidarity when a child suffers, when the innocent are punished, when the poor are oppressed or the defenseless exploited. The example of Jesus Christ applies to all. That it excludes no one is proven by his parables of the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:25-37) and the Woman at the Well (Jn. 4:5-42). He even said:”Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy” (Matt. 5:7). Solomon Ibn Gabirol once asked: “Of what avail is an open eye if the heart is blind?” Therefore, all opportunities to show mercy to others must be exploited if indeed we believe in a more compassionate and more humane world. As the apostle Paul admonished: “Let everyone then see us as the servants of Christ and stewards of the secret works of God” (1Cor.4:1). Show me your faith For Christians, the love of God and of the neighbour must be the basis of mercy. Saint Pope John Paul the great once said that no one is so poor as to have nothing to give and no one so rich as to need nothing at all. Even the least endowed Christian can enrich the Year of Mercy by simply obeying the 10 commandments and the traditional injunctions for Christian living. The injunctions are the corporal and the spiritual works of mercy which many Christians have sadly long abandoned. The corporal works of mercy are to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead (Matt. 25). The spiritual works of mercy are to instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, admonish sinners, bear wrongs patiently, forgive offences willingly, comfort the afflicted and pray for the living and the dead. These guidelines, diligently followed, guarantee the sanctification of the person and the salvation of his soul. The World AIDS Day Perhaps then the proximity of the World Aids Day on December 1 each year, to the beginning of the Year of Mercy has some symbolic lessons to teach. It is another clarion call to respond to the yearning for mercy on our streets, in our neighbourhood and homes without discriminating. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said “We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer”. What do we do, each of us to lighten the burden of the sick, the handicapped, the prisoners, the oppressed etc. among us? The apostle James left us the unforgettable teaching which has been quoted innumerable times by faith teachers. “Say to whoever challenges you. ‘You have faith and I have good deed; show me your faith and I, for my part, will show you my faith in the way I act’” (Jas. 2:18). It is a call that all must heed in order to heal this wounded world.

Continued from last week Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. That was what Hannah did in 1 Samuel chapter 1. The Bible says, 1 Samuel 1:1718 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. A new song is a figurative and collective expression meant to represent everything that you do to show appreciation to the Lord. It is a metaphor for your sacrifice of praise to the Lord, which can be material or non- material. Let us spare a moment to relate this new song to the material side of our thanksgiving. Can we ask, dear people of God - what song is your harvest thanksgiving offering singing? One day, the Lord sat and watched as people were bringing their offerings (Mark 12: 41 - 44; Luke 21: 1 - 4). He taught us in that story that our offering should be commensurate with our blessings. I ask you today - is your sacrifice of thanksgiving commensurate with the blessings of God in your life? If not, please do something about it. Every born again child of God wants to make heaven. Revelation 5: 9 and Rev 14: 3 give us insight into what we shall be

doing in heaven. We shall be singing new songs to our God. Let us start practising from here. And on that note, let us quickly remind ourselves of the final harvest. A great day is coming, when those who lived for Christ shall be harvested into the Paradise of God, and those who rejected Christ shall be harvested into eternal damnation in hell. People of God, heaven is real; and hell is real. You have celebrated Harvest in the church - the kingdom of God on earth; please don’t miss the kingdom of God in heaven. Don’t let the devil harvest your soul into hellfire. If today you cannot confidently declare that if death closes your eyes NOW, those eyes will open in the Paradise of God, God is giving you a fresh opportunity to sing a new song. Will you come to Jesus this now and receive a new life? The old life you have lived up till now will only lead to destruction. But the word of God says, John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Come and receive that everlasting life today. Let God harvest you into his kingdom, so that the devil will not harvest you into hellfire. Sing a new song of salvation today, so that you will not sing an old song of condemnation on the day of judgement. Just as I am without one plea Just that the blood was shed for me...

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

You are ordained for exemption! People don’t perish for lack of prayers; they perish for lack of light or knowledge. That is why the Bible says: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). What we don’t know, we cannot believe; and what we don’t believe, we cannot become. It is only what we believe that we are empowered to become. Also, at the root of everything outstanding is understanding. What we don’t understand, we cannot experience (John 1:12). In the same vein, until we understand the mystery behind our exemption, we cannot experience it. Therefore, if at the root of everything outstanding is understanding, what, then, is Understanding? It is written: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Proverbs 4:7). Doing a thing is not enough; understanding why we are doing it, is what makes it work. Wisdom is doing what God says, while understanding is knowing why we are doing it. “Doing it” may never produce to the level of doing it with an understanding. This is because understanding is what gives value to every other virtue. What does Understanding do to us? • Understanding Spurs Automatic Faith: When we arrive at a point of understanding, our faith supernaturally comes alive. Jesus said: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…

(Matthew 11: 28- 30). Rest is a function of faith, and faith is a function of insight. What Jesus implies is, when we come and learn from Him, we would gain insight that will arouse our faith and bring us into the rest He had prepared for us (Romans 10:17). • Understanding Boosts our Confidence: Our confidence commands great results. That is why the Bible says: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward (Hebrew 10:35). In the physical, when we come to the understanding of anything in life, we boost our confidence in same and that in turn puts us in command of our desired results. In like manner, spiritual understanding is key to experiencing outstanding result in life. When we understand the root of our exemption in Christ, we become partakers of same. However, understanding spiritual things begins with accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour. That is what being born again is all about. SHILOH 2015, our annual event is here again with the theme, From Glory To Glory! The venue is Faith Tabernacle Canaanland, Idiroko Road, Ota from December 8-12. The highlights of this great event include: specialised healing services, ministers’ conference and more. Come with great expectations as they shall all be turned to testimonies! Your season of glory has finally arrived!

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

feature

Want to live long, stay healthy?

Get on a bike!

Against the backdrop of the recent call by the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, that governments at all levels in the country should embrace cycling as an alternative means of transportation, ABIODUN AWOLAJA, writes on the genesis of the advocacy in the current Republic, and the gains and pains of establishing a bicycle culture in the country.

Coach Samaila Usman posing with Nigerian cyclists during a recent competition

N January this year, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, called for the provision of cycling lanes in all states of the federation. Oyeyemi, speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State, after a Keep Fit Cycling Exercise to mark the 54th birthday of the Vice President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Issa Aremu, said: “We believe that when you cycle, your health status will improve. We believe that cycling improves environmental issues because it does not encourage pollution and we also believe that traffic could be better managed when we have people cycling shorter distances.” Speaking earlier in December 2014 at the opening of the 2014 National Bicycle Week at the FRSC headquarters, Abuja, Oyeyemi had urged motorists to respect the rights of cyclists and other road users. “Motorists should always remember that there are exposed road users who must be given consideration. Cycling is a good form of physical exercise for the people, it is also another means of transport,” he had said. Oyeyemi is actually not alone in the bicycle advocacy. In 2013, his predeces-

sor, Osita Chidoka had, during his inauguration as a member of Nigeria Cycling Federation, stunned the nation when he declared that he had in fact attended his wedding on a bicycle. “I have strong passion for cycling and on my wedding day, I went to church on a bicycle because I believe in cycling as a mode of transportation. I have identified with cycling to bring the level of awareness that would make it possible for cyclists in Nigeria to ride safely on the road,” Chidoka had said, to roaring applause. Genesis of the advocacy As a matter of fact, however, bicycle advocacy in the Fourth Republic dates back to the Olusegun Obasanjo presidency. In 2001, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, the then Minister of Transport, vigorously advocated greater use of bicycles in the country, but his voice was virtually drowned by critics who harped on the danger of such a venture on Nigeria’s poor roads. And when Maduekwe himself was pushed into a ditch by a bus while cycling to work, the critics simply poked fun at the bicycle apostle. But 14 years on, the advocacy has refused to die. Benefits of cycling

Cycling comes with a full package of benefits: physical, mental and social. Cycling is incredibly easy to do, and builds strength and muscle tone. Experts stress that it improves general muscle function gradually, strengthens the leg muscle and makes the heart pound in a steady manner. Advocates of the sport have not ceased pointing out that, according to research, cyling to work will increase cardio-vascular fitness by 3-7 per cent, that steady cycling burns approximately 300 calories per hour, or that it improves heart health. What is more, according to the British Medical Association, cycling 20 miles a week can reduce risk of coronary heart diseases by 50 per cent, reduces stress and depression, and improves wellbeing and self esteem. And lovers of nature would add that outdoor cyling is a good way to become one with nature! Indeed, according to an expert, Matthew Barbour, cycling makes you get to places faster, sleep more deeply, look younger, increase your brain power, beat illness and live longer. Again, because it does not pollute the atmosphere, it will actually save the planet. If you are not bothered about the planet, how about the fact

that cycling will improve your sex life, heal your heart, make your boss love you, make you lose weight in the saddle and make more money? Femi Thomas, CEO of FT Cycle Care, Lagos, an outfit which organises competitions for children, agrees with Barbour. Speaking with Sunday Tribune, he averred that cycling is bound to reduce government’s budget on road maintenance. His argument: people put cars on the road which really are not road-worthy, damaging the roads. He added: “Cycling has an edge. It is safe; and it is also healthy. It changes your lifestyle and enhances longevity of life. It reduces heart diseases, sickness and fat in the body; so it really helps economically and financially. It saves you fuel consumption, queues on the road, traffic, on your way to the office. At the same time, it keeps you healthy. It is so very easy for a driver to consume the pollution from a vehicle’s exhaust pipe. But when cycling, this is eliminated because you are not stagnant, rooted to a spot where you can be harmed.” Cycling really can be fun, and experts continued on pg 47

feature

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Tapping the gains of cycling

