13th December 2015

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 2,024

SUNDAY, 13 DECEMBER, 2015

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

Nigerian Tribune

AFTERMATH BOTCHED ELECTION:

Fake N1000 notes flood Bayelsa pg4

•Money allegedly used to bribe voters •We’ve not received any complaint — Police

Scores killed, COAS escapes death pg4

As Shiites, military clash in Kaduna It was an assassination attempt — Military Nigeria U23 Dream Team is African Champion

LG boss murdered pg5 24hrs after swearing-in

Kogi APC members reject Bello as gov-elect

pgs4&32 pg5

•Insist on Audu/ Faleke ticket • We’ll take appropriate step— Odigie-Oyegun

Warri stands still for new monarch pg49

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13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

life&living Managing sexual starvation in marriage

Sexual starvation, sexual fraud or sexual anorexia, whatever the name it is called, refers to a couple’s lack of sexual connection.

RITA OKONOBOH explores the causes and solutions to sexual malnourishment among couples.

PHOTO: www.citifmonline.com

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“Let us pray” NTHONY looked at his wife disbelievingly; and when he saw her get on her knees at the bedside, he burst into laughter. He leapt off the bed and made to grab her from behind when he heard, “Our father in heaven, we thank you for the gift of love making. I commit my husband and I into your hands as we begin this session...” and her words faded out of Anthony’s hearing.

Four months later, as they waited for the arrival of the marriage counsellor, Bridget could not but think to herself that this was a waste of time.

“What’s the big deal in praying before sex as my pastor advised?” she thought to herself.

For Anthony, he was at his wit’s end. He had been accused by his wife for too long of being a pagan for refusing to pray before sex, and he knew it would just be a matter of time before he began to plan a new time-table for sex with his voluptuous secretary. But he also knew that would only bring misery, as he had determined before marriage to make the best of the union. So, what better words could he use to explain that the prayer only made the sex miserable?

He and his wife ended up doing nothing for weeks.

A Mapo customary court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the week, dissolved the four year-old marriage between Tajudeen Olalekan and his wife, Modinat, over

sexual starvation, the Nigerian Tribune reported recently.

Olalekan had, in his petition, told the court that his wife had over a period of time subjected him to sexual starvation. “Anytime I proposed love making to Modinat, she shunned me as if I was not entitled to it. Despite my being down to earth with her in love, I am now heartbroken, frustrated and completely disillusioned by her attitude.”

The Daily Times, also reported that an Ado-Ekiti

A husband’s indifference to sex probably has nothing to do with how attractive you are or how much he loves you... The culprit could be a physical problem — illness, obesity, or trouble maintaining an erection

Customary Court recently dissolved the 26-year-old marriage between Kayode Oguntuase and his wife, Felicia, over sexual starvation and sundry acts. In her response, Felicia said she denied the petitioner sex on grounds of ill-health. Court President, Joseph Ogunsemi, dissolved the union, saying the marriage had broken down irretrievably as the two parties failed to avail themselves of the opportunity given to settle the dispute amicably.

Sexual starvation is not an uncommon feature in many marriages, for reasons ranging from long distance relationships, stress, religious intolerance, forced unions, to incompatibility, among others. For many couples, it becomes harder when they refuse to see it as a problem, especially if they are not in agreement. In spite of religious inclinations or cultural leanings, ‘sexual fraud,’ ‘sluggishness’ or ‘disinterestedness,’ as the situation is referred to in various quarters, experts agree that it can be addressed between married couples who are willing to make the effort.

Getting back on track As a renowned relationships expert, Michele WeinerDavis points out, “A husband’s indifference to sex probably has nothing to do with how attractive you are

Continues on

pg 3

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Sunday Tribune

‘Everything boils down to communication’ the case is that they have to live apart.

“It doesn’t matter how much money the couple has. Even Islam supports a man always seeing his wife, which gives him joy. Sexual starvation also has a way of affecting the children. Seeing that sex helps to oil the wheels of marriage, when there is distorted communication between a couple, which is usually as a result of sexual starvation, they would not be in agreement even regarding what is best for the children, and this usually has longterm psychological effect on the children.”

Pastor Muyiwa Hajoh, Marriage counsellor

Continued from

Dr Tolulope Oko-Igaire, sex therapist

pg 2

or how much he loves you. He may have a personal issue, such as depression or stress, that’s sapping his sexual desire. Or the culprit could be a physical problem — such as illness, obesity, or trouble maintaining an erection (just to name a few). Finally, many men lose interest in sex for the same reason many women do: unresolved feelings of anger, resentment, and hurt that make the idea of making love not very appealing.”

Getting back on track Marriage Counsellor and Resident Pastor at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Kwara State, Pastor Muyiwa Hajoh, in an interview with Sunday Tribune, shares some recommendations for couples to deal with sexual starvation.

According to him, “Communication is very important, we have sexual communication, social communication, mental communication and psychological communication. Everything mentioned has to do with communication; even when a man and a woman make love to each other, it is also known as communication.

Many women are unhappy because there is lack of communication and when this is the case between husband and wife, they will not enjoy their sexual union. It can lead to a situation where one of them enjoys the sex while the other does not.

Some families face different challenges not because of lack of money or other things but lack of sexual communication.

Couples should always carry each other along in their sexual life.”

‘Exercise, proper nutrition, preparation also help’ Continuing, Hajoh noted that improper nutrition and lack of exercises can lead to lack of communication between couples.

Various reasons, he said, can lead to sexual starvation, including unhealthy statures, which may put off the man or woman. He advised couples to engage in physical exercise so that they can be fit and also improve their sexual communication.

In fact, he said, they should exercise together as much as possible, adding that there are four things that will make or mar a marriage – sex, money, in-laws and communication.

He added: “Another way to avoid starvation is for couples to reduce the emotional baggage from work, personal stress and other troubling issues; and not

Ustaz Mikaheel Adeyemi, Islamic cleric

The sex-starved marriage quiz First, couples need to determine if their marriages are suffering from sexual starvation or if they are at risk. Internationally renowned relationship expert, marriage therapist and author of the best-seller titled, Divorce Busting, Michele WeinerDavis, shares some questions couple should answer before determining if they fall into this category:

Do you find yourself: Going to bed earlier or later than your spouse just to avoid the possibility s/he might get amorous?

Lying in bed at night, careful not to stir for fear that s/he might start touching you?

Being sexual out of guilt rather than feeling desirous?

Arguing with your spouse about sex frequently.

Blaming each other.

Do you find yourself thinking or saying: “By the end of the day, I’m just too tired and have no interest in sex.”

“If you had to work as hard as me, maybe you’d understand why I have no interest in sex.”

“How can we have sex? The kids are always around.”

“If you were nicer to me maybe I’d be interested.”

“Why do you always have to touch me in a sexual way?”

“If you weren’t such a sex fanatic, I’d probably want more sex.”

“If you’d help more around the house, I’d want to be closer to you sexually.”

“I just don’t feel turned on anymore.”

“I have a lot on my mind right now. Sex is just not all that important to me.”

OR Have you been feeling hurt, depressed, resentful or angry about your husband or wife’s lack of interest in sex? As a result, do you find yourself being highly critical or bossy?

Out of anger, have you berated your spouse or been mean-spirited?

Have your feelings of resentment about your married sex life prompted you to shut down emotionally and pull away from your spouse?

Do you wonder whether your spouse really loves you?

Do you question your attractiveness or masculinity/femininity?

Do you intentionally make plans that don’t include your husband or wife?

Do you feel yourself building a wall around you to protect yourself from feelings of rejection?

Do you feel you’ve tried everything but your spouse simply doesn’t understand how important sexuality is to you?

Are you feeling tempted to stray beyond your marriage to find companionship and sexual excitement?

If you’ve answered “yes” to several of these questions, your marriage is at risk of becoming sex-starved. let them affect the communication between them. Couples should also know how to prepare themselves for sex. The husband should try in assisting his wife in some house chores so as to reduce the stress for the woman and even encourage intimacy.

In a healthy marriage, sex should occur a minimum of three times in a week and maximum of four times in a week.”

It can affect children psychologically —Ustaz Adeyemi An Islamic cleric, Ustaz Mikaheel Adeyemi, in an interaction with Sunday Tribune, recommended that “Couples should sit down and renegotiate. If the couple begin to make work-related excuses, the marriage will eventually fall apart. The best thing is for couples to reason out how they intend to manage the situation when

‘Seventy-five to eighty-five per cent of marital issues are sex related’ Dr Tolulope Oko-Igaire, sex therapist, relationship and marriage counsellor, and family life coach, notes that according to research, 75 to 85 per cent of marital issues are sex related.

According to her, “sex is a powerful tool in marriage, and it is more than just a physical exercise; it is highly spiritual.

It is important to know that fighting and nagging are completely different from communicating. When it comes to sexual issues, understanding how to present issues is very important especially for women. Sometimes, you need to ask your spouse how or where he or she wants you to touch and how things should be done and this can go a long way in improving a marriage.”

Dr Oko-Igaire also advocates compromise. In her view, men can compromise by helping their wives with house chores to reduce stress and also helps a woman feel loved and appreciated, and will make her happy and willing to reciprocate the gestures too. All these are preambles to a great sex life. Continuing, she observes that “the couple has to constantly compromise to make each other happy. When you make the satisfaction of your partner a priority, you will discover that you can hardly fight about sex.

Compromising to please a spouse should be a form of habit. This simply means, getting your wife/husband sexually satisfied becomes your topmost priority.”

She also advocates tackling unresolved issues once and for all, else, it will generate other problems, in fact, bigger ones. “The couple should be willing to discuss their feelings regarding their sex life and find ways to fix it. When you find the root of the problem, working on it becomes easier, and if you finding it difficult, find a way to talk to a professional marriage counselor or sex therapist. You can’t separate your sex life from your marriage; you need to have a working marriage to enjoy great sex.”

Diet for managing sexual starvation Sexuality counsellor, Ian Kerner, in his book, 52 Weeks of Amazing Sex, Kerner recommends maintaining eye contact during love making; mixing it up; sharing and exploring fantasies and evoking the senses.

“It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when you’re in a long-term relationship. And as you take the next step with your partner — and the next, and the next — new and greater responsibilities pile on (house, baby, etc.) and, gradually, sex ends up at the bottom of your list of priorities.

Suddenly, and without warning, you realise that you haven’t had sex in weeks, or maybe even months! But with a healthy diet of sex, taken from all four of the sex groups, it’s easy to once again enjoy the pleasures of a home-cooked (make that a bed-cooked) meal,” he observed.

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13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

refused all entreaties to disperse and then started firing and pelting the convoy with dangerous objects. The barricade was obviously a deliberate attempt to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff and members of his entourage while on a legitimate official assignment as Special Guest

of Honour at the passing out parade which has earlier been widely publicized.

“The troops responsible for the safety and security of the Chief of Army Staff, on hearing explosion and firing, were left with no choice than to defend him and the convoy at all cost as well as open up the barricaded road for law-abiding citizens. This is in line with the Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated from any individual or groups and should not be allowed to repeat itself.”

The Army implored Nigerians to continue to be law-abiding, saying “we implore all Nigerians to continue to be law-abiding and remain conscious of other people’s right to life, freedom of movement and passage.”

Scores killed, as COAS escapes death in Zaria Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna

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CORES of Shiite sect members were, on Saturday, reported dead following a clash with soldiers, as the sect members reportedly blocked the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Tukur Burutai, in Zaria.

The COAS, who was in Zaria to attend the Passing Out Ceremony of the 73 Regular Recruits Intake of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, on Saturday, reportedly had his convoy attacked by members of the sect who wielded dangerous weapons and narrowly escaped death.

A source who pleaded anonymity informed Sunday Tribune that the Shiite movement was to hold its annual Maulud at Hussaimiyya in Zaria at the same time the COAS was in the city, saying: “As early as 12’0 clock, the members of the Shiite sect barricaded the road where the COAS will pass. The security details attached to the Chief of Army Staff came down from the vehicle to plead with the congregation. We didn’t know what happened next; all we just heard from the distance were gun shots.”

He, however, noted that the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff eventually succeeded in clearing the way for him to pass.

But further findings

by Sunday Tribune revealed that immediately the COAS left; some soldiers in three trucks arrived the scene and allegedly opened fire, a development that reportedly led to a fight

between the Shiite members and soldiers, leaving many people dead.

However, the spokesperson of the Shiite sect, Ibrahim Usman, said three people were reported death and 20 injured.

The military, in a statement, however, denied being the aggressor.

the Passing Out Parade of 73 Regular Recruits Intake of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.”

According to the statement, “the sect numbering hundreds carrying dangerous weapons barricaded the roads with bonfires, heavy stones and tyres. They

Kogi APC members reject Bello as governor-elect Yinka Oladoyinbo -Lokoja

THE last is yet to be heard of the crisis surrounding the Kogi State governorship election recently won by Alhaji Yahaya Bello after a supplementary election that followed the death of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, as the party in Kogi East Senatorial District has rejected Bello as the governor-elect in the state.

The stakeholders of the party in the district, where the late Audu hailed from, have also resolved to stand on the Audu/Faleke ticket.

This was the resolution of the stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of the state at the weekend.

The Zonal Chairman of the APC in the district, Comrade Daniel Isah, while addressing the meeting, stated that the Igala nation had resolved to pursue the issue to a logical conclusion, saying people were resolute on the issue because Audu had already won election on November 21 despite its being declared inconclusive.

He noted that over 6,000 votes scored during the supplementary election

195 countries reach historic accord on the environment DELEGATES from 195 countries approved, on Saturday, a historic accord that imposes aggressive curbs on man-made greenhouse gases blamed for putting Earth on a dangerous warming path.

Called the Paris Agreement, the document submitted by host France calls for limiting rising temperatures to within 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) compared to pre-industrial levels by the year 2100. But it keeps the door open to a more ambitious 1.5-degree (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) rise sought by some small island nations threatened by rising sea levels — one of many catastrophic consequences of global warming.

Pope Francis, who has urged a vigorous fight against global warming, has

In the statement signed by the Army spokesman, Colonel S.K. Usman, the military accused the Shiite sect of acting on the orders of their leader, Ibrahim El Zak-zaky to attack the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, who he said was on his way “to pay homage on the Emir of Zazzau and to attend

endorsed the tougher target.

The final text, presented after nearly two weeks of debate, also pledges financial support from rich, developed nations to developing countries as they adopt changes needed to meet the temperature targets. The document does not specify how much aid would be required to meet the 2-degree target.

Use of fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, are principal culprits in causing greenhouse gases but they also are the fuels developing economies rely on to expand their economies. Switching to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, would be very costly for them.

French president Francois Hollande told delegates they had the future of the planet in their hands.

were not enough to deny the Audu/Faleke ticket the mandate freely given to them before the election was declared inconclusive, noting that Bello, who scored 6,000 votes “is a supplementary governor”.

Isah further stated that all the stakeholders and party loyalists from the nine local government areas in Igala Kingdom had resolved to stand on the Audu/Faleke

mandate, adding that the people of the Eastern senatorial district were not ready to trade their votes.

According to him, instead of reasoning along with members of the party in the state, the APC national leadership had refused to allow the law to take its course by imposing another candidate on the party.

Among the dignitaries that attended the zonal meeting

were Senator Dangana Ochaja; a former of the House of Representatives, Inna Ismaila Ocheni; Kogi State House Assembly member representing Ankpa constituency, Rabiu Alfa Umar; Hajia Halima Alfa; an ex-council chairman, council chairmen, all the state executive members of the party from the zone, local governments and wards executives.

The new Olu of Warri, Oba Godfrey Ikenwoli Emiko with the Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (third right), during the coronation ceremony of the royal father, on Saturday.

Fake N1,000 notes flood Bayelsa PDP alerts CBN, security agencies

By Moses Alao TWO weeks after the December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa State, markets and businesses have witnessed a deluge of fake Naira notes in circulation, with Sunday Tribune authoritatively gathering that the notes were parts of bribes circulated before and during the election to induce the electorate towards voting for a certain party in the botched election.

Indications of the heavy circulation of the fake currencies emerged at the weekend when unsuspecting Bayelsans returned to their legitimate businesses after two weeks of inconclusive election and controversies, with many spending the

proceeds of the election, only to discover that they had been swindled and had been given fake currencies said to be mostly in N1000 notes.

However, the Bayelsa State Police Command has denied knowledge of the existence of such fake currencies, noting that the police “have not received any complaint from anyone so far.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Asinim Butswat, informed Sunday Tribune, on Saturday, that the police were yet to receive any official complaint of the fake currencies said to be in circulation.

But the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from the development, blaming opposition parties for the

printing and circulation of the fake currencies running to about N2 billion.

The PDP called on security agencies and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to investigate the matter.

The PDP, speaking through the Director of Publicity, Restoration Campaign Organisation, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, noted that the printing and circulation of the fake notes vindicated the party, because it had, prior to the December 5 election, raised the alarm on the plot to “rig the election and induce voters with fake currencies.”

Sunday Tribune findings showed that some of the notes had the same serial number M/09 953845, just as the notes’

watermark feature had also begun to fade despite their being new notes.

The quality of the paper used for the printing of the fake currencies also differs greatly from the original currencies.

The PDP, however, stated that there were plans to print more fake notes for the rerun in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, warning owners of businesses to be vigilant, adding that some of the security personnel that were on election duties might have been paid with the same fake notes.

Obuebite also called on the CBN to take urgent step to mop up the fake notes in circulation and to also institute proper investigations in order to bring the perpetrators of the unlawful act to book.

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Sunday Tribune

I’m set for rerun election —Mark Johnson Babajide - Makurdi

F From left, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs Yetunde Onanuga; President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina; Minister for Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Mrs Oluyemisi Adesina, at the convocation of post-graduate students and conferment of Honorary Doctor of Science degree on Adesina at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Saturday.

ORMER Senate President, Senator David Mark, has stated that not minding the provocative judgment of the appeal court, he is set for the rerun election just as he said that no external force would be able to penetrate Idomaland.

Mark stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Idomaland, His Royal Highness, Elias Ikoyi Ibekpa in his pal-

Plateau: Newly appointed LG boss kidnapped, murdered day after swearing-in Isaac Shobayo - Jos

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HE euphoria that trailed the appointment and swearing -in of Honourable Hosea Azi as the Caretaker Chairman of Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State has been cut short by the gruesome murder of the council boss a day after he was sworn in.

Hon Azi and Mr Naomi Garba were sworn in as the Management Committee Chairman and Permanent Secretary respectively, last Thursday, by Governor Simon Lalong at a colorful ceremony that attracted many eminent personalities from the state.

The deceased was a former member of Plateau State House of Assembly during the tenure of former Governor Joshua Dariye.

He was appointed chairman Management Committee, following removal of Mr Sanda Agwom Daura, who was replaced as a result of a petition against him by stakeholders from the local government.

Governor Lalong, during the swearing-in, said the replacement of the Management Committee Chairman was borne out of respect as always, for the yearnings of

the people and the resolution of the House of Assembly as mandated by law.

Sunday Tribune gathered from family of the deceased that Azi was traveling along Nasarawa to Abuja road, on Friday, when he was accosted and abducted by kidnappers who had laid

ambush for him by mounting a roadblock on the highway.

The family source said while they attempted to whisk him away, there was a struggle with the kidnappers and in the process, the car rammed into the upcoming truck, killing Hon-

ourable Azi instantly, while other three passengers had serious injuries.

It was further learnt that the accident attracted other road users who rescued the kidnappers and took them to nearby health centre where they made confessional statement about their

ONSA funds: I only provided consultancy services —Ayu Leon Usigbe - Abuja FORMER Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, has rejected links to arms deal following the mention of his name as one of those who benefitted from arms procurement funds allegedly misappropriated by the Office of the National Security (ONSA).

In a statement made available to the media in Abuja on Saturday, he argued that he could not have collected monies from the Federal Government to buy military weapons and equipment as being alleged.

Ayu was listed among those being investigated by the present administration as he was said to have been a beneficiary of the fund to the tune of N345 million.

However, he conceded that Starbriid Limited, the

firm named to have received the money belongs to him but added that the money it received was payment for the provision of consultancy services on security and electoral matters.

Ayu pleaded that neither Starbriid nor himself was involved in the business of satellite and security equipment as being alleged by the media reports which quoted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The reports had suggested that the charges brought against detained former NSA, Sambo Dasuki (retd) by the EFCC, included approval for the transfer of “an aggregate sum of N345 million being part of the funds in the account of the ONSA with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the account

of Starbriid Limited,” In denying the claim, Ayu stated: “To the best of my knowledge, neither the company nor I deal in satellites and security equipment.

“However, when I served on the National Security Council as Minister of Internal Affairs, I got educated that various aspects of security work could be pushed

tions on the streets of Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas during his regular project inspections.

Addressing journalists after inspecting road and school projects in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas, Governor Wike declared that he is further inspired to deliver on his covenant with the

people by their appreciation of his good works.

He assured the people that he will never be distracted as he had made a commitment to serve them and would ensure that they get the benefits of standing by him.

He pledged that he would drive the revival of Port Harcourt City to its logical conclusion, noting that the

under different classifications.

“Any funds remitted to the company were for consultancies on security related and electoral matters.”

The former Senate President further explained that he was approached at some point by the former NSA to provide requisite advise and consultancy on difficult issues.

He added: “When Colonel Sambo Dasuki assumed duty in June 2012, he approached me to assist based on my background as a social scientist, and my previous involvement in government.

“Understandably, I provided the requisite advice whenever consulted on difficult issues,’ he claimed.

Appeal tribunal upholds Abaribe’s election Taiwo Adisa - Abuja THE Election Appeal Tribunal sitting in Owerri, Imo State, on Friday night, upheld the election of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

The Appeal Tribunal,

My mandate comes from Rivers people —Wike RIVERS State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has reiterated that the mandate he has as governor comes directly from the people of the state who trooped out in their numbers to vote for him on April 11 and 12.

Governor Wike maintained that the acceptance his administration has been enjoying was further consolidated by the celebra-

mission.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abuh Emmanuel, confirmed the development to our correspondent in Jos. “ I am waiting for detailed information from the DPO in charge of the area to get details of what actually transpired.

ace on Saturday, stating that as an harbinger of peace, he asked his people not to foment trouble when the judgment was delivered two weeks ago.

While stating that he would continue to maintain and preach peace in the land, Mark expressed assurance that his people would surely continue to support him.

He, however, warned that Idoma nation by tradition does not allow external forces to foist leaders on them.

According to him, ‘as long as I live, no stranger will penetrate Idoma nation and impose leaders on us,’ stressing that what Idoma people need is to consolidate on the achievements already recorded.

He told the royal father that he decided to pay homage and seek his blessing as he steps into the ring once again.

In his response, the royal father noted that as the royal father, his duty was to bless his subjects who venture into politics and charged politicians to play the game devoid of violence.

old Garden City, would reemerge at the end of the urban renewal programme of his administration.

Governor Wike said: “The people are happy. They appreciate what we are doing for them. We want to turn Port Harcourt and its environs around and reestablish the Garden City that will be a pride of the nation.”

which set aside the earlier ruling of the Abia State National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, which sat in Umuahia, said that Abaribe was validly elected as the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District.

The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia had ordered a rerun election in Obingwa local government and some wards in Ugwunagbo Local Government.

But the Appeal Court struck out the cross appeal filed by Chief Chris Nkwonta for being incompetent and not in compliance with legal procedures.

The court awarded a cost of N50,000 against Nkwonta who had challenged Abaribe’s election at the lower tribunal.

Nkwonta, had in the crossappeal, prayed the Appeal Court to declare him the winner of the election and

set aside the judgment of the lower tribunal, which had ordered a staggered rerun election.

The Court, however, held that the petitioners failed to prove their allegations challenging the election and added that Abaribe’s election was valid as it complied with the electoral Act. It also faulted the decision of the tribunal to reject the replies of Abaribe, PDP and INEC declaring that it was against the principle of fair hearing.

While reacting to the victory, Abaribe told Sunday Tribune that he was dedicating his victory to God Almighty who made it possible. He hailed the judges for doing a good job and assured his constituents of his continued valuable and dedicated representation in the upper chamber.

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13 December, 2015

crimereports

Sunday Tribune

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

My master co-opted me into crime —Farmer turned kidnapper

By Oluwatoyin Malik

T

HE Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Leye Oyebade, has said that six suspected members of a kidnap gang who abducted a poultry farmer, Akintunde Akintayo, on December 1, 2015, has been arrested by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Oyo State Police Command.

He gave the names of the arrested suspects as Ekoso Koto (29), James Samuel (30), Emmanuel Akpe (19), Jacob Ocha (19), Ayene ifan (50) and Ezekiel Uker (32).

The exhibits recovered from the suspects include a jack knife, four cutlasses, criminal charms, a pair of rain boots belonging to the victim, three handsets and a handkerchief that was used to gag the victim’s mouth.

Speaking on the arrest on Thursday, December 10, Oyebade said that Akintayo was ambushed by the criminal gang on his way to his poultry farm at Ayede Village, Egbeda area of Ibadan on December 1. He added that the poultry farmer was abducted and taken inside a bush where he was held hostage and prevented from having access to his family.

“The gang later demanded for a ransom of N10million from the victim’s sister. When the Anti-Kidnapping Squad got wind of the kidnap, it responded swiftly and mobilised available resources and personnel to rescue the man.

“His location was identified and he was subsequently rescued, while Ekoso Koto was arrested. His confession led to the arrest of other members of the kidnap syndicate while the leader is at large, the police boss told Crime Reports.

It was learnt that Koto made stunning revelations on previous kidnap operations he had carried out in Benue State with the suspect at large. In one of the operations, Koto was reported to have confessed to kidnapping one Uche (surname unknown) in Naka, Benue State.

The suspected kidnappers The last kidnapping was said to have been masterminded by one of the suspects, Akpe. He was said to have once worked with the victim, and had given his gang information about the poultry farmer.

But the Oyo police boss said that “we will not allow criminals to overwhelm us in the state. We have the men, capacity and capability to take charge and ensure that Oyo State is relatively calm throughout the year round.”

Recalling the recent ar-

rest of six suspected kidnappers in Okeho town, the police commissioner reiterated that kidnappers would have no place in Oyo State.

Narrating his experience to Crime Reports, Akintayo, said he was on his farm when he was approached by three men who told him they needed job as farm hands. “I was trying to explain to them that there was no available job when I was grabbed from behind. They dragged me into the bush and gagged my mouth.

“I was kept in the bush till late in the night. When my people did not see me, they went to report to the police.

The police, supported by vigilance group members, started searching for me in the bush. When my abductors noticed the presence of the police, they fled and left me behind.

“Before then, they had asked me to give them the number of my people so that they could ask for ransom. I later learnt that they demanded for N10million which reduced to N3mil-

lion after negotiation. But my family did not pay anything before I was rescued,” the victim stated.

In an interview with Crime Reports, Koto, an indigene of Benue State who spoke in spattering English, admitted to the crime he was arrested for, saying that it was not his first operation.

According to him, “it is true we kidnapped the victim from a poultry farm and took him inside the bush.

“My master left me with our victim while he went to negotiate the ransom to be

paid with the man’s family.

We demanded N10million ransom from his family but I was arrested before the ransom was paid. It is not as if I like kidnapping; it was my boss who co-opted me into his plan. I was a farmer before I was lured into kidnapping.

“I also carried out two kidnap operations in Benue State. In one of the operations, I was given N200,000 from the N5million my master collected. I received the same amount for the second operation.”

NIS arrests, repatriates 7 foreigners in Oyo

The Benin Republic citizens picked by the Nigeria Immigration Service over illegal stay in Nigeria

By Oluwatoyin Malik

THE Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service has said that it would repatriate seven citizens of Republic of Benin who were arrested at Aba Ekerin Community at Ologuneru area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

He gave the reason for the repatriation, saying that the foreigners were in Nigeria without valid travel documents.

Speaking with journalists in his office on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 the state Comptroller of Immigration, Mr Innocent Akatu, said his office received a petition from a concerned Nigerian on December 8, calling the attention of Immigration service to the presence of some people suspected to be foreigners, and who pose a threat to the community in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

The petitioner reportedly

noted the high concentration of these foreigners who had almost taken over Aba Ekerin community. He was also said to have pointed out the increase in criminal activities such as rape and armed robbery, among others, in the area, urging immigration officials to go to the community to verify the status and nationalities of those sighted.

The Comptroller said he immediately sent officers from anti-human trafficking

section to the community and in confirmation of the petitioner’s observation, seven Beninois, from Republic of Benin were picked.”

He gave their names as Mustapha Bukar (30), Foudu Abdulahi (20), Wahab Umoru (29), Haruna Zakar (40), Abu Haruna (25), Soliu Halidu (29) and Mumuni Yakubu (32).

The Comptroller stated further that when interrogated, the illegal immigrants could not present any

valid travel documents or point to any particular place of work. He added that they had no confirmed means of livelihood or trade, which confirmed the petition that they were security risk.

Saying that the foreigners would be repatriated immediately, he urged residents of Oyo State to notify hid agency anytime such foreigners were sighted in Continues pg 7

7

crimereports

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Nine invited over death of Ilora high chief

By Oluwatoyin Malik

C

RACK detectives from Zone Eleven of the Nigeria Police, Osogbo have waded into the alleged murder of a High Chief of Ilora, Chief Lawrence Itiade Owoade, the late Onisa of Ilora in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State who was found hanging on the ceiling of his one storey building on his farm settlement road, Ilora on Thursday, November 20, 2014.

But his family members, who cried foul over the death, are alleging the murder of the late Chief.

Crime Reports learnt that detectives, who were in the ancient town on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, invited at least nine people, including two traditional worshipers simply identified as Sunday Aserifa and Ifalose, who allegedly partook in the burial of the late Chief Owoade which was said to have been done without autopsy.

Others include the monarch, Oba Stephen Oparinde and six chiefs: Chief Kilanko Ajayi, (Jagun); Chief Ademola Oladipo (Otunba); Chief J.O. Oyaniyi (Balogun); Chief Motunrayo Oke (Odofin); Chief Olatoke Ajenifuja (Iyalode) and Chief Amidu Adeleke, the newly installed Onisa who replaced the late Chief Owoade.

Chief Owoade was second in rank to the Ilora monarch and the head of the kingmakers before his death. The late Onisa was reportedly buried hurriedly on the same day of his death without a post mortem examination on the cause of his death by a qualified Medical Doctor.

He was installed as the Onisa on April 24, 2006 by the late Akibio of Ilora, Oba Olayiwola Olawore, after the demise of Chief Ajibade Adesina, the then occupier of the post.

The deceased’s wife, Mrs Oyenihun Owoade, reportedly said in her statement to the police that “the way my husband died and the way he was hurriedly buried heightened our suspicion that the chief did not commit suicide.”

According to family sources, Chief Owoade was found hanging in his house on the fateful day by the manager of his poultry farm and his driver who came to report for work.

It was gathered that when the two workers made the

staggering discovery, they quickly rushed to the house of another businessman, Elder Francis Morakinyo Afolabi, who was a friend to the late Chief Owoade, before bringing the matter to the notice of Akibio of Ilora who later directed that the matter be reported to the police.

However, some members of his family who would not like their names in print who witnessed the removal of his body at the way alleged that the position in which the corpse was found and the torch light found on the table in the sitting room raised suspicion as to whether the late chief deliberately hung himself.

When contacted, the Balogun of Ilora, Chief Oyaniyi, confirmed that Oba Oparinde, chiefs and two heads of traditional worshippers were invited by

Late Chief Lawrence Owoade the police to Osogbo.

Answering question on why late Onisa was quickly buried, Chief Oya-

niyi said that suicide was a taboo in the culture of the Ilora people.

“When such a thing hap-

pens, the children of the deceased are forbidden from seeing his body. Certain rites must also be performed by traditional worshippers to wave the evil consequences of the suicide action off. This was why the Ifalose and Aserifa were involved in the process of burial,” the Balogun said.

He hinted that the late Onisa had once taken poisonous substance which landed him in a hopsital in Ibadan where he was treated and discharged.

Confirming the invitation story , the Police Public Relations Officer of Zone Eleven, Mr Sola Babalola, said that the case was being handled by the Special AntiRobbery Squad of the zone.

He said the investigation was as a result of a petition of threat to life written by one Elder Afolabi. “The issue of Chief Owoade’s death

only came up during investigation,” the Zonal PPRO added. He stated further that investigation was still ongoing on the case. According to him, “I know that some people have been invited for questioning, but I cannot tell you who and who have been here. The investigation is ongoing.”

Crime Reports gathered that Elder Afolabi wrote a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, alleging threat to his life by some highly placed people in the town.

Afolabi, who was a close friend to the late Chief Owoade, said that some people had attempted to terminate his life like that of his late friend, stating further that he did not want to keep quiet so that he would not die like his friend.

Federal highway intercepts suspected armed robbers, recovers 4 pump action rifles

By Oluwatoyin Malik

TWO suspected members of an armed robbery gang have been arrested by the Oyo state Police Command, after four pump action rifles and 10 packets of live cartridges were found in their car. Also nabbed were two others who they confessed they were taking the guns to.

The suspects are Nwagbo Andrew, Nwadiobu Okechukwu, Abdulazeez Amao and Ezekiel Adefula.

According to the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, two of the suspects, Andrew and Okechukwu, were nabbed by the Federal Highway Patrol on December 2, at about 10.49p.m. in a Volkswagen car with registration number UWN 462 AZ along Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The police commissioner disclosed to Crime Reports that the two men, who

The suspects were suspected to have sinister plan of joining their col-

leagues to carry out an evil plan, attempted to escape

when they were stopped by the police, but were appre-

hended before they could carry out their intention.

“When a search of their vehicle was conducted, four new pump action automatic rifles and 10 packets of live cartridges were found where they were concealed in the car,” the CP stated further.

Andrew, who said he was based in Onitsha, Anambra State, admitted that the guns were found with him. Giving the reason for possession of firearms, He said: “I was cash strapped, so I brought the guns to a friend, Amoo, in order to make some money. I collected the guns from Okechukwu. I know people who have been doing the business, and I felt that I could be part of it to make money.

“I am not an armed robber. I usually buy each gun from Okechukwu at the rate of N95,000 or N100,000. I, in turn, will sell it between N100,000 and N110,000.”

NIS arrests, repatriates 7 foreigners in Oyo Continued from pg 6 their neighbourhood.