Al-Amin Bello (left) during the competition in Lagos

Femi Thomas, CEO, FT Cycle Care, Lagos

continued from pg 46

are making frantic efforts to establish the sport firmly on Nigerian soil. Al-Amin Bello, a JSS 1 student of ECWA Model College, Ibadan, who won the bronze medal in the latest competition organised by FT Cycle Care, Lagos, told Sunday Tribune that he was overjoyed by his feat, particularly as he had not won any prize at the 2014 Children’s Day Cycling competition organised in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, having just started cycling only three weeks earlier. “I feel very happy with my success in Lagos and I hope to win better prizes in future competitions,” he said. Why Nigerians neglect cycling On why Nigerians are not leveraging on the many benefits of cycling, Thomas averred that they had become overshadowed by the pursuit of material things like cars; that they want to move fast although, paradoxically, they end up spending more time to get to their destination. To him, then, even those who want to ride are thinking of their safety as they face other road users. Hear him: “They know that other road

Boboye Oyeyemi, FRSC Corps Marshal

Osita Chidoka, former FRSC boss

users, particularly the commercial bus drivers, have not been educated enough to really accommodate cycling.” Thomas added, very confidently, that those who loved cycling had a way of communicating with other road users to allow them the right of way, skills which he said anyone wishing to cycle needed to adopt. On the role of the Nigerian government in establishing the bicycle culture in the country, the expert said that the government would achieve nothing unless it imposed taxes on citizens putting many vehicles on the road, and on public car parks. His words: “The only way I see government playing an effective role is when it starts taxing vehicle owners. You can imagine someone who has four vehicles putting all of them on the road at the same time: one is taking the children to school, one is taking his wife to the office, another is taking him to the office and one is going to the market. It is outrageous. Government should tax parking in public spaces. This would force people to consider cycling.” A world of benefits for children Not surprisingly, Aminu Kolapo, coor-

dinator of Bright Future Cycling Club, Ibadan, who said his outfit concentrated on children, observed that the benefits of cycling far outweighed any dangers posed by poor roads. Speaking with Sunday Tribune, Kolapo argued that cycling promotes mental and physical fitness, as well as social awareness. Anyone cycling, he stated, is far from obesity, which is fostered by the kind of food Nige-

rians eat nowadays. On the question of safety, Kolapo pointed out that a bicycle occupies only a small space, actually less than two centimetres, on the road, and so could be easily manipulated. “Four bicycles can easily occupy the same space a car would take on the road. The bicycle rider would not even complain where an okada rider would. “Boboye’s suggestion is a lovely one. It is something that would benefit both old and young. We have been conditioned to enjoy luxury now. Our forefathers rode bicycles for three or four miles everyday to their farms and came home. Now, look at our generation: people have access to luxury cars but look at the rate at which they have cardiac arrests. It is because we are not engaged in any exercise. Research has even confirmed that cyclists live longer than motor drivers,” he said. He recalled the case, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, of a young boy who was previously suffering from eating disorders last year and had caused his grandmother great distress, but whose body system was soon radically transformed when he started cycling. “When we trained him to do endurance cycling, his system stabilised and he started eating well. Parents are scared of

the reckless drivers we have in Nigeria but once we encourage cycling and get our children enrolled under experts, they are secure,” Kolapo surmised. The global picture Samaila Usman, former national team coach, member of the Nigeria Cycling Federation and current chief coach of cycling at Kaduna State Ministry of Youth and Sport, Kaduna State, enthusiastically welcomed the FRSC boss’ call, saying that cycling, an established way of life in the West, was already being keyed into by many African countries, both as a profession and as a manner of life. Speaking with Sunday Tribune, Usman stated: “People have now begun to understand the importance of riding bicycles . The call by the FRSC boss is a good and welcome development, especially now that most of the African countries are now getting into cycling, not just as a way of keeping fit but as a way of getting daily bread as a professional like me. Cycling is my own job, I don’t know anything apart from cycling.” Risk assessment... As he pointed out, however, anyone riding bicycles should do a risk assessment. He said: “If you are riding at night, you need to wear a reflective jacket if you don’t have light on your bicycle, so that when a car approaches, the drivers would know that somebody is coming on a bicycle. Outside this country, all these things have been provided, and when you are wearing all these things, people will learn to respect you.” Usman, a 1996 gold medallist in cycling and 2013 National Merit Award winner, recalled that the last time bicycles were flagged off in the UK, Prime Minister David Cameron introduced it to each and every angle of train stations in the UK. “As a professional and coach, I would always encourage everybody to go for bicycles. In my house, my children and I have bicycles and every weekend, we go for a ride when we don’t have training. We need to encourage children: some will take it as a profession, others as fun,” he said. Still, it is yet unclear if state governments would join the current advocacy, and make Nigeria truly bicycle-compliant.

6 December, 2015

Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 0807 449 7425

children’sarena

Brief history of Christmas cake

HRISTMAS cake is an English tradition that began as plum porridge. People ate the porridge on Christmas Eve, using it to line their stomachs after a day of fasting. Soon dried fruit, spices and honey were added to the porridge mixture, and eventually it turned into Christmas pudding. In the 16th century, oatmeal was removed from the original recipe, and butter, wheat flour and eggs were added. These ingredients helped hold the mixture together, resulting in a boiled plum cake. Richer families with ovens began making fruit cakes with marzipan, an almond sugar paste, for Easter. For Christmas, they made a similar cake using seasonal dried fruit and spices. The spices represented the exotic eastern spices brought by the Wise Men. This cake became known as ‘Christmas cake’.

Christmas cakes are made many different ways, but generally they are variations on classic fruitcake. They can be light, dark, moist, dry, heavy, spongy, leavened, unleavened, and more. They are made in many different shapes, with frosting, glazing, a dusting of confectioner's sugar or plain.

Sunday Tribune

k ild ee h C ew th of

Hurray!

Oluwadarasimi JanetBamisaye

clocked

recently. Many happy returns.

Words from the kids

What do you like about your school?

Agent Onim’s J.S.S 3, 14 yrs I like my school because it has good and conducive environment. The teachers are highly qualified; they also have good relationship with the students. My school has a well-equipped library for reading and well-ventilated classroom for studying. Our seniors are well disciplined and very friendly to the students. We also partake in social activities such as going on excursions, sports and cultural day which we observe every third week of December. We also have social clubs such as Rotary Club, Press Club, Homemakers Club, Science Club, Affairs Club and finally Arts Club.

Ogunade Titilayo J.S.S 1, 10 yrs I like my school because the teachers are highly qualified and friendly. They never take their job with levity. I also like my school because we regularly engage in so many activities like sports, cultural day and inter class debate, which have widened our horizon. My school has also good facilities like the library, computer laboratory, chemistry laboratory and so on. Finally, my school is very beautiful and well organised. Compiled by Yetunde Tijani

Abakun Demilade

J.S.S 3, 11 yrs

My school has well-equipped laboratories such as computer laboratory, science laboratory among others. The school aims at teaching students to be role models to others. The teachers are friendly, helpful, kindly, and well educated. My school has both junior and senior secondary schools. I like the school because of its facilities such as the library, the laboratories, and the conducive environment. In short, I like everything about the school. It also organises events such as the cultural day, the children's day, inter - house sports and club day.

Respondents are students of MARKS Comprehensive High School, Ibadan.

Oladokun Precious J.S.S 3, 12 yrs I like my school because the school is sited in a good environment. The teachers in my school are kind and caring. The school has computer and science laboratory. My school engages us in entertainment and other activities like sports, culture and quiz. My school has a good standard. I like my school because it has educated and trained teachers, good proprietor and principal. We also have an accountable bursar. We have a good school hall and classrooms that are well-equipped. I like my English teacher because she always wants the students to be good in oral and written English.

Aweda Hiqmat J.S.S 2, 10 yrs. I love my school because it has good standard. The teachers are intelligent and hardworking. I also like the school because of its facilities such as the library, the laboratories, and the conducive environment. I like everything about the school. It also organises events such as the cultural day, the children’s day, inter - house sports and club day. I also like my school because the teachers teach us well, and correct our mistakes when necessary. Our school also participates in sports, cultural day and every fun activity, debate, quiz etc.