“You can also reach out to other security agencies in the state such as the police, Federal Road Safety Corps, Department of State Security, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and others. Once the people are confirmed foreigners, our sister agencies will send them to us,” Akatu stat-

ed, describing security as the business of everyone.

He added: “We want all to enjoy the yuletide so we are ready to remove foreigners without valid documents of stay and send them back to their countries.”

One of the foreigners, Wahab Umoru , who spoke with Crime Reports said: “I have been in Nigeria since 2005 to look for a means of

livelihood. I did not have papers that legalise my stay in the country. I don’t also have international passport. I was a driver but later bought my own motorcycle which I am using for commercial purpose. I live at Ojoo area of Ibadan with my wife.

“I returned from my country recently and was in Aba Ekerin to greet a fellow citizen who also just

returned from home. I was there when I was arrested by the immigration officials.”

Another Beninois, Soliu Halidu also stated: “I was born in Saki, Oyo State but of Benin Republic nationality. I don’t have any legal documents backing my stay in Nigeria. My parents were farmers but they have gone back to our country. I stayed because I was learning art-

work. I also ride okada to augment my living.

“I came to Ibadan with my master and stayed back, renting a room at Aba Ekerin. I don’t have any documents legalising my stay in Nigeria neither do I have my birth certificate with me. I went out to buy analgesic to use after my return from the day’s work when I was arrested.”

8

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE

41ST CONVOCATION CEREMONIES OF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE

The Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Bamitale Omole (left) supported by the OAU Chancellor, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar (right) and Chief (Mrs) Stella Alex-Duduyemi (second right) during the conferment of honorary degree of Doctor of Business Management (DBM) on Chief (Dr) Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi (second left) at OAU in Ile-Ife on Saturday.

Etsu Nupe and OAU Chancellor, Alhaj (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar (left) with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi at the event.

OAU Registrar, Mr David Oladotun Awoyemi (left) and Professor Bamitale Omole.

From left, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Chief (Mrs) Stella Alex-Duduyemi; Sir Olaniwun Ajayi and Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi at the conferment ceremony.

President, African Development Bank, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina (left) and Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh.

Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin (left) and Osun State deputy governor, Chief (Mrs) Grace Olaoye Tomori.

The awardees from left, Chief Alex Duduyemi; Professor Kehinde Olupona and Dr Akinwunmi Adesina.

From left, Professor Omole; Chief Duduyemi and Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar.

From left, OAU VC, Professor Omole; Dr Akinwunmi Adesina; his wife, Yemisi; and OAU Chancellor, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar.

From left, Executive Secretary, NUC, Professor Julius Okojie; Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar and Professor Bamitale Omole.

9

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

10

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

specialreport Inside Lagos’ 15-year-old sawdust island

Where men fear to age and natural elements engage in wood theft The first major sawdust filling began in 2000 and 15 years after, the island still stands strong. RITA OKONOBOH visited the plank industry located below the Third Mainland bridge and reports the marvel of how wood is shipped across states through the Atlantic Ocean, the experiences of traders who have lost vital body parts to the business, and how man and natural elements engage in wood theft.

Men cutting wood to size for processing Photo:www.battabox.com

S

TEPPING onto the embankment that is the shore of the oceanfront below 3rd Mainland bridge, Ebute Metta, Lagos State, there is the slightest sensation of the ground floating.

Instead of beach sand, sawdust takes the place of earth, and the presence of heavy machinery on the ground is enough to erase fears of the ground suddenly giving way, albeit, ever so slightly. After all, the ocean is only a few feet below.

As one eases down the wooden stairs that lead into the community, made up of mostly plank traders, emotions light up at

every corner, many seemingly suspicious.

It takes a while to catch friendly eyes and after much persuasion, and even much more conviction that one was not a government spy. Only a few people decide to share their views.

The land, represented by sawdust, has lasted for 15 years, as filling began around 2000, and has not shown signs of weakness ever since. The environment, largely polluted, is part-time residence for many who are in the wood business, as they spend long hours each day, processing wood which are later cut into planks of

various shapes, weights and measurements.

The logs, arranged in rows, within and outside the sea, form the major part of the community’s source of income. Shipped from states such as Delta, Rivers, Ondo, Ogun, Bayelsa, Lagos and Edo, the logs sail across the ocean and are re-arranged at various vantage points to ensure that they are on course.

The ocean as link between trading partners Sharing the experience that constitutes

the conveyance of wood through water across states, via the Atlantic Ocean, Mr Lateef Omotoso, Chairman, Plane Machine Owners Association, Ebute Metta, Lagos State, who has been in the business for close to 20 years, notes that “the wood is bound and placed in the ocean by professionals. We have woods that float and those that sink, so we use those that float to support those that sink to aid their movement. Those who are in the business can tell the quality of the wood before it is continues

pg 11

11

specialreport

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘The industry poses risk for Atlantic Ocean’s biological system’

Logs of wood with marks for identification. Photo: Rita Okonoboh

continued from

pg 10

transported. The tide also determines the movement of the wood.”

A regular wood shipment across the ocean takes about two months and to ensure that the wood stays on course, there are people on standby at various stops in other states.

Mr Benjamin Eze Okeke, a sawmiller for over 20 years, sheds further light on the transportation of wood, stating that when rain falls, the wood floats up and that’s how they know that there has been a delivery. This year, there has not been much rainfall, which is why the river is not as crowded as expected.”

Identifying owner’s shipment among thousands Considering the thousands of logs that are transported across the sea on regular basis, for owners to identify his shipment, Omotoso notes that “there are forestry guard marks, personal marks, owners’ marks, to identify the wood. There are at least three compulsory different marks on the wood, and sometimes, it is as many as five or six marks.”

After the wood is lifted from the river, it is sawed immediately, depending on the urgency. Wood doesn’t have to dry before sawing begins.

Processing and theft issues According to the sawmillers, processing wood is done in batches. First, the wood floats into sight and the cross-cutters go into the river to chop them into lengths of 12 feet. Afterwards, those who would roll them up the bank go in. They do not pay for shops as anywhere one picks to saw wood, automatically becomes a shop.

Mr Osita Chukwuma, a sawyer, explains the process and how the work is divided.

He tells Sunday Tribune that “We have owners of machines, that is, the millers; then the sawyers and the cross-cutters.

The sawyers and cross-cutters do the dirty work of entering the ocean to saw the wood for the sawmillers to process. We are like tenants to them. There are also plane machine operators who cut the wood into planes, depending on the requirements.”

Regarding theft, the millers assert that wood can be stolen at night and even during the day, even if there are vigilante groups who do their best to ensure safety.

However, sometimes, theft defies human limitations. Sometimes, the tides move the wood from where they have been kept to another part of the sea and it can be quite difficult to trace. According to Okeke, “There are times we would have lined up wood for sawing the following day, but by the next morning, the wood may have floated to Lekki or Idumota. Sometimes, strong winds move the woods. Many of us do not live here; we work during the day and leave at night.”

Of hazards, lost human parts and safety Hazards are a major part of various occupations, but with wood processing, it is even more dangerous. According to a cross-section of sawyers who spoke with Sunday Tribune, many have lost vital body parts on the job.

Mr Omotoso’s left eye has a scar running just around it. Sharing his experience, he states that “there are a lot of hazards involved in the business, and in fact, that’s how I got this cut on my left eye (points to the spot). We were sawing wood and part of the wood flew into my eye and it took

divine intervention that I did not lose this eye. There have been fatal as well as minor injuries.”

For those who have to work right inside the water, according to Omotoso, “there really isn’t much fear of the current because we don’t let novices navigate through major tides. Those who go into the deeper part of the water to assist in moving the logs towards the shore are experts in their own rights. That’s why we haven’t had cases of people carried away by the ocean. For those who go further into the ocean, they read the current before they venture into it. They are used to it.”

To prevent further dangerous incidents, Sunday Tribune observed that many of the millers now use protective kits such as face guards, hand gloves, boots, and even protective clothing.

The industry poses risk for Atlantic Ocean’s biological system —Dr Nwosu The Institute of Oceanography, University of Calabar, conducts studies on the Atlantic Ocean. Dr Francis M. Nwosu, Associate Professor, Institute of Oceanography, Department of Biological Oceanography, University of Calabar, shares the dangers the island poses to the ocean.

According to him, “the sawmill industry affects the ocean and is, in fact, an important pollution source. Definitely, the sawdust is a pollutant and will have long-term effects on the ocean. The natural chemical the wood generates, as well as the chemicals used to treat the wood, also affect the ocean because there is contact between the wood and the ocean.

“Heavy equipment is operated on it and depending on the facilities and the effects

of the ocean processes on the place, there is the probability that the ocean will take its space back some day because that is not an embankment as such. As long as the sawdust is there, the environment is polluted, as well as the organisms in the ocean. And there is nothing much that anyone can do about it except it stops because once the activities start modifying the environment, the only way to restore it to natural condition is to stop the agent of the pollution. In fact, if that area is a migration site for marine organisms or a nesting site for birds or marine turtles, then it is even worse as it will affect reproduction and the biological system in the ocean. It would be good if they could check the processing for the sake of marine life.”

They are at risk of pneumoconiosis –Dr Buhari Many of the millers and sawyers agree that although they are not experts, it is very possible that the salt content in the water serves as some form of protection against skin diseases. In spite of the fact that they spend hours in the water at a stretch, they tell Sunday Tribune that there is no fear of health diseases. They agree that smoke and wood pieces are inhaled by them and, although, it can be a source of irritation, it is their source of income and they don’t have much choices.

However, Dr. Mukhaila O. Buhari of the Department of Pathology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, disagrees with the postulations of the millers and sawyers on the risk posed to their health by staying in the water to work. On the notion that the salt content continues

pg 12

12

specialreport

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Of hazards, lost human parts and safety

Dr Francis M. Nwosu, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Oceanography, University of Calabar continued from

Mr Lateef Omotoso, Chairman, Plane Machine Owners’ Association, Ebute Metta, Lagos

Mr Benjamin Okeke, Sawmiller

Mr Tochukwu Nwafor, Sawyer

Mr Osita Chukwuma, Sawyer

with us regarding insurance. Besides, I’m not sure if they will still be interested with the rate of fire incidents in Lagos in recent times.

“We pay money to the local government, forest guards, and even the fire service. The fire service is to ensure

prompt response when there is fire outbreak.”

pg 11

in the water contributes to the reduced spread of skin diseases, he notes that “one would expect that when people are exposed to such, there is the danger of pneumoconiosis, which is a disease of the lungs owing to exposure to materials such as sawdust over a long period of time. The dust from the wood alone is a bad thing for the traders because they inhale mineral dust. Apart from that, there are also vapours from the chemicals used in processing the wood and these are also bad for the lungs. Whatever happens on the skin, there is something a hundred times more dangerous going on inside the body.”

Noting that the salt content of the sea may have a certain effect on whatever skin lesion they get from exposure, Buhari notes that that may explain why they may not have obvious skin diseases, especially if it is not infectious. But there are some illnesses which are not infectious. However, the bigger problem is the effect on their respiratory system. Pneumoconiosis takes years to develop and he’s sure there are people there who have symptoms of pneumoconiosis but would not attribute it to their environment.

Another threat to the millers and sawyers is the fear of old age, because the business takes even the best in the profession into the ocean. Many of the respondents agree that they fear old age because it is a negative feature for the business. There is also the chance that the business may not last much longer because, some of the millers have no plans to introduce their children to the business because it is hard work with not as much gratification as one expects.

Although, there are youths involved in the profession.

According to Omotoso, “Many youths are interested in the business but we pray for a better tomorrow. For my children, I make them understand the business but I have also introduced them to other things that can fetch them better money.”

One would assume that there would be fear of dangerous reptiles but according to the occupants of the bank, there are no reptiles in that part of the ocean. What is observed are small fishes, which the few people who live on the ocean – Ijaws, Ilajes and Eguns – use to sustain themselves. The ocean dwellers engage in fishing and use the saw dust to roast or dry the fish.

Sustainability and insurance Mr Okeke tells Sunday Tribune that “the business is quite sustainable. If there are cases of theft by humans, we have a union that attends to such. We have the unions for the sawmillers. In spite of fire incidences in the state, we have not recorded fire outbreaks, probably because very few people live here. On insurance, the insurance people came, even recently, but we don’t trust them. We are interested but they have not been straight-forward

There are times we would have lined up wood for sawing the following day, but by the next morning, the wood may have floated to Lekki or Idumota.

Sometimes, strong winds move the woods

Government intervention For a place like this, it is evident that government presence is best described as more or less a distant reality. At the mention of ‘government,’ many of the wood millers seem reluctant to make government a part of the establishment. According to findings by Sunday Tribune, there have been suggestions by government to move them to other parts of Lagos such as Lekki, but the millers agree that it would be a way to drive them out of business because the environment is not conducive for such ventures.

However, Mr Tochukwu Nwafor, a sawyer, in his contribution, notes that, “it would be an improvement if we can get government intervention because many of those who build houses in Lagos get their wood from here. In fact, we are like the headquarters of wood for Lagos. So, it would drive investment and even increase internally generated revenue if a road can be built to connect more people to this place. The possibilities are positively unlimited.”

In spite of the fact that the island is located in Lagos State and seems like a local business, Nigerians of many tribes find their daily bread and a place to call home on the grounds. Though government intervention is not so much, they have been able to maintain solidarity between themselves.

13 Continued from

I

13 December, 2015 last week

T is my charge to you, therefore, that we should pray most fervently for the return of prosperity to our land. It must be borne in mind, however, that where oppression, terrorism, impiety, cowardice, and gross perversion of justice are enthroned as is now the case in Nigeria in general and in Western Nigeria in particular, there can be neither peace nor prosperity. Those who issue a call for prayer for the return of peace and prosperity to Western Nigeria must first of all ensure that the evils which I have just mentioned are deposed, and in their. places Justice and the Rule of Law are enthroned. It is then and not till then, could there be tranquility in the hearts of the ruling caste in Western Nigerian and peace, progress and prosperity amongst its entire populace. I wish the Conference God’s guidance, and every success.

My comrades-in-prison send you very hearty greetings.

Long Live The Action Group of Nigeria! And Forward With Democratic Socialism, under which every citizen will contribute according to his ability and be benefited according to his needs!!!

It isn’t life that matters I must say with respect, and this may have to be taken up with a higher tribunal, that I do not agree with your Lordship’s verdict, and the premises on which it is based.

For upwards of 30 years, I have been in politics in Nigeria; during this period I have operated in various important theatres in the life of this great Federation. I have, with others, fought against British imperialism with all my might, and with all the talents that it pleased God to give me.

Together with other nationalists, some of whom are with me and many of whom are not with me here, we have successfully thrown out British imperialism and enthroned Africans in positions which, 20 or more years ago, they never dreamt of occupying.

I have been an unyielding advocate of a Federal Constitution for Nigeria. I have all along, with other leaders of this country, been a very active and constructive participant in all the constitutional conferences which have taken place since 1953, and which have culuminated not only in the attainment of independence but in the production of a Constitution of which Nigerians are very proud.

This Constitution is now being gradually violated.

I have also fought against anything which savours injustice. It is thus an irony of history that, as one of the architects of Nigeria’s independence, I have spent almost half of Nigeria’s three years of independence under one

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. form of confinement or another.

Since 1957 I have fought, as your Lordship remarked, with vigour against the feudal system in the Northern Re-

I have also fought against anything which savours injustice.

It is thus an irony of history that, as one of the architects of Nigeria’s independence, I have spent almost half of Nigeria’s three years of independence under one form of confinement or another

Sunday Tribune

gion and for its eradication. I have also fought to prevent the spread of this evil political system to other parts of Nigeria. During the same period I have strongly advocated the breaking up of the Northern Region into more states in order to have true federalism in Nigeria, to preclude the permanent subservices of the people of Nigeria to the autocratic ruling caste in the North, and to preserve peace and unity in the country. In short, I have always fought for what I believe, without relent and regardless of consequences to myself. I have no doubt, and I say this without any spirit of immodesty, that in the course of my political career, I have rendered services to this country which historians and the coming generations will certainly regard as imperishable. Naturally, Sir, in the course of my long, turbulent and active political life, I have attracted to myself a sizeable crop of detractors and political adversaries. Similarly, I have in the course of this long career seen both triumphs and setbacks; and I have met them with equal mind. Peter, not Peter the Apostle, but Peter the hero of Hugh Walpole’s novel entitled ‘Fortitude’, said: ‘It isn’t life that matters but the courage you bring to it.’ After life had done terrible things to Peter he heard a voice that said to him, among other things: ‘Blessed be all sorrow, hardships and endurances that demand courage.

Blessed be those things: for of these things cometh the making of a man.’ In the words of Peter, therefore, my Lord, I declare (not that I have heard a voice): Blessed be your verdict; and I say in advance; blessed be the sentence which your Lordship may pass on me.

I personally welcome any sentence you may impose upon me. At this moment my only concern is not for myself, but that my imprisonment might do harm to Nigeria for three reasons. First, the invaluable service which I have hitherto rendered and which I can still render will . be lost to the country - at least for a season.

Second, there might be a heightening of the present tension which has lasted for 15 months, and has done incalculable injuries to the economy of the country. Third, for some time to come, the present twilight of democracy, individual freedom and the rule of law, will change or might change into utter darkness. But after darkness - and this is a common-place - comes a glorious dawn. It is, therefore, with a brave heart, with confident hope, and with faith in my unalterable destiny, that I go from this twilight into the darkness’, unshaken in my trust in the Providence of God that a glorious dawn will come on the morrow.

Concluded

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14

voxpop

13 December, 2015

Should online social media be regulated?

The Senate, last week, passed for second reading the bill seeking to punish persons who intentionally post ‘abusive statements,’ through the social media. OLUWATOMISIN AKINGBOLU and OLUWABAMISE ADEMOLA sought public opinion on the issue. Excerpts:

AMOS MICHAEL Government should regulate social media because. It will discourage people from posting things that are not true online. When it’s regulated, everyone will watch his/her activities on social media.

TAIWO OPEYEMI

Sunday Tribune

The bill should be passed. If government can regulate it, it will bring a new face to social media.

BALOGUN ADEOLA It should be regulated because, most times, false information is normally disseminated through social media, unlike what obtains with print and broadcast media. We need to have laws that cover the social media as well.

OBISEYE OBIYEMI

Yes, it should be regulated to stop the atrocities some people commit online.

The bill should be passed. If government can regulate it, it will bring a new face to social media. Majority of untrue stories are disseminated through social media users because they have no reliable source; and many do not bother to confirm rumours.

JOSU VICTORIA It should be regulated to dissuade those who post negative, and sometimes, untrue information online which gives the country a bad image. It will also check instances of blackmail. Social media is meant to transmit reliable information.

ADELEYE TOLULOPE If government can regulate it, it will be a very good step. However, the regulation should start from within the government. Most untrue stories released online are usually a way of calling government to order, and sometimes, not all seemingly unbelievable stories are false. Moreover, there is freedom of speech.

OLUWAFUNKE WEMIMO It shouldn’t be regulated since some of these popular sites serve as advertisement agencies for entrepreneurs. The bill should be adjusted such that it doesn’t affect some people’s businesses or reduce their sales. The social media is now the main shopping mall for many people.

AYENI SAMSON Due to the fact that many stories circulated online do not have reliable sources, it should be regulated. There should be laws to regulate the activities of social media for false stories not to be disseminated and to guide the users.

FALEGAN AYOBAMI

SEUN ONABAJO It should be regulated and the bill should extend to as many quarters as possible. For example, someone hacked one of my social media accounts and posted naked pictures, and unfortunately, I didn’t know about it until people started complaining about the bad pictures I sent to them. It was a very embarrassing experience. The bill should also cover punishments for such activities.

PASTOR AJAYI TEMITOPE It should be regulated, especially for those who engage in suspicious activities with the intent to blackmail. I’m speaking from experience because someone once blackmailed me online by posting an act I didn’t commit, which almost ruined me but for God’s intervention. I am in full support of regulation.

The bill should be passed. Many people find it very easy to access the internet for information rather than buy newspapers or listen to radio. If the bill is passed and social media is regulated, there is the possibility that online media as source of information will improve, rather than the current trend of cooking up lies and circulating falsehood.

BOSE ADELEKE Regulating the social media is a bad idea as it will hinder the exposure of bad deeds of some of our leaders. Not every story posted online is a fabrication.

15

13 December, 2015

homes&interior s r

Get your home into celebration mood of Xmas in style

C

HRISTMAS is here again and it’s celebration galore for all categories of people, including Christians and non-Christians. And for those who are stylish, tasteful and meticulous about how their homes would look during the merriment season when families, relatives, friends , loved ones and well wishers would come visiting, they go all the way decorating both the interior and exterior of the home, just to keep the celebration mood alive.

Christmas trees, lights, candles, decorations and cards are the various items used to get into the mood of celebration. These are used to decorate the living and ante rooms, corridors, walls, even exterior of homes.

The living room is the focal point of many residences and should set the tone for the entire house. A decorated Christmas tree, a colorful lighting installation or a creative message on the wall is a better way to welcome the holidays and turning your home into a magical place of joy. These decora-

tions transform the core of your home into a cozy and colourful interior. Traditional Christmas decorating elements, including natural greens and timeless red and green decor create a stylish living room look during this yuletide.

For a look that’s festive but calm, try an array of metallic decorations. A great option for neutral homes. Keep it simple and playful by spreading the holiday cheer to more than just your main living room. Try dressing up a second living space or playroom. Let the kids add handmade ornaments to a tree that’s the perfect height.

Fun and easy crafts, like our cardboard Christmas trees, make the room playful and kid-friendly.

Are you an interior decorator?

Advertise on our offline (page) and online platforms

Sunday Tribune

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

16

opinion

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

The caliphate, the emir and Nigeria’s master race (I)

By Femi Fani Kayode

“D

O not call a conspiracy what these people call a conspiracy, neither fear ye their fear but sanctify the Lord your God in your heart and Let Him be your only fear”- ISAIAH 8:12 In an essay titled ‘’Afenifere: A Syllabus Of Errors’’ which was written in 1998 and published in Gamji.com, Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi wrote the following. ‘’Anyone who needs a lesson in how not to be a politician, and how never to win power in Nigeria should study Yoruba politicians.

Unless the Yoruba masses disown Afenifere, this group of degree-bearing political illiterates will lead Yoruba land down its own version of a syllabus of errors, an island unto themselves, hallucinating in their own idiocy and content to remain marginalised citizens in their own country while blaming the north for their self – inflicted woes.

The syllabus of errors remains a black spot on the history of the Catholic Church.

Afenifere will be an even blacker spot on the political history of the Yoruba.

Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi’s pedigree speaks mountains of what his political stance would be ab initio. He probably believes, like other Fulani politicians, that the problems of this country have a lot to do with the shift in power away from the Fulani to individuals like Babangida and Abacha, products of “lower cultures”.

The Fulani of the North, proud of the history of the Caliphate, remain proud of the roles played by Fulani leaders of the political and military establishment in Nigeria- Ahmadu Bello, Murtala Mohammed, Aminu Kano, Shehu Yar’Adua, Shehu Shagari, Jubril Aminu.

They are sad that other Nigerians do not know the difference in ethnic background between say, Murtala Mohammed and Ibrahim Babangida. They do not understand how a man like Abacha, born to a cigarette-seller in Fagge quarters of Kano (and this speaks mountains of him, how he ruled and how he died) can be taken as the quintessential representative of the Caliphate whose head he disgraced and whose culture and values he sought to erode.

So Shinkafi probably believes in the need for a power-shift: Back to the Fulani.

He may not be alone in this tendency.

Politicians like Mahmud Waziri, Bamanga Tukur, Jubril Aminu, even M. D. Yusufu may consciously or unconsciously have similar views.

To the Fulani, there is nothing like ceding the presidency or power. If you want it, you work for it...If you lack the stomach to dig in and fight, too bad for you. Southern politicians have always failed to understand the complexity of the North and its politics’’.

These are interesting words from an interesting Fulani man. The disdain and sheer contempt that Emir Sanusi harbours for non-Fulanis and southerners and for Afenifere and the Yoruba people in particular remains intact till today. His assertion that ‘’southern politicians have always failed to understand the complexity of the north’’ is false.

Despite the fact that we Southerners understand the nature of core Northern politicians and leaders very well, we have always chosen to hold our peace, condone their excesses, carry their baggage and accept their strange ways and complicated peculiarities in the name of national unity.

The truth is that it is Emir Sanusi and his Fulani people that have misunderstood Southerners all along. We in the south may be accommodating, tolerant and generous people but our kindness and liberal nature must never be mistaken for stupidity or weakness. That is the mistake that people like Sanusi often make with their racist views and condescending words. He forgets that the culture and history of most of the southern empires and kingdoms predates that of the Fulani caliphate by hundreds of years.

17 years after Sanusi wrote this piece about Southerners I have decided to respond to him by sharing my views about the core North and its Fulani leaders. This is especially so, because we have a hardline Fulani conservative at the helm of affairs in our country today.

Sanusi wrote his views about the South in 1998 when his fellow Northerner was Head of State, but I chose to write my views about the North, not when my fellow Southerner is in power, but rather when a Northerner is president. I have not taken offence at Emir Sanusi’s views about Southerners and I sincerely hope that he and his people will not take offence at my views about core Northerners.

This essay will not only be deemed as being controversial but its contents will also be keenly contested and scrutinised.

This is because I am going to express some home truths here which the majority of our people know to be true but few are prepared to voice.

I am making this intervention not out of hate but out of love and compassion for those that have lost their lives at the hands of our adversaries over the last 55 years. I am also mindful of the fact that every single person that is a member of the ruling class or that has held a position of leadership in this country between 1960 and today, including yours truly, has to take partial responsibility for the terrible things that our people have experienced over the years, for the criminal negligence that we have all indulged in, for the shameful conspiracy of silence that we appear to relish

and for the abysmal and pitiable situation that we have found ourselves in as a people and as a nation. Those of us that are members of the ruling elite are all, in varying degrees, guilty and it is to partly ameliorate that sense of guilt that I feel constrained to speak out and expose the truth.

I am not a racist or tribalist. I deplore violence and bloodshed. I have no hate in me for any individual or ethnic group and I am a firm believer in the view that all men are equal before God regardless of the circumstances of their birth, their creed, their tribe, their nationality or the colour of their skin. While I hold these truths to be self-evident, I also believe that it is incumbent upon those of us that lay claim to being leaders to always speak the truth about the history and unfolding events in our country no matter how uncomfortable that truth may be.

We owe it to ourselves, to posterity and to God to do so. Let it be said many years from now after we are all long departed that within the madness and cacophony of national anguish, servitude and pain and during the course of the brutal and systemic suppression of the freedom and will of a cheated and broken people, there were at least a few voices that were courageous enough to call a spade and spade and to warn about the grave dangers and consequences of ignoring the injustice and wickedness that has thrived in our country from time immemorial and from generation to generation.

Despite all the insults, threats, misrepresentation and, oftentimes, slanderous and utterly bizarre allegations that I, my family and my loved ones have been subjected to over the years from ignorant, venal and hate-filled men, I shall be counted among those few voices. If nothing else that is good enough for me and with that alone I would have made a meaningful contribution to my nations history and done my forefathers proud. It is with this in mind that I urge readers to fasten their seat belts and consider the following contribution.

When Cain killed his brother Abel the bible tells us that God asked him the following question: he asked “where is thy brother Abel?” Cain responded in a defiant manner by asking God the following question in return: he asked “am I my brother’s keeper?” God responded by telling Cain that his brother’s blood was crying to Him from the ground for vengeance. From that point Cain was afflicted with a terrible curse which could not be lifted because it came from the Living God. Wherever he went the curse that goes with shedding his brothers innocent blood followed him. This was made worse by the fact that he refused to repent or show any remorse for what he had done. Everything that he did failed and everywhere he went he was despised, rejected, feared, hated and viewed with suspicion by his compatriots, colleagues and fellow men.

Tragedy and misfortune stalked him and he ended up being nothing but a vagabond, a marauder, a parasite and a wanderer in foreign lands. He became a byword and a proverb: a herder of goats and cattle who lived and survived by guile, doublespeak, stealing, pillaging and intimidating others. He became the proverbial leech who made a headway in life only by benefiting from the sweat, labor and hard work of his hosts and benefactors, by sponging off whichever community gave him succor and by resorting to violence and bloodshed at the slightest opportunity and at the drop of a hat.

He also acquired an obsession with controlling others and an insatiable lust for power and the perpetual domination, suppression and conquest of what he perceived as “lesser tribes and lesser people”.

Simply put he was a dangerous predator who sought to milk others dry and conquer by guile and assimilation. There are comparisons to be made with Nigeria here.

Sinister forces and dark elements from the deeply conservative core north have killed more Middle Belters and southerners than any other in our country over the last 55 years. Worse still those sinister forces do not just kill but they also establish their own communities in the land and territory of their victims and forcefully occupy it. They have refused to stop doing so and to all intents and purposes they have developed an insatiable blood lust which compels them to shed innocent blood at the slightest whim in order to subjugate others and to remain in power.

The South, whom our British colonial masters once referred to as the “rich wife”, has effectively become the Abel of Nigeria while the conservative core North, whom they once called the “poor husband”, has now become the Cain. For many years the Lord has been asking the core North what they have done to their Southern and Middle Belt brothers and why they keep doing it.

For years the conservative core North has responded with defiance and anger and asked God “am I my brother’s keeper?” The result of this open defiance and lack of remorse is simple and clear: it has attracted God’s wrath. Is it any wonder that Boko Haram now ravages the core North? Is it any wonder that every single core Northern leader that has ever ruled Nigeria since 1960 has either been killed or died in mysterious circumstances while on the throne or was removed in a military coup and then subjected to a number of years in detention?

Continues

pg 37

17

13 December 2015

Copyright theft allegation: Deeve is jealous —Olamide

I want to be a

medical doctor —Amarachi

Sunday Tribune

2 things I can never do as an actress —Adebola

18

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Tade Makinde tademt2@yahoo.com 08055001753

Olamide denies copyright theft allegation, says Deevee is just jealous

By Seyi Sokoya D’BANJ is set to wrap up the year 2015 in a remarkable and unique way. An event has been targeted to appreciate his esteemed fans and everyone that have contributed to his success since the beginning of the year.

The event tagged: “D’banj and Friends: Koko Tour” is organised

by DKM Media & Yankee Entertainment as part of the teams’ effort to round up a decade as well as kick off a new one in year 2016.

The event, which is sponsored

by Globa com and Slot, among others corporate bodies, will kick off in Owerri on December 20 continues in Warri on the 27 and halts in Lagos on 29.

By Tade Makinde

O

LAMIDE has denied reports that he stole music producer, Divine Austin’s song.

His friend and former media man, Favour, told R on Friday morning that Deevee, the producer’s nickname, was just trying to get cheap publicity by making such a “scandalous allegation” so that he could be heard.

Deevee had alleged penultimate week that Olamide ‘jacked’ the concept for his new single, “Don’t Stop”, in his recently released album, ‘Eyan Mayweather’ from D’banj’s song ‘Shake It’ produced by Deevee.

In one of Deevee’s several tweets, he said; “with due respect Olamide, have you run out of ideas? Everytime you come to our zone you always steal some ideas. I won’t let this fly.”

“With all due respect to D’Banj and the others Deevee said he had produced, who among them is hotter than Olamide right now? Deevee is just jealous that Olamide won’t agree with him on production deal and he has resorted to cheap blackmail,” Fa-

D’banj wraps-up 2015 with Koko tour

vour told R. Deevee has insisted that he had nothing to gain by telling a lie.

“This is not the first time Olamide has stolen from D’banj and DB Records. Olamide stole slangs

such as ‘Durosoke’, ‘Baddest Guy Ever Liveth’ among others, from D’banj and his camp.

Meanwhile, Olamide beat Yemi Alade and South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest to win The

9ice, Korede, others for Nnenna & Friends’ show As the hosting of the annual Nnenna & Friends End-ofYear Show gets set, the organisers, Wale Adenuga Productions, have released the names of artistes that will be on stage when the event holds next Sunday, December 20, at the MUSON Centre Onikan-Lagos, from 3 pm to 6 pm.

The Nnenna & Friends End-of-Year Show brings people of all ages together for family entertainment; as they celebrate the end of 2015 and look forward to 2016.

9ice, Adewale, Oshadipe Twins, Korede Sax, Dizzy Mbata, Bryno T, N-Stars are the musicians billed to perform, just as comedians Chigul, MC Prince, Jim Boi, Bukunmi Preacher will be on hand to crack jokes to the delight of Nnenna’s fans.

“The event has a strategic mix of diverse content in order to ensure that everyone has a good time and goes home with unforgettable memories. Our list of performers include some top A-list acts, as well as some upcoming ones,” said Adenuga during a press conference held at the WAP headquarters at Ajao, Isolo, Lagos on Thursday.

Among other artistes to make the event fun for fans are Papa Ajasco & Company, whose stage performances have been receiving accolades, as well as dance performance by Explicit, N-Stars.

Motivational speaker, Dayo Israel, is expected to pep up parents and kids, while other side attractions include family games, dance competitions, face painting, goodie bags, etc.

“Lagos is really in for a super treat this December because with our performers and activities, the Nnenna & Friends End-of-Year Show is guaranteed to be maximum fun for all ages,” Nnenna added.

Future Awards Africa Prize in Entertainment. Olamide beat Yemi Alade, Vanessa Mdee, Anne Kansiime, and South Africa’s Refiloe Maele ‘Cassper Nyovest’ Phoolo to clinch the award last weekend at InterContinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Sona, DJ Unbeetable collaborate on new single

By Okeola Olalekan BRITISH Nigerian Pop artist and musician, Sona, is set to release a new single entitled ‘My Dear’.

The song features DJ Unbeetable and is produced by O.Y, who had worked with Iceprince, Olamide and Iyanya, among others.

Sona, whose steady rise to stardom was stunted late last year when the rising star was wrongfully convicted of a robbery, was inspired on the single by his experience in jail. He is due to be released soon and can’t wait to be with his loved ones again, even as his family continues to push for his release before the end of this year.

Sona already has a list of songs that he intends to release in 2016 as follow up to his hot singles, ‘No Wahala’, ‘Ijo Sona’ and ‘Omode Yi’, which were released last year and have collectively garnered over 2 million streams on YouTube and Soundcloud over the past 18 months.