opinion

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

What is ICPC up to? By Idowu Samuel

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is, of late, on the fast lane of trail-blazing. Smarting from the high scores it recorded with the approach of fighting corruption by preventive measures, its new initiative of incorporating the Nigerian youths into anti- corruption war strikes as another means of closing the circle of good ideas on its desire to opening up participation in the war on corruption in the country. Indeed, ICPC demonstrated ingenuity on its desire to raise the bar on the fight against corruption by forging a synergy with representatives of the youths on war against corruption. The chairman, Mr Ekpo Nta, indicated this much when he said in his welcome address to the participants at the ICPC two day National Conference Against Corruption, in Abuja on, November 24, 2015, that the idea of partnership with the Nigerian youths, indeed, originated from the youths. An earlier public outing in Ibadan between ICPC officials and members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on the need to intensify fight against corruption yielded an initiative for an extended conference which the two agreed to organise. Suggestion to that effect came from the students, while ICPC took up the challenge to put the conference in place. To underscore its huge interest in forging a synergy with the youths on the war against corruption, the ICPC deployed a robust team of its officials headed by Professor Olu Aina to brain storm with leaders of the Nigerian students on the need for a national conference to advance on the evolving initiative. It was after this National Conference that Nigerians began to appreciate the necessity for collaboration between ICPC and the Nigerian youths on evolving a cutting-edge approach towards fighting corruption in Nigeria. Speakers after speakers during the Conference entitled “Mobilising The Nigerian Youths Against Corruption” hailed the ICPC for taking up the challenge. The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs, Colonel Hamid Ibrahim Ali and the Minister of Youths and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalong, who read key note addresses during the Conference agreed that the ICPC and Nigerian youths synergy could not have come at a better time. The guest speakers took time to educate the youths on the onerous responsibilities entrusted in them to fight corruption. They, indeed, impressed it on the youths to latch onto the platform already created for them to get involved in the fight, while they were entreated to take the lead in the process. The Chief host, Ekpo Nta was the most elated that the Conference with the youths held eventually. He expressed confidence in their ability to make the difference on the basis that doing so would enable them to stave off the

dangers that acts of corruption in Nigeria hold against their future. Ekpo Nta, from indications, will not let go of the opportunities that ICPC can derive from partnering with the youths to perform its primary constitutional responsibilities. He had already listed the successful outcome of the conference as an achievement. The ICPC Chairman was of the view that the Commission had already been good to the youths before now. He alluded to the System Review of tertiary institutions in Nigeria by ICPC which he said led to the closure of 63 degree awarding institutions in Nigeria on the basis that they were fake. He told participants at the conference that ICPC had also initiated anti-corruption curriculum in schools while also engaging the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) on the task of infusing national values on schools’ curriculum. He recalled also that ICPC and the Tertiary Education Funds TETfund had done well to raise the standard of infrastructures in the Nigerian tertiary institutions. The Conference hit the right momentum during the opening ceremony when the Minister of Youths and sports Dalong addressed the youths on the high expectations by Nigerians on what they could do to bail out the country from corruption. His advice to the youths was considered germane given the role he had played in the past as the President of NANS. Dalong hitting the nail on the head counseled the youths to desist from acts of corruption if indeed; they ever desired to take the lead in the fight against corruption. He condemned the growing consciousness in the Nigerian youths, including students for wealth acquisition in which case, he said, students leaders now preferred to ride in expensive cars and in convoy, hold their programmes in 5-star hotels and above all live in opulence. The Minister noted that the crave for instant wealth by the youths has pre-disposed them to always cringe before money bags in the society, while they willingly offer themselves to be used as tools for inglorious purposes.

He, indeed, entreated the youths to desist from getting enmeshed in acts of corruption, while they should rather take ownership of the fight against the vices of corruption right from their different institution down to the public arena. The Comptroller General of the Nigerian customs spoke in the same vein when he said, “We must ensure the active participation of young public servants in the fight against corruption. The better future we hope to live belongs to the youths and it is only right that you play an active role in shaping it. He added, “This will, however, not come automatically to you. You must seize the opportunity and make the best out of platform the ICPC has created” The National Conference hit the right chord with presentation of papers on Youths and Digital Age Corruption, The Youths and Education Sector Corruption, Promoting Integrity and Combating Corruption: The Role of the Youths, Empowering the Youths as Agents of Change and others. The tone of discussions by guest speakers and discussants produced a sound communique meant to advance the cause of youths’ participation in the fight against corruption with the ICPC- the first of its kind in Nigeria. The communique indicated that the anti-graft Commission has started the process by urging the youths, mostly students in the tertiary institutions to begin by monitoring the disbursement of the bailout funds released by the Federal Government to the states, while reporting any fraud associating with process of disbursements. The youths are also to henceforth pay attention to cases of unnecessary increase of school fees by school administrations, police extortion, and other corrupt acts that affect students in their respective states. The communique also indicated that ICPC will launch Campus Watchdog Initiatives to establish its presence and help the students fight tertiary institution-related corrupt acts. The Communiqué also among others states that, “That the teaching of the National Values Curriculum in schools should be intensified to ensure its widespread implementation across the educational system; “That access to broadband Internet should be considered a human rights issue and be made available to all youths; while the relevant authorities martial out a comprehensive IT-based career development plan for the youths; “That government should address the high tariffs charged by the GSM companies; “That government should monitor the spending of internally generated revenues raised by school authorities through increased fees and levies; “That religious organizations and institutions should be mobilized to join the crusade against corruption” • Samuel, who attended the national conference on youths against corruption, which was held at the International Conference recently, sent this piece from Abuja.

Why traditional beads are significant in Yorubaland By Adekola Iyabo BEADS are small round and perforated objects which are usually strung to form necklaces, bracelets, or attached to garment, clothes for decorative effects. Beads are the first durable item of ornamentation that human wore across the globe. They have been found in ancient graves, buried with the wearer. The very fact that beads are found in graves of humans some centuries ago and are still recognisable, is a testimony to their durability, long after human remains have decayed. Beads are found in graves of the wearer are very much intact, and can help archeologist to unravel the culture of the people who wore them. Bead-making industry thrived in Ile-Ife between 10001400BC, and Iwo-Elerin, 8000BC, where finely worked stone implements were found (Shaw and Daniels, 1984). Also the site at Ile-Ife (Ita-yemoo) was occupied in the first millennium by pottery and stone stool beads. It is said that the wife of Oduduwa, Olokun Senaide, established the art of glass bead making in the ancient city of Ile-Ife and Igbo Olokun (Olokun grave) is known to be her workshop, which covers some acres of land, as long as twelve acres. The earliest beads were made of eggshell, clay, twigs, stones, ivory, bones, palmnuts, tortoise shell, etc.

Beads-are not only durable, but collectable, portable, valuable within- the culture and available in varieties of shapes and colours. Beads worn merely for the sake of decoration is a modern idea, they mean much more to ancient people. They are made of a great variety of materials namely, glass, clay, coral, bone, wood, silver, copper, ceramics, aluminum and brass. They are at times curved, painted or enameled. In the olden days, beads were used for culture and traditional outfits. Uses of beads tell much about its political, religious and social and economic importance in Yoruba culture: In the 16th and 17th century, young children were given beads called Lagidigba to wear as costume. In Yorubaland, beads are traditionally associated with kings, chiefs, priests and worshippers of ifa and Ogun dieties (God of Iron). Ladies as well as members of secret societies (ogboni) have a peculiar way of wearing beads. Beads are of the kinship paraphernalia in Yorubaland. Tradition also had it, that most important Yoruba Obas especially the crown Obas received the right to wear the beaded crown made with large red beads of jasper and carnelian beads. Aside from the beaded crown, they are always dressed, one way or the other, in beaded regalia, for example, Agbada Ileke, Opa-Ileke and BataIleke. Also in Owo in Ondo State, the Olowo of Owo is

always seen wearing the heavily beaded short designed in criss-cross fashion at Igogo religious festival celebrated yearly. In Ile-Ife during Olojo festival, people celebrate with pomp and pageantry and they wear varieties of beads. At this festival, Ooni of Ife usually seen wearing a beaded crown called Are crown decorated with a tringe of coral beads hanging over his face. Beads are traditionally used as charms (Oogun) to act upon spiritual forces and also as protection against evils. Encircling parts of the body like head, neck, arms, wrists, waist, legs, ankles, hair and toes with beads, has literal, spiritual and symbolic meanings. They are also used on musical instrument called sekere in Yorubaland. Beads also provoke desire, women waist beads known Bebe or Lagidigba, possess to know if women are adding weight. Waist beads in Yoruba are also used for birth control; the beads are laced with charms and worn by women to prevent conception. It is also used to adorn Ere ibeji figurine on the death of a twin. Other users of waist beads in Yorubaland are the orishas and devotees of water deities and other priestesses; they adorn the waist beads for protection against spiritual attacks as well as part of their dress regalia. • Iyabo, Principal Conservator, National Museum of Unity, writes from Ibadan.

news

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

New Ooni: Osun Assembly felicitates with Ile-Ife

From right, bride’s father, Mr Joseph Lanrewaju Olla; bride’s mother, Mrs Sarah Subulade Olla; the newly wedded couple, Mr Daniel Ikpereka Ikem and his wife, former Miss Ibukunoluwa Adeola Olla, groom’s father, Mr Nicholas Ikem and groom’s mother, Mrs Angela Ikem, during the solemnisation of holy matrimony between the couple, at Oritamefa Baptist Church, Total Garden, Ibadan, on Saturday. PHOTO: D’TOYIN

Kano bomb blast: Shi’a buries victims Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

HE 23 people killed by bomb blast in Dakasoye village in Kano State during the Arba’een symbolic trek by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, were buried at the Hussainiyyah Baqiyyatullah in Zaria. The funeral prayer was led by leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky at the weekend. Performing the funeral prayer, Zakzaky said the movement knew those who killed their members and that they could not be fooled by the claim made by Boko Haram that they were responsible for the bomb blast that took the lives of their brothers. He said one of the persons apprehended told the movement that he was coaxed to carry out the dastardly act. ‘After treating him, we set him free. We are now in a

position to understand the true murderers. “We cannot be fooled by Boko Haram’s story. How did the authorities know there were going to be attacks on churches and mosques by girls, and those who were going to do them?” According to him, the sporadic killings in Nigeria and across the world were

deliberately planned to control resources of selected countries and suppress any rising voice against the plan with the assistance of security agents of such countries. Zakzaky also dismissed the existence of suicide bombers in the wide killings, especially the Kano blast, saying, they captured, tortured and threatened un-