19

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Ayinde Barrister’s biography for launch

By Tunde Busari

F

IVE years after Dr Sikiru Ayinde Barrister passed on, a book in his memory is ready for public presentation.

The Biography is titled “Sikiru Ayinde Barrister: The Music Maestro.” It is the second effort on the late musician after his Director of Media; Elder Dayo Odeyemi had published “MR FUJI” in 2001.

Written by Akintunde Akinteye, the book will be formally launched at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja on December 19 as part of activities lined up for the fifth year anniversary of the death of the musician.

Other features of the anniversary, according to a release, include public lecture/special prayer at Fuji Chamber, Isolo, Lagos on December 16, while a musical carnival holds December 20 at Square Event Centre, Ikeja where A-list fuji acts are expected to perform. Gate fee is N5000.

Fans of Barrister are also looking forward to the events. The President of Ayinde Barrister Legacy Group, Alhaji Tolani Owolabi, said his group has concluded arrangement to be part of the event in accordance with the philosophy of the group.

“Our group is known for setting

enviable standard in memory of our mentor. So, we are going to maintain the reputation by honouring the sons of Barrister who are putting this event together,” he said.

Owolabi added that the annual

“BARRY DAY,” 2016 edition of the group, would come up February with the Local Organising Committee headed by Barrista Wasiu Popoola already inaugurated in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

High Commission hosts award winners THE British High Commissioner in Nigeria Ray Kyles hosted winners and nominees of The Future Awards Africa 2015 to a reception at his residence on Monday, December 7, 2015.

The Future Awards Africa celebrated 10 years of spotlighting individuals across Africa who are impacting and inspiring their community and the continent as a whole.

Highlights of the event, hosted

by Bonang Matheba and Dare

New movie studio excites Sotayo

By Peter Oke TAYO Sobola is leaving no stone un-turned in making sure that the production studio she is about to open becomes one of the best around.

Sotayo, who just returned from USA and Dubai, said she was excited by this new venture.

“It is a milestone in my career and a step ahead for me in my plans to stay on top of my

game. Having my own production house will enable me churn out more movies and TV programmes”, the actress revealed.

The studio commissioning are both slated for December 27.

The graduate of Public Administration from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, has featured in many comedy skits and has also starred in many movies.

She has also produced movies entitled “Arewa Onijogbon”, “Corper Jide” and “Bella”.

Art-Alade, witnessed a powerful rendition of the national anthem performed by Niyola, Chidinma and OC Ukeje.

D’banj, Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, HarrySong and Darey also performed.

Guests in attendance included the Kaduna governor Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; GMD of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe; ED of Sahara Group Tonye Cole; CEO of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters; MD of Bank of Indus-

try, Rasheed Olaoluwa; West Africa representative for the Ford Foundation, Innocent Chukwuma and the deputy governor of Imo State, amongst others.

“We at the British High Commission understand the importance of recognising the great work that young Africans are doing and the work that The Future Awards Africa is doing,” Kyles said. “Africa must develop Africa and we are here to support,” he added.

20

13 December, 2015

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

I

t is three years now since you won the first edition of Nigeria’s Got Talent reality show.

What has been happening to

you?

Three years have passed and I am still doing fine. I have been exposed to a different world entirely but I am coping fine. Aside that, I have been concentrating on my studies in school, because that’s equally important to me besides fame and popularity. When I won the maiden edition, I was eight years old, and today I am eleven years old. That means I have grown and I am still growing. I was in Primary five when I won the reality show, now I am in JSS 3. The journey has been smooth and lovely. I have been working with a fantastic team that has been putting me through the stages. I feel blessed to have come this far and I am even yet to start, because by the time I am ready for the big stage, many people will marvel at the potential of Amarachi.

It was a big moment in your life to have won N10million at that young age, what was the feeling like for three years ago and how do you feel now?

It was a big moment in my life. Of course, I was young then and I am still young, but I never stopped believing in myself. From the day of the auditioning till the day I was announced the winner, I never gave up on myself, even though I was the youngest. I didn’t feel intimidated. I worked hard. My mum told me to keep believing in myself; that everything would be fine. I held on to that belief and it worked miraculously for me. Apart from the fact that I now have many on my social media platforms who follow my career every step of the day and those who want to get close to

What I will love to become...

After winning the maiden edition of Airtelsponsored Nigeria’s Got Talent reality show, 11- year-old singer and dancer, Amarachi Uyanne, has been on top of her game. Not many of her colleagues in the music industry can boast of what she has achieved at her age, but the talented dancer said she has a different calling.

After weeks of trying to catch up with her due to her busy schedule, Amarachi and her mum, Mrs Uyanne finally settled down to speak with SEGUN ADEBAYO about the journey so far.

—Amarachi

me, there is nothing so different about me today. I am not even seeing myself as a superstar. I see myself a child of God who has a mission in life to fulfill through the medium that God has given me.

been involved in a lot of activities that are touching the lives of the people and I feel blessed to be doing this, because God’s grace brought me this far.

You promised to give part of the money to the orphanage. Were you able to achieve that?

I have been doing that in a way that is quite different from what I said when I won the prize money. I have been visiting orphanage homes from time to time to extend hands of fellowship to them.

I have never been far from them. I have

How difficult has it been for you knowing that you seem to have everything you could need in life to succeed at this young age?

It has not been difficult for me. I am not even seeing myself in that light at all. I am not the one in charge of these things. My mum takes care of everything that you have been seeing over the years. My success in music could not have been

achieved if my mum had not been my backbone. She encourages me a lot. She tells me to keep going even when I feel so tired. She’s my mum and manager.

Why is your mum your manager?

Nobody else could have done this for me better than my mum. That’s why I call her my rock. My mum told me I am a gift to her from God. She reminds me of God’s plans for my life and tells me never to derail from the path on which God has placed my feet. I was born on the first year of my parents’ wedding anniversary.

Are you really thinking about music now or you have something else Continues on pg21

21 glitz Continues from pg20

you would love to do when you grow up?

I love singing and dancing a lot. But I would really love to become a medical doctor by the grace of God. I am leaving everything to God’s direction. Right now, school is of great importance to me and my music career is also very dear to my heart. I am taking it one step at a time.

I am passionate about music and dancing. I don’t have any problem coping with school and music. I have turned down a number of shows in the past weeks, because I needed to concentrate on my promotion exams in school. I know God has a special plan for my life that would be unfolded in His time. Whether it is music or something else, I am sure everything will work out fine for me.

13 December, 2015

Why I resigned from banking to manage my daughter — Mum

How do you relate with your friends in school with your status?

I feel good with them and they are cool with me. You know I told you I don’t see myself as a superstar, so my friends and colleagues don’t have any problem with me. My teachers don’t treat me specially, because I am just like every other student in the school that has come to learn. They know Amarachi is popular, but that does not stop them from doing the needful to make sure I become a better person in life. A lot of people ask me if I am not distracted in school by all the attention I am getting being a celebrity, but I always tell them there is nothing to be worried about.

There is no distraction coming from anywhere. Away from the attention and paparazzi, I am a God-fearing little girl that is guided by the principles of God. Those who know me will tell you I don’t get swayed by the things of life. I am committed to Godly things.

itored or followed her career you will agree with me that we have done a great job for her and we will not rest until she becomes even more successful in life.

How challenging has it been for you to manage her?

I keep thanking God for her life every day. As I speak with you, she’s already a pastor of children. If you go to her Instagram page, you will see an award that was given to her by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. Many people don’t know that she’s very spiritual and she’s more conscious of the end time than any other thing.

The Amarachi you see on stage is different from the one who stays at home when she has nowhere to go. She’s a Pastor in Christ Embassy already. If you listen to her songs very well, you will realise that she has her own way of preaching the gospel. This little girl is doing so much already at age. She’s on top of her class, she doesn’t sleep, she’s actually moving too far, as far as I am concerned, but she’s not complaining. If you try to slow her down, she will tell you: Mummy, I can do this, don’t worry about me”. She was at a show last week Saturday and she was supposed to be have another the next day but I had to call it off, because I was already tired, let alone a young girl. I know her fans want more from her but she’s really trying.

This girl has dropped four hit videos in three years and she’s still going to drop more.

What’s your best subject in school?

That’s mathematics. I love calculations a lot. I actually turned down a big end of the year event recently because I needed to write my mathematics examination which fall on the same day of the event.

People expect your music career to have taken a full shape by now, but it seems you have not been doing enough What is responsible for this?

People compare me to the full time musicians like 2face, MI, Phyno and others, but I have tried to educate some of them about how these things work. I am full time school girl and that’s how it is going to be for now. In fact, my dad told me he does not want anything to distract me from school. When I went in for Nigeria’s Got Talent, I never knew I would win, but I won because I have something special that I can do very well, which is dancing. After winning the show, I went back to being myselfthe little daddy’s girl. I have dropped four good songs in a space of three years and I have shot three new videos that I am yet to drop, apart from the last one I dropped that featured Phyno. I wanted to drop, one this month, but we have decided to shift it till next year. I have actually been dropping my videos steadily.

Why did you feature Phyno in Ova Sabi?

Phyno has always been like a big brother to me. We needed a rap but an indigenous one, so we thought about Phyno and we discussed with him.

Why are you pushing your album

Sunday Tribune

till next year?

They can’t keep me in the studio all day when I have a lot to do in class. It will shock you to know that despite my music commitment, I am not doing bad in class at all. The three new videos were shot by Clarence Peters and cost us about 11 million, according to what I was told. If I am going to drop an album, I have to be fully committed to it. I can’t be rushing from the studio to class every day, it does not work like that. Right now, I am preparing for my promotion exams. It has not been easy combining the two, but thank God for my team, they make things easy for me.

Amarachi’s mum: Why did you decide to take up the job of managing your daughter?

Thank God you said my daughter. If there is anyone who knows her bet-

ter, I think that person is me. I decided to take up the job of managing her, because I understand her, and I want the best for her. You know what it means for an eight-year-old girl to win N10million. It was a big moment in her life, so supporting and guiding her is the best thing we could do for her this time.

What were you doing before you started managing her?

I was a banker. I worked with UBA for nine years. The moment she won the show, I knew that if care is not taken, things might be difficult for her.

To the best of my knowledge, I have been doing a fantastic job for her as her mum and manager. We make sure everything is well structured for her, so that she won’t have any problem coping with school and music. If you have mon-

What plans does she have for next year?

She’s going to have a concert next year, which is going to be different from what you have ever seen before.

When she won the reality show three years ago, she didn’t sit down, she has been working towards her dream and I am very impressed by what she has done for herself over the years. She has a dancing academy, where one of her students got to the semi-final of the season two of Nigeria’s Got Talent.

Will she be relocating to Lagos in order to meet up with shows?

I don’t think so. I don’t want to change her school, so she’s going to remain in Benin until completes her secondary school education. Most people don’t even know she lives in Benin; they think she lives in Lagos, because she always turns up for her events. She’s actually most of the time in Lagos.

22

13 December, 2015

entartainment

Sunday Tribune with Segun Adebayo tegbollistic@yahoo.com 08116954644

YNORTH signs Lateef Adedimeji as brand ambassador

F

ast-rising actor, Lateef Adedimeji is now a brand ambassador of YNORTH footwear.

Adedimeji who is fast emerging as one of the handsome faces in most Yoruba speaking movies, was signed on by YNORTH following the success he recorded

in the movie industry in the last few years.

Speaking with newsmen at his unveiling in Ibadan on Thursday, CEO YNORTH footwear, Bamiro Babalola Oluwaseun footwear said that his decision to make Adedimeji the footwear’s brand ambassador stemmed from his fast-

Olamide to shut down Lagos with #OLIC2 on December 27 After one of the most epic years ever recorded by a Nigerian recording artiste, YBNL front man, Olamide is set to wrap up his wildly successful 2015 with the second edition of his flagship mega concert Olamide Live In Concert on 27 December 2015 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Tagged OLIC 2: Beast Mode Unleashed, the show brings Olamide to the fore in one frenetic night of entertainment alongside the entire YBNL family at the end of a year that has seen the squad drop hit after hit from Olamide, Lil Kesh, Viktoh, Adekunle Gold and Pepe.

Organised by Right Entertainment, YBNL and Achievas Entertainment, #OLIC2 is set to be even bigger than

last year’s concert which sold out the same venue with guest performances from Wizkid, Davido and many others.

Commenting on #OLIC2, CEO Right Entertainment, Adetoro Suleiman said, “It’s not often that you see an artiste as consistent and committed to his art as Olamide and this year has been the biggest proof of that. He has become arguably the biggest contemporary artiste in Nigeria currently, and #OLIC2 is a rare opportunity to see him onstage for an extended performance all night alongside artistes he has collaborated with and surprise performers.

It promises to be one of the biggest nights of the year and I personally am looking forward to seeing the show live.”

rising popularity and success in the movie industry for the past three years.

“We feel happy to be signing Adedimeji as our brand ambassador. We know he is one of the new faces that is doing well in the movie industry and we know he will use his emerging popularity to sell and improve our brand”.

On his part, elated Adedimeji said he’s highly excited with this latest development in his career. According to him”I see this as one of the many blessings that are most near”.

He also acknowledged the immense effort of his management team headed by Bello Idris, as he looks forward to a more influencing relationship between him and YNorth wears management.

Glo’s Dance with Peter : Kelvin, Fakta, Mali Hot Boy, 4 others in final battle

By Rotimi Ige

As contemporary African dance took center stage in Saturday night’s edition of the Globacomsponsored Dance with Peter reality T.V, the trio of Miracle, T-Rubber and Teejay, were given the sack from the academy, leaving the remaining seven contestants to slug it out for the coveted star prize, as the curtain draws on the show. remaining 10 The housemates had opened the show with a wellchoreographed performance, reminiscent of the

South African Zulu dance troupe, UMOJA. While profiling the housemates, a footage of the activities in the academy revealed the tension that had engulfed the contestants.

As the housemates battled for a slot in the finals of the show billed for next weekend, Kelvin, Teejay, Julius Faktah, TRubber and Miracle who had been put on probation in the last edition, were on the edge and had their hearts in their mouths while the anchor, Ehis, called out the evictees. Julius Faktah was saved, having earned

the highest public votes.

He therefore returned to the academy. Kelvin also narrowly escaped the hang man’s noose by scoring the second highest votes, thus returning to the academy.

C-Fly (524), Da Octopus (503), G-Xtreem (507), Amazing Amy (523), Kelvin (521), Julius Fakta (520) and Mali Hot Boy (511), will now continue the battle in the grandfinale for the star prize of a Toyota Rav 4 SUV and N3million cash with an opportunity of featuring in the next P-Square music video.

Nigerian wins universe beauty pageant Nigeria has taken the global beauty queen crown again. Collete Nwadike from Nigeria has been crowned Exquisite Face of the Universe 2015.

In a keenly contested beauty pageant held Wednesday night in Sao Tome & Principe, Nwadike made history as the first ever black queen. She beat Miss Germany who was the first runner-up Miss Angola was the second runner-up; Miss Aruba was the third runner-up and the host country participant, Miss Sao Tome & Principe, the fourth runner-up.

Nwadike succeeds Susan Castano from Dominican Republic.

The top 10 finalists are USA, Brazil, Sudan, Nigeria, Germany, Cape Verde, Ghana, Angola, Aruba and Sao Tome & Principe.

Nwadike, who had earlier won the award for “Best Evening Gown”, outshone other contestants.

“It’s like a dream come true. I’ve always dream of winning an international pageant and here I am, living my dream. I thank God for making this possible. I thank my ever supportive family,” she said after she was crowned.

23

13 December, 2015

sundayzest

Sunday Tribune

With Victory Oyeleke victoryoyeleke@yahoo.com

O

BESITY poses as big a risk to the nation as terrorism, says the Chief Medical Officer.

Dame Sally Davies wants the obesity crisis in women to be classed alongside flooding and major outbreaks of disease – as well as the threat from violent extremism.

Her extraordinary claim comes as she warns today that being overweight affects all stages of women’s lives – including in the womb.

It may lead them to being teased as teenagers, having higher-risk pregnancies and possibly developing breast cancer or heart disease after the menopause.

‘Action is required across all of society to prevent obesity and its associated problems from shortening women’s lives and affecting their quality of life,’ she will say.

She will also urge that mothers-to-be should ‘not to eat for two’ because it is fuelling the obesity crisis.

The advice is a ‘myth’ and women who are too fat are not only jeopardising their own health, they also risk storing up problems for their unborn children.

Expectant mothers who are overweight or obese are far more likely to suffer miscarriages, develop dangerously high blood pressure or complications that make them infertile.

Their babies also have a higher risk of becoming obese and there is evidence they may struggle to have their own children when older.

Dame Sally is the country’s first female chief medical officer and today she is publishing a major report focusing specifically on the health issues affecting women.

The report also calls for: • Bosses to be more sympathetic about women going through the menopause – and give them time off if needed, • Contraception, including implants, to be available to women of all ages, not just teenagers, • Doctors and nurses to be trained to spot the signs of domestic and cultural abuse, • An annual review of the ‘silent killer’ ovarian cancer amid concerns thousands of patients are dying needlessly, • Anorexia and eating disorders patients to be offered more counselling and behaviour therapies on the NHS. But Dame Sally is most concerned about obesity and in a speech to launch the report she will call on the Government to add it to its National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies.

This is an official list of major possible threats to public health which includes terrorism, war, flooding and disease pandemics.

Just over half of British women aged 34 to 44 and nearly two thirds of the over45s are overweight or obese. The figures are among the highest in Europe.

At a Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists conference in Central London, she will tell midwives and doctors that pregnancy is a key ‘missed opportunity’ where they should intervene.

She will tell them that, although they risk ‘burdening women with guilt and responsibility’, it is a crucial chance to instruct them to become healthier.

Dame Sally will point out that being

‘Obesity in women

as dangerous as terror threat’

Religious atrocities have significantly reduced the world’s population with more people killed in the name of God than any other reason. very overweight in pregnancy can damage the fertility of the unborn child.

A source close to Dame Sally said she ‘wants to bust the myth once and for all that women should eat for two when pregnant’.

“A woman’s health whilst she is pregnant also impacts on the health of her children and grandchildren,” she will say.

Rather than following the conventional

advice of ‘eating for two’, expectant mothers should be told to adopt a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables – one focusing on quality, not quantity.

They should also exercise and avoid intoxicants such as cigarettes and alcohol.

Dame Sally will label obesity as the ‘golden thread’ which affects all stages of women’s lives.

‘We need to address the educational and environmental factors that cause obesity and empower women and their families to live healthier lives,’ she will say.

‘In women, obesity can affect the outcomes of any pregnancies they have and the health of any future children they may have.

‘This is a difficult message to convey, as it risks burdening women with guilt and responsibility, but I believe that it can also empower women to take positive steps like eating more healthily and taking more exercise.’

Ministers are due to publish a new obesity strategy in January amid accusations they have failed to tackle the crisis.

Last month, a critical report by MPs called

for far tougher measures including a sugar tax on fizzy drinks and a 9pm watershed for junk food adverts.

Obesity rates are actually higher in men – 72 per cent of those aged 35 to 44 are at least overweight rising to 80 per cent of the over 45s.

But Dame Sally is so concerned about women because of the complication risks in pregnancy and the implications for their unborn children.

Professor Nick Finer, of University College London, said: ‘Obesity and its related diseases is now the most pressing health issue to the nation, affecting both men and women that some have predicted will lead to younger generations dying earlier than their parents.

‘Estimates of the economic costs of obesity suggest they will bankrupt the NHS. ‘Elevating the problem of obesity to a national risk could help to address the current laissez faire attitude to this huge angry growing health catastrophe.’

Courtesy: Daily Mail

24

13 December, 2015

makeover

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

Preparing your body for

the holiday season

By Rita Okonoboh

W

ith the onset of cold, dry winds b l o w i ng across the country, a major signifier that the holidays are here, the skin tends to feel dry, flaky and generally dull. Even the hair loses its natural lustre and the scalp may dry out too.

Below are a few tips for preparing the body for the holiday dry season, as provided by experts: Rehydrate Considering that the skin tends to dry out, refresh your system by drinking water. It helps the skin to maintain a comfortable layer of softness. You can also go for natural fruits that contain an impressive water content to help the system through the dry season.

Photo: www.blackgirlhealth.com

Choose oil-based moisturiser Oil-based moisturiser will help the skin to create a layer of shine that will last for the day. Also, go for products that contain antioxidants to help the skin fight damage. Antioxidants also help to keep the skin hydrated and reduce irritation. However, this should

also be based on skin type, but the face should also be considered so as to avoid products that may clog the skin. Go for creams that contain mineral oil, avocado oil, or almond oil.

Shea butter products may also be considered but it is advisable to consult an expert to determine just how safe it is for skin type. Also, reapply moisturiser as the need comes during the day.

Relax on the baths As clean as one may want to get during dry season, relax on the scrubbing during baths as this may also contribute to drying out the skin. Also, avoid as much as possible long baths or soaking as making skin contact with water over a long period during harmattan only aids the process of loosening the skin and will lead to moisture loss.

Exfoliate Harmattan is a great season for the skin to shed dry cells so you can aid the process by exfoliating the skin. This will create newer cells and prevent dryness or dullness.

Pamper your hands For additional protection for the hands, whose skin

is relatively thinner, keep the hands richly moisturised and avoid wetness which will only aid itchiness and flakiness.

Check facial cleansers Many cleansers are alcohol based and for the harmattan season, this will only help in drying out the skin and reducing general oil content. So for the time being, go for non-alcohol options and cut down on the cleansing ritual.

Remember your lips The lips are usually one of the tell-tale spots for judging dry weather, so, it is absolutely necessary to always keep lip balm handy. However, watch for contents that contain drying ingredients so as not to worsen the condition. One way to know a good lip balm is that it doesn’t need to be frequently reapplied during the day. The first application should last a while.

Get expert advice It may seem like luxury but your skin will thank you for it. Consult a trusted dermatologist to determine the skin type before you stock up on skin care products to avoid using products that would only make the skin condition worse.

Six tips for healthy cuticles

By Temitayo Iliasu When most people think of nail care, they think of nail polish or fingernail problems like peeling, chipping and cracking.

But cuticles, the skin immediately around the fingernails, also contribute to nail health appearance. Uncared for cuticles are prone to hangnails and dryness, while badly cut or bitten cuticles put the skin around the fingers at a risk of infection. To keep the fingertips healthy, according to www.nailaidcares.com, follow

these steps for proper cuticle care: Moisturise seriously: Rub quality moisturizer into your nails and fingertips every day. If you do moisturise and you still get hangnails or dryness, start to do it twice. Pick a time of day when you’re doing something passive, like watching television or reading and moisturise then.

Never cut your cuticles: Cuticles perform a valuable job; protecting the roots of your nails from invasion by harmful bacteria.

Don’t push back dry cuticles: Try pushing back your cuticles right after you get out of the shower or soak your fingertips for a short time in a bowl of warm water.

Push back cuticles like a pro: There are steps to the push-back; one, apply a cuticle remover (not a cuticle oil or cream). Two, use an orange stick to gently push back your nice moist cuticles. Finally, move the orange stick in tiny circles at the base of the nail to remove any clinging dead skin that’s there.

Repeat the last step as necessary

Trim hangnails carefully: Use a sharp cuticle nipper that you’ve cleaned with alcohol or peroxide before hand, and apply antibacterial ointment to the cut areas immediately especially if you slip up and draw blood.

Choose nail care products wisely: Acetone based nail polish removers and polishes and treatments with formaldehyde, including formaldehyde resins, are just as bad. Go for removers that are labeled acetone-free.

By following these cuticle care guidelines, you can prevent cuticle disaster.

Photo: www.tomisaki.info

25

13 December, 2015

relationships

… Issues, family, sex

Photo: www.gapmuse.wordpress.com

for Christmas

h

olidays can be a challenging time for families, especially with the activities they present. The children are coming home; it’s time to take a needed break from work (for those who don’t work during the holidays) and a time to host and attend as many functions as necessary. With the changing world and the compulsory distance the every day-to-day life presents, it is important for couples to make plans to ensure that the coming Christmas holiday goes well and better still, the new year comes with as few challenges as expected. Below are a few tips to kick in the holiday spirit: Make good preparations Many families usually forget the important part of preparing for a holiday and the activities end up passing in a wave of ‘fire brigade’ approaches and unplanned spending. It is important to remember that after the holidays, there will be bills to pay – school fees and other essentials; debt from the previous year; renewed rent, among other bills. And with the current economic situation, it is best to be fully prepared for eventualities. Take advantage of

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

Celebrating the holiday as a new couple

Organising the family

By Rita Okonoboh

Sunday Tribune

discounts but let the holiday be inexpensive and totally worth it.

If you have to spend so much to have a perfect holiday, the bills that will pile up afterwards will quickly erase the joy the expenses brought and regret will set in.

There are a million and one ways to make a perfect holiday season without breaking the bank. The important thing is to be thankful for the gift the season brings and look forward to more joyous occasions.

Work as a team It will be unfair to one person to bear the brunt of planning for the holiday, so now is the time to work as a team and this involves all family members. Between the couple, prepare a budget and stick to it. If adjustments will be made, make sure everyone is carried along and in agreement.

Share in all the activities and leave out restrictions. There is no rule against family cooking or even decorating as a family. Besides, it is a great way to spend family time together and improve on the bond. For children, teens and youths, now would be a good time to show some form of gratitude to parents for the stress of bearing the major brunt of the expenses all year to give you a better life. Let the gadgets

rest for a few hours and help out.

A little family time will not erase social media from earth!

Let there be rest The holidays tend to pass in a jiffy and it helps to alternate between days of activities and taking actual rest. It’s probably the best time of the year to actually take a break and it will help to make the most of it. Cut back on outings and instead just spend the day at home and actually rest. Keep gadgets away for a few hours and take a nap as a couple. It will help to refresh the body as well as the relationship.

You could also take a vacation if you can afford it and if not, there is no rule against vacationing within the four walls of your apartment. Reschedule visits from friends and extended family members and stay home to actually rest.

Find time as a couple The holidays come and go in such a rush and there will be situations that will demand you spend time as a couple, both for outdoor events and even just to spend quality time together. For families with children, discuss in advance how children will be looked after, so you can find time to reconnect as a couple. Prepare in advance because a lot of people get busy during the holidays, day care centres and schools are on vacation and people generally do not joke with their free time.

Agree as a couple on how to work through this so you can get the needed time together.

Appreciate alone time With the tendency for the holiday to kick members of the family into overdrive, it also helps to have ‘me’ time. Take a break from the hustle and bustle holiday festivities bring and enjoy your own company. It is only when you can find joy within that you can make others happy.

Photo: Getty Images

It is natural to feel pressure when spending your first holiday as a new couple but the important thing is to relax and not go overboard. You have many holidays to spend together and striving for perfection would just stress you out. Chiara Atik of How AboutWe’s Date Report shares some tips to weather the coming weeks: To give or not to give: You want to be on the same page with your significant other in terms of gift giving, so discuss whether or not to exchange presents (and, if possible, how much you’ll spend) ahead of time. If it’s a brand new relationship, you can opt out of gift-giving altogether and instead celebrate by splurging on a weekend together post-holidays to take time to yourselves.

The office parties: Meeting each other’s colleagues at office holiday parties can be nervewracking, but don’t calm those nerves with multiple trips to the open bar. Remember that despite the festive atmosphere and cheery music, a work party is still a professional environment, and it’s always a good idea to err on the conservative side. Maintain a responsible demeanour Family matters: If he’s coming home with you, give him a heads up on your family traditions so that he’s not caught by surprise.

Make a list, check it twice: If your mother plans on doing something nice for your husband, let him know ahead of time so that he’s not caught unaware or empty-handed. Also get involved if he plans to show up with presents for the whole family.

Leave the lingerie: If you’re spending the holidays at his family house, pack family-friendly sleepwear. You never know who you’re going to run into outside the bathroom.

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13 December, 2015

With Akintayo Abodunrin akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk 08111813058

With Nostalgia, Mode seeks healing The artist’s third solo show opens today with works showing her pains and which she hopes will stir up a desire for healing in viewers

A

RT lovers are assured of an interesting afternoon today when Mode Aderinokun’s third solo exhibition, ‘Nostalgia’, opens at Studio of Mode, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Best described as eclectic, the show fuses poetry and music with paintings to explore everything about nostalgia- the wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one’s life often triggered by memories of home, family and friends.

Comprising mostly water colour paintings with Mode’s poems and lyrics from some songs as backdrop, the about 23 works also explore perceptions of beauty, equality and self liberation whilst revealing some of the artist’s pain and ache.

Rather than lumping the works together, Mode divides the show which closes on January 23, 2016 into sections so it can have a stronger effect on the viewer. The first work and the one she disclosed enabled her tie everything together at a preview of the show is ‘The Carousel’, a video clip from TV series, ‘Mad Men’ where a man goes to make a pitch for a Kodak projector. The nostalgia he evokes with his presentation is so strong that some of the panellists are seen wiping tears, pining for memories of happier times.

The next section aptly titled ‘Meditate’ comprises works including ‘What Would Mandela Do’, ‘Words’, Live Fast, Die Young’ and ‘Carry My Heart, It’s Too Heavy for Me’ amongst others reflecting on issues including the importance of education and making it available to all, and living a short but impactful life. While ‘What Would Mandela

‘Carry My Heart, It’s Too Heavy for Me’ Do’ is digital photography, the other three are watercolour and ink.

Some of the works, obviously, are also cathartic for the artist as she reveals some of her pains such as the death of her father, the art patron and banker, Tayo Aderinokun,

‘Puff’

in ‘Carry My Heart, It’s Too Heavy for Me’ which shows a nude lady carrying her heart in her hands with an accompanying poem lamenting her pain. ‘Gbe okan mi, o wuwo ju fun mi’, recurs in the poem that serves as backdrop for the painting while Mode

Nollywood remembers Oronto Douglas at AFRIFF IT was a poignant moment at the awards night of this year’s Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) held last month in Lagos when actor and producer turned politician, Desmond Elliot, won the inaugural Oronto Douglas Award for Best Nigerian Film.

Elliot, now a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, took the award with his movie ‘Reflections’.

Though a merry occasion, it was also a time to reflect on the contributions of the man in whose memory the prize was instituted.

There is no gainsaying that the late Douglas loved Nollywood and Nollywood loved him in return. In fact, a number of the strides the movie industry made during the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan were due to his efforts. Though the whole of the creative industry was his turf, he reserved a special place in his heart for Nollywood.

Aside being instrumental in the birthing of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, Douglas was also a patron of AFRIFF. Indeed, at the 2014 AFRIFF held in Calabar, Cross River State, he had charged filmmakers not to rest on their oars but to use their works to promote Nigeria in all its diversity, nuance and richness.

Douglas He also charged them to promote “irresistible images of our societies on the screen, to show that our stories are also important, and also valid. We need more biopics on the heroes whose exploits have impacted on our societies. We need more films focusing on pivotal episodes in our history. We need more period dramas that examine the past,

and more speculative films about the future.

We need greater cross-pollination between the art forms.”

Fittingly, Douglas also walked his talk. He was pivotal in getting Dr. Jonathan to sign off on the $200million intervention fund and the N3billion Project ACT-Nollywood grant among others to ensure the film industry becomes viable.

Though the AFRIFF award, the first to be instituted in his honour in Nollywood only carried a cash prize of $2,000, it was well appreciated by Elliot, also a beneficiary of Douglas’ interventions in the creative industry like Timi Dakolo, Timaya, David Kosowei Etete, Aproko, SimCard and Barrack Pikin among others.

Little wonder then that Dakolo sang ‘Cry’ in his memory with so much feeling at the glamorous award ceremony that many were moved to tears remembering a dear friend they lost at his prime.

Born in 1966 in Okoroba, Bayelsa State, Douglas died on April 9, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. He was until the time of his passing, Special Adviser to ex- President Goodluck Jonathan on Research, Documentation and Strategy.

also reflects on the hurts of past abuses in ‘Words’ With the works in the section she calls ‘Empowerment’, the artist touches on issues of enlightenment, confidence, self respect and charm. ‘Puff’ for instance, depicts a rebellious young female who is puffing away at her cigarette. She is carefree with an expression showing she will not take stick from anybody.

Mode shows that she is not all just about paintings as she explores how visual beauty, scent and music stimulate senses and recall in the section called ‘Sensation’ ‘N’ is a unisex perfume she produced in collaboration with British perfumer, Chris Bartlett and the objective, according to her, is to produce what she thinks nostalgia will smell like. It is indeed an interesting smell best perceived oneself. There is also the 46-second theme song for the show, ‘Remember’ she made this year and the intriguing ‘The Chair That Remains’ inspired by an empty chair in the music video of Cesaria Evora’s ‘Sodade’.

Aside giving the viewer a bit of herself to create a context in which people can share their feelings and deeply think about themselves in ways they ordinarily would not, and also stir up a wistful desire for healing, what we have in ‘Nostalgia’ is an artist confident in her own skin.

Having shown oil paintings in earlier exhibitions, Mode chooses to use watercolour for her works this time around with an amazing effect. The paintings are as simple as they are profound. Though some traditional collectors might find her a bit unconventional, Mode is an artist without inhibitions pushing the envelope.

27

arts&culture

13 December, 2015

For the eternal love of Joke A review of Segun Oke’s Call Me Ajoke by Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

T

HERE is a crying need to write thrilling books that will compel Nigerians to read. Segun Oke’s Call Me Ajoke is one book that can do a world of good to popular reading in the country. The story encompasses the many upheavals within relationships and showcases the triumph of the human spirit through a happy ending that lends a sweet twist to the tail of the tale.

It all starts with a startling scene at the labour room at the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital. It takes all of 15 long hours for Mrs. Joke Badmus to labour through the pain of delivery to no avail. A team of skilled surgeons eventually undertake the operation that fetches a beautiful baby girl but loses the mother. The husband, Kayode Badmus, is totally distraught and no make of consolation can get him to pull himself together to be strong in the care of the new baby Joke. The lady Isabella who happens to be the best friend of Kayode’s departed wife moves into the home to take care of the baby.

Through flashbacks we learn that the dead mother, Joke, and Isabella had been friends since their days in Queens College, Yaba in Lagos. Joke is of rich stock while Isabella has an indigent background. Joke is intelligent, taking the first position in class, while Isabella only manages a 24th placing.