Fayose commends Bola Ala Foundation To build N10m auditorium for Ekiti college By Seyi Sokoya A non-profit foundation, Dr Florence Bola Ala Foundation, incorporated in 2014, has unveiled plans to build a multi-purpose, state-ofthe-art auditorium for the College of Education, IkereEkiti, Ekiti State. The Dr Florence Bola Ala Foundation was set up in memorial of late Dr Florence Bola Ala, an outstanding woman who was the first

woman Dean of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The foundation also announced its plan to donate the auditorium at the 22nd convocation of the college, while also presenting cash prize awards to deserving graduating students of the college. Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, commended the initiative and urged others to emulate the

Gani Adams carpets Senate over media bill Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos THE National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, has condemned the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for seeking to introduce a bill aimed at making it an offence to publish any petition or complaint against a public officer without it being supported with a sworn affidavit. The OPC chief, while speaking with selected

suspecting victims and lured them through various means to carry explosives into gatherings in order to kill. The deceased were later buried at a special martyrs cemetery, Jannatul Darul Rahma, located at outskirt of Zaria city, where 34 people including three sons of Zakzaky were also buried in 2014.

journalists in his office, described the proposed bill as “dangerous” to the country’s democracy. According to the OPC chief, “the bill, entitled ‘An act to prohibit frivolous petitions and other matters connected therewith’, is dangerous to the nation’s nascent democracy.” Adams also likened the proposed bill to the “obnoxious military Decree 4 of 1984,” noting that the trend was “worrisome.” According to Adams, with the introduction of the bill, the Senate is plotting a coup

against the media in order to gag it. “I see this as a coup against the media, which by extension, is a coup against the people. It is disturbing that the same senate that got its mandate from the people is now seeking to gag them,” Adams stated Speaking further, he said: “I fear that something terrible is really wrong,” Adams wondered if it was a coincidence that in less than six months into the life of the present administration, the senate was seeking to introduce such bill.

worthy gestures of the foundation. Fayose, who is the Visitor to the college, noted the need for support from well-meaning individuals and organisations towards the development of education, while reiterating the commitment of his government to providing necessary resources to sustain the reputation of the state as a fountain of knowledge. Handing over the cash prize award of N20,000 and book for each three deserving students of School of Education and Early Childhood Care Education to the Registrar of the college, a member of the board of trustees of the foundation and chief marketing officer of Flobal Trust Limited, Mr Abayomi Adeyeri, said the foundation was committed to partnering with the college in achieving its mandates. Adeyeri said the foundation would sustain and build on the initial cash prize awards and further undertake significant special projects of value at the college. This, he said, would include the building of the multi-purpose auditorium to immortalise the late first woman dean of the college.

OSUN State House of Assembly through its Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Oyintiloye Olatunbosun has congratulated Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on his coronation as the Ooni of Ife, asserting confidence in his ascendancy which they affirmed would serve as a catalyst for the advancement of Ile-Ife, the Yoruba nation and the country at large. In a statement signed by Oyintiloye on behalf of the legislative body, the legislators said they were convinced that the credentials and mettle of the monarch were a testimony to the ardour and tireless creativity the king would bring to the throne. The Assembly’s mouthpiece commended the ruling houses for the manner in which they harmoniously resolved their differences during the selection process. He also congratulated the Osun State government, the Council of Obas, and the people of the state, especially the descendants of Ile-Ife, home and abroad, for the peaceful transition. “The spontaneous enthusiasm that greeted the announcement of the new monarch across Ile Ife, Osun State and the entire nation is a substantiation of the better days ahead,” Oyintiloye explained. In a goodwill message to the Ooni during a parliamentary session, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salam enjoined him to give inimitable service, and surpass the worthy legacies of his predecessors. He also admonished him to work with other traditional rulers and government at all levels to inspire harmony, peace and development in the country.

Customs officer’s killers arrested in Imo Joe Nwachukwu - Owerri THE Imo State Police Command has arrested the killers of an officer of Nigeria Customs Service (names withheld), who was slain on September 23, 2015, by a gang of hoodlums while on official duty. The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, who disclosed this to newsmen in Owerri mentioned one Chibuzo Ike of Umuota Umuhu in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the state and one Henry Ndubisi Simon of No 24, new road, Amakohia in Owerri North Local Government Area of the same state, to be the suspects behind the dastardly act. The late customs officer was said to be one of the officers on duty on the ill-fated day at Umuhu (along Owerri-Aba road) in Ngor Okpala LGA. Briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters, Owerri, the police commissioner said: “owing to the attack on the ill-fated officer which led to his death, his AK 47 rifle and his Mazda 626 saloon car were taken away by the criminals.” According to Lakanu, the hoodlums were arrested following investigations by security operatives from the state command’s Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department.

CJ pardons 18 inmates in Nasarawa Ademola Adegbite - Lafia THE Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Suleiman Dikko, on Saturday, granted pardon to 18 inmates awaiting trial in Lafia, Keffi and Nasarawa Prisons in the state. The CJ, who announced that five inmates from Lafia Prisons, 12 from Keffi and one from Nasarawa, were granted pardon, made this known in Keffi Prisons at Keffi Local Government Area of the state while briefing newsmen at the end of his four-day tour of prisons across the state. The inmates, according to him, were Bulus Irimiya, Dauda Emmanuel, Mohammed Isa, Likita Emmanuel, Beegah Luhu, Emmanuel Nyitse, Abubakar Mohammed, Abubakar Ibrahim, Auwal Abdullahi, Abdurahamar Idris, Felix Michael, Danladi Joseph, Peter Ogun, Isha’u Barau, Isreal Stephen, Amos Isaac, as well as Hassan Yakubu and Aliyu Musa. He said his visit to prisons across the state was aimed at decongesting them and to ensure that justice was done to inmates who were wrongly detained. He urged the police, prisons authorities and other stakeholders to rise up to their responsibilities to sanitise the system.

news Saraki: We must lead war to save environment 51

Ayo Adesanmi -Abuja

ENATE President, Dr Bukola Saraki, at the weekend, in Paris, urged his counterparts from across the world to become champions of the cause for saving the environment in their various jurisdictions. Saraki, while presiding over a session of the Globe COP 21 legislators summit inside the French National Assembly Complex with the theme: “Developments in National Legislation on Climate Change, Disaster, Risk Reduction, Energy and Sustainable Development Towards Integrated National Planning on the 2015 Agenda,” said the success of the current move to make the environment safer for all living beings required effective and efficient leadership which legislators were better placed to provide. He tasked other legislators at the summit to go back to their home countries and domesticate the issues raised and share the experiences gathered, so as to spread the success recorded in some places and avoid the mistakes encountered in some other countries. “We must make changes through our parliaments. Parliamentarians are better placed to lead the campaign through legislations and advocacy programmes for the needed change of attitude, required investment and consistent attention necessary to reduce global warming and its dangerous consequence”, Saraki said. Also speaking during the session, Representative Kenza El-Ghali, who is Vice President of the Chamber of Representatives in the Kingdom of Morroco, narrated the consistent laws and policies which the North-African nation had initiated since 1992 towards promoting sustainable environment in line with global best practices. She said Morroco had ini-

6 December, 2015

tiated water and agriculture policies which have helped to promote a clean environment and that since 2010 the focus has shifted to having an energy policy focused on solar power through which 16,000 jobs have been created. In his contribution at the session, Dr Kennedy Graham, who is president of

Globe in New Zealand, said his country has the specific challenge of earthquake and that the development has tasked the initiative of policy makers on the need to avert disaster and mitigate losses suffered by citizens during disasters. Graham said one of such policies already introduced in New Zealand is the Resource

CHAIRMAN of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, (a.k.a. Fele), has been commended for providing a purposeful leadership for the transport union and in

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Dr. Miss. Ogunyemi Oluwagbemisola Rhoda now DR. MRS PETERAYENI OLUWAGBEMISOLA RHODA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

percentage. Congressman Leo Ricardo from Mexico said his country in 2012 was the first developing country to work out an agreement for bio-diversity, reduce DHT, protect citizens and boost the national economy. He further canvassed the need for nations to embrace renewable, efficient and safe energy.

Senator Ed Markey, chair of the United States Senate Committee on Climate Change Clear House and Honourable Jairam Ramesh from India emphasised the need for parliamentarians to ensure mass mobilisation of their constituents in support of the idea and ideals of a save the environment campaign.

in Pwadbot also had no constitutional power to do same in the ward. With the judgments, the PDP has lost its majority seats in the state House of

Assembly to the APC until the elections will be conducted within the next 90 days. With the present situation, PDP has 10 members while APC has 11.

Tribunal sacks Plateau lawmaker, orders rerun ISAAC SHOBAYO- JOS

THE election appeal tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau State, has sacked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Honourable Bulus, representing Langtang South in the state House of Assembly and also ordered a fresh election within the next 90 days to fill the vacant seat. It will be recalled that the National and state House of Assemblies petition sacked Honourable Bulus, as well blacklisted him for life from contesting future election. But Bulus appealed the judgement on the premise that he had been pardoned by the administration of the former Governor Jonah Jang. In his judgment, yesterday, the chairman of the appeal tribunal, Justice S.D Bage, upheld the judgment of the lower tribunal, saying Bulus, as ex-convict, was not properly granted pardon as presented by the applicant. The appeal tribunal also ordered a rerun election in Nyelleng ward in Pankshin North constituency to determine who wins the state House of Assembly election between the Honourable Alice Dimlong of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was declared winner and Honourable Diket Plank of PDP, who filed the appeal petition. In another judgment, the tribunal chairman ordered a rerun election in Pwadbwot ward in Pankshin South, following an appeal filed by

Dashe of APC against Honourable Istifanus Mwansat (PDP), who was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

turn causing members of the union to conduct themselves peacefully in the society. The chairman of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Gbenga Opadotun, gave the commendation, at the weekend, in Ibadan, at Letmauck Cantonment, Nigerian Army, Mokola, during a reception organised for NUJ members by the transport union to mark the start of the 2015 Press Week.

Justice Bage said the returning Officer in charge of Nyelleng unit had no constitutional power to cancel election results in the unit while the presiding officer

Urhobo Traditional Rulers sack UPU URHOBO Progress Union (UPU) was, yesterday, dissolved by the forum of Urhobo Traditional Rulers and the 22 presidentgenerals of the 24 Urhobo kingdoms. However, this has laid to rest the lingering leadership crisis rocking the apex socio-cultural umbrella of Urhobo people worldwide, if the dissolution would hold. The crisis was compounded by Saturday’s boycott of the 84th annual national congress organised by Chief Joe Omene-led splinter UPU group at the Urhobo Cultural Centre in Uvwiamuge, Ughelli North Council Area of Delta State. Sunday Tribune gathered that notable Urhobo leaders and indigenes, including traditional rulers, stayed away from this year’s annual national congress Top politicians, including Senator Ighoyota Amo-

ri, who represents Delta Central at the Senate, Speaker Delta State House of Assembly, Honourable Monday Igbuya, House of Representatives members of Urhobo extraction, state lawmakers and commissioners were equally absent at 84th Urhobo Cultural day. Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Chief Great Ogboru, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, Chief Ovie Omo-Agege,

Guinness book of record accounting genius, the Edafinone and other top business professional were also absent at the ceremony in display of anger and disaffection on the UPU leadership. While the deserted UPU Urhobo day ceremony was ongoing, traditional rulers and the 22 president generals of Urhobo kingdom held a parallel congress at the palace of the Ohworode

By Tunde Busari

THE Senator, representing Osun West Senatorial District, Senator Isiaka Adeleke has called on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Babatunde

Opadotun equally commended the peaceful manner in which the recent election, through which Oyerinde was returned for a second term, was conducted, which he described as a departure from the past when similar exercises were marked by violent clashes. “Of recent, the NURTW is a peaceful union. Peace has returned to the NURTW under the leadership of Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde. In recent past, that was not the case.”

of Olomu Kingdom to outrightly dissolve both leadership led by Chief Omene and Chief Tuesday Onoge. In a communiqué issued at the end of the congress, the Urhobo monarchs and the president general, which formed the highest decision-making organ of Urhobo people, cited disunity and factionalisation of the National Executive of the UPU as reason for the dissolution of the bodies.

Fayose lifts suspension on SSG Sam Nwaoko -Ado Ekiti

FOLLOWING entreaties by the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi; foremost lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) and the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti, Right Revd. Felix Ajakaye and others, the Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has lifted the suspension placed on the Secretary

to the State Government, Dr (Mrs) Modupe Alade. The personalities pleaded on behalf of the SSG during the celebration of the 25th coronation anniversary of Oba Adejugbe Aladesanmi in Ado-Ekiti, on Saturday. The SSG, who was suspended some days ago for three months by the governor has, therefore, been pardoned and asked to re-

Senator Adeleke advises Ooni to rely on God

NUJ commends Oyo NURTW on peace By Saheed Salawu

Management Act which he described as the first law to promote bio-diversity. From Brazil, Senator Jorge Viana, who is the Vice President of the Senate said the parliamentarians present in Paris must take fundamental steps which are aimed at reducing the rate of global warming to not more than one and a half

Sunday Tribune

Ogunwusi Ojaja ll, to rely entirely on God in the discharge of his royal duties and be a father to all. Adeleke described the Ooni ascension to the throne as a clarion call to service and a challenge to him as a youth, urging him to seek sustainable cooperation among the traditional rulers in Osun State and entire Yoruba nation as a whole. In a statement, issued by his media adviser, Olumide Lawal, the senator told the monarch to join other progressively minded Nigerians and avail his people his robust wealth of experience in socio-economic fields of human endeavours for which he is noted. Adeleke noted that it is the time for Ife and indeed the Yoruba nation to live together in unity and peace “to

be the true custodians of our collective heritage.” “Oba Enitan Ogunwusi is stepping into the big shoes left behind by his predecessors, who no doubt, left indelible marks on their reign as Obas of the source. I wish him God’s special mercy, guidance and divine wisdom to excel and surpass the enviable records left behind by Late Oba Okunade Sijuade,” he prayed. The Asiwaju of Ede also wished Oba Ogunwusi God’s guide and grace to execute and realise the ideals of his high office and make Ife a model town. He called on him to play down on whatsoever tends to create disharmony among the people of Osun State and motivate his people to achieve greater and loftier height.

sume office on Monday. Setting the tone for seeking pardon for the SSG, the Ewi said his joy on the occasion would not be complete if the governor did not accede to the demand. In his response, the governor said he had no choice other than to defer to the eminent personalities but warned against indiscipline on the part of public officers and civil servants. He noted that though he is a kind-hearted governor, he would not compromise discipline. Babalola, who was the chairman of the occasion, had listed the qualities that made Fayose excel as a governor. “He is kind and listens to advice and wise counsel. He does not say he is the governor and would lord it over everybody. “When the tipper drivers had issues with him over the N1000 levy, the drivers came to me to intervene and I called the governor on the phone. Though he was in Afao-Ekiti, he came down to Ado-Ekiti and he heeded my plea on behalf of the drivers and reduced the levy to N500,” he said. He described Fayose as a realistic and pragmatic person, who has brought that to governance.

news

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Buhari should ban buying prints abroad —Baptist Press MD By Paul Omorogbe

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe ( middle), cutting his 25th coronation anniversary cake. He is assisted by his Olori, Bosede (4th from right); Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose ( 4th from left); wife of former Benue State governor, Mrs Yemisi Suswan (3rd left); chairman of the occasion, Chief Afe Babalola (3rd right); his wife, Modupe (2nd right); Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rt Revd Felix Ajakaye (5th left); Alhaji Musa Muhammed repesenting former Niger State governor, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu (2nd left) and Mr Samuel Soughul, repesenting the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (left), at a ceremony held at the Ewi’s Palace, Ado Ekiti, on Saturday.

12 vehicles, 4 houses burnt in Lagos tanker explosion Olalekan Olabulo -Lagos

welve vehicles and four houses were consumed in an early Saturday inferno at Ojuelegba area of Lagos State, when a tanker, fully loaded with petrol, went up in flames. The explosion, which occurred around 5am, resulted in serious traffic gridlock till the afternoon, as emergency and traffic officials battled to evacuate the burnt trailer and vehicles. The cause of the accident was yet to be ascertained as at the time of filing this report, but residents of the area blamed the accident on over-speeding by the tanker driver. Residents of the area also told the Sunday Tribune that the explosion occured two hours after the tanker had fallen from the bridge. The tanker fell from the bridge and emptied its contents on the road and in a drainage by the road side, before the explosion started .

Most of the affected buses were parked under the Ojuelegba Bridge, while a few others, which were parked by the roadside, also got burnt. It was gathered that the tanker, with the inscription of a major oil company on it, was on the Ojuelegba Bridge, when the driver suddenly lost total control. The driver in an attempt to regain the control of the

traiker crashed into the side of the bridge, resulting in the tanker falling off the bridge . Fire fighters arrived at the scene and were trying to neutralise the effect of the petrol, when an explosion suddenly occurred. Four houses and twelve buses were burnt, before a combined team of fire fighters from the Federal Fire Service and the Lagos

State Fire Service could finally curtail the rampaging fire Ibrahim Fatinloye, the South-West spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident to the Sunday Tribune but insisted that no casualty was recorded in the accident.

CBN lauds Mimiko over rapid transformation of agric in Ondo The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has commended the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, for what it described as his massive investment in the agricultural sector and the judicious utilisation of commercial agricultural loan granted the state by the financial body. The bank also applauded the government “for the rapid transformation of the agricultural sector, which has provided job opportunities and wealth creation for the youth in the state”.

The CBN gave the commendation at the weekend through its Head of Development, Finance and Project Management Office, Mr Odufote Badejoko, during an inspection tour of projects and programmes executed by the State’ Wealth Creation Agency (WECA). Badejoko, who led other officials of the bank on the tour, expressed his delight at the facilities put in place at some agro-business cities visited, commended Dr Mimiko and the government for investing massive-

ly in the agricultural sector with the aim of addressing the problem of unemployment and food insecurity in the state. He stated that “I am happy and delighted with all I have seen and inspected so far, and I want to commend the governor for massive investment in agriculture which would reduce unemployment in the state’’. The state’s commissioner for information, Kayode Akinmade, however, said it would serve as model for other sectors.