Isabella’s discomfort with Joke’s high-flying status undergirds their friendship. When Joke travels to Switzerland Isabella can only lament her poor fate. Isabella’s family is afflicted with the genetic disorder of sickle cell anaemia, and the hope is that she would study medicine in the university. She makes do with studying nursing eventually.

Isabella’s diabolical mother sends her to “a spiritualist where a special bath and other ritual practices were carried on Isabella.”

Of course the spiritual leader comes up with the “prophecy” that Isabella’s progress is being stunted by her friend.

Joke and Isabella pass through school as Siamese twins, always sticking together.

Kayode’s courting of Joke does not meet with Isabella’s liking. Kayode agrees to Joke’s no-sex-before-wedding dictum, and the eventual wedlock is super-duper. Then baby Joke gets born while mother Joke dies, only for Isabella to move in with Kayode ostensibly to take care of the baby. Mama Isabella steps into the picture for the kill when she advises her daughter to snare Kayode into becoming her husband thusly: “Use his weak point to defeat him; he is a man.

No man should resist the wares of a woman unless he is a fool!” On a certain red-letter day of drunkenness Kayode makes love to Isabella. Then the sex act becomes an everyday matter until pregnancy supervenes and a marriage is contracted. For Kayode and Isabella, a son gets born. Of course the baby Joke is cast aside, with help from a prophet, because Mama Isabella insists she is a bad omen. The young Joke begins life afresh in Benin with her grandmother.

Segun Oke in the journey across generations in Call Me Ajoke depicts Joke’s growth into maturity with compelling understanding. As Joke falls in love with Uzoma Collins, the vexed question of inter-tribal liaison is played up. Joke’s success shines through at Zephyr Bank where she earns the confidence of the Managing Director, Christiana Okoye.

However the old trysts with Uzoma which led to many abortions haunt the marriage in the shape of childlessness. Then Uzoma fathers a child out of wedlock through the

Book cover hairdresser Stella, thus ending the marriage with Joke who offers this lament: “I guess I failed you as a wife, Uzoma. Sadly, now I realize money cannot buy much. I am so sorry I tried to buy you with money. What you needed was a wife and a companion,

and I didn’t fulfill that role well enough.” In the circumstances, the little timid girl from the ancient city of Benin whom her father rejected goes to Lagos and conquers only to lose in love.

In the twists and turns of Call Me Ajoke

the stage becomes set for Joke’s love affair with the stingy American Johnson Whyte.

The relationship equally fails and in the end Joke finds joy as the wife of the polygamist, Bashorun, for whom she births the beautiful daughter Modesayo Simone. Isabella’s suffers the cruel fate of her eldest and only son, Kolade, becoming a gay and winning a Caribbean “husband”.

As Chinua Achebe wrote in his novel Anthills of the Savannah, “It is the story that outlives the sound of the war drums and the exploits of brave warriors.” Joke understands the import of the story such that she gets in touch with her friend Binta, an author based in the north, intimating her with the need to put her story down, starting from the very beginning.

The elegiac last chapter is a date at “the graveside of the woman who lost her life while giving her life.” On a cold Saturday morning at Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos, Joke and her husband Bashorun appear in the cemetery only to behold a frail Isabella telling her daughter Temitope “she needed to make peace with her best friend in her resting place” after 45 years. Kayode Badmus is also at the cemetery with his young wife Nkechi. Joke in the end lays her wreath on her mother’s grave, kisses the tomb and turns to leave: “She kept walking without looking back. Her past was behind her. The people behind her were part of the ugly past.

The past was yesterday; yesterday was gone and buried for good.”

Stories that tug at the heartstrings are hard to come by in the corpus of Nigerian fiction. It is indeed a very thrilling experience encountering this breathtaking book.

Segun Oke has written a very riveting romantic thriller in Call Me Ajoke. The book is very cinematic, well-plotted and fast-moving. The one criticism is the tiny printing, for it appears the publishers sacrificed bold print for artistic layout. There is the need to give the reprint a larger font. Of course this is a little technical matter that the very resourceful Ayodele Arigbabu and his dedicated team at DADA books can easily solve.

What matters in the end is that the book Call Me Ajoke by Segun Oke blazes a trail in our literature. It comes highly recommended.

‘Yoruba have a great heritage that’ll endure’ THE second edition of ‘Yoruba Lakotun’, a quarterly audience participatory programme involving people from all walks of life happened last weekend at Ethnic Heritage Centre, Ikoyi. It was dedicated to the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. Welcoming guests, initiator and host, Olutayo Irantiola, explained that the program’s goal is promoting Yoruba literacy in all forms including poetry, music, creative

Olutayo Irantiola (left), Dr. Taiwo Olunlade and Ms Iyabo Aboaba after the program

writing and other arts that would continually showcase the beauty entrenched in the language.

According to him, “Yoruba have a great heritage that must be passed down to the next generation. We should not make Yoruba language and other Nigerian languages second-languages despite being resident at the crux of these languages.”

The special guest, Taiwo Olunlade, Associate Professor of Yoruba Studies at the Lagos

State University, stressed the need to embrace our language and its inherent beauty because that is the only way in which we can export it to other nations.

He said, “There are about 50 universities in the United States where different certificate programmes are awarded in African languages. We have to ensure that we give our best to understanding our languages.”

Olunlade also dismissed the insinuation that Yoruba language studies are fetish, explaining that all areas of language studies in English language also exist in Yoruba language. He later read from his collection of poems, ‘Ewi Igbalode’.

Rebecca Jones, a post-doctoral research fellow from the University of Birmingham who had come to Nigeria on a study tour was part of the event. She was excited seeing people sitting, learning and conversing in Yoruba language from different genres of arts. This experience, according to her, has enriched her vocabulary of the language.

Light entertainment in the form of music was provided by Ire, a folklorist while comedian Lawrence Aninye, popularly called MC Law, cracked some ribs with jokes in Yoruba despite hailing from Delta State.

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Sunday Tribune

Sunday Tribune

13 December , 2015

glamour

29

With Tayo Gesinde temiligali03@yahoo.com 08054727801

2 Things I can never do as an actress

—Adebowale Adebola

Adebowale Seilat Adebola is a graduate of Dramatic Arts from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. She speaks with TAYO GESINDE on her experience as an upcoming actress, her fashion preferences and the qualities she wants in a man. Excerpts:

Of course, some men would take away roles from you because you declined their sexual overtures.

Though, not all of them are that petty

G

rowing up Growing up was fun for me.

I was born and bred in Lagos. I have six over-protective brothers and a sister. I am the sixth child of my dad and first born of my mum. The only thing I didn’t enjoy about my childhood was how my dad used to force me to go to Islamic school.

Foray into acting I have always wanted to be an actress. When I was young, I used to stand in front of a mirror to act and also mimic actresses. The first movie I featured in was Tinsel in 2010. They came to our school and picked some of us.

We played the role of students. I got into the industry fully in 2013 by producing my own movie entitled Imoran. I used my savings to produce the movie. I was assisted by Muy-

ideen Oladapo known as Lala. He gained admission to my school when I graduated which gave me access to him. He helped with the co-ordination of the project which gave me an insight into how things work in the industry.

Since I was already making friends with actors and actresses at this point, it was easy for me to get roles in other movies. For instance, Desmond Elliot gave me my role in Unforgivable. I have featured in about 15 movies or thereabout. I am not famous yet but Imoran and Ebitani really put me out there as I get stopped on the road and at the mall. Even my senior colleagues love Imoran.

Challenges being faced as an upcoming actress You don’t work as much as you would love to and you don’t get paid sometimes. All

you get is thank you. Of course, some men would take away roles from you because you declined their sexual overtures, though, not all of them are that petty. They would even tell you: “trying to be a good lady won’t get you anywhere.” I am yet to get over these challenge but they are getting better. There are some people who would definitely call me anytime they want to shoot a movie. I am making friends in the industry which helps.

I keep in touch with people I know would invite me for roles in their movies and most importantly, I pray.

Role models in the industry I am not sure I have any role model. I just have people I admire because of how they started and where they have gotten to, as well as their acting prowess. How they are

able to give a good account of themselves.

I love Funke Akindele, Nse Etim, Toyin Aimakhu and Mercy Johnson.

Philosophy of life Never give up and do whatever makes you happy without minding what anyone says.

You should live for yourself.

Description of self I am easygoing, principled and focused. I fight for what I believe in.

Definition of style Your style is your manner of expression.

When buying my fashion ensembles, I like to buy what I am comfortable in. I don’t usually follow what is in vogue but if a dress is in vogue and I like it, I will buy it. I am more of

a dress person than trouser and tops.

Beauty regimen I drink lots of water and lemon. I cleanse my face morning and night. That is basically all I do as far as beauty is concerned.

Choice of accessories I love watches and bracelets. I don’t really like earrings, rings and neck pieces.

Favourite designers I am not a label person but I like Gucci.

Favourite colour Blue.

Favourite perfume Viktor.

Opinion on toning I see no reason why someone will pay to destroy their skin.

My view on cosmetic surgery Same thing. That one is even worse. You are putting your life at risk because anything can happen. I just believe a woman should stay as she is. I even hate tattoos.

What I won’t be caught dead wearing All those see-through dresses and iro and buba, I prefer skirt and blouse because I am not comfortable in iro and buba. I may wear it for my engagement sha.

My take on provocative dressing Women who wear provocative outfits don’t respect themselves and their bodies.

Most women who dress that way love the attention they get from the opposite sex. You don’t have to dress provocatively to be attractive and noticed. How you dress is how you will be addressed.

Special treat I buy new clothes, do manicure and pedicure. Then take myself out for movies and lunch.

The pains and gains of being a celebrity Inasmuch as I would love to be happy, I admit that I am not a star yet. I am still on that path and I am sure I will get there soon with dedication and God by my side.

Coping with advances from men Most times, I ignore them but there are some that I accord so much respect that they won’t have a choice but to let me be.

support my dreams.

Marital status I am not in any relationship. The man I will marry must be God-fearing, honest and focused. He must also treat me right and

Where I want to be in five years’ time To be a celebrated and award-winning actress. I also wish to be known for my act-

Artistes I wish to act with Genevieve Nnaji and Nse Etim.

ing prowess and as a renowned movie producer. I hope and pray that I would have carved a niche for myself. And, of course, i should be married with kids, God willing.

Greatest physical asset I really love everything about my physical appearance, but I think it is my figure, because I am a slim lady.

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aspire

13 December, 2015

by Olaide Sokoya 08074497425 (sms only)

BB pin: 55CBFA49

Your Life Counts

Sunday Tribune

by Tunde Jaiyebo 0803 406 2013

Conflict resolution II

Business ideas for Yuletide

T

HE Yuletide season is in the air and people are already making preparations toward the celebration in their respective ways. This is, indeed, a season of love and care for loved ones and people. However, it will be a season of making money as well as for business-oriented Nigerians.

The following are businesses to venture into this season: Sell food stuff, make money It is Yuletide, people want to eat and eat; therefore, sales of foodstuff to friends and relations can bring great profit during festive periods. Items like live and frozen chicken, turkey, rice, vegetable oil, condiments and food flavours, drinks and wines move very fast during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Selling cloth, shoes, bags and jewelleries It is certain that people will purchase cloth for Christmas and New Year festivities in order to look good and admirable. Many shops that sell watches, ready-made dresses, earrings, new and used/okrika bags and shoes are often blocked by people throughout this season.

Beauty, hair-dressing and barbing saloons It is festive period and more reason why most people want to look good. Barbing saloons, hair dressing saloons and makeover shops are often packed with people who want to give themselves a better look as they travel to meet loved one during the celebration seasons. Oftentimes, we hear people telling one another, ‘‘I’m going to make my Christmas hair’. Therefore, your new place can be the bus-stop for these people.

Tailoring and Fashion Designing

During this season of love, there is always an increase in patronage of tailors, seamstresses and fashion designers due to the desire to have new clothes for the celebrations. Many people in Nigeria buy yards of ‘cut and sew’ lace, guinea brocade and ankara cloth that are sewed into traditional styles. Even when Nigerians buy ready-made clothes, they may still need to go to the tailor for slight adjustments. Many tailors have a lot of jobs during this period that they work overnight. This is why if you don’t book with them on time, your clothes may not be ready when you need them.

Transportation business Both intra and inter-state commercial drivers, transport lines, ferries, railways, airlines, flight reservations and ticket businesses and websites make a lot of money from the increased travelling activities during holiday season. Many people travel long distances just to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their loved ones. Between the December 22 and January 5 is when these businesses record most sales.

Relaxation spots During this season, many busy individuals take leave off work and business in order to relax and hang out with family, friends and colleagues. Tourist centres like game parks, amusement parks, zoos, botanical gardens serve as relaxation spots where people can enjoy their time appreciating nature when having Christmas picnics.

Organising of entertainment events Many artistes prefer to drop new singles or albums during the end of the year season, because they understand the need for track popularity as their music would be played more frequently during the holidays. Music adds flavour to the celebration. Without music, the whole area would be dull. As people have more funds at their disposal, they are more likely to visit cinemas and attend film and music shows. Also, some of these artistes can be brought to organised events for people to enjoy with a fee tag.

Sales of electronics Because people have savings at the end of the year, many people use this holiday season to buy their desired electronics like blackberry phones, latest android phones, flat screen LED televisions, washing machines, toasters and microwave, sound systems, woofers and home theatres, digital cameras, laptops and video games. For teens that acquire latest gadgets to prove they are cool and classy, they buy these products to impress others when they travel for the holidays.

Other items that sell fast during Christmas and new year include fireworks and knockout bangers, alcoholic drinks and fruit wines, fast food, recharge cards, Christmas greeting cards, perfumes, bakeries, fuel, beverages and building materials.

LAST time, we began looking at conflict resolution. We saw the fact that conflict is inevitable as long as we are engaged in relationships. 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.

In life we will hurt people and people will hurt us.

“As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn’t supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it’s harder every time. You’ll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You’ll fight with your best friend. You’ll blame a new love for things an old one did. You’ll cry because time is passing too fast, and you’ll eventually lose someone you love.” Author Unknown.

Crisis and conflict, many times, if well handled is a good thing.

“Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.” William Ellery Channing.

The first step in conflict resolution is never to be shocked or surprised when they happen. Conflict is a two-edged sword which we must approach with care and understanding.

“Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.” William Ellery Channing We must strive to make the most of conflict by aiming for progress.

“The aim of argument and of discussion should not be victory, but progress.”Joseph Joubert Conflict need not translate to combats.

“Conflict is inevitable but combat is optional.” Max Lucado.

It is a basic principle of conflict resolution that judgment must never be made without hearing and giving audience to all parties to the conflict. You cannot condemn a man unheard. We must always listen to all sides of any conflict. We must never pass judgment or make comments after hearing only are side of the story.

“He who answers a matter before he hears the facts--it is folly and shame to him. He who states his case first seems right, until his rival comes and cross-examines him.” Proverbs 18:13, 17.

We must be open to see the other person’s point of view and see how we can reach a common ground.

“You can’t start building a bridge in the middle and if you want someone else to take the first step, YOU need to start building it from THEIR side.” Richard Rohr.

When conflicts show up we must avoid hasty decisions.

“When people respond too quickly, they often respond to the wrong issue. Listening helps us focus on the heart of the conflict. When we listen, understand, and respect each other’s ideas, we can then find a solution in which both of us are winners.” Dr. Gary Chapman.

There can be no effective conflict resolution without trust.

“A willingness to trust and openly listen to alternative ideas and views is essential for collaboration to be successful.” Dale Eilerman.

Trust is built over time and it demands openness. Openness creates room transparency and a feeling of safety in the midst of conflict and crisis.

“Once you find someone to share your ups and downs, downs are almost as good as ups.” Robert Brault If we are going to be effective in resolving conflict, we have to be impartial. We must never take sides – we must always be on the side of truth, justice and righteousness. This demands we have to be careful when we step in to resolve any conflict. We must not only watch what we say but how we say things in our bid to resolve conflicts. When we see that we have a personal interest in the resolution of a conflict, it is better to let somebody who has no personal stake in the outcome of the conflict to resolve it. We cannot be a judge in our own case. TO BE CONTINUED For enquiries/comments please send email to urlifecounts@yahoo.com

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13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

thepolity Kogi’s governorship poll of puzzles The governorship election in Kogi State has thrown up more questions than answers and a lot of puzzles for the polity. YINKA OLADOYINBO, in this report, writes on the fallout of the poll and issues that will shape future political developments in the Confluence State.

Governor Idris Wada, Kogi State

T

HE Kogi State governorship election, concluded two weeks after the initial inconclusive nature it attained on November 21, following the death of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, who was leading in the poll with over 40,000 votes, has left more questions than answers.

Though Alhaji Yahaya Bello of the APC has since been declared winner of the election after the supplementary election, with the governor-elect already awarded a Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the dust raised by the election is yet to settle. In fact, political analysts maintain that the declaration of Bello as the winner of the election is just the beginning of another round of controversies and legal battles, which outcome nobody can predict.

The INEC had, last Sunday, said Bello won the election after scoring a total of 247, 752 to defeat the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Kogi State governor, Capt. Idris Wada (retd), who polled 204, 877 votes. The declaration of the results followed the conduct of a supplementary election during which the APC got 6,885 votes and the PDP had 5,363 votes.

The events before and after the declaration of the results were, however, pointers to the fact that all is not over as far as the election was concerned, with the legal tussle that preceded the supplementary election being a curtain-raiser to what is to come in the politics of the state. When election results, particularly governorship elections, are announced, supporters of the winning party always find it difficult to hide their feelings and emotions and therefore take to major streets of such state to express their happiness by singing, dancing and waving the symbols of their political parties.

But that was not the case in Kogi State after the just-

Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Governor-elect, Kogi State

concluded governorship poll, as the majority of APC supporters remained in sober mood and mourning on the morning the concluded election results were declared, as it made them to once again remember the former candidate of the party whose death led to the present political and constitutional crises in the state.

With few exceptions in Okene in Kogi Central Senatorial District of the state, where some women hit the streets to celebrate, the entire state did not give a semblance of one where a major election was won. The house of governor-elect in Lokoja, the state capital, also did not look different, despite the expansive compound located beside the Government House was besieged by people, who were mainly of Ebira extraction, who had come to rejoice with one of their own. All these, political observers noted, were pointers to the fact that “all is not well with the APC in the state.”

Though Bello had, on the day of the supplementary election, pledged to bring everybody on board and pleaded with aggrieved members of the party to join him to realise his vision for the state, events thereafter showed that the governor-elect was still on his own, as members from the Western and Eastern senatorial districts of the party were indifferent to whatever was happening in his camp.

This indication that all was not well was again evident on Wednesday when the governor-elect was to be issued his certificate of return alongside the deputy governorelect, James Faleke. Though the INEC hall in Lokoja was filled to capacity with members and journalists who had come to witness the event, the former speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Clarence Olafemi, was the only known person from the Western senatorial district in the hall, while the event was also boycotted by notable members from the Eastern part of the state. Bello also col-

Hon James Faleke

lected the certificate without a running mate to share the joy of the day with as Falake’s name was called repeatedly but no one in the hall stood up to answer and collect the certificate. When all this was going on, Faleke was said to be in the House of Representatives, where he represents Ogba Federal Constituency. It later emerged that he was following his earlier letter to the national chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and INEC that he would not be a running mate to “a supplementary governor,” having been on the same ticket with Audu, who already won the election at the time it was declared inconclusive. Faleke’s grouse, which was expressed before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was that he should have been declared governor-elect based on the results of the 21 November election, following the death of his principal. He had gone a step further to pick Audu’s first son as his running mate with the intention of concluding the elections as the APC candidate but was stopped by the party, which settled for Bello, who was the first runner-up in the primary election that produced Audu as candidate.

Prior to the presentation of certificate, Faleke had convened a meeting of stakeholders of the APC in the Western senatorial district to consider the political developments in the state and the way forward. The meeting, however, came up with resolutions considered to be deadly blows to the arrangements that the party was trying to put in place. It empowered Faleke to pursue the case he instituted in court over the election to a logical conclusion and told him categorically that he should not accept to be running mate to anyone apart from Audu, who was dead.

Faleke, at the meeting where he emphasised that he Continued from

pg 33

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sundayinterview

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

We’ll deliver on our promises to Nigeria —Odigie-Oyegun The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, spoke with newsmen in Abuja on a number of issues in the polity and the party. KOLAWOLE DANIEL presents the excerpts.

W

ILL you say the APC is delivering on its electoral promises to Nigerians?

Government has settled down and we are beginning to see a magnification of what the administration stands for and the direction it is likely to travel in the next few weeks.

You are aware final touches are being put to a N6 trillion budget which will start the process of addressing the promises that the president has made to the Nigerian people. I’m very aware of the impatience dying out in the polity, but we will continue to appeal on the basis of the fact that there are no magic wands, no magic solutions.

The budget for next year is, indeed, the first opportunity of the administration to strike out in a direction that it has promised the people of the nation and I have always had the opportunity of saying the difference will become clear in the next six months, that does not mean that all issues will have been resolved.

In another 6 months, the people will begin to see clearly that, yes, we are on the road to addressing their urgent needs, the stress that the total economy is going through now.

The period of learning was most vital, most necessary.

I have said repeatedly that things turned out a lot worse than we expected so it was necessary for the administration to first understand the realities on ground before addressing the methodology for bringing about the changes and the corrections in the system. The institutions of state must be rebuilt and must also be revived, because they have been largely undermined and destroyed, and no economy, no society, no polity progresses without firmly based institutions which can deliver irrespective of whatever government is in office. That is the direction in which this administration is travelling.

The APC has relied so much on the social media to emerge victorious in the last general election.

There is a bill in the National Assembly trying to gag the social media. We want to know the position of the APC on that. Secondly, as it stands, the APC controls the majority of the states in the country and the governors are saying that they can no longer sustain the national minimum wage. It is either they cut it down or they retrench workers, which goes against the party manifestoes of creating jobs. There are also vacancies in the NWC, how soon will they be filled?

Arrangements are being made to go through the constitutional processes of filling those vacancies. That is already underway. Minimum wage is a delicate issue, because there are a lot of forces at work. The economy was run aground so badly that they have to borrow to pay salaries and this was not the creation of the APC. Today, all governments are borrowing to pay salaries and that cannot be sustained.

What the solution is on the longer term, the machinery of governance is still working on. There is no method that is adopted that will not create stresses on any system but at the end of the day, we will find an answer.

What’s your take on Kogi and Bayesla states gubernatorial elections?

Kogi is basically resolved. Thank God, for it is in favour of the APC, but very unfortunate tragic events occurred and the entire polity had to be original in finding solutions to problems which were not envisaged and in the next few weeks, depending on who goes to court or

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun

who doesn’t, we will know the boundaries of the law in respect of these issues.

As of now, we are very glad of the results we got and I’m very sure that they would be upheld virtually in every tribunal whatsoever, because we have adopted simple commonsensical solution legally, defendably proceeding from the unfortunate situation we found ourselves.

On Bayelsa, we cannot but express our disappointment that things have gone the way they did.

We are unhappy that the results from the most populous voting areas which are strongholds of the APC had to be cancelled and rendered inconclusive.

All one can say at this stage, pronouncements have been made, as a party, we will be patient. We will give the benefit of the doubt and will go on whenever the rerun for Southern Ijaw is slated.

We already have issues and we hope we do not have to press these issues either in a tribunal or in a court of law, but for now, we would hold our peace and allow the processes to be concluded.

Honourable James Faleke has stated categorically that he would not be available for swearing

in. If he goes on to do that, what happens? Secondly, on subsidy removal ,the eople had asked the PDP-led government not to remove subsidy but as it is, it looks like such has not been captured in the N6 trillion budget. Would you advise the government to remove subsidy?

You do not know yet, even I do not know what is contained in the budget. So, what it covered or what it didnot cover, we do not know, because it is still in various stages of construction. Whether subsidy goes or stays is an intricate and major issue. If it has to go, the government must have to construct the palliatives to cushion the effect of the hardships that may come on the ordinary Nigerian.

Anyway, eventually subsidy will have to go but we have not reached that stage yet, because you cannot just wake up and announce that subsidy has been removed without putting the adequate programmes in place to cushion the negative aspects that may be involved.

On the Faleke issue, it is rather straightforward and easy. We have replaced a governorship candidate. If the need arises and subject to what the law says, we will also Continues

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thepolity

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Kogi’s governorship poll of puzzles Continued from

pg 31

would not be available for the inauguration on January 27, as he was not a running mate to Bello, said: “I will not disappoint Prince Abubakar Audu. I, James Abiodun Faleke, will not be there for the swearing-in if we don’t finish the case before the January 27, 2016. Nobody consulted me before making me a deputy to Bello. Bello too did not consult me. I have made my position known to the party leadership on this. I am not ready to betray and disappoint Prince Abubakar Audu. Those who are fighting in 2015 for positions in 2019 were trying God. People are fighting for 2019 in 2015. Are they God? What is happening is beyond human imagination”.

Sunday Tribune gathered that the meeting almost turned into a “cursing arena” as a majority of those in attendance rained curses on any son or daughter of Okun land who agrees to serve as a deputy to Bello. To the people, it is either the governorship or nothing, and they were ready to continue the battle to the last day.

As the people of the West were resolute in their demand for the governorship seat, the majority of the members of the party in the East have also not dropped their agitation for a Faleke/Audu ticket, which will see the son of the late candidate of the party, Mohammed being a running mate to Faleke. Although this set of people is yet to meet to formally present its position like their counterparts in the Western senatorial district, the leaders of the party in the zone were said to have vowed not to work with Bello, who they considered as a “usurper.” Sunday Tribune further learnt that the camp of the governor-elect was pondering on placating the people with the deputy governorship slot rejected by Faleke, a move that political observers considered to be suicidal.

The development, has, however, been compounded by the pronouncement of the national chairman of the APC that the party was ready to replace Faleke with another person if he insisted that he could not work with Bello. The party, he said, believed that Faleke could not hold it to ransom and was not bigger than the party. Odigie-Oyegun’s statement, observers noted, might have come when it was obvious that all entreaties made to Faleke were not yielding positive result and time is of essence over the issue.

As things stand, political analysts have begun to raise

permutations about the developments in the state, wondering how and when the APC will solve the logjam, which is said to be capable of derailing the fortune of the party in the state. This is just as some others have begun to wonder on which of the zones will produce Bello’s deputy governor and what that will portend for the politics of Kogi State, which has hitherto been dominated by the Igala of Kogi East, which is the majority ethnic group, while the Ebira and Okun people continued to angle for opportunities.

One major hurdle for the party is whether the governor will be inaugurated without a deputy and who will be willing to accept the position given the controversy it has attracted. Will the party retain the slot in the Western senatorial district of the state or dare the Okun people and placate the Igalas in the Eastern district by picking one of their own? Though the name of Olafemi, who also contested the governorship primary of the party last August, keeps coming up as replacement for Faleke, based on his coming from the West and also the need for religious balance in the composition of government since Bello is Muslim, observers have noted that any decision taken will further deepen the crisis in the party unless it is well-managed.

Also from the Eastern part is another governorship aspirant of the party, Tim Indiche, from Bassa Local Government Area of the state, who has always been seen with Bello since he was picked as a replacement for Audu. Indiche is also a Christian, a development that is said to be capable of swinging the pendulum in his favour.

But political observers have maintained that the puzzles in Kogi politics were beyond the issue of a deputy governor-elect, noting that the APC might continue to move from one logjam to another in the until it loses the state to the PDP, which controlled the state for 12 years before the last election. While the party will still struggle to resolve the legal issues to be raised by Wada and Faleke over the substitution of the name of its governorship candidate, it may have to grapple with another round of court action over the deputy governorship seat, it was said.

According to a top source in the APC who spoke on a condition of anonymity because he would not like to confront the party, the political situation in Kogi will provide avenues to put the 1999 Constitution as amended to test on many fronts. He said that two of such legal actions

instituted at the Federal High Court, Abuja, which have moved to the Court of Appeal, were examples, adding that the legal battles might go up to the apex court and by the time they are decided, the APC might have lost the goodwill and focus to govern the state.

As the APC continued to battle several issues, however, Governor Wada and the PDP are also leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the victory of the APC is shortlived. Wada’s approach is two-pronged, as he has vowed to challenge the declaration of Bello as the governorelect, while also pursuing the case instituted against the substitution of Audu’s name. The governor, who made his intention to seek redress at the tribunal known at a PDP stakeholders’ meeting during the week, said the move was not for his personal gain, but in the interest of the nation’s democracy.

With all these developments, it is obvious that the last has not been heard about the Kogi election, with the politics of the state expected to be shaped by the issues surrounding the last governorship election. This is just as the political configuration of the state is expected to be affected. Already the ripple effects of that change in configuration have started with the House of Assembly, where members moved against the principal officials last week. But more is expected to happen in the state; if Bello retains the seat as governor, an unplanned power shift in favour of the Ebira would have been achieved, a development that will, no doubt, irk the majority Igala, who will not wait till 2019 to show their dissatisfaction. Also, if the Okun people of the West succeeds in unseating Bello through Faleke, a fresh enmity would have been created in the state between the Ebira and Okun people, which were hitherto ‘partners in marginalisation’ but the Igala ethnic group would be pacified by the fact that Audu’s son will at least be deputy governor. The third and most critical scenario for the APC, however, is if the pendulum swings in favour of the ruling PDP. Not only will supporters of the APC despair and lose interest in the party, they will be left of the scheme of things for another four.

How the gladiators in the situation are able to handle the situation will determine the final resolution of the current political development in the state, but informed observers noted that the people might have to look unto the Supreme Court for final arbitration.

sundayinterview ‘How Biafra agitation’ll be resolved’ Continued from

pg 32

get a deputy governorship candidate but we will cross those bridges as they arise, but they have not arisen yet.

But TMG has condemned of Bayelsa governorship election and issues emanating from the Kogi election. Are you not worried?

We are not worried, the Kogi situation is still evolving and we cross every bridge as we get to it. We’ll wait and see who does what and work out answers that meet each situation.

We have thought the process through and we have won the election in Kogi. Those who we feel aggrieved, it is for them to call to question whatever they feel aggrieved about and we are going to meet them on those grounds.

For us in the APC, Kogi is a settled issue. If you want to go to the tribunal, we’ll meet you there. If you want to go to court, we’ll meet you there.

On Bayelsa and TMG’s position, I’ll say we are far from being satisfied (with the conduct of the poll) but INEC has made a pronouncement and you can’t get them to take it back unless you go to court, so we are waiting for the processes to be concluded. But I must say we have a lot of reservations about what has gone on up to this present moment but we’ll wait till the processes are concluded. That is when we are going to decide what our next action will be. If we win as we expected to win, the kind of reactions that we’ll take will be different if the outcome

goes the other way round.

But will Honourable Faleke be sanctioned?

As a political party, we simply understand the frustration that emanated from the death of Prince Abubakar Audu. However, it is normal for us to accommodate the immediate reactions coming from the people involved.

They were at the gate of victory but the door was shut at their faces, because of the unfortunate death of their mentor (Abubakar Audu), who would have been our governor in the state. So a lot of things, which normally we would not have accepted happened. But we have to accept them. Wielding the big stick in a situation like this might not be appropriate, but there will be a timeline to it. Enough will be enough at a certain time.

What is your take on the MASSOB protests in the South-East?

It was a clean clear security situation and no government worth its salt will watch any group whatsoever makes life impossible for the rest of the society. The killings were most regrettable, but even now, we don’t know who killed who. I think we should just pray that the situation will eventually resolve itself through the carrot and stick approach. The carrot is absolutely necessary and I pray that, that may end up solving the problem.

Some of us still need clarification as to who speaks for this party in the absence of the Na-

tional Publicity Secretary, because, for example, recently, some journalists got text messages that the party had pulled out of the elections?

I will start by saying who does not speak for the party. The person you are talking about does not speak for the party.

Secondly, if there are any issues that need clarification for now, pending when we have a substantive publicity secretary, the national secretary will do so for the party and also, when I speak, I speak for the party. It is as simple as that.

How is the party managing it’s successes with its former spokesperson now in the executive?

It was a great loss that Lai Mohammed went to the executive, but he’s still within the system. He was truly very special and unique but as we speak, the National Secretary of the party has largely, on temporary basis, taken up the job of communication to the press, and myself (as the chairman), is always available to any enquiry.

Managing success, yes, there has been stress originating from the nature of the party itself, but they are all part of the settling down of the party itself and we are resolving them eventually. The power structure and tussle in the party is normal and desirable and the earlier we sort out these issues and challenges within the party, the better it gets for the administration. So I will say it is good that within the first few months of our administration, that issues to be addressed are brought forward at the early stage of our government.

In another few months, I believe all these issues will be put behind us and we will have a truly consolidated APC.

34

thepolity

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Na’Allah’s ‘anti-social media’ bill: The controversy continues In this report, AYODELE ADESANMI takes a look at the ongoing controversy surrounding a bill before the Senate, which seeks to prohibit frivolous petitions and other matters.

S

INCE last week that the “Bill For An Act To Prohibit Frivolous Petitions And Other Matters Connected Therewith” became public and passed through second reading at the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly, it has continued to receive knocks and criticisms.

The civil society groups as well as Nigerians have been vocal and unrepentant antagonists of the bill nicknamed “Anti-Social Media Bill,” describing it as plot to hinder the freedom of speech in the country. Already, the civil society and Nigerians are building bumps on the path to the passage of the bill, tackling its introduction and sponsors and making frantic efforts to ensure that people of like minds give them support in order to ensure that the bill is killed. In the conventional media and through social media platforms, battle alarms against the bill have continued to be sounded by the opponents of the bills, while a few voices who see reason with the sponsors of the bill also continued to try to no avail to convince the opponents that bill was, indeed, about responsible use of social media and not against free speech.

However, the opponents seemed to have won the first round against the bill through the statement credited to President Muhammadu Buhari, who on Monday, distanced himself from it, saying he would continue to guarantee the freedom of the press. The president also promised not to assent to any bill that contradicts the 1999 Constitution. Another tactic adopted was the protest against the bill, which was taken directly to the doorstep of the lawmakers. Last Tuesday, civil society organisations across the country stormed the National Assembly in their hundreds to protest against the passage of the bill, insisting that the bill is against Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers” The civil society groups, led by Aisha Yesufu; Anthony Ehilebo; Ariyo Atoye; Muhktar Dan’Iyan and Dr. Ahmad Isa, who spoke on behalf of others, warned that if the Senate continued the legislative processes on the controversial bill, they would be forced to pressurise the international community to impose travel bans on all Nigerian legislators.

According to them, “after years of military dictatorship, Nigeria is finally coming into its own as a vibrant democracy; it is therefore unacceptable and unconscionable for us to return to the league of pariah nations by enacting laws that stifle the fundamental hallmark of any free people: their right to self-expression.”

“We are of the firm opinion that our request shall be adhered to and the process of turning this bill into law shall be discontinued. However, if it doesn’t, we shall continue to take direct action, including but not limited to pressurising the international community to impose travel bans on all the Nigerian legislators who voted to turn this bill into law and deny citizens their fundamental human right,” the protesters said.

But those in support of the bill have noted that Nigerians were being misled on the development, noting that even the constitution that guaranteed freedom of speech also contained exceptions, which is why the law of defamation is clearly stated, noting that the nature of social media and its strangeness to the laws of the land meant that its use must, at some point, be regulated.

Interestingly, however, the bill before the Senate has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters but with the Senate maintaining that it would take the views of Nigerians through a hearing on the bill.

Speaking on the controversial bill, a human rights activist and Executive Director of Centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Mr Idris Miliki Abdul, informed

President Muhammadu Buhari

Sunday Tribune that Chapter Four of the Nigeria 1999 constitution as amended, is quite clear on the situation on ground. He said the section informs that every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.

According to Abdul, the bill cannot stand the test of time, saying: “I call on the leadership of the senate to withdraw the bill without delay, as it is a reactionary one and is not acceptable Nigerians. If anybody defames you through any of these social media platforms, go to court, because there are many laws on ground against those things before; passing this would be a duplication.”

He urged the Senate to settle down for serious business that they were elected to do instead of passing a bill that will violate the rights of freedom of speech of Nigerians that elected them.

Similarly, Mr Adekola Olawoye, a legal practitioner, said “this is not the right time for the Senate to go into seeking to pass such bills,” adding that what Nigerians expected from the lawmakers were the dividends of democracy.

Describing the bill as unnecessary, because there were laws that take care of what the bill intended, Olawoye called the lawmakers to concentrate on how to find solutions to the decay in the education, health and other sectors of the economy.

The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (APC, Kebbi South), states that: “Where any person through text message, tweets, WhatsApp or through any social media, post any abusive statement knowing same to be false, with intent to set the public against any person and group of persons, an institution of government or such other bodies established by law, such person shall be guilty of an offence and upon conviction, shall be liable to an imprisonment for two years or a fine of N2,000,000.00 or both fine and

Senator Bukola Saraki, Senate President

imprisonment.

It further states that “any person who unlawfully uses, publishes or causes to be published any petition, complaint not supported by a duly sworn affidavit shall be deemed to have committed an offence and upon conviction, shall be liable to an imprisonment for six months without an option of fine,” adding that “any person who acts, uses, or causes to be used any petition or complaints not accompanied by duly sworn affidavit shall be deemed to have committed an offence and upon conviction, shall be liable to an imprisonment for a term of two years or a fine of N200,000.00 or both.”

The bill further maintained that “where any person in order to circumvent this law makes any allegation and or publish any statement, petition in any paper, radio, or any medium of whatever description, with malicious intent to discredit or set the public against any person or group of persons, institutions of government, he shall be guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall be liable to an imprisonment term of two years or a fine of N4 million.”

However, it appears that the sponsor of the bill, Senator Na’Allah, has not prepared himself for the deluge of criticisms that have trailed the bill. In his reaction, he noted that he sponsored the bill to sanitise information flow on the social media, insisting that “the social media is a very valuable platform for the dissemination of information and it has helped this country greatly but of recent, we have seen some few ‘bad eggs’ who have turned it into a business venture.”

Na’Allah, in a chat with newsmen, alleged that some individuals collect money from people and go on to the social media platforms to tarnish the image of their political opponents, saying “it is against this backdrop that we felt people should behave responsibly on the platforms.”

Continues

pg 36

35

interview

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

APC govt is inexperienced, may perform if… —Akande-Adeola The immediate past Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Honourable Mulikat Akande-Adeola, represented Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South Federal Constituency on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Akande-Adeola, who is currently the South-West zonal women leader of the PDP, was in Lagos a few days ago to rally women ahead of the PDP congresses holding in March next year, where she spoke with select journalists. BOLA BADMUS brings the excerpts:

C

AN you tell us the need for this particular gathering of women politicians?

I am sure you know that as women in Nigeria, we do a lot before, during and after elections and with the result of the last elections, PDP women have felt the need to come together once again to re-strategise and begin to think of what we should do as we go into the future. We have been the ones doing so much work, mobilising, singing, clapping and when it comes to the issue of benefits, women don’t really get what they deserve, especially in term of number. We have been advocating 35 per cent representation and I am sure it was only Jonathan’s administration that gave women about 13 women ministers.

And then in the National Assembly, we have not been able to get that number.

What do we need to do? Do we continue to swallow everything hook, line and sinker and follow blindly? So, women are beginning to say if it is true that men believe we do so much, why can’t they, from the party level, begin to change things and begin to ensure women get the 35 per cent representation in elective positions that they deserve. It is not about being a national women leader; they can give it to a man if it suits them, if a man can play the role. Let us have those important positions too that can make other women say ‘yes, if I am in this party, I can rise to that position.’ This is because being a women leader, we are just there as if we are just for women. We don’t really contribute to most of the decisions that are being taken. One woman among how many men?

Just as when I was the Leader of House of Representatives, it was just one woman among 10 people. There is very little you can do.

What are you doing to correct the situation?

We are thinking ahead and we don’t want the same thing all over again. We don’t want it to be business as usual like in the past. That is why we are putting up this Town Hall meeting. We are starting with the South-West, because we believe we lost a lot in the South-West and I am sure you know there were so many reasons for that, even though we cannot begin to say that here. This Town Hall meeting will go round the six zones of the federation, sensitising the women to the need for them to come together. You know the PDP congresses are coming up in March, so we are beginning to put our heads together so that we can vote for the women. The women would follow the women this time.

That is exactly what we are in to.

Why do you think women have not got their dues and, again, what about a situation where even wom-

to us.

In essence, do you have any confidence or any belief that what you are doing here today will produce positive result?

It will, because as you can see from the two papers presented, a lot of women made their contributions on the way forward. There are so many things you don’t know. People take a lot of things for granted, but I think this type of Town Hall meeting and sensitisation are needed between now and then for women to keep people abreast of what is really going on.

During election and voting, a lot of women don’t know. Men who are politicians just go and meet them and say to them ‘when you get to the field o, this is the person you are voting for,’ and they wouldn’t be able to ask questions. But we are now saying they should disseminate all we have discussed today down to the ward level and let the women know, because we are going to make these papers available and we who are the leaders will continue to tell our women exactly what we discussed here today. So it is going to yield result. It may not yield exactly what we want, but it will definitely be better than it was before.

Honourable Mulikat Akande-Adeola

en don’t support their fellow women standing for elections. Why do you think this is so?

You cannot compare the entry of women into politics in Nigeria with that of men. The men have been at it for a very long time. If you look at other countries, such as Rwanda, Uganda and most of these countries in Africa, they have embraced a better system and the Affirmative Action. But if you don’t do that, if you don’t participate, you won’t get the number. Look at the House of Representatives, we have 360 members, we have never had more than 24 women, because there is no quota. There should be a quota reserved for the women. We form more than half of the population, so it is not about whether women are supporting women or not.

And then when we are even talking about women, we are not just saying put a woman there, what we are saying is that you should put qualified and competent women there. We have so many women who are educated, who are competent, who can do this job, even better than men, but the men keep on using one thing or the other to relegate women to the background.

That is the essence of this sensitisation so that they (women) will begin to know that

if you are not your sister’s keeper, you can never get anything. The men will never give it to you on a silver platter. So why don’t we team up and wrestle our dues from them.

The women holding public offices under the current government of President Muhammadu Buhari are not many compared to the previous administration of former President Jonathan. How will you react to this?

We’ve seen only six female ministers, but I will not say whether that portends anything or not, because that is not the only thing we are expecting. Let’s wait and see the other positions that come out.

That is when we can really talk. This is because when you are talking of six female ministers compared to when Jonathan first started with 13 and the number was later increased, you can’t just compare the two scenarios. Again, you cannot just be talking about ministers because ministerial positions alone cannot be the yardstick to measure the inclusion of women. But I would hope that this government would acknowledge the importance of women in governance and allocate to us what is due

From the papers presented and arguments canvassed, women are being charged to go for positions such as national chairman and key posts in the party and not be contented with the mere position of national women leader. How are you going to pursue this agenda to ensure it becomes a reality?

It is a matter of interest and we are not saying women can be chairmen, whether we have women who are interested or not. Those men who aspire do so because they want to. So we have to sit down and think: what do I want. What can I contribute and in what position? If you think it is the chairmanship position, you go for it.

If you think it is national organising secretary, you go for it and then if you think it is national secretary, then you go for it.

But then, you know these things are done by zoning. It depends on what is zoned to your place. Therefore, you can’t just get up today and say that I want to be chairman. Even if I say I want to be chairman, if the chairmanship position is zoned to the North, it can’t come to Oyo State. So those are some of the factors we have to consider.

How do you think this 35 per cent Affirmative Action can be better achieved?

We have to do it by constitutional amendment. We have tried it, we have to continually push for it. But the party can Continues

pg 36

36

interview

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘Buhari should appoint more women into his cabinet’ Continued from

pg 35

even start it by saying that for so and so office, we want so and so number of women to contest. So from there, you have more women going to the House and from there you begin to increase the number of women. I am not saying it will happen now, but we need to do it by constitutional amendment.

In every state, we have three zones and three senators coming from every state, how is it going to work out to favour women, which zone are we going to say should produce women?

The three zones may not have capable women, so it still goes to the fact that we have to screen them, to see who is better. If the woman is better than the man, then they should allow the woman to go for such position.

You said you could not begin to say why your party lost in the last general election, but one would still want to ask what you think was responsible for the poor performance of the party.

I think it was as a result of a host of things, you know. Of course, first was lack of internal democracy, because a lot of candidates that emerged in some places were not candidates that the majority of people wanted, so people voted according to their conscience. There were other factors but on a larger scale, talking about the card readers, you would agree with me that the card readers really did not work well in most parts of this country. That card reader issue was used to manipulate elections in different places too. That is a known issue, because I contested election.

I know exactly what happened in my place. So for me, I would say PDP won that election [presidential election], yes. And I am equally of the belief that a lot of people believe PDP won that election but for the card readers and other behind-the-scenes things that took place.

Now, what steps are you taking to ensure your party is back to in power?

What we are doing here today is one aspect; that one aspect is about sensitation and mobilisation of women.

I am sure you know the role of women when it comes to voting as party members. If these women are properly mobilised and sensitised, if they are in support of your party, they will definitely make a difference; that is what we are saying. It is not just the Town Hall meeting that will bring the party back, but this is one of them.

You just left the House of Representatives as the Majority Leader. What other advice do you want to give to this government in order to move this country forward?

The simple thing I would say is that what is causing the problem is that APC has never been a ruling party and that is why they are having a lot of problems. But as time goes on, if they are able to sort out their differences, then we would begin to have a smooth National Assembly. But for now, it’s like a child that is learning to walk, he or she spends so much time. I am sure as they go along, maybe they would be able to find their feet and then things will straighten out. The problem is between the APC itself not the problem between the APC and any other party, so that is why I am saying they should be able to get their acts together and hit the ground running.

My advice is for them to know that they are governing Nigeria and not any zone or any particular area for that matter. So, they must be seen to be nationalistic in whatever they do. Their policies and everything should be nationalistic in outlook.

Also, they should carry women along. For Nigerian women, we are in an age now where women are more aware of their rights and you know, including us in governance also brings about a lot of stability. I don’t think any government, anywhere in the world would run without having the inclusion of women, so I would want them to do that.

But what bothers me really is the execution of the fight against corruption that is going on right now. I don’t want this government to be selective in whatever it does; they

should be broad-based. If we are talking of fight against corruption, let’s start from the beginning; let’s see all those who are corrupt. It is not by picking one, two, three people, no, it should be total war against those who are corrupt because we know corruption is endemic in this country. It has been there for a long time, it is not about the Jonathan administration or those who worked with Jonathan. Those who came before Jonathan had their fair share and I am sure this government would still have its own fair share unless corruption is tackled head-on institutionally. We have to go to the root to be able to uproot anything. It is not just by window-dressing or picking one or two people.

And then, the judiciary should please stay above board under this administration. I am a lawyer, I feel very bad at times when certain issues come up and people say they can’t understand the judiciary in this country. I think the judiciary should be the last hope of the common man and they should stand firm; they should let their no be no. When something is right, they should make sure it is right. These are what what I have to say.

You said that the fight against corruption should be broad-based, are you by any means insinuating that the Federal Government is haunting members of the PDP? I don’t know what you want me to say to that. You asked me for my advice for the government and I am giving them this advice. I am giving the advice based on what is happening as well, because it is only the people who just left government that are being called upon and I think the issue of corruption or the history of corruption is as old as Nigeria itself. So if you want to fight corruption, then we have to go back. There are a lot of issues pending with the Economic and Financial Crimes Corruption (EFCC). So if we have to fight corruption, we have to start from people whose cases have been lying there before now. That is what I am saying.

thepolity As Nigerians continue to kick against ‘Anti-Social Media Bill’ Continued from

pg 34

He said: “All we are saying is that ‘please, go ahead and publish or broadcast whatever you want but make sure that the information you’re posting are correct.’ And we said instead of filing frivolous petitions wherein government money will be used in investigating them and at the end of the day they will turn out to be untrue. We say, you as a petitioner, if you have confidence in your petition, go to court and swear an affidavit to say whatever is in the petition is true. So that if it is investigated and it turns out to be untrue, the person you wrote the petition against will equally have claims to make against you. So, it is an issue of balancing, but all that is going on now is misinformation and this will not help anybody.

“Well, if you look at the general complaints that we have had on the floor of the Senate, you would have seen that virtually everybody is a victim. Just recently, somebody told me how an executive officer, I think in the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) was blackmailed. Somebody paid money and they went and wrote false things about him on the social media and he was asked to vacate the office, before it was later discovered that the allegations were false.

“You see, if there is anything that God hates, it is for you to write something that is damaging against a person based on falsehood. I think this country will not grow if as leaders we sit down and allow this kind of things to continue to happen.

Senator Dino Melaye

“So, it is a good thing to say fine, you can do your whatever you like on social media, you can write whatever you want but whatever information you have is equally available to you because of the Freedom of Information Act. So if you have all these, there is no reason why the law should allow you to continue to collect money and post

or broadcast falsehood against individual and damage the person’s character. The law should not allow you to set the public against people or to set the public against government institution,” Na’Allah said.

The Senator further stressed that Facebook has made the condition for operating on its platform clear; saying that part of it is that you must not be abusive. Unfortunately, he said it has been discovered recently “that some very few bad eggs have turned the social media into a money making venture wherein they blackmail people.”

According to him, “they ask you to bring money and if you refuse, they post things that will portray you in bad light or alternatively they collect money from other political opponents and post unfavorable things about you.

This is not going to augur well for this country. “ Na’Allah disclosed that the activities of the online media operators should be regulated and that “all the areas where we have seen hitches in our democratic journey, we want to make sure that they are corrected. Some people just want to misinform the public on the bill, and don’t forget that the bill would soon go through public hearing wherein the public will say their mind on whether the bill is desirable or not. But as a Senate, we should be seen to be doing something where the public should have a say in it but the public cannot blackmail us into saying that we cannot sit down and make laws for the country, because our primary responsibility is to make laws for the good of the country.”

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13 December, 2015

Y

EARS back, the influential NEWSWEEK magazine while naming Pastor E.A Adeboye as one of the world 50 most influential persons, by deductive reasoning, said about a half of the world 7 billion population had heard about him and implicatively, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). With stratospheric personal and ministerial growth, coupled with the octopoidal influence of media evangelism, it will be safe to say that those who are yet, anywhere in the world, to hear about this “General of God”, affectionately known globally as Daddy G.O, share no proximity whatsoever with civilisation. With the seriousness attached to global evangelism, especially in “outer” world by him, which has seen the ministry take field mission to the remotest part of human existence, it will require strict empirical evidence to disprove that every bit of humanity has heard about the leader of the undisputed fastest growing religious organisation anywhere in the world.

Certainly not all Nigerians have been to the headquarters of the ministry popularly known as Redemption Camp (he refused entreaties to rename it a city despite being obviously more, in all ramifications than many celebrated cities, in order not to limit divine vision for expansion) but without doubt, no Nigerian alive today can claim not to have heard about the most popular landmark on the Lagos/Ibadan expressway.

The camp is an admixture of everything, minus the bad and ugly. Commerce thrives along with holiness. Real estate, tourism and hospitality sector keep adding financial value to the expansion project of the Holy Spirit. With the new worship auditorium nearing completion, a new blank page is about to be inked in the Guinness Book of Records. Everything thereby is almost either the biggest or largest in Nigeria, Africa and the world as far as christendom is concerned. This habitation of the “Holy Ghost” speaks history. Anything short of, would have been pathetic. Everything must be the best in a place where the Better-Than-The-Best God has chosen to live.

Remarkably and thankfully so, the malady that comes with “growing” hasn’t affected and I pray in Jesus name, will never affect, the camp. It is simply a “home of order”.

Staying a week on the camp for the Annual Holy Ghost Congress that ended at the weekend was an unforgettable experience. I was around in dual capacity; a worshipper and a journalist.

Everything was perfect. Please don’t get into the argument of human experimental infinitely unable to achieve perfection. In a chaotic and befuddled nation, only the Spirit of God could have inspired the perfection at the Camp. Everybody knew everything to do. And it was always with precision. Forgive if I sound too spiri (hea-

0811 695 4647

olanreade@yahoo.com

Redemption Camp of “order”

then’s way of knocking spirituality). No human training would get those Nigerians who are part of the disorder outside to be so effortlessly effective in their Kingdom commitments.

Throughout my stay, there was power outage for two minute Thursday afternoon! Definitely such stable source would not have any links with the ferocious extortionists with funny names; DISCOs, GENCOs, currently running and ruining our collective energy patrimony. No one threw expletives or fired abjuration when the outage occurred. There was no scampering for generating set. There weren’t any to rush to! Everywhere was calm.

No one betrayed any emotions. Obviously the permanent residents knew why the two-minute break had to be.

But what if it is even once in a week. Which system runs without maintenance? Not even in USA, UK, Canada or Dubai. Kudos jare to brilliant minds behind the 24-hour electricity supply in Redemption Camp.

You will expect the traffic situation within to reflect the situation outside when worshippers stream into the camp from Lagos and elsewhere, particularly when our leaders want to make a show of presence with their overbearing security details and devil-in-the-detail convoy.

No. The traffic managers within may not have total control over the maddening driving at Berger, but the rules

Sunday Tribune

in the camp, remarkably, must be obeyed, regardless of who you are.

Since those who usually mess the traffic to announce their presence have maintained a pattern of only having God’s time on Friday during the one week programme, consistent announcement to their protocol and details who come ahead of them days before to “fix” things, began on Wednesday, with the ministry leadership charging them to submit to in-house security and traffic managers.

And aren’t those in-house guys class-acts? Guess the first principle of their training is “no compromise, no status, the law is law”. It was same treatment for both tricycle riders (Keke Marwa) and Jaguar Colbar owners.

Funny enough, the average picture of these enforcers, is someone an industrial fan could blow away, especially those lanky ladies, with stern faces and pursed lips after saying a firm “no” to corner-cutting motorists. After rolling those plastic blockade to your path, they simply looked away if you are not being reasonable, instead of engaging recalcitrant motorists in idle talks which God says He would judge. The message is simply, “you can go mess traffic up elsewhere, but it is a no-no here.”

I was privileged to be chauffeured alongside a couple of other journalists, all through my stay. All thanks to the in-house media team. But the privilege of having a special car tag didn’t confer any traffic advantage on us, though we enjoyed choice parking space, with front-row sitting arrangement to boot.

On our first day, the driver who was hired from Lagos read the advantage of the sticker on the bus he drove wrongly. Approaching a roundabout, he wanted to shorten his mileage by making a quick U-turn before getting to the roundabout. He was dead wrong. He almost completed the turning when a man shot out from middle of nowhere and bellowed at him “No, no. Go back and turn at the roundabout. You can’t do that here.” Then the clincher “This is not Lagos” he kept repeating until the grumbling driver did the right thing.

The atmosphere was such that you would even behave when no one was likely to see you. Where we were quartered, washing and ironing wasn’t allowed. I made visits to Lagos to fix that. When you are in a place of order, your integrity is enhanced. Everywhere was kept very clean, including the massive auditorium. Nobody threw anything carelessly. Sanctuary keepers moved around and disposables dropped in their bins. The atmosphere was inviting enough for one to roll on the ground for his Messiah, regardless of outfit colour.

Every midnight I thought about how the order in there, could rub off on the nation, considering that Nigerians were the change agents used by the Holy Spirit.

opinion The caliphate, the emir and Nigeria’s master race (I) Continued from

pg 16

Is it any wonder that the core north is totally dependent on the rest of the country for its sustenance and economic survival? Is it any wonder that a UNICEF report which was released a few years ago stated that if Nigeria were to ever break up that the core north would be the most impoverished, the most backward, the most unsustainable and the most barren area in the whole of the west African sub-region?

Is it any wonder that they were viewed with so much suspicion by others that the core northern states were excised from the country by Major Gideon Orkar in his 1991 coup broadcast and asked to re-apply if they wanted to be part of Nigeria again?

Is it any wonder that the leading south-western politician within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is secretly complaining and quietly lamenting the fact that he was used in the 2015 elections by the core north simply to put one of their own back in power so that their hegemony could be resurrected and their agenda of perpetual and everlasting northern rule could be established forever?

Is it any wonder that according to a survey carried out this year by Global Terror Index, which was published in the United Kingdom’s Independent Newspaper, that two of the four most deadly terrorist organisations in the

world today are based in core northern Nigeria and are led, funded, peopled and inspired by core northern Nigerians?

According to the report Nigeria’s Boko Haram is now officially the world’s most deadly terrorist organisation whilst what they have described as ‘’the Fulani militants’’ (aka Nigeria’s Fulani herdsmen) are number four. Is it any wonder that according to the same Global Terror Index report Nigeria is now the “third most terrorised nation in the world” whilst Iraq and Afghanistan remain the first and second and Syria and Pakistan remain the fourth and fifth respectively? Given this is it any wonder that there are loud and increasingly persistent calls for self-determination in southern Nigeria?

Is it any wonder that the core north is ravaged by poverty, disease, violence, strife, conflict, stagnation and bareness more than anywhere else in our country? Is it any wonder that according to a 2015 UNICEF report Nigeria has the ‘’highest number of child brides on the African continent’’ with no less than 23 million child brides in the north?

Is it any wonder that according to the World Health Organisation northern Nigeria has the ‘’highest number of young girls in the world suffering from vagina vesicovaginal fistula (VVF)’’, a disease which comes as a consequence of sexual intercourse with young underage girls.

Is it any wonder that the core north is afflicted with

a self-serving and calculating ultra-conservative ruling elite who keep their own people in perpetual subjugation, darkness and bondage and who come from a distant foreign land called Fouta Jallon in modern-day Guinea?

Is it any wonder that most core northerners name themselves after the towns and villages that they were born and raised in rather than after their families and forefathers? Is it any wonder that we have a nomadic core northern President who finds it difficult to stay at home?

Is it any wonder that a colourful personality from one of the core northern states, who later became a respected traditional ruler, was an Islamic fundamentalist in his youth, was incarcerated for two years for being a radical jihadist and was one of those that inspired and orchestrated the murder of Gideon Akaluka for “desecrating the Koran.”

Is it any wonder that a core northern Nigerian by the name of Omar Farouk Abdul Mutallab, the notorious ‘’underwear bomber’’ who tried to blow up an American airliner that was filled with passengers in Detroit, told the FBI that his ‘’most trusted mentor’’ and ‘’favourite uncle’’ was a well-known and leading core northern leader? Is it any wonder that Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, one of the most respected northern voices in the country, recently said ‘’the northern Muslim elite laid the foundation for Boko Haram’’?

To be continued…

38

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government moved closer towards actualising its much talked about campaign promise on Tuesday, when the Medium Term Economic Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), which laid the foundation for budget 2016 indicated that the sum of N500 billion is being proposed to be spent in the area of social welfare in the 2016 fiscal year.

It sounded good in the ear of many compatriots, especially during the campaigns, as APC leaders defended the social welfare packages that would guarantee handouts to some 25 million “poor and vulnerable Nigerians;” one meal per day for school pupils; N5,000 monthly payment for the vulnerable and such packages.

Till now, it looked like one fairly tale. How government would feed school children on a daily basis, bearing in mind that the same government had declared the country broke (maybe not bankrupt). With the release of the MTEF however, the process appeared to have been flagged off.

According to the document sent to the National Assembly

by President Muhammadu Buhari, on December 8, the Federal Government plans to spend the sum of N500 billion on social welfare packages in the 2016 fiscal year.

According to the document, the Federal Government will collaborate with state governments to institute social welfare interventionist programmes in the areas of school feeding programme; conditional cash transfer to the most vulnerable and the post- NYSC grants.

The document read: “N500 billion has been provisioned in the 2016 budget as social investments for these programmes. These interventions will start as a pilot scheme and work towards securing the support of donor agencies and our development partners in order to minimise potential risks.”

The document also restated government’s resolve to increase its support for medium enterprises through loans to market women and artisans through cooperative societies.

But it stated that the social welfare programme is to be phased and that beneficiaries would have to show evidence of child’s enrollment in school and evidence of immunisation.

The document further stated: “A phased social welfare Programme will be created to care pr for a larger population of the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians upon the evidence if Children’s enrollment in school and evidence of immunisation.”

Now that the government has announced its readiness to push ahead with the Social welfare programme, the basic question out there is how will the package work?

No one needed to restate the challenges we face as a naTHE agitation for Biafra should be done in such a peacefully manner that lives and properties would not be destroyed. These agitators channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters for attention rather than paralyze business activities in the southeast/south south zones.

Destruction of lives and properties is not the best option for addressing the perceived marginalisation of their people by the current Federal from government.

Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia state 07084644222

The detention of Nnamdi Kanu is making him an unnecessary hero. The killing of harmless protesters is also ‘using a sledge hammer to kill a fly.’ The Federal Government should release Kanu and arrangements should be made for discussions with the representatives of IPOB. They need to be re-orientated and made to realise that Nigeria is ONE NATION. Nobody should think of her disintegration but of her UNITY. Let us remember that wars do not cease through the barrels of gun at the war front but at a round table discussion. We love Nigeria despite her complexities and contrasts.

Segun Olujimi. Saki, Oyo State 08059854764 An agitation for Biafra is a coup against democracy.

What are the elders in Igbo land (prominent and otherwise) doing about the issue? They should call their children to order before their dangerous adventure throws our fatherland into another civil war. An adage says, “It is the kola nut tree that can tell the history of other trees in the forest” Clearly, it is those who witnessed the last civil war that can tell others its history. What happened in countries like Liberia, Sierra-Leone, Sudan, Somalia, Rwanda and Burundi must not be allowed to happen here.

Taiwo Sangotikun, Iseyin, Oyo State 08056309372 Your article is a timely alert, which according to your conclusion should not be treated with levity. All the same, I am convinced that the youth are not working for, or with the elders. Just last year, the region put up a joint

13 December, 2015

the lynxeye with Taiwo adisa

08072000046 taiadisbabatj@gmail.com

How will the social welfare package work?

tion in gathering and managing data. Managing Biometric data of Nigerians is a big issue as we have seen in the experiences of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Identity Management Systems (NIMS); the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). These agencies have had to battle with endless collation of data and counterfeiting, which had left the National Driver’s License and the National Identity Card in serious danger. The same crisis is staring the National Population Commission (NPC) in the

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

RE:The agitation for Biafra

Sunday Tribune

face as it prepares for the next National Census.

Added to the earlier question is the issue of how the beneficiaries will emerge. Is the package going to serve as a weapon of mass mobilisation or social re-engineering? What are the sources of the data the managers of these packages will rely on to get their beneficiaries?

Already, stories brewing as to how the packages would be politicised, where the recruitment of the beneficiaries will be mainly members of the APC. If that is allowed to happen, the programme would have lost its essence and value.

There would still be questions as to who the vulnerable are. Are we talking about the old and aged? Are we talking about the young educated unemployed persons or the young unskilled Nigerians? How do we determine the level of distress from person to person and community to community?

Is political affiliation going to play any role in determining these questions?

Notwithstanding the fact that a number of Nigerians are already waiting patiently for the hand outs expected from government, I sincerely believe that the form of social welfare being contemplated in the context of our polity is misplaced. Since there are no clear means of determining those who are truly in need except maybe for the old and aged, the government may just play itself into the hands of some overzealous politicians who would want to showcase the gains of being members of a political party or some jobless but lazy youths.

During the NIS recruitment tragedy of 2014, we were told that more 100,000 applicants partook in the ill-fated examinations. The impression out there is that these are jobless persons. But it has emerged that many of the applicants were already working in different establishments. A number of them are said to be bankers and others in search of job satisfaction.

Once a welfare package is flagged off, you can be sure that millions of employed persons would file out. How do you separate the wheat from the chaff so to say, especially where biometrics are not available.

A data analyst told me recently that even where biometrics are captured, some officials have devised means by which data is shortchanged and names or identities are substituted when handling payrolls.

Rather than prepare a package that would enhance laziness by way of handouts, the government would do well to channel much of the funds to cater for the aged and the post- NYSC programme, while also creating avenues to engage the unskilled hands through the planned rejuvenation of cooperative societies.

down of law and order widely known as operation- wet e.

Despite the warning songs released by renowned artistes like I.K Dairo’s ‘Gbaugbau lan-gbo’, warning about the looming war. Eventually, the then Federal Government of Nigeria’s uncaring attitude led to the civil war of 19671970. Now considering the ugly situations in the North east, Niger Delta and now the South east the Federal government needs to take urgent steps to keep Nigeria one.

08074217723 Everyone has the right to swing his/her arms, but that right ends where the other fellow’s nose begins. Agitating for independence is normal, at least that was exactly what our nationalists did, but they didn’t burn the Church of England. They got their demand through intellectual discourses, engaging dialogues and the pen, which napoleon said is mightier than the sword.

Dayo Oladeji, Saki, Oke Ogun 08027278748

memo to the National Conference and proposed the way forward for the unity of the Country. They are still calling for full implementation of the report. If it is “Oil”, the south-south zone is still in control of it. The elders should stop these youths from taking steps that lead to nowhere.

They should know that WAR is better heard of than experienced.

Adepoju Ajibare, 08070777773

‘It is good to agitate. It is good to talk and it is good to complain’. It is however delicate to begin to beat a war drum. It is dangerous to want to go to war. I am sure the elders are advising the roaring ‘baby lions’. I honestly hope these ‘roaring baby lions’ would listen to their Elders. Let the agitators’ demands be tabled by their Representatives and Senators in the National Assembly. When we jaw-jaw, we would get positive results.

Lanre Oseni. 07064181043

Our former National Anthem had this proviso: “though tribes and tongues may differ in brotherhood we stand…”

Nigeria has come to stay. Therefore, my advice to the agitators for a Biafran nation is that the Igbo should employ the rule of law in their demands. Nigeria may not be able to survive another civil war. With profound respect, I am appealing to President Buhari to address the issue of marginalisation with great care because History will never forgive him if Nigeria breaks during his regime.

Kose Adewole, Ipetumodu 08034307460

Already, the ghost of agitation for derivation that started from south/south/south East has left a muster of Kidnappers that is rampaging now. We may need to ask these advocates of Biafra that after seceding, how they would manage their over sixty percent investments in the North, West, and Middle belt of the current Lugard’s error called NIGERIA. No one ever eats his cake and still have it. HE that has ears let him hear.

Rotimi Asaolu Ketu Lagos 08033796044

There is little or no difference between the present political situation in the south-eastern part of the country and the one in the then south -west which led to the break-

NB: A big thanks to readers for the numerous sms, mails and calls enquiring about my absence from this column for two weeks. I needed the break.

39

13 December, 2015

ON THE

Sunday Tribune

With Bolanle Bolawole turnpot@gmail.com 07052631058

lord’sday

As the noose tightens on Okonjo-Iweala...

“THE noose is tightening on our erstwhile World Bank woman”, I thought to myself last week as I breezed through reports of the trending billion-dollar arms deal probe involving former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, former DAAR Communications Plc chairman, Raymond Dokpesi, and many others. Dasuki and Dokpesi have already been charged in court and we may not delve into the details of the matter as it concerns them. But the probe continues and many more fat cats are said to be undergoing scrutiny. One such person is Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, erstwhile Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy (Madam CME). After initial denials and hedging, she is now reported to have admitted transferring some money, a whooping US$322 million, to the ex-NSA. That being the case, the suggestion in some quarters is that she has more explanations to give as to the hows and whys of the transfer; who gave approval; how the funds were expended; and whether there were other such transfers. If Madam CME coordinated an economy that is now said to have been run down as well as pillaged, then, she cannot offer explanations to Nigerians or exchange tantrums with Edo state’s Governor Adams Oshiomhole from far-away Washington DC, USA. Comrade Adams has been in the forefront of the campaign to have Madam CME called to give account of her stewardship. Specifically, Comrade-Governor has minced no words in insisting that Okonjo-Iweala has a case to answer over the parlous state of the nation’s economy.

She ran the economy aground; Adams has told everyone who cares to listen. Adams has also taken his message to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja not once and not twice. “Such a nuisance!” thought Madam CME that she threatened to sue the governor; but being someone to given to running away from a fight or abandoning the battlefield once the issues are joined, Adams has voiced his readiness to meet Madam CME in the law court. One other governor who has grieved about the way the economy has been mismanaged is Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun – and for good reasons. Falling crude oil prices apart, Ogbeni, as he is called, is so bitter that the derelict way the economy was managed under Madam CME denied the states of billions of Naira in revenue that would have accrued to them as of right. Now, with the latest revelations, Ogbeni would say “I said so”!