Saraki, Dogara, Atiku mourn Emir of Keffi Ayodele Adesanmi, Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel-Abuja

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has described the late Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chindo-Yamusa II, as a man of peace whose long reign witnessed phenomenal development of the ancient town of Keffi and Nasarawa State. Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in a statement in Abuja, on Saturday, said Saraki received the news of the passing on of the Emir with shock and sadness. He said while Saraki thanked God for the exemplary life, wise counsel and progressive disposition of the royal father, he commiserated with the immediate family

of the deceased, Keffi Emirate, the Government and the people of Nasarawa State over the irreparable loss. Meanwhile, fomer vicepresident Atiku Abubakar and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, also condoled with the government and people of Nasarawa State over the de-

mise of the Emir. Atiku noted that the late Yamusa was genuinely committed to building the bridges of unity, sustaining peace and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. According to Atiku, “the deceased had won the respect of many Nigerians because throughout his life, he was passionately devoted

THE pro-chancellor and chairman governing council of Federal University, Dutse, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, has tasked the newly elected Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abubakar Kundiri, to build on the legacies of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, just as he added that his emer-

gence was not influenced by political consideration but academic competence. “The governing council used all necessary screening method by going through all their Curriculum Vitae, year of experiences , publication of books, professional associations, awards received, as well as their knowledge of

Rep advocates increased pace of rural development Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Rural Development, Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu, advocated increased pace of rural development in Nigeria, insisting that only a concerted effort towards rural development could guarantee desired development. Hon Adebutu, who stated this at the inaugural meeting of the committee, said that he and the members had resolved to do their best towards ensuring improved standard of living in the rural areas. He stated that the committee would work assiduously towards promoting development that would benefit the rural population. Honourable Adebutu stated that the work of his committee covers every aspect of development in the rural communities including education, water, telecommunications, transportation and power. According to him, rural communities make up more than 49.7 per cent of the nation’s population, hence, the need for fundamental infrastructure development, to stem urban drift, which he said put strain on urban amenities.

Ekiti Speaker fetes children at state TV, charges parents By Olakunle Taiwo

to the course of achieving unity even in diversity. The Speaker said that the late monarch was an exemplary leader, whose reign as Emir, witnessed tremendous progress in his chiefdom. Dogara, who extoled the virtues of the late emir, described him as a father of all, man of uncommon humility and lover of peace.

Don tasks new Jigawa VC Kola Oyelere -Kano

AS an industry that is providing employment to numerous youths across the country, President Muhammadu Buhari should “extend his change agenda to the print industry by seeing to the possibility of placing a ban on buying prints abroad.” This submission was made Pastor Aderinto Olajide, General Manager/CEO of Baptist Press (Nig.) Ltd, at the commissioning of its new state-of-the-art printing facilities in Ibadan, recently. According to Olajide, the facilities which included an Agfa Avalon Computer-to-plate A1 plate maker, Enthrone 29 Komori A2 4-Colour Printing Machine, a Manugraph M-360 4 Colour Web Machine which is the first model of its kind in Nigeria, among others are the outcome of a “a bold and uncommon decision” by the Board of the Press to change the Baptist Press Ibadan’s facilities in order to meet up with the current printing and publishing challenges. “As an industry that is providing employment to many youths and unemployed in the country and also contributing to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the industry cannot continue to suffer neglect. I therefore use this medium to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to extend his change agenda to the print industry by seeing to the possibility of placing a ban on buying prints abroad,” the MD said.

ICT as determining factors required for the position,’ Prof Adedoja stated. He lauded the collective efforts of students of the university, noting that by their unique and singular behaviour they had made the university a peace-loving institution for maintaining a crisis-free society.

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Right Hounourable Kola Oluwawole, has advised parents to take the welfare of their children seriously. The lawmaker gave this charge at the monthly birthday party of the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (BSES) organised for persons born in the month of November to which he was invited as a special guest. According to a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Stephen Gbadamosi, Oluwawole, who danced with and feted children born in the month at the party, said the care of children was the primary duty of their parents, adding that God had a purpose for their birth in the particular month. “Even the bible tells us to count the days of our lives. God knows the purpose for which he made you to be born in this month. Your parents should observe your birthdays and take good care of you. That is their primary job. “The month of November is significant in your lives. That is why you see that there are many great men born in the same month as you. The governor of this state was born in a November. So also I and Chief Jimoh Aliu seated here,” he said. Other dignitaries at the event includ wife of the Speaker, Pastor Mojirade; the chairman of the House Committee on Ethics, Honourable Fajana Ojo-Ade; ace thespian, Chief Jimoh Aliu, his wife, Shade; and the General Manager of BSES, Mr Lere Olayinka.

news

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Onitsha violence: Ohanaeze youths spit fire, warn against another civil war Celestine Ihejirika-Umuahia

EQUEL to Friday’s killing in Onitsha, Anambra State, the youth wing of the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has raised the alarm that the crisis between security forces and members of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) protesting the continued detention of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, which led to the death of about eight protesters, could lead to another civil war if not properly handled. Ohanaeze Youth Council, in a press statement, issued on Saturday, in Umuahia, and made available to Sunday Tribune, warned that Nigeria was treading on a slippery ground if no quick solution was found to the root cause of the escalating protests by IPOB. The statement, which was signed by the national president of OYC, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro; and the national secretary, Mazi Nnabuike Okwu, respectively, expressed shock that the sustained peaceful protests by IPOB across the South-Eastern states suddenly turned

bloody in Onitsha. OYC restated its earlier call on IPOB members, as well as members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra ( MASSOB), to halt their festering protests to avoid being hijacked by “miscreants and enemies of Ndigbo.” According to OYC, “ enemies of Ndigbo must have hijacked the peaceful protests in Onitsha to foment trouble just to create the wrong impression that IPOB and MASSOB were violent organisations, giving excuses to security agents to use maximum force to quell them.

“That is why we want to repeat our appeal to the Biafran agitators to please stop further protests in the interest of Ndigbo. They should not forget that the enemies of Ndigbo are looking for any slightest opportunity to turn South East to another theatre of war.” OYC, which said its leadership “is in touch with the Federal Government” on securing the release for Kanu, assured that the Radio Biafra Director would soon regain his freedom, as “the negations with the federal government are at the final stage.” “We are negotiating with

the federal government on a possible political solution over Kanu’s issue. We are on top of the situation, and we hope, very soon that he will be released. OYC is ready to go to any length to secure his release. MASSOB and IPOB should not truncate this process with their continued protests.”

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has praised the Peoples Republic of China’s relationship with Nigeria, saying it remains a strategic and dependable partner in his administration’s determination to change the direction and content of governance, including the management of the country’s resources with priority on accountability, transparency and result-orientated governance. He made the remark on

Saturday, in his address at the Roundtable of Chinese and African Leaders on the last day of the Johannesburg, South Africa Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). While noting that his administration had since its inauguration in May this year, embarked on the “task of re-focusing our governance on the real needs of the vast majority of Nigerians,” the president said he was confident that China “will always stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our quest to fulfill the aspira-

to the festering pro- Biafran protests. “The National Security Adviser should, as a matter of urgency, convene another meeting with the leadership of Ohanaeze, MASSOB and IPOB to find political solution to the escalating protests to avoid Nigeria sliding into another avoidable civil war.

...As Catholic diocese warns protesters Celestine Ihejirika-Umuahia

THE Catholic Diocese of Umuahia has warned against using the name of the church to cause disaf-

Buhari lauds China’s relationship with Nigeria Leon Usigbe-Abuja

OYC appealed to the federal government to expedite action on the peace process towards releasing Kanu, arguing that his continued incarceration posed a serious threat to the peace of the country, especially the South East. Suing for peace, OYC said political solution and not application of force, remained the only panacea

tions of our people to propel them to prosperity.” On the 15-year-old FOCAC, President Buhari, who commended the theme of the second summit, “ChinaAfrica Progressing Together: Win-Win Cooperation for Common Development, expressed the hope that it would “engender the right platform to engage Africa in all fields of human endeavours such as provision of essential infrastructure, skills development and capacity building, diversification of our economies and benefits of resources.”

fection between her and the government of Abia State. Addressing journalists on Saturday, on a purported protest carried out by a group known as Catholic Network of Nigeria (CNN) in the state, at the weekend, coordinator of the diocese, Reverend Father Paschal Okey Opara, said such group did not exist in the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia and wondered where it emanated from. According to him, the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia did not have such a group in the church, neither did she involve herself in partisan political activity. He therefore, warned that the diocese would no longer tolerate such in due course. On the purported protest in Corpus Christi parish,

Bende Local Government Area of the state, Reverend Opara said the diocese was unaware of any catechist named Ambrose Udensi as reported in the national dailies; and categorically disassociated the diocese from the Catholic Network of Nigeria and the purported group protesting and calling for a change of Appeal Court judges in Owerri. It will be recalled that a few days ago that a group of Catholic Network of Nigeria, numbering over 4,000, carried placards protesting around the state and calling for the redeployment of appeal court judges in Owerri, claming that INEC and the tribunal judges were the main problems of Abia people in the current political judicial dispensation.

news

6 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

8 feared dead as violence, card reader malfunction mar Bayelsa election Continued from pg4

dents of failed card readers, but expressed optimism that having had a successful campaign, he was certain of victory at the election. “My card was read well. But while in the line, I noticed many people were failed by the card readers. I want INEC to up this technology, it gives me some worry,” he noted. At units 11-16, there were complaints that the card reader rejected the thumbprints of some voters, but accepted the Permanent Voter Cards (PVC). Also, at unit 10, ward 13, Tungbo community, Sagbama Local Government, there were similar complaints of malfunctioning card readers and also at unit 1, ward 12 Otakeme commu-

nity, there was complaint over ineffectiveness of the card readers. Meanwhile, INEC REC in Bayelsa, Baritor Kpagir, told Sunday Tribune earlier in the day that efforts were on to address the nagging issue. A top shot of INEC, Dr Mustapher Leki, said there was no problem with the failure of card readers, informing that there was a back-up system. Card readers: Odumakin chides INEC, says it must get it right Also reacting to the wishy-washy electoral process that trailed the governorship election, human rights activist, Dr Joe Odumakin, flayed INEC for sabotaging the exercise in Bayelsa State,