The law says all monies accruing to Nigeria must go straight into the Federation Account. This is supposed to be a Treasury Single Account of some sorts which should not only have the records of, but also capture and keep, all revenues earned by this country, be it taxes, crude oil sales, signatures or recoveries made from looters like the late erstwhile military dictator, Sani Abacha. The law also stipulates that this revenue will then be shared amongst the three ties of government, viz. Federal, States, and Local Governments using an allocation formula already stipulated by law. But where monies\revenues accrue to the country but the Federal Government, because it controls the agencies that receive these monies\revenues directly, corners them at source and divert\convert

them for its own use without any recourse to the other tiers of government, then, these other tiers are cheated of funds they are statutorily entitled to. In effect, they take far less from the Federation Account than they should have taken and end up being starved of funds legally due to them.

Conversely, the Federal Government, leveraging on its advantageous position as the collector of the revenues\monies coming into the Federation Account, abuses this position of trust to take more than its statutorily stipulated percentage to the chagrin of the 36 States and 774 Local Government Areas. Again, the law states that none of the three tiers of government may spend monies except such had first been appropriated by the legislature. With the Abacha loot that was received from abroad and sent direct from the Central Bank of Nigeria under Madam CME’s directives to the ex-NSA without the due cover of an appropriation bill by the National Assembly, Gov. Adams was right to have described what happened as the “re-looting” of the recovered looted money; more so now that the whole transaction is mired in controversy!

So far, none of the skeletal explanations offered by Madam CME goes deep enough to answer probing questions concerning this transaction or allay fears that she might have trampled the law. That a committee set up by the Federal Government recommended the “dashing” of the recovered Abacha loot to the ex-NSA’s office is not enough justification why the Federation Account was by-passed. How many more of such illegal by-pass do we know took place during the tenure of Madam CME? While it is true that Nigerians consider the Boko Haram insurgency a national priority; yet, that does not justify the criminality of spending money without appropriation. The fulcrum of democratic

governance is checks and balances; otherwise, governance regresses into sheer banditry where a cabal arrogates to itself powers it does not possess and takes decisions that imperil our common patrimony. Even if part of the recovered Abacha loot was committed unto development projects – this did not excuse the flouting of the laws governing the processes and procedures that should have been followed. Laws are meant to be obeyed, not breached; where laws are observed more in their breach than in compliance, then, impunity results. The Military High Command might have complained that they were not getting the right quantum of funding to prosecute the insurgency war; but so also were the States and local governments also in dire need of funds (to pay workers’ salaries, for instance). What is more, revelations that funds meant for the procurements of arms eventually ended up as slush funds for election campaigns suggest that the problem might not have been paucity of funds to start with but the sincerity of purpose of those charged with the administration of the military’s budget.

I look forward to the probe panel extending an invitation to Madam CME. When it comes, she should accept without much fuss or any qualms whatsoever. Fortunately, she is schooled and steeped in a culture and tradition that set great value by transparency, probity, and accountability. For her, it should be too late in the day to play hide-and-seek or engage in any hanky-panky. Is it true, like she has often dropped the hint, that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan commanded all the controversial disbursements made by Madam CME? It is important to get to the roots of as many as possible of such transactions.

Who says an ex-president cannot be investigated or be made to take the witness box? We see it happen in other countries;

why not here? Fortunately, the immunity law here does not cover presidents and governors once they step out of office. It is important, however, to see to it that no one is victimised and that everyone’s rights as enshrined in the Constitution are respected. Once you have had you day in court, our duty to you is done. Fortunately, too, Okonjo-Iweala was first appointed into office by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and what recommended her was not her ethnic nationality as an Igbo but her supposed competence and visibility as a Managing Director at the World Bank. I suppose she was re-appointed and reinforced in office by Jonathan on similar considerations. Therefore, if and when the time comes for her to give an account of her stewardship, let no one begin to see her as an Igbo or conjure any perceived “travails” as the victimization of the Igbo. Let us be mindful to apply this principle across board because shenanigans are often blind on all fronts of race, creed, and colour.

LAST WORDS: It is six months since we voted Akinwunmi Ambode as governor of Lagos state.

The man started on a very sluggish note; and was so sluggish and action-less that we were not only alarmed but also aghast.

Everyone began to regret giving Ambode his\her vote; the complaints, which were expressed initially in hushed tone, soon became a din. It got so bad that London’s ‘The Economist’ had to weigh in on the side of Lagosians, thoroughly lambasting the governor. Security was bad; traffic was chaotic; water was not running; power supply was at its lowest ebb; fuel scarcity returned to compound the people’s woes, ad infinitum. In this column, we also added our voice. I had to send a text message to Steve Ayorinde, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, complaining about the dire water situation in particular. He offered explanations as well as gave assurances. Then, Ambode staggered unto his feet. Since he inaugurated his Cabinet, he has kicked into action. I did say at that time that there were a few people in that Cabinet that I knew sufficiently closely that I could vouch for; such as the Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello, Dr. Akintola Benson; Kehinde Bamigbetan; and Steve himself.

They have not disappointed – at least, so far! Water is back. The security situation is more reassuring; what with the presence of security men at every turn these days. The traffic situation is better; even power supply is on the rise. As I banged away on my laptop writing this, I had been privileged to have PHCN watch over me for many hours non-stop. But, then, I read Taofik Gani, the PDP Publicity Secretary in Lagos, describe Ambode’s first six months in office as a waste. I disagree! If we fail to give kudos when we should, no one will believe us when we criticise when we should.

Let’s encourage the governor and his team to continue the good work and do more. I will continue to do two things. One: Send unsolicited advice to those of them that I have access to so they can know where the shoe pinches the people. Two: Hold their feet to the fire; reprimand when necessary but commend when some good has been done. That, I am sure, is the right thing to do.

40

13 December, 2015

language&style Crises of choice!

S

AMPLE 1: “Crises of confidence is brewing amongst members of the management of the Centre on one hand, and some members of staff and the Director-General, Sir Ferdinand Anikwe on the other. The points at issue rest over whether some certain important official decisions and actions taken by the Anikwe-led administration strictly conformed to his call to duty and in compliance with the civil service rules…

In the interim, according to her, CBAAC did not deem it fit to be in court or even made any representation…(Uneasy Calm at CBAAC, The Nation, Sunday, November 8, 2015) We are considering the relationship between the noun crises and the verb-form, is, which occurs in the following context, “Crises of confidence is brewing amongst members of the management of the Centre.”It should be obvious that the subject of the verb (is) is the noun crises. It should equally be obvious that the verb is in its singular form. What may not be obvious is whether the noun crises is in its singular or plural form. Readers should please note that the noun is in its plural form.

The singular form is crisis.Other words whose forms are similar to those of crisis (singular) and crises (plural) are: thesis (singular) and theses (plural); synthesis (singular) and syntheses (plural); hypothesis (singular) and hypotheses (plural).

The following sentences illustrate the usage of the singular form, crisis: 1) The crisis is threatening to tear the institution apart. 2) The crisis was responsible for the destruction of the values and structures for which the company was reputed. 3) The crisis is obviously assuming an ugly dimension. 4) The crisis was blamed on clashes of personalities. 5) The two factions kept insisting there was no crisis. 6) Fortunately, the crisis is in the process of being resolved.

The following sentences illustrate the usage of the plural form, crises: 1) Political and social crises are tearing African nations apart. 2) The crises are such that can be easily resolved when people would agree to have a dialogue. 3) Internal crises are weakening our social institutions. 4) Many of the social crises that plague the lives of our youths are traceable to drug abuse.

5) The first and second republics were ruined by political crises that were motivated by selfishness and narrow-mindedness. 6) Crises are often good for the health of human relationships.

Next, we illustrate the usage of thesis (singular) and theses (plural). Thesis: 1) A thesis is a strong statement offering information on the focus of the research effort. 2) The thesis, though simple, is amply illustrated. 3)My thesis in this essay is that women are oppressed and discriminated against in many African societies. 4) Your thesis is not clearly stated, giving the impression that you have no clear idea of what you are saying. 5) The thesis is to be restated at every critical point in the development of the essay. 6) If your thesis is trite, you are not likely to come up with anything revolutionary.

Now we illustrate the usage of the plural form, theses: 1) The theses are to be submitted latest by Friday next week. 2) The confusion resides in the fact that two theses are stated in the introductory chapter. 3) All the badly written theses are to be returned to their authors. 4) The theses are rather speculative.

5) The five most brilliant theses are being stored electronically.

6) These theses are representative of all others.

We return to the sentence that has led to this discussion: “Crises of confidence is brewing amongst members of the management of the Centre.” We have noted that the verb-form (is) is singular and that the subject (crises) plural. There is obviously a grammatical crisis here. It is strange that the reporter could recognize crises as the plural form of crisis and could not see the incongruity of selecting a singular verb-form in relation to that plural noun. Could the reporter have thought of the contiguous confidence as the noun that is relevant to the choice of the verb-form?Most likely. In any case, the singular verb-form (is) should be changed to its plural form (are): “Crises of confidence are brewing amongst members of the management of the Centre.” However, if we change the noun crises to its singular form (crisis), we will be free to retain the singular form of the verb: “A crisis of confidence is brewing amongst members of the management of the Centre.”

Next, I draw your attention to the forms did, deem and made, all of which occur in the following structure: “CBAAC

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

Sunday Tribune

line

life with

Niyi Osundare

Random Blues did not deem it fit to be in court, or even made any representation.” Let’s note some grammatical constructions as a way of appreciating and understanding the flaw in the structure being examined: 1) He neither encouraged nor discouraged me.

2) The principal neither blamed nor condemned her. 3) The idea neither attracted nor repelled me. 4) He neither failed badly nor passed remarkably. 5) He neither feared God nor respected man. 6) They neither seek nor give information. 7) She neither sings nor plays an instrument. 8) The level of water neither rises nor drops during the dry season. 9) He neither obeys instructions nor respects superior authority. 10) He neither teaches well nor counsels effectively.

Please note that there are two verbs in each of those sentences and that the two verbs have identical grammatical forms. Where the first is in the past simple form, the other is in that form as well. Where the first is in the present simple form, the other is in that form as well. Where the first is inflected for the third person singular, the other takes that form as well.

Now compare those sentences with the following in which the word do is used for the purpose of creating a negative meaning: 1) He did not encourage or discourage me. 2) The principal did not blame or condemn her. 3) The idea did not attract or repel me. 4) He did not fail badly or pass remarkably. 5) Hedid not fear God or respect man. 6) They do not seekor give information. 7) She does not sing or play an instrument. 8) The level of water does not rise or drop during the dry season. 9) He does not obey instructions or respect superior authority.

10) He does not teach well or counsel effectively.

As in the former set of sentences, each of the sentences in the latter contains two main verbs. But in addition, there is the supporting do. In the previous set, the two verbs are either in the past or present form. Furthermore, in the former set, the two verbs in sentences (7)-(10) carry s or es indicating that the subject is in its third person singular form: sings and plays (7); rises and drops (8); obeys and respects (9); teaches and counsels (10).

In the latter, it is the supporting verb do that carries both the tense and the es indicating the third person singular subject.

Thus in sentences (1)-(6) in which the tense is past, the verb do become sdid. What happens to the two main verbs? They are retained in their basic, uninflected forms or infinitive forms: encourage and discourage (1); blame and condemn (2); attract and repel (3); fail and pass (4); fear and respect (5); seek and give (6).

Unlike in the former set in which the main verbs carry s or es or ies marking the third person singular number, in the latter sentences, it is the supporting verb do that marks that number: does. What then happens to the two main verbs? They are retained in their basic, uninflected forms or infinitive forms: sing and play (7); rise and drop (8); obey and respect (9); teach and counsel (10).

The general rule is this: Whenever the supporting do is brought into a sentence for the purpose of negation, it is that verb (do) that carries the tense and concord/number markers. In consequence, the main verb or verbs do not experience change in form.

Other examples are: 1a) He knew the truth. 1b) He did not know the truth. 2a) She spoke her mind. 2b) She did not speak her mind. 3a) I accepted the offer. 3b) I did not accept the offer. 4a) He knows the truth. 4b) He does not know the truth. 5a) She speaks her mind. 5b) She does not speak her mind. 6a) She sings well. 6b) She does not sing well.

Let’s go back to the issue we are trying to address. We have drawn attention to the words did, deem and made which occur in the following structure: “CBAAC did not deem it fit to be in court, or even made any representation.” The verb deem occurs in its basic, uninflected form. Why? Because the verb do (occurring in its past form as did) is part of the structure just as we have illustrated. In other words, the verb deem is in its appropriate form, having been influenced by the presence of did.

The other verb is made. This is definitely a wrong form in view of the presence of the verb did in the structure. The appropriate form is make, the basic, uninflected form.

However, once we remove the word did and opt for the “neither…nor” construction, the past forms of the verbs would be appropriate: “CBAAC neither deemed it fit to be in court, nor even made any representation.”

(Blues for the Roving Heart) I got the Blues Baby, I got the Blues My steps quarrel with the road As I sway under my heavy load

I got the Blues Oh yes, I got the Blues My wandering feet stub a toe Life’s weedy patch is hard to hoe

I got the Blues Oh, I’ve got the Blues The brightest portion of my sky Is heavy like a leaden sigh

I got the Blues Baby, I got the Blues Several times you pass my gate Without remembering our lingering date

I got the Blues Got the Blues, Baby My purple paeans adorn your tree But your eyes never see my ardent plea

I got the Blues Yes, I got the Blues I left a bleeding heart at your door The wind blew it to the senseless floor

I got the Blues Oh, I got the Blues But before the sun goes down I will be up and aroun’

I got the Blues Yes, I got the Blues I am a restless bird on a fervent search Baby, give me a place to perch

41

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune With Rita Okonoboh rosarumese@gmail.com 08053789087

tribunechurch

Pastor Adeboye declares floodgates of miracles at Holy Ghost Congress •As congregants share blessings, testimonies

opened. Come before Him with great expectations and your life will never be same again.

“There are more than enough blessings for everyone and you must not miss your own. Focus on Jesus – the reason for the congress. Do not let anyone or anything distract you. Grab the word of prophecy at the morning and evening sessions and respond prayerfully and attentively. Your faith shall be richly rewarded by the One who opens and no one can shut. Welcome, once again, to a very special congress that you have been waiting for. As you key into all the programmes with prayerful expectations, may you reap a flood of testimonies in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

A cross-section of respondents who spoke to TribuneChurch at the weekend, were full of joy and noted that they felt fulfilled and enriched after attending the event. Many were expectant and some even testified to miracles and healing. There were testimonies of safe delivery and some responded to the altar call.

The wife of the general overseer, Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye, also participated

By Rita Okonoboh with Agency Report

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he General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye, declared floodgates of healing, power and miracles at the just concluded 2015 annual Holy Ghost Congress which ended yesterday, with the theme, “Floodgates of Heaven.”

The 6-day event which held at the Redemption Camp, Km 46, LagosIbadan Expressway, Ogun State, between December 7 and December 12, 2015, featured miracles, healing, testimonies, altar calls and delivery of babies.

In his welcome message at the event, Adeboye charged all to come expectant, noting that “This is not just another congress. If you ever wanted a breakthrough, your time is here with this Congress, the 18th since the first one in 1998. The Lord is set to open the floodgates of love, healing, power, joy and anointing unto you like never before. All you have to do is believe Him, worship Him, praise Him and tell Him the floodgates you want

Use of smartphones in church:

Archbishop declares ‘phone fast’ on Christmas Day

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actively at the congress and prayed for many of the congregants. There were

There are more than enough blessings for everyone and you must not miss your own.

Your faith shall be richly rewarded by the One who opens and no one can shut

prayers and intercessions for peace upon Nigeria and the world, divine messages based on the example of Jesus as the great physician, and the reiteration of the importance of prayer.

According to Pastor Adeboye, who challenged members of the congregation to focus on prayer and called on sinners to embrace repentance, the cleric, who noted that “you are where you are today because you don’t pray,” called on all to work towards the salvation of their souls and ensure that they attain eternity.

Stories behind

great hymns Joy to the world At this point in history, most songs sung in European church services were the Psalms in the Old Testament. Though Isaac Watts loved the Bible, he felt that these songs felt “unnatural” to sing in their modern-day English translations.

After one Sunday service, 15-year-old Isaac

Blame insurgency, pro-Biafran agitation on unemployment —Bishop Pg42

2015 world’s most popular Bible verses named

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complained about “the atrocious worship.”

One of the deacons challenged him with, “Give us something better, young man.” He went home and penned his first hymn, and the love of hymn-writing stuck with him the rest of his life.

In 1719, his book, “Psalms of David Imitated,” was published, not as a new paraphrase of David, but as an imitation of him in New Testament language. Watts’ perspective was the Psalms bursting forth in their complete fulfillment. Joy to the World is the “imitation” of the last half of Psalm 98.

Watts transformed the old Jewish psalm of praise for historic deliverance into a song of rejoicing for the salvation of God that began when Jesus came “to make his blessing flow far as the curse is found.”

Music is from George Frederick Handel, and some scholars say it resembles his greatest work, Messiah.

Source: www.incourage.me

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13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425

churchnews

Blame insurgency, pro-Biafran agitation on unemployment —Bishop

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n Ibadan-based cleric, Bishop Jide Orire, has attributed the incidents of insurgency and renewed pro-Biafran agitations in some parts of the country to massive youth unemployment in the nation, and has urged the federal and state governments to urgently evolve enduring policies to tackle the social menace headlong.

Bishop Orire, the General Overseer of Save and Serve Christ Family Church, made the submissions in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the ministry’s 11th annual camp meeting, urging the government to avert unnecessary crisis in the country by handling the agitations with “cautious force.”

He also stressed the need for the authorities to eradicate illiteracy in Nigeria by giving top priority to education of the masses, particularly the itinerant Bororo Fulani cattle herdsmen, to put a halt to the recurring crisis between them and their host farming communities.

Bishop Orire declared: “Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder and President Muhammadu Buhari should see all these as challenges. To avert crisis and unnecessary bloodbath in Nigeria, the government

should re-strategise in its handling of socio-political agitators by engaging them in dialogue and being less confrontational. Government should also have more compassion for Ni-

gerian youths and urgently formulate youth-friendly policies to reduce youth unemployment in the land.”

The cleric noted further that “the raging problem of mass unemployment is

making many youths in Nigeria turn to crime and other anti-social activities.

The notorious issues of Boko Haram, armed robbery, 419, ritual killings, etc., would not have blos-

somed to the level if youths in the country are gainfully employed.

“To get out of the problem, government should urgently place top priority on faulty social infrastruc-

The President, Care People Foundation, a.k.a. Lesekese, Reverend Paul Tunde Tioluwani (middle), surrounded by dignitaries and church members, during the annual national carnival for disabled persons and the underprivileged, held last Sunday at the foundation’s home, Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Cleric donates food items, gifts to widows, needy today

By Olaide Sokoya In his quest to celebrate the Yuletide season in a unique way and also fulfill God’s mandate, the visionary of Housefavour Church, Prophet Bayode Olubo, will today, put smiles on the faces of the needy,

especially the widows and the underprivileged.

The event tagged: “Samaritan Purse Project”, according to Olubo, was a directive from God to support and make widows happy often.

“The sole project will gather widows and the

needy from all walks of life, especially in Lagos and Abeokuta at the church venue located at 12, Oni Street off Jimoh Akinremi, Jimoh bus stop, Akowonjo, Egbeda, Lagos State.

Speaking with TribuneChurch, Olubo said he would

have compromised if he didn’t execute the project ordained by God and that he could not imagine what the punishment would be. He added that, “I have dedicated my life to giving, because God restored my life on that promise as well as revealed the secret

‘Christians must support the dreams of the underprivileged’

By Olaide Sokoya Clerics, Christians and people as a whole have been enjoined to always have the underprivileged and poor at heart and also do their best to make them feel special and important which will, no doubt, stir their hopes and make them live well-meaning lives and also do the unexpected.

This was the key message of the president of the Care People Foundation, a.k.a. Lesekese, Reverend Paul Tunde Tioluwani, at this year’s annual national carnival for disabled persons and the underprivileged, held last Sunday at the foundation’s home located along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, adding that, “the vision has developed through divine

ture, including unstable power supply across the country and re-orientate the youths to be more creative by embracing vocations and place less emphasis on elusive white-collar jobs.

“Nigerian youths should also be more diligent and shy away from crimes and get-rich-quick syndromes.”

On the government’s anticorruption war, Bishop Orire commended the present administration for being committed to the crusade but charged government to be more transparent by telling Nigerians how much has been recovered so far and how such recovered funds are being spent.

“Specifically, government should invest such recovered fund on roads, social infrastructure and other avenues that could effectively generate youth employment across the country,” he remarked.

grace, because it is essential to support the dreams of the underprivileged.”

The event, which was well attended by underprivileged, orphans from all walks of lives, recorded various stunning performances.

A b d u l S a m a d Ogunfunmilayo, a cripple, was the cynosure of all eyes and was bestowed a new wheel chair, attire and the sum of N10,000 aside several cash prizes he was given when he was announced winner of the dancing competition among orphans and the disabled present.

Mrs Bailkis Adediran also went home with a refrigerator. The organisers also donated about 22 wheelchairs to the disabled and food items to various

special homes that graced the event.

One of the high points of the event was the commissioning of the staff quarters, playing ground and borehole donated to the home by well meaning Nigerians.

In his remarks, one of the executives of the home, Dr Abeeb Olamitoye, who is also the owner of the Ibadan Central Hospital and Academy Suite hotel in Ibadan, commended the efforts of Mr and Mrs Ogunrinde and other

personalities who have put smiles on the faces of the underprivileged and prayed that God will repay them in multiple folds, just as he charged others to emulate them in providing an enabling environment to the underprivileged.

of giving to me. I will not hesitate to give what I have, irrespective of the value and importance to me, because I know it is coming back in folds.”

Olubo stated further that the development was part of his calling to impact lives and contribute to nation building and the work of God. “I feel I am the happiest man on earth with this project. I am delighted that I have affected lives with this project for about 10 years now. Today, I will feed the first five hundred people at the event; I will also donate about 150 attires to widows and eventually give out food items to thousands of people.

Archbishop Alaba Job, Anglican, Baptist choristers to grace St. Joseph’s Christmas carol

By Rita Okonoboh As part of activities to celebrate Christmas, the Catholic community of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, is set to host the Anglican and Baptist church choristers to performances at the church’s festival of nine lessons and carol.

According to a statement by the cordinator for the 2015 carol, Reverend Fr. Richard Omolade, all and sundry are invited on December 19th to celebrate the joy of Christmas through a special festival of nine lessons and carols, which will take place at Rev. Fr. Dolan Hall, Ibadan, at 4p.m.

This year’s celebration has been specially packaged to have an ecumenical outlook as guest choristers from St. James’ Cathedral, Anglican Communion, Oke-Bola, Ibadan and Oke-Ado Baptist Church have been invited to render carols during the event.

Lessons will be taken

from the Bible and carols will be presented by the church choir and choristers from the outstations.

The retired Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Reverend (Dr) Felix Alaba Job will give the Christmas message and the event is expected to feature an outpouring of Christ’s love for all.

43 tribunechurch

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Use of smartphones in church: Archbishop declares ‘phone fast’ on Christmas Day

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hristmas Day should be declared a “phone fast” to prevent emails and messages distracting from family and friends, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu has suggested.

As reported by The Telegraph, Sentamu made the call after a survey suggested millions of Britons taking time out from celebrating with loved-ones on Christmas Day to catch up with emails about work.

“I love using social media and email

Pope Francis posing for a selfie with congregants. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES because of the instant connection with the world they bring but have a ‘phone fast’ from work on this day,” Sentamu stated.

In a poll for Traidcraft, the fair trade group, almost a quarter (24 per cent) of respondents, admitted checking their work messages on Christmas Day. Meanwhile two thirds of those surveyed said they thought Christmas was losing its “true meaning”.

Dr Sentamu, a keen user of Twitter and Facebook, argued that one simple way

to make Christmas special would be for people to put their mobile phones or other device away for the day.

“Christmas is a day of good news, a day of great joy and a day to give thanks,” said the Archbishop.

“I would encourage all those not working on Christmas Day to focus on connecting with family and friends, to enjoy this time with loved ones.

“I love using social media and email because of the instant connection with the

‘The church has contributed significantly to government’s failure’

By Rita Okonoboh Church executives of the New Life For All Nations Ministries, a.k.a., New Life Gospel Church, with headquarters at Ibadan, has called on churches to do the needful towards making the country better, noting that the church’s failure to do what is right has contributed to the failure of government.

Speaking with TribuneChurch at a press conference organised during the weekend to usher in the 2015 annual/ delegates conference, scheduled to take place from December 22 till December 29, 2015, the Acting General Overseer, Pastor Ade Adeoye, who noted the failure of governments, old and new, to make the country comfortable for the masses, expressed the hope that relief will come soon for Nigerians.

“The fear of EFCC probe should not arise if true religious people are in government because they should have nothing to hide. So it should also be for Christians who should be like the five virgins in the Bible. If we live according to what Christ demands of us, then we have nothing to fear regarding Christ’s coming,” he stated.

According to him, “Seeing as those in government also attend religious institutions, it is the responsibility of the church to do what is right to ensure that

they set good example and are accountable, as no one knows what time the end will come. It is important for Christians, leaders and the world in general to be prepared for the second coming.”

The General Secretary/Executive Director of Administration, Pastor S.O. Orekoya, speaking on the convention’s theme, “Trimming Your Lamp” based on Matthew 25:7, noted that the inspiration from the theme came from the story of the ten virgins, stating that the theme is a call to the church and the leaders to always be ready for no one knows when the Lord will come so as to discourage the notion of

breeding half-baked Christians.

In his remarks on church and the government, the Acting Assistant General Overseer, Pastor S.F. Edokpayi, observed that “Leaders should fear God and work according to his precepts. The church has contributed in no small measure to the failure in leadership. If Christians and Muslims wake up to the task of telling the truth and calling on those in leadership to be accountable for their actions, only then can we be fully prepared for the coming of Christ. Christians should live by the Bible and only then can one take away fear of Christ’s coming.”

From left, The General Secretary/Executive Director of Administration, Pastor S.O. Orekoya; Acting Assistant General Overseer, Pastor S.F. Edokpayi; Acting General Overseer, Pastor Ade Adeoye and the Director of Finance, Pastor M. Bayode, all of the New Life For All Nations Ministries, during the 2015 annual convention press conference, held at the International Camp Ground, New Felele, Off Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Archbishop John Sentamu world they bring but have a ‘phone fast’ from work on this day.”

He urged people, irrespective of their religious backgrounds, to consider setting aside time to switch off their phones, tablets and computers to concentrate on direct human relationships.

“We can keep the Christmas spirit alive by being there for each other.”

However, other leading clerics have argued that, in the right context, technology can help bring families together.

The Bishop of Leeds, the Right Reverend Nick Baines, argued earlier this week that the simple act of sitting and watching television together with loved-ones, captures something of the spirit of Christmas.

He said that in an era when “anyone under 40 has to be surgically removed from their mobile”, family siting together staring at the same screen could be seen as progress.

Larry Bush, marketing director at Traidcraft, said: “This Christmas, we’re encouraging people to take a moment and think about what they can do to make a difference.

“We can keep the Christmas spirit alive by being there for each other and helping people in the world’s poorest countries so they can work their way out of poverty and create better, more sustainable lives for their families and communities.”

44 tribunechurch

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

2015 world’s most popular Bible verses named Every second, the world conducts more than 40,000 Google searches, creates 5 new Facebook profiles, and opens YouVersion’s Bible App 112 times.

In the app, three bookmarks are created, four verses are shared, and 18 verses are highlighted. More than 50 Bible chapters are listened to, and 342 chapters are read.

YouVersion, launched by Life.Church in 2008, announced last week, that the Bible app has topped 200 million installs. The app now offers the Bible in more than 1,200 versions and 900 languages.

“What God is doing through YouVersion is incredible—changing mobile devices into Bibles that people carry with them everywhere they go,” said Bobby Gruenewald, innovation pastor at Life.Church. “As we see the magnitude of 200 million installs, what we’re really celebrating is what that number represents: countless moments of individuals transformed by their time in the Bible.”

The most popular Bible verses (by country) of 2015.

As part of its annual review of user activity, YouVersion highlighted the most popular Bible verses in the 10 countries where it has been installed the most.

The verse that was bookmarked, shared, and highlighted more than any other in the app’s history was also the top verse for the US and Brazil in 2015.

That verse was Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” [All verses in this blog are NIV translation.]

Other top verses were also favorites in more than one country (and proved popular last year as well).

Mexico, the United Kingdom, and South Korea engaged the most with Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Likewise, Nigeria, South Africa, and the Philippines all engaged the most with Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Canadians engaged most with Ephesians 1:23: “[And the church] is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Meanwhile, Chinese engaged most with 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

The overall most shared, highlighted, and

bookmarked verse of 2015 was Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

YouVersion also broke out which verses were shared the most over email, text, and social media.

The top five: • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

• Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

• Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be

afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

• Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

• Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

One of the app’s most-used features is its Bible reading plans, which guide users through daily readings. YouVersion reports that 20 million plans were completed in 2015, up from 8.3 million in 2014.

Although New Year’s resolutions cause a spike in one-year Bible reading plans, use of such plans drops by one-third by the end of February, according to Bible Gateway’s Stephen Smith. By May, half the traffic has dropped off.

Bible plans completed One big reason for the many successful completions of YouVersion’s plans: they’re short. All of the top 10 most completed Bible plans—covering topics like hope, finding God’s purpose for life, forgiveness, marriage, and prayer—take only a week or less to complete. (The one exception is Joyce Meyer’s “New Day, New You” plan, which is 14 days long.)

Those Bible reading plans can be shared with friends via Bible App Friends, a capacity YouVersion added in 2014 to foster a communal experience for readers. Friends can also choose to see each other’s highlighted verses, bookmarked passages, and notes.

Source: www.christianitytoday. com

10 ways to handle chronic complainers in church

By Karl Vaters Some people love to complain. Many of them find their way into our churches.

They especially like small churches. In a big church, chronic complainers get lost in the crowd. The pastor may only be aware of them by email (but so many emails!). In a small church their voice and impact are large. Small church pastors must resist the temptation to be drawn into a battle with them. That makes complainers dig in harder – and start recruiting.

Here are 10 principles that have helped me reduce the impact of chronic complainers. And sometimes turn their negatives into positives.

Don’t assume that every complaint is wrong Not all complainers are chronic. Sometimes they’re right. Not all complainers are chronic. Sometimes they’re right. It can be hard not to automatically discount the concerns of people who complain a lot. But when their complaints are valid, they should be taken seriously.

Check your attitude Are you sure the complaining church member is the guilty party, not the stubborn pastor? At the very least, it could it be both. If you’re always fighting off complainers, take a closer look at yourself.

You may discover it’s not them, it’s you.

Share more, not less

People in a small church want to know more about the church’s everyday business than people in big churches do. If they think vital information is being withheld, they get suspicious. And suspicious people become complainers. You know the old saying that something is on a “need to know” basis? Today, we should assume that everyone needs to know everything. Unless there’s a specific reason not to tell them, we need to be generous in what we tell people. It’s almost always better for people to know too much than not enough. A transparent leader is a trusted leader. And a trusted leader hears fewer complaints.

Don’t put a complainer in charge to shut them up Having the occasional complaint neither qualifies or disqualifies someone from leadership. But being a chronic complainer should disqualify them. It’s dangerous, unwise and unbiblical to tell a chronic complainer, “Okay, fine! If you think you can do it better, give it a shot! You’re in charge now!” No matter how frustrated we get. No ministry can stay healthy if it’s led by a chronic complainer. “Just give them what they want!” never works.

It may seem like the easy way out. But it never is.

Don’t magnify their importance Don’t assume a chronic complainer has more power than they have. When a chronic complainer tells you “everyone says” something is a problem, it’s likely

that “everyone” who has a problem is standing in front of you. Treat them with respect. But don’t buy into their exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Believe only what God says about you Like the comedian who leaves the stage devastated because there was one person in the audience who didn’t laugh, it’s too easy for pastors to allow a single complainer to make them feel completely devalued. Ultimately, there’s only one opinion that matters. If God has called you, that’s enough.

Don’t talk behind their back It’s so tempting to want to complain about the complainers. And it’s a good idea to have someone you can offload to.

Sometimes the issue needs to be dealt with by deacons, elders or staff. But don’t allow those discussions to become character assassinations. Deal with the issue. Then move on. Keep the moral high ground. Don’t let a complainer turn you into a gossip.

Don’t use the pulpit as a weapon It is a horrifying abuse of our position to use the pulpit to get back at chronic complainers – even if we wrap the message in proof-texts and don’t refer to the complainer by name. Always resist that temptation. Once you give in, you will have lost more – far more – than whatever battle the chronic complainer wanted to draw you in to.

Admit your mistakes It’s hard to admit mistakes to a complainer because we think it will add fuel to their fire. The opposite is almost always the case. Sometimes the “chronic” part of the complaining is just persisting until they know you see the problem. Once you do, many stop complaining.

When they’re right, thank them When they’re right, they’re right. If someone puts the brakes on your bad idea (we’ve all had our share of stinkers), they deserve to be thanked. And don’t worry.

Thanking them won’t make them complain more. Thankful leaders don’t get more complaints. They get fewer.

Karl Vaters is the Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Fountain Valley, California.

45 tribunechurch with Most Revd J.O. Akinfenwa

with Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, fradebadejo@yahoo.com

Advent Season

Advent: Rerun your priorities

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Advent as presence There is yet even more to advent than the aforesaid. According to Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, in his daily reflections edited by Rev John Cameron, the expectation dimension of advent has been so over-emphasised that it beclouds the aspect of the “already present’. He wrote; “Advent, then, means a presence begun, the presence being that of God. Advent reminds us, therefore, of two things: first, that God’s presence in the world has already begun, that he is present though in a hidden manner: second, that his presence has only begun and is not yet full and complete, that it is in a state of development, of becoming and progressing towards its full form”. So already at advent the God of accountability is active as John the Baptist testified: “The axe is already laid to the roots of the trees; any tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire” (Matt 3:10). If God is already present as his action demonstrates then, before his full arrival there is work to do indeed.

Man’s inconclusive journey Present times in Nigeria compel us all to upgrade our lexicon and vocabulary.

Ongoing elections present us with new concepts and expressions which we are forced to quickly appropriate. The term “inconclusive elections” has emerged to depict a deficient and incomplete electoral exercise. That term suits the human condition in the period of advent. There

Sunday Tribune

dawnofanewera

firmfaith:rightreason

Throes of expectation he Christian season of advent started on November 29, 2015.

The Jubilee Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis for the Catholic Church began all over the world on December 8, 2015. It may not be clear how very appropriate it is to begin a year of mercy during the advent period.

Some may write it all off as insignificant, but truly advent is a period for seeking the divine mercy. Today the significance of even a universal feast like Christmas is relativized, and thoroughly secularized. It is therefore understandable that advent would not be spared. Advent is generally understood as a two-sided reality. On one side is the period of the expectation of the saviour and author of our redemption. That side is proclaimed

by John the Baptist, the voice crying out in the wilderness which said:... “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his path” (Matt. 3:3). On the other side of the coin, less talked about is man’s outcry for help, the “Maranatha” of tired and weary creation calling out for help, a cry that issues from both man’s body and the spirit for succour. That outcry is wellexpressed in the hymn of expectation: “O come o come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here, until the son of God appears”.

13 December, 2015

is a sense of incompleteness in humanity and in creation. Something inside us tells us that God did not create us this way. We feel that we are far from being perfect and that something needs to be adjusted even if sometimes we cannot tell exactly what this is or are numbed into complacency by the surrounding sub-culture to think that we are doing just fine. Archbishop Fulton Sheen once put it this way “There is something wrong in us, something dislocated. God did not make us one way.

Or rather, he did make us one way. and we have made ourselves, in virtue of our freedom, in other ways. He wrote the drama, we changed the plot. We are not just animals that failed to evolve into humans. We are humans who have rebelled against the divine”. In effect whatever our status at the moment may be, we can justifiably call our situation “inconclusive” and unsatisfactory. In other words we as God’s creatures are operating “well below installed capacity”. We need to rerun our values and priorities but first we must admit our need for divine help.

The bailout act of God The intervention of God resonates as a divine bailout from the mess into which human nature got itself. That action was already promised from the start and guaranteed several times through the prophets. Prophet Zephaniah is one of them: “On that day they will say to Jerusalem: ‘Do not be afraid nor let your hands tremble, for Yahweh your God is within you, Yahweh, saving warrior. He will jump for joy on seeing you, for he has revived his love. For you he will cry out with joy, as you do in the days of the feast’” (Zeph.

3: 16-17). That rescue job cannot ignore John’s harsh call for “metanoia”, which is a radical transformation of attitudes from the inside. As the things of heaven are hidden to the eye it is imperative for man to develop the sight, hearing and feeling for the things that cannot be readily seen. It is such an attitude that turns up the advent man, prepared and willing to receive God’s invisible power.

Pay as you go Advent as “God already present” reminds us that if heaven means anything at all and we wish to “make heaven”, we must pay our dues here and now. That comes from an understanding that heaven is more a state of being and union with God than a place to reach. All the way to heaven is heaven but not all of heaven is on the way to heaven. The way to heaven is the space we must exploit to do a rerun of our options and qualify to enjoy the splendour of God’s bailout. So we must review our choices, lifestyle, attitude and relationships so that they contribute to creating heaven here. Advent is no time for idle cruisingalong but of prayer, generosity, kindness and self discipline, all amounting to “prices to pay” for our final encounter with God.

Watch, For We Know Not the Hour...

We are in the Advent Season, leading us to the celebration of the most important season on earth - the season of Christmas.

In Western Christianity, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day, or the Sunday which falls closest to November 30, and lasts through Christmas Eve, or December 24. When Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, it is the last, or fourth Sunday of Advent.ln Eastern Orthodox churches, which use the Julian calendar, Advent begins earlier, on November 15, and lasts 40 days, rather than 4 weeks.

The advent season terminates at Christmas, and so its association with Christmas celebrations has ,been very strong. And that is correct. Christmas is the season when the whole world rejoices and celebrates the birth of one person who has meant so much to so many people from so many nations over so many generations.

Christmas is a season of joy; joy that we discover in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ - who came to earth for the salvation of humanity. And there is something special about Christmas - unlike many other celebrations which last a day or two, Christmas is a full season of joy for all and sundry. The Christmas season lasts for at least one month - the month or season of Advent.

Because Christmas is a season of celebration, commercial activity increases during the season.Holiday events, or what we now know as tourism, also increase during the season. So the business or

enjoyment sid.e of Christmas gradually became the identity of the Advent season.

Both Christmas, and the Advent season that leads to it, became objects of leisure.

However, in the light of events happening in our world now, we need to look at the history of Advent again. Let us see from history the spiritual value of Advent, and ask if that value is still relevant to us in this age.

Even though we may not be able to say exactly when the celebration of Advent was first introduced in the Christian church, it is generally believed that Advent began on November 11 (St Martinis Day) at some time in the fifth century. It started in the form of a six-week fast leading to Christmas. Advent was originally a time to reflect and prepare for Christmas similarly to how Lent is in preparation for Easter.

In fact, Advent was sometimes referred to as the Winter Lent; lasting just as long as the traditional Lent.Later, the duration of the Advent season was reduced to four weeks. And later, the element of fasting was removed from the Advent season.

Why did these changes happen? It was to remove or relax the restrictions that Advent brings to Christians at Christmas. It was to make it easy for Christians to join in the merrymaking of the Christmas season. But our Lord warned us about merrymaking.

He says, Matthew 24:37-39 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

To be continued next week

livingword

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

You are ordained for exemption! (2) IN last week’s teaching, we discovered that until we have an understanding of the mystery behind our exemption, we cannot experience it. We also learnt that our understanding of scriptures boosts our faith and confidence, and they in turn establish our exemption in Christ Jesus. In this week’s edition, we shall be exploring The Root of our Exemption in Christ Jesus.

First, we must recognise that Israel was described as the church in the wilderness.

As it is written: This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us (Acts 7:37-38).This means that the church in the wilderness is a picture of the Church of Christ today and by redemption, we are partakers of what the Israelites enjoyed in the Bible days.

Remember the Bible says: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).

Therefore, by redemption, we are made spiritual Jews and as such, whatever happened to them, in the positive, is what is ordained to happen to us in the now.

For instance, that church was gloriously exempted from the evil tides of their time;

therefore, we are ordained to be exempted from all evils. If God made a difference that time, He will make a difference today (Malachi 3:6).

How was the Church in the Wilderness Exempted?

Exemption from Decadence and Stench: It is written: And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth. And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be. (Exodus 8:2223) Flies connote stench and rottenness; but God said, “I will make a difference between My people and your people.” God severed between His people and the Egyptians in the Bible days. Therefore, don’t think rottenness because people and situation are going rotten; instead, think exemption because that is where we belong (Proverbs 23:7).

Business Exemption: The Bible says: And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children’s of Israel (Exodus 9:4). All the businesses in Egypt crashed, but God said not one business of the children of Israel would crash. If God made a difference between the businesses of the Israelite and that of the Egyptian, He will do it again today.

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thepolity

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

The economy and the federal question: Matters arising from the Yoruba summit

On Tuesday, December 8, Yoruba self-determination groups such as Afenifere, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Agbekoya and Oodua Foundation converged on the Dome, Akure, Ondo State, to deliberate on the economy of the Yoruba nation and the future of Nigeria. ABIODUN AWOLAJA highlights key issues at the summit.

T

HE second Yoruba summit held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Tuesday, witnessed more participation by different Yoruba self-determination groups such. Elder statesmen, academics, members of the business community and chieftains of Afenifere, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Agbekoya, Oodua Foundation and other Yoruba sociocultural organisations all converged at the Dome, Akure, Ondo State, as a follow up to the first pan-Yoruba summit held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on October 8 this year.

On the occasion where former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines , Dr Yemi Farounbi spoke on the topic, “Economic Downturn and Unemployment in Yoruba land”, there were the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, his deputy, Alhaji Lasis Oluboyo and members of the state executive council; personalities such as Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Sir Olanihun Ajayi , Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olu Falae, General Raji Rasaki, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, Chief Gani Adams, Yinka Odumakin, Dr Kunle Olajide, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, Professor Wale Are-Olaitan, Professor Olajide Oluwasanmi, Honourable Niyi Owolade, Mr Sina Kawonise, Professor Femi Mimiko, Prince Dapo Adelegan, among others, including a retinue of chiefs representing the Alaafin of Oyo, HRM Lamidi Adeyemi.

In his lecture, Farounbi suggested various ways of creating jobs in the South-West geopolitical zone, positing that the popular idea of opening up agriculture as an op-

portunity for creating jobs is erroneous. As he noted, the tendency the world over is to reduce the human input in agriculture while increasing the technological input. He said: “ I don’t think that we should deploy the doctors to go and work in the farms, unless you have an Abiye centre there. Papa Awolowo started the farm settlement, a concept that came from Israel, which Israel is still using today, making every community an optimum (opticum).

We need to revive the dead industries and restructure our education. The warehouses have become churches. If you go where TELL magazine used to be, an industrial steam, you are not going to find one industry there all the big industries have migrated to Ghana or they are no longer functioning.”

While noting that countries all over the world make more money from financial services than from crude oil, an area which the Yoruba could look into, Farounbi stated that Philippine, a small country consisting of 7,104 Islands, provides about 28 per cent of all the seafarers in the world, wondering why Yoruba land could not follow such an example. As he observed, “We have in Yoruba land a coastline that can in fact not only be used to develop not only a port but a virile maritime industry. And we have a subsisting law in Nigeria called the Cabotage Act that makes it possible for the shipping industry to be profitable. The Act says that all trades with the outside world must first consult a Nigerian ship owner as the first point of call. That is, it is only when Nigerian ships are unable to carry your goods that you take it to others. But don’t forget of course that the Nigerian shipping line is

dead.”

The former Ambassador also dwelt on the need to move from what he called ornamental education to technical, saying that rethinking vocational and technical training is the easiest way to prepare people for employment. “ We have graduates of mechanical engineering that have probably not seen a piston before; graduates of marketing that cannot do a proposal for an advertising agency,” he regretted. He also noted that alumni of various secondary schools could pull resources together and establish cottage industries in them.

The federalism question In his address on the occasion, Governor Mimiko said extempore: “All the good things in Nigeria started from Yoruba land. When television started in Western Region, Southern France was yet to have it. Im happy with your meeting in Ibadan because you emphasised the need for all Yoruba to come together. We cannot all be in the same party but God has made all of us members of Yoruba party. We are all concerned about the unity of the Yoruba. We must not relent until we all have a single, united summit of all Yoruba.”

While insisting that the Nigerian nation could not move forward unless the country was restructured in line with the resolutions of the 2104 National Conference were implemented, Mimiko submitted that most of the recommendations in the Farounbi lecture still boiled Continues

pg 47

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thepolity

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

What happens to Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities?

Continued from

pg 46

down to the need for federalism. He said: “You spoke us outsourcing but our dakudaji (epileptic) internet cannot do it. Nobody would outsource anything to you with the level of ICT infrastructure. So we need to be invest heavily in ICT infrastructure to be able to do what you are talking about sir.

“If Ondo State hypothetically was an independent country—and we have been here now for seven years—by now, our deep seaports would be running, our bitumen would have been exploited. We would have created so much jobs, without all the hassles of a unitary constitution imposed upon us. I have said it: if you want to make a quantum leap in Nigeria, not all this snail work, all this tokenism that we call development—if we are in a hurry to meet up with the rest of the world, we must do something about the structure of this federation.

Mimiko observed that if government must lift the people out of poverty and make them live as God intended them to live, the Nigerian federation needed to be restructured. The Yoruba nation, he said, was in a hurry for development, and not interested in using statistics to torture people. What the nation needed, he said, was selfevident development, adding that in the area of security, Nigeria was too big to be run by a unified police force.

He noted that the Ondo State government had previously tried to implement some of the suggestions raised in the lecture but had been frustrated by the subsisting constitution.

His words: “Some of these issues you raised, sir, are exciting, because we have tried some of these before. But each time, we get frustrated by this unified, militarised, unitary system. Restructuring is the way to go: you restructure Nigeria so that everybody can grow at his own pace. Even as I speak to you now, beyond certain capacity of power generation, you have to feed it into the national grid. Who is going to make that kind of investment? We are building a power sub-plant in Ore, but you have to feed the generation into the national grid, not to talk of the monopolistic distribution companies that are frustrating everybody. Yes we will continue to have this kind of development where you need experts to actually write books to convince you that you are developing. Restructuring will solve the problem of MASSOB. The restructuring consensus Various speakers at the summit all concurred with Mimiko’s submission. Olanihun Ajayi, who spoke after Mimiko, urged the planning committee headed by Dr Kunle Olajide to bring all the Yoruba governors together, as well as invite distinguished Yoruba women and academics to future summits. “Poverty and indeed unemployment should not be in the Yoruba nation. Things started crumbling when the soldiers came. And those who are causing disunity and disaffection among us are actively at work. Not all our governors embrace elders; one of those who do is Governor Mimiko. You governors should please not allow politics to divide you. You must listen to us elders and utilise our experience. I want Kunle and his team to arrange a meeting between us and the governors. But if they say they don’t want to see us because they have too much power, that would be another thing. But Mimiko is not like that. Look at his activities; look at this place we are now.

Olanihun stressed the need for the governors of the South-West states to invest in agricultural produce at the local government level, so that farmers of yams, rice, pepper and so on could thrive in the zone. “We used to have cattle farms in Oyo North. The University of Ibadan Agric department used to have a cattle farm. May God help our governors,” he said, yielding the floor to Bishop Gbonigi, who noted that the system currently in place in Nigeria could not help its cause. “We should press hard until we have Yoruba region, so that we can develop at our own pace and therefore create a situation whereby we have healthy competition among the regions of Nigeria, which will help the whole country to develop fast,” he said.

However, Gani Adams, reacting to Olanihun’s position, pointed out that, historically, not all the big names in a society lead a people to the land of promise. Some leaders of the South-West, he noted, were fighting for their meal ticket, and not to liberate others. “It is not all governors

President Muhammadu Buhari

that will love Yoruba like the governor of Ondo State, who fully backed us at the conference. He subsidised our hotel accommodation and gave us a secretariat, then I discovered that he was sincere. The important thing is for this summit to be held every three months. I’m not saying our fathers should not meet with the opposition, because of the day of history, but I am sure that not all of them believe what you believe,” he said, while advocating the need to print thousands of copies of the National Conference resolutions for free, in order for people to key into them.

Ayo Adebanjo, speaking next, concurred with Adams’ position, while urging other Yoruba leaders to attend summit meetings, however old. “The Yoruba,” he noted, “can never lack Dr Farounbi’s type because Awolowo already did the job before he left. Backing Olanihun’s call for the coming together of the South-West governors, Adebanjo said the Yoruba leaders knew those causing disaffection in the zone.

He said: “Gani Adams already pointed out that not all governors love the Yoruba, like Mimiko; may God preserve his life. We are proud of Mimiko’s great job in Yoruba land and it reminds us of Awolowo. This Dome is a wonder. We have all been talking of restructuring and autonomy for Yoruba land for a long time. Before we had the 2014 National Conference, some governors who formulated the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) had falsely accused Mimiko of being opposed to the integration in Yoruba land and the country because he refused to join their party. They said all sorts of evil things against Mimiko and you would think that they were really concerned about integration. However, when we got to the conference, they were the first to oppose us.

They distributed leaflets against our position and other conference participants told us: “You Yoruba are talking of regionalisation at this conference, but you are really not united.” We have indeed seen a lot.”

Also speaking on the occasion, Chief Olu Falae expressed delight that, for the first time in recent years, the Yoruba spoke with one single and powerful voice and Nigeria took notice. He noted that, as chairman of the Yoruba delegation to the 2014 National Conference, he could not help but conclude that it was a divine arrangement. In a disputations and cantankerous society like Nigeria where there is a dispute over any and everything, he said, it was a miracle that the conference reached over 600 decisions by consensus. He added that in certain areas, the Yoruba delegation even came back with better things than it went with.

Hear him: “We went there to ask for a return to West-

ern Region but two Yoruba states were sceptical: one said it would not return to Ibadan and the other said it wanted its own region. However, we were able to negotiate and obtain approval for any group of states wishing to merge by voting in a referendum, to do so. In other words, the six states can vote and become one single state. We also got approval for the opposite: the states in Yoruba land, for instance, can disband if they find it difficult to live together.

“This is flexible regional government that allows us to experiment. The Conference granted for a Constitutional Zonal Commission under which the six states can do virtually anything they want to do; it granted approval for state police, state Court of Appeal and for each state to develop its minerals. If the report of that conference is implemented substantially, the restructuring that Governor Mimiko advocates, which we all support, will come into existence.”

According to Dr Olajide, Yoruba Summit is still evolving, it is work in progress. Yoruba socio-political and socio-cultural groups are welcome to the ‘club of conveners’.

“The aim is to enable the rainbow coalition of the leadership of Yoruba organisations to speak with one voice on matters of interest to the Yoruba Nation. It is non politically partisan, it is not sponsored by any political party. It is a coalition of the leadership of willing Yoruba socio-political and socio-cultural organisations united in the quest to protect and advance the Yoruba interest in a truly federal republic of Nigeria. The summit is irrevocably committed to the restructuring of Nigeria.

He added: “The various organisations whose leadership constitute the summit still retain their individual identity and continue their regular activities. The summit is merely a coalition of the leadership of the organisations. They will meet periodically to appraise the position of Yoruba land in our country.

“I believe most prominent Yoruba leaders of the ruling party have not been very visible in the summit presumably, because they are still preoccupied with forming government and settling down with the task of running government. Some of the very best Yoruba sons and daughters are holding important positions in the Buhari administration. We know they will give a good account of themselves in the characteristic Yoruba tradition. Some members of the ruling party were in attendance at the last summit.

Rounding off the summit, the Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said “’ Yorubas are aware of the dangers ahead and unless we can come together, we shall be facing a very serious problem.”

Matters arising from the summit With the position of the Yoruba leaders at the summit to reach out to the Bola Tinubu political grouping in the zone, which currently appears locked in a supremacy battle with the Afenifere leadership, boasting its powers as the current government in the country, the South-West promises to be a theatre of hire-wired politics in the coming months. For one thing, it is yet unclear if Tinubu, who had expressed stiff opposition to the 2014 National Conference, would shift position, or whether some of his lieutenants, forced by the dire economic realities in the country, would shift increasingly towards the Afenifere camp, and join the call for the implementation of the 2014 National Conference report.

At the national level, as the agitation by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) gathers steam in the South-East and Boko Haram continues its plunder in the North, the Yoruba Summit spearheaded by the Publicity Secretary of the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Dr Kunle Olajide with strong backing from Governor Mimiko, is likely together more ammunition to press forward in its fight to unbundle the current skewed structure of the Nigerian federation, particularly as the Nigerian populace gets increasingly dissatisfied with President Muhammadu Buhari’s perceived slow pace. However, if, as Ayo Adebanjo suggested at the Akure Summit, President Buhari does not listen to the current agitation because his own people are the major beneficiaries of the present skewed structure of the country, then the 2019 general election will be just like the 2015 general election, far from a contest strictly between the ruling APC and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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13 December, 2015

children’sarena Fun facts about Christmas tree

C

hristmas trees are used during Christmas time and they are also known as Yule-tree.

•Christmas trees are evergreen trees, usually either a pine tree or spruce tree.

•It is believed that decorating Christmas tree originated from 16th Century Germany when Christians would bring decorated into their homes.

•Christmas trees were first decorated with food such as apples, nuts and dates.

•In the 18th Century, Christmas trees began being decorated with candles.

•Electric Christmas tree light was first used in 1895.

•The tallest Christmas trees ever displayed was in Seattle Washington in 1950 and the Christmas tree was 221 feet tall.

•Most Christmas trees are grown on the farms. They are considered to be agricultural produce.

•There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas trees in the U.S and over 100,000 people are employed full or part time in the industry.

The family is both the fundamental unit of society as well as the root of culture. It is a perpetual source of encouragement, advocacy, assurance, and emotional refuelling that empowers a child to venture with confidence into the greater world and to become all that he can be.

MARIANNE E. NEIFERT, Dr. Mom's Parenting Guide

Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 0807 449 7425

My best teacher Oludare Priscilla Kehinde, 15 years The name of my best teacher is Mr Yakubu Adebanji. He teaches Government and Civic Education. He is dark in complexion and he is short. Mr Yakubu, as popularly called by both students and teachers is loved for his diligence, honesty and advice to students.

He is my school’s registrar too. I like him because he is hardworking; he loves young ones and he is a serious-minded person.

Okunade David Temitope, 16years The name of my best teacher is Mr Adedigba. He teaches English Language. The reason I like him is because he is God fearing, industrious and indefatigable. His explanations are always lucid; he carries everyone along, he is unique, honest and wonderful. He does not condone indolence or any act of laziness. His gentility and modesty make everyone respect him. His lifestyle and modesty are something I fancy about him and I wish to replicate such when I am grown-up. He takes every student as his child. He is a disciplinarian, he is one of the few teachers who are devoted to their profession in this present age. He is such a wonderful man.

Merry Christmas in advance

Quote of the week

Sunday Tribune

Akande Temilayo Ololade, 16 years

The name of my best teacher is Mr. Adedigba he teaches English Language. He is gentle, does not get angry easily, and forgives easily. He treats me like his child and he does to other students too. He fondly calls me ‘my friend’. He smiles a lot just like me, and he corrects with love.

He teaches with passion, and I know that he wants the b e s t for us through his character and behaviour towards the students.

Ajala Oluwabukunmi Funmilola, 15 years

The name of my best teacher is Mr Fakorede Francis Olaide.

He teaches English Language. I like him because of the way he teaches and the way he explains topics. Not only that, he always calls me his younger sister and advises me on my academics. Whenever he wants to teach, he makes sure all his students are attentive

before teaching.

Atiba Adedayo Joel, 16years The name of my best teacher

is Mr Ayankosho. He teach- e s Civic Education. I like him because he is very nice, jovial and committed to his work. He helps students to achieve their goals in life. He sees every student as his son or daughter. Mr. Ayankosho also teaches English Language. He is very creative, brilliant and he has good expressions.

Alamu Faitfulness Temitope, 16years The name of my best teacher is Mr Elewode. He teaches Mathematics. He explains deeply whatever topic he teaches and makes sure he touches all aspects of the topic, even if some of those aspects are not in our scheme of work.

He is honest and truthful. He often schedules classes on Saturdays just to cover the syllabus or to expatiate on various topics which are difficult to understand by the students. He is friendly, but serious when it comes to his work.

Respondents are students of Maryland Catholic Grammar School, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

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news

13 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Crowd of supporters hold Akpabio hostage at Etiebet’s funeral

Oyo State deputy governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo (middle); Dr Gbade Ojo (second right); proprietor of Ibadan City Polytechnic, Mr Amos Ajanaku (second left) and others, at the commissioning of the private entrepreneurship polytechnic, in Ibadan, Oyo State. Photo: Olaide Sokoya.

Warri stands still for new monarch As Buhari commends Itsekiris for peaceful transition EbenezerAdurokiya-Warri

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t was pompand circumstance at the coronation ceremony of the new monarch of Warri Kingdom, Oba Godfrey Ikenwoli Emiko, at the ancestral home of the Itsekiri nation, Ode-Itsekiri, on Saturday.

Oba Emiko was crowned the 20th traditional ruler of the kingdom by the Olaraja of Jakpa (oldest community head) and head of the Ologbosere family amid ovation and several canon shots.

As early as 6a.m. on Saturday, several boats and barges were deployed to convey people from all walks of life to Ode-Itskekiri for the once-in-a-lifetime event.

Vehicular movement was restricted from Esisi road and Warri Central Hospital junction, while a combined team of soldiers, naval personnel, the police, civil defence and other paramilitary officials with patrol vehicles, gunboats and choppers ensured security.

Speaking at the coronation ceremony, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, David Babashir Lawal, said the fact that no Itsekiri son or daughter was implicated in the corruption scandal involving political office holders, was a testimony to the

character and integrity of the Itsekiri nation.

He admonished the new monarch to consolidate his predecessor’s efforts at entrenching peace and harmony among the Itsekiris and their neighbours.

The governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, in his remarks, thanked the Itsekiris for the smooth transition from an old dispensation to a new one without rancour, saying that it depicted the peace pervading the entire kingdom.

Okowa described the new monarch as a square peg in a square hole, enjoining him to pursue peace and harmony

with Itsekiri’s neighbours.

The newly crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who also graced the occasion, said it was a new dawn in Itsekiri land and Ile-Ife, with the crowning of a new monarch.

“Today’s an important day for me. I’m happy to be here.

I just came to be physically present today. The strong relationship between Ile-Ife and Itsekiri dated centuries.

The relationship still exists and will exist forever,” the Ooni noted.

The newly crowned monarch of Warri Kingdom, Oba Emiko, in his remarks, pledged to make himself

Ekiti lawmakers: No apology for loyalty, support for Fayose Sam Nwaoko -Ado-Ekiti The 26 members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly have said that they have no apology for showing “absolute loyalty” to Governor Ayodele Fayose of the state by their support for his government and its policies.

The lawmakers, who addressed newsmen in Ado Ekiti in reaction to a statement by the spokesperson of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, who alleged that they allowed Governor Fayose to breach protocol in the house, said they had no regrets supporting

Fayose to meet the needs of Ekiti people.

The chairman of the House Committee on Information, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, who addressed journalists on behalf of the members, said “nothing will forever prevent us from standing by Ekiti people and Governor Fayose, because it is through the grace of God and his (Fayose) grace that we are here.”

The lawmakers, who described Chief Olatunbosun as “a hypocrite”, said “the APC should know that the House of Assembly is not one that will collaborate with the executive to run the

Ajimobi commends Ibadan City Poly management

By Olaide Sokoya The authorities of the newly commissioned private polytechnic in Ibadan, Ibadan City Polytechnic, have been commended for implementing some of the main goals of Oyo State in promoting technical education.

This commendation was made by Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimo-

available to the people, and thanked his people for the confidence reposed in him, promising to surpass the achievement of his predecessor.

Other dignitaries at the occasion include APC chieftain, Senator Bola Tinubu; former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme; the governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomohle; his Lagos counterpart, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, represented by Mrs Lola Akande, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; the Obi of Onitsha, and other royal fathers from all parts of the country.

bi, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, who appreciated the school management for their contribution to the growth of education in the state.

In his keynote message at the inauguration of the institution, held at the school campus, Alakia Isebo, Ibadan, recently, the proprietor of the institution, Mr Amos Ajanaku,

noted that the school is set to commence full operations so as to reduce the high rate of admission challenges in the state and the country at large.

He added that the school has also been able to provide job opportunities for Nigerian graduates and higher degree holders, especially in the state, and would focus more on entrepreneurship education.

state aground as done under the APC government,” adding: “instead of them to face issues, especially concerning their party that is almost going into extinction in Ekiti and the cluelessness going on in Abuja, they have turned themselves into Governor Fayose’s advisers on mode of dressing and public presentation.”

Olatunbosun had lampooned the Ekiti lawmakers in a recent statement, saying that they allowed “Governor Ayodele Fayose to act against protocol in the presentation of the 2016 Appropriation Bill in the hallowed chambers on Wednesday.”

The lawmakers stated that it was not their fault “that APC does not have a single member in the House of Assembly.

“What has what Governor Fayose wears got to do with governance? What did Ekiti people gain from the four years ‘agbada-wearing’ government of APC apart from monumental debt that will take the state up till year 2036 to pay?” the lawmakers queried.

Thousands of supporters of the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, literally held him hostage on Friday, at the funeral of the former governor of the old Cross River State, Chief Donald Dick Etiebet, in Ikot Ekpuk, Oruk Anam Local Government Area.

The supporters who got wind that the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State would attend the burial of late Etiebet, on sighting his convoy blocked the road and forced him to walk a distance of about three kilometres to the deceased’s compound.

However, the crowd became uncontrollable when the former Petroleum Minister and brother of the deceased, Atuekong Don Etiebet, stepped out to receive Senator Akpabio and walked hand-in-hand with him into his house.

It will be recalled that in the run up to the last elections, both Atuekong Etiebet and Akpabio belonged to different political camps with the former Minister defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing thousands of his supporters from the balcony of Etiebet’s House, Senator Akpabio, whose election was upheld by the Appeal Court on the same day, thanked the youths for their support and said his victory would spur him to do more for his constituents.

In his tribute to the deceased, Akpabio described the late former governor as a political trailblazer, a man of peace, a consensus builder and a great statesman, who would be sorely missed, and promised to build a Civic Centre which would be named after the former Senator.

Senator Akpabio, accompanied by the eldest son of the deceased, Barrister Aniekan Etiebet, later paid homage to the late former governor by offering prayers at his graveside.

Rivers poll: A’Court judgment proves allegation of electoral fraud by PDP —APC chieftain Anthony Ubong -Calabar National Vice Chairman, South-South, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Hilliard Eta, has said the recent Appeal Court verdict which nullified the March 28 election of all of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senators in Rivers State, further vindicates the party of an earlier position that the election in Rivers state was massively rigged in favour of the PDP candidates, using all known state apparatchik.

Eta said in a statement signed by his media aide, Bassey Ita, that the PDP approached the polls with high level brigandage and fraud which robbed the APC of the governance of the state, much as it robbed the people of the state of good governance.

He congratulated the APC candidates on their victory and prayed that God would help to restore their stolen mandate.

On the Appeal Court verdict in the suit between Senator Godswill Akpabio of the PDP and Mr. Inibehe Okorie of the APC over the Ikot Ekpene senatorial polls, APC chieftain said though the party received the verdict in good faith, the best verdict was that passed by the conscience of the people.

Implement national conference outcome, Eze Ndigbo tells Buhari Kola Oyelere -Kano THE Eze Ndigbo of Kano, Igwe Boniface Ibekwe, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to look into implementation of the outcome of National Conference, saying it would go a long way in dousing the agitation for the actualisation of Biafra, as well as solve other issues threatening the corporate existence of the country.

This is just as Ibekwe said the Igbos in Diaspora were not in support of the demonstrations carried about by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), noting that they still believed in the indivisibility of one Nigeria.

Ibekwe further called on the federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the IPOB radio, saying that his release would automatically douse the present tension in the South East.

Ibekwe stated further that the South East was being marginalised in all ramifications, as there were no good roads and concrete development, calling on the federal government to look into the various appointments made so far, which could be resolved if the outcome of the National conference is implemented .

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Oyo CP, Lekan Balogun, others to be honoured by BPYF

By Segun Adebayo

From left, the Sabigana of Iganna, Oba Soliu Oyemonla; the treasurer, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State council, Mrs Dayo Owolabi; the chairman, Planninig Committee, 2015 Press Week, Pastor Sulaiman Olanrewaju and the Vice-President, B-Zone, NUJ, Comrade Cosmas Olalekan Oni, at the Pen Nite of Oyo NUJ, held at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Friday.

A non-governmental organisation, Bibire Patriotic Youth Forum (BPYF), has concluded arrangements to honour the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Mr Leye Oyebade, Senator Lekan Balogun, Honourable Temitope Sugar and others for their immense contributions to the development of the society.

A release made available to Sunday Tribune at the weekend and signed by the president of the organisation, Prince Adebiyi Adewale, stated that the awardees who had distinguished themselves as men and women of unquestionable character would be honourned during its second year anniversary which holds on December 19, at Event Arena, Morayo Hotel, Agbowo, Ibadan.

According to Prince Adewale, “the individuals who will be honoured have continued to contribute largely to the development of the society, hence the decision of our organisation to recognise their impactful contributions and laudable achievements in their areas of specialisation, with the view that it would encourage them to even do more.”

A former Deputy Director of The Polytechnic Ibadan, Dr N.A Adebayo, among other speakers, would deliver a lecture on ‘‘The Role of Youth in Grassroots Development.’’

Fear God in your activities, Sanusi calls on Nigerians The Emir of Dutse, Jigawa State, Alhaji Nuhu Sunusi, has called on Nigerians to fear God in their activities and live in accordance with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

The Emir stated this in a speech during a Durbar to mark his 20th anniversary on the throne, on Saturday, in Dutse.

The traditional ruler also urged the people to be fair, just, as well as obey their leaders and respect constituted authority.

He called on his subjects to seek Islamic and western education, while parents should ensure good upbringing of their children.

Sunusi advised parents to ensure that they enrolled their children in school.

FG trains 100 graduates under GIS From Yinka Oladoyinbo And Newton-Ray Ukwuoma

Former President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Lanre Ogundipe (left); assisted by the NUJ chairman, Mr Gbenga Opadotun (right), while presenting an award to Mr Adeniji Kolawole (middle), at the Pen Nite of 2015 Press Week, held at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Friday.

PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU

Bishop Kukah justifies Biafra’s agitation, urges Buhari to broker peace with Kanu Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

T

HE Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Matthew Kukah, on Friday, said those agitating for a breakaway Biafra Republic from Nigeria have the right to do so and should not be crucified for it.

He contended that since each individual had inalienable right to pursue his or her goal in life, the ongoing agitation for the Republic of Biafra by Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) was legitimate.

Speaking on the topic: “The Pursuit of Happiness: Some Thoughts On Human Rights, Freedom And Justice In Nigeria,” at the 41st Convocation Lecture of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, the cleric advised President Mohammadu Buhari to broker peace with the director of Radio Biafra,

Nnamdi Kanu, in order to ensure peace.

Kukah noted that the arrest of Kanu by security operatives compelled multitude of people across the globe to embark on protests for his release, stressing that neither President

Buhari nor any governor in Nigeria could command the large number of people that Kanu brought out.

According to him, “this country cannot continue this way. MASSOB has the right to seek Biafra since we have freedom of expres-

sion. The problem of Nigeria should not be with Kanu, but should be with those who left the door opened.

The president of Nigeria or any governor, unless he pays, cannot bring out the number of people that Kanu brought out.

...Agitation, a move to frustrate Buhari’s fight against corruption —Unongo Johnson Babajide-Makurdi

FORMER Minister of Power and Steel in the Second Republic, Wartaregh Paul Unongo, has stated that the violent agitation of the Republic of Biafra by some youths of Igbo extraction is a move to frustrate the war against corruption by President Muhammad Buhari.

The former minister, who was speaking to newsmen in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, at the weekend, stated

that the change mantra was what beneficiaries of the old system was resisting and opposing and were actively organising the unsuspecting youths.