Jonathan calls for review of card reader concept ahead 2019 elections FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan, on Saturday, called for a total review of the whole concept of the card reader before the 2019 general elections. He made the call on Saturday after his accreditation at Otazi, Playground, Polling Unit 039, Ward 13, Otuoke, Ogbia LGA. Jonathan and his wife’s first attempt at accreditation at about 8:45a.m. was unsuccessful on account of malfunctioning card readers, but he still answered a question on his impression of the situation. “I advise that before the 2019 election, the whole concept of card reader and the technology must be reviewed,” he said. The former president quipped: “I’m quite worried about the card reader issue this morning. Luckily, this is an isolated, one-state election. But from my experiences today, INEC must review this issue of PVC and card readers very well before we go into the next

election. “In the last presidential elections, myself and my wife’s PVCs were rejected by the card reader. Today, because they changed mine and that of my wife, it was successful. “Five people came with me, including a former commissioner in the state. The card reader rejected three others’. They could not have been carrying cloned cards,” he noted. The former president, who looked calm as ever, admonished Bayelsans to be calm and see politics as a duty to bring about change in the society. He averred that a transparent and credible election are hallmarks of democracy, adding that when elections are not peaceful, they cannot be said to be credible. According to him, the votes of the citizens must count, reiterating that “all my people from Bayelsa State should ensure that we conduct a peaceful and credible election.”

wondering how INEC could not simply conduct an isolated election. The converner of Women Arise, who spoke to Sunday Tribune on Saturday, at the country home of Governor Dickson, said: “You can see that our people were determined to exercise their franchise, they were also well-comported, just as security operatives were also on hand. “INEC seems to be putting much force in order to get it right, but why is it that card readers are still malfunctioning during elections? In Burkina Faso, it succeeded, why is it failing here? They need to interrogate this whole process? “Can’t they ascertain the durability of the card readers? So INEC needs to do a lot to stop the colossal waste of time due to card readers,” Odumakin admonished. Late accreditation at Jonathan’s polling unit AS at 9:28 a.m., INEC officials were able to locate

one card reader at President Jonathan’s Otazi, Playground, Polling Unit 039, Ward 13, Otuoke, Ogbia LGA. Amid tight security by police scores of the electorate were seen queuing for accreditation. A PDP agent at the ward, Ikuru Blessing, however, expressed disappointment at the malfunctioning card reader. “We were supposed to have started accreditation at 8:00a.m, but we are just starting at 9:30a.m., five card readers had failed to work. Even the firmer president could not be accredited when he came around,” Ikiru said. Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Utazi Serifainah, complained about the state of the card reader. She expressed fears that the malfunctioning card readers could affect the turn-out of the exercise. Election suspended in Southern Ijaw, to be concluded today INEC announced that it suspended election in Southern Ijaw Local

Buhari revealed this at an audience with the President of Guinea Bissau, Mr Jose Mario Bavz at the sidelines of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Johannesburg, South Africa. “I sent President Olusegun Obasanjo because he is the only person living or dead that has ruled Nigeria for 11 years. I served under him as a military Head of State. He has a strong commitment to Nigeria and Africa. That was why I looked for him and asked him to collaborate with President Macky Sall

PDP leads, as INEC declares result at few polling units, wards Meanwhile, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) could be said to be in an early lead, as INEC officials declared the results in some polling units and wards across the state. The PDP, according to a result made available to Sunday Tribune correspondent, won in all the three wards in Odi as well as all the units in

Kaiama in Kolokuma/ Opokuma local government areas. The party is also maintaining a lead in Ogbia, Sagbama and Ekeremor and Yenagoa local government areas, Sunday Tribune learnt. While the results of other polling units are still being collated, the PDP as of the time of filing this report is maintaining a comfortable lead. At former President Goodluck Jonathan’s polling unit, Unit 039 at Otuabula in Otuoke community, the PDP polled 118, APC had 14 while PPA 1, with two votes voided. Other results are as follow: Erigbe Compound Square Unit 003 Ward 1 ,Yenagoa: PDP 75, APC 44 Kemekrogha Square Unit 014b ward 1, Yenagoa: PDP 80, APC 33 Atissa I Kemekrogha Square Unit 014, Yenagoa: PDP 120, APC 57 Atissa Ward 1, Unit 009 Ogosi Compound Town Hall, Yenagoa: PDP 116, APC 74.

Ogun to create cocoa reserves, warns against deforestration OGUN State Government is making plans to create three cocoa reserves at the three Senatorial Districts of the State to enable cocoa farmers have a hitch-free cultivation process and warns against deforestation of forestries in the State. The Commissioner for Forestry, Mr. Kola Lawal gave this warning at the Joint Awareness Campaign with the Ministry of Agriculture against the destruction of economic trees in the

State Forest Reserves, held at Cocoa Association of Nigeria Hall, Atakiobo, Ogbere, in Ijebu East Local Government Area. Mr. Lawal explained that it was illegal for any farmer to fall trees for the purpose of planting cocoa warning that any defaulter would face the wrath of law. “We cannot continue to destroy our forest reserves in the name of planting cocoa, the forest reserve are sources of revenue for the

Government and no farmer should be found destroying that, but in order to find a lasting solution to the problem of planting cocoa in the State, we have to create cocoa reserves at Ogun East, West and Central”, Lawal said. The Commissioner admonished farmers to search for desired land space at each Senatorial district as Government would be responsible for its acquisition, adding that

agricultural productions are the future of the nation and would continue to enjoy the support of the Government. Her counterpart in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Ranked Shokefun said that “Government is one fold and would work together to achieve harmony in the two ministries’’. She added that ‘’The Joint Monitoring Committee” would be put in place to enforce rules governing the forest reserves.

APC passes vote of confidence in el-Rufai Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has passed a vote of confidence in Governor Nasir el-Rufai, noting that his policies were in line

with the ruling party’s manifestoes and agenda. Speaking to newsmen at the end of its meeting in Kaduna on Saturday, the party’s Acting Publicity Secretary, Salisu Wusono, discredited a recent

‘Why I enlisted Obasanjo’s help on Guinea Bissau crisis’ PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has said that he enlisted the assistance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to mediate in the political crisis in Guinea Bissau because of his wide political and military experience. A statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, quoted President Buhari as saying that he took the decision because Obasanjo was also strongly committed to the unity of Nigeria and Africa. The statement said that

Government Area, where it is said that over three persons had been confirmed dead, while over 43 persons had been arrested. As of Saturday morning, shootings had reportedly continued in the local government, making it impossible for INEC officials to dispatch election materials to polling centers. However, the conclusion of the election will be done today. According to INEC, the entire results of the election will be announced after the Southern Ijaw election might have been concluded.

of Senegal to stabilise the situation of Guinea Bissau,’’ he said. While appreciating Bavz’s expression of thanks for Nigeria’s support during the crisis in his country, President Buhari told his guest that the “least Nigeria could do is what we did to stabilise your country.” “You can count on our support at all times,” President Buhari assured the people and government of Guinea Bissau. President Bavz had said he came to thank President Buhari for everything Nigeria had been doing for

his country, adding that he had been looking forward to such an opportunity. “I am not in a position to assist you but I pray for you every day. I want to take you as my big brother and share from your experience,” he said. He thanked the Nigerian leader for sending former President Obasanjo as a Special Envoy to restore peace to his country. According to the statement, the Guinea Bissau leader also noted that “Nigeria is part of the solution and stability” of his country.

statement credited to an association, which identified itself as the ‘True All Progressives Congress’ that the governor was introducing anti-people policies, saying that such statement was not the true reflections of things. “Anybody or party member that is questioning the policies and leadership of the governor is either ignorant or doing it deliberately. That person may also be working with external forces in the PDP. Is it free education policy, is it 255 primary health centres that will be built and equipped with modern facilities? Are these what they call anti-people policies in the state? Is it verification of workers to have accurate data and fish out ghost workers created by PDP that is anti-people? Any party member who is talking about our governor’s

policies in a negative way is the person running antipeople advocacy in the state to deprive the masses of good things. Go through Governor el-Rufai’s 2016 budget proposal recently presented to the state Assembly and you will see.” The APC advised the members of the group not to be deceived by opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is bent on distracting the good work of the governor. Wusono said: “APC as a party has a manifestos and also has constitution and we are working in line with the constitution of our party. We have only one APC in Kaduna State and the party has leadership and structure. We are running the affairs of the party according to the manifestos, constitution and ideology of the APC.”

6 December, 2015

sport

SUNDAY

Sunday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Burga

Ex-Peru FA boss, Burga arrested FORMER Peruvian Football Federation president, Manuel Burga has been arrested as part of the investigation into corruption at world football’s governing body FIFA. The 58-year-old is one of the 16 people charged by the United States Department of Justice on Friday. Burga was detained when he returned to his home in Lima on Friday night. In Guatemala, prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for football federation president Brayan Jimenez. Public Ministry official Francisco Rivas says the United States Department of Justice made a request on Thursday to apprehend Jimenez ahead of a possible extradition. “It was also requested that articles or objects of value belonging to him be seized,” Rivas said.

Dele Alli celebrates after scoring the lead for Tottenham during Saturday’s EPL clash with West Brom at The Hawthorns which ended in a 1-1 draw. PHOTO: SPORTMAIL.