Unongo noted that the sponsors of the Biafra agitators wanted the Buhari-led administration to continue with the manner their kith and kins dominated the administration of Goodluck Jonathan, which he alleged, brought the nation to jer knees as being revealed in sev-

eral billions of naira were looted, according t media reports.

He queried the manner of marginalisation the Igbos were complaining about in the present administration when, according to him, ‘‘all the five South-Eastern states representing Igbo race ‘Biafra,’ are represented in Buhari’s cabinet in addition to other critical appointments in the public parastatals and boards, despite not voting for Buhari or APC in the last general election.’’

The Federal Ministry of Finance, on Thursday, commenced the training of no fewer than 100 graduates under the Graduates Internship Scheme (GIS) to enable beneficiaries to contribute to the economic development of the country.

The training, which took place in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, and tagged: ‘‘Career Development and Entrepreneurship Skills,” was meant to further enrich the graduates that had completed one year internship.

The consultant handling the programme, Timothy Gandu, said the beneficiaries, at the end of the training, were expected to either be employable anywhere in the world or be able to set up their own businesses.

According to him, government had set a target of about 50, 000 graduates as beneficiaries of the programme to further add to the poverty alleviation programmes through which the Federal Government had been assisting the youths of the country.

He said the programme was meant to give the graduates the necessary skills needed for them to satisfy the requirements of being employable.

Gandu noted that the programme was designed for graduates that were not above 45 years, saying it would give them the skills needed in a work place to be able to put into practice what they learnt.

Also, interns on the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) have been charged to optimise the training opportunity funded by the Federal Government to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Director of GIS, Mr P. M. Papka, who gave the charge in a speech delivered by the Managing Director, Geomatics Nigeria Ltd and Consultant of GIS, Dr Festus Akindunni, at the opening session of the training, at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, during the week, admonished interns to leverage on the one-year employability and entrepreneurial skills acquisition programme in becoming employers of labour.

He said: “Government has confirmed its commitment to finding solutions to youth unemployment by adopting and funding the scheme from the regular budget, with the belief that facilitating the enhancement of graduate employability and entrepreneurial skills will make them prospective employers of labour.’’

MATO MATO INDESIGN FOLDER/ST NEWS PAGE 3 /K2/USERS/PUBLIC 1

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Adeboye to Christians: Remain resolute in serving God

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the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Christians to remain resolute in their service to God, in spite the challenges being experienced in the country.

He gave the advice in a telecast to congregation at the 2015 Holy Ghost Congress, tagged: “Floodgates of Heaven”, an annual event of the church at the Redemption Camp, LagosIbadan Expressway on Sat-

urday.

He encouraged Christians not to despair, saying that the challenges would “soon be over”.

The religious leader, who made reference to 2Kings, chapter 7, 1-11, noted that it was not God’s will for Christians to experience stagnation in life.

He described stagnation as a setback in a man’s life which should not be allowed to thrive, saying that stagnation could be caused by the mindset of an individual.

“Stagnation could also be

caused by forces beyond a person’s control, ” he said.

The General Overseer, however, said that “when God opens the windows of heaven, stagnation will come to an end and progress will become evident in the life of the believers.

“With the windows of heaven open, destitution will give way to abundance and abundance is not just having billions; rather it is having more than you need.

“The hopeless will begin to sing new songs of victory as a result of a turnaround

in the scheme of things.”

Pastor Adeboye identified Sarah and Martha in the Bible as examples of people who rejoiced with songs of victory as a result of God’s miracles in their life.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many dignitaries including the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo; Lagos State Governor and his Ondo State counterpart, Mr Akinwumi Ambode and Dr Olusegun Mimiko also attended the programme.

House of Representatives member, Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu (third left); and his wife, Adenike (middle), flanked by both the Alaye of Odogbolu, Oba Adedeji Onagoruwa (second left); his wife, (left) and Chief Kessington Adebutu (second right) and his wives during the installation of the lawmaker as Otunba Nawoola in Odogbolu.

55 nations participate in Shiloh 2015 convention —Oyedepo NO fewer than 55 countries across the globe were represented at the annual Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) prayer convention held at Canaan Land in Ota, Ogun State.

The president and founder of the church, Bishop David Oyedepo, disclosed this on Saturday at the close of the fiveday prayer convention entitled: “Shiloh 2015.”

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who monitored the live telecast of the programme in Abuja, reports that Oyedepo appreciated God for the successful conclusion of the convention.

The clergy disclosed that delegation from the foreign nations to the camping ground was more than 3,000.

Oyedepo said that from the church records, more than one million worshippers participated in the convention at various local churches telecast centres across the globe.

He said that the church would embark on the construction of a multi-million naira “Faith Theatre’’.

The project, according to the cleric, is “novel’’, and would have a 100,000 seating capacity-auditorium.

NAN reports that a threeminutes video clip of the ar-

chitectural design of the project showed that it contained shopping malls, modern camping accommodation, fuelling station, car parks, bookshops, baptismal pool, among others.

The clergy expressed the belief in God that the project would be completed in good

time.

He recalled that the church had recorded a similar feat in 1999, with the construction of its present site with a 50,000 capacity auditorium within 12 months.

He also disclosed that the next year prayer convention

would hold from December 6 to 10.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 1,000 residents of Jos South Local Government in Plateau on Saturday besieged the Living Faith Church, Rantya, Plateau, for the closing events of Shiloh 2015.

Seyi Makinde empowers 120 widows, initiates transport scheme

By Tunde Ogunesan Governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde on Saturday doled out over N.6m in an empowerment programme for 120 widows across the length and breadth of the state.

Not less than 120 widows were given stipends of N5,000 each, with transport fare back to their various destinations in the project. Other people who were not initially included under the widows’ project also found favour as Makinde ordered the coordinators of the project to make provision for them in the scheme.

The recipients, it was gathered, were selected in tens through a radio programme

“Omi tuntun widows’ empowerment programme” anchored by veteran broadcaster, Olalomi Amole on Amuludun and Premier FM stations in Ibadan.

In addition, a group of businessmen known as First Gbagi Ogunpa Market Traders joint Association (a.k.a Alliance) were also presented with a commuter bus, a promise Makinde revealed he made to the group during the electioneering campaign.

While addressing the recipients, Makinde disclosed that the turnout which cut across the nook and cranny of the state confirmed the fact that people were listening to the programmes and conscious of events around them.

He informed the recipients that Omi Tuntun project had

continually proved that it was not only set up as a campaign machinery, but to cater for the underprivileged in the society. The former governorship aspirant under the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) also enjoined the well-to-dos in the society to look in the ways of the underprivileged, saying “that is the only way our society can be better.”

He promised that Omi Tuntun would continue to improve on the project to make it outlive his political ambition.

He also used the occasion to launch Seyi Makinde empowerment scheme, where over 25 micra cars would be distributed to people, in phases.

He then used the occasion to launch the first phase of the scheme.

Sunday Tribune

Peace returns to warring towns in Niger Adelowo Oladipo-Minna Peace has finally returned to warring Izom and Lambata towns in Gurara Local Government area of Niger State, as stakeholders in the communal face-off yesterday agreed to sheath their swords.

Decision for a truce was reached by stakeholders from the two communities at a peace meeting at the instance of the state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello at the government house, Minna.

The face-off, which had lingered for quite sometime now over cattle market days between the two communities, got to climax last Tuesday when youths from one of the warring towns blocked the ever busy Minna-Suleja highway for more than six hours, causing heavy traffic.

Travellers were stranded for hours until police operatives attached to the state Police Command cleared the blockage.

The stakeholders at the peace meeting, in a five-point resolution signed by the traditional leaders (Hakimi) of the two towns, two other representatives from each of the towns and the state chairman of Miyeti Allah (a panFulani), agreed to bury their differences and allow peace reign in the area.

They agreed that the two cattle markets in Izom and Lambata be allowed to operate simultaneously without any hinderance or acrimony among the communities.

The meeting also resolved that the communities would live in peace and harmony with one another, while the leaders of the two towns were mandated to ensure peace in the area.

It was also agreed that the state government should enforce law and order in the two communities, with a view to bringing law breakers to book.

At the wake of the Minna-Suleja road blockage last Tuesday, the state government had warned of its zero tolerance to law breaking.

Aregbesola, Oyinlola, Omisore, Momodu, others to attend Obalufe’s burial

By Abiodun Awolaja Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race will, on Friday, December 18, play host to eminent Nigerians as the late Obalufe of Ife, Oba Samuel Folorunso Omisakin, is committed to mother earth.

The head of the Ife traditional council, who was aged 85, had died on October 15 this year as the process for the selection of a new Ooni of Ife intensified, following the demise of his Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade on July 28 this year.

Family sources hinted that the rigour of the selection process might have affected his health.

Eldest son of the deceased, Prince Diran Omisakin, disclosed to Sunday Tribune that the Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, his predecessor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Osun State deputy governor, Dr Iyiola Omisore; Senator Babajide Omoworare, Honourable Jide Adeogun; Ovation magazine publisher, Dele Momodu and another seasoned journalist and publisher, Dele Ageksmeh, as well as dignitaries from all over the country are billed to attend the burial.

Xmas shopping: Avoid last hour rush, NSCDC Kaduna warns residents Muhammadu Sabiu-Kaduna The Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kaduna command, has called on residents of the state to be careful during the Yuletide’s last minute shopping, warning that some unscrupulous elements may want to take advantage of the rush to cause mayhem.

This was contained in a press statement issued to newsmen in the state at the weekend and signed by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Orndiir Terzungwe.

The statement quoted the state Commandant, Alhaji Modu Bunu, as saying that, “the tactics of insurgents were no longer entirely new, as extremists would always want to exploit festive period to generate greater casualties.”

It also noted that the warning had became necessary following intelligence reports that extremists had plotted to cause serious human and material damage in the state during this year’s Yuletide.

The statement assured that the NSCDC was working tirelessly to dislodge bad elements in the state.

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sport

SUNDAY

Sunday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Enyimba, Wolves, Nasarawa, Akwa get continental opponents NIGERIA champions Enyimba will take on Vipers of Uganda in the preliminary round of next year’s CAF Champions League as Warri Wolves will face Praia Cruz from Cape Verde.

The matches will be played between February 12 and 28, 2016.

Two-time African champions, Enyimba will first play away to Vipers before they welcome the Uganda champions to the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba. The overall winners will keep a date with the winners of the preliminary round matches between Lioli of Lesotho and Vital ‘O from Burundi in March.

Wolves will host the first leg with the overall winners facing Al Merriekh of Sudan in the next round of the competition.

This followed Friday’s draw for the continent’s two major club competitions, the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup. Also, Nigeria’s two representatives in the CAF Confederation Emenike challenged by an opponent during a game in UAE.

I always believe in my goalscoring ability —Emenike A

L Ain of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) striker, Emmanuel Emenike has said he has never doubted his ability to score goals despite criticisms.

And the Fenerbahce loanee said he is looking forward to end the year on a higher note after scoring two goals against Al Shaab on Friday in a 4-2 win.

The former Spartak Moscow striker has been criticised for going through a rough patch, but seems he has been able to block out the critics to concentrate on his performance and score goals after he returned from injury.

“I always believe in what I can do most, I don’t doubt myself and it has always worked for me,” Emenike said.

“My last goal at home against Al Ahli has really boosted my spirit and I am building on it with these two goals.

“Scoring goals is my responsibility but my bigger priority is to contribute to the team.

“We are playing well every week, it’s a sign of good form and hopefully working towards being champions again. But it’s not all about an individual but everybody in the team.”

“Every game is important, we

need more points before the year runs out, it will enable us to resume with high confidence to continue from where we stopped, and for me, I aim to end it on high and resume with more goals next year.”

Cup, Nigeria’s Akwa United will take on V.Club Mokanda of Congo as Nasarawa United confronts Generation Foot FC from Senegal in the preliminary round.

Akwa United won a historic Nigeria FA Cup last month to qualify for this annual competition, while Nasarawa finished third in the Nigeria league.

The matches to be played on home and away basis will be played between February 12 and 28.

In the next round of the Confederation Cup, the winners of the match between Akwa and V.Club will face the winners of the clash involving Police of Rwanda and Atlabara from South Sudan.

The winners between Nasarawa United and Generation Foot will take on the winners between CS Constantinois of Algeria.

Those matches are billed for between March 11 to 20.

No Nigerian club has won this competition since it was founded in 2004.

Injured Onazi resumes training

Onazi

NIGERIA international midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi has resumed training with his Italian Serie A side, Lazio after he was sidelined for three weeks by injury.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner resumed full training with the rest of the squad on Friday after he was given a clean bill of health by the club’s doctor Roberto Bianchini.

“Good news for Stefano Mauri and Eddy Onazi, as today (Friday) both athletes resumed training with the rest of the group,” Lazio announced on its website.

Onazi sustained the injury while playing for Nigeria in a 2-0 win over Swaziland on November 17 during a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Zenke eyes more goals

Zenke

FORMER Nigeria junior international, Simon Zenke has promised to score more goals as a top striker for Turkish secondtier league side Karabukspor.

The former Strasbourg striker scored his fifth goal of the season on Friday in Karabukspor’s a 2-1 loss at Elazigspor in a top of the table clash.

“I am playing as a centreforward now, so I am enjoying my football again. I am looking forward to getting more goals because the more a striker is in the front as point man, the more chances he has to score goals,”

said Zenke.

“It was a top of the table clash and we ddin’t deserve to lose, it was unfortunate we lost the game.”

He has now scored two goals in the league and three in the cup.

Meanwhile, Gent new signing, Peter Olayinka has said he is looking forward to a partnership with Nigeria forward Moses Simon at the Belgian champions after he signed a three and a half-year contract.

He said his move to Gent will develop him as a footballer.

“It’s going to be a good one for me to partner Moses Simon, I am looking forward to that because he is a fantastic player and he will lead me through at Gent because he understands the league. I am willing to learn from him,”Olayinka said.

“I am very happy with the deal because I see it as the reward of my hard work. This will motivate me to do more.

“I see Gent as a team where I will develop more as a professional football player because they encourage young players like me.”

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THE Fabio Lanipekun 08050498512

Who “die” Dalung’s dollars in Mali?

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FTER a short break, I welcome you back to this column which didn’t miss much except some inconsequential sorties. But after a long wait, President Muhammadu Buhari finally appointed a Sports Minister, in person of an interesting character, who in revolutionary attire reminds one of Che Gueviara and with his red beret, completes the picture of a no nonsense anti corruption crusader.

Barrister Solomon Dalung dropped a gauntlet at first public appearance and stunned the world on how he was short– changed by $6,600 when he was a member of the Federal Government delegation to the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Mali.

At that time, Dalung was due to be paid $7,000 as his estacode but received $400.

Now the question is: who “die” the $6,600 as we say in Lagos, or in pidgin English, who chop the change?

As the new Minister of Sports, Dalung has the power to dig out the culprit (s); all he has to do is to investigate and grill the National Sports Commission (NSC), and the Nigeria Football Federation. Listen to Dalung: “I want us to fight corruption in this industry because the stories of it in sports especially football are disgusting. I will go all out as an anti-corruption crusader and I have appealed to the DG, director and stakeholders that nobody should come to my house with pregnant envelop with the intention to bribe me. I still appeal that nobody should try it. You cannot just misappropriate funds meant for sports, disgrace this country and think you will come at night to give me money or buy house for me in Zurich to gag me.”

If Dalung had been more revolutionary he should have taken a decisive action to unravel the 2002 short-change of his allowance. If that happened to him, one can imagine how many more Nigerians had gone through similar wicked experience in the hands of the NSC or the NFF. Let me give you two personal experiences.

As elected executive member of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC). I was part of the Nigerian contingent to the 1999 All Africa Games in Johannesburg as the Chief Press Attache. As the Games progressed Nigerian delegates swelled in number and funds ran out. Promises were made to reimburse some of us not fully paid and on arrival back home, the Director of Finance NSC paid us but deliberately short-changed us by $500 each which she kept till today.

At the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the National Sports Commission (NSC) extended hands of fellowship to 15 sports editors who were not accredited, only to find it difficult to give them the appropriate living allowance. And when the going was good, technical and administrative staff of the NFA demanded their own share of estacode and the NFF found convenient ways to silence and placate them.

For the Sports Minister to stem the tide, there is need to sanitise who gets estacode, how much and who pays?

Dalung was spot on warning against “en-

From left, powerlifting world record holder, Yakubu Adesokan; the Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung; reigning All Africa Games powerlifting champion, Loveline Obiji and the Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC), Mr Alhassan Yakmut, during the 2015 Nigerian Sports Award ceremony held last month in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA. velops”. In the third Republic, a Sports Minister told journalists including this writer how a top NSC official “dashed” him N13 million, just like that. Let us return to the Mali case. Who “die” Dalung’s dollars?

Four offices could be responsible for disbursing the estacode – Director of Finance NSC/Ministry of Sports; DG, Chairman NFA or Secretary General NFA. I have witnessed occasions when payments were made by the D.G. Good enough the Chairman of the NFA at Mali 2002, Brigadier General Dominic Oneya, most responsibly, has offered explanation “that the responsibility of Federal Government delegations to international competitions has never been that of the NFF, but that of the NSC/Ministry of Youth and Sports!

But at the Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2008, I knew of cases where some members of the Nigerian delegation were paid by both the NSC and the NFF. To some of us who have been in sports journalism for

more than half a century, one can proudly say that corruption is NOT endemic in Nigeria and if one were to assess all human endeavours on integrity tests, sports will clinch the gold medal. As they say, money is the root of all evil. Before the advent of big money into sports in Nigeria, there were mere financial skirmishes which ended with a slap on the wrist, but in the mid 1980s when “big” money like the IBB Tournament, a continental amateur boxing fiesta rolled in, it brought with it, particles of squadermania.

The President of the Nigeria Amateur Boxing Association (NABA), then, Group Captain Brai Ayonote knew how to spend money to achieve international acclamation and the million naira IBB Tournament simply achieved that, accompanied by some sleaze. By the time the Egyptians hosted the All Africa Games in Cairo in 1991, the profile of Ayonote who was in charge of publicity for the Nigeria Air

Force, had risen so high that he was given one million dollars CASH to procure kits for the Nigerian contingent, only for the Tunde Popoola – led team to reject the kits for being of inferior quality. Thankfully, Basorun MKO Abiola saved Nigeria embarrassment by providing fund to buy new set of kits. Nigeria’s craze to host a FIFA championship like the U-20 led us to pump billions of naira into football and with it followed the propensity to grab.

Humongous amount of money was sunk into Nigeria’s hosting of the 2003 All Africa Games, all in a bid to top the medal’s table, which was done in a controversial manner.

But at subsequent Olympic Games, 2004, 2008 and 2012, the results appeared that Nigeria had not spent a kobo in sports. Corruption has caused a big dent in our sports and if the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung can reduce its prevalence, the country may bounce back to glory. But first, let’s solve the riddle – who “die” Dalung’s dollars in Mali?

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Adebayor

Clubless Adebayor cruises in N117m Rolls-Royce

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LUBLESS Emmanuel Adebayor does not seem too downhearted by his time away from football if a recently surfaced Instagram photograph is anything to go by.

The 31-year-old can be seen sitting on an acquired customised black and gold Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe with a personalised number plate.

He was released from his Tot-

tenham Hotspur contract by mutual consent on September 13 but Spurs are still paying him £100,000-per-week, which will continue until the end of his contract there, which runs until June 30, 2016.

So with official dealer H.R. Owen suggesting that one can purchase the new RollsRoyce Phantom from £318,120 (N117,704, 400) that comes in at

just over three weeks’ wages for Adebayor.

Adebayor signed for Spurs permanently from Manchester City in August 2012, after initially joining on a season-long loan.

He will pocket a total of £5.25million by the end of June next year, from club he no longer plays for, just by doing nothing, if he does not join another

Federer to partner Hingis at Rio Olympics

Federer ROGER Federer will partner former Wimbledon champion Martina Hingis for Switzerland in the mixed doubles at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Federer, 34, and Hingis last played mixed doubles together at the Hopman Cup in Australia in 2001.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion said he is “really excited”.

“I looked up to her when I was younger, I thought she was the most unbelievable talent,” added Federer, who is a year younger than Hingis.

“She’s almost my age and she was winning Grand Slams while I was still at the national tennis centre

and I couldn’t believe how good she was.”

Hingis, 35, has won five Grand Slam singles titles in her career, including Wimbledon in 1997 at the age of 16.

She came out of retirement for a second time in 2013 and has since enjoyed great doubles success, winning five titles in 2015, including the mixed doubles and the women’s doubles at the US Open.

Hingis and Sania Mirza won their second straight Grand Slam title in the US Open women’s doubles Federer won Olympic gold in the

men’s doubles in Beijing in 2008 and silver in the men’s singles in London four years later.

“I’ve always said the Olympics is very important to me,” added the world number three.

“Every Olympic Games has been a super-amazing experience, an eye-opener, a great learning curve for me, seeing other athletes, getting inspired and motivated, carrying the flag is such a proud moment in my career and my life as a person, to have done that twice for Switzerland - in Athens and in Beijing - was incredible.

Benzema

France ban: Benzema gets Benitez support

side before then.

Lilywhites manager Mauricio Pochettino made the decision at the end of last season that he no longer wanted the player at the club.

The striker surprised Spurs coaches when he was offered the opportunity to continue training with the first team but opted to attend sessions with the younger squads instead.

Adebayor had the option to move to West Ham on transfer deadline day, but refused to leave Spurs, who were willing to pay a percentage of his wages, unless they paid him £5m.

Since being released by the club, he has been spending time in Togo and Ghana, happily picking up his wages and posting pictures of himself lounging by pools or posing sat atop classic cars.

Toure savours second BBC award MANCHESTER City midfielder, Yaya Touré was delighted after receiving the BBC African Footballer of the Year award 2015 on Friday.

Already honoured by the fans in the 2013 edition, the Côte d’Ivoire international claimed his second award ahead of fellow African stars Yacine Brahimi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew and Sadio Mane.

“I am very proud. To receive this dedication from the fans is unbelievable,” he told BBC Sport.

“Also I want to pay tribute to the

other nominees. African football is growing up, becoming much better and we have fantastic young players coming through now,” added the former Barcelona player, who led the Elephants to continental glory at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

“I am delighted and very happy.

And as an African player, I want to lead all my younger brothers to be successful in the future.

“When I was a kid I was always dreaming of being an important player. I have sacrificed a lot.

Toure

REAL Madrid boss, Rafael Benitez has reiterated his support for troubled French striker, Karim Benzema after he was indefinitely suspended from representing his country.

Benzema faces criminal charges in his homeland after allegedly becoming embroiled in a sex-tape blackmail attempt against international teammate, Mathieu Valbuena.

The 27-year-old now looks set to miss next summer’s European Championships on home soil unless the case is resolved before June, French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet said on Thursday.

However, in contrast to the reaction in France, Benzema has received full support from Madrid with both Benitez and club president, Florentino Perez insisting they have faith that his name will eventually be cleared.

“I have shown personally and we are all in agreement that we 100 percent support Karim,” Benitez said on Saturday.

“In the contact we have with him he is an excellent person.”

Benzema has rewarded Madrid’s faith by scoring five times in his last two games, including his first hat-trick in five years in a 8-0 mauling of Swedish champions Malmo on Tuesday.

“He is a fundamental player for us and I want him to continue scoring goals so that he is relaxed and helping Real Madrid, which is what interests me most,” Benitez added.

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13 December, 2015

Cabaye

Sunday Tribune

Toure’s effort from range hits Iheanacho on the back before looping over the stranded Swansea goalkeeper Fabianki. PHOTO: SPORTMAIL.

Cabaye powers Crystal Palace YOHAN Cabaye’s 38th minute goal deservedly earned all three points for Crystal Palace against the totally off-colour Saints. But Zaha was the true star of the show, producing the sort of display that earned him his move to Old Trafford in 2013.

Pace, trickery and end product.

Southampton simply didn’t have answer. To be fair, most teams would struggle to find a solution to stopping Zaha in this sort of mood.

Without a win in four; Ronald Koeman sprang a surprise by selecting Shane Long instead of usual first-choice striker Graziano Pelle, who dropped to the bench, while Paulo Gazzaniga replaced the injured Maarten Stekelenburg in goal.

Palace, who had lost just once in five ahead of the clash against the Saints, made one enforced change with Zaha replacing injured club captain Mile Jedinak.

Seeing as they hadn’t beaten Southampton in 12 Premier League games ahead of the clash, Palace started the encounter in confident fashion as they looked to capitalise on the seeds of doubt that have festered in the Southampton psyche in recent weeks.

Indeed, the Saints were indebted to reserve keeper Gazzaniga who was forced into three excellent stops inside as many minutes to prevent Palace from taking the lead.

First, in the 19th minute he tipped over Yannick Bolasie’s wicked in-swinging cross-comeshot to keep his side on level terms.

Iheanacho sends City back to top

K

ELECHI Iheanacho sent Manchester City back to the top of the Premier League with a fortuitous injury-time winner against managerless Swansea in a dramatic finish at the Etihad Stadium.

After Wilfried Bony had given the home side a first-half lead against his former club, Swansea looked to have deservedly earned their caretaker boss Alan Curtis a point with a powerful finish after 90 minutes by Bafetimbi Gomis.

But Yaya Toure proved a late saviour for Manuel Pellegrini’s side when he cut inside three defenders and curled a finish that bounced off Iheanacho’s back and beyond goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

On the touchline, manager Manuel Pellegrini was more animated after watching his £28million striker, who celebrated his 27th birthday two days ago, score his third goal in four matches.

Bony left Swansea at the start of this year in a £28million move to The Etihad.

To Swansea’s credit, their heads didn’t drop following the setback.

Overall, they didn’t look like a side bereft of confidence after a bad run. Sigurdsson in particular had an impact in the middle of the

park.

After Fabian Delph had replaced two-goal midweek hero Raheem Sterling at the interval, Yaya Toure forced Fabianski into a flying leap at the start of the second half with a vi-

Lukaku scores in sixth consecutive EPL game NORWICH City produced a battling second half display to hold Everton to their third straight Premier League draw.

Toffees striker, Romelu Lukaku scored for the sixth successive league game with a header from Gerard Deulofeu’s excellent cross.

Leighton Baines was denied by the woodwork, while Arouna Kone and Lukaku also missed chances for Everton.

Wes Hoolahan levelled for Norwich from close range before Cameron Jerome missed a great chance for the hosts.

Lukaku now has 15 league and

cup goals this season, seven in his last six league games and is second in the Premier League’s top scorers with 12 behind Leicester’s Jamie Vardy (14).

His header from Deulofeu’s floated delivery displayed everything that is good about the Belgium striker.

Euro 2016: England to face Wales, Russia WALES and England will meet at Euro 2016 after being drawn together in group B for next summer’s finals in France.

Russia and Slovakia are the other teams in their group.

European Championship debutants Northern Ireland are in group C with world champions Germany,

Poland and Ukraine.

The Republic of Ireland are up against top-ranked side Belgium, Italy and Sweden in Group E. The first game of the tournament will be at the Stade de France between France and Romania on Friday, June 10 at 20:00 BST. Wales’ match against England is

...We’ll win in France —FA boss

England captain, Wayne Rooney

cious free-kick.

But it was Hart who remained the busier goalkeeper, getting down to his right to beat away a Sigurdsson shot and then denying the same player with a well-struck free-kick.

FOOTBALL Association chairman, Greg Dyke was in bullish mood ahead of yesterday’s Euro 2016 draw, declaring his confidence that England “are going to win” the tournament.

“I’m looking forward to the draw, but I’m looking forward to the tournament even more because we are going to win,” he told the BBC in Paris.

England qualified for next year’s tournament in France by winning all 10 of their qualifying matches, but they have not reached the semifinals of a major competition since the 1996 European Championship.

Dyke inadvertently made the head-

lines during the draw for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when he reacted to England being drawn against Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica by running his finger across his throat.

England lost their opening two games against Italy and Uruguay, before drawing with Costa Rica, and were eliminated in the group phase at a World Cup for the first time since 1958.

Roy Hodgson’s side are one of the top seeds in the Euro 2016 draw, meaning they will avoid hosts France, defending champion, Spain, world champions Germany, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Eden Hazard’s Belgium.

the second game for both countries in their group, in Lens on Thursday, June 16.

Northern Ireland kick off their group against Poland on Sunday, June 12 and end it against Germany nine days later.

The Republic face Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden in their June 13 opener and conclude their group games against Italy on June 22.

The 2016 tournament is the largest European Championship ever, with 24 teams. The top two from each group will go through to the last 16, while the best four thirdplaced teams also progress - meaning only eight teams are eliminated in the group stages.

This is Wales’ first tournament appearance in 58 years, and boss Chris Coleman had said he wanted to avoid England because it would be “viewed as a battle of Britain” and a “distraction”.

But his fears were realised early on in the draw, with the top seeds drawn first - followed by the bottom seeds.

And employers may have to brace themselves for a lot of leave requests on Thursday, June 16 because England’s meeting with Wales is a 14:00 GMT kick-off.

SIDELINES NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

13 DECEMBER, 2015

NO 2,024

www.tribune.com.ng

N200

Nigerians going abroad groaned at the weekend, as the Naira continued its free fall, selling at over N250 to a dollar.

The Federal Government should arrest the Naira’s steady slide, lest angry Nigerians resurrect and resort to cowries!

For a Yoruba economic revolution: let’s learn from successful nations (I)

T

HE sure route to a people’s economic development in the modern world is through education.

Strengthening the contents of mathematics, science and technology in the educational system is crucial. That is how Britain, followed by most of Western Europe and North America, shot far ahead of the rest of the world in the 19th century. Then, Germany demonstrated it most powerfully in the last years of that century. After unifying the many small German kingdoms into one German country in 1870, the Germans launched massively into education. They became the first to establish post-primary schools teaching only science and technology. By 1900, Germany had become the richest and most powerful country in Europe.

In Asia, the Japanese people somehow got the message in the last years of the 19th century. We Yoruba were already much more advanced than these Japanese in Western education by that time. Schools started to spring up in our towns by the 1850s, and by the late 1860s, we were already producing many university graduates from British universities – doctors, lawyers, engineers, journalists, etc. Unlike the Japanese, we were already establishing newspapers in our towns. But unfortunately, unlike us, the Japanese were very curious to know the root of the power of the Europeans who were coming to Asia and Africa, seizing territories and establishing empires.

So, some ambitious Japanese men sent a delegation to visit America and Europe, to go and see the secret of the Europeans’ economic power. The delegation came back with the report that the secret was education, particularly education in science and technology, and a conscious and focused move towards developing modern businesses. The most famous

Those who read this record should reflect upon the lesson to be drawn for Japan.

The up-and-comingJapanese elite (a handful of young men without Western education) seized on that report and began to excite their country for an economic revolution. Because their nation was traditionally fragmented into many tiny polities (the way our Yoruba nation

diranapata@yahoo.com

statement in their report reads as follows: Most of the countries of Europe shine with the light of civilization and abound in wealth and power. Their trade is prosperous, their technology is superior, and they greatly enjoy the pleasures and comforts of life. When one observes such conditions, one is apt to think that these countries have always been like this, but such is not the case – the wealth and prosperity one sees now in Europe dates - - - from the period after 1800. It has taken scarcely forty years to produce such conditions.

was fragmented into many small autonomous kingdoms), they first took steps to unite their nation as one country. They generated a national excitement that forcibly overthrew the many rulers, and they unified their nation into one nation-state, with a Japanese emperor as its national father, and with a modern parliamentary system of government. Then, the government embarked upon education for the children, with special emphasis on science and technology, mostly hiring Europeans as teachers for a start. And then, they em-

barked upon incentives to attract the newly educated men and women into modern businesses. The incentives had very many facets:teaching of modern job skills and entrepreneurial skills through schools and other public and private institutions and centres; creation of investment banks and various special funds to give loans to business starters; creation of funds to support product research and development; various programs for helping young and struggling businesses, includingbusiness seminars, symposiums,associations, prizes and awards, etc; orientation of the new Civil Service towards healthy attitudes toward businesses and business people; subsidies for certain kinds of businesses; tax incentives for certain businesses; encouragement of a general exportorientation and high quality of products, etc.

Japanese leaders call all these “Investing in our People”. By the first decades of the 20th century, Japan had begun to rank with leading European countries in technology, industries, and economic power.

Even a modestly educated country can develop modern skills, entrepreneurship and business consciousness quite easily.

That is how the small countries of Asia (South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore), countries that are not as educated as Yorubaland of Southwestern Nigeria, did it. They all set out to imitate Japan.

Most of them achieved great success in only a few years.

Ighalo nets 10th EPL goal

By Ganiyu Salman NIGERIA international, Odion Ighalo on Saturday scored his tenth goal of the season in the English Premier League as his lone strike helped the newly-promoted side secure a 1-0 victory over Sunderland.

Ighalo needed just four minutes to put Watford ahead at the Stadium of Light as he connected Alan Nyom’s cross, which was his 26th goal in the calendar year.

It was also Watford’s 12th away goal of the season and third successive away victory, a feat it has never achieved before in the Premier League.

The Edo State-born player, Ighalo missed a brace a few minutes after his goal, as his shot was saved by Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, before Almen Abdi saw an effort blocked and Jurado struck the woodwork.

Sunderland had conceded only one goal in three home games since Sam Allardyce took over, but it took the Hornets only four minutes to break through a back three that featured Billy Jones in place of Younes Kaboul.

Sunderland has thus lost to all the three newly-promoted EPL teams this season.

Prior to the game, Watford manager, Quique Sanchez Flores had expected offers to flood in for Ighalo but insists the striker is happy at the Hornets Flores however, believes the impressive forward will not be leaving the club anytime soon.

“We know the offers will start coming in for Odion and (Watford captain), Troy (Deeney) but we are confident they will stay.

“They are both happy here and will not leave,” Flores said at a press conference.

EPL results:

Norwich C/Palace Man City Sunderland West Ham Bournemouth

1 Everton 1 1 Southampton 0 2 Swansea 1 0 Watford 1 0 Stoke 0 2 Man Utd 1

Pools results

7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 21, 30, 31, 40, 43, 46.

Today’s matches: 1, 5, 9, 32.

Ighalo (right) tries to outwit Sunderland defender, Sebastian Coates during Saturday’s EPL clash at the Stadium of Light.

PHOTO: SPORTMAIL.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: sundaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 13/12/2015 MANAGING DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON EDITOR: SINA OLADEINDE. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712.