Blatter, Platini to face FIFA ethics committee Dec 16

MBATTLED president of FIFA, Sepp Blatter and vice-president, Michel Platini are due to attend personal hearings with FIFA’s ethics judge starting on December 16. Both men are fighting to salvage their careers and reputation and are currently serving 90-day provisional suspensions from world football. The suspensions were imposed following allegations that a £1.3m “disloyal payment” was made between them in 2011. Final verdicts could be published as early as Monday, December 21. Both deny wrongdoing and claim they had a verbal contract for Platini to receive backdated money for work he carried out for Fifa between 1998 and 2002. The BBC has learnt the hearings will take place before the FIFA ethics adjudicator Hans Joachim Eckert at an undis-

closed location. Both men will have separate hearings which if, taken together, could stretch over three days. Both are entitled to bring legal teams with them. Blatter is likely to be represented by Richard Cullen of US law firm Maguire Woods, or Swiss lawyer Lorenz Erni, with Platini bringing Thibaud D’Ales who works in the Paris office of Clifford Chance. Both men can seek appeals against guilty verdicts with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Platini still hopes to be a candidate in the FIFA presidential election on February 26. However, he will only be entitled to enter the ballot if he clears his name in sufficient time prior to polling day. Blatter is unwilling to accept any guilty judgement against him, believing only FIFA’s 209 member nations can remove him from the presidency.

Leading sponsor of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF’s four-day leadership training programme in the United Kingdom and president, FROT GROUP, Mr Frank Momoh (left) with the NFF president, Mr Amaju Pinnick.

Dikko opens leadership training in UK SECOND vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and chairman of League Management Company (LMC), Mr Shehu Dikko on Friday, in the United Kingdom declared open the four-day leadership training for Chairmen of state football associations in Nigeria. Dikko, who spoke on behalf of NFF president, Mr Amaju Pinnick, said: “We have to congratulate ourselves because we are embarking on a new vista that would, all things being equal, fast-track the development of football in Nigeria. This is because we are here as critical stakeholders and as the engine room of football development in Nigeria, embarking on a leadership training with the sole aim of boosting our capacity to drive better performances and deliv-

ery of our tasks and role within the football structure in Nigeria. “Indeed, it is often said that, it’s not strong people that develops societies but strong institutions. This is a fact. But the institutions don’t build themselves rather its people with capacity and capability, expertise, vision and new ideas who are ready to move with the times that build these institutions.” Dikko while defending the programme said: “To this end, our NFF is starting this capacity development programme so as to be able to get all stakeholders to acquire new knowledge and ideas so we can be able to go back home to all continue with our efforts to improve football and institutionalise our state football associations within the context of global best practices.

Ighalo scores ninth EPL goal By Ganiyu Salman RED-HOT Odion Ighalo, on Saturday grabbed his ninth goal of the season in the English Premier League as Watford at Vicarage Road secured a 2-0 win over Norwich City. Ighalo who was also on song in his team’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa on match day 14 waited till the stoppage time to hit the scoresheet. The Nigerian international was instrumental in the lead which came Troy Deeney in the 30th minute through a spot kick after he was fouled in the box by Alex Tettey. Ighalo who was the visitors’ headache out of sheer brilliance and display of physical savvy in stoppage time latched on to a pass and finished the effort with a grounder. The former Udinese player had earlier before his strike missed two chances as a result of the defending prowess of his Cameroonian marker, Sebastian Bassong. Ighalo’s combination with Deeney has produced 15 goals for the Spanish manager, Quique Sanchez Flores this season as both also created 24 goalscoring chances for each other.

SIDELINES NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

NO 2,023

6 DECEMBER, 2015

www.tribune.com.ng

N200

The People’s Republic of China has just completed the world’s longest, all-glass, suspended bridge, which is 984 feet above the ground. Conversely, Nigeria is trying hard to beat China’s record by ‘building’ the longest running fuel scarcity in the world.

Some memories of our late mother (II)

WO years later, at the height of our campaign for the October 1965 Western Regional Election, we considered asking Mama to do a tour of the Region, because the masses were asking for that everywhere. After hesitating for some time, we took it to her. She agreed without hesitation. Huge crowds received her everywhere, as if they were welcoming Chief Awolowo himself. And she rose mightily to the challenge. She was indeed our nation’s number one woman and mother. In particular, during her three days in Ekiti, she demonstrated the heart of a leader very powerfully. She went out from Ado-Ekiti every morning to visit scheduled parts of Ekiti, followed by motorcades stretching out for many miles, and returned to Ado-Ekiti for the night. My wife and I led the team responsible for attending to her personal comfort. On the last of the three days, a totally unexpected challenge arose. Apparently because Mrs. Awolowo’s tour was achieving so massive a success, Mrs. Akintola too decided to come on a tour of Ekiti. Mrs. Awolowo’s entourage was returning to Ado-Ekiti, where she would address her last public rally in the afternoon. A few miles to Ado-Ekiti, however, police officers stopped us and asked us to wait for an hour or two because, according to them, an unusual development had arisen in the city. What had happened was that Mrs.

Akintola had arrived suddenly – without any prior notice or schedule – and insisted on addressing a gathering of members of her husband’s party. When the police answered that their rules of procedure made it impossible for them to grant her request, she angrily told them that she, as the Premier’s wife, should have precedence over any other woman in the Re-

the very hostile things she had said to her small crowd about Mrs. Awolowo, had only heightened the outpouring of affection for Mrs. Awolowo. The rest of the story is well known – the blatant rigging of the 1965 Western Regional Election, the long and stubborn revolt by the Region’s youths, the consequent military coup, the refusal of

diranapata@yahoo.com

gion. A heated argument ensued, and the police reluctantly yielded. For nearly two hours, our long motorcade froze where we had stopped. The political leaders among us were all furious at what they considered an outrage, but Mama’s dignified composure quickly calmed everybody. When at last she entered the city, virtually its entire population poured out to receive her, amidst indescribable excitement and show of love. Mrs. Akintola’s sudden appearance in the city, and

the Ironsi military government to release Chief Awolowo, the July 1966 countercoup, and Gowon’s release of Chief Awolowo only days later. Through it all, Mama simply grew stronger and stronger, uncannily confident that her husband would soon return home. It must be added that, even in this terrible crisis, Mama put together one of the most successful businesses in our Region, indeed in Nigeria. In the tradition of Yoruba women, she had started a trading

enterprise in her younger years. As First Lady in the late 1950s, she had improved very admirably on this commercial business. And then, during the Regional crisis, as the people of our Region poured out their admiration and love for her sterling qualities, her fabric store became the store where most families shopped for fabrics for all their celebrations. Mama rose wonderfully to the challenge and became a major international fabric merchant. When Papa was at last released from Calabar prison, the largest crowd in Nigeria’s history welcomed him back to Ibadan. Early next morning, my wife and I hurried to Ikenne. Thousands of cars jampacked the little town. We had to abandon our car and walk about half a mile. Mama saw us coming, hurried to meet us at the door, and grabbed us both in one triumphant hug. When we said congratulations, she answered that it was we young ones that deserved all the congratulations. Then she said, “Your father just stepped to the backyard. Go and find him there”. We ran and burst into the backyard. Papa was there thanking the crowd of women who were helping Mama with the cooking and hospitality. As we ran towards him, he opened his arms wide and gathered us tightly to himself. He had emaciated incredibly, but it didn’t matter. Our father was back home. The leader of our nation was back. Mama had won her richly deserved victory.

Senegal 2015: Dream Team advances,

faces Senegal in semis By Mojisola Adewunmi NIGERIA’S Dream Team on Saturday zoomed into the semi-final of the ongoing African U-23 Nations Cup in Senegal, despite a barren draw with Algeria in the last group B game played in Dakar. The fumbling Samson Siasia boys however, finished second in the group behind Algeria which had a better goal differ-

ence after both sides finished on five points each. Nigeria had in the previous games defeated Mali 3-2 and drew 2-2 with Egypt to amass four points ahead of Saturday’s clash. Ajayi Junior wasted a number of scoring chances that would have given the Dream Team a lead as well as Oghenekaro Etebo, while Taiwo Awoniyi also in the 67th minute failed to

connect a free kick from the left flank, among several misses of the day. However, reigning FIFA U-17 World Cup goal king, Victor Osimhen made his debut during added time as he came on as a substitute. Meanwhile, the Dream Team will now face hosts Senegal who topped group A in the semifinal as Algeria takes on South Africa in the second semi-final.

Chelsea suffers another Stamford Bridge defeat MANAGER Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea suffered its eighth defeat of the season in the Premier League as Bournemouth won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. It was the fourth home defeat suffered by the Blues before their teeming fans this season. Chelsea had this season lost on its home ground to Crystal Palace, Southampton and Liverpool on October 31 before

Saturday’s loss. Mourinho watched helplessly to behold another traumatic experience as Bournemouth waited till the dying minutes to coast home victory. Glenn Murray’s 82nd minute winner proved enough to condemn the Portuguese manager to another loss in what has become the worst title defence in Barclays Premier League history. If there was one consolation

for Mourinho, it was that Diego Costa, relegated once again to the bench, managed to get through the first half without chucking his bib at him. Costa warmed up for 15 minutes, during which time Hazard and Pedro forced good saves out of Boruc and a couple more crosses fizzed across goal. He came back to the dugout just before half time. He edged behind Mourinho and sat down. He kept his bib on.

EPL RESULTS

Stoke City Arsenal Man Utd Southampton Swansea City Watford City West Brom Chelsea

2 Man City 0 3 Sunderland 1 0 West Ham 0 1 Aston Villa 1 0 Leicester 3 2 Norwich 0 1 Tottenham 1 0 Bournemouth 1

Watford’s Odion Ighalo (right) challenged by Norwich defender, Sebastian Bassong during Saturday’s EPL game. Ighalo scored his ninth goal of the season in his club’s 2-0 win over Norwich at Vicarage Road.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: sundaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON EDITOR: SINA OLADEINDE. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 6/12/2